The 1980s was a decade marked by iconic fashion, revolutionary music, and cultural shifts that shaped the world. Among the numerous trends that emerged during this era, one accessory that stood out as a symbol of status, style, and sophistication was the wristwatch. Let’s take a nostalgic journey back to the 80s and explore the captivating world of watches that defined an era.
You can’t talk about 80’s watches without mentioning the Casio watch. The moment you lay eyes on the Casio Vintage, a rush of nostalgia sweeps over you. The familiarity is striking, making it almost feel like a relic from the past, seamlessly blending ’80s aesthetics with contemporary functionality.
The design of the Casio Gold Vintage is nothing short of iconic. The watch boasts a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, with a modestly-sized case that perfectly balances subtlety and statement. The gold tone, often accompanied by a matching metal bracelet, reflects the era’s love for bold yet refined accessories. The square or rectangular shape of the dial adds a touch of vintage charm, making it instantly recognizable.
Gold is good.
In 1987, as Oliver Stone’s Wall Street hit the screens, the Cartier Santos Galbee underwent a transformation that mirrored the film’s financial fervour. The redesigned Santos, now smoother and less angular, coincided perfectly with the era of excess and opulence. Beyond its technical specifications, this watch earned a new moniker – the “Gordon Gekko” Santos – thanks to Michael Douglas, who wore it with undeniable flair while embodying the infamous greed-driven investor in the film.
Crafted entirely in gold, including its distinctive Santos bracelet, this timepiece became synonymous with Gordon Gekko’s bold style. Amidst the plethora of luxury watches available, Cartier’s Santos stood out for its perfect fusion of old-money sophistication and new-money swag.
Born at the dawn of the decade, Hublot captured the sleek dazzling veneer of the 1980s.
Founded by Carlo Crocco, Hublot is French for “Porthole,” and the watch made waves as a luxury gold timepiece that came fitted to a sporty rubber strap. Loosely based on the aesthetic formed by watches like the Royal Oak and the Nautilus, the Hublot Classic Original was equal parts luxury disruption and a fresh take on the old-world notion of a luxury watch.
As a true post-quartz crisis icon, Hublot based its entire brand (now a massive and successful piece of the LVMH family) on the form of the Classic Original. Today, few watches feel more like the 1980s than this.
In the early 1980s, Rolex found itself at a crossroads, not only as a watchmaker but also as a cultural symbol. The Rolex GMT-Master 16753, born during this era, encapsulates a dual transition – both mechanical and philosophical.
By 1982, Rolex was in the midst of a significant transformation, embracing a shift from being primarily a provider of professional tools (the GMT-Master initially developed in 1954 for Pan-Am pilots) to becoming a symbol of status and a luxury lifestyle accessory. This evolution perfectly aligned with the zeitgeist of the decade.
The two-tone stainless steel and 18-karat yellow gold Rolex GMT-Master 16753 became the embodiment of this transition. To this day, the Rolex GMT-Master is still considered the world’s most famous travel watch.
John McEnroe, often referred to as “Superbrat” during his playing days, has had a longstanding association with the Swiss luxury watch brand Omega. After winning the men’s singles for the first time in 1981, he went on to win a further two times and was as famed for his on court temper as for his playing skills.
The partnership between McEnroe and Omega endured for decades, with the original enfant terrible of tennis wearing various Omega timepieces on and off the tennis court, mainly the Omega Seamaster 120M Polaris, designed by renowned watchmaker Gerald Genta, known for its unconventional and avant-garde design.
These watches captured the essence of the 1980s, showcasing a variety of styles, from the bold and flashy to the sleek and sophisticated. Many of these timepieces continue to be highly regarded and sought after by collectors today.
They serve as timeless reminders of an era that embraced innovation, boldness, and a willingness to push the boundaries of traditional watch design.
So if you are looking for an iconic timepiece, BQ Watches should be your first call. We stock a carefully curated selection of all the top brands, so you are sure to find your next timepiece quickly and easily.
BQ Watches has a vast inventory of pre-owned luxury watches, and we’re ready to help you find your ideal timepiece. If you don’t see the watch you want in our current inventory, be sure to let our team know. We have comprehensive sourcing services to help you find your dream watch. Get in touch with the team at BQ Watches today to talk watches!
