One of the reasons we fall in love with watches is the stories behind them. Watches have been worn on the moon, raced across finish lines, and survived world wars. These stories aren’t just history lessons — they’re part of what makes owning these timepieces so special.
Here are five iconic watches with legendary backstories, plus some strap suggestions to bring out the best in each one.
🌕 1️⃣ Omega Speedmaster – The Moonwatch
The Speedmaster is the most famous chronograph in history, thanks to its NASA heritage. It became the first watch worn on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
Why It’s Legendary:
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Worn by every Apollo astronaut
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Passed brutal NASA tests for spaceflight
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Still available today with almost the same design
Perfect Straps:
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NATO Strap – Apollo 13 vibes, just like the astronauts wore
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Slate Grey Sailcloth – tool-watch look, perfect for everyday
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Italian Leather in Brown – dresses it up for the office
🏎 2️⃣ Rolex Daytona – The Racing Icon
Originally designed for motorsport timing, the Daytona gained its fame thanks to Paul Newman, whose exotic-dial Daytona is one of the most coveted watches ever sold.
Why It’s Legendary:
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Named after the Daytona International Speedway
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Built for racers with its tachymeter bezel
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Modern versions among the most in-demand watches in the world
Perfect Straps:
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Oysterflex-Style Rubber – keeps that sporty Rolex look
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Marine Blue Rubber – adds a bold, modern twist
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Carbon Fiber Leather – racing-inspired, technical aesthetic
🏁 3️⃣ TAG Heuer Monaco – The Hollywood Star
The Monaco was revolutionary in 1969 as the first square-cased automatic chronograph. Its fame skyrocketed when Steve McQueen wore it in the racing film Le Mans.
Why It’s Legendary:
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Instantly recognizable square case
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Tied to motorsport history and pop culture
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A true conversation starter on the wrist
Perfect Straps:
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Racing-Perforated Leather – nod to its racing roots
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Midnight Blue Sailcloth – pairs beautifully with the dial
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Grey Suede – softens the bold design for a more casual look
🛩 4️⃣ IWC Big Pilot – The Aviation Legend
The Big Pilot traces its roots to WWII aviation watches designed for maximum legibility in the cockpit.
Why It’s Legendary:
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Iconic oversized crown and clean dial
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Power reserve indicator on modern models
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Military tool watch heritage
Perfect Straps:
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Army Green Sailcloth – rugged and true to its roots
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Black Italian Leather – classic flieger style
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NATO in Olive – casual, military-ready look
🌊 5️⃣ Blancpain Fifty Fathoms – The Original Diver
Before the Submariner, there was the Fifty Fathoms. Designed for French Navy combat divers in the 1950s, it set the blueprint for what we now call a “dive watch.”
Why It’s Legendary:
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The first modern dive watch with rotating bezel
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Military tool heritage
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Still one of the most respected divers available today
Perfect Straps:
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Beige Sailcloth – perfect vintage-inspired pairing
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Quick-Release Rubber – great for actual water use
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NATO in Black – casual and military correct
🏁 The Takeaway
These watches are more than just instruments — they’re storytellers. Wearing one is like carrying a piece of history on your wrist. And with the right strap, you can highlight their personality, whether you want to keep it historically accurate or give it a fresh modern twist.
👉 Explore our strap collections — and give your own legendary watch a strap worthy of its story.