The best watchmaking ads

In the prehistory of the 20th century, much of the information that reached customers (or potential customers) was delivered through print media. Specialized magazines, newspapers, catalogs, and pamphlets bore witness to a century filled with creativity and artistry in the world of marketing.

Highly creative, provocative, even offensive messages when measured by today's cultural standards were commonplace. Watch brands of the time, some now defunct, also took advantage of this format and for the past 100 years have been responsible for creating truly memorable ads.

In this article, we offer a very small sample of some of our favorites, whether for their creativity, their pioneering, or simply for their ability to bring a smile to our faces every time we see them.

IWC

The Schaffhausen-based company has always known how to draw attention to its masculine image, whether through clever activations or controversial, but highly entertaining, advertisements.

Hublot

This Hublot ad featured Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone showing the aftermath of a street mugging in which he lost his prized watch.

Press

This 1980s Pulsar (Hamilton) poster shows us what was then seen as the electronic future of watchmaking.

Omega

Omega has always leveraged its association with the lunar program to produce truly captivating advertisements.

Patek Philippe

Patek's legendary campaign presents the watch as a family tradition passed down from generation to generation.

Rolex

Rolex has always been a master of marketing. Here's a glimpse into the brand's golden age of advertising, which has become a cult object in itself, thanks to its creativity, boldness, and the fact that the crown's identity is always present.

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Leisure Time Products

We had never heard the name of this company before—nor do we think it even exists—but we thought this ad was great!

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