A luxury watch doesn’t just tell the time; it also features exquisite craftsmanship and aesthetic functionality. It’s not just a timekeeper, but also a treasured possession with the potential to become a family heirloom or an investment piece.
If you’ve been thinking of owning one, here’s a quick guide to the best luxury watch brands in the world today.
Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin is the oldest watchmaker that is still in production, and is known for crafting some of the world’s most creative horological masterpieces. It is included in the Holy Trinity of watches. The brand is notoriously known for producing a limited number of pieces. Some of its most notable watches include the minimalist dress watch Patrimony, and the bolder Traditionnelle.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Jaeger-LeCoultre has a rich heritage and history of watchmaking innovation. It is known for producing high-quality ébauche movements and has provided calibers for premium brands in the past. JLC watches have a trademark vintage style, as well as intricate and complicated movements. Each watch undergoes 1000 hours of testing before leaving the factory to ensure quality. The most famous of these are the Art Deco-inspired Reverso and the sporty Polaris.
A. Lange & Söhne
A. Lange & Söhne stands out from the crowd with its distinctive style that is different from its Swiss counterparts. The outsize date complication is one of the brand’s most distinguishing features. The brand is known for exclusivity, with only 5000 watches produced out of its Glashütte factory every year. The German brand’s innovations just goes to show that the best luxury watches do not have to be Swiss-made. The most famous A. Lange & Söhne watches are the Saxonia and Lange 1.
IWC Schaffhausen
IWC Schaffhausen is crafted out of American ingenuity and traditional Swiss watchmaking. Expect world-class watches that stand out in both form and function. Known as a pioneer of pilot watches, IWC is also the first to incorporate titanium in its watchmaking. In recent years, the brand has committed to implementing sustainable manufacturing practices. Some of the most requested IWC watch families are the Pilot’s Watches, Portugieser, and Portofino.
Hublot
Hublot has a long history of innovation by crafting watches made from materials not commonly used in watchmaking, such as gold, ceramic, sapphire and rubber. A Hublot watch is recognizable because of its distinctive bezel and the ‘H’ screws that resemble a porthole. The iconic Big Bang is the brand’s most recognizable collection with its unique designs and intricate movements, while the Classic Fusion is its more restrained and minimal line of watches.
Omega
Omega’s legacy is quite impressive. It was the first watch on the moon and it is the official timekeeper of NASA, the Olympic games, and the James Bond franchise. Omega was the first to adapt the co-axial escapement in its calibers, which is now common in watchmaking. Some of the brand’s best offerings include the industry-leading Speedmaster chronograph, the world-class Seamaster Planet Ocean dive watch, and the elegant Constellation dress watch.
Ulysse Nardin
Ulysse Nardin is known for its cutting-edge innovations such as incorporating silicon technology in its Freak watches. Historically, the brand has produced some of the best marine chronometers in the industry. Presently, Ulysse Nardin continues to push the envelope while remaining true to its heritage with its present lineup of groundbreaking timepieces. Some of the standouts include the high water resistance watches from the Diver collection and the avant-garde designs featured in the Freak range.
Breguet
Breguet revolutionized watchmaking when its founder invented the tourbillon in 1775. It’s one of the remaining 18th century watchmakers that are still in business. This history is evident in Breguet’s distinguishing trademarks such as the guilloché design and Grand Feu enamel in its watches’ dials. Breguet produces a diverse range of watches including the diving-inspired Marine, the dressier Classique, and the feminine Reine de Naples.
TUDOR
TUDOR is known for creating Rolex-designed watches at a more accessible price point. All Tudor watches are durable, tough, and powered by mechanical movement. Black Bay is the reason behind the brand’s resurgence, and its launch allowed TUDOR to step out of the shadows of its more famous sibling. Currently, Black Bay 58 is the most sought-after watch in the brand’s portfolio.
Get to know the big players before you visit the best watch store Houston watch collectors recommend. You can also ask for assistance from the Zadok staff to help you choose the best brand that suits your lifestyle and preferences.
