Innovation in the watch world is mostly defined by incremental progress. But every once in a while, significant and surprising leaps occur that, at least in retrospect, alter the trajectory of watchmaking. We regularly shed light on these sometimes overlooked landmarks in watchmaking through columns like Watches You Should Know. Here are some of our favorite stories about watches that represent milestones, and you better believe each has a hell of a story to tell.
How Rolex and the Date Window Changed the Face of Watches
Rolex
The First Watch Worn On the Moon? Duh
NASA, Omega
This Was the First Electric-Powered Watch, and It Still Looks Futuristic
Hamilton
Double First: The First Pilot’s Watch Was Also the First Purpose-Built Mens Wristwatch
Cartier
Ceramic Watches Are Now All the Rage, but This One Led the Way
Rado
The First Solar-Powered Watch Was Far Ahead of Its Time
@vintageledwatch
How the ‘Freak’ Introduced Silicon to Mechanical Watchmaking
Ulysse Nardin
Titanium Was for Airplanes Until This Watch Came Along
Citizen
Today’s Bronze Watches Owe Their Popularity to One Famous Designer’s Ingenuity
Courtesy
The Man Who Designed the Porsche 911 Also Made the First-Ever All-Black Watch
Ticktage.com
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