In the world of horology, luxury timepieces are much more than what meets the eye. They are masterpieces of craftsmanship, innovation and elegance. From the meticulously crafted movements to the exquisite materials and timeless designs, luxury watch brands represent the pinnacle of sophistication. No matter if you’re a seasoned collector, or someone looking to make a start with a high-end piece, it’s important to know what brands fall under this umbrella. We have curated this short guide on the best luxury watch brands to help point you in the right direction. Whether its the aesthetics of the watch that catch your eye, or the feeling of having something luxurious in your wrist, these brands create timepieces worthy of a place within your ever-growing collection.
Our Best Luxury Watch Brands
Rado
Known for its innovation, design excellence and use of high-tech materials, Rado is a name that stands out within the world of luxury watches. The Swiss brand has built its reputation over many years and has achieved this status by keeping true to a philosophy of only selling high-quality timepieces. With some of the world’s most beautiful and durable pieces in their portfolio, a Rado watch is more than a simple purchase; it is an investment.
Our Rado Pick: Captain Cook Automatic (37mm) Silver Sapphire-Set Dial / Interchangeable Strap Set R32500718
Beautifully unique, the snowy white dial of this Rado features eight ice-blue sapphires as hour markers. As well as this, the dial exhibits rhodium-coloured hands and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. A sapphire crystal, with an anti-reflective coating on both sides, protects the dial. Not only does it improve the overall clarity levels of the timepiece, but the durability levels too. The bezel, with a white high-tech ceramic inlay, and the 37mm stainless steel case emphasise this further. An automatic movement, with an 80-hour power reserve, lies within this case; it ensures accurate timekeeping. Completing the design of this Rado is the choice of three straps: a rice grain stainless steel bracelet, a light blue NATO strap, or a blue leather strap with blue stitching. Thanks to Rado’s EasyClip system, they can be easily and quickly exchanged.
Baume & Mercier
Baume & Mercier is a luxury Swiss watchmaking brand with a fundamental ideology of providing authentic and accessible timepieces. The brand’s core identity forms around the idea of cherishing life’s most important moments and memories. Baume & Mercier has been building its reputation for over 188 years, and throughout this time has developed a fantastic range of watches. With experience and heritage and experience, Baume & Mercier is one of the most desirable luxury brands around.
Our Baume & Mercier Pick: Men’s Riviera Blue Dial Stainless Steel Bracelet M0A10620
The perfect combination of sporty, dressy and casual, this model revives the spirit of a distinguished watchmaking era. For a sophisticated look, the sunray blue dial, with a unique pattern, features a mix of silver-tone Roman numerals and baton indices. As well as this, the dial features silver-tone dauphine hands with a Super-LumiNova coating. The date aperture at 3 o’clock ensures great practicality. While the dial is beautiful, it is not the stand-out feature of the watch. Rather, it is the stainless steel case and dodecagonal bezel with four screws. Measuring 42mm in diameter, the case houses the watch’s Swiss-made automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve. For an added touch, the wearer can observe the movement through the sapphire crystal case back. The watch is also water-resistant up to 100 metres. Sleek and simple, a stainless steel bracelet concludes the design of the timepiece.
Longines
Longines is a watch brand for those who seek out fine Swiss watchmaking. They are a brand that blends elegance, tradition and performance; three key attributes that are evident across every watch in their extensive portfolio. Each Longines has a flair that reflects the core values of its rich history. From sporty chronographs to elegant moonphase complications, the vast range of collections ensures there is a piece of Swiss luxury suitable for all.
Our Longines Pick: Mini DolceVita Diamond Quartz (21.5mm) Silver Flinqué Dial / Tan Brown Leather Double-Strap L52000710
This Longines oozes quiet luxury and contemporary elegance. The silver flinqué dial features blued steel hands and blue painted Roman numerals. And for optimal timekeeping, a small seconds sub-dial features at 6 o’clock. Enhancing the richness of the watch, the 21.5mm rectangular stainless steel case features 38 Top Wesselton IF-VVS diamonds. Petite but powerful, it makes a great statement on the wrist. Furthermore, scratch-resistant and anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass protects the dial. Not only does it ensure optimal clarity, but also great durability. A high-precision L178 quartz movement powers the timepiece. Moreover, the watch is water-resistant up to 30 metres (3 bar). Undeniably, the stand out feature of this model is its elegant double tour strap in tan brown leather. While it creates a beautiful illusion on the wrist, it also provides great security; thanks to the steel tongue buckle.
Frederique Constant
Through their watches, Frederique Constant aims to make horological elitism a thing of the past. The brand believes in making luxury accessible to all people, while still maintaining its high-end appeal and high standards. From the design to the mechanism, each watch showcases a genuine passion for detail and exceptional craftsmanship. The Swiss brand truly is the epitome of affordable luxury; hence its worldwide love and respect.
Our Frederique Constant Pick: Classics Moonphase Heart Beat Automatic (40mm) Silver Guilloché Dial / Black Leather Strap FC-335MC4P6
With a timeless silhouette and elegant design, this watch features a silver guilloché dial. Printed black Roman numerals and black Breguet hands contrast the dial perfectly; creating a contemporary appeal as they do so. As well as this, the dial features an open-heart sub-dial at 12 o’clock and a moonphase aperture at 6 o’clock. While they emphasise the functionality of the timepiece, they also add to the timeless charm. Acting as a date aperture, the outer ring of the dial exhibits Arabic numerals from 1-31; whatever number the pointer hand aligns with is the date. Moreover, for optimal durability, a sapphire crystal encases the dial. A 40mm stainless steel case frames the dial. Sleek and sophisticated, it houses the watch’s FC-335 automatic movement. The wearer can also view this movement through the exhibition case back. A black calf leather strap, with a crocodile pattern, concludes the design of this watch. Its pin buckle ensures great security and comfort on the wrist.
Hamilton
Hamilton is renowned for producing watches which are both beautifully designed and highly functional. But most of all, the mix of American spirit and Swiss precision is what defines the brand today. Made from only the highest quality materials, and with fantastic Swiss movements, Hamilton timepieces are designed to be a practical as well as stylish; taking the best parts of its American and Swiss background. They are one of the best luxury brands for those who seek out traditional watch design.
Our Hamilton Pick: Jazzmaster Performer Auto (34mm) Green Dial / Stainless Steel Bracelet H36105160
With a powerful sport-chic aesthetic, this Hamilton features a pistachio green dial with a mix of nickel indices and hands. Simple but effective, it provides a pretty pop of colour on the wrist. A stainless steel bezel and case both frame the dial, while an anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects it. The case measures 34mm in diameter, so it is better suited to those ladies with more petite wrists. Furthermore, a highly reliable H-10 automatic movement, with an 80-hour power reserve, lies within this case. Overleaf, the exhibition case back allows the wearer to observe the movement and its intricate contrasting snail patterns. Completing the design of this timepiece is a refined stainless steel bracelet; its butterfly fastening offers great security on the wrist. The watch is also water-resistant up to 100 metres. So it is both a practical and suitable choice for daily wear.
What did you think of our best luxury watch brands? Will you purchase a timepiece from any brands mentioned in this post? Let us know in the comments!
