For millennia, humanity has sought to keep good time. However, it wasn’t until the 15th century until we collectively managed to do so with any great degree of accuracy. The first watches evolved from the spring-driven clocks of the era and revolutionised everything from the way we work to the way we built modern society.

Of course, today’s modern watches are more than a simple, practical tool for keeping time. In addition to this, luxury watches also act as fashion statements, accessories, heirlooms and investments. Our horological choices can define us in many ways, but what exactly does your timepiece say about you?

Read on to find out what brands have made the list of the best watch brands in the world to find out, or perhaps even gain some inspiration for your next purchase?

 

1. Rolex

Rolex is arguably the most ubiquitous luxury watch manufacturer in the world. When you clasp a Rolex to your wrist, you’re not simply wearing a tool to tell the time - you’re wearing a statement of power and success.

Founded in Geneva by Hans Wilsdorf in 1905, Rolex quickly became associated with incredible human achievement, supplying equipment to record breakers and adventurers in equal measure. The brand is also synonymous with innovation, having developed the first waterproof watch back in 1926 with its world-famous Oyster model.

Rolex is revered by everyone from fictional spies (James Bond) to hip-hop heavyweights (Jay-Z). Recognised and coveted globally, Rolex is one of the most in-demand luxury watch brands in the world, and when you browse its catalogue of incredible works, it’s easy to see why.

 

2. Patek Philippe

Geneva-based luxury watch manufacturer Patek Philippe was founded in 1839. As one of the last truly independent, family-owned watchmakers globally, it produces just 50,000 timepieces per year. The manufacturing process is incredibly detailed, and the results are simply breathtaking.

While Rolex might be the luxury watch brand with mass appeal, those in the know who want an elegant yet understated timepiece consistently turn to Patek Philippe. Subtlety and minimalism are traits often associated with the brand, making it a great choice for an all-round luxury watch that pairs just as easily with casual wear as it does with formal attire.

Celebrities who favour Patek Philippe’s contemporary styles include Brad Pitt, Jason Statham and Jesse Lingard.

 

3. Audemars Piguet

From the Jura mountains of Switzerland to the wrists of celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and LeBron James, Audemars Piguet is renowned as one of the world’s most impressive high-end watch manufacturers.

The brand first came to prominence in the early 1970s, when its Royal Oak series was marketed to a luxury audience. This model combines durability, functionality and style, and has gone on to become AP’s flagship model, which is highly-prized by men and women alike.

Audemars Piguet offers a true sense of exclusivity to its wearers - a feeling of belonging to an under-the-radar club of luxury watch aficionados. With modern, innovative and inventive designs, AP offers something unique for independent spirits.

 

4. Richard Mille

While Richard Mille might be a relatively modern luxury watchmaker, the brand has fast developed a reputation for precision engineering and high-quality design during its twenty-year existence.

Richard Mille is famous for creating watches that use unique baseplate and case materials, including carbon nanotubes, toughened ceramic and gold infused with carbon. These materials are often incredibly resilient, thereby increasing the provenance of the watch. Ultimately, when you adorn your wrist with a Richard Mille, you’re elevating your timekeeping to the highest form of precision engineering and technical art.

Like other luxury timepieces, Richard Mille models tend to retain their value over the years, on account of the intricacies involved in the manufacturing process, the quality of materials used and of course, the impeccable design pedigree.

 

5. Breitling

Military personnel, pilots and even astronauts have long had an affinity for Breitling watches - so owning one certainly puts you in very highly-esteemed company indeed. The brand is known for the development of the slide rule bezel, which was initially used by those in the aviation industry to measure fuel requirements on flights.

For a brand that focuses on timepieces designed to withstand the ruggedness of the outdoors, Breitling models are surprisingly elegant. From formal pieces to extreme sports watches complete with integrated distress beacons, Breitling does it all.

 

6. Omega

The Swiss luxury watchmaking stalwart Omega has been delivering incredibly accurate and equally intricate timepieces since the 1840s. Over the years, its models have broken various records for precision timekeeping.

Those interested in history might be aware that the brand’s Speedmaster Professional was the first watch to be worn on the moon by none other than Buzz Aldrin. To this day, tradition dictates that most American astronauts follow suit, with most choosing to only wear Omega products during missions to the stars.

Of course, Omega has been worn by the stars, too: President John F. Kennedy and Elvis Presley - the original king of rock n’ roll - were both notable fans.

 

7. Tudor

In 1926, Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf decided to launch a new brand that combined Rolex’s reputation for precision and durability with an all-new contemporary outlook. As such, Tudor was born.

Tudor’s luxury timepieces are highly functional and designed with exploration in mind. Of course, it’s not just military professionals and adventurers who choose Tudor - the brand has also found celebrity fans in Lady Gaga and David Beckham.

Many horology buffs opt for Tudor watches because they are slightly more affordable than brands like Rolex while still maintaining a similar sense of exclusivity and prestige.

 

8. Cartier

While your first thoughts at the mention of Cartier might involve high-end jewellery, it’s worth noting that the brand initially set off making luxury watches. Today, Cartier timepieces are some of the most celebrated on the market, with the brand establishing itself as one of the world’s major players within the watchmaking industry.

The interesting thing about Cartier designs is that while some bow to heritage and tradition, others tend to push boundaries and break with conventional watch design norms. To this end, there’s a Cartier for everybody - whatever your individual stylistic preferences.

 

9. Panerai

Panerai is proof that the Swiss don’t have a monopoly on the luxury watch market. This Italian manufacturer is well-known for elite, unique watch designs which rely heavily on traditional design aesthetics.

Part of Panerai watches' appeal is that despite several technological updates, its models exude a sense of nostalgia, having changed very little in visual terms over the years. Beloved by film stars (Sylvester Stallone) and explorers (Mike Horn) alike, Panerai delivers first-class technology and old-school design with aplomb.

 

10. IWC

IWC was formed with the basic tenet of combining the traditional skills of Swiss watchmakers with the innovation of US production techniques. The end result is a series of first-class watches which stand out from the crowd, both in terms of reliability and aesthetic brilliance.

Interestingly, IWC bucks the trend for Swiss watch manufacturers to be located in the West of the country. Instead, the firm sits on the Rhine river, which it utilises for hydropower. These eco-conscious credentials make IWC the first-choice for luxury watch aficionados with a penchant for sustainability.

 

11. Jaeger Lecoultre

Few brands have such a fierce reputation for innovation within the watchmaking industry as Jaeger Lecoultre. To date, the company holds over 400 unique patents and has developed in excess of 1,200 calibres.

Jaeger’s Reverso collection, which was initially released at the height of the 1930s Art-Deco movement, is one of the all-time horological greats. It features a rectangular design and is renowned as a perfect example of unisex watchmaking - a tradition the company gladly continues.

 

12. Tag Heuer

Celebrity endorsements, a boundary-pushing design team and a slew of associations with fast and dangerous sporting events have all helped Tag Heuer to become the luxury watch of choice for young, active go-getters.

The brand manages to effortlessly combine style with engineering finesse. Its coveted Aquaracer model, for example, is often purchased for its design credentials - but it also offers impressive durability. It is capable of withstanding pressure in depths of up to 1,000 metres, making it an ideal dive watch.

 

13. Hublot

Fans of the Premier League will be familiar with Hublot’s role as the official timekeeper for top-flight football in the UK. Luxury watch enthusiasts will also be aware that the brand offers some seriously striking timepieces. The brand has a reputation for fusing together different styles and materials to the point where it’s not unusual to find a unique combination of metals, ceramics, rubber, fabric and leather on a single Hublot watch.

The firm is also well-known for producing some of the world’s most prized limited-edition luxury watches on the global market, complete with diamond bezels and other precious materials.

 

14. Zenith

Luxury watchmaker Zenith was responsible for producing the world’s first integrated (and at the time, most accurate) chronograph. Its iconic El Primero movement, first launched in 1969, was capable of beating at an incredible 36,000 vibrations per hour.

The brand holds some eight medals for its contribution to chronometry. Luxury watch aficionados who want accuracy in addition to something a little bit different from the usual ubiquitous watchmaking brands would be well-encouraged to opt for a Zenith model, such as the El Primo chronograph.

 

15. Seiko

 

 

16. Bell & Ross

While the Franco-Swiss watch designer Bell & Ross didn’t get going until 1992, the firm soon made up for lost time with its catalogue of specialist aviation and diving watches. Bell & Ross combines luxury design with highly-resilient materials to deliver a range of devices that can withstand the deepest of oceans, coldest of temperatures and highest of altitudes.

It should come as no surprise that this dedication to both design and durability has won the brand plaudits around the world.

 

17. Blancpain

In its mechanisms, Blancpain displays a level of intricacy which many of its competitors can only dream of. The firm produces just 30 watches in its workshop each day, and this level of exclusivity means that it sits well and truly in the premier tier of luxury timepieces.

Tradition is important to Blancpain. You won’t find a single digital component in any of its watches. Furthermore, all watches are created with silicon balance springs to help improve precision and performance while also creating magnetic resistance.

Reliable, fashionable and traditional: that’s Blancpain.

 

18. Chopard

From contemporary, playful designs to luxurious and opulent watches, Chopard has long been held in high esteem for its ladies’ fashion pieces. Despite the abundance of diamonds, Chopard watches are not simply decorative. Some movements within its L’Heure du Diamant range, for example, feature 65-hour power reserves and incredible accuracy.

Ultimately, sophistication is the order of the day with much of Chopard’s output. Yes, it produces elegant, feminine pieces - but these watches also happen to be packed with functions, too.

Sports enthusiasts will also be pleased to know that there is more than one string to Chopard’s bow. The brand’s Mille Miglia collection of racing watches are extremely resilient while retaining some seriously impressive design credentials.

 

19. Longines

While most luxury watchmakers tend to focus on a small number of models, Longines bucks the trend with over 2,780 different designs to choose from. Despite having a large catalogue, Longines still exudes the sort of class that only a luxury brand can. Each of these designs is elegant in its own right, complete with Longines’ unmistakable winged hourglass logo.

The company is well known for partnerships with some of the world’s most prestigious horse racing events, and many of its designs reflect this passion for equestrian sport.

 

20. Franck Muller

Swiss watchmaker Franck Muller is known for producing high-quality timepieces, which are generally known to command a high price tag at launch while subsequently retaining value years down the line. The most expensive Franck Muller watch - a Franck Muller Round belonging to football superstar Christiano Ronaldo - is worth somewhere in the region of £1.2 million.

While Franck Muller’s initial creations focused on the diving and exploration markets, the brand’s modern watches combine traditional and contemporary aesthetics to deliver luxury adornments for all occasions.

 

21. A. Lange & Sohne

While it’s easy to give Switzerland plaudits as the undisputed home of the world’s finest luxury watchmakers, it’s worth remembering that Germany knows a thing or two about engineering also. A. Lange & Sohne prides itself on delivering excellence and perfection at every stage of the manufacturing process. The brand has an intuitive understanding of contemporary aesthetics and is known for its visually appealing - albeit unusual - asymmetrical dials.

A Lange & Sohne engineers undergo a minimum of three years of tutelage at a dedicated watchmaking school before beginning work on the shop floor - such is the commitment the brand has to ensure it only produces luxury products.

 

22. Girard Perregaux

When a company has been making watches for over 230 years, you can expect them to have seriously honed their craft over the years. Make no mistake, when you purchase a Girard Perregaux watch, you’re getting your hands on a seriously high-quality piece of engineering.

Equal emphasis is placed upon the mechanics and the architecture of each hand-crafted Girard Perregaux model, so you can expect mechanical prowess and serious design pedigree in one product.

 

Conclusion

 

While there are plenty of luxury watch manufacturers to choose from, at Chrono Hunter, it is our belief that these brands, in particular, each contribute something great to the horology world. Each delivers its own unique set of stylistic parameters and combines these with engineering prowess to develop watches you can truly treasure in multiple ways - as fashion statements, keepsakes, utilitarian tools and of course, as investments.

If you’d like more information on how to choose the right luxury watch brand to suit your own personal style, why not get in touch with the Chrono Hunter team today? With access to a huge range of luxury timepieces, we’ll be certain to find something which suits your requirements.