The eighties is an amazing time: we are still fascinated by this noisy and vibrant era. Below are five hours of the 80s, which are still relevant today.
5th place. Breitling aerospace
When it comes to Breitling's legacy of the eighties, the Chronomat comes to mind. But here's another iconic artifact - Aerospace. Introduced by the brand in 1985, Aerospace inherited the generic design cues of the Chronomat, but with a much more modest look. Breitling has managed to significantly update the Aerospace in 35 years. The dimensions of the model changed in different versions, but the thin and light titanium case, the successful combination of "analog" and "numbers", as well as the characteristic style of the 80s were preserved.
4th place. Omega Seamaster Polaris
Gerald Genta is undeniably a great designer. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus he created have radically changed the industry. But there are other works of his. For example, the Omega Seamaster Polaris is a watch that literally screams "I'm from the eighties!" Polaris is an example of how to use different know-how in one product. The contrast between round and angular shapes, an integrated bracelet and a slim profile - Genta's signature style is visible to the naked eye.
The first Polaris were released in 1982 in a titanium / gold case. Later, Omega offered the market a version in gold and stainless steel. The main feature of this watch is the gold "inlay". How Omega was able to create a titanium case with a 2mm thick gold "inlay" is still a mystery. In addition to the usual quartz versions (as well as an analog-digital hybrid), mechanical Polaris were also produced. This model is not a timeless classic, but it is definitely on the list of those whose designs shape our perception of the 80s.
3rd place. Casio G-Shock
The Casio G-Shock needs no introduction. Since their debut in 1983, the G-Shock, based on the Triple 10 concept (water resistance up to 10 bar, shock resistance up to 10 meters, battery life of 10 years), has literally taken over the market. The first model, G-Shock DW-5000C, created by Kikuo Ibe, became one of the symbols of the modern watch industry. Evidence of this - a huge number of versions of G-Shock, stylized as Ibe's creation - remember at least the GW-M5610-1.
2nd place. Hublot Classic Fusion
Hublot Classic Fusion turns 40 this year. The revolutionary model by Carlo Crocco (which opened the way for the Hublot brand in general and rubber straps in particular) then, in 1980, caused bewilderment. The gold case and the rubber (rubber) strap - this combination was perceived as arrogance. Years passed, the first-born Hublot, justifying the name, has long become a real classic.
In September, the brand celebrated the model's anniversary with the release of the Hublot Classic Fusion 40 Years Anniversary. The difference is immediately apparent. On the front panel of the Anniversary we see six screws, whereas in the "original" there were 12, and they also served as hour markers. This characteristic detail is further evidence of Carlo Crocco's innovation.
1st place. Omega constellation manhattan
The first generation Omega Constellation Manhattan is the leader of the list. The work of designer Carol Didisheim, Constellation Manhattan is not just one of the symbols of the 1980s, but a whole set of innovations. Let us recall at least the printing on the inside of the glass or the famous staples. The latter idea came from Pierre-André Ellen, then Omega's product director, when he was shaving one morning when he noticed that the bathroom mirror was being clamped to the wall.
Staples allowed Carol Didisheim to get rid of the traditional bezel and make the watch thinner. Some of the iconic elements of the Omega Constellation are still used in contemporary collections, such as the barrel case and the staples. However, the current versions are still far from the classics.
