Did you know that in 1976, to commemorate the United States Bicentennial, a unique watch was created featuring a miniature, working ‘Liberty Bell’ that would st
📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026
Did you know that in 1976, to commemorate the United States Bicentennial, a unique watch was created featuring a miniature, working ‘Liberty Bell’ that would strike the hours? This highly intricate timepiece was a testament to both American ingenuity and Swiss watchmaking precision, blending patriotic symbolism with horological artistry. It remains a fascinating, albeit lesser-known, piece of watchmaking history tied directly to a pivotal moment for the nation.
NOTE: In Doing Further Research, it appears this was never actually Manufactured, But was indeed an Awesome Concept!
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to keep these watch facts accurate, but the world of horology is full of myths, disputed stories, and fascinating trivia. Consider these facts a starting point for discovery rather than the final word. If you have corrections or additional insights, let us know—we’re always happy to keep the record ticking in the right direction.
Below is a Render of How it MAY Have looked:
Creating a miniature chiming mechanism small enough to fit inside a wristwatch was an extraordinary engineering challenge. Watchmakers had to carefully design tiny hammers, gongs, and springs that could reliably produce a clear sound without compromising the watch’s accuracy or wearability. These types of complications are among the most difficult to manufacture and are still considered hallmarks of high-end watchmaking today.
More Watch Facts
The Liberty Bell motif also reflected a growing appreciation for commemorative timepieces during the 1970s. Rather than simply printing a patriotic logo on the dial, designers sought to create a watch that celebrated American history through both its appearance and its function. By incorporating a bell that chimed the hours, the watch paid tribute to one of the nation’s most recognizable symbols in a way that was both mechanical and meaningful.
Today, commemorative watches remain popular with collectors, but few are as distinctive as the Liberty Bell concept. Whether honoring historic anniversaries, space missions, sporting events, or royal milestones, these special-edition timepieces offer a snapshot of history on the wrist. The Liberty Bell watch stands as a reminder that great watchmaking isn’t just about telling time—it’s also about preserving stories, celebrating culture, and marking moments that deserve to be remembered.
During World War II, the British Ministry of Defence commissioned 12 different Swiss watch manufacturers to produce robust, accurate, and waterproof wristwatche
📅 Friday, July 3, 2026
During World War II, the British Ministry of Defence commissioned 12 different Swiss watch manufacturers to produce robust, accurate, and waterproof wristwatches for their soldiers. These watches, known collectively by collectors as the ‘Dirty Dozen,’ each featured a black dial, Arabic numerals, a sub-seconds register, and a specific ‘W.W.W.’ (Wrist Watch Waterproof) engraving on the caseback, making them highly sought after today.
During World War II, the British Ministry of Defence tasked 12 Swiss watch manufacturers with creating durable, precise, and waterproof wristwatches for military personnel. These timepieces, characterized by their black dials, Arabic numerals, luminous hands, and minute markers, became known as the ‘Dirty Dozen.’ Due to their historical importance and practical design, they are now highly valued by collectors. For more information on watches, including facts, reviews, and buying guides, visit WatchesAndMore, which also earns from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate. Additionally, featured watches include the Bulova Precisionist and Timex Marlin Automatic.
📅 Thursday, July 2, 2026
During World War II, the British Ministry of Defence commissioned 12 Swiss watch manufacturers to produce robust, accurate, and waterproof wristwatches for their soldiers. These watches, featuring a black dial, Arabic numerals, luminous hands, and a railway track minute marker, became known collectively as the ‘Dirty Dozen’ and are highly sought after by collectors today for their historical significance and utilitarian design.
Watch Fact of the Day: The “Dirty Dozen” – WWII’s Secret Watch Order
When people think of famous military watches, names like the Rolex Submariner or Omega Seamaster often come to mind. But one of the most influential military watch programs in history wasn’t built around a single brand—it was a coordinated effort involving twelve Swiss watch manufacturers working together during World War II.
Known today as the “Dirty Dozen,” these watches have become some of the most collectible military timepieces ever produced.
Britain Needed a Better Military Watch
By the early 1940s, the British Army needed a wristwatch that could withstand the harsh realities of combat.
Soldiers required watches that were:
Highly accurate
Easy to read in low light
Resistant to dust and moisture
Durable enough for daily military use
Simple to maintain in the field
Rather than purchasing commercial watches, the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) created a detailed specification for what became known as the W.W.W. (Watch, Wrist, Waterproof) standard.
Only manufacturers capable of meeting these demanding requirements would receive military contracts.
The Twelve Manufacturers
Twelve Swiss companies successfully produced W.W.W. watches for the British military.
They were:
Buren
Cyma
Eterna
Grana
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Lemania
IWC
Longines
Omega
Record
Timor
Vertex
Together they would later earn the nickname “The Dirty Dozen,” inspired by the famous 1967 war film.
Although the nickname didn’t exist during the war, it has become the accepted name among collectors.
Built for War
Despite being made by different manufacturers, every Dirty Dozen watch followed the same military specification.
Common features included:
Black matte dial
Large Arabic numerals
Luminous hands and hour markers
Railroad-style minute track
Small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock
Manual-wind mechanical movement
Stainless steel case
Screw-down or waterproof case construction
Military issue markings engraved on the caseback
This standardized design allowed soldiers to read the time quickly under difficult conditions while ensuring reliability in harsh environments.
Function always came before fashion.
Why They’re So Important
The Dirty Dozen watches helped establish many of the design principles that still define military watches today.
Modern field watches from brands like Hamilton, Marathon, CWC, and even contemporary military-inspired collections from Longines and IWC owe much of their aesthetic to these wartime designs.
Their influence can still be seen in:
High-contrast black dials
Large Arabic numerals
Minimalist layouts
Highly legible hands
Rugged mechanical construction
More than 80 years later, the formula still works.
The Rarest of the Twelve
Not all Dirty Dozen watches are equally common.
Grana produced the fewest examples, making it the rarest and most valuable member of the collection today.
Omega, Cyma, and Record manufactured significantly larger quantities, making them more attainable for collectors.
Completing a full collection of all twelve manufacturers has become one of the ultimate achievements in military watch collecting.
Collecting the Dirty Dozen Today
Original Dirty Dozen watches continue to attract strong interest from collectors around the world.
Values depend heavily on:
Original dial condition
Matching military engravings
Correct movement
Original hands and crown
Service history
Overall originality
A complete set of all twelve watches can command substantial prices at auction, while individual examples remain highly collectible due to their historical importance.
A Legacy That Lives On
The Dirty Dozen wasn’t created as a luxury collection or a marketing campaign.
These watches were purpose-built tools designed to help soldiers survive one of history’s largest conflicts.
Ironically, their clean, functional design has made them timeless icons that continue to inspire modern watchmakers decades later.
Their story reminds us that some of the world’s most celebrated watches weren’t born in boardrooms—they were forged by necessity.
Did You Know?
The term “Dirty Dozen” was never used during World War II. It was adopted years later by collectors, inspired by the classic 1967 war movie The Dirty Dozen. Today, the nickname is recognized worldwide as one of the most legendary chapters in military watch history.
Category: Watch History
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to keep these watch facts accurate, but the world of horology is full of myths, disputed stories, and fascinating trivia. Consider these facts a starting point for discovery rather than the final word. If you have corrections or additional insights, let us know—we’re always happy to keep the record ticking in the right direction.
During World War II, the British Ministry of Defense commissioned 12 different Swiss watch manufacturers to produce robust, accurate, and waterproof wristwatche
📅 Wednesday, July 1, 2026
During World War II, the British Ministry of Defense commissioned 12 different Swiss watch manufacturers to produce robust, accurate, and waterproof wristwatches for their soldiers. These watches, known collectively as the ‘Dirty Dozen,’ were built to strict specifications, featuring black dials, Arabic numerals, luminous hands, and a railway track minute marker, becoming highly sought-after collector’s items today.
Category: Watch History
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to keep these watch facts accurate, but the world of horology is full of myths, disputed stories, and fascinating trivia. Consider these facts a starting point for discovery rather than the final word. If you have corrections or additional insights, let us know—we’re always happy to keep the record ticking in the right direction.
Explore how a utilitarian digital watch became the ultimate symbol of street style, hip-hop culture, and urban fashion. From skate parks to fashion runways.
When Casio engineer Kikuo Ibe designed the first G-Shock in 1983, he was solving a practical problem: creating a watch that wouldn’t break when dropped. He couldn’t have predicted that his indestructible timepiece would become one of the most influential fashion accessories of the past four decades, transcending its tool watch origins to become a genuine cultural icon embraced by everyone from skateboarders to luxury fashion designers.
Hip-Hop’s Adoption
G-Shock’s journey into fashion began in the late 1980s and early 1990s when hip-hop artists discovered the watches. The oversized, bold designs perfectly complemented the era’s aesthetic of excess and authenticity. Artists like N.W.A., Public Enemy, and later Jay-Z were photographed wearing G-Shocks, cementing the watch’s status as a symbol of street credibility. Unlike luxury watches that signaled wealth, G-Shock represented authenticity—a tool watch that worked, worn by people who did real things.
Skate Culture Connection
Simultaneously, G-Shock found a home in skate culture. Skateboarders needed watches that could survive repeated impacts, and G-Shock delivered. The watches became as essential as skate shoes and decks. This grassroots adoption by skaters—who were simultaneously influencing mainstream fashion—helped propel G-Shock from niche tool watch to cultural phenomenon. Collaborations with skate brands like Thrasher and Supreme further solidified this connection.
High Fashion Embraces G-Shock
The 2010s saw something remarkable: luxury fashion houses began collaborating with G-Shock. Brands like A Bathing Ape (BAPE), Stüssy, and even high-end designers created limited-edition G-Shocks that sold out instantly. These collaborations validated what streetwear enthusiasts had known for decades—G-Shock’s design language was genuinely compelling. The watches appeared on fashion runways, in Vogue editorials, and on the wrists of fashion influencers. G-Shock had completed its journey from tool watch to fashion statement.
The Democratization of Style
What makes G-Shock’s fashion impact unique is its accessibility. While luxury watches create exclusivity through price, G-Shock creates inclusivity through availability. Anyone can afford a G-Shock, yet wearing one carries genuine style credibility. This democratization of fashion—where a $100 watch can be as stylish as a $10,000 one—represents a fundamental shift in how we think about fashion. G-Shock proved that good design, authenticity, and functionality matter more than price tags.
G-Shock’s impact on streetwear and fashion extends far beyond watches. It demonstrated that utilitarian design could be beautiful, that tool watches could be fashion statements, and that authenticity resonates more than luxury. Today, G-Shock occupies a unique space: simultaneously a serious tool watch for professionals and a fashion accessory for style-conscious individuals. This duality—functional yet fashionable, affordable yet desirable—is G-Shock’s greatest achievement and the reason it remains relevant four decades after its creation.
At $950, the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 delivers 80 hours of power reserve, a sapphire crystal, and Swiss automatic movement. Is it the best value Swiss dress watch you can buy?
Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80
The question of whether the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 is a ‘giant killer’ is one that gets asked repeatedly in watch enthusiast circles. The answer, after spending time with it, is: yes — with some important caveats. At $950, it sits at the entry point of the Swiss luxury watch market, and it delivers specifications that would cost significantly more from brands like Longines, Certina, or Hamilton. The 80-hour power reserve alone is a genuine differentiator.
What Is the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80?
The Gentleman is Tissot’s flagship dress watch — a 40mm automatic with a clean, versatile dial design that works equally well with a suit and with jeans. The Powermatic 80 designation refers to the movement inside: the ETA C07.111, a Swiss-made automatic calibre with an 80-hour power reserve. This is the same movement family used across the Swatch Group’s mid-range brands, including Longines and Hamilton.
The current generation (T127.407) is available in multiple dial colours: blue, silver, and black are the most popular. The blue dial with stainless steel bracelet is the definitive configuration — it is the version that most often appears in ‘best dress watches under $1,000’ roundups.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
| Case Size | 40mm diameter |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Movement | Powermatic 80 (ETA C07.111) |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Crystal | Sapphire (anti-reflective coating) |
| Strap/Bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Lug Width | 21mm |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours |
| Accuracy | ±4 seconds per day |
The 21mm lug width is the one specification that gives some buyers pause — aftermarket straps in 21mm are less common than 20mm or 22mm. Tissot sells official straps for the Gentleman, but third-party options are more limited.
The Powermatic 80 Movement: Why 80 Hours Matters
The standard power reserve for most automatic watches is 38-42 hours. This means that if you take the watch off on Friday evening, it will have stopped by Sunday morning. The Powermatic 80’s 80-hour reserve changes this calculus entirely — you can take it off Friday evening and it will still be running Monday morning.
For a dress watch that might only be worn on weekdays, this is a genuinely practical advantage. You do not need a watch winder, and you do not need to reset the time and date every Monday. The watch is simply ready when you are.
The movement also features a silicon balance spring, which makes it more resistant to magnetic fields than traditional steel springs. This is increasingly relevant in a world full of electronic devices.
The Gentleman’s design philosophy is restraint. The dial is clean — applied indices, simple hands, date window at 3 o’clock. There is nothing superfluous. This is not a watch that demands attention; it is a watch that rewards close inspection.
The 40mm case is the ideal size for a dress watch — large enough to be noticed, small enough to disappear under a shirt cuff. The brushed and polished finishing on the case and bracelet is executed to a standard that exceeds what you typically find at this price point. The sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating gives the dial excellent legibility in all lighting conditions.
The blue dial variant has a subtle sunburst finish that catches the light differently throughout the day. It is one of the most visually interesting dials available under $1,000.
How It Compares to the Competition
The Gentleman’s direct competitors are the Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic, the Longines Record, and the Certina DS-1 Powermatic 80.
| Feature | Tissot Gentleman PM80 | Hamilton Jazzmaster | Longines Record |
The Gentleman wins on power reserve versus the Hamilton and on price versus the Longines. The Hamilton is a strong alternative if you prefer a slightly larger case and a more classic aesthetic.
Who Should Buy the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80?
The Gentleman is the right watch for someone who wants a genuine Swiss automatic dress watch without paying luxury watch prices.
**Buy the Gentleman if you:**
– Want a Swiss-made automatic dress watch under $1,000
– Value the 80-hour power reserve for weekend storage
– Want sapphire crystal and anti-reflective coating
– Need a versatile watch that works for business and casual occasions
**Consider alternatives if you:**
– Have a budget under $500 (look at Seiko Presage or Orient Bambino)
– Want a sport watch rather than a dress watch (look at Seiko Prospex or G-Shock)
– Need a larger case (look at Hamilton Jazzmaster at 42mm)
The Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 is one of the best value propositions in Swiss watchmaking. An 80-hour power reserve, sapphire crystal, and Swiss automatic movement for under $1,000 — this is a watch that genuinely punches above its weight class. If you are ready to step into Swiss automatic territory, the Gentleman is the place to start.
Not sure if a dress watch is right for you? Try our Watch Advisor for personalized recommendations.
Find Your Perfect Watch
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While Rolex popularized the waterproof wristwatch with the Oyster in 1926, the very first truly waterproof watch was actually a pocket watch. It was patented in
📅 Tuesday, June 30, 2026
While Rolex popularized the waterproof wristwatch with the Oyster in 1926, the very first truly waterproof watch was actually a pocket watch. It was patented in 1891 by François Borgel, a Genevan watch case maker, featuring a screw-down bezel and case back, a design principle still used today. This innovation predated Rolex’s famous Oyster case by 35 years, proving that water resistance was a horological pursuit long before wristwatches became dominant.
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Certina just launched the DS Super PH2000M — a 2,000-metre titanium dive watch under $1,500 that doubles the depth rating of its legendary predecessor. We also look at what else is moving in the watch world this month: Tissot’s new Seastar 2000 Pro, the latest from Seiko, and why Swiss tool watches are having a serious moment.
Certina doesn’t shout. The Swiss brand — founded in Grenchen in 1888 and part of the Swatch Group since 1983 — has spent the better part of a century building serious tool watches for people who actually use them. No celebrity ambassadors, no hype drops, no waiting lists. Just well-engineered Swiss watches at prices that make sense. This month, Certina made some noise. The brand launched the **DS Super PH2000M** — a 2,000-metre titanium dive watch priced under $1,500 — and in doing so, set a new benchmark for what’s achievable at this price point. We also look at what else is happening in the watch world right now, because June 2026 is turning out to be a genuinely interesting month.
Certina DS Super PH2000M: 2,000 Metres for Under $1,500
The **DS Super PH2000M** is Certina’s most technically ambitious watch in decades. Announced on June 12, 2026, it takes the brand’s legendary DS (Double Security) platform and pushes it to a depth rating of **2,000 metres** — double the 1,000-metre rating of the original DS Super PH500M from the 1960s, and ten times the 200-metre rating of the current DS PH200M.
Here’s what makes it remarkable:
**Grade 2 Titanium Case** — At 44mm, the case is substantial but surprisingly wearable thanks to titanium’s low density. The material also offers excellent corrosion resistance in saltwater environments, which matters when you’re talking about serious dive use.
**Ceramic Bezel Insert** — A unidirectional rotating bezel with a ceramic insert provides scratch resistance and precise dive timing. The orange triangle at 12 o’clock is a nod to the original DS Super from the 1960s.
**Powermatic 80 with Nivachron Balance Spring** — The movement is Certina’s best: the Powermatic 80 running at 21,600 vph with an 80-hour power reserve, but upgraded with a **Nivachron balance spring** — a paramagnetic alloy that resists magnetic fields without the need for a soft-iron inner case. In practical terms, this means the watch keeps better time near phones, laptops, and airport security scanners.
**Helium Escape Valve** — Essential for saturation diving, where watches are stored in pressurised chambers for days at a time. The HEV allows helium molecules (which penetrate the case during saturation) to escape safely during decompression, preventing the crystal from being blown off.
**Price: CHF 1,235** (approximately $1,350 USD at current exchange rates). US retail pricing has not been officially confirmed at time of writing, but it’s expected to land in the $1,300–$1,450 range.
**Our Take:** The DS Super PH2000M is a serious watch for serious divers — but it’s also a compelling value proposition for collectors who want a technically impressive Swiss tool watch without paying Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean prices. At $1,350, it undercuts the Omega Seamaster 300M by roughly $2,000 while offering a higher depth rating, titanium construction, and an 80-hour power reserve. That’s a remarkable achievement.
The Certina DS PH200M: Still the Best Swiss Diver Under $900
While the DS Super PH2000M grabs the headlines, it’s worth revisiting the watch that anchors Certina’s dive lineup: the **DS PH200M**. This is our current Watch of the Week, and for good reason.
The DS PH200M is a 1967 reissue — a faithful recreation of Certina’s original dive watch, the one that went on Himalayan expeditions and into the Sealab ocean research project. The modern version keeps the vintage proportions (42.8mm, matte black dial, red crosshairs, aluminium bezel) while upgrading the internals to the Powermatic 80 movement with its 80-hour power reserve and sapphire crystal.
At **$840 on Amazon** (ASIN: B08KTX5R1F), it’s the most compelling Swiss automatic diver under $900. The competition at this price point — Tissot Seastar 1000, Mido Ocean Star, Hamilton Khaki Navy — is strong, but the DS PH200M’s combination of vintage character, movement quality, and brand heritage gives it an edge that’s hard to quantify but easy to feel.
**Key specs:**
– 42.8mm stainless steel case
– Powermatic 80 (80-hour power reserve, hacking, hand-winding)
Tissot Seastar 2000 Pro: The Benchmark Gets an Upgrade
Tissot launched the **Seastar 2000 Pro** in late June 2026, and it’s a significant update to one of the most popular dive watches in the mid-range market. The original Seastar 1000 has been a go-to recommendation for years — Swiss-made, 300-metre water resistance, and priced around $500. The new 2000 Pro takes that formula and upgrades it substantially.
**What’s new:**
– Depth rating increased to **600 metres** (up from 300m)
– New **ceramic bezel insert** (replacing the aluminium insert on the 1000)
– **Powermatic 80 movement** (up from the ETA 2824-2 in the original)
– Helium escape valve
– Slightly larger case at 45mm
**Price:** Approximately **$750–$850** (US pricing TBC). That’s a meaningful step up from the Seastar 1000’s ~$500 price point, but the upgrades justify it — particularly the ceramic bezel and the movement upgrade to Powermatic 80.
**Our Take:** The Seastar 2000 Pro is now the direct competitor to the Certina DS PH200M at similar price points. Both are Swiss-made, both use the Powermatic 80, both offer excellent water resistance. The Tissot has a more modern aesthetic and the ceramic bezel; the Certina has more vintage character and a stronger brand story in the dive watch space. Both are excellent choices — and the fact that you can have this conversation at under $900 is a testament to how good Swiss watchmaking has become at this price tier.
Something interesting is happening in the watch market right now. After years of the conversation being dominated by Grand Seiko, micro-brands, and the endless CasiOak discourse, Swiss tool watches in the $500–$1,500 range are having a genuine moment.
Several factors are converging:
**The Powermatic 80 effect.** When ETA introduced the Powermatic 80 movement — with its 80-hour power reserve and improved accuracy — it gave Swiss brands a genuine technical story to tell at accessible price points. Certina, Tissot, Hamilton, and Mido all use variants of this movement, and it’s genuinely excellent. An 80-hour power reserve means you can take the watch off Friday evening and put it back on Monday morning and it’ll still be running.
**The titanium accessibility window.** Grade 2 titanium cases used to be reserved for watches costing $2,000+. The DS Super PH2000M at ~$1,350 in titanium is a sign that material costs have come down enough for Swatch Group brands to offer titanium at genuinely accessible price points.
**The vintage revival.** The DS PH200M, the Tissot Seastar, the Hamilton Khaki Navy — all of these watches draw directly from 1960s and 1970s tool watch design. The vintage aesthetic resonates with buyers who want something with character rather than the generic brushed-and-polished sports watch look that dominated the 2010s.
**The value gap.** The price gap between a $900 Swiss automatic diver and a $3,000 Omega Seamaster has never been more apparent — or more difficult to justify. When a Certina DS PH200M offers 80% of the Seamaster’s specification at 30% of the price, the value proposition becomes very hard to ignore.
What to Buy Right Now: The Swiss Diver Value Ladder
If you’re in the market for a Swiss automatic dive watch, here’s how we’d structure the decision in June 2026:
**$500–$900: Certina DS PH200M ($840)** — Our current Watch of the Week. Powermatic 80, 200M, vintage 1967 design, sapphire crystal. The best value in Swiss diving watches right now. [Check on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KTX5R1F?tag=ijgprojects06-20)
**$750–$900: Tissot Seastar 2000 Pro (~$800)** — The new challenger. Ceramic bezel, Powermatic 80, 600M. More modern aesthetic than the Certina.
**$1,300–$1,500: Certina DS Super PH2000M (~$1,350)** — The new benchmark. Grade 2 titanium, Powermatic 80 with Nivachron spring, 2,000M, helium escape valve. Exceptional value for a serious dive watch.
**$3,000+: Omega Seamaster 300M** — The reference point. Excellent watch, but the value gap versus the options above has never been wider.
*All prices are approximate and subject to change. Affiliate links are used where available — clicking them supports WatchesAndMore at no extra cost to you.*
Certina is quietly having one of its best years in recent memory. The DS Super PH2000M is a landmark watch for the brand — a genuine technical achievement at an accessible price point — and the DS PH200M continues to be one of the best value propositions in Swiss watchmaking. The broader market is moving in an interesting direction: Swiss tool watches in the $500–$1,500 range are better than they’ve ever been, and the value gap versus luxury alternatives has never been wider.
If you’re considering a Certina DS PH200M, check our [Watch Advisor](/watch-finder) for a personalised recommendation — or browse our [Dive Watches guide](/blog/best-dive-watches-under-500) for a broader look at the best divers at every price point.
*Affiliate links are used where available — clicking them supports WatchesAndMore at no extra cost to you.*
Before Rolex perfected the Oyster case in 1926, many early attempts at waterproof watches were far from reliable. One notable example was the ‘Submarine’ watch
📅 Monday, June 29, 2026
Before Rolex perfected the Oyster case in 1926, many early attempts at waterproof watches were far from reliable. One notable example was the ‘Submarine’ watch from the early 1900s, which often relied on screw-down bezels and casebacks that were prone to leaking under pressure. It wasn’t until Mercedes Gleitze swam the English Channel in 1927 with a Rolex Oyster that the public truly saw a dependable waterproof wristwatch in action.
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