Watches have been more than just a timepiece to be worn around the wrist. They are a symbol of one’s personal style and taste and are now the most favourite accessory to be worn by people ever since they have been invented. They used to represent the high class and status of a person and even today, one can be easily distinguished from the rest by the type of watch one is wearing.
A good watch is work of art. The more pieces contained in a watch, the more accuracy it provides. Even the most renowned watchmaking companies manufacture handcrafted watches due to the high level of accuracy and precision they offer. Such watches, therefore, comprise of the most expensive collection.
There are many brands that offer priceless timepieces and come under the category of luxury brands, while there are some under medium price range. Gold plated watches, diamond watches and many others are just a few examples of how watches have evolved over time. Let’s find out the best brands that offer such valuable timepieces.
1. Audemars Piguet
Established in 1875, this Swiss brand manufactures ultra-luxury watches which are highly complex in designs. It was founded by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet, this is one of the oldest watch brands and offers the most high-end watches.
Audemars Piguet produces 36,000 luxurious timepieces every year. This company is known to have designed the first steel luxury sports watch. The Royal Oak collection of this brand represents around 45% of the global sales. With its timeless, elegant timepieces, this watch brand is undoubtedly the best.
Patek Philippe & Co.
The elite timepieces offered by this brand are exceptional. They boast their own standard of complexity and intricate craftsmanship. Founded in 1851 in no other place than Switzerland, this brand has defined royalty for many decades.
Patek Philippe watches were previously worn by the most dignified and noble men. Even now, it reflects its own class and status symbol with its modern yet classy watch collection. From the rarely of the colours of its dials to its platinum cases, the whole process is an art. The accuracy of the watch cannot be missed, which a result of about 1035 people working on a single timepiece!
Vacheron Constantin
Jean-Marc Vacheron founded this brand in 1755 in Geneva, Switzerland. It is a brand of the Richemont Group and is an active member of Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH. The motto of the company, “Do better if possible and that is always possible” has the words of Francois Constantin and has inspired many.
The watches of Vacheron Constantin carry their heritage with them. The first chronograph was introduced by the brand in 1917 which is still a classic piece. The Kallista, which is worth $11 million today, was designed in 1979. It is popular for the 118 emerald-cut diamonds that embellish the priceless watch. Along with many other watches like this, the brand remains one of the top ones throughout the world.
Blancpain
Jehan-Jacques Blancpain was the founder of this Swiss company which was established in 1735. It is a subsidiary of the Swatch group and offers a wide range of designs. It has undergone a lot of development to grow in the modern era and now offers many state-of-the-art designs.
It offers both simple and stylish designs in its collection which are suited for all types of customers. The company has never produced quartz watches and states that it never will. Unlike Rolex, which produces about 2,000 watched per day, Blancpain only produces about 30 watches in a day, each by a single watchmaker. It also produced the world’s smallest watch in 1984 and world’s thinnest watch in 1989.
Ulysse Nardin
It has been in production since 1846, when it was founded by Ulysse Nardin in Le Locle, Switzerland. The brand has gained much respect in the watchmaking industry because of its highly accurate marine chronometers, for which it has also got many gold medals and awards. The brand also specialises in writing instruments and accessories due to their unique, distinctive design.
The first advancement of the company was the launch of its collection, “Trilogy of Time”, in 1985. It consisted of three different timepieces. Alongside this collection, a watch named Astrolabium Galileo Galilei was launched which was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the most functional watch, including 21 different functions. With more advancements made with time, Ulysse Nardin made its way to the top among other luxury watch brands.
Rolex
Counted among the most popular international brands, Rolex is the world’s largest single luxury watch brand. Founded in London in 1905, it soon moved its base to Geneva, Switzerland in the year 1919. It is the counted amongst the most powerful global brands and is known to produce 2,000 watches per day, which is higher than any other watchmaking company. However, all the watches are handcrafted.
The brand has been known for its popular innovations over the years, like the first waterproof watch “Oyster” in 1926, first watch with an automatic date changing mechanism in 1945 and many others. Its watches are said to be working from the top of the world to the bottom of the ocean. Counted amongst the luxury brands, it offers both traditional and contemporary designs to the world.
Chopard
Chopard is not only known for its incomparable timepieces, but also for its valuable and exquisite jewellery. Founded in 1860 by Swiss watchmaker Louis-Ulysse Chopard, the brand was only known for making women’s watches and pocket watches. Today, it is an empire, manufacturing sophisticated timepieces and jewellery.
The modernised designs of the watches and great detailing make them one of a kind. With great timepieces delivered every now and then, Chopard has become a world-class luxury brand today, which its own class of phenomenal watches.
IWC Schaffhausen
Established in 1868, the International Watch Company is a Swiss company, located in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. However, it was founded by an American engineer and watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones.
Known for its amazing engineering and craftsmanship, the company has brought into light many marvelous timepieces. The best material is used in crafting the priceless watches, which is a symbol of its authenticity. The company produces watches of all price ranges and styles, the best ones being in the high-end range. The specialty of the company is that it is capable of repairing its watches from every era.
9. Panerai
Panerai is a Swiss watchmaking brand, originally founded in Florence, Italy by Giovanni Panerai. Offering simple yet bold styles, Panerai maintains its customers throughout the world.
The company has four lines of watches, named Contemporary, Historic, Manifattura and Special Editions. It produces fewer watches as either limited or special editions to maintain its exclusivity. Thus, the company targets all types of styles to the world.
Omega
Chosen as official timekeepers by Britain’s Royal Flying Corps for its units, Omega was founded in 1903 by Louis Brandt. The Swiss company has been very popular among the world and was also the choice of NASA to make it the first watch to reach the moon in 1969.
The brand focuses on keeping its timepieces very precise and observes trials for the same. Its rich and fine collection offers a bold and simple look, making it among the top watchmaking brands in the world.
Cartier
It is undoubtedly one of the most exemplary watch and jewellery line. Founded by French watchmaker Louis Cartier, it one of the renowned watch brands in the world. It offers iconic designs with a classic distinction offered by its roman numerals on the dial. The expensive material used in the making of the company flaunts itself.
This luxury brand is worth the cost.
Bell & Ross
Founded by Bruno Belamich and Carlos A. Rosillo, this French watchmaking company has achieved heights since its establishment in 1992. The designs of these watches are influenced by the cockpit instruments of an aircraft.
The phenomenal designs are results of four basic principles: optimal water resistance, highly accurate Swiss mechanical movements, clear visual indicators like that of aircraft instruments and special functions for specific uses. The unique timepieces have acquired a lot of appreciation throughout the world.
TAG Heuer
Producing eyewear, mobile phones and accessories, this brand also excels in manufacturing world-class watches. Founded in Switzerland by Edouard Heuer in 1860, this luxury brand had patented its chronograph and special “oscillating pinion” back in the year1882 and 1887, respectively.
The current lines in watchmaking are Formula One, Aquaracer, Link, Carrera, Monaco, Connected and Grand Carrera. Although TAG Heuer is a luxury brand, it is also very popular for its sporty collection.
Seiko
Standing as a Japanese brand among several Swiss brands, Seiko is based in Tokyo and was founded in 1881. It offers both quartz and mechanical watches which speak aloud in both style and accuracy. Counted among the luxury brands of the world, Seiko has also expanded in the fields of eyewear, jewellery and printers as well.
Tissot
Tissot is a Swiss watchmaking company founded in the year 1853 and is a subsidiary of the Swatch Group. It has been an official timekeeper of multiple sports events including MotoGP, ice hockey, NASCAR, etc. It offers numerous watch models both for men and women alike and is also among the top luxury brands.
There are many other brands which bring a wonderful collection of watches in all price ranges. Some examples are Guess, Rado, Tommy Hilfiger, etc. which are international brands and offer a multitude of designs and styles. Finding one to reflect your personality is up to you.
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