To some people, a watch is a watch, and just something they need to be able to tell what time it is.
For others, a watch is a statement piece of jewelry, something to be desired and coveted. If you are looking for a regular watch, this article isn’t for you.
But, if you are looking for a wearable work of art that offers precision craftsmanship and incredible style, you may be interested in learning more about some of the best luxury watch brands in the world.
Today, we are going to take a look at 10 of those luxury watch brands. Let’s get started.
Best Luxury Watch Brands
Lange & Sohne
One of the best watch brands you are going to find anywhere in the world is Lange & Sohne. This is a company that has been at it since the mid-1800’s, so you know they know what they are doing when it comes to classic, luxurious timepieces.
In fact, watches from Lange & Sohne are considered by many to be a great technical achievement.
Each watch from this company uses a large-sized mechanical movement, which with the exception of some of their limited edition watches, are all created in-house.
Many of the cases are made from platinum or shades of gold, and the faces have a Teutonic appearance.
Arnold & Son
Arnold is better known as John Arnold, and he was a very famous watchmaker from Britain who can be given credit for creating the first chronometer, which is a timepiece that is incredibly accurate.
This company was founded in 1764 in the UK. The brand has made several changed over the years, but they will always be known for being innovative, and making precision timepieces.
Some examples of luxurious watches from Arnold & Son include features that are very precise and complicated, such as double tourbillon and double escapement, put together with beautiful designs.
Breitling
Breitling is known as the company to go to for high quality aviation and divers’ watches. Each of these incredible timepieces is made with the famous and fine Swiss craftsmanship, and features caliber B04 and B01 movements.
There are other features that let you know a watch has been manufactured by Breitling, including faces that are very readable, and no batteries (these witches use nothing but winding mechanisms).
The first Breitling watch to be made completely in-house is the Chronomat. The brand was recently sold to CVC Capital Partners for an astounding $870 million, so it’s a pretty safe bet that this is a company that knows how to do watches right.
Cartier
When it comes to well-known watch makers, few are as well-known as Cartier, which is also revered for its incredible jewelry lines. Cartier is the watchmaker of royalty, and it isn’t surprising that many members of royal families all over the world can be seen sporting Cartier watches.
In fact, there was a time when Cartier was known as “the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers”, given this title by King Edward VII of England.
Founded in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier, this French watch company offers styles that are truly fit for a king (or a queen, or a princess, or a prince, etc.).
IWC Schaffhausen
American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones founded IWC (International Watch Company) Shaffhausen in 1868 in Switzerland.
As it was in the beginning, it still is today, with the company having the motto of “good, solid craftsmanship from Schaffhausen”. This is the only major Swiss watch making factory in eastern Switzerland, which makes it even more unique and sought-after.
Few watch makers can come close to the quality and technical expertise offered by this company. Not only do they make beautiful, fashionable timepieces, IWC Schaffhausen is also known for manufacturing titanium dive and pilot watches.
Maurice Lacroix
Maurice Lacroix proves that a watch company doesn’t have to be centuries old in order to create timepieces that are among some of the most popular and luxurious in the world.
For instance, in the 1990’s, Maurice Lacroix gave the world its Les Mechaniques line, which is now referred to as the Masterpiece Collection.
Watches from this company have a fine balance of Swiss craftsmanship and manufacturing that is done in-house, and there are limited edition creations that are sought after all over the world by some pretty famous watch collectors.
Patek Phillipe & Co.
When you ask people to tell you the best watch brand in the world, chances are one of the answers is going to be Patek Phillipe & Co. Watches from this brand are considered to be the very best of luxury watches, because literally, they are.
This company has been around for nearly two centuries, so they have a pretty good idea of what it takes to make the very best in high-end, luxury watches.
Timepieces from Patek Phillipe & Co. offer the utmost in expertise and innovation, not to mention the fact that they are opulent and sophisticated.
You won’t find these watches in a typical department store, but if you are looking for the best in high-end watches, you won’t mind going out of your way to find something amazing from Patek Phillipe & Co.
TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer (Techniques d’Avant Garde) is a Swiss watch brand that was founded in 1860 in Switzerland by Edouard Heuer. Don’t worry, these watches aren’t really all that avant garde.
But, they are incredibly innovative. This is a watchmaking company that creates luxury watches that are functional and attractive, making them extremely popular around the world.
These watches are known to go hand-in-hand with sporting events, which has made them even more desirable.
Not everyone agrees on most watch brands as being among the very best, but you won’t find many arguing about watches from TAG Heuer being one of the best watchmakers, bar none.
See also: TAG Heuer Formula 1 Watch Review
Ulysse Nardin
Founded in 1846 in Switzerland, Ulysse Nardin specializes in creating the very best in marine chronometers. This specialization created foundation for the building blocks that would create the legacy of Ulysse Nardin watches.
In its early years, the company was well-known for supplying more than 50 navies with high-end watches, and now it is just as well-known for creating high-end timepieces for wealthy collectors, as well as those who simply want the absolute best in a watch.
This company has dozens of awards, not to mention patents, and still holds onto its true roots, keeping that nautical theme, as well as some pretty awesome outside-of-the-box designs.
Rolex
Last, but certainly not least, we want to talk about Rolex watches.
If you are looking for the ultimate in status symbol, elegant, and sophisticated timepieces, look no further than Rolex.
This is a name that needs absolutely no introduction, as it is known worldwide for making some of the most beautiful and precise watches available.
With the popularity of Rolex being so far-reaching, it is no wonder that there are so many companies attempting to create their own Rolex knock-offs.
Unfortunately, there is no way the will even come close to the craftsmanship offered by the real Rolex, which was founded by Wilsdorf and Davis in London, UK in 1905 (Rolex Watch Co. Ltd. Founded in 1915 and Montres Rolex S.A. in 1920).
Related read: Rolex Explorer II Stainless Steel Men’s Watch Review