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Timepieces become iconic when they do more than the mundane task of telling time. They tell stories, bring to life workmanship and extraordinary creative thinking, and are marvels of engineering. And they gain this legendary status over time. For example, just the thought of the Longines Dolce Vita brings back a picture of an unassuming and classic Audrey Hepburn. In an age of smartwatches, wearing a classic timepiece is special, romantic even. And, here are some timepieces that enjoy iconic status even today.

Cartier Tank

Image Credits: Cartier

Introduced in 1917 during the First World War, the Cartier Tank series is one of the most famous collections from Cartier. Inspired by the war machine that was introduced during the war, Louis Cartier (the founder’s grandson) designed a resilient yet elegant watch that soon became a classic. In fact, the very first Cartier Tank was presented as a victory present to John Pershing, the American general responsible for winning the war. The military connection provided good marketing to the Tank series, and it soon became the watch of choice for many celebrities like Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana. Soon after, the watch made its debut on the big screen in 1926 when Rudolph Valentino insisted that he'd wear his Cartier Tank while shooting for his final film, The Son of the Sheik. The Cartier Tank has since been re-introduced in a variety of new styles, each an upgrade of the previous one, but all uniquely elegant. Andy Warhol once said, “I don’t wear a Tank to tell the time. In fact, I never wind it. I wear a Tank because it’s the watch to wear.” And wear you should. Contact: +91 11 46788888

Address: DLF Emporio, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070

Cartier Tank Américaine INR 490,984 at Net-A-Porter BUY NOW

Bvlgari Serpenti

Image Credits: Bvlgari

Taking inspiration from the Roman era that dates back to 2700 years, Bvlgari, an Italian brand, celebrates its heritage through modern designs. Since its inception in 1884, it has reintroduced the mysticism of Roman times with its precious stones and iconic timepieces. It was to honour their Roman ancestry, that Bvlgari integrated the Latin ‘V’ epigraphy of its family name in the brand logo. With a distinct collection of luxury timepieces, Bvlgari counts Carla Bruni, Naomi Watts, and Elizabeth Taylor among its fans. Introduced in the 1940s, Bvlgari’s Serpenti series or the snake watch is inspired by the art-deco period of the 1920s. The extravagant gold coils studded with precious stones quickly became an essential, and the favourite of society’s crème de la crème. In the 1960s, the Serpenti’s clientele included eminent political figures, Italian nobility, film celebrities, and distinguished diplomats. Today, Bvlgari continues to reinvent the Serpenti with each passing decade, and each range comes in a variety of styles and sizes. Contact: 011 40538620

Address: DLF Emporio, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070

Rolex Daytona

Image Credits: Rolex

The Rolex Daytona has been a part of an elaborate history of global events that eventually put the brand on the map. It all started when Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf introduced the waterproof Oyster watch in 1926 after which British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze swam across the English channel in a high publicity event wearing a Rolex Oyster on her wrist. Since then, Rolex has come to be synonymous with sporting events. The iconic Daytona, inspired by the racing culture in Daytona, Florida in the early 20th century was initially designed to meet the demands of professional race car drivers. But today, it’s equally admired by prominent figures in different industries who’ve established Rolex as their go-to timepiece. Throughout its fifty-year long journey, the Daytona has constantly evolved in its structure and design while maintaining its characteristic chronographs, which is why today the Daytona stands a class apart. Delhi Contact: +91 9910555111

Address: Kapoor Watch Company, D 10, South Extension 2, New Delhi 110049 Mumbai Contact: +91 22 22042299

Address: Dia, The Taj Mahal Hotel, Lobby, Level 1, Colaba, Mumbai 400001

Tiffany Cocktail

Image Credits: Tiffany & Co.