For many watch collectors, the goal is to discover the next up-and-coming brand. Some brands are very well established but have not come to the forefront of the market. This is the sweet spot for those who invest in watches as the timepieces will be of incredibly high quality and also very unique. Buying from lesser-known brands is a sure way to have a conversation starter on your wrist as fellow watch enthusiasts will certainly be intrigued. This guide to 5 lesser-known luxury watch brands will introduce some brands that will make brilliant additions to any watch collection. The guide will also offer recommendations for each model as a starting point for each brand. If you are searching for your next timepiece, keep reading to learn about 5 lesser-known luxury watch brands.
Top 5 Lesser Known Luxury Watch Brands
Baume & Mercier
Baume & Mercier was founded in 1830 and has created high-quality and prestigious timepieces for both men and women ever since. Despite its long history, the brand remains relatively unspoken in the mainstream watch industry. This will make it greatly appealing to those collectors who prefer a more unique timepiece. Over the course of the years, Baume & Mercier has consistently held itself to the highest standards, only ever accepting perfection in its products. The brand demonstrates innovative techniques and creative design in each of its watches, allowing each model to have a very distinctive look.
Baume & Mercier Men’s Riviera Automatic Blue Skeleton Dial M0A10616
This watch has been selected from the Riviera collection which is one of the brand’s most iconic families of watches. The Riviera collection was first launched in 1973 and was relaunched in 2021. This revival was very exciting for many fans of the brand as it reintroduced a truly iconic watch design. This specific model exhibits a blue semi-transparent dial that exposes the automatic movement within. This movement has a very impressive power reserve of up to 120 hours, ensuring that the wearer is never left without the time. The movement is housed within a stainless steel case that is detailed with a bezel with screw features. The watch is secured using a timeless stainless steel bracelet.
U-Boat
U-Boat is one of the most unusual Italian watch brands. Each model that the brand creates has a very unique appearance that ensures it stands out from the crows. The brand is based in Tuscany and prides itself on creating remarkable timepieces that are built using the finest Italian craftsmanship. Italo Fontana designs the brand’s watches and his influence is visible in each and every watch. The love and passion that he puts into every model is expressed in the high-quality materials and manufacturing.
U-Boat CAPSOIL TITANIO 45mm Chronograph Titanium 8897
The watches in U-Boat’s Capsoil collection each feature a movement that is fully submerged in oil. This oil also encompasses the dial providing an incredibly unique look. The watches also feature a free-floating compensation bubble that makes the dial look as though there is no protective crystal. This watch has a black dial with luminescent features that are protected by a curved sapphire crystal. The dial is framed by a titanium case. Titanium is a very desirable material in watchmaking as it is both lightweight and durable. The watch is powered by a Swiss electromechanical movement and is water resistant up to 10 bar. Another unique feature of this model is that the crown is positioned on the left-hand side of the watch to optimise the wearer’s comfort. The design of this model is complted with a black ultra-resistant rubber strap.
Junghans
Junghans has been a significant name in the horological industry since it was founded in 1861. Despite being an important and influential brand, it is still most commonly known amongst watch enthusiasts. The brand is characterised by skilled craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Junghans takes pride in its history and builds traditions based on its past. Each Junghans watch undergoes a rigorous inspection process to ensure that every model is of the absolute highest quality.
Junghans Max Bill Quartz | Brown Leather Strap | Gold Plated Case 41/7872.02
This Junghans model exhibits a very classic design that will make it a brilliant choice for everyday wear. The watch features a white dial that is decorated with simple and easy-to-read black baton and Arabic indices. Gold hour, minute and second hands are mounted at the centre of the dial and a date aperture is positioned at 3 o’clock. The gold PVD-plated stainless steel case measures 38mm in diameter to create an elegant and comfortable fit on the wrist. This case houses the quartz movement that powers this watch. The watch is secured using a strap that is made from soft leather. It is a dark brown colour to complete the classic neutral colour palette.
MeisterSinger
MeisterSinger watches have a very unique appearance that is hard to find in the designs of any other brand. This makes their watches the perfect choice for those who love to stand out from the crowd with a timepiece that is sure to start conversations. The brand is relatively new to the industry having been founded in 2001. MeisterSinger is best known for its single-hand dials. This reflects the brand’s philosophy of experiencing the passing of time rather than tracking every last second.
MeisterSinger Men’s Classic No. 3 Automatic 40mm Opaline-Silver DM901
This model is taken from MeisterSinger’s Classic collection, a family of watches that focuses on necessities rather than excessive detail. The watch features a silver dial with the brand’s iconic single hand mounted at the centre. It is also adorned with Arabic numerals and a date aperture. The wearer will be able to read the time to the closest five minutes. This model is powered by an automatic movement that provides up to 38 hours of power reserve. The movement is housed within a stainless steel case that measures 40mm in diameter. The watch is paired with a truly classic cognac brown calf leather strap that gives this unique timepiece a modern twist.
Sinn
Sinn’s watches all have specialist designs for people with a niche interest. Some of the watches have been built especially for professional divers or firemen and have the vital high-tech features required. Despite being founded in 1961, the brand has very quickly made history. Sinn watches have been to space and to the deepest parts of the ocean. The brand has consistently proved the capabilities of its watches to function well in extreme environments. Sinn has produced many of its own technologies over the years that have led to massive improvements in materials and movements. Its watches are a brilliant option for collectors who demand robustness and high performance from their timepieces.
Sinn EZM 13.1 Silicone Strap With Pin Buckle 613.011 SILICONE
This watch comes from Sinn’s EZM collection of mission timers. This watch has temperature resistance technology, Ar-Dehumidifying Technology and is water and pressure resistant to 50 bar. The black dial is adorned with bold hands and indices alongside a date display and chronograph movement. This ensures that the wearer has all of the information they need on their wrist. These features are powered by a self-winding movement. A stainless steel case frames the dial and it features a crown on its left-hand side. This ensures for the wearer’s comfort when diving. The watch is secured on the wrist using a black silicone strap that will be comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
What are your thoughts on these 5 lesser-known luxury watch brands? Which of them caught your eye? Let us know in the comments below!
