3 Famous Watch Nicknames

Here are some of the best nicknames given to watches and the stories behind them

1 Breitling’s Co-pilot 765 AVI “Lucy Digital”

The 765 AVI isn't just for pilots, even though it was initially designed as an aviator’s watch when it was launched in 1953. In more recent times, quick-witted collectors dubbed the original model with the nickname “Lucy Digital”, referring to a 3.2-million-yearold fossilised human ancestor that was discovered in Ethiopia’s Afar region in 1974. The idea was that this had become such a seminal reference for subsequent 765 AVI watches that it might as well have marked the origin of a species. Trust us, there have been a lot.

2 Omega Seamaster Chronograph Ref 145.0023 “Darth Vader”

The Seamaster Chronograph Ref 145.0023 was released in the 1970s. Big and bulky—15 mm thick, to be exact—it was nicknamed “Darth Vader” by legendary collector Chuck Maddox. The reason is that this watch boasts a squashed tonneau-shaped case that resembles a helmet and comes with a two-piece construction—like the armour worn by the infamous Sith Lord. The glossy black coating is so thick it adds an extra half-millimetre to the piece’s diameter and a full millimetre to its thickness.

3 Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner Ref 7016 “Snowflake”

In 1954, Tudor unveiled its Oyster Prince Submariner Ref 7922, its first divers’ watch, one that was eventually discontinued in 1999. From 1969 to 1975, the Submariner included the release of a handful of references that were dubbed “Snowflake” by enthusiasts. They feature luminous square hour markers and unique chunky hands that optimise the dial’s readability underwater.