Notable Watch Companies by Decade
1920s
- Hamilton – Known for its precision and durability, especially among American consumers.
- Gruen – Popular for elegant and high-quality timepieces, including wristwatches for both men and women.
- Elgin – Renowned for its affordable, mass-produced pocket watches and wristwatches.
- Omega – Established as a precision brand, supplying watches to the military and sports timing.
- Longines – Known for its pioneering designs and precision, favored in sports and aviation.
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1930s
- Rolex – Gained fame with the introduction of the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch.
- Jaeger-LeCoultre – Released the Reverso, an art deco-inspired watch with a reversible case, popular in sports.
- Bulova – Known for innovative marketing and affordable, high-quality watches with distinct designs.
- Eterna – Built a reputation for mechanical innovation and elegant designs.
1940s
- Omega – Supplied watches to Allied military forces in World War II, increasing its global reputation.
- Tudor – Introduced as an affordable yet reliable brand by Rolex.
- IWC (International Watch Company) – Produced pilot’s watches and chronographs, popular with aviators and the military.
- Movado – Known for elegant, modernist designs, including the introduction of the Museum Watch.
1950s
- Rolex – Launched the iconic Submariner and GMT-Master, defining luxury sports watches.
- Seiko – Rose in popularity, introducing affordable, high-quality watches with reliable mechanics.
- Patek Philippe – Known for ultra-luxurious, complicated timepieces favored by collectors.
- Vacheron Constantin – Focused on high-end, elegant dress watches with intricate craftsmanship.
1960s
- Heuer – Famous for chronographs like the Carrera and Autavia, with a strong motorsport association.
- Omega – Launched the Speedmaster, later selected by NASA for space missions.
- Grand Seiko – Introduced by Seiko as a high-end line with remarkable precision and craftsmanship.
- Bulova – Launched the Accutron, the first electronic watch, revolutionizing watch accuracy.
1970s
- Audemars Piguet – Introduced the Royal Oak, pioneering the luxury sports watch segment.
- Seiko – Dominated the market with affordable quartz watches during the Quartz Crisis.
- Citizen – Gained popularity with affordable quartz technology and durable designs.
- Rolex – Expanded the Datejust and Day-Date lines, solidifying luxury status.
1980s
- TAG Heuer – Rebranded and became popular for motorsport-inspired chronographs.
- Swatch – Revolutionized the industry with affordable, stylish quartz watches, saving the Swiss watch industry.
- Casio – Known for durable digital watches, including the G-Shock line.
- Hublot – Introduced the first luxury watch with a natural rubber strap, creating a unique design trend.