Mostel
4291
Mkvc.... Beautifully put
And I agree dead on.
When a thing is designed for a purpose, and fulfills that purpose ( and then some) and is probably overbuilt for that purpose... And it's design embodies that purpose...
This IS the 911. This is the submariner.
I love the way you describe these designs as un self conscious. Brilliant!
I love your answer, I feel like I learned something today.
It's hard to say where something like an RO falls in, or a Cartier tank...
Neither of these have a 'purpose' such as water resistance or magnetic invincibility ...
Neither times anything except time....
With these type designs, it's as if the identity was born an adult, somehow.
I would say with a Tank, it is almost a tabula rasa, allowing each wearer to project his or her meaning into it. The identity comes from the wearer, and the admirer.
The identity is shared by millions, each projecting on to that nearly blank slate.
The RO is such a dynamic and original design... And can't be thought of as minimalist or almost blank... In this example you have to say, the identity was given life by the designer. How else can you look at the RO?
It was ahead of its time and timeless.
I would have preferred that the purpose-built answer apply to all icons... It's such a great answer.
But it gives way to mystery again...
However, if we are seeking a usable answer, I would go with mkvc's. It's something we can apply and rationally use if we choose to designs something.
As for modern examples, clearly the L1.
You might say that the L1 was purpose built in a poetic sense... Deconstructing time, in a way... And putting it back together again. But while the L1 is loved for its design, it really is the outrageous quality that made it an icon. I remember when it came out... It was the quality, the quality that everyone could not believe. It so far exceeded anything out there. The design seemed to be almost something we had to learn to love... In the name of this impossible quality level.
Ok I'm taking a break now... 
This message has been edited by Mostel on 2014-07-22 22:19:23
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Mkvc.... Beautifully put
And I agree dead on. When a thing is designed for a purpose, and fulfills that purpose ( and then some) and is probably overbuilt for that purpose... And it's design embodies that purpose... This IS the 911. This is the submariner. I love the way you desc...
