The Ambassadeur reel has gained and retained it's prestige throughout the years for it's quality and (I think) being affordable to the average fisherman.  I read some stories now that question the new reels due to quality issues and multiple company changes, etc.

Is there any kid of baitcast reel on the market today that is considered prestigious and timeless?

Shimano curado d greenies,,dawia ss spinning reels ,abu round reels .these reels do it all and keep goin and goin .unstoppable 

How could i leave out ..lews original round reels ,shimano calcuttas, penn z series spinning reels ,109,9 ,209., 309  ...most of what i listed can be found at yard sales, flea markets etc from $1 to $100 .these aint the lightest,most refined,blingiest reels but they can and do get the job done now and most will be still  be doin it 50 yrs from now.