Designs Of The Times

Andrew Leci gives us his magnificent seven; a somewhat idiosyncratic take on the designs that have meant the most to him in his long life and short career. This article comes with a warning: if you consider yourself an intellectual, look away now.

- Andrew Leci

Rolex Daytona

The Daytona, to my mind, is a thing of beauty, and while I can’t put my finger on exactly why, I am clearly not alone. Originally designed in 1963, it has gone through quite a few iterations but has always retained its essential form and allure. Oddly enough, it wasn’t very popular when it first came out (and was originally called the Le Mans, until Rolex realised that the US market may have been more important than the European one and began to sponsor motorsports there). The Daytona was a departure from Rolex’s previous chronographs in that inverse-colored subdials were used for the first time, and for me, this makes the timepiece special. It’s so compelling to look at that I often spend minutes of a day looking at mine and appreciating the classic design. This is just an opinion, of course, but if you have one with diamonds on it, you should be taken outside and shot. A Daytona should be stainless steel, with a black face, and that’s it. Incidentally, these models are just about the most difficult to acquire, and perfectly emblemise the superb design and the cultural icon that the watch has become over the last 58 years.

Sagrada Familia