A watch isn’t just a tool to measure time. It’s an accessory to complement your style and personality. Some people might not care about the quality, precision, and craftsmanship of the watch they wear, but others most certainly do.
A luxury watch is something everyone will notice, and investing in a timeless piece will almost always pay off.
In this article, we’re going to review some of the best luxury watches on the market. And since choosing the right watch can be a tough choice, we’re sharing a buyer’s guide to help you make the right decision.
Comparison Chart
Best Luxury Watches Reviews
Tag Heuer Men’s WAZ111A Formula 1
This watch is a powerful combination of style, quality, and outdoor leisure. It’s one of the best luxury watches for any man who loves to keep himself active while maintaining a certain style and professionalism.
Product Highlights
If you want a premium quality Swiss-made watch, Tag Heuer is the company to go with. They make exceptional luxury watches, and the Formula 1 series is one of their bestselling offerings.
This particular model is a timeless piece that features a brushed stainless steel case, front and back. Size-wise, the 41mm diameter is the industry standard for men’s watches. The folding clasp buckle is also steel.
The movement type is Quartz Swiss, and the dial is black with opaline finishing. The case also contains a type of synthetic sapphire that will ensure your Tag Heuer is protected from chipping, scratching or any kind of visible damage.
What We Like
It’s difficult to pinpoint the best features of this watch because we like almost everything about it. This is a statement piece that’s not only durable and a great investment, but it’s also super stylish.
The black dial truly adds something to the otherwise minimalistic design. We also love that it’s water-resistant up to 200m, which means you never have to worry about water getting in and damaging it.
What We Don’t Like
As mentioned, it’s not easy to find fault, but if we had to pick something, it would be the alarm feature. There can be a six-hour delay when setting the alarm, which could bother some people. And you need to go through a complicated adjustment process to fix it.
Pros
- Great value
- Excellent water-resistance
- Suitable for all styles
- Synthetic sapphire protection
Cons
Complicated alarm feature
Read our in-depth review of Tag Heuer Men’s WAZ111A Formula 1 Watch.
Rolex Explorer II 216570
Rolex is synonymous with luxury watches. This particular model is an updated version of the Rolex Explorer II 16570 that has been very popular over the years.
It has received a lot of praise and is currently one of the best luxury watches in its category.
Product Highlights
The case (42mm in diameter) and bracelet are of brushed stainless steel. The dial window material type is sapphire crystal, so you know you’ll never have to worry about scratches or dents.
The dial color is white, making this already superbly elegant watch even more prominent and luxurious. And it’s quite easy to read it too, as everything is clear and symmetrical.
The movement type is Swiss Automatic, which is the standard you expect from Rolex. It also has the recognizable Oyster bracelet that sits so comfortably on your wrist.
What We Like
The Rolex Explorer has the lumen feature, which means it will glow in the dark, and that’s something that comes in handy quite a lot.
But one of the best things about this piece is that the automatic movements make it easy to adjust. You can move the dial as much as you want without damaging any of the mechanism.
We simply love the style and craftsmanship that comes with a watch like this. It’s both a statement piece that you can wear on any special occasion, and an everyday watch to wear to the office or for a round of golf.
What We Don’t Like
The water-resistant feature could definitely be better. While you’re not likely to dive below 100m with your Rolex, it would be nice to withstand better water pressure.
The price tag is also something you might not like – but this is a Rolex, after all.
Pros
- Swiss automatic
- Beautiful dial
- Sapphire protection
- Oyster bracelet
Cons
Low water-resistant feature
Read our detailed review of Rolex Explorer II 216570.
Movado Men’s 605023 Juro Watch
If you’re keen to stick with an American brand that makes luxury watches, Movado might just be the right choice for you. This particular model is the epitome of classiness and is a phenomenal option for formal occasions.
Product Highlights
Movado is the company that pushes the narrative of always “staying in motion.” And busy people certainly stay in motion with their Juro stainless steel watch.
This is an especially fantastic piece if you’re not a fan of big and bulky watches, but still love minimalism and stainless steel. The case diameter is 36mm, which puts it in the category of smaller watches.
It has a premium and super precise Swiss-quartz movement, so you can expect maximum accuracy.
Another prominent feature is the all-black dial that doesn’t have any numbers, except for the 12 o’clock index. This makes its design unique and sure to catch everyone’s eye. Plus, it does have the brand logo at the bottom.
What We Like
Apart from the design that makes it stand out and the quality of the build, we also love the price tag. You can purchase this piece for an amount which isn’t a lot of money for luxury watches.
But it’s still more than enough to make sure you’re getting an exceptional watch. We also love the fact that this is the type of watch that demands attention but is understated at the same time.
What We Don’t Like
While it’s truly well-made, the Movado Juro stainless steel watch still has some faults. The water-resistant feature, for example, is definitely insufficient.
It can sustain 30m of pressure and no more than that. Also, the size might be perfect for some. But in many ways, this watch is too small for most men.
Pros
- Unique design
- For formal occasions
- Deployment clasp
- Affordable
Cons
Too small for some
TAG Heuer Men’s Formula 1 Rubber Strap Watch
The TAG Heuer Formula 1 luxury watch line is of a quality that can’t be overstated. This particular model features their bestselling case with a rubber strap. It’s meant to accentuate the outdoorsy lifestyle of anyone who chooses to wear it.
Product Highlights
Rubber straps are probably not something you associate with luxury watches. But the Swiss company Tag Heuer has managed to create a truly spectacular piece that you’ll never want to take off.
Their flagship case is 43mm in diameter and features the Swiss-quartz type of movement. You can also expect exceptional water-resistant capacity from this model – 200m which is more than many items in this category.
The straps are made from perforated rubber, which means it has excellent moisture-wicking properties and is excellent for any kind of outdoor activity.
It’s also much easier to maintain. The price tag for this model is slightly lower than it would be with a stainless steel watch.
What We Like
We love the black dial and all the details this watch has. It has index hour markers and Arabic numerals at 12 o’clock. It also has a calendar which is important for anyone who stays busy.
Overall, the weight of this watch is substantial, but the rubber band takes away a few ounces, which people on the go will appreciate.
What We Don’t Like
Some buyers will see the rubber straps as a major advantage due to practicality and easier maintenance. And they’ll welcome the discount price. Others will look at it and feel like that just doesn’t say “luxury.” Ultimately, that is a matter of opinion.
Pros
- Practical rubber straps
- Very durable
- Functional dial
- Great size and weight
Cons
Rubber straps aren’t for everyone
Emporio Armani AR2448 Dress Watch
Rarely does anything feel more premium in terms of style than Italian design, especially when discussing Armani luxury watches.
This dress watch is a perfect choice for any occasion. The style is recognizable and timeless and it’s a wonderful accessory to any outfit.
Product Highlights
This Chronograph stainless steel Emporio Armani watch is a match of elegance and sportiness. What you get with this piece is a style that never goes out of fashion.
The blue dial color is unique, and the date is displayed between the four o’clock and five o’clock mark. Armani’s logo is at the 12 o’clock mark, which gives it that premium feel most people are searching for.
The case diameter is 41mm, which makes it the standard size. The straps are also stainless steel, but not too wide, and suitably sized to complement the case. For such a luxury watch, the price isn’t as high as you might expect.
What We Like
We absolutely love how versatile this watch is in terms of what you can pair it with. It will go great with your business suit and your khakis while you’re enjoying some leisure time.
It also features the screw-down crown and has the shock-resistant property that’s so much appreciated.
What We Don’t Like
As most luxury pieces with a lower price tag, the water-resistant property isn’t that great. But you should also keep in mind that Armani has outsourced manufacturing for movements to Japan and parts to China. So, if you want the in-house build, this isn’t the right watch for you.
Pros
- Timeless design
- Great price
- Shock resistant
- Not too heavy
Cons
Outsourced parts
Tag Heuer Aquaracer Chronograph Watch
Tag Heuer’s Aquaracer has been around for almost two decades. Best-known for its bold style and accuracy, this is one of the most popular Tag Heuer pieces, outside of the Formula 1 series.
Product Highlights
Both the case and the bracelet are made from stainless steel which makes the watch sleek and stylish. But it also means it’s very durable and an excellent choice for people who don’t want to worry about damaging their expensive watch.
But the most important thing to point out about this piece is that it’s meant to be a dive watch. In terms of water-resistant properties, it’s pretty impressive and has a 300m rating.
Still, it’s a bit heavier than most dive watches and less comfortable. The movement type is automatic and holds the 45-year legacy from the brand. It boasts an impressive eight beats per second and is incredibly accurate.
What We Like
Another impressive attribute of the Aquaracer is that is has a 40-hour power reserve. After you take it off your wrist, it will hold the energy for another 40 hours before you put it back.
But keep in mind that the accuracy will decrease the longer it’s off your wrist. Another good thing about this piece is the attractive price. You can get it for $901.88.
What We Don’t Like
Perhaps some could find fault in the Aquaracer that it doesn’t exactly fit into any category to the full. It’s a heavy dive watch, but it’s also not as luxurious as some TAG Heuer items. On the other hand, that’s exactly what some buyers will like about it.
Pros
- Automatic movement
- Chronograph accuracy
- 40-hour power reserve
- Dive watch
Cons
Not too comfortable
TAG Heuer Quartz
TAG Heuer has several product lines that are perhaps better known than the Quartz series, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth mentioning. In fact, some of the models in the Link series represent exactly the type of luxury build they’re looking for.
Product Highlights
Looks might be a little deceiving when it comes to this particular TAG Heuer model. That’s because it appears smaller than it really is. In fact, it has a 42mm case diameter, which is the industry average.
The case and the bracelet are made from stainless steel, and the dial is black. It features the always accurate Swiss quartz movement, and it also shows the accurate date at all times.
The buckle is the folding clasp and quite easy to use. The overall feel of the watch is comfortable and it’s the exact weight you’d expect from such a luxury watch.
What We Like
In truth, one of the best things about this piece is that it’s unassuming yet incredibly elegant. But it’s also durable and one of the best investments you can make. It’s a perfect gift too, because it’s the type of watch everyone will likely find appealing.
What We Don’t Like
While it’s not as expensive as some luxury watches in the same category, it’s still a bit expensive – the standing price might be too steep for some buyers.
Pros
- Elegant
- Excellent accuracy
- Understated
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
Higher price tag
Buyer’s Guide
Everyone loves the idea of having a gorgeous luxury watch on their wrist. But choosing the right model isn’t always as straightforward as picking the most expensive one.
So, we’ve created a guide that will help you better determine what sort of luxury watch you should be looking for.
Quality
Of course, quality is the most important factor when choosing a luxury watch. But what exactly constitutes quality?
We’re going to list several features that you should pay particular attention to. And talk about what’s the safest route to take to minimize making a mistake.
Weight
When it comes to the best luxury watches, heavy is always better. A high-quality luxury watch is going to feel heavy in your hands and will convey a sense of reliability.
This might seem like a somewhat unusual standard to determine quality, but it has long been the case with watches.
The fact is that there are a lot of tiny components that go into an expensive watch, and they take up plenty of space.
So, if the watch feels more like a toy than something that could turn into a family heirloom, it’s probably not that well-made.
Movement
Movement is something that’s always brought up when discussing the best luxury watches in the world. And wristwatch enthusiasts will know exactly why that is.
However, if you’re a first-time buyer, you’ll likely not familiar with how the movement determines the quality of the watch. The movement is how the watch ticks, the type of mechanism used that makes it work. You can also look at it as the “engine” of a watch.
But there are different types of movements. The most popular type is quartz. It’s an incredibly accurate mechanism and the one that’s widely used all over the world.
A tiny piece of quartz pushes the movements inside a quartz watch. These types of watches are battery powered and have been around since the 1970s.
The other type you might come across is the mechanical movement. In the old days, these used to be the type of watches that were wound up manually. But today, they’re all automatic and use kinetic energy as power; every time you move your wrist, the watch receives energy and stays powered. As you might expect, the mechanical or automatic movement is found in some of the best luxury watches and also most expensive. They require more craftsmanship too.
Accuracy
If your watch isn’t accurate, what is it good for? And if you’re going to spend a substantial amount of money on a luxury watch, then you’d expect immaculate accuracy and precision. But how relevant is accuracy when it comes to determining the quality of your luxury watch?
Both quartz and mechanical watches have excellent reputation for accuracy. But quartz have set a higher standard for it – that much is true. The oscillation in the watch and the quartz that’s been carefully cut are the reason why you can get exceptional accuracy with watches with this type of movement.
And if accuracy is your number one concern, then a quartz watch is an obvious choice. But it’s not like mechanical watches are going to show you the wrong time of day. However, even the best mechanical watches could lose about 30 seconds per week.
That might not seem like a big deal to some, but when every second counts, it could be a deal-breaker. But if your heart is set on a mechanical watch and you’re ready to pay big bucks for the absolute best accuracy, you should probably consider the Swiss-made brands.
They have been tested on chronometers in Switzerland. These devices ensure that your mechanical watch accurate within 10 seconds.
Size
Even though the size of the watch you choose is entirely a matter of your own personal taste, there are a few guidelines you can abide by. First, does size indicate better quality?
Not necessary, that’s more to do with weight in proportion to the size. Some of the most expensive and best luxury watches come in all sizes. The main factor in determining which size you should go with is the circumference of your wrist.
The wider the wrist, the bigger the watch should be. At least, that’s the standard. You also need to keep in mind that a leather strap will likely make the watch look smaller, and steel straps will make it look bulkier.
The medium size for men is around 40-42mm, whereas a smaller category would be around 36-39mm. But in most cases, the size of the watch will vary depending on the type of occasion the watch is meant for.
For example, dive watches, pilot watches, and field watches are going to range around specific sizes. When it comes to dress watches, or luxury watches, they’re usually not too big or bulky.
But they do come in different sizes and with versatile strap options. And with luxury watches it’s all about proportion and style and what the watch represents for you.
Straps
Without a doubt, one of the most crucial factors in choosing which luxury watch you’re going to put on your wrist is the quality and the material of the strap.
And that makes a lot of sense too because you’re going to wear your watch most of the time. Therefore, it needs to feel comfortable and look great. The two most common types of materials used for luxury watches are leather and stainless steel.
Leather Straps
It’s difficult to find any argument against leather straps, especially when we’re talking about fine leather that’s used to make luxury watches.
Apart from not being to some people’s taste, the only significant disadvantage of leather straps is that they require more maintenance. You need to care for leather straps and clean them diligently. That way, you’ll avoid cracking and promote much needed elasticity.
But let’s focus on why leather straps are an excellent choice for a luxury watch. Not only do they look refined and sophisticated, but they also provide more flexibility in color and style. And if your leather strap does break eventually, it’s much easier to replace it.
The luxurious leather straps are incredibly soft and will feel comfortable and light on your wrist. Plus, leather will adapt to the shape of your wrist over time, ensuring for the perfect fit.
In terms of leather quality, the most common type of leather is cowhide. But some of the best luxury watches also use crocodile, ostrich, and even shark hides.
Stainless Steel Straps
There’s something so unique and captivating about the stainless steel metal straps that many luxury watches feature. The sleek, glossy, heavy-weight feel is one of the main reasons why so many people choose them.
And it’s not just about how they look, either. Stainless steel straps are a much better option for people who like to stay active. They’re less prone to damage when they come in contact with water too.
Overall, they’re the durable option because you’re not going to need to replace them at all. The stainless steel strap might be less versatile in style, compared to the leather strap. But it too comes in different varieties.
Rolex has popularized the now well-known Oyster bracelet. It has three links with different design and is one of the most popular types of stainless steel straps.
Other luxurious options include the President watch bracelet and Jubilee. However, the metal bracelet isn’t perfect. And the most frequent complaint is that it’s simply too heavy.
Especially for use every day. And while heaviness is a sign of quality in luxury watches, for some, they’ll only be an option for special occasions.
Water-Resistance
Many watches are advertised as water-resistant, even the really cheap brands. And all luxury watches boast water-resistance features. But what does that mean exactly?
The most important thing to remember is not to get carried away with something that can be construed as a marketing trick.
Water-resistant isn’t the same as waterproof. In fact, only a few watches in the world are waterproof, and even the best luxury watches can only claim water-resistant properties up to a point.
The relevant measure to watch out for is the ATM which represents a unit of atmosphere. And 1 ATM is close to about 30ft.
The higher the ATM rating, the more pressure your high-end watch can sustain underwater. You can consider your luxury watch to have exceptional water-resistant property if it has around 20 ATM rating, and the lowest should be 5 ATM.
Price
A fine luxury watch is a status symbol. But unless you’re very wealthy, you’re going to check the price tag first before you get into researching a particular watch.
And that makes a lot of sense because what’s considered a luxury watch can be a piece that’s under $1,000 or something that costs $100,000.
That’s a serious price range. Even within the same brand, you can find these enormous differences. So, it all comes down to how much you want to spend.
You can have a decent high-end watch for a couple of thousands of dollars, but a more significant investment might range around $10,000 or more.
Value Retention
Next, let’s talk about value retention with watches. For some, this might not be a big a deal, especially if they have many luxury watches.
But for others, this is a one-time major investment and choosing a watch that will hold its value matters. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this might only apply to exclusive and ultra-expensive pieces that might even gain value over time.
In most cases, the value will decrease, as it does with most things, even luxury items. Investing in a brand name is always better than going with the lesser-known alternative, regardless of the price tag. This is because brand names guarantee a certain level of quality.
Where You Buy It Matters
Luxury watches, however valuable, aren’t difficult to find nowadays. In fact, there are so many choices on the market, that it can be difficult figuring out where to shop.
Besides, fake luxury watches can often have an uncanny resemblance to an original, so it can be quite tricky. That’s why in the world of luxury jewelry and wristwatches, where you buy them from matters a lot.
Whether you’re choosing to buy online or in person, it’s best to go with a reputable dealer. Always do your research and you can even take a professional watchmaker along with you to inspect the watch. Especially if you’re planning on spending a lot of money on a single piece.
FAQs
How to Clean Luxury Watch
You can separate cleaning your luxury watch in two different, but equally important stages. The first is day-to-day maintenance.
To avoid excessive accumulation of dirt, use a soft cloth to wipe your watch gently. Get into all the crevices you can, as well as the buckle. If you have a leather strap, use a little oil to keep it supple and less prone to breaking.
The deep cleaning is the other stage, and that’s something you do every once in a while. With metal straps, a nice soapy soak is a great solution.
Most luxury watches are water-resistant and can withstand this without any issues. However, a damp cloth and toothbrush are another possible solution.
Luxury Watch: Quartz vs. Automatic
The type of movement your luxury watch uses is something most buyers decide on first. There are many advantages for both options.
And regardless of the impressive accuracy of the quartz watches, the automatic or mechanical watches still set the industry standard. They require more skill to produce and are usually more expensive.
Another advantage of the automatic is that all the parts are made in-house. At the same time, quartz brands need to outsource for the material.
You could argue that battery-powered quartz is inferior to the kinetic energy that automatic watches use, but that’s not a real issue for most.
Ultimately, this comes down to a matter of prestige. And how much you care about the accuracy and quality of the build.
Final Verdict
TAG Heuer has cracked the code of making luxury watches of extreme quality at an affordable price.
That’s no small feat, and that’s why their pieces are so immensely popular and sold worldwide. The TAG Heuer Men’s Formula 1 is the winner among the best luxury watches. And that goes both the stainless steel and rubber band option too.
It’s the same quality, water-resistant rating, and overall style, but with a choice of different straps. It’s durable, accurate, versatile, and will last a long time. The runner-up is the Movado Juro because of its unique style, quality and competitive price tag.