Almost every modern wristwatch owes its reliable functionality to the crown - a small but mighty control component that winds the mainspring, sets the time, and operates common complications like dates, calendars, and Greenwich Mean Time (GMTs). Prior to the mid-19th century, it was common to insert separate keys into the caseback or dial of the watch to perform such functions. The crown rendered this system archaic, as it integrated these controls into the side of the case via a stem and crown system for easier, more seamless operation.
Birthdays, seasonal transitions, or simply making it through yet another week - there’s always a reason to admire a timepiece and celebrate the passage of time. Historically significant watches like the ‘Quartz Vacheron Constantin 222’, the ‘Corum Golden Bridge’, or the ‘Sonny Crockett 18k Ebel ref. 8134901’ are collectors’ delights, each with a tale to tell and an auction winner to please. However, three watches merit special attention.