Luxury Watch Brands have ruled the watch industry for a very long time. The elegance and beauty of the timeless pieces are seen to be believed. The best thing about luxury timepieces is that they never go out of fashion.
The luxury watches are considered family heirloom and are revered as treasured possessions that need to be passed on from one generation to the next.
Owning one of the designer watch brands is a mark of a high standard and shows a person’s class, taste and status among his peers. Celebrities, high-class personalities, presidents, CEOs, royals and people belonging to the elite class often are seen wearing high-end luxury watch brands to show off their wealth and status in life.
Let us look at some of the best luxury watch brands and manufacturers around the world in 2024.
Table of Contents
Best Watch Brands in the World in 2024
1. Patek Philippe
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founders: Antoni Patek, Adrien Philippe and Franciszek Czapek
- Founded: 1839
- Headquarters: Plan-les-Quates, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland
- Owner: Stern Family
- Production Output: 70,000 (as of 2023)
- Sales: £187 million (2022)
The state of the art mechanism, advanced technology, traditional styling, complicated mechanics and attention to detail makes the Swiss brand Patek Philippe and its luxury timepieces the best luxury watch manufacturer in the world. The brand name along with the words Swiss Made on the dial is synonymous with artistry, reliability and quality. As of July 2023, among the world’s top ten most expensive watches ever sold at auctions, nine are Patek Philippe watches.
Patek Philippe is one of the most renowned and oldest designers and manufacturers of the luxury clock, watch as well as movements in the world. The luxury Swiss watch brand has been credited with some of the best mechanical watches and classic signature style timepieces that have aligned minute repeater, intricate design and perpetual calendar you will ever find. Patek Philippe’s most recent published accounts show UK sales rose by 80.2% to £187 million for the year ended in January 2022.
It is possible to buy the valuable Patek Philippe Swiss watch from 400 retail locations along with the company website and other affiliated online sites. Important patrons and owners of luxury watch brand Patek Philippe are notable names like Princess Diana, Albert Einstein and Leo Tolstoy.
Best watch from Patek Philippe:
- PATEK PHILIPPE GRANDMASTER CHIME REF 6300A-010 ( the most expensive wristwatch sold for 31.19 million USD)
- PATEK PHILIPPE HENRY GRAVES SUPERCOMPLICATION (one of the most complicated mechanical watches and most expensive pocket watches sold at auction for 24 million USD)
- PATEK PHILIPPE CALATRAVA (The flagship model is an important dress watch)
2. TAG Heuer
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founder: Edouard Heier
- Founded: 1860
- Headquarters: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
- Parent Company: LVMH
- Sales: CHF 729 million (£643 million) (2022)
TAG Heuer is one of the best luxury Swiss watch brands that markets, manufactures and designs high precision and innovative chronographs and watches along with mobile phones, eyewear and fashion accessories. The Swiss brand boasts premium timepieces with utmost appeal and the highest functionality.
The Heuer tag is an abbreviation of “Techniques d’Avant Garde” and is considered one of the best luxury watch brands willing to push the boundaries and create something extraordinary every time. According to Morgan Stanley estimates, Tag Heuer sales were CHF 729 million (£643 million) in 2022.
Tag Heuer’s association with celebrities and their endorsement have resulted in a young and trendy elite client list that wants to align classic style with function-focused timepieces of stellar quality. One of the tag Heuer’s most coveted watches is Aquaracer, a water-resistant sports watch cum diving watch with amazing durability as it can survive 1000 feet under the sea without any harm.
Best watches from Tag Heuer’s brand :
- TAG HEUER AQUARACER ( water-resistant diving watch)
- TAG HEUER MONACO V4 (the movement is driven by bells)
- TAG HEUER CARRERA CALIBRE 360 (first mechanical wrist chronograph that can display and measure 1/100 of a second)
3. Audemars Piguet
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founders: Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet
- Founded: 1875
- Headquarters: Le Brassus, Switzerland
- Revenue: €2 billion (roughly $2.17 billion) (2022)
The fine craftsmanship and high level of precision are what makes Audemars Piguet one of the most in-demand Swiss luxury watch brands around the world.
The Haute Horlogerie brand Audemars Piguet is behind the most complicated mechanical watches, luxury clocks as well as movements. The luxury watch brand created the first minute-repeating movement in 1892 for wristwatches and the first skeleton watch in the year 1934.
Audemars Piguet also manufactured some of the most popular ultra-thin watches in the world like the 1986 Automatic Tourbillon wristwatch (Calibre 2860) and a “Grande Complication” pocket watch with minute repeater, small and grand strike, deadbeat seconds, perpetual calendar, alarm, chronograph, split-seconds hand and jumping seconds.
The luxury watch brand Audemars Piguet is the designer and manufacturer of the first watch made of stainless steel. The luxury steel sports watch titled Royal Oak as part of the Royal Oak wristwatch, designed by Gerald Genta, was released in 1972 and later in 1993 the first oversized watch Royal Oak Offshore, designed by Emmanuel Gueit, was launched.
Famous personalities wearing the luxurious watch brand Piguet Audemars are James LeBron and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Best watches from Audemars Piguet
- AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE CHRONOGRAPH AUTOMATIC MEN’S WATCH
- AUDEMARS PIGUET JULES AUDEMARS SILVER DIAL MEN’S WATCH
- AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK BLACK DIAL AUTOMATIC MEN’S 18-KARAT GOLD WATCH
4. Vacheron Constantin
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founder: Jean-Marc Vacheron
- Founded: 1755
- Headquarters: Plan-Les-Quates, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland
- Parent Company: Richemont
Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest luxury watch brands and clock manufacturers in the world. The Swiss brand has been linked with several creations like the first watch complication of the world in 1790, the first nonmagnetic timepiece in 1824 and the thinnest minute repeater in the world in 1992.
All the Vacheron Constantin timepieces bear the Hallmark of Geneva which gives credibility to the quality, craftsmanship and exclusivity of the Swiss luxury brand name.
One of the best watch collections from Vacheron Constantin is OVERSEAS, the high-end sports watch line. Its limited edition collection Tour de l’lle is one of the most complicated wristwatches and only seven pieces were manufactured with a sale price of 1 million USD.
Best watches from the brand Vacheron Constantin
- VACHERON CONSTANTIN POCKET WATCH NO 402833 1929 (one of the most expensive watches to be sold at auction for 2.77 million USD)
- VACHERON CONSTANTIN REFERENCE 57260 ( the most complicated mechanical watch with 57 horological complications)
- VACHERON CONSTANTIN KALISTA ( one of the most expensive wristwatches with 118 emerald-cut diamonds)
5. Jaeger-LeCoultre
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founder: Antoine LeCoultre
- Founded: 1933
- Headquarters: Le Sentier, Vaud, Switzerland
- Parent Company: Richemont
- Sales: €5.4 billion ($5.82 billion) (2022)
With innumerable patents, inventions and movements to its name Jaeger-LeCoultre is considered one of the top luxury watch brands in the world. The name is synonymous with high-end designer watches and is equally coveted by celebrities, royals and famous personalities.
Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the oldest watch brands that has put the onus on unique, appealing, imaginative and innovative luxury watches. It has launched several collections that have been instant hits because of inventiveness. The REVERSO Collection (1930) was one of the best unisex watches of its time with a rectangular design. Richemont sales rose by 8% to €5.4 billion ($5.82 billion) in the last three months of 2022.
Notable owners of Jaeger-LeCoultre luxury watches are Kit Harrington, Bill Clinton, Queen Elizabeth II and Charlie Chaplin.
Best men’s watches from Jaeger-LeCoultre
- JAEGER-LECOULTRE MASTER MEMOVOX AUTOMATIC SILVER DIAL MEN’S WATCH
- JAEGER-LECOULTRE REVERSO GRANDE TAILLE SILVER GUILLOCHE DIAL MEN’S WATCH
- JAEGER-LECOULTRE POLARIS BLUE DIAL AUTOMATIC MEN’S WATCH
6. A. Lange & Söhne
- Origin Country: Germany
- Founder: Ferdinand Adolph Lange
- Founded: 1845
- Headquarters: Glashütte, Germany
- Parent Company: Richemont
The German manufacturer A. Lange & Söhne is one of the best luxury watch brands in the world known for high-end quality, perfection, excellence and iconic styling. The best part of owning A. Lange & Söhne timepiece is that it is everlasting and can be passed down to the next generation as a family heirloom.
A. Lange & Söhne is one of the watch manufacturers who prefer to use mechanical movements instead of quartz movements. The luxury timepieces are distinct and so are its cases which have been created in platinum and various tones of gold for instance rose, yellow and white gold.
The A. Lange & Söhne signature model Lange 1 has an unusual asymmetric dial which gives it an appealing and distinct look. Some of the notable owners of A. Lange & Söhne timepieces are Alexander II of Russia, Brad Pitt, Vladimir Putin and Ed Sheeran.
Best watches from A. Lange & Söhne
- A. LANGE & SÖHNE LANGE 1 TIME ZONE 18K YELLOW GOLD
- A. LANGE & SÖHNE GLASHÜTTE GRANDE LANGE 1
- A. LANGE & SÖHNE 1815 TOURBILLON 730.025 LIMITED EDITION PLATINUM
7. Girard Perregaux
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founder: Jean-Francois Bautte and Constant Girard
- Founded: 1791
- Headquarters: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
- Parent Company: Sowind Group, Kering
- Sales: CHF 180 million (2022)
Girard-Perregaux is one of the oldest luxury watch brands around the world with a focus on innovative designs and superb craftsmanship.
The Swiss manufacturer is known to create some of the best timepieces you will ever come across. All the elements of a Girard-Perregaux watch are created in-house to ensure high standards are met during all the aspects of the watch manufacturing process.
The state-of-the-art brand is renowned for Esmerelda Tourbillon with three gold bridges. The luxury watch brand was the recipient of a gold medal at International Exposition in Paris 1889. Some of the watch brands best models are Vintage 1945, Collection 1966 and Tri-Axial Tourbillon.
In the year 1971, the watch manufacturer created the first quartz watch with 32.768 frequency that became a benchmark for all the watch manufacturers around the world.
Best watches from Girard-Perregaux
- GIRARD-PERREGAUX LAUREATO CHRONOGRAPH AUTOMATIC 42mm STAINLESS STEEL WATCH
- GIRARD-PERREGAUX AUTOMATIC 44mm TITANIUM AND RUBBER WATCH
- GIRARD-PERREGAUX LAUREATO AUTOMATIC 42mm CERAMIC WATCH
8. Bell & Ross
- Origin Country: France
- Manufacturing: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
- Founder: Bruno Belamich and Carlos Rosillo
- Founded: 1992
- Headquarters: Paris, France
Bell & Ross is one of the best Luxury watch brands that specialize in creating Swiss Made luxury watches for professionals like pilots (aircraft watch) and divers (dive watch). The French watch manufacturer has put the onus on Aircraft instruments and insists on the square-shape frames on several of the inspired watches.
The state-of-the-art brand boasts modern, high-end and function-focused timepieces and is known for its tactical watch collection.
The watch manufacturer Bell & Ross has aligned resilient fabrics and high-end tech with luxury designs to create some of the best technical inspired watches that can withstand extreme conditions like high altitude, seawater depth and Arctic temperatures. One of the brand’s top creations is the dive watch model with high water resistance at 11,000 feet.
It was the first manufacturer to launch the jumping hours digital display watch with a power reserve indicator. The watch brand collaborated with Swiss-watch maestro Vincent Calabrese to launch Vintage 123 Heure Sautante in 1992. The Bells & Ross Space 1 was the first automatic chronometer to be worn in space and Bell & Ross Hydromax 11 100M is the record holder for wristwatch water-resistance at 11,000 meters. While the Space 1 is no longer in production, it remains a popular collector’s item among watch enthusiasts.
Best watches from one of the best luxury watch brands:
- BELL & ROSS BR01 (large dial resembles the one in an aircraft cockpit)
- BELL & ROSS BR 03-92 RED RADAR LIMITED EDITION AUTOMATIC 42mm CERAMIC AND RUBBER WATCH
- BELL & ROSS BR 05 AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH 42mm STAINLESS STEEL WATCH
9. IWC Schaffhausen
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founder: Florentine Ariosto Jones
- Founded: 1868
- Headquarters: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
- Parent: Richemont
International Watch Company AG or IWC Schaffhausen is one of the best Swiss luxury watch brands in the world best known for using titanium in the watchmaking process and manufacturing pilot’s watches. It is one of the nature-conscious watch manufacturers committed to sustainable development and environmental protection.
IWC Schaffhausen high-end premium watches are easily identified by superior material, flawless functionality, innovative techniques, cutting-edge technology, effortless precision, classic shape and exclusive design.
IWC Schaffhausen has 6 watch families amongst which the Pilot’s Watches are the most popular ones. The watch brands portfolio includes men’s watches, sports watches, casual watches, dress watches and everyday watches that speak of durability, luxury and sophistication
Best watches from IWC Schaffhausen
- IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN PILOT’S MARK XVIII LE PETIT PRINCE EDITION AUTOMATIC 40mm STAINLESS STEEL AND TEXTILE WATCH ( one of the best pilot’s watches)
- IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN PORTOFINO HAND-WOUND EIGHT DAYS 45mm STAINLESS STEEL AND SUEDE WATCH (Portofino watches)
- IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN PILOT’S AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH 41mm STAINLESS STEEL AND LEATHER WATCH (pilot’s watches)
10. Nomos Glashütte
- Origin Country: Germany
- Founder: Roland Schwertner
- Founded: 1990
- Headquarters: Glashütte, Germany
Nomos Glashütte is one of the most popular German luxury watch brands of recent times that has put their onus on automatic mechanical and artisan manual-winding watches. The brand manufactures linear and simple Bauhaus inspired watches whose designs are future-focused and timeless.
The luxury brand has launched thirteen models of men and women collections with a wide range of dials, straps and colours. The watch manufacturer has produced a swing system or an escapement, an essential part of a mechanical watch, which took the brand seven years of hardship to develop.
Best watches from the luxury brand
- NOMOS METRO MANUAL-WINDING BLACK DIAL STAINLESS STEEL MEN’S WATCH ( a fusion of classic and contemporary design)
- NOMOS GLASHÜTTE CLUB CAMPUS HAND-WOUND 36mm STAINLESS STEEL AND LEATHER WATCH
- NOMOS GLASHÜTTE TANGENTA SPORT NEOMATIK AUTOMATIC 42mm STAINLESS STEEL WATCH
11. Hublot
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founder: Italian watchmaker Carlo Crocco
- Founded: 1980
- Headquarters: Nyon. Switzerland
- Parent: LVMH
Hublot is one of the prestigious Swiss luxury brands that have several award-winning collections to its brand name. The Hublot brand name is known for fusion watches as it often combines ceramics, leather, rubber, metals and fabrics to create some of the original as well as extraordinary designs you will ever see.
Hublot watch manufacturers believe in fusing age-old craft with the latest techniques, pioneering movements, uncompromising precision and advanced technology so that they can create timeless pieces of future-forward designs.
Hublot watch collection includes special edition models and limited edition watches with precious metals like diamonds. Important luxury collections include Rainbow Collection and Paraiba Collection.
The luxury watch brand is associated with big-league sports and was the official timekeeper of the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and 2010 and the official watchmaker of Formula 1 that led to a collection of Formula-One inspired watches.
Best watches from Hublot
- HUBLOT BIG BANG INTEGRAL TITANIUM
- HUBLOT CLASSIC FUSION BLACK DIAL BLACK RUBBER MENS 45mm WATCH
- HUBLOT BIG BANG MEN’S AUTOMATIC WATCH
12. The Swatch Group
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founder: Nicolas Havek
- Founded: 1983
- Headquarters: Biel/Bienne, Switzerland
- Sales: CHF 4,019 million ( first half of 2023)
The Swatch Group is one of the best luxury watch brands that manufactures Swiss quartz-crystal watches and jewellery. It has the distinction of being the largest watch company in the world and owns several brands like Rado, Mido and Longines
The Swatch Group has been associated with sport and event timing. It is one of the rare companies to hold its watch fair in Zurich in 2019. The Swatch Group supplies nearly all the components required for the watches sold by its 17 individual brands and the multi-brand retail companies Tourbillon and Hour Passion. The Swatch Group reported net sales of CHF 4,019 million for the first half of 2023, which is an increase of 18% compared to the previous year at constant exchange rates.
The Swatch Group owns a diverse range of watch brands that cater to various price points and styles, including Blancpain, Breguet, Certina, ETA, Glashütte Original, Hamilton, Harry Winston, Longines, Mido, Omega, Rado, and Tissot.
Best watches from the Swatch Group
- SWATCH ANALOG WHITE DIAL MEN’S WATCH
- SWATCH BLACK REBEL
- SWATCH NEW GENT SWISS QUARTZ SILICON STRAP, BLUE, 20 CASUAL WATCH
13. Blancpain
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founder: Jehan-Jacques Blancpain
- Founded:1735
- Headquarters: Paudex/Le Brassus
Blancpain is one of the best and oldest luxury watch brands in the world that sells, manufactures and designs luxury mechanical watches. The watch company has updated and modernized production with state of the art production facilities and the use of advanced technologies.
The product portfolio has both styled timepieces and minimalistic designs in its kit along with carousels, perpetual calendars, tourbillons and chronographs with unimaginable precision.
Swiss craftsmanship is at the forefront of all mechanical watches. The company does not use even one digital component while manufacturing the timepieces instead takes the help of balance springs from silicon to improve precision and create magnetic resistance.
The Swiss manufacturer Blancpain loves decorative adornments like miniature portraits, etchings and the integration of innovative fabrics.
The Haute Horlogerie watch brand Blancpain is a known figure in the industry for Fifty Fathoms dive watch (1953), 1735 Grande Complication (1991) and Carrousel Valant Une Minute.
Best watches from Blancpain:
- BLANCPAIN FIFTY FATHOMS AUTOMATIQUE
- BLANCPAIN ULTRAPLATE
- BLANCPAIN VILLERET QUANTIEME COMPLET
14. Chopard
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founder: Louis-Ulysse Chopard
- Founded: 1860
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Owner: Scheufele Family
- Annual production: 75,000 timepieces (2019)
Chopard is a retailer and manufacturer of high-end watches, accessories and jewellery. The luxury watch brand is known for creating contemporary and fashionable designs that are loved by watch lovers all over the world.
The premium brand at the beginning was renowned for women’s watches as well as pocket watches. Some of their prized collections are Happy Diamonds Line in 1976, L’Heure du Diamant Collection, Mille Miglia Collection, the Alpine Eagle Collection and the ethereal and feminine Imperial Collection.
Best watches from Chopard :
- CHOPARD HAPPY DIAMOND ( wristwatch sold for 1.67 million USD at an auction by Christie’s)
- CHOPARD ALPINE EAGLE XL CHRONO AUTOMATIC 44mm LUCENT STEEL WATCH
- CHOPARD MILLE MIGLIA CLASSIC CHRONOGRAPH AUTOMATIC 42mm STAINLESS STEEL WATCH
15. Rolex
- Founder: Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis
- Founded: 1905 in London, United Kingdom
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Production: 2,000 watches daily
- Sales: 9.7 billion U.S. dollars (2022)
Rolex is a British-founded Swiss watch brand that designs and manufactures some of the most unique designer timepieces in the world. The name Rolex is synonymous with luxury, exclusivity and affluence as every powerful and rich person wants to own and wear a Rolex. It is no doubt one of the most expensive brands but the watches are meant for a whole lifetime and then for the next generation also as every single piece is exclusive, premium and timeless.
The Genevan manufacturer is the epitome of artistry and craftsmanship. The Swiss brand’s classic collections include yacht-master and dive watches along with the first self-winding watch in 1945. It is the first company to patent the Oyster model, a waterproof watch.
One of the most coveted models from Rolex is Rolex Submariner, the first dive watch of the world. Vintage Submariners along with stainless steel models are in high demand by collectors and watch lovers. You will find James Bond wearing a Rolex in most of his movies.
Best watches from Rolex
- ROLEX SUBMARINER AUTOMATIC CHRONOMETER BLACK DIAL MEN’S WATCH
- ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL DATE 34
- ROLEX YACHT-MASTER II OYSTERSTEEL AND EVEROSE GOLD MEN’S WATCH
16. Ulysse Nardin
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founder: Ulysse Nardin
- Founded:1846
- Headquarters: Le Locle, Switzerland
- Parent: Sowind Group
Ulysse Nardin is a watchmaking company famous for creating complicated watches, dual-time watches, luxury watches, wristwatches, writing instruments, accessories and accurate marine chronometers. The watch brand is the recipient of numerous honours and awards at International Exhibitions.
The watch brand is one of the few companies that is always ready to embrace innovation and modern technology to create some of the best timepieces in the world.
The manufacturer released the most functional watch of the world titled Astrolabium Galileo Galilei in the year 1985. The incredible watch had 21 functions like tracking positions of the stars, orbits of sun and moon and local as well as solar time.
Best watches from Ulysse Nardin
- ULYSSE NARDIN FREAK WRISTWATCH (bold and daring unusual timepiece)
- ULYSSE NARDIN SKELETON TOURBILLON 45mm
- ULYSSE NARDIN MARINE CHRONOMETER ANNUAL CALENDAR 43mm
17. Panerai
- Origin Country: Italy
- Founder: Giovanni Panerai
- Founded: 1860
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Parent: Richemont
Panerai is one of the best Italian watch brands in the world that designs and manufactures luxury watches and markets them with help of company-owned outlets and authorized dealers.
The luxury manufacturer has launched watches across four lines: Special Editions, Contemporary, Historic and Manifattura. The timepieces are known for simple numeral and bold styles that are timeless and traditional. The company is most popular for its dive watch and cushion-shaped cases
Best watches from Panerai
- PANERAI LUMINOR (Manufactured with luminous tritium-based fabric)
- PANERAI SUBMERSIBLE ECO PANGEA TOURBILLON GMT ( created in collaboration with Mike Horn, the explorer)
- PANERAI RADIOMIR (used radium-based powder to illuminate the dials)
18. Piaget SA
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founder: Georges Edouard Piaget
- Founded: 1874
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Parent: Richemont
Piaget SA is one of the top luxury watch brands in the globe associated with the manufacturing of watches and jewellery. Although the brand started as a manufacturer of premium watch movements but in the 20th century started its line of luxury watches.
The brand Piaget SA released Calibre 9P in 1957, the first hand-wound, ultra-thin mechanical movement, Calibre 12P, the thinnest automatic movement and self-winding mechanical movements in 2006 along with ring watches, coin watches, cufflink watches and brooch watches.
The watch brand Piaget SA is popular because of its thin watch styles and flaunting dials made from precious stones like tiger’s eye, onyx, turquoise and lapis-lazuli. The company has put its focus on functionality, style, visual appeal, inner mechanics, precision engineering and attention to detail.
Best watches from Piaget SA
- PIAGET ALTIPLANO ULTIMATE AUTOMATIC 41mm 18kt WHITE GOLD AND LEATHER WATCH
- PIAGET POLO SKELETON AUTOMATIC 42mm WATCH
- PIAGET POSSESSION 18-KARAT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND CUFF
19. Cartier
- Origin Country: France
- Founder: Louis-Francois Cartier
- Founded: 1847
- Headquarters: Paris, Cartier
- Parent Company: Richemont
Cartier is one of the best luxury watch brands associated with manufacturing, distributing and designing luxury watches and jewellery. The French conglomerate operates in 125 countries all over the world with help of more than 200+ outlets. Maintaining its position as the second largest brand by revenue, Cartier reported a turnover of CHF 2.75 billion, up 15% in 2022.
The iconic brand of luxury watches has several notable products to its name like the Santos de Cartier wristwatch launched in 1911, the Tank watch in 1919, the first leather collection in burgundy and the creation of the Tank Divan Watch.
Notable owner of one of the top luxury watch brands is Alberto Santos Dumont after whom the brand released the Santos de Cartier collection that included the first sports watch, first pilot’s watch and first men’s wristwatch
Best watches from Cartier
- CARTIER BALLON BLEU DE CARTIER AUTOMATIC 40mm 18-KARAT PINK GOLD WATCH
- CARTIER BALLON BLEU DE CARTIER AUTOMATIC 42mm STEEL AND ALLIGATOR WATCH
- CARTIER SANTOS AUTOMATIC 39.8mm 18-KARAT PINK GOLD INTERCHANGEABLE ALLIGATOR WATCH
20. Breitling
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founder: Leon Breitling
- Founded: 1884
- Headquarters: Grenchen, Switzerland
- Owner: CVC Capital Partners
- Sales: 860 million Swiss francs ($938 million) (2022)
One of the best luxury watch brands Breitling is a Swiss watchmaker known for precision and durable chronometers inspired by aviators, military personnel and fighter pilots. The brand is one of the best state-of-art timekeepers with some of the best unique and expert luxury watches and pilot’s watches in its portfolio.
Most of the luxury watches from the manufacturer Breitling are unique in their concept for example the Breitling Emergency has a distress locator and beacon. The smartwatches released by the brand for instance the Exospace B55 has special features and specifications for aerospace professionals.
The luxury watch brand has created the slide rule bezel for aviation professionals to measure fuel requirements and flight time and innovative and versatile dive watch meant for the divers
Best watches from Breitling
- BREITLING ENDURANCE PRO SUPERQUARTZ CHRONOGRAPH 44,, BREITLIGHT AND RUBBER WATCH
- BREITLING NAVITIMER 8 AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH 43mm STEEL AND LEATHER WATCH
- BREITLING AEROSPACE AVANTAGE WITH TITANIUM CASE
21. Omega
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founder: Louis Brandt
- Founded: 1903
- Headquarters: Biel/Bienne, Switzerland
- Parent: The Swatch Group
If you are looking for the top high-end Swiss brand then simply opt for Omega, the world-renowned watch brand. The luxury watchmaker is a hot favourite of celebrities, royals and famous personalities as the timeless designs deliver incredible performance that is simply revered by one and all. According to Morgan Stanley estimates, Swatch Group got about a third of its sales and approximately 60% of its operating profit from Omega in 2022.
Some of the famous Omega wearers are President John F Kennedy, Prince William and Elvis Presley. Omega was the official timekeeper of Britain’s Royal Flying Corps in 1917 for its combat units and is currently the timekeeper of America’s Cup yacht race.
Omega was also the chosen one by NASA and the first watch on the moon.
Best watches from Omega
- OMEGA SEAMASTER
- OMEGA 18k ROSE GOLD VINTAGE HAND-WINDING WATCH
- NEW OMEGA SPEEDMASTER PROFESSIONAL MOONWATCH MEN’S WATCH
22. Bremont
- Origin Country: United Kingdom
- Founder: Nick English and Giles English
- Founded: 2002
- Headquarters: Henley-on-Thames, England
- Annual Production: 10,000 pieces (2021)
The British company Bremont is one of the top luxury watch brands in the world focused on mechanical and aircraft-themed models. Each watch shows the amalgamation of mastery, innovation and craftsmanship by the brand
The watchmaking brand is known for accurate precision and high-quality watches. The Bremont collection has a wide range of pilot’s watches because of its close ties with the military, bespoke watches for members of armed forces and special editions.
The luxury watch brand has been the recipient of several, honours, awards and recognition like Luxury Watch Brand of the Year and Store Design of the Year 2013.
Best watches from Bremont
- BREMONT MB SAVANNA AUTOMATIC CHRONOMETER 43mm TITANIUM AND RUBBER WATCH
- BREMONT HAWKING LIMITED EDITION AUTOMATIC 41mm 18-KARAT WHITE GOLD AND LEATHER WATCH
- BREMONT BROADSWORD BRONZE SOTEK AUTOMATIC 40mm BRONZE AND NUBUCK WATCH
23. Baume & Mercier
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founder: Louis Victor and Celeste Baume
- Founded: 1830
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Parent Company: Richemont
The luxury watch brand Baume & Mercier is associated with manufacturing premium and superior timepieces that boast perfection and mechanical mastery and are in high demand all over the world.
Every dial of the luxury watches is engraved the letter Phi hat represents the Golden ratio showing the focus of the brand towards perfection. Baume & Mercier collection includes some of the most unique designs like the Galaxie which is a rectangular timepiece studded with glittering diamonds.
The women luxury watches are equally popular amongst the female crowd as it boasts of some of the best designer watches you will ever come across.
Best watches from Baume & Mercier
- BAUME & MERCIER CLIFTON CLUB AUTOMATIC 42mm BRONZE AND LEATHER WATCH
- BAUME & MERCIER CLIFTON CHRONOGRAPH AUTOMATIC MOON PHASE WHITE DIAL MEN’S WATCH
- BAUME & MERCIER CAPELAND CHRONOGRAPH AUTOMATIC BLACK DIAL MEN’S WATCH
24. Corum
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founder: Gaston Ries and Rene Bannwart
- Founded: 1955
- Headquarters: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
The luxury watch brand Corum specializes in reliable mechanics and bold designs that are loved by serious collectors as well as luxury watch lovers alike. The Swiss watchmaker manufactures high price timepieces and is especially known for its limited number of limited editions.
Corum collections include the Admiral Cup Series which is considered a benchmark in the watchmaking industry. The luxury brand is also the manufacturer of World Series of Poker watches and a watch made from a $20 gold coin.
One of the most iconic Corum collections is the Bubble line with a sapphire glass face and bold design and available in three sizes 45mm, 35mm and 26mm. The dress watch line of the brand is Buckingham which was released in the 1960s and is available with quartz movement or ETA 7001 movement. Other notable collections include Tourbillon and Classical, Golden Bridge and Romulus.
Best watch from Corum
- CORUM ADMIRAL’S CUP LEGEND 42 MEN’S WATCH
- CORRUM BUBBLE 47 POP DE LA NUEZ MEN’S WATCH
- CORUM MEN’S ADMIRAL’S CUP TOURBILLON AUTO CHROMO GMT BLACK LEATHER GREY DIAL WATCH
25. Montblanc
- Origin Country: Germany
- Founded: 1906
- Headquarters: Hamburg, Switzerland
- Sales: 106,408.0 thousand euros (2022)
Montblanc is a German company that manufactures a wide range of luxury goods like writing implements, accessories, bags, jewellery and luxury watches. The WSJ reports that Montblanc’s sales/revenue for the fiscal year 2022 was 106,408.0 thousand euros.
The brand started manufacturing quite late and released its first offering in the year 1997. Since then the luxury brand has created an extensive range of functional, stylish and some of the most innovative smartwatches and wristwatches you will ever come across.
The Montblanc luxury brand has high-level craftsmen who with help of cutting-edge technology and high-level engineering has created an exceptional and diverse range of collections like Timewalker Collection and Summit Collection etc.
Best watch from Montblanc
- MONTBLANC MEISTERSTUCK 149 WITH A LONGINES DOLCEVITA CHRONOGRAPH
- MONTBLANC SUMMIT LITE 43mm ALUMINIUM AND NYLON SMARTWATCH
- MONTBLANC 1858 GEOSPHERE AUTOMATIC GMT 42mm TITANIUM CERAMIC AND LEATHER WATCH
26. Nordgreen
- Founder: Christian Arnstedt, Pascar Sivam and Vasilij Brandt
- Founded: 2017
- Headquarters: Denmark
- Chief designer: Jacob Wagner
Nordgreen is one of the new entrants in the industry that has made a name for itself through minimalistic designs in such a short time.
The brand has taken a modern approach to bring Nordic designs to the forefront. It has several long-lasting and affordable models in its collection in multiple sizes from 32mm for the women’s collection to 42mm for the men’s collection. The brand has launched four collections so far, with the Pioneer being one of their most successful Kickstarter launches, raising over $428,000.
All the timepieces are available in set boxes and the brand gives the option of two additional straps for a price if anyone wants to mix, match and coordinate with their outfits.
The company Nordgreen is fully carbon-neutral as it recognizes its responsibility towards mother earth and nature. If carbon is generated during the manufacturing or shipping process the brand offsets it by planting trees.
Best models from Nordgreen
- NORDGREEN THE PIONEER
- NORDGREEN NATIVE WHITE DIAL BROWN LEATHER
- NORDGREEN INFINITY MESH
27. Vincero
- Origin Country: United States of America
- Founded: 2014
Another new entrant in the market that has made a name for itself as one of the best watch brands in the world is Vincero. The young upstart is behind some of the affordable luxury watches you will ever find.
The brand Vincero has released designer watches that are considered exceptional and stylish by both modern and traditional timepiece lovers.
The manufacturer uses quartz movements made by distinguished companies like Seiko and Citizen in its watches. This way it can put the onus on designing the outside and creating some of the finest and most beautiful premium watches
The premium company has been regular in its efforts of releasing new models that are both an amalgamation of modern and timelessness. At the onset, Vincero chose large dials for the watches but the newer models are more conservative. The brand prefers to design everything in-house, manufacture watches in small batches and ship the timepieces directly to the customer.
Best products from Vincero
- VINCERO ICON AUTOMATIC With BLACK DIAL AND BLACK ITALIAN LEATHER STRAP (best dress watch)
- VINCERO AYA PETIT IN GOLD AND JET BLACK
- VINCERO THE KAIROS MESH SILVER/GREEN
28. Rado
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founder: Fritz, Ernst and Werner Schlup
- Founded: 1917
- Headquarters: Geneva Switzerland
Rado is one of the top luxury brands associated with manufacturing and selling high quality and elegant watches to premium clients. The Swiss watchmaking company is popular all over the world for its high-quality collection of ceramic watches as very few companies use the material in their timepieces.
The luxury brand uses plasma high-tech ceramic in both matte and metallic finish along with a wide range of colours to create a durable and lightweight timepiece that is simply awesome to look at. Rado luxury watches have a distinct look because of clean lines and minimalistic silhouettes.
Some notable Rado Collection includes Rado Green Horse in 1957, Captain Cook in 1962, a dive watch meant for deep-sea drivers, athletes and engineers and The Elegance in 1975 with an eight-sided aperture.
Rado DiaStar was released in the year 1962 and was the first scratchproof watch crafted from hard metal. 1984 was the year when the brand introduced Rado Anatom, a timepiece that could mould to the wrist of the wearer for maximum wearer comfort.
In the year 2021 Rado has released Le Corbusier, a premium timepiece collection in nine colours that has cemented the manufacturer’s place in the industry as the best luxury brand once again
Best models from Rado
- RADO MEN’S CAPTAIN COOK SWISS AUTOMATIC WATCH WITH RUBBER STRAP BLACK
- RADO QUARTZ WATCH WITH CERAMIC STRAP BLACK
- RADO WOMEN’S TRUE PLASMA HIGH-TECH CERAMIC TITANIUM AUTOMATIC WATCH STRAP
29. Bulgari
- Origin Country: Italy
- Founder: Sotirios Voulgaris
- Founded: 1884
- Headquarters: Rome, Italy
- Parent Company: LVMH
The Italian company Bulgari is one of the best luxury watch brands associated with the retail industry. It is known for manufacturing, designing, marketing and selling premium fragrances, jewellery, accessories, leather goods and watches.
The iconic brand is quite popular in the watch industry because of symmetrical fashion creations in rich colours, bold styles and vivid designs. The company is dependent on Bulgari Haute Horlogerie SA, a subsidiary for watch production.
The watch brand has put the onus on impeccable quality to attract and maintain a premium and elite client list. There are several notable collections and models from the brand like BVLGARI BVLGARI, OCTO, HAUTE HORLOGERIE and DIAGONA for men and SERPENTI and BVLGARI BVLGARI for women.
The Serpenti Collection from Bulgari has received high accolades since its launch in the year 1940s. The snake-like designs of luxury timepieces gained instant stardom and fame amongst watch lovers. It is one of the best-selling items of the brand and is released in several model types
Best products from Bulgari
- BULGARI BVLGARI MANUFACTURE MOVEMENT AUTOMATIC
- BULGARI DIAGONO MAGNESIUM DG 42 SMC CHRONOGRAPH GRAY DIAL
- BULGARI OCTO FINISSIMO EXTRA THIN GREY
30. Maurice Lacroix
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founded: 1975
- Based: Canton of Jura
- Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
- Revenue: 35 million francs (2022)
Maurice Lacroix is one of the most coveted luxury watch brands for men in the world. It is one of the brands that believe in in-house manufacturing so that it can pay attention to every single detail minutely. According to a Bloomberg article from April 2022, Maurice Lacroix is among the top 50 Swiss watch brands, with annual revenue of about 35 million francs and selling about 70,000 watches.
The motif M is easily recognizable amongst luxury watch lovers as it symbolizes premium quality and high standards.
Maurice Lacroix is a brand that has put the onus on innovation and perfection. It has been the recipient of several honours and awards over the years like the Golden Unruh for ML128 calibre, an innovative watch where the wearer can switch between the Chrono and time function easily.
The Les Mecaniques / Masterpiece Collection includes heritage movements and high standard models. The brand has collaborated with several famous personalities over the years like Orlando Duque, Justin Rose and Jimmy Wales. It is the official watch partner of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series and FC Barcelona.
Best watch from Maurice Lacroix
- MAURICE LACROIX SMARTWATCH
- MAURICE LACROIX MASTERPIECE RESERVE DE MARCHE AUTOMATIC WATCH WHITE
- MAURICE LACROIX MEN’S RACING CONCEPT WATCH WITH DUAL TIME ORIGINAL WATCHES FOR MEN CASUAL WRIST QUARTZ WATCH
31. Roger Dubuis
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founder: Roger Dubuis and Carlos Dias
- Founded:1995
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Parent: Richemont
Roger Dubuis is one of the best luxury brands associated with the watchmaking industry. The Swiss manufacturer has aligned intricate mechanics with avant-garde style to create dazzling collections that have managed to impress timepiece lovers and connoisseurs alike.
Roger Dubuis believes in taking innovative new paths and challenge set norms to create something different and extraordinary. This thinking is reflected in his timepieces which have managed to grab the eyeballs of its clients. The brand has created Calibres from titanium, gold and diamonds along with new materials like cobalt, ceramic and carbon.
Some of the brand’s notable collections and model includes the ground-breaking Excalibur Diabolus with a minute repeater that will chime the time as soon as the button is pressed, the Velvet Collections and the motorsport watches after collaborating with Pirelli and Lamborghini.
Best models from Roger Dubuis:
- ROGER DUBUIS VELVET AUTOMATIC DIAMOND WHITE DIAL
- ROGER DUBUIS LA MONEGASQUE GREY DIAL BLACK ALLIGATOR LEATHER MEN’S WATCH
- ROGER DUBUIS EXCALIBUR SKELETON DIAL MEN’S HAND-WOUND WATCH
32. Tiffany & Co
- Origin Country: United States of America
- Founder: Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B Young
- Founded: 1837
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, U.S.
- Parent: LVMH
- Revenue: $11.35 billion(2022)
Tiffany & Co. is a luxury retailer that is associated with Jewelry, china, sterling silver, crystal, water bottles, leather goods and watches. In 2022, LVMH, the parent company of Tiffany & Co., reported record revenue growth in its jewelry and watch category. The revenue from this segment climbed 18% to $11.35 billion.
The premium brand Tiffany & Co. is synonymous with glamour and is a favourite of celebrities all over the globe. The manufacturer had a patent for using luminous paint for the watch numerals and hands until the year 1903 and has created innumerable flawless pieces that are in alignment with the best material and craftsmanship.
Tiffany & Co. has several models both for men and women customers. The eye-catching slim and sleek designs for the woman’s label have a timeless feel. The manufacturer offers all the products in a legendary blue box that has become as important and famous as its timepieces.
Best models from Tiffany
- TIFFANY & CO WATCH ATLAS DOME AUTOMATIC
- TIFFANY & CO ATLAS COCKTAIL
- TIFFANY & CO 34mm STEEL BLUE DIAMOND DIAL
33. Seiko
- Origin Country: Japan
- Founder: Kintarö Hattori
- Founded: 1881
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Parent: Seiko Group
- Owner: Hattori family
- Revenue: $2.2 billion USD (2022)
The Japanese-origin Seiko is one of the best luxury watch brands in the market that manufactures optical products, jewelry, electronic devices, clocks, and watches. The amazing brand is known for introducing one of the first quartz wristwatches of the earth along with a quartz watch with a chronograph complication. Seiko Group Corporation’s revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 was 239,150 million Japanese yen, which is equivalent to approximately $2.2 billion USD.
Seiko is one of the favorite brands of collectors as the product portfolio includes premium timepieces that are considered even better than some of the top-grade Swiss models. Seiko has timepieces for both men and women and is one of the best manufacturers of quartz and dive watches.
Best models from Seiko:
- SEIKO GRAND SEIKO
- SEIKO PROSPEX
- SEIKO SAMURAI
34. Tudor
- Origin Country: Switzerland
- Founder: Hans Wilsdorf
- Founded: 1926
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Parent: Hans Wilsdorf Foundation
Tudor is one of the top luxury watch brands that is also known as the sister brand of Rolex. The Swiss manufacturer is associated with the watchmaking industry and is quite popular for manufacturing tool watches and timepieces for military and professional divers.
The mid-range prestigious label offers durable and contemporary timepieces that have excellent value and some of the best styles and designs you will ever find. The brand’s slogan Born to Dare is exactly what defines the manufacturer as it has some of the best bold functional watches in its collection.
Some of the notable names associated with Tudor are Lady Gaga and David Beckham. The brand has been the timekeeper at the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens in the United States.
Best Products from Tudor
- TUDOR BLACK BAY CERAMIC
- TUDOR SUBMARINER ((water-resistant)
- TUDOR PELAGOS (water-resistant dive watch)
35. Gucci
- Origin Country: Italy
- Founder: Guccio Gucci
- Founded: 1921
- Headquarters: Florence, Italy
- Revenue: €10.5 billion (2022)
Gucci is an Italian fashion house dealing in luxury products like ready-to-wear, handbags, footwear, home decoration as well as luxury watches. The premium brand has aligned Italian craftsmanship with innovative styling to manufacturing some of the best timepieces on the earth. Gucci’s 2022 revenue amounted to €10.5 billion, with watches and jewelry accounting for 5% of the total revenue.
The iconic fashion label started creating luxury watches in the year 1997 by making sure that all the models boast perfection and precision. The brand name Gucci markets three categories fashion, sport and classic watches with every single piece being unique and distinct in its own right.
Best models from Gucci:
- GUCCI G TIMELESS QUARTZ
- GUCCI GRIP 21mm PVD-PLATED AND MOTHER-OF-PEARL WATCH
- GUCCI PLEXIGLASS AND GOLD-TOME WATCH
Conclusion
The most popular luxury watch brand manufacturers around the globe are Swiss, German, French, Japanese and American amongst which the watches of Switzerland are considered the most precious. Besides the origin of the brand, it is also important to look at the history, quality, value retention, technology, price, design and prestige in the global market.
If you are interested in a premium designer watch brand then make sure that the timepiece is synonymous with wealth and luxury.
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Kevin A Phone Repair Guy says
You forgot Apple at #1. They sell more watches than all the other 20. Which of those companies makes $5 billion like Apple Watch?
Mike says
Apple at #1 ?? With all due respect the “Apple Watch” is more of a wrist computer that also tells time. This article is about watches and not wrist computers that will be obsolete a couple years after they are made.
J says
What about Hamilton?