Luxury watches are more than just timepieces; they are a testament to craftsmanship, engineering, and timeless style. A carefully curated watch collection can elevate one's wardrobe, showcase one's personality, and even serve as an investment. As we explore the 20 most popular watches of 2023, one can appreciate the artistry and precision that goes into each of these masterpieces.

From iconic dive watches to elegant dress watches, these luxury timepieces have earned their place in the hearts and wrists of discerning collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Let's embark on a journey through the world of horology, discovering the top luxury watch brands and their exquisite creations that continue to captivate and inspire.

The Most Popular Watches of 2023 Summary

• Discover the 20 most popular watches of 2023, from iconic dive watches to luxury sports timepieces.

• Explore innovative features such as moon-phase displays and power reserve indicators in timeless dress watch designs.

• Invest in rare limited edition pieces or build a collection with investment watches for appreciation potential.

Rolex Submariner

Rolex, widely regarded as one of the premier luxury watch brands globally, has a reputation for luxury and exclusivity. The Rolex Submariner is an iconic dive watch, renowned for its timeless design, water-resistance up to 300m, and a range of features such as a unidirectional bezel and Oyster bracelet. These characteristics have made the Submariner a top choice among the best affordable watch brands, as well as a popular choice for those seeking a high-end timepiece, like Rolex watches.

For those who prefer a sportier look, the Submariner can be paired with a rubber strap, which complements its bold black dial and luminous hour markers beautifully. Whether worn for a dive or a formal event, the Rolex Submariner's combination of style, durability, and functionality makes it a must-have addition to any watch enthusiast's collection.

Omega Seamaster

Established in 1848 as Louis Brandt & Fil, Omega has become a renowned player in the luxury watch world, achieving first place in all six categories at the 1931 Geneva observatory trials. The Omega Seamaster is a luxury dive watch that boasts a classic design and offers a range of different collections. This versatile timepiece is water-resistant up to 600m, and features a helium escape valve and co-axial escapement, making it an exceptional companion for underwater explorations.

Omega's history of innovation and precision is not limited to the Seamaster. The Speedmaster, Omega's most sought-after creation, has also made a mark in the watch industry. With their robust construction and refined aesthetics, Omega watches, such as the caliber 1120 and 861, are highly regarded by watchmakers like Ron Gordon.

From the depths of the ocean to the heights of space, Omega's commitment to excellence is evident in each timepiece they create.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

When it comes to luxury sports watches, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak stands in a league of its own. Introduced in 1972, this iconic timepiece features a distinct octagonal bezel, giving it a sporty yet elegant appearance. The Royal Oak is the most renowned collection of Audemars Piguet, a brand known for its commitment to excellence and exclusivity.

Beyond its striking design, the Royal Oak offers a range of features, such as a perpetual calendar and tourbillon, making it not only a stunning accessory but also a marvel of watchmaking engineering. With only 30 watches produced per day by the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak workshop, owning one of these exceptional timepieces is truly a testament to one's appreciation for horological artistry.

Patek Philippe Calatrava

As a Swiss luxury watch brand, Patek Philippe is synonymous with craftsmanship and quality. The brand's commitment to excellence is demonstrated by their renowned tagline, "You never actually own a Patek Philippe, you merely look after it for the next generation". Among their many exquisite creations, the Patek Philippe Calatrava stands out as a classic dress watch, featuring a timeless design and a range of features, such as a moon phase display and power reserve indicator.

Having produced fewer than 1 million timepieces since 1839, Patek Philippe watches are some of the most expensive and sought-after in the world. The Calatrava's elegant design and exceptional craftsmanship make it a valuable addition to any watch collection, reflecting the brand's dedication to creating enduring masterpieces that can be passed down through generations.

TAG Heuer Carrera

Inspired by the world of motorsports, the TAG Heuer Carrera is a racing-inspired chronograph known for its robust design and sporty aesthetics. The Carrera's features such as a tachymeter scale and chronograph subdials make it a popular choice among younger demographics who value style and performance.

TAG Heuer's reputation for quality extends beyond the Carrera, with their Aquaracer diving watch collection, featuring stainless steel construction, also gaining recognition for its durability and affordability.

Whether you're seeking a timepiece for your next racing adventure or a stylish accessory for daily wear, the TAG Heuer Carrera is a testament to the brand's commitment to precision and innovation.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso

Jaeger-LeCoultre is a watchmaker renowned for its inventiveness, having developed over 1,200 individual calibers and holding 400 unique patents. Among their many exceptional creations, the Reverso stands out as an Art Deco-inspired timepiece with a distinctive reversible face, allowing the wearer to switch between two different dials. In the world of luxury watches, Jaeger-LeCoultre's craftsmanship can be compared to that of Vacheron Constantin.

Originally designed for polo players, the Reverso has become a symbol of elegance and sophistication, making it the perfect watch for any occasion. With its dual time zone and moon phase display features, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is a true testament to the brand's dedication to innovation and craftsmanship.

Cartier Santos

Founded by Louis-François Cartier, the iconic watch and jewelry brand Cartier is known for its exquisite and unique creations. One of their most enduring designs is the Cartier Santos, featuring a modern square-shaped design and a range of features, such as a screw-down crown and sapphire crystal.

Not only is the Cartier Santos a symbol of elegance and sophistication, but it also boasts a rich history. The Santos was originally designed in 1904 for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, making it one of the world's first wristwatches created specifically for an aviator.

Today, the Cartier Santos continues to be a popular choice for those seeking a timepiece that combines style, innovation, and a storied past.

IWC Portugieser

The IWC Portugieser is a highly esteemed luxury watch model known for its excellent value retention. With its timeless design, water-resistance up to 30m, and features such as a power reserve indicator and date window, the Portugieser is a versatile and elegant timepiece that can be worn for both formal and casual occasions.

IWC, or the International Watch Company, has a reputation for quality and precision that extends beyond the Portugieser. Their diverse range of timepieces, from pilot watches to dress watches, showcases the brand's commitment to excellence in the world of horology.

Panerai Luminor

With its bold design and focus on functionality, the Panerai Luminor is a must-have for fans of Italian-made dive watches. Water-resistant up to 300m, the Luminor features a unique luminous dial and rotating bezel, making it ideal for underwater exploration.

Panerai's history is rooted in the manufacture of watches for the Italian navy, with their first models featuring the brand's patented luminous paint, Radiomir. Today, the Luminor continues to be a popular choice for those seeking a robust and reliable dive watch with a distinctive design.

Breitling Navitimer

The Breitling Navitimer is an aviation-inspired chronograph that has been a favorite among pilots and astronauts since its introduction in the 1950s. With features such as a slide rule bezel and chronograph subdials, the Navitimer embodies the brand's dedication to precision and reliability in extreme conditions.

Breitling's commitment to excellence extends beyond aviation, with their SuperQuartzTM movement offering ten times the accuracy of standard movements in their electronic models. Whether soaring through the skies or navigating daily life, the Breitling Navitimer is a testament to the brand's pursuit of performance and innovation.

The Rise of Smartwatches

In recent years, the watch industry has witnessed the rise of smartwatches, combining the latest technology with traditional watchmaking. These innovative timepieces offer a host of features such as fitness tracking, notifications, and voice control, making them a popular choice for those seeking both style and convenience.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro, for example, is designed for Android users and comes equipped with features such as fitness tracking, blood pressure monitoring, GPS, and a rugged design. As technology continues to advance, the rise of smartwatches like the Apple Watch represents a new frontier in the world of horology, merging the best of both worlds for watch enthusiasts.

Vintage Watches: Timeless Classics

There's something undeniably alluring about vintage watches – timepieces that have stood the test of time, often with a story to tell. These collectible watches, at least 20 years old, feature classic designs and unique movements, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

From the Zenith El Primero chronograph movement, renowned for its precision, to the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, a diving watch with a rich history, vintage watches provide a glimpse into the past and the evolution of watchmaking. With their timeless appeal and intricate craftsmanship, these classic timepieces continue to captivate and inspire.

Limited Edition Watches: Exclusivity and Rarity

In the world of luxury watches, limited edition timepieces hold a special appeal. Produced in restricted numbers and often featuring unique engravings, colors, and materials, these watches exemplify exclusivity and rarity.

Created in collaboration with designers or artists, limited edition watches often maintain their value more effectively than regular watches, making them an attractive option for collectors and investors alike. From one-of-a-kind designs to special collaborations, these exclusive timepieces offer a unique opportunity to own a piece of horological artistry.

Women's Luxury Watches: Style Meets Functionality

When it comes to women's luxury watches, the perfect blend of style and functionality is essential. Brands such as Rolex, Omega, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and others offer timepieces designed specifically for women, combining elegance and practicality in a variety of styles and features. These are some of the best watch brands in the market.

From intricate designs and luxurious materials to advanced technology, women's luxury watches embody the perfect balance of form and function. Whether attending a formal event or simply seeking a stylish accessory for everyday wear, these exquisite timepieces cater to discerning tastes and elevate any wardrobe.

Dive Watches: Exploring the Depths

Dive watches are designed for underwater exploration, boasting robust and reliable construction alongside special features such as water resistance and luminescent hands. Brands like Rolex, Omega, and Panerai have made their mark in the dive watch category, with models such as the Submariner, Seamaster, and Luminor offering excellent performance and durability for divers and watch enthusiasts alike.

Beyond their underwater capabilities, dive watches are also known for their stylish designs, making them a popular choice for both diving enthusiasts and those seeking a versatile timepiece. With their combination of form and function, dive watches are a testament to the incredible feats of engineering and craftsmanship in the watch industry.

Racing-Inspired Watches: Speed and Precision

For those with a need for speed, racing-inspired watches offer a perfect blend of style and performance. Chronographs designed for speed, such as the TAG Heuer Carrera, feature tachymeter scales and chronograph subdials, allowing wearers to measure speed and distance with precision.

The connection between racing and watchmaking goes beyond mere aesthetics – many of these timepieces are built with the same attention to detail and engineering prowess as the high-performance vehicles they are inspired by. With their sleek designs and advanced features, racing-inspired watches capture the spirit of speed and precision in the world of horology.

Pilot Watches: Soaring High in Style

Designed with aviation professionals in mind, pilot watches are characterized by their legible dials, rotating bezels, and other features that assist pilots in their operations. Brands such as IWC and Bremont are known for their pilot watches, which showcase their commitment to precision and innovation in the field of aviation.

Pilot watches are not only reserved for those who take to the skies – their stylish designs and functionality make them a popular choice among watch enthusiasts seeking a timepiece that combines form and function. With their rich history and connection to the world of aviation, pilot watches continue to soar high in style and performance.

Dress Watches: Sophistication for Formal Occasions

When attending a formal event, a dress watch, especially mechanical watches, can be the perfect accessory to complete one's ensemble. Elegant and refined, these timepieces are designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional, with features such as slim cases and leather straps.

Brands like Patek Philippe, Cartier, and IWC are among the top dress watch brands, offering a range of timepieces that embody sophistication and style, making them an ideal choice for formal occasions. From classic designs to modern interpretations, dress watches are a testament to the enduring appeal of luxury timepieces that exude both elegance and functionality.

Independent Watch Brands: Unique Creations

In the world of luxury watches, independent watch brands offer unique and innovative timepieces that stand out from the crowd. With their creative designs and movements, these Swiss brand watches, such as Oris, Zenith, H. Moser, and Armin Strom, showcase exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

From the Akrivia AK-03, an Italian micro-brand dive watch, to the Weiss watches, a brand dedicated to restoring prestige to American watchmaking, independent watch brands cater to those who appreciate the artistry and innovation that goes into creating a truly unique timepiece.

For collectors and enthusiasts alike, these independent creations offer a refreshing alternative in the world of luxury watches.

Investment Watches: Building a Collection

For those looking to build a watch collection, investment watches offer the potential for appreciation in value over time. Often produced in limited quantities and featuring special features or collaborations, these highly collectible timepieces are sought after by collectors and investors alike.

Some examples of popular investment watches include the Rolex Submariner, the Omega Seamaster, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, and the Patek Philippe Calatrava. As these watches continue to gain in popularity, their value may increase, making them not only a stylish accessory but also a smart addition to any watch collection.

Final Thoughts on The Most Popular Watches of 2023

Throughout this journey into the world of luxury watches, we have explored the most popular watches of 2023, showcasing the incredible variety of styles, features, and brands available to collectors and enthusiasts. From iconic dive watches and elegant dress watches to innovative smartwatches and unique creations from independent brands, there is truly a timepiece for every taste and occasion.

As you consider your next luxury watch purchase, remember that these masterpieces represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship, engineering, and timeless style. Whether you're adding to an existing collection or starting a new one, each of these exquisite timepieces is a testament to the enduring appeal of luxury watches and the artistry behind them.

Frequently Asked Questions: Most Popular Watches of 2023

What is the most popular watch on the market?

The Rolex Submariner is the most popular watch on the market. This iconic timepiece has been seen in films, television and worn by some of the world's most well-known celebrities. Its timeless design, luxury materials and craftsmanship make it an enduring classic that is highly sought after around the world.

So if you are looking for the top watch choice, then you can't go wrong with a Rolex Submariner.

What watches are most popular?

The Rolex Submariner is one of the most popular watches in the world, and for good reason. With its sleek look, long-lasting materials, and impressive water resistance, it's no wonder that it's considered to be a classic.

It's no surprise then that these timepieces are the most highly sought-after watches around. Consequently, they're the most popular watches out there.

What is the most popular watch on the market?

The Rolex Submariner is the most popular watch on the market today, receiving attention from customers due to its iconic reputation and luxurious build. It is so sought after that a customer can have to wait months or even years to get one delivered, as the demand for this model is incredibly high.

The Rolex Submariner is a symbol of luxury and status, and its popularity is only increasing. It is a timeless classic that will never go out of style, and its quality and craftsmanship are second to none. With that in mind.

Must-Know Luxury Watch Brands

Watch collectors and enthusiasts are always showing off their knowledge of the various luxury watchmakers they've come to know but not all are created equal. What are good watch brands? Here's a top 10 list for you to discuss.

We're listing only the top-shelf brands here along with some stunning pictures. This includes the best watch brands known as the "holy trinity" which is comprised of Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet & Vacheron Constantin as well as many other luxury watchmakers such as Jaeger-LeCoultre (JLC ), Blancpain, Ulysse Nardin, Rolex, Jaquet Droz, and more. Although this is a very comprehensive list, it is not in any particular order,  though we may harp on the holy trinity watches a bit for obvious reasons. Every last one mentioned here is an excellent watchmaker worth considering if you're starting a collection or just curious. What is the number 1 watch brand? 

Known for inventing the very first wristwatch, Patek Philippe & Co has become a top watchmaker and is one of the most sought-after in the world. Everyone would agree that it would be a disservice to make a top 10 list and not mention this watchmaker. Patek Philippe is one of the 3 Holy Trinity Watchmakers. Some of their most popular models include the Nautilus, Aquanaut, World Time, Twenty-4, Calatrava, and more. In addition to their many popular models, Patek Philippe was commissioned to create some of the world's most complicated watches for many high-profile individuals such as James Ward Packard, and Henry Graves. The Graves Supercomplication, one of the most exclusive watches ever made was sold for an astounding $11,000,000 USD in 1999 at a New York auction and featured 24 complications that took 8 years to research and create. Many consider them to be the best watch brand in the world and this is why they were listed first in our top 10 luxury watch brands.

Aside from being considered one of the best watch brands, another great accomplishment of Patek Philippe at one point was the creation of the world's most complicated watch known as the Patek Philippe Calibre 89 with 33 complications. At the time, it was the watch with the most complications until recently when another watchmaker in the holy trinity outdid them, by a landslide. To many Patek is a watch brand luxury buyers consider to be the cream of the crop, one of the most expensive luxury brands and they have created some of the most exclusive watches. Famous wearers include Brad Pitt, Eric Clapton, Charlie Sheen, and the first celebrity to wear one was Queen Victoria. The price range is between 5 figures and 8 figures depending on the model.  Learn more.

Next in our famous watch brands list is the oldest continuously operating watchmaker in the world. It is a brand that brings hundreds of years of watchmaking history with it. Since 1755, Vacheron Constantin is also another Holy Trinity Watch brand and has been creating some of the most unbelievably unique and creative horological masterpieces. The best example of their mechanical genius would be the recently released Vacheron Constantin reference #57260 also known as the world's most complicated watch with a mind-blowing 57 complications and which has an estimated value at $8,000,000 according to Forbes. Even before this amazing feat, they were considered to be a top luxury watchmaker.

As a member of the "holy trinity", Vacheron Constantin is one of Switzerland's top watchmakers and had built the company around the principles of achieving technical and aesthetic excellence as demonstrably characterized by their many horological achievements and innovations throughout the years. In doing so they have become one of the best international watch brands. Some of their most notable collections include the Patrimony, the Traditionnelle, the Overseas, Malte, 1972, Quai de l'ile, Harmony, Metiers d'Art, and Les Historiques. A truly luxurious watch brand and any seasoned watch connoisseur would agree that they are one of the most prestigious of all.  Learn more.

Another member of the prestigious "holy trinity" in watchmaking, Audemars Piguet has been manufacturing some of the most spectacular watches since being founded in 1875. They are certainly considered by most to be one of the top 10 watch brands in the world today. The collection for which they are most famous is the AP Royal Oak series. This is an iconic watch collection that was a major game-changer for Audemars Piguet who was the first to use a non-precious metal, stainless steel in the latest sports watch design, and charge luxury prices. Audemars Piguet then produced its underwater version of the iconic watch, the Royal Oak Offshore series which became one of the most popular diving watches in history. As one of the trinity, AP has consistently over-delivered throughout the years and is highly respected.

The advent of the Royal Oak watch opened doors for many luxury watchmakers to use their horological expertise as a pricing factor rather than just the precious metal used. Whereas a watch used to be worth its weight in gold, many are now worth more than its weight in gold regardless of what material is being used. Aside from their many Haute Horlogerie watches, Audemars Piguet has been known to be quite avant-garde on the design end of the business and created several Haute Joaillerie pieces such as their Diamond Punk and Diamond Fury watches for ladies. AP watches are also known for their many limited editions and high-complication watches such as the Jules Audemars. They are a luxurious watcher whose name is worthy of being in your horology lexicon.  Learn more.

Blancpain was established in 1735 and is slightly older than Vacheron Constantin but did not operate under the Blancpain brand from the day it was established. They have contributed much to the advancement of watchmaking techniques and produced watches containing some of the most complicated movements. Blancpain is the pioneer in creating diving watches with their iconic Fifty Fathoms timepiece, the world's first-ever diver's watch. Blancpain had since produced many fine collections including Le Brassus, Leman, Villeret, Novelties, Specialties, and Sport. They are one of the top 10 watch brands in the world and worthy of much praise. 

One of the more noteworthy achievements that attributed to the respect this brand deserves is the innovations it made to the tourbillon complication. Blancpain created a flying tourbillon, which is an innovation to the original tourbillon design created by Breguet almost two hundred years earlier. The new and improved version housed the complication in a cage with a ball bearing allowing the wearer to marvel at the tourbillon in full action. Learn more.

In 1846 a Ulysse Nardin opened its manufacture. At the time it was not more than a watch stand, but soon became one of the powerhouses in the watch industry. They create everything from classic minimalist designed series such as the San Marco Classico to the flashy and complicated Hour Striker, Sonata, and El Toro GMT +/- Perpetual Calendar collections. Other modern collections include the Quadrato Dual Time and Dual Time Perpetual. Ulysse Nardin is quite famous for their marine chronometers such as the Maxi Marine Chronometer and their Marine Chronograph, with their marine watches Ulysse Nardin has cornered a segment in timekeeping where they truly shine brighter than the North Star.

That's not to say that this watchmaker can only produce a high-end marine watch, Ulysse Nardin makes many types of stunning watches including the Caprice (a ladies collection), the unconventionally looking "Freak" series with its carrousel tourbillon complication, and its impressive 7-day power reserve and of course their super high-end Royal Blue Tourbillon, some with a list price of over $1.2 Million giving them a place in Haute Joaillerie and Haute Horlogerie. This is why they were included in the top 5 luxury watch brands. Learn more.

Jaeger-LeCoultre is a Swiss luxury brand of watches that is highly respected by its peers. Many believe it is to be one of the best luxury watch manufacturers and arguably one of the most vertically integrated prestigious watchmakers in the world. One of the reasons for this is that they produce their own movements in-house as well as many of their components in-house. Watchmakers that can produce in-house movements are usually held up on a pedestal and celebrated for their ability to control quality and craftsmanship down to the finest detail. Few manufacturers produce as many components on their own as Jaeger-LeCoultre (affectionately called JLC by watch collectors and watch connoisseurs the world over). For the above reasons, they were put at the sixth position in our top 10 luxury watch brands.

JLC produced many timeless classics such as the Reverso which is a square watch with a unique ability to flip over to protect its face. This iconic collection gave birth to much newer reverse series which include an ultra-thin dual-dialed series called the Grande Reverso Ultra-Thin Duoface. This two-in-one watch series has a dark dial on one side of the case while the flip side of the case has a light-colored dial. Jaeger-LeCoultre also produced many other popular series such as the AMVOX3 Tourbillon, Master Control, the JLC Geophysic, Master Compressor, and Master Ultra-Thin collection which include several models with super-thin perpetual calendars one of which was recently featured in the Marvel film titled Dr. Strange along with a JLC Grande Reverso. In addition to their esteemed luxury watches, Jaeger-LeCoultre produces high-end torsion pendulum clocks called Atmos Clocks which requires no winding. Rather, it gets its energy from atmospheric pressure and temperature, literally air! Learn more.

Omega SA is one of the more popular brands of luxury watches yet, they are not necessarily one of the most expensive watch brands out there compared to many watchmakers mentioned here. They had their Seamaster watches featured in major films throughout the years; films such as say every James Bond movie since Goldeneye featuring Pierce Brosnan and every "007" film that followed featuring Daniel Craig. Most notably famous for their Moonwatch, the Omega Speedmaster Pro which was on the wrist of Buzz Aldrin as he took his first steps on the lunar surface. Having their watches flight-qualified by NASA for a space mission such as Apollo 11 was instrumental in bringing up the prestige of this brand. Omega is, in fact, the 2nd most recognized Swiss watch brand in the world, with approximately 70% international brand recognition. They are owned by a watch conglomerate called Swatch Group.

In terms of watchmaking, Omega has made numerous innovations by employing a material that is impervious to electromagnetic interference; the #1 enemy of mechanical watches when it comes to keeping accurate time. While some consider Omega a designer watch brand with their entry-level watches starting at a much lower price point than some of the previously mentioned top watchmaking brands, they actually have watches that run into the six figures price point, specifically the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Limited Edition with only 69 pieces worldwide; the number commemorating the year of the moon landing. Any watch that costs over $100,000 could easily be considered a luxury item, by any standards. Learn more.

When it comes to high-end watches, people usually think of Switzerland since Swiss watchmakers make up the bulk of the pack. There are exceptions though. Glashutte Original is a Saxonian / German brand which no surprise here, German engineering is world-famous especially when it comes to mechanical engineering.

Glashütte Original is one of the few luxury German brands that really stand out. They are arguably one of the most understated in the industry. Their watches have immaculately executed craftsmanship. Their ever-popular Pano series are not just stunning but very well made. They produce many complicated watches including tourbillons, chronographs, perpetual calendars, and more. Some of Glashutte Original's most popular collections include the many Senator watches, The Sixties, Seventies, PanoLunar, PanoGraph, PanoMatic as well as a Lady collection which includes the PanoMaticLunar.  Learn more.

It would be a shame if we didn't mention a brand like Rolex which has the most recognized watch brand in the world with literally 100% brand recognition. But though they are the most famous of all famous watch brands, let's acknowledge them for their watchmaking skills not just for their popularity. Rolex produces some rather amazing watches; and lots of them. It is estimated that their production is approximately 2,000 watches per day. One of the things about this most famous watch brand is that people rant and rave about the fact that they have a higher average resale value than any other watch brand on the market. This can directly be attributed to the fact that Rolex is if not the most, certainly one of the most valuable watch brands in the world.

Rolex makes some of the most popular men's watches. Some of their most popular collections include the Daytona, Submariner, GMT Master II, Datejust, Yacht-Master, Yacht-master II, Day-Date, Sky-Dweller, and much more. As an adventurous luxury watch brand that has seen its watches at the highest peak on earth and the lowest abysmal depth of our planet's waters. They also pride themselves on the accuracy of their watches as many of them hold a Superlative Chronometer designation meaning that they have an accuracy of +2/-2 seconds per day. (A regular COSC certified chronometer which is considered an impressive watch movement has an accuracy of +6/-4 seconds/day). Rolex also makes some of the best men's luxury sports watches. Learn more.

A watchmaker that started off as an exquisite clockmaker, Jaquet Droz was the first to open a factory in Geneve, Switzerland, and soon became one of the top 10 watch brands in the world. His mechanical genius produced watches that embedded some of the wisdom used in generating their exceptional grandfather clocks and featured many watches with automata and what separates them from other high-end watchmaking brands is that they are considered a more refined brand for those with only the most exquisite taste. The company's founder traveled the world and produced masterpieces that were each uniquely inspired by the regions that were visited. Often found in France, Jaquet Droz presented Queen Marie-Antoinette of France with his watches. His pieces were often found in royal courts throughout the civilized world. The Emporer in Beijing of the Qing dynasty was marveled by his work and set up offices to import these fascinating mechanical works of art.

What made Jaquet Droz so unique was his ability to combine his art with precision micromechanics and produce timepieces that were both mechanically complicated and as aesthetically pleasing as fine art. With models such as those found in the La Chaux De Fonds Complications Collection which featured watches such as the Quantieme Perpetual Eclipse, the Rattrapante, and the Chronograph Monopusher this luxury watch brand is known for producing elegantly designed complexly engineered masterpieces. Jaquet Droz has many popular collections which include the Grande Seconde, Petite Heure Minute, Les Ateliers D'Arts, Grande Seconde SW, Lady 8, Grande Heuer, and Astrale Collections. Learn more.

As one of the oldest watchmakers in existence, Breguet has earned their respect both in Switzerland and the rest of the world of watchmaking. Throughout the years, Breguet has been credited with numerous innovations and praised for the horological genius that brought about its fame making them one of the most noteworthy watchmakers. Breguet's founding father, Abraham-Louis Breguet was attributed to innovating the rotor system that is used in automatic (self-winding) mechanical watches that are loved by so many today. He also invented the tourbillon which is one of the most coveted complications in the industry. Having one in your watch (see image below) is a major sign of a watch's prestige so just imagine the prestige as a watchmaker for having invented it. 

Having such talent naturally attracts the right type of clientele and over the years, Breguet watches have donned the wrists of aristocrats and the social elite around the world. Many Breguet watches have their signature "coined edge" which can easily be spotted along the side of the case. Their many collections include top-shelf luxury watches for both men and women. Some of the more popular collections include the Breguet Marine, the famous Reine de Naples, Breguet Grand Complications,  the Type XX, Type XXI, and Type XXII collections, the Heritage collection, the Tradition, and of course, the Breguet Classique. Learn more.

A famous watch brand lineup without IWC would be a sin. Being one of those old luxury watch brands that date back to 1869, IWC was the first watchmaker to use the lightweight metal titanium in this age-old craft and is most likely best known for the Portuguese collection of watches which is now known as the IWC Portugieser. IWC is innovative and sets out to outperform themselves and others with every watch they make. They are a luxury watch company that takes horology seriously producing mechanically complex watches which include tourbillons, minute repeaters, moon phase, and chronograph complications. 

IWC is also known for some impressive and trendy limited edition watches such as the IWC Pilot Chronograph Le Petit Prince. Their watches have an interesting history and in many cases a fascinating backstory that brings their watches to life. IWC crafts breathtaking mechanical movements that are finished to perfection. While their watches are mainly made for everyday wear they do have certain models that are likely to become prized possessions for any watch collectors. Learn more.

This watchmaker is one of the more popular brands that has been sensationalized ever since the brand's acquisition by fashion conglomerate LVMH, but their history starts long before that happened. With many watches of their gaining international acclaim such as the iconically square-shaped Monaco that was featured in major films and worn by Hollywood hot-shots. All fashion-world achievements aside, let's focus on the horological trophies that they have accomplished. Such as a high-complication tourbillon-chronograph Chronometer featured below known as the 02T. Their various collections are a good mix of classic watches and racing-themed chronographs, to water-resistant sports models. This watchmaker has been on the up-and-up constantly outdoing themself, and thus, definitely worth mentioning in this list. For answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about this brand, click here. 

Many might ask a question like "What are Good Watch Brands?"  "What is The Best Watch Brand?" or "What is a good watch brand for a man?". Well, that really depends on the type of watch you are looking for. There are many great brands out there. Many are the best at a certain type of watch and some are very good at many types of watches but not necessarily the best at any one particular type. Some watch brands are preferred over others when it's the type of watch that you want to keep in the family as an heirloom because they hold their value the best. Other companies are known for dive watches and make the best diver watches or even the best chronograph watches.

Some brands such as the trinity mentioned at the beginning of this article are considered to be the most luxurious watch brands. That is at least they are the top 3 watch brands when it comes to Swiss watchmakers. There are many fancy watch brands out there and let's be frank, most of them come with Swiss watch brand names. That said, many would argue that a German brand called A Lange & Söhne is the most distinguished watch brand and possibly better than any of the three best Swiss watchmakers in the trinity or at the very least on par with Patek Philippe. Why were they not in the top 5 watch brands on this list? Possibly because they are in a league of their own. They are one of the most respected watch brands ever to exist. Many other watchmakers should probably be mentioned in this article including Girard Perregaux, Roger Dubuis, Arnold & Son, Richard Mille, Officine Panerai, BVLGARI, and many more. However, we're trying to keep this concise.

It's a challenging subject to discuss watch brand ranking when many watches have a specific purpose that they were designed for. A good example of this would be a brand like Breitling who makes excellent watches for professionals, specifically aeronautical professionals. They make very popular men's watches and are definitely considered to be one of the nice watch brands to own. They would certainly be ranked high up on a top list for professionals. However, not everyone is a pilot or an astronaut which is why we didn't include them in the top 10 watch brand list.... perhaps if we did a top 20 watch brand list or top 100 list they would have been prominently displayed.

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