Rolex GMT -for creating a new "genre"
Lange 1 - return of German watch making
Lange datograph - for superlative finishing in a movement, that is relatively affordable or achievable in one's lifetime
Casio G shock - for being the quartz watch that everyone has owned, and being referenced to our mechanical pieces in areas of reliability, and everyone thinks Panerai herald in the big watch trend, but I humbly opine that it's the Casio G shock that started it and the earliest Pam owners probably own, seen and/or subconsciously accepted the big watch trend because of it.
AP royal oak - for creating a new luxury sports watch category and not looked back since. Costing 10times more then the quintessential Rolex Submariner back when launched, defining new wealth and luxury status.
Vianney Halter Antiqua and FPJ tourbillon - for leading the charge and way for the independents. Ok, Frank Muller too, but I can't think of a single watch from him that has defined a generation of watches, other then his own prolific production.
I know the Rolex submariner should be on there somehow, but there are so many divers watches from the blancpain FF to Omega ploprof...and everyone laying claim to be first in this or that.
There are historically significant watches, but we are talking mainly about in terms of horology significance, and it's class leading or inventive role that defined a generation of watches.
Best,
Horo.
This message has been edited by Hororgasm on 2011-01-05 19:13:11