[theluketaylor]

In the watch world sports watch means a tool watch, something designed for a specific purpose like supporting an occupation, military use, or while participating in a sport (mainly uppercrusty sports). Sports watches have taken over, and can really be thought of as everyday watches since people are wearing rolex submariners with tuxedos now.

Sport watches started with things like the JLC Reverso, which was designed to meet a challenge of a watch that could survive a polo match. The case includes a swivel that lets the dial flip around to keep it protected while playing.

Quartz watches upended watch makers across every price point, totally destroying the bottom of the market. The survivors moved towards mechanical watches as luxury items, and even the holy trinity of Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin had to respond. Audemars Piguet revealed the luxury sport watch Royal Oak in 1972 and there wasn't any going back. PP designed Nautilus in 1976 and Vacheron brought out the Overseas in 77. These 3 lines make up a huge chunk of the holy trintiy business now.