29 Best Watch Brands For The Ardent Connoisseur

 

Be it at a deep dive in Mauritius, a corporate event out in Prague, or clinking champagne flutes over the finest smoked salmon, a watch can be the best pairing for all of life's special occasions

However, if you have not yet discovered the joys of investing in horology, or building up your own collection, the prospect of uncovering the industry's secrets can be very daunting, especially as to how we define the “best”. Buying a watch is a personal journey that can lead you down many rabbit holes…and back up again. 

Doesn’t matter if your budget is £1,000 less than £5,000 or £100,000+ you are in the right place. Luckily for the discerning collector or first-time buyer, Chrono Hunter has your back. There are hundreds of thousands of timepieces out there across a host of top Swiss brands with histories and back stories as long as the Magna Carta. 

Yet, we understand the importance of such a high value purchase. 

Covering the best watch bands operating in the industry today, allow us to expose the top titles, references, heritage and calibres of note that have horophiles gobsmacked. Sit back and deep dive with us on an unforgettable timekeeping expedition.

 

1. Rolex

Inception Date: 1905 | Made in: Geneva, Switzerland | Annual Production: Around 1 million 

Representing one of the best horological brands with a 30% plus market share, Rolex has swiftly risen under founder Hans Wilsdorf’s gaze to become a titan among men. 

Source - Rolex Magazine

 

Founded in 1905 in Geneva, they have an annual production rate of around 1 million timepieces, covering legendary lines like the blueprint dive piece, The Submariner, the air-faring Sky-Dweller, and the race inspired Daytona. 

Utilising Superlative Chronometer certification across the majority of their modern pieces, expect an incredible level of accuracy and precision, totalling around -2/+2 seconds per day. Yes, that's quick.

The OG of brands perhaps, everyone wants to buy a Rolex for pleasure or for investment due to their lack of showroom depreciation. Besides, they create everything in-house with vertical integration from the patented Parachrom hairspring that reduces inaccuracy in their movements, to their incredible materials like Everose gold and Rolesor

 

Did You Know…

They created the first ever waterproof timepiece in 1926. Built into the legendary Oyster case (that still remains a firm design concept in the current roster), they are designed to repel dust, water and anything else that could harm your beloved beauty!

 

Who Wears Rolex?

Hmm, who doesn’t wear them should be the question here. 

Whether vintage, pre-owned or new, since Rolex is so revered, they have developed into the go-to brand for many figureheads of the celeb world.

Ranging from musicians like Jay-Z (Daytona 6263) and Cristiano Ronaldo (GMT-Master II 16758SARU) to John Mayer with the latter rocking both a vintage Rolex Daytona 6269 and the 2023 released Daytona Le Mans piece, they certainly are top dogs.

Don’t forget Roger Federer either with his epic Sky-Dweller 336934 which you can enjoy a review of here.

No waitlist for him when looking to flex one of the best watch brands out there. 

 

Top 3 Most Popular Rolex Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Daytona	Daytona 126539TBR £104,400 - 40mm / White gold / Diamond bezel / Sunray silver variant Daytona 126506 £66,800 - 40mm / Platinum / Chestnut brown bezel / Platinum variant Daytona 126515LN £29,300 - 40mm / Everose gold / Black bezel / Sunray black variant
Submariner	Submariner reference 126613LB “Bluesy” £14,200 - 41mm / Yellow gold and steel / Blue bezel / Sunray blue variant Submariner reference 124060 £8,050 - 41mm / Steel / Black bezel / Black variant Submariner reference 126618LB £35,500 - 41mm / Yellow gold / Blue bezel / Blue sunray variant.
1908	1908 reference 52509 £21,200 - 39mm / White gold / Polished bezel / White variant 1908 reference 52508 £20,100 - 39mm / Yellow gold / Polished bezel / Black variant 1908 reference 52506 £26,600 - 39mm / Platinum / Polished bezel / Platinum variant

 

2. Patek Phillippe

Inception Date: 1839 | Made in: Geneva | Annual Production: Around 60,000

Patek Philippe has earned its status as one of the best watch brands out there and is jam packed with timekeeping history and legacy. Founded in 1839, they have joined other legends, Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin as Holy Trinity members, due to their luxury and endless quality, ensuring top notch value retention. 

Patek Philippe

 

Manufacturing only around 60,000 pieces per year, these cover coveted collections like the sought after Grand Complications, Nautilus and Calatrava. Gerald Genta was the main designer of the storied Nautilus line back in 1976, wherein he sketched the original outline on a napkin in a restaurant. 

Furthermore, the porthole design, that’s made up of the octagonal bezel around the dial, relates to the popular novel, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, wherein the portholes on Captain Nemo’s submarine were oval. Inspiration comes from unexpected places!

 

Did You Know…

Patek Philippe created the most complicated variant at the time in 1989 known as the Calibre 89. Totalling 33 complications and a huge total of 1,728 parts, these pieces took the record amount of complications up until 2015. 

 

Who Wears Patek Philippe?

Patek Philippe is adored by a huge clientele of celebrities featuring like Robert Lewandowski (5980) and Lionel Messi (5968G), to other big names like Mark Wahlberg (15407ST) and Conor McGregor (5905P) who adorn one of the best watch brands globally. Others include Ed Sheeran (Tiffany 5711/1A-018), Tom Holland (5167R) and Drake (Custom Virgil Abloh Nautilus 5726). 

 

Top 3 Most Popular Patek Philippe Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Aquanaut	Aquanaut 5167R £39,160 - 40.8mm / Rose gold / Brushed bezel / Chocolate variant Aquanaut 5168G £42,290 - 42.2mm / White gold / Brushed octagonal bezel / Dark blue variant Aquanaut 5164G £54,000 - 40.8mm / White gold / Polished bezel / Light blue variant
Nautilus	Nautilus 7118/1A £27,560 - 35.2mm / Steel / Brushed bezel / Dark blue variant Nautilus 7118/1R £49,960 - 35.2mm / Rose gold / Rose gold bezel / Golden brown variant Nautilus 5811/1G £60,050 - 41mm / White gold / White gold bezel / Navy blue embossed variant
Calatrava	Calatrava 6007G £32,600 - 40mm / White gold / Polished bezel / Ebony black variant Calatrava 5226G £34,620 - 40mm / White gold / Polished bezel / Black textured variant Calatrava 6119R £27,500 - 39mm / Rose gold / Textured bezel / Cream variant

 

3. Audemars Piguet

Inception Date: 1875 | Made in: Le Brassus, Geneva | Annual Production: Around 40,000

Joining Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe in the Holy Trinity, Audemars Piguet represents the epitome of horology. Well versed in phenomenal craftsmanship and technical quality, Audemars Piguet is highly regarded for its commitment to Haute Horlogerie.

Founded by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet in the Vallée de Joux in 1875, they are also responsible for the lusted after reference 5516, their first ever wristwatch to house a perpetual calendar. 

5516 Perpetual Calendar, Source - Christies

 

From producing the world's thinnest model in 1946 with the incredibly thin 1.64mm movement, Audemars Piguet later evolved to producing the world's thinnest automatic perpetual calendar in 2019. 

Producing a range of highly desirable lines like the Royal Oak series to the Code 11:59 and the Royal Oak Concept line, all of the Royal Oak is crafted with the finest materials and movements. Boasting exclusivity and elegance, Audemars Piguet releases around 40,000 novelties annually which allows them to maintain their exceptionally high levels of demand and desirability. 

 

Did You Know…

AP created the very first luxury sports piece, the Royal Oak back in 1972. This is combined with an integrated bracelet and octagonal bezel alongside a stunning Tapisserie face to create a sports-chic fusion that’s stood the test of time for over five decades. 

 

Who Wears Audemars Piguet?

Audemars Piguet remains a top timepiece for LeBron James (Royal Oak Offshore “LeBron James”), John Mayer (Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer”), Mark Ronson (Royal Oak 56023BA) and Travis Scott (Royal Oak Cactus Jack 26585CM).

 

Top 3 Most Popular Audemars Piguet Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak	Royal Oak reference 26605CE Price on Request- 44mm / Black ceramic / Brushed / Openworked variant Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie reference 5126591CE Price on request - 42mm / Black ceramic / Brushed octagonal bezel / Grand Tapissiere black variant Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon reference 26730BC Price on request - 41mm / White gold / Polished bezel / Light blue variant
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore	Offshore Selfwinding Tourbillon 26622CE Price on Request - 43mm / Black ceramic / Brushed bezel / Openworked Offshore Selfwinding 26238OR £80,900 - 42mm / Rose gold / Brushed / Navy blue Petite Tapisserie Offshore Selfwinding Music Edition Price on request - 43mm / White gold / Rainbow style jewelled bezel / Aventurine with gemstones variant
Audemars Piguet Code 11:59	Code 11:59 Ultra-Complication Universelle 26398BC Price on request - 42mm / White gold / Polished bezel / Openworked variant Code 11:59 Minute Repeater Supersonnerie Price on Request - 41mm / Pink gold / Polished bezel / Black smoked sapphire variant Code 11:59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Price on request - 41mm / White gold / Polished bezel / Black onyx variant

 

4. Vacheron Constantin

Inception Date: 1755 | Made in: Geneva, Switzerland | Annual Production: Around 25,000

Vacheron Constantin is not only one of the best watch brands around but deemed one of the oldest. Established in 1755, they are noted for high levels of craftsmanship, exquisite materials and experience which totals over 150 years more than Rolex. 

Source - Vacheron Constantin 

 

Earning its title as a significant Swiss creator, they have developed into prominent timekeeping figureheads including spearheading innovation.

For example, they released the Vacheron Constantin Berkeley 57260 that at the time of writing is the world’s most complicated watch with 57 different complications, incorporating a Chinese Perpetual Calendar alongside a grande et petite sonnerie. 

Producing less than 30,000 pieces each year, they ensure that every one is expertly finished and built according to the Geneva Seal requirements. In this way, it means they attain the highest levels of excellence and knowledge, as provided by the Hallmark of Geneva. 

Lines like the Patrimony and Traditionnelle line, effortlessly work aside unique interpretations of classic pieces such as the FiftySix line with its vintage Arabic-segment dial, or the Historiques with the 45 degree angled face. Then there’s the ornate 222 in gold which is in a league of its own that’s owned by Fight Club impresario Brad Pitt. 

More on that in a tick…

 

Did You Know…

Vacheron Constantin produced the world's thinnest manual winding movement in 1955 known as the Calibre 1003. Totalling just 1.64mm thickness, the calibre is exceptionally slender. 

 

Who Wears Vacheron Constantin?

Vacheron Constantin is an incredibly stylish brand that is only worn by the most discerning horological fans. For example, actors like Miles Teller (Overseas Self-Winding 4500V), Chris Paul (VC 222) and Tom Cruise (Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin) are huge fans, while Marlon Brando(ref 4877) adorned one on the occasion of receiving an Oscar. 

 

Top 3 Most Popular Vacheron Constantin Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Overseas	Overseas Tourbillon 6000V/210T-H032 Price on Request - 42.5mm / Titanium / Polished bezel / Sunray blue variant Overseas 5520V/210R-B966 £76,500 - 42.5mm / Pink gold / Polished Maltese bezel / Sunray green variant Overseas Self-Winding £56,000 - 35mm / Pink gold / Jewelled (90 diamonds) bezel / Sunray green variant
Traditionnelle	Traditionnelle Tourbillon Collection Excellence Platine Price on Request - 42.5mm / Platinum / Polished bezel / Sandblasted 950 platinum variant  Traditionnelle Manual-Winding £22,800 - 38mm / Pink gold / Polished bezel / Dark green sunburst variant.  Traditionnelle Tourbillon Price on request - 42.5mm / Pink gold / Polished bezel / Silver toned opaline variant with 18K rose gold Dauphine hands and hour markers.
Patrimony	Patrimony Moon-Phase Retrograde Date £47,600 - 42.5mm / White gold / Polished bezel / Silver-toned variant with sunburst satin finishing.  Patrimony Self-Winding Jewellery £79,000 - 37mm / White gold / Diamond bezel / 420 diamond coated variant Patrimony Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin £84,500 - 41mm / Pink gold / Polished bezel / Silver-toned opaline variant.

 

5. Girard-Perregaux

Inception Date: 1791 | Made in: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland | Annual Production: Around 12,000

Girard-Perregaux have been strong influencers in the horological world since their foundation in 1791. 

Source - Girard-Perregaux

 

Creating the very first quartz piece in 1971, the brand has continued their innovative streak, releasing the Chronometer HF in 1967 that sought to revolutionise the inaccurate movements of the era. 

Collaborating with icons like Aston Martin to release the Neo Bridges Aston Martin back at Dubai Watch Week 2023, they have produced desirable collaborative pieces, alongside their standard lines like the Laureato, Casquette and Bridges collections. 

They ensure to only use the most desirable materials in the industry, including game-changing materials like carbon glass, as well as  luxury options such as pink gold and titanium.

 

Did You Know…

Girard-Perregaux produced the world's first high speed mechanical movement in 1965. Named the Gyromatic HF, this produces a rapid 36,000 frequency which was incredible for the era. 

 

Who Wears Girard-Perregaux? 

Girard-Perregaux is considered to be one of the best watch brands in the industry. Worn by a plethora of high-end clientele, like Gerard Pique (Laureato Skeleton 81015-11-001-11A), former Bond maestro Pierce Brosnan, not to mention hit machine and CHIC frontman Nile Rodgers, Brosnan has previously worn a vintage 1945 Girard Pirregaux in the film Love Is All You Need.

 

Top 3 Most Popular Girard-Perregaux Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Girard-Perregaux Laureato	Laureato 42mm 81010-52-436-52A £44,100 - 42mm / Pink gold / Brushed bezel / Hobnail dark blue variant Laureato Skeleton 81015-53-3240-1GM £75,800 - 42.5mm / White gold / Brushed bezel / Openworked variant Laureato Absolute 8Tech £22,700 - 44mm / Carbon-Titanium composite / Carbon bezel / Gradient grey variant
Girard-Perregaux Bridges	Quasar Light Tourbillon £306,000 - 46mm / Sapphire / Sapphire bezel / Openworked variant Free Bridge Meteorite £21,900 - 44mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Meteorite variant.  La Esmeralda Tourbillon “A Secret” Eternity Edition £410,000 - 43mm / White gold / Engraved white gold bezel / Hand-guilloché, grey enamel with sunray finish variant
Girard-Perregaux Casquette	Casquette 2.0 £4,000 - 42.40mm / Black ceramic and titanium / No bezel / Alarm clock style variant with digital display.

 

6. Grand Seiko

Inception Date: 1960 | Made in: Iwate Prefecture in Northern Japan | Annual Production: Around 40,000 

Grand Seiko has been famed for bringing Eastern horology into the western world since 1960. Operating out of Northern Japan, Grand Seiko pride themselves on building the best pieces possible, but with a distinctly Japanese cultural influence. 

Source - Grand Seiko

 

One major breakthrough that Grand Seiko is noted for is the phenomenal Spring Drive movement. Released in 1977, the Spring Drive combined quartz precision alongside a reliable mechanical power reserve. 

They use references like Snowflake and Skyflake on their dials in order to link to various Japanese seasons, influences or add a sprinkling of heritage. This works in conjunction with the legendary Zaratsu polishing that instantly distinguishes Grand Seiko from any other watch brand. 

 

Did You Know…

Grand Seiko won the Chronometry prize in 2022 for their stunning Kodo Constant-force tourbillon. It provides 8 beats per second meaning the outer constant-force carriage performs its rotation at exactly one second intervals. In addition, their high-end Spring drive models are handmade at the Micro Artist Studio in Nagano Prefecture.

 

Who Wears Grand Seiko? 

Grand Seiko is the essential company for a host of celebs. Some names that immediately caught our eyes include Gone In 60 Seconds actor Nicholas Cage (Grand Seiko SLGA008) and Yuki Amami (Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA211).

 

Top 3 Most Popular Grand Seiko Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Grand Seiko Masterpiece	Masterpiece SBGD202  - 43mm / Rose gold / Polished bezel / Black variant with star aesthetic.  Masterpiece SBGZ003 £54,650 - 38.5mm / Platinum / Polished bezel / Snowflake pattern in white variant Masterpiece SBGD209 £220,000 - 44.5mm / Platinum / Diamond bezel / White variant centre with 60 baguette diamonds on the periphery.
Grand Seiko Evolution 9	Evolution 9 SLGW003 - £10,300 - 38.6mm / Titanium / Brushed bezel / White birch tree inspired white variant Evolution 9 SLGH021 - £9,750 - 40mm / Steel / Brushed bezel / Genbi Valley inspired green variant.  Evolution 9 SLGC001 - £12,500 - 43.2mm / Titanium / Brushed bezel / Navy blue variant
Grand Seiko Heritage	Heritage SBGH343 - £6,950 - 38mm / Titanium / Brushed bezel / Light green variant Heritage SBGA497 - £5,950 - 41mm / Titanium / Polished bezel / Blossom pink variant Heritage SBGH345 - £6,500 - 40mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Scarlet red variant

 

7. H. Moser & Cie

Inception Date: 1828 | Made in: St Petersburg, Russia | Annual Production: Around 3,000 

H.Moser & Cie have earned their reputation in our best watch brand category. Excelling in craftsmanship and technical skill, they initially opposed the Swiss standard, due to their Russian heritage. They were founded in Saint Petersburg by Heinrich Moser in 1828, and now currently have offices based in countries like Hong Kong, The Middle East and Switzerland. 

Source - H.Moser & Cie

 

Designing pieces for Russian royalty like Vladimir Lenin and various Russian princes, H.Moser & Cie were re-introduced in 2005 and saw them win storied events like the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix in 2006 for their fantastic Endeavour Perpetual Calendar. 

Later creating the Straumann Hairspring at Baselworld 2007, the Nivarox inspired hairspring evolved two years later and Straumann Double Hairspring, allowing them to easily counter gravity and maintain optimal accuracy. 

Covering lines like the Streamliner, Pioneer and the Endeavour, H.Moser & Cie while branching out into Formula 1 with team Alpine, they have established themselves as huge horological players, covering dress, sports and the perfect everyday pieces. 

 

Did You Know…

H.oser & Cie employed the use of Vantablack in 2023 on one of their timepieces. This material capably captures 99.965% of light photons, ensuring nothing but maximum legibility, allowing you to read the time in all conditions. 

 

Who Wears H.Moser & Cie? 

While they have a strong list of older Russian royals, they are aligned with the modern celeb world, attracting sports stars like F1 driver Pierre Gasly (BWT Alpine F1 Cylindrical Tourbillon) who is a brand ambassador at the time of writing. 

 

Top 3 Most Popular H.Moser & Cie Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
H.Moser & Cie Streamliner	Streamliner Alpine Limited Edition Pink Livery Around £77,300 - 42.3mm / Steel / Brushed bezel / Openworked variant Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton Around £68,640 - 40mm / Steel / Brushed bezel / Openworked variant Streamliner Tourbillon £94,730 - 40mm / Red gold / Brushed bezel / Green “Wyoming Jade” variant
H.Moser & Cie Pioneer	H.Moser & Cie Pioneer Centre Seconds Concept Citrus Green Around £12,600 - 42.8mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Citrus green variant Pioneer Tourbillon Around £43,370 - 40mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Arctic Blue fumé variant.  Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Around £68,600 - 42.8mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Funky blue fumé/openworked variant
H.Moser & Cie Endeavour	Endeavour Chinese Calendar Limited Edition Around £59,000 - 40mm / Red gold / Polished bezel / Midnight blue fumé variant Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Vantablack Around £65,150 - 40mm / Red gold / Polished bezel / Vantablack variant

 

8. Breitling

Inception Date: 1884 | Made in: St-Imer, Switzerland | Annual Production: Around 170,000

Founded in 1884, Breitling has a legacy stretching across the pilot world, to other industries like the diving and dress markets. An old war horse they may be, but this brand hasn’t been put out to pasture yet…especially when we look at their pilot watches.

Source - Breitling

 

Becoming the first brand to release a chronograph model with a separate pusher, they continued on their influence after launching the first onboard chronograph that was quickly adopted by the Royal Air Force during WW2. 

Becoming an official supplier to world aviation back in the 1950s, Breitling then turned to creating some of the most impressive movements within horology. This includes ensuring all of their movements are COSC certified, yielding an average deviation of around -4/+6 seconds per day. 

Furthermore, their release of the SuperQuartz calibre represented their capability across both mechanical and quartz industries, as it was around 10 times more accurate than standard quartz pieces. 

Covering lines like the Chronomat, Navitimer and Superocean, Breitling ensures that buyers are treated to a number of incredible designs, fitting every kind of situation, function and form. Not quite the GADA of watches but you catch our drift. Though one of their modified Top Time models appeared in Thunderball from 1965, worn by Sean Connery. 

Now, now, Miss Moneypenny…come along. Surely they deserve their place on our list of the best watch brands.

 

Did You Know…

Breitling’s Cosmonaute was worn by American astronaut Scott Carpenter when he orbited the earth in 1962. Speaking of orbit, the Breitling Orbiter is another high-flying piece. It was named after the Breitling sponsored hot air balloon that took Betrand Piccard and Brain Jones in the first round-the-world balloon flight in 1999. 

 

Who Wears Breitling? 

Breitling has many adoring fans, including outdoor enthusiast Bear Grylls (Emergency), footballer David Beckham (Transocean Chronograph UniTime) and the creme de la creme of celebrity chefs, (Sorry Jamie Oliver!) Gordon Ramsay (Navitimer Chronograph). 

 

Top 3 Most Popular Breitling Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Breitling Navitimer	Navitimer B12 41 Cosmonaute £17,900 - 41mm / Rose gold / Polished bezel / Dark green variant Navitimer Automatic 41 £4,700 - 41mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Dark blue variant Navitimer B01 41 £7,400 - 41mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Cream variant
Breitling Chronomat	Super Chronomat B01 44 Around £8,500 - 44mm / Titanium / Polished bezel / Anthracite grey variant Chronomat B01 42 £6,990 - 42mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Silver variant Chronomat B01 42 Triumph Around £8,600 - 42mm / Titanium and 18K red gold / Polished bezel / Anthracite variant
Breitling Superocean	Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver £5,200 - 46mm / Titanium / Polished bezel / Camouflage motif green variant Superocean Heritage ‘57 Highlands £5,150 - 38mm / Steel and Red gold / Polished bezel / Beige variant

 

9. Panerai

Inception Date: 1860 | Made in: Florence, Italy | Annual Production: Around 50,000

Brimming with naval history, Panerai is seen by many as one of the best watch brands for its nautical prowess, taking the world by storm for their dive and military inspired pieces. 

Source - Panerai

 

Using only the most desirable materials possible, Panerai can be noted for utilising ceramic, gold and carbon. For example, their Panerai LAB-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech features the impressive calibre P.3001/C.

Offering a guaranteed 50 years without any servicing, it uses carbon and tantalum-based ceramic to achieve this immense longevity. 

In the modern era, lines like the Luminor, Radiomir and Submersible all offer users a highly durable case alongside a clearly visible face. They have even yielded a fan-club called the Paneristi due to the persistent demand behind the models!

 

Did You Know…

Panerai were originally conceived in 1860, in Florence, Italy. They engineered the concept behind putting lume in horology. First spotted in 1910, Panerai created a radium based luminescence to allow both hour markers and hands to be clearly spotted despite murky depths. 

 

Who Wears Panerai? 

Panerai is geared towards those that like oversized wrist worthy luxury apparel. Thus, well-built gentlemen like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Sylvester Stallone adorn the pieces. Stallone actually wore a Panerai Luminor 5218-201/a in his 1997 film, Daylight!

Some of the top actors in Hollywood to have rocked this brand feature Mission Impossible star Tom Cruise (PAM 63 GMT) and Australian Russell Crowe (Radiomir)

 

Top 3 Most Popular Panerai Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Panerai Submersible	Submersible Luna Rossa £9,800 - 42mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Dark Blue variant Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa Ti-Ceramitech £14,300 - 44mm / Ceramic / Polished bezel / Snow white variant Submersible PAM02973 £8,200 - 42mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Black variant
Panerai Luminor	Panerai Luminor Base Logo PAM01087 £4,900 - 44mm / Steel / Polished bezel / White variant Luminor 8 Giorni £6,100 - 44mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Black variant Luminor Marina £9,300 - 47mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Black variant
Panerai Radiomir	Radiomir Quaranta Goldtech £15,700 - 40mm / Goldtech / Polished bezel / White variant Radiomir Tourbillon GMT Bronzo £120,800 - 45mm / Bronze / Polished bezel / Openworked variant Radiomir Quaranta PAM01292 £5,200 - 40mm / Steel / Polished bezel / White variant

 

10. Longines 

Inception Date: 1832 | Made in: Saint-Imer, Switzerland | Annual Production: Around 1.4 million

Longines offer users a more accessible route into the sector, without having to spend lots of money on the bigger named brands. They are not quite the fast food of luxury timepieces, more a solid chain that consistently delivers on quality. 

Regularly an entrant in the top 10 Swiss luxury watch brands, they have a number of different collections under their belt.

Source - Longines

 

Earning the status as the 5th most recognizable Swiss horological brand globally, they work within Swatch, the same brand that houses legends like Calvin Klein, Jacquet Droz, Harry Winston and Blancpain. Since 1832, they have continued to work tirelessly to produce attractive models for every type of horophile. 

Becoming the main sponsorship figures for the Commonwealth Games, French Open at Roland Garros and the Formula One World Championship, their "Elegance is an Attitude" motto certainly rings true! 

Covering collections like the Spirit, Heritage and the Hydroconquest, users are treated to a plethora of lines and designs under Longines. Desire a fashion upgrade? Look at the Longines Elegant. Looking for a high-powered dive piece? Glance no further than the Hydroconquest!

 

Did You Know…

Derived from “long meadows”, they take their name from the roadside location where the brand’s initial factory was initially positioned. Longines released the world's most accurate timepiece in 1967. Releasing the Ultra-Chron, this was suggested to be accurate to within a minute per month. Keep the Zenith El Primero under pressure, right?

 

Who Wears Longines? 

Longines is a horological haven for many throughout history, from Albert Einstein (1929 gold wristwatch) to aviation icons like Elinor Smith and Howard Hughes (Longines cockpit instruments). Even legendary actors like Audrey Hepburn (Dolce Vita) and Jennifer Lawrence (Mini DolceVita) have selected this brand!

 

Top 3 Most Popular Longines Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Longines Spirit	Spirit Flyback Titanium £4,700 - 42mm / Titanium / Polished bezel / Black variant Spirit Zulu Time £4,050 - 42mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Black variant Spirit Zulu Time £2,950 - 42mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Black variant
Longines Heritage	Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve  £3,500 - 38mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Cream variant Flagship Heritage Moonphase £2,950 - 38.50mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Cream variant Heritage Classic Sector £2,250 - 38.50mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Black variant
Longines Hydroconquest	Hydroconquest L3.742.3.96.7 £1,500 - 41mm / Steel and gold / Polished bezel / Dark blue variant Hydroconquest L3.841.4.96.6 £1,300 - 44mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Navy variant Hydroconquest L3.781.4.05.6  £1,700 - 41mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Black variant

 

11. Omega 

Inception Date: 1848 | Made in: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland | Annual Production: Around 500,000

When we say Omega, you educated lot would probably say Speedy.

For horophiles globally, the very mention of the title will yield images of the moon. Why, I hear you ask? Well, it relates to them being the first brand on the moon in 1969. If you want the ultimate nerdiness, namely the 4th gen Speedmaster, known as reference ST 105.012 

Strapped onto the wrist of Buzz Aldrin who has been known to be a double wrister and triple wrister, the American stepped off the shuttle to conduct his famous moon-walk with those infamous words…

No, it wasn’t what time it was. but of course  “that’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Source - Omega

 

Nonetheless, it’s not all celestial missions and James Bond inspired pieces that they are known for. Other lines such as the dive-inspired Seamaster from 1948, Aqua Terra, Planet Ocean, Gerald Genta styled Constellation and the dressy De Ville Tourbillon, show the vast range of styles and designs that they can touch. 

Then there’s the 1200M Ploprof named so due to its plongeur professionnel tagline, named after the French term for professional diver. 

Known for the majority of their pieces reaching Master Chronometer status on their calibres, they released the Spirate system in 2023, a highly accurate movement that yields an unbeaten -0/+2 seconds per day accuracy. 

 

Did You Know…

Omega introduced Master Chronometer certification in 2015. Combining COSC tests with METAS, the pieces must fulfil a long list of stringent criteria, such as 15,000 gauss, 300 metres of water resistance and a highly accurate -0/+5 seconds per day accuracy. 

 

Who Wears Omega? 

An attractive brand for the celebrity world, they have been seen on the wrists of Eddie Redmayne (Aqua Terra 150m), Prince William (Seamaster 300) and Daniel Craig (Seamaster Diver 300m Co-Axical) among others.

 

Top 3 Most Popular Omega Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Speedmaster	Speedmaster Chronometer 42mm £6,600 - 42mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Black variant Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon £13,500 - 44.25mm / Ceramic / Polished bezel / Moon-inspired variant Speedmaster 38mm £16,800 - 38mm / Steel / Diamond bezel / Black variant
Seamaster 300	Seamaster 300 Summer Blue £7,000 - 41mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Summer blue variant Seamaster 300 Bronze Gold £12,800 - 41mm / Bronze Gold / Polished bezel / Black variant Seamaster Diver 300m £8,100 - 44mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Black variant
Constellation	Constellation  131.30.41.21.04.001 £6,900 - 41mm / Steel / Polished bezel / White variant Constellation Meteorite  131.30.41.21.99.001 £9,100 - 41mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Meteorite variant Constellation Sedna Gold  £40,000 - 41mm / Sedna gold / Polished bezel / Sedna gold variant

 

12. Tudor 

Inception Date: 1826 | Made in: Geneva, Switzerland | Annual Production: Around 300,000

Tudor has commonly been misinterpreted as the little brother of Rolex, the one who is rolling around in the mud, getting their knees dirty. You know, pulling on their trouser leg and asking to be part of the fun. 

They have in fact carved out a route that demonstrates they are their own brand with a plethora of high quality models and collections within their ranks. 

Source - Tudor 

 

While the brand was originally founded by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf as a more affordable alternative to the luxury brand, Tudor has swiftly become increasingly independent. For example, they started to incorporate COSC certified movements within their very own in-house collections. 

These were built into some extraordinary lines such as the Black Bay 54, which was an offshoot of Tudor’s first dive timepiece, the Submariner reference 7922. Collaborating with Inter Milan, Miami FC and a host of ambassadors like Jay Chou, Tudor are not a brand to easily dismiss. 

 

Did You Know…

Tudor won the Best Sports Watch at GPHG from 2013 through to 2023. The latest winner was the stunning Tudor Pelagos 39 that represented the start of the small dive piece revolution. 

 

Who Wears Tudor? 

From the enigmatic Lady Gaga (Black Bay 36) to high-profile actors and musicians like John Mayer (Heritage Black Bay 79220N) and Brad Pitt (Black Bay Bronze Heritage), don’t forget ambassador David Beckham (Black Bay Chrono) who oversaw the collaboration with his team, Inter Miami FC!

 

Top 3 Most Popular Tudor Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Tudor Black Bay	Black Bay Ceramic £4,420 - 41mm / Ceramic / Matte bezel / Neon dark blue variant Black Bay M7941A1A0RU £3,910 - 41mm / Steel / Diving scale bezel / Black variant Black Bay M7941A1A0NU £3,630 - 41mm / Steel / Matte bezel / Black variant
Tudor Pelagos	Pelagos FXD £3,590 - 42mm / Steel / Dive scale bezel / Black variant Pelagos FXD Chrono Alingi £4,560 - 43mm / Carbon composite / Dive scale bezel / Dark blue variant Pelagos 39 £4,040 - 39mm / Titanium / Dive bezel / Black variant
Tudor 1926	1926 M91650 £2,250 - 41mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Diamond set variant 1926 M91650 £1,740 - 41mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Black variant 1926 M91451  £2,070 - 36mm / Steel / Polished rose gold bezel / Silver embossed variant

 

13. TAG Heuer

Inception Date: 1860 | Made in: St-Imer, Switzerland | Annual Production: Around 700,000

TAG Heuer is a phenomenal Swiss brand that utilises only the finest materials and designs for their collections. They are without doubt up there in terms of the best watch brands to buy.

Source - TAG Heuer

 

One of their biggest achievements is their legendary sports collections, including the race-inspired Carrera and Monaco. Furthermore, they released the Heuer Mikrograph Stopwatch in 1916 as the first stopwatch capable of measuring 1/100th of a second. 

Outside of the racing industry, TAG Heuer have a plethora of excellent collections such as the Aquaracer which leans into the diving world not to mention the Autavia. Combining the terms AUTomobile and AVIAtion, the name was formed as a collaborative piece between the racing and aircraft industries.

This is closely associated with the pilots among us, due to the chronograph functionality and legible variant face. 

Introducing the first automatic chronographs in 1969, TAG Heuer displayed them within the outrageous Monaco with its first of its kind square case. They have gone one step further in 2024 with the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Second Chronograph, the first to house a split second complication. 

Technically brilliant and built with effortless style, TAG Heuer is a fantastic brand for those interested in racing timepieces, or a hard-wearing everyday watch. 

 

Did You Know…

TAG Heuer was the official timekeeper of three Olympic Games including Paris 1924 and has a total of 10 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève awards. They last won the prestigious award for their Monaco Gulf Special Edition in 2022. 

 

Who Wears TAG Heuer? 

TAG Heuer is a critical part of most celebrities' wardrobes. For example, sporting legends like F1 star Max Verstappen (Monaco Special Edition “Max Verstappen”), Leonardo DiCaprio’s Wolf of Wall Street TAG Heuer 2000 WN5141 and actor Ryan Gosling (TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma Diamant D’Avant) are all keen wearers of the brand while Brad Pitt (Monaco Blue Dial) and Matt Damon (Link Chronograph) are also in on the action!

 

Top 3 Most Popular TAG Heuer Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
TAG Heuer Monaco	Monaco CBL2188.FT6261 £9,850 - 39mm / DLC Titanium / Squared brushed bezel / Openworked variant Monaco French Racing Blue £8,150 - 39mm / Titanium / Square polished bezel / Silver variant Monaco X Gulf £7,000 - 39mm / Steel / Square polished bezel / Gulf inspired stripes against blue variant
TAG Heuer Carrera	Carrera Skipper £18,750 - 39mm / Rose gold / Glassbox bezel / Navy blue variant Carrera X Porsche 963 £8,050 - 44mm / Steel / Tachymetric scale bezel / Openworked variant Carrera CBS2240.FC8319 £18,750 - 39mm / Yellow gold / Glassbox bezel / Yellow gold variant
TAG Heuer Aquaracer	Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph £2,050 - 40mm / Steel / Brushed dive scale bezel / Navy blue variant Aquaracer Professional 300 Date £3,150 - 42mm / Steel / Dive scale bezel / Black embossed variant

 

14. Hublot

Inception Date: 1980 | Made in: Geneva, Switzerland | Annual Production: Around 60,000

Hublot are the crazy, outlandish brand of the horological world. Picture Larry David with a big afro and juggling cannon balls… We’re talking that kind of crazy!

Source - Hublot 

 

A relatively new kid on the block, having cut their teeth in 1980, following the hard work of Italian entrepreneur Carlo Crocco, they instantly broke the mould of what horology should resemble. 

For example, they first combined a rubber strap with a gold case in 1980, and later in 2019, they created and patented a world first in the form of brightly coloured ceramic. When they aren't breaking records, they are redeveloping and adding new designs to their eclectic collections. 

Assembled in-house in the finest Swiss manufacturing plants globally, they excel in all areas of watchmaking, including releasing the highly sought after Five Million Dollar Watch that is owned by Jay-Z. Made up of 1,282 diamonds, these beauties are highly desirable and exceptionally luxurious. 

 

Did You Know…

A thing called Hublonium which is their very own, in-house material that is a light-weight corrosion resistant metal alloy that’s made up of aluminium and magnesium.  

 

Who Wears Hublot? 

Hublot is worn by a vast number of influential figures from the sporting world. We’re talking power couple, Jay-Z and Beyonce, bodybuilder and acting icon Arnold Schwarzenegger (Legacy Chronograph Limited Edition), and Usain Bolt. Usain Bolt is a very interesting mention. Not only does he measure his lap times using Hublot, but he even has his own line, the King Power Usain Bolt, dedicated to the Jamaican giant. 

 

Top 3 Most Popular Hublot Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Big Bang	Big Bang Original Steel 44mm £11,600 - 44mm / Steel / Circular brushed bezel / Black variant Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Full Purple Sapphire £475,000 - 43mm / Sapphire / Circular sapphire bezel / Sapphire, openworked variant Big Bang MECA-10 £39,600 - 45mm / King Gold / Circular brushed bezel / Openworked variant
Spirit of Big Bang	Spirit of Big Bang Titanium £20,700 - 42mm / Titanium / Tonneau brushed bezel / Openworked variant Spirit of Big Bang Essential Grey £21,600 - 42mm / Titanium / Tonneau brushed bezel / Openworked variant Spirit of Big Bang £35,800 - 42mm / King Gold / Blue ceramic bezel / Openworked variant
Classic Fusion Chronograph	Classic Fusion Titanium 45mm £9,600 - 45mm / Titanium / Brushed bezel / Black variant Classic Fusion Black Magic £10,600 - 45mm / Ceramic / Matte bezel / Black variant

 

15. Jaeger-LeCoultre

Inception Date: 1833 | Made in: Le Sentier, Le Chenit, Switzerland | Annual Production: Around 100,000

SInce 1833, Jaeger-LeCoultre have been hard at work, ensuring that their status as ‘the watchmaker’s watchmaker’ is firmly intact.

Interestingly, they first earned the nickname by producing ebauche movements, and the only calibre ever made, the outstanding Calibre 920, that was used by all three Holy Trinity members, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. 

Source - Jaeger-LeCoultre 

 

Outside of their prolific movement history, JLC have been the creators of some incredible collections. The Reverso represented the first ever sports piece upon its release in 1932. Capable of spinning the case on its axis, it allowed British soldiers to play polo without the risk of damaging their crystals. 

Ensuring their pieces go through their rigorous 1,000 hour test, we can expect that all of the pieces are built exceptionally well, and designed to last through the generations. 

 

Did You Know…

The Art Deco Reverso actually started out as a fully fledged sports watch with eight pieces made for none other than Patek Philippe. You can thank reference 106 for that feat. And Jaeger-LeCoultre produced the first ever model that showed a triple calendar and moon phase in 1870. Talk about two for the price of one from one of the best watch brands! 

 

Who Wears Jaeger-LeCoultre? 

Jaeger-LeCoultre is a top brand that's adorned by a number of celebrities.

For example, musicians like Lenny Kravitz (Reverso Tribute Chronograph) and Anya Taylor-Joy (101 Reine) have earned ambassador status, while Pierce Brosnan (Reverso Duo Day/Night), Robert Downey Junior (Deep Sea Master Compressor) and Leonardo Di-Caprio (Master Compressor Extreme Lab) just like to pull them off at award shows. 

 

Top 3 Most Popular Jaeger-LeCoultre Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso	Reverso Tribute £35,500 - 29.9mm / Pink gold / Rectangular polished bezel / Black variant Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds £9,650 - 27.4mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / Green variant Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds £23,400 - 28.3mm / Pink gold  / Polished bezel / Navy blue variant
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Calendar	Master Control Calendar Q413253J £30,300 - 40mm / Yellow gold  / Circular, polished bezel / Cream variant Master Control Calendar Q4148420 £13,300 - 40mm / Steel  / Circular polished bezel / Silvery variant Master Control Calendar Q413813J £17,500 - 40mm / Steel  / Circular polished bezel / Cream variant
Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox	Master Control Memovox £13,100 - 40mm / Steel  / Polished circular bezel / Silver variant Polaris Mariner Memovox £18,900 - 42mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / Navy blue, graduated variant

 

16. Zenith

Inception Date: 1865 | Made in: Le Locle, Switzerland | Annual Production: Around 24,000

We could not forget to mention Zenith without giving props to their El Primero calibre that was released in 1969, competing against brands like Breitling and TAG Heuer for the first automatic chronograph movement. However, Zenith won and subsequently the high-powered El Primero movement has remained in public favour ever since. 

Source - Zenith 

 

Outside of the legendary movement, Zenith have been hard at work, experimenting with fascinating designs and materials to create the next big horological innovation. For example, they released in December 2023 the Zenith Defy Extreme Mirror, producing an astounding 1/100th of a second accuracy alongside a case that was polished to a mirror like effect. 

Producing evocative lines like the Chronomaster, Defy and the Pilot, they returned to their roots with the Zenith Icons line. Here, they take in vintage models and fix them up before re-releasing them to the public. These are rare, and very hard to get your hands on!

Zenith have earned their spot as the go-to brand for technical prowess, and avant-garde designs, fit for the Phrarrel Williams and Pablo Picasso’s of this world. 

 

Did You Know…

When Zenith produced the El Primero calibre, it would become the saviour of the Rolex Daytona. Later known as the Rolex Daytona Zenith, the movements were put into the pieces, allowing Rolex to eventually create their own in-house version of the calibre. Pairing with the best watch brand around shows Zenith’s tremendous quality!

 

Who Wears Zenith? 

Zenith is worn by all the hip and cool socialites and celebs. For example, you can expect to see NFL legends like Aaron Rodgers and artists like Felipe Pantone adorning the pieces. Furthermore, they even each have their very own designated model. 

 

Top 3 Most Popular Zenith Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Zenith Defy	Defy Skyline Skeleton White Ceramic £15,800 - 41mm / Ceramic  / Matte ceramic bezel / Navy blue openworked variant Defy Revival £6,900 - 37mm / Steel  / Diving scale bezel / Black variant Defy Skyline Tourbillon £60,800 - 41mm / Black ceramic  / Ceramic bezel / Black star variant
Zenith Pilot	Pilot Automatic £7,000 - 40mm / Steel  / Circular, brushed bezel / Black corrugated variant Pilot Big Date Flyback £10,700 - 42mm / Steel  / Circular brushed bezel / Black corrugated variant Pilot Big Date Flyback - Black Ceramic £12,500 - 42mm / Ceramic  / Ceramic bezel / Black corrugated variant.
Zenith Chronomaster	Chronomaster Sport 03.3100.3600/69.R951 £9,700 - 41mm / Steel  / 1/10th of a second scale bezel l / White variant Chronomaster Sport £14,900 - 41mm / Rose gold  / 1/10th of a second bezel / Silver, sunray variant

 

17. IWC

Inception Date: 1868 | Made in: Schaffhausen, Switzerland | Annual Production: Around 130,000

Since 1868, IWC has been at the epicentre of horology, famed for their extreme dial clarity and aviation spirit as seen in the Mark series. And of course, avid IWC fans will know all about their highly influential Aquatimer and Da-Vinci lines. 

Source - IWC 

 

For the Aquatimer, it was the first ever to reach 2000 metres of water resistance. The Da Vinci swerved in another direction, releasing a timepiece providing accuracy for around 500 years.

IWC has a reputation for producing extremely luxurious pieces too. The IWC Grande Complication was released at Baselworld 1990 and represented the very first complicated timepiece of its type. 

In the modern era, users are treated to some astonishing materials like IWC’s patented Armour gold to the classic steels and titanium. Covering lines like the Portofino, Ingenieur and the Big Pilot, wearers are treated to several innovations and designs. 

 

Did You Know…

American engineer Florentine Ariosto Jones was the original founder of the brand. Plus, the Ingenieur from IWC was actually created by Gerald Genta of Nautilus fame. During the 1970s, the designer took to the line and brought it out of discontinuation with a fabulous new visible screw and integrated bracelet design. 

 

Who Wears IWC? 

IWC remains the number one brand in celebrity and sporting circles, adorned by Lewis Hamilton (Portugieser Tourbillon Retrograde Chronograph), Bradley Cooper (IWC Big Pilot IW500901), Sacha Baron Cohen (Portugieser IW371610) and Quentin Tarantino (Big Pilots IW500401). 

 

Top 3 Most Popular IWC Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
IWC Big Pilot	Big Pilot IW501015 £10,900 - 46.2mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / Dark green variant Big Pilot 42 Spitfire £8,250 - 43mm / Bronze  / Polished bezel / Dark green variant Big Pilot 43 Tourbillon Markus Buhler Price upon enquiry - 43mm / Platinum  / Polished bezel / Black variant
IWC Ingenieur	IWC Ingenieur IW328901 £10,500 - 40mm / Steel  / Brushed bezel / Black checkerboard variant Ingenieur Automatic 40 IW328902 £10,500 - 40mm / Steel  / Brushed bezel / Silver checkerboard variant Ingenieur Automatic 40 IW328904  £12,900 - 40mm / Titanium  / Brushed bezel / Rhodium checkerboard variant.
IWC Portofino	Portofino IW391031 £5,950 - 42mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / Silver variant Portofino IW391025 £15,900 - 42mm / Rose gold  / Polished bezel / Silver, variant

 

18. Blancpain

Inception Date: 1735 | Made in: Villeret, Switzerland | Annual Production: Around 20,000

As the world's oldest Swiss horological manufacturer, Blancpain is the godfather to modern horology as we know it. 

Source - Blancpain 

 

Releasing one of the very first dive watches back in 1953, The Fifty Fathoms line has become a mainstay of the brands lineup, with successive celebratory pieces released in its honour, such as the sum total of 3 “Acts” released to honour the brands 70th anniversary. 

Their innovation continued to produce the first automatic wristwatch in 1926, as inspired by designer John Harwood, symbolising the brand's incredible legacy and influence.

In the modern era, Blancpain uses high-end materials like Grade 23 titanium in models like the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, virtually unseen in the industry and represents the rarest and purest variant. 

They also have other desired lines such as the mysterious Air Command, avant-garde Métiers d’Art and the dressy Villeret line which relates to the Maison’s birthplace.

 

Did You Know…

Blancpain created one of the most complicated mechanical watches of all time. The 1735 Grande complication, introduced in 1991, celebrates their birthplace and has complications like a tourbillon, moon-phase, perpetual calendar, minute repeater and a split-seconds chronograph among others! And they have been under the Swatch umbrella since 1992.

 

Who Wears Blancpain? 

Blancpain has been worn by Jacques Costeau (Fifty Fathoms) to contemporary artists including musician Ed Sheeran (Blancpain x Swatch Diver). 

 

Top 3 Most Popular Blancpain Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms	Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback £17,400 - 46.2mm / Steel  / Dive scale bezel / Grey meteor variant Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune £31,500 - 43mm / Red gold  / Dive scale bezel / Navy blue variant Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2: Tech Gombessa £26,700 - 47mm / Titanium  / Dive scale bezel / Black variant
Blancpain Villeret	Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Heure Sautante Minutes Rétrograde £155,600 - 42mm / Red gold  / Polished bezel / White grand feu enamel variant Carrousel Répétition Minutes Flyback £469,800 - 45mm / Red gold  / Polished bezel / Silver/Openworked variant Villeret Ultraplate £13,400 - 40mm / Red gold  / Polished bezel / Opaline variant.
Blancpain Air Command	Air Command AC02 12B40 63B £19,100 - 42.5mm / Titanium  / 60-minute bezel / Blue variant Air Command AC02 36B40 638 £30,800 - 42.5mm / Red gold  / 60-minute bezel / Blue variant

 

19. Cartier

Inception Date: 1847 | Made in: Paris, France | Annual Production: Around 500,000

Cartier have become noted for their luxury, jewellery and everything that Jay-Z would wrap around Beyonce’s wrists. However, this next entrant on our best watch brands list is full of great significance.

Source - Cartier 

 

Founded in 1847, they have sought to consistently evolve their brand identity. A Royal apparel of choice for more than a century, their pieces have found acclaim on the wrists of Princess Diana with the Halo tiara previously worn by The Queen Mother.

From releasing the Tank after Louis Cartier was inspired by Renault FT-17 tanks on the Western Front, to highly avant-garde designs under the Cartier Crash in the sixties, they have remained nimble and accepting to change while keeping their enduring appeal. 

How could we forget they released the first ever wristwatch! Created in 1904, Louis Cartier created a timepiece for his good friend and pilot, Brazilian Alberto Santos Dumont, that he could wear on his wrist while in flight… And that’s the origins of the name behind the popular Santos Dumont Cartier. Voila. 

For all of the watches, they guarantee a high level of craftsmanship and quality. From the legendary rectangular designs of the Tank to the rounded case of the Pasha de Cartier, all of the lines are built with the finest materials possible with exquisite craftsmanship. 

 

Did You Know…

Called the “Jeweller of Kings and King of Jewellers,” by King Edward VII, they became the official purveyor of fine watches for the Royal Family in 1904. As the go-to brand for the Royal Family for over 100 years, Cartier originally started the relationship with King Edward VII after ordering 27 tiaras for his Coronation and granted Cartier a Royal Warrant. 

 

Who Wears Cartier? 

Adorned by every calibre of elite icon, royal family members like the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton (Ballon Bleu Steel), rock icon Mick Jagger (Tank Française) and actor Rami Malek (Tank Française Large Steel model) are all master flexors. 

 

Top 3 Most Popular Cartier Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Tank	Tank Louis WGTA0011 £12,500 - 25.5mm / Rose gold  / Polished bezel / White variant Tank Française W4TA0021 £9,350 - 27mm / Steel  / Diamond bezel / Navy Silver variant Tank Louis £12,500 - 25.5mm / Yellow gold  / Polished bezel / Black variant
Santos De Cartier/Dumont	Santos De Cartier WGSA0029 £35,100 - 39.8mm / Yellow gold  / Polished bezel / Silvered opaline variant Santos De Cartier  Chronograph £14,100 - 44.9mm / Steel and yellow gold  / Brushed bezel / Satin-brushed silvered variant Santos-Dumont  WSSA0022 £4,000 - 31.4mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / Silvered satin-brushed variant with sunray finish
Crash	Crash WL420051 £89,000 - 25.5mm / 18K white gold  / Diamond bezel / Silver opaline variant Crash HPI00654 £158,000 - 25.5mm / 18K White gold  / Diamond bezel / Silver opaline variant

 

20. A. Lange & Söhne

Inception Date: 1845 | Made in: Glashütte, Saxony, Germany | Annual Production: Around 5,000

The great A. Lange & Söhne is a giant among horological brands. Hailing from Saxony, they have a few cultural design codes that are distinctly German as opposed to the traditional Swiss standard. 

There’s reliable…and then there’s reliable and this watch brand holds steady to its purpose for efficiency and extraordinary architecture.

Source - A. Lange & Söhne 

 

All of their timepieces are handcrafted in Glashütte, including the in-house movements that are developed, crafted and finished within their manufacture. Furthermore, they have collections like Saxonia and the groundbreaking, jumping hour Zeitwerk, relating to their German heritage or locations. 

However, they don’t rely on their manufacturing location to earn our respect. By using sublime materials like pink gold and platinum, they build around fabulous calibres that are certified by Wempe. This is a certification body that demands a solid accuracy of around -4/+6 seconds per day. 

 

Did You Know…

They created the world's first piece with a power-reserve of 31 days? Utilising a patented constant-force escapement, the Lange 31 delivers an astonishing power reserve of around a month! Plenty of time for you to get your hands on one of the best watch brands around…

 

Who Wears A. Lange & Söhne?

A.Lange & Söhne is worn by NBA legend Michael Jordan (Datograph), Ed Sheeran (Zeitwerk 18K White Gold), and world leaders like Vladimir Putin (1815 UP/DOWN 221.025). 

 

Top 3 Most Popular A. Lange & Söhne Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Saxonia	Saxonia Datograph UP/DOWN Price Upon Request - 41mm / White gold  / Polished bezel / Navy blue variant Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold “Lumen” Price upon request - 41.5mm / Honeygold  / Polished bezel / Sapphire blue variant Saxonia Thin £22,900 - 37mm / Pink gold  / Polished bezel / White variant
Lange 1	Lange 1 191.039 £43,600 - 38.5mm / White gold  / Polished bezel / Silvered opaline variant Lange 1 191.025 Price upon request - 38.5mm / 950 platinum  / Polished bezel / Rhodie variant Lange 1 191.028 Price upon request - 38.5mm / White gold  / Polished bezel / Blue/rhodie variant
Zeitwerk	Zeitwerk 142.031 Price upon request - 41.9mm / 18K pink gold  / Polished bezel / Black variant Zeitwerk Minute Repeater 147.028F Price upon request - 44.2mm / 18K White gold  / Polished bezel / Deep-blue variant

 

21. Richard Mille

Inception Date: 2001 | Made in: Les Breuleux, Switzerland | Annual Production: Around 5,000

Richard Mille is the new boy in town. But they have quickly risen to become one of the best watch brands favoured by the rich and the rich with scarcity and desirability off the charts. 

Source - Richard Mille

 

Combining a very low output with a level of demand that means the watches are sold before they get to retail stores, it allows them to sell for unprecedented figures on the secondary market. 

For the watches themselves, they are crafted out of stunning materials like Carbon TPT and grade 5 titanium, resulting in exceptionally light timepieces with fantastic durability. This resulted in them producing the world's thinnest flyback chronograph in 2017, the RM 50-03 McLaren F1 at a miniscule 38 grams. 

Furthermore, they have continued to break horological barriers, including the exceptionally light, 18.83 gram RM 027-01 Rafael Nadal. The later RM 027-03 demonstrated its strength by offering protection of impacts up to 10,000 G-Force. 

Don’t forget the sensational RM 031 which has an accuracy within 30 seconds per month due to its rapid 36,000 VpH!

 

Did You Know…

In 2009, one of the brand's collaborators and ambassadors Felipe Massa was involved in an accident at the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix. His RM 006 came out completely unharmed, just like their reputation as currently one of the best watch brands to buy, 

 

Who Wears Richard Mille? 

Since RM is so desirable and popular, there is a positive flurry of stars and flexors. For example, footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr (RM 68-01 Cyril Kongo), ex Chelsea striker Didier Drogba RM11-01 Roberto Mancini), and stars like Pharrell Williams (RM 52-01 Tourbillon Skull and R88 Smiley) and Jackie Chan (RM 057 Dragon Tourbillon).

There are also other sportsmen like Bubba Watson (RM 055 Bubba Watson), Rafael Nadal (RM 035-01 Rafael Nadal and RM 27-03 Tourbillon) and Michelle Yeoh (RM 51-01 Michelle Yeoh and RM 07-01 Intergalactic) who are owners and who have had an influential hand in designing their novelties. 

 

Top 3 Most Popular Richard Mille Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
RM 72-01	RM 72-01 Le Mans - Secondary Price Around £300,000 - 38.4mm / Quartz TPT  / Ceramic bezel / Green white and black variant
30-01	RM 30-01 Secondary Price Up From £194,500 - 42mm / Titanium  / Brushed bezel / Skeleton variant
67-01 Extra Flat	RM 67-01 Extra Flat Secondary Price Upwards of £130,000 - 38.70mm / Titanium casing / Brushed bezel / Skeleton variant

 

22. Franck Muller

Inception Date: 1991 | Made in: Geneva, Switzerland | Annual Production: Around 40,000

Franck Muller is a truly phenomenal brand that has been at the forefront of horological innovation since 1991. How lucky were we to snag an interview with CEO Nicholas Rudaz at Watches and Wonders 2024! Take a second to peruse this here. 

Source - Franck Muller 

 

Franck Muller is known for producing exceptionally low numbers for many of their watches. For example, the Mykonos Limited Edition is capped at just 16 pieces and is sold solely in Athens and Mykonos boutiques. 

Meanwhile, in terms of the watches themselves, they are built to be extremely luxurious and were pioneers in their field from housing the smallest tourbillon on a face to the largest thanks to the Giga Tourbillon. 

Then of course there’s the Aeternitas Mega which at the time was the most complicated watch in the world, with 36 different ones to boot, including a Westminster carillon chime. That is until Vacheron Constantin came on the scene, extending this to 57 complications in 2024. Nonetheless, they merit their “Master of Complications” strapline.

From the jewelled up Vanguard Rose Skeleton Black Diamond with 75 brilliant cut rubies on the dial, or the Grand Central Tourbillon, all of the watches are stunningly presented. And a shout out must go to their Crazy Hours model with its intentionally misplaced hour markers that were given birth by its namesake founder on vacation in the Seychelles.

Work hard, play harder as they say.

 

Did You Know…

Franck Muller released a model that featured the biggest ever tourbillon in 2011. Named the Giga Tourbillon, the watches tourbillon has a cage measuring 20mm, taking up half of the dial. Nothing can ever be too big for one of the best watch brands!

 

Who Wears Franck Muller? 

Worn by the adored and the iconic, their reputation precedes its artistry. Owners include Elton John (Perpetual Calendar 7000 QP E), David Beckham, Kanye West and Cristiano Ronaldo. The latter owns a Franck Muller Van Cleef & Arpels Invisible Baguette Diamonds Imperial Tourbillon, worth around £1.6 million, with 400+ white diamonds.

 

Top 3 Most Popular Franck Muller Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Franck Muller Curvex CX Flash	Curvex CX Flash Inquire for price - 36.50mm / Carbon  / Curved carbon bezel / Neon variant
Franck Muller Vanguard Damascus Carbon Skeleton	Vanguard Damascus Carbon Skeleton Price upon inquiry - 42.5mm / Carbon  / Carbon bezel / Openworked variant
Franck Muller Cintrée Curvex Double Retrograde Hour	Cintrée Curvex Double Retrograde Hour Price upon inquiry - 38mm / White gold  / White gold bezel / Silver variant

 

23. Bell & Ross

Inception Date: 1992 | Made in: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland | Annual Production: N/A

Bell & Ross have a signature that has become so entwined with them, that the majority of their collections feature it. For those already familiar, it’s the square case of course!

Source - Bell & Ross 

 

As we are seeing a definite change from the classic circular shape, Bell & Ross continue to revel in unorthodoxy. Originally built in Germany for the military, Bell & Ross branched out and earned a few accolades, including the first chronometer worn in space, the Space 1, and the Hydromax is capable of reaching 11,100 metres of water resistance.

This is almost on par with the Rolex Deepsea Challenge, guaranteed to plunge to at least 11,000 metres.

They would eventually go on to release the first jumping hour digital display timepiece, the Vintage 123 Heure Sautante in 2002, becoming the official supplier for the Space Lab Mission and French Air Force. 

Nowadays, they rest comfortably with a plethora of top collections such as the aviation inspired BR 01, the more fashionable BR 05 and BR vintage lines for that genuine throw-back feel. 

 

Did You Know…

Bell & Ross released a timepiece made out of sapphire. The BR-X2 is a square model made out of sapphire crystal and fitted with a stunning ultra-thin tourbillon movement, totalling the quality found within this best watch brand. 

 

Who Wears Bell & Ross? 

Bell & Ross is worn by actors like Syafiq Kyle (BR 05 GMT), racing driver Carmen Jorda (BRS Diamond Eagle) and social media icons including Phei Yong. 

 

Top 3 Most Popular Bell & Ross Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
BR 05	BR 05 Chrono Black Steel £6,000 - 42mm / Steel  / Brushed bezel / Black sunray variant  BR X5 Ice Blue Steel £6,900 - 41mm / Steel  / Brushed bezel / Ice blue variant BR 05 Skeleton Black Ceramic £8,800 - 41mm / Ceramic  / Brushed bezel / Openworked variant
BR 01	BR 01-92 Steel £2,800 - 46mm / Steel  / Brushed bezel / Black variant BR 01 10th Anniversary £3,300 / 46mm / Ceramic bezel / Black variant BR 01-92 Gold Ingot £15,300 / 46mm / Gold  / Gold polished bezel / Gold variant
BR-X1	BR-X1 Military £17,400 - 45mm / High Resistance Titanium  / Titanium bezel / Openworked variant BR-X1 Tourbillon Skeleton Sapphire £300,000 - 45mm / Sapphire  / Sapphire bezel / Openworked, sapphire variant

 

24. Chopard

Inception Date: 1860 | Made in: Sonvilier, Switzerland | Annual Production: 75,000

Chopard are one of the main figures of the great Haute Horlogerie design. Founded in 1860, they have gone from making watches for Tsar Nicholas II of Russia to developing a portfolio of incredible collections like the race inspired Mille Miglia or the Eagle Iris inspired, Alpine Eagle line. 

Source - Chopard 

 

Their technical side is not bad either! Releasing the world’s first calibre using L.UC Quattro Technology, it can produce an astonishing 9 day power reserve. This is by the L.U.C 1.98 calibre being fitted with 4 barrels. 

Chopard have an outlandish side to them too, as noted by their 150th anniversary launch of an animal themed “Haute Joaillerie Animal World” collection. Totalling 150 pieces, all of them come in a range of diamonds and animal themes like panda’s, promoting the luxury and desirability of one of the best watch brands. 

 

Did You Know…

Chopard released the world's first travel timepiece made out of ceramic titanium, named the L.U.C Time Traveler One Black Limited Edition. The material is both stylish, hardwearing and ultra-light. 

 

Who Wears Chopard? 

Chopard has been adopted by a number of top celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio (Chopard Classic), Jacky Ickx (Jacky Ickx Edition V) and “Pretty Woman” Julia Roberts (Happy Diamonds). 

 

Top 3 Most Popular Chopard Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Alpine Eagle	Alpine Eagle 41 £13,300 - 41mm / Lucent Steel  / Brushed bezel / Blue Eagle Iris variant  Alpine Eagle 41 Ethical Rose Gold 41 £49,300 - 41mm / Rose Gold  /  Brushed bezel / Blue Eagle Iris variant Alpine Eagle XL Chrono £18,100 - 44mm / Lucent Steel  / Brushed bezel / Blue Eagle Iris variant
Mille Miglia	Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph 168619-3005 £8,420 - 40.5mm / Lucent steel  / Polished bezel / Two tone “La Gara” silver variant with satin-finish.  Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph £8,420 / 40.5mm / Lucent steel  / Polished bezel / Lacquered “Rosso Amarena” red variant. Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph 168619-4001 £9,940 / 40.5mm / Gold and steel  / Gold polished bezel / Lacquered “Grigio-Blu” blue colour.
L.U.C	L.U.C XPS Forest Green £10,700 - 40mm / Lucent steel  / Polished bezel / Forest green variant L.U.C Qualité Fleurier £18,300 - 39mm / Lucent steel  / Polished bezel / Silver, sunburst variant.

 

25. Oris

Inception Date: 1904 | Made in: Hölstein, Switzerland | Annual Production: 1.2 million

Oris made headlines at the last Watches and Wonders 2023 with their Sesame Street inspired, Propilot X Kermit Oris Green Dial Edition. Boasting a neon green dial with our green-fingered friend Kermit, housed within a date aperture at 6 o’clock, this was certainly a talking point among avid horophiles. 

Source - Oris

 

From creating a unique safety clasp system in 2010 to ensure the watches are firmly affixed to your wrist, to creating the world's first automatic mechanical timepiece with a mechanical timer, the Big Crown ProPilot Altimeter, Oris are every horophile's dream!

 

Did You Know…

They became the first brand to release a diver timekeeper that could measure how submerged the person is. Named the Aquis Depth Gauge, this technical feat represented a step forwards for dive watches globally, pushing Oris to become one of the top watch brands internationally. 

 

Who Wears Oris? 

They are the chosen brand for stars like actor Taylor Kitsch (Pro Pilot), Warren Cole (Oris Pro Pilot) and Ghostbuster Bill Murray (Big Crown Calibre 473). 

 

Top 3 Most Popular Oris Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Aquis	Aquis Date 01 733 7789 4135-07 8 23 04PEB £2,200 - 43.5mm / Steel  / Diving scale bezel / Blue variant  Aquis Date Upcycle Calibre 400 £3,400 - 43.50mm / Steel  /  Diving scale bezel / Multicoloured, paint-style variant Great Barrier Reef Limited Edition IV £3,550 - 43.5mm / Steel  / Diving scale bezel / Blue variant
Divers	Divers Chronos Limited Edition £3,000 - 38mm / Steel  / Diving scale bezel / Blue graduated variant from white centre to a blue periphery.  Divers Sixty-Five Chronograph £3,550 / 40mm / Steel  / Diving scale bezel / Solid black variant Divers Sixty-Five Cotton Candy £2,200 / 38mm / Bronze  / Bronze diving scale bezel / Cotton Candy neon pink variant
Propilot X	Propilot X Calibre 115 £6,400 - 44mm / Titanium  / Ridged bezel / Skeletonised variant Propilot X Calibre 400 £3,650 - 39mm / Steel  / Ridged bezel / Red variant

 

26. Piaget

Inception Date: 1874 | Made in: La Côte-aux-Fées, Switzerland| Annual Production: Around 15,000

Sitting comfortably within the high hills of the Swiss Jura mountains, Piaget looks down from above and is given wings to grow and expand its horological feelers since 1874. 

Source - Piaget 

 

Since then, they have been the recipients of many awards, including winning the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix, Design Watch Prize for their Piaget 1967 in 2002 and the Ultra-Flat Watch Prize in 2003 for their Altiplano XL. 

Covering lines like the sporty Piaget Polo Date or the dressy Altiplano Origin, all of the watches are designed to be capable of dealing with your everyday wear.

 

Did You Know…

The founder of Piaget, Georges-Édouard Piaget first set up his workshop on his family farm… Now that is called commitment! And did you know he did this while was only 19 years old. Where were you at that age?

 

Who Wears Piaget? 

Piaget is not just an entry level luxury brand. Worn by past icons like pop artist Andy Warhol (Piaget Black Tie), Nancy Sinatra (Piaget Polo) and Bond-girl Ursula Andress (Piaget Polo), modern icons like Michael B. Jordan (Piaget Polo 7P) and The Weeknd (Limelight Gala) adorn this top watch brand.

 

Top 3 Most Popular Piaget Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Piaget Polo	Polo 150th Anniversary £12,500 - 42mm / Steel  / Brushed bezel / Brown variant  Polo Date £27,300 - 42mm / Rose gold  /  Brushed bezel / Green variant Polo Skeleton £29,300 - 42mm / Steel  / Brushed bezel / Skeleton variant Polo Emperador Dual Time £70,500 - 42mm / Rose gold / Diamond bezel / Diamond/Mother of pearl variant.
Piaget Altiplano	Altiplano Ultimate Automatic £30,800 - 41mm / Rose gold  / Polished bezel / Navy blue with openworked aspects.  Altiplano Traditional £75,000 - 34mm / White gold / Diamond bezel / Diamond variant

 

27. Hamilton

Inception Date: 1892 | Made in: Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States | Annual Production: N/A

No we are not talking about the famous play based on the novel by Lin-Manuel Miranda that has swept Broadway. But we are talking about one of the most famous watch brands worthy of recognition. 

Founded in 1892, Hamilton has the unique position of opposing traditional Swiss horology, due to their original birthplace being in the United States. Since their inception, they have been committed to pushing down timekeeping walls. 

Source - Hamilton

 

They created the first ever electric timepiece named the Ventura. Powered by an electromagnetic coil, it was released in 1957, paving the way for the Quartz Crisis in the 1970s. In fact, it was worn by Elvis Presley during his role in the film, Blue Hawaii!

If that’s enough to get you All Shook Up, there’s more. In the current era, Hamilton has been hard at work, producing desirable collections like the pilot inspired Khaki Aviation, the dressy Jazzmaster and the emblematic Ventura line in its legendary asymmetrical design. 

 

Did You Know…

Alongside creating the world's first electric model, the brand created the world's first LED digital electronic timepiece display. Named the Pulsar, it features no moving parts within and was released in 1970, representing a huge advance for one of the best watch brands. 

 

Who Wears Hamilton? 

Remarkably, they have quite a career in the film industry. Seen on the wrists of Judi Dench in Skyfall (Hamilton Jazzmaster Lady Quartz), Ben Affleck (Khaki Field Mechanical) and Josh Hartnett (Khaki Field Officer Pearl Harbour Mechanical), you may have seen Hamilton more than you originally thought!

 

Top 3 Most Popular Hamilton Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Ventura	Ventura Edge Dune Limited Edition £2,235 - 51mm / Steel  / Chamfered bezel/ Black variant  Ventura Auto £990 - 35mm / Steel  /  Chamfered bezel / Golden variant Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton Auto £1,885 - 42mm / Steel  / Chamfered bezel / Openworked dragon variant
Jazzmaster	Skeleton Auto £1,190 - 40mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / Cream with openworked aspects.  Jazzmaster Viewmatic Auto £740 - 40mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / White with central embossment variant  Jazzmaster Performer Autochrono £2,190 - 42mm / Steel  / Tachymetric scale bezel / Navy blue variant.
Khaki Aviation	Khaki Aviation X-Wind GMT Chrono Quartz £920 - 46mm / Steel / Aviation scale bezel / Green variant Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical £790 - 36mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Navy blue variant Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto £990 - 36mm / Bronze / Polished bezel / Navy blue variant.

 

28. Baume & Mercier

Inception Date: 1830 | Made in: Les Bois, Switzerland | Annual Production: 200,000

Founded in 1830, Baume & Mercier have been the powerful backbone behind the Swiss horological industry. Receiving their Baume & Mercier name in 1918, it took only one more year in 1919 before they earned the official Geneva Seal, the highest level of certification for horological excellence. 

Source - Baume & Mercier

 

So far, they have won ten Grand Prix awards and seven gold medals at international exhibitions globally, signifying their pristine quality and competency. Interestingly, they also won Watch Campaign of the Year back in 2011, using real-life photos and audio used by real families laughing and excitedly shouting down by the seaside.

Now, in the modern era, they have a long list of top collections stemming from the sports-chic Riviera to the dressy Classima, and the very avant-garde Hampton in its Cartier Tank inspired rectangular case shape. 

 

Did You Know…

Baume & Mercier won a competition held by the Kew Observatory near London for their Chronometer pocket-watch fitted with a tourbillon movement? 

 

Who Wears Baume & Mercier? 

They have collated an extensive list of celebs wearing their pieces. From Kristen Bell (Linea M0A10008) to Chris Pine (Vintage 1950s Bumper Automatic and Evangeline Lilly (Riviera XXL Chrono Diver) have been known to sport this best watch brand. 

 

Top 3 Most Popular Baume & Mercier Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Hampton	Hampton 10752 £3,750 - 35mm / Pink Gold / Polished bezel / Cream variant Hampton 10741 £6,225 - 48mm / Black DLC steel  / Polished bezel / Black variant Hampton 10673 £1,625 - 35mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / Red variant
Baume	Baume 10686 £575 - 41mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / Black dial with date display.   Baume 10590 £1,575 - 42mm / Steel / Polished bezel / Black dial with green hands. Baume 10653 £1,575 - 42mm / Steel  / Smooth bezel / Black constellation style dial.
Classima	Classima Automatic Chronograph 10782 £2,900 - 42mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / Khaki variant Classima Quartz Date Display £1,375 - 42mm / Steel PVD Grey  / Polished bezel / Navy blue variant Classima Manual 10735 £3,650 - 42mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / Blue sapphire crystal blue variant.

 

29. NOMOS Glashütte

Inception Date: 1990 | Made in: Glashütte, Saxony, Germany | Annual Production: 20,000

Over the years, NOMOS Glashütte has 150 awards to their name due to their incredible level of craftsmanship and quality timepieces. Perhaps the most impressive award was becoming the first non-Swiss brand after A. Lange & Söhne to win the spectacular Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève. 

Source - NOMOS Watch Club

 

One of its notable collections was the Orion which debuted in 1991. Since then, NOMOS has gone from strength to strength, seeing lines produced like the dressy Zürich, sport inspired Autobahn and the minimalist Orion. Trust us when we say this ain't the ACDC or highway to hell of watch brands.

Featuring precious metals like white gold, 18K rose gold and steel, NOMOS displays a variety of case styles like round, square and tonneau models with a dial colour scheme that runs from green to yellow. 

 

Did You Know…

In 2014, they moved away from having to use other Swiss manufacturers, releasing their own in-house escapement known as the NOMOS swing system. This set the blueprint for all NOMOS movements to date. 

 

Top 3 Most Popular NOMOS Glashütte Collections

Collection	Desirable Current References - (RRP As of August 2024)
Autobahn	Autobahn Neomatik 41 Date Sports Gray 1303 £4,000 - 41mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / grey variant Autobahn Neomatik 41 Date Midnight Blue 1302 £4,000 / 41mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / Blue variant
Zürich	Zürich Date 802 £3,900 - 40mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / White variant Zürich World Time 805 £4,700 - 40mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / White variant Zürich World Time Midnight Blue 807 £4,820 - 40mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / Blue variant
Orion	Orion Rose 352 £2,060 - 35mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / Rose variant Orion Neomatik 41 Date Black £3,500 - 40.5mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / Black variant Orion 33 Gold 358 £1,660 / 32.8mm / Steel  / Polished bezel / Gold variant

 

Conclusion

… And that’s time (again) on our rundown of the most popular watch brands in the horological stratosphere. The question is, have you decided which one hits the spot for you?

Whether it’s the unbridled luxury of Vacheron Constantin, the incredible legacy created by Rolex, or the horological fusion of Haute Horlogerie and top technical quality by Patek Philippe, we have you covered for all styles, budgets and wrist sizes from six to eight inches…and beyond. 

If those names are a little too pricey, but you are still looking for a reputable brand, we recommend more low tier luxury brands like Longines, TAG Heuer, Tudor and Breitling to get your wrist game on top form. 

No matter the choice or wallet, these top brands are the stepping stone to horological greatness. Whether flexing a new piece for the boardroom, looking to buy a “made it” or one and done timepiece, a crafty chrono or delicious diver for the pool or private yacht, or simply going from bar to restaurant, there’s a piece from any one of these brands with your name on it.  

Yet it’s now the moment of truth. Where on earth do you begin to start your timekeeping quest? Do you know the best platform who will take care of your specific requirements, has unparalleled brand expertise and fully understands the significance of a high value purchase or sale?

Wait right there a minute. We know the perfect place that’ll leave you grinning from ear to ear…or from pusher to pusher.

 

Can't wait to buy an Omega for your lunar loving ego? Want to start a new collection or add to an existing one from these best watch brands above? Assess your options today with Chrono Hunter here. 

Take a glance at our first-rate Trustpilot reviews to find out why we really are the essential source to buy a watch or sell a watch quickly. We only partner with the most trusted luxury retailers around. 

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Further Reading:

The Top 12 Most Popular Omega Watches For Men

23 Best Luxury Men's Watches To Gift The Wrist Worthy Gent For Christmas

 

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