Watches are an essential part of the wardrobe. Luxurious watches speak for themselves. Luxury watches are considered regal as they are usually crafted from precious materials, such as gold, platinum, sapphires, and even diamonds. The luxury watches come with various modern mechanisms and features such as chronographs, perpetual calendars, tourbillions, and moon phases. Almost all luxury brand companies make durable models with timeless designs, so their watches can be worn by generations over time.
Most of the leading luxury watch companies are in Switzerland. However, Japan, Germany, and France also have high-end watch brands. Watch, is one of the most important parts of one’s look, for both men and women. So, for those who love to invest in themselves, which of the brands would be a perfect choice to buy exclusive and luxurious timepieces? There is a huge variety of brands that sell their best elite quality watches and such brands are a blessing for watch lovers. However, among the big bunch of brands, which are the leading brands in both terms of fame and style?
Several brands namely, Rolex, Patek Phillipe, Audemars Piguet, A. Lange & Söhne, Jacon & Co., Omega, Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC Schaffhausen, Cartier, Nordgreen, Vacheron Constantin, Montblanc, Chopard, Piaget, Blancpain, Ulysse Nardin, Franck Muller, Panerai, Girard-Perregaux, Hublot, Bulgari, NOMOS Glashütte, Vincero, LIV Watches, Breitling, Bremont, TAG Heuer, Baume & Mercier, Rado, Maurice Lacroix, Roger Dubuis, F.P. Journe, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Bamford, Zenith, Bell & Ross, Arnold & Son, Tudor, Alpina, Seiko, Jaquet Droz, Laurent Ferrier, Hamilton, Longines, Maurice de Mauriac, Parmigiani Fleurier, Gucci, Weiss, Armani, Tissot, Van Cleef & Arpels, Junghans, Bulova, Bovet Fleurier, Oris, Ressence, are the brands that remain at the top for their exclusivity in offering their customers the finest products of time. However, the best of the best brands deserve to be discussed in detail:
Rolex
A brand that literally everyone knows about, thus, it speaks for itself. The Rolex watches just as the name of the brand suggests, are unique and eternally praised. Wearing a Rolex is not just about wearing any watch, it is about making a statement. Rolex makes a person stand out from the rest, by exhibiting the feeling of prestige and control. This is a reason enough for people to give preference to Rolex over other overrated brands. From its classic collections to the yacht master collections, Rolex has produced an excellent series of Swiss timepieces. These watches can be passed down through generations, as the worth of a Rolex watch is everlasting. Rolex is not just for making a fashion statement, but it can be worn anywhere anytime and it will never stop, may it be under the sea or up the mountains, a Rolex will stay one’s loyal friend throughout all the ventures. Moreover, Rolex has been the first company to launch a waterproof model known as the “Oyster model”. Rolex also came forward with the first self-winding watch in 1945. Rolex is recognized globally for its famous James Bond spy series which makes it evident that Rolex is committed to providing the finest to its customers. In the gross market, investing in a Rolex watch never becomes a regret for any of the customers as it is a lifetime investment, which makes the Rolex watches worth the price.
Patek Phillipe
One of the most renowned watch brands of Switzerland, famous for their luxurious models. This company was founded in 1839 and has been under the authority of the Stern family ever since. This longtime ownership from the family results in the continuous excellence of the watches. The company with thoughtful freedom produces impeccably creative timepieces. It is the creative approach of the company which has won it the status of one of the best watch companies in the world. With a strong grip on the horological and historical understanding, this company has made its name. The eminent factor for its fame is that each piece is crafted by hand by an expert craftsman, which makes each piece exceptionally special. These watches are some of the most expensive watches on Earth. But, over 177 years of experience in producing over a million watches, has made Patek Phillipe watches deserving of the worth they have today. Even though, the company has been making models since the olden days. It has been made sure that the company adapts to future technology and market demands, owing to high-tech machinery and equipment. The star quality of the Patek Phillipe watches makes them one of a kind.
Audemars Piguet
One of the most high-prestige companies in the world. This company was founded by Vallée de Joux, Jules-Louis Audemars, and Edward Auguste Piguet in Switzerland. The 1972 Royal Oak model made the company stand out as the world’s most successful watch company. The Royal Oak was the first of its kind, a stainless-steel sports watch. This watch was marketed as the leading luxury due to its style and robustness. The AP watches are popular because of their innovative complex yet creative designs cleverly crafted and attractively engraved, especially the mechanical motifs.
Jacob and Co.
A brand making top-notch quality watches for its customers. Jacob and Co. are famous for their stunning jewelry and striking watches. It is a brand founded in New York, in 1986. Jacob and Co. is popular for its creativity, innovative mechanisms, and craftsmanship with high-quality materials. The company has created some of the most remarkable and attractive timepieces, such as the Astronomia Collection, the Opera Godfather, and the Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon. The brand has collaborated with several famous personalities, athletes, and celebrities, such as Christiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and more. Jacob and Co. watches are a symbol of luxury and artistry.
A. Lange & Söhne
This is a German watch company. It was founded in 1845. The company is dedicated to introducing its customers with excellent quality watches as their top priority. With a deep comprehension of the aesthetic appeal and eye-catching designs, the company creates outstanding models with exceptional asymmetrical dials for example. What makes their watches flawless is the fact that the watchmakers there spent years in watchmaking schools before setting foot in the company. And so, the quality and reputation of the company have won over both celebrities and royalty from Brad Pitt to Alexander the 2nd of Russia. It has many fame-making factors such as being the first company to create a wristwatch with a three-disc jumping numerals mechanism. This company has made the statement that not every best watch-making company is Swiss.
Omega
For over 170 years, Omega has been delivering its finest collections to watch collectors and horophiles. Omega has traveled all over space let alone the world. It has been launched to the North Pole, to the depths of submarines, and even in space. As a result, Omega has won the reputation of being one of the most successful watch brands worldwide. Louis Brandt and Fil founded the company in 1848 in a small Swiss village. The first of its kind, a minute-repeating watch, was introduced by Omega in 1892. In 1894, they produced the Omega caliber, which model’s success and fame led to the change to the company’s name. Omega has been succeeding non-stop. Omega has even broken several precision records. The first ever watch to be worn on the moon was the Omega Speedmaster Professional by Buzz Aldrin. This paved the way for every astronaut now to wear only Omega Speedmaster Professional on their journey to the moon. Omega has been worn by more significant individuals such as American President John F. Kennedy and the king of music Elvis Presley. So, Omega has attained a great name for itself over the years due to its timelessness.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
A head-turning timepiece can be found at Jaeger-LeCoultre company. This company is well-known for its inventiveness and the uniqueness of its designs. Furthermore, JLC has produced over 1,200 calibers and withholds 400 patents uniquely created. The 1930 Reverso collection was a great innovation with exquisite unisex and horological design and gained remarkable fame. On the other hand, the Grande collection is known as the most complex watches. Moreover, the company is famous for creating the smallest mechanical movement known as the Calibre 101. The JLC company takes pride in introducing the most progressive designs to its customers as most companies stick to old designs but JLC imaginatively and ingeniously gives its customers the best up-to-date models. The company ensures the product by running a 1,000-hour test to give its guarantee, which makes it then again, the first choice for many watch lovers.
Cartier
This company is highly known for its jewelry, but it makes the finest of watches as well. Cartier timepieces have achieved the status of the most distinguished watches on the market. While sticking to tradition and heritage Cartier aims to make watches that upturn conventions and push through the boundaries. The “Tank” series is the most popular of all Cartier timepieces, setting the wearers apart from the crowd.
Vacheron Constantin
World’s oldest watchmaking industry, founded in 1755. The company is famous for its exclusivity and aesthetic creativity. Since Vacheron Constantin makes only several designs, it ensures that each of its models is made with care and attention. The company aims to produce timeless watches but keeps away from making generic and outdated models. They go by the rule of quality over quantity. The quality of Vacheron Constantin shouts out loud its value. Their timepieces have won the ultimate seal of Geneva in watchmaking, which marks the quality of their watches.
Ulysse Nardin
If a futuristic watch is the preference of any watch connoisseur, then this company’s watches would be perfect for them. This company is the first one to invent models by embracing new technology. The brand received immense recognition based on inventing marine chronometers, it was an invention that the navies treasured. They released their most functional watch in the world as declared by the Guinness Book of World Records. Astrolabium Galileo Galilei, has 21 special functions, including tracking time both local and solar, the orbits of the sun and moon as well as the other stars’ positions. The company has also introduced the watches with the most unusual looks. The fame of these watches skyrocketed. The brand has won over 18 gold medals and 4,300 distinctions over the time. If authenticity mixed with a tint of quirkiness is what the customers need then this brand is made for them.
Franck Muller
A world-famous watchmaking company famous for its exclusively complicated designed watches. It was manufactured in Geneva by Franck Muller and Vartan Sirmakes to create luxurious and different timepieces having authentic designs, complex movements, and distinct characteristics. Due to several capabilities such as the Haute Horlogerie, this young but rapidly progressing company became one of the best Swiss brands. Franck Muller again stood out by introducing the first ever tri-axial tourbillon of the world. The most stunningly complicated Revolution 3 displays an exclusive spectacle. The common identity mark of the brand is the Cintrée Curvex, which makes it easily identifiable. Franck Muller has not only gained fame by inventing unique models but they conduct their watch fair, the World Presentation of Haute Horlogerie (WPHH), where the brand’s pioneering status is demonstrated as an independent one. The crafting of these perfectly complex watches is conducted by hand finishing with immense care, making these watches even more valuable.
These luxury brands present the world with the finest of all timepieces ever asked for. The most luxurious and expensive watches are sold at auctions as well. Some of the most expensive branded timepieces sold are the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, the Rolex Daytona Paul Newman, and the Breguet Marie-Antoinette. The individuals who like to mark their presence exclusively in a room, go for luxury watches. Thus, the reason why most of the famous personalities are seen wearing expensive watches is to show the luxury and social status their watch emits. They wear it as a status symbol, however, it’s a lot more than just that.
This ultimate luxury is enjoyed most of all by celebrities, athletes, royalties, politicians, and other influential figures. Such timepieces are not just a luxury but are an entire lifestyle. One’s watch reflects their personality, history, and passion, thus an investment made in a timeless timepiece is an investment well-made.