What is the world's most recognized watch?

[Swiss Man]

I was thinking about this the other day and I thought of either the

Seiko ORANGE Monster or a Casio G-SHOCK.

I googled the answer but didn't really agree, so I am asking what do you guys think it is?

[Grant Lamontagne]

I hate to say it, but for me the most recognized watch is perhaps one of the most popular ones out there from a few years ago- the Timex Ironman.



I think it's still around, but in a very different, updated format, but the classic two button design was probably the most common watch through most of the 90's.  I know I had one, as did my brother and my father, and when I worked in watch & jewelry repair in the mid 90's, I had a few hundred of them pass through my hands.

Def

[David]

In the old days when some one mentioned watch I always thought Timex. Now days I think G-Shock. But thats just me. I really have no idea.

[ari6126]

I think it's a Rolex. While I love my G-Shocks dearly, when you say Rolex, people know you're talking about a watch.

[PyroJames]

I hate to say it, but for me the most recognized watch is perhaps one of the most popular ones out there from a few years ago- the Timex Ironman.

(Image removed from quote.)

I think it's still around, but in a very different, updated format, but the classic two button design was probably the most common watch through most of the 90's.  I know I had one, as did my brother and my father, and when I worked in watch & jewelry repair in the mid 90's, I had a few hundred of them pass through my hands.

Def

I still have my SS Ironman from the early 90's and still occasionally wear it.  Staying on topic, I would say Rolex is the world's most recognized watch brand but for the most recognized watch, I'll agree with Def and says it's the Ironman.

[Chako]

Casio calculator watch? A Movado? No clue.

[Woz]

I guess it is Swatch. Swatch is everywhere, all over Europe. Maybe Casio is the closest competitor, but Swatch can not be beaten. I know there are hundreds of designs, but 90% of all Swatches are the same basic plastic model, different designs but the same watch.

[Benner]

I think it's a Rolex. While I love my G-Shocks dearly, when you say Rolex, people know you're talking about a watch.

Got to be a Rolex.  One of the most copied as well.

[cerbera147]

I think it's a Rolex. While I love my G-Shocks dearly, when you say Rolex, people know you're talking about a watch.

I think I would agree there 

Possibly G-Shock second but definitely everyone knows of Rolex.

I had no idea what a Seiko Orange Monster until I came here 

[Threeme2189]

It's this one.

[nuphoria]

I'd have to agree with Rolex, predictably 

[ari6126]

A lot of males know G-Shock, but half the world is female. They're going to know Rolex.

[sawman]

Everyone has heard of 'Rolex' but I bet you most wouldn't recognize a role's if they saw one - it's mostly the name that is well-known and not the product.  As for the most popular watch, I vote for the G-SHOCK.

[Threeme2189]

Everyone has heard of 'Rolex' but I bet you most wouldn't recognize a role's if they saw one - it's mostly the name that is well-known and not the product.  As for the most popular watch, I vote for the G-SHOCK.

G-shock is a brand. A well known and good one, but they make a large number of different watch models.
The most recognized watch model has to be the black rectangular digital casio.
Who hasn't owned one in his/her lifetime?

[e17]

I would say Omega, because of James Bond. 

[jzmtl]

The calculator watch, I wanted one bad when I was in elementary school, to do math homework. 

[jekostas]

Everyone has heard of 'Rolex' but I bet you most wouldn't recognize a role's if they saw one - it's mostly the name that is well-known and not the product.  As for the most popular watch, I vote for the G-SHOCK.

Everybody knows what the Rolex Oyster style watches look like, everybody.  Same with the Timex Ironman.  Everyone knows the basic shape and stylings.

Swatch is always an interesting one as well - pretty ubiquitous styling.

[Woz]

Isn't Casio the brand and GShock just one of Casios prodUct lines? My G Shock has a Casio Logo on it.

[e17]

@Woz: you're 100% right.

Gshock is a product line from Casio.

[Threeme2189]

Yep, it is.
My G-shock has a little tiny casio on it too.

[Swiss Man]

Here is the link I found, see what you guys think.

http://www.replica-watch.info/vb/archive/index.php/t-13092.html 

[2xTap]

Most definitely the most recognized watch brand is Rolex. And the Rolex Submariner the most notable. No other watch design has been more copied. It's the Buck 110 of the watch world!

Most people even not interested in watches know the name Rolex and that it stands for quality.

I would say Omega, because of James Bond.  

Rolex here again......the first 11 James Bond movies were Rolex Submariners. Omega's didn't start showing up on Bond until 1995.

2xTap

[e17]

Rolex here again......the first 11 James Bond movies were Rolex Submariners. Omega's didn't start showing up on Bond until 1995.

2xTap

Really? I always thought James was wearing Omega watches since the beginning. Learnt something today

[cerbera147]

Found this on James Bond watches 

With the exception of a brief stint with the Seiko the Rolex has been the firm favourite with Bond. Going from the site, they went with the Omega when Pierce Brosnan started a new era of Bond films.

Whereas Ian Fleming chose Rolex as the Bond watch all those years ago, I imagine product placement played its part with the Omega

http://www.jamesbondwatch.org.uk/

The dawn of the digital age required James Bond to update his appearance, and he did so in part, by changing to a digital watch. Seiko was the watch of choice, making its debut appearance in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) with Roger Moore.

 

[sawman]

I havent had the pleasure of handling an Omega but from what I've seen/read it seems to be up there with Rolex.  They both make great Bond watches IMO.

[Agent X68]

I think it is the g-shock.  Most people I meet recognize it.

[cerbera147]

No love for Tag Heuer?

I guess for the luxury models the closest most will come is with their sponsorship deals.

In the UK Rolex does the scoreboard at Wimbledon and is in pretty much every shot. I'm pretty sure Tag sponsors racing cars.

[sawman]

TAG Heuer has done some amazing work with their own customized movements.  I happen to admire several of their products BUT it's a fact here in the states that they do not retain their value nearly as well as Rolex.  I have found the TAG's to be less known and more difficult to have serviced than Rolex also.

[Benner]

No love for Tag Heuer?

I guess for the luxury models the closest most will come is with their sponsorship deals.

In the UK Rolex does the scoreboard at Wimbledon and is in pretty much every shot. I'm pretty sure Tag sponsors racing cars.

Lots of love for Tag here.  But I do have one so what do you expect. 

[nuphoria]

I've always wanted a Tag but they remain out of my budget 

I mostly wear Citizens and Seikos and one G-shock I'm good friends with