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The Definitive Guide to Luxury Watch Brands Ranking: Top 12 Brands to Know in 2023

精致名表品牌排名指南:你值得了解的15个品牌(全英)

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the top 15 luxury watch brands of 2023 and discusses the criteria for ranking luxury watch brands with detailed information and insights.

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Luxury watches have been a symbol of class, status, and sophistication for centuries. These watches are not only precise instruments that tell time but also pieces of art that showcase exceptional craftsmanship and innovation. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the top luxury watch brands of 2023. We will explore the ranking of the top 15 luxury watch brands based on their craftsmanship, history, and iconic models and collections.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Luxury Watch Brand

Before we dive into the ranking of the top luxury watch brands, it’s important to understand the factors that make a luxury watch brand stand out. When choosing a luxury watch brand, buyers should consider the following:

​​1. Craftsmanship and quality

Luxury watches are crafted with the finest materials and the utmost attention to detail. From the movement to the case and the strap, every component of a luxury watch is meticulously designed and crafted to deliver exceptional performance and longevity.

​​2. Legacy and history

Luxury watch brands with a rich history and legacy has stood the test of time and have become iconic symbols of class and sophistication. The legacy and history of a luxury watch brand can add value and prestige to the timepiece.

​​3. Iconic models and collections

The most famous luxury watch brands are known for their iconic models and collections. These models and collections showcase the brand’s creativity, innovation, and artistry. They have become timeless classics that are sought after by watch collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Luxury Watch Brand Ranking

In no particular order, here are the top 15 luxury watch brands of 2023:

1. Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe is recognized as one of the world’s leading watchmakers with a long and illustrious history. Founded in 1839 in Switzerland by Antoine Norbert de Patek and Francois Czapek, Patek Philippe is known for its exceptional craftsmanship, iconic models, and heritage.

Craftsmanship and quality: Patek Philippe uses only the finest materials and employs highly skilled artisans to create its timepieces through traditional watchmaking techniques, such as hand-engraving and enamel paint. All watches are manufactured entirely by hand on an extremely limited scale, and less than 1 million Patek Philippe watches have been created. In short, Patek Philippe timepieces are very rare even in comparison to other prestigious Swiss luxury watchmakers. Almost every single Patek Philippe watch, if not every single one, is a collectible timepiece. 

History and legacy: Patek Philippe is created on the basis of decades of knowledge since 1839. The brand has been responsible for many significant innovations in the watchmaking industry, including the first perpetual calendar wristwatch and the first double chronograph. Patek Philippe has also been a favorite of royalty and celebrities, including Queen Victoria and Albert Einstein.

Iconic models and collections: Patek Philippe has many iconic models and collections, but perhaps the most famous is the Calatrava. First introduced in 1932, the Calatrava is a classic dress watch that has become a symbol of understated elegance.

Patek Philippe's Calatrava collection is a classic dress watch that has become a symbol of understated elegance.

Source from Patek Phillippe Official Website

2. Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin is a Swiss luxury watch brand that is known for its exceptional craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and elegant designs. It has a rich history and legacy, and its watches are favored by watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

Craftsmanship and quality: The movements of Vacheron Constantin watches are often highly complicated, with multiple complications and functions, making them a favorite of collectors and connoisseurs alike. In short, Vacheron Constantin’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality is evident in every detail of their exquisite timepieces.

History and legacy: Vacheron Constantin can be traced back to 1755 when Jean-Marc Vacheron established a watchmaking business in Geneva. It has a long and prestigious history and has been favored by royalty and world leaders throughout the years.

Iconic models and collections: The Patrimony, Overseas, and Traditionnelle collections are one of the most recognizable Vacheron Constantin models over the decades. The Patrimony collection features simple and elegant designs, while the Overseas collection is known for its sporty and versatile style. The Traditionnelle collection features classic and timeless designs.

The Overseas collection is known for its sporty and versatile style.

Source from Vacheron Constantin Official Website

3. Rolex

Rolex is a household name and certainly one of the most recognized luxury watch brands in the world that are both durable and precise. Rolex watches have become symbols of class, prestige, and success.

Craftsmanship and quality: Rolex has been synonymous with quality and craftsmanship for decades, for whose designs are definitely guaranteed to last a lifetime. Rolex uses only the finest materials, including 904L stainless steel and 18k gold, and employs highly skilled artisans to create its timepieces.

History and legacy: Rolex has a long and storied history dating back to 1905. The brand has been responsible for many significant innovations in the watchmaking industry, including the first waterproof watch, known as the famous Oyster model, and the first wristwatch to display two time zones. Rolex has become the favored timepiece of many famous individuals, including James Bond and Sir Edmund Hillary.

Iconic models and collections: The most popular Rolex watches include the Submariner, Datejust, GMT Master II, & the Daytona. And perhaps the most famous is the Submariner, which is first introduced in 1953. The Submariner is a classic dive watch that has become a symbol of adventure and exploration.

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Source from Rolex Official Website

4. Piaget

Piaget has become a byword for elegance and sophistication for years. Piaget’s watches are crafted with the finest materials, elevating the brand to the ranks of the top 15 luxury watch brands in the world. 

Craftsmanship and quality: Piaget takes immense pride in its commitment to quality, particularly in its ultra-thin movements that require remarkable precision. By employing the finest materials like 18k gold and diamonds, Piaget ensures exceptional craftsmanship. The brand’s mastery extends to crafting stone-dial watches, incorporating rare stones like malachite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, onyx, mother-of-pearl, and tiger’s eye. These carefully selected stones elevate Piaget’s timepieces, showcasing elegance and sophistication at unparalleled heights.

History and legacy: Piaget has been launched with a rich 140-year-long history. The brand has been responsible for many significant innovations in the watchmaking industry. Some well-known examples are to introduce the first watch that is ultra-thin and the first watch combining a mechanical movement with a quartz crystal. It is also a popular brand choice for those who have social power, such as Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor.

This elegant watch that previously belonged to Jackie Kennedy is representative of Piaget's golden age.

This luxurious gold diamond watch has an oval jade dial that is surrounded by 24 brilliant cut diamonds and punctuated by four emeralds. With its superb goldsmithing and colorful stones, the elegant watch that previously belonged to Jackie Kennedy is representative of Piaget’s golden age. (Source from Piaget Official Website)

Over the years, Elizabeth's collection has expanded to include a magnificent Piaget cuff watch that was hand-made from a haphazard arrangement of sizable yellow gold hoops that converged on a jade face and a gold wristwatch with brilliant cut diamonds encircling an opal dial.

Over the years, Elizabeth’s collection has expanded to include a magnificent Piaget cuff watch that was hand-made from a haphazard arrangement of sizable yellow gold hoops that converged on a jade face and a gold wristwatch with brilliant cut diamonds encircling an opal dial. (Source from Piaget Official Website)

Iconic models and collections: Piaget marked a milestone in the field of watchmaking by presenting the Piaget Altiplano to the world in 1957. Altiplano Ultimate Concept is the thinnest mechanical watch ever created by Piaget with a symbol of elegance and sophistication.

Altiplano Collection is the thinnest mechanical watch ever created by Piaget.

Source from Piaget Official Website

5. Cartier

The Cartier watch brand represents authority and honor that was established in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier in France. This watch brand is crafted with the utmost attention to detail and is designed to reflect the brand’s rich history and heritage. 

Craftsmanship and quality: Cartier uses only the finest materials, including diamonds and precious metals, to create its timepieces. Cartier is known for its eagerness to break away from conventions and explore new frontiers. At its state-of-the-art watchmaking laboratory, skilled craftsmen employ lesser-known but highly impressive techniques such as gold granulation and grisaille enamel.

History and Legacy: Cartier was founded in the mid-19th century by Parisian watchmaker Louis-François Cartier. The brand has been associated with royalty, celebrities, and high society throughout its history. The brand has also collaborated with notable artists and designers, enchanting the world with its unique and sophisticated designs.

Iconic models and collections: The most well-known of Cartier London’s classic designs are perhaps the melting clock-adorned Cartier Crash from 1967, which was produced under Jean-Jacques Cartier’s guidance.

The most well-known of Cartier London's classic designs is perhaps the melting clock-adorned Cartier Crash from 1967, which was produced under Jean-Jacques Cartier's guidance.

Source from Cartier Official Website

6. Van Cleef & Arpels

Van Cleef & Arpels has an identical brand identity as it is renowned for its floral elements, such as fairies, flowers, and ballerinas. Their watches are crafted focusing on the concepts of lightness and movement. 

Craftsmanship and quality: Their watches are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using only the finest materials, and featuring exquisite designs that are often inspired by the natural world. 

History and Legacy: The brand’s history dates back to 1896 when it was founded by Alfred Van Cleef and his uncle Salomon Arpels. Since then, the brand has established itself as one of the most prestigious in the world, known for its exquisite jewelry and watches.

Iconic models and collections: Van Cleef & Arpels is best known for its Poetic Complications series, which features watches that are both technically impressive and visually stunning. These watches often feature intricate animations, such as birds in flight, butterflies fluttering their wings, or stars moving across the dial. Each watch in the Poetic Complications series is a true work of art, showcasing the brand’s expertise in both watchmaking and jewelry design.

​​Poetic Complications series often feature intricate animations, such as birds in flight, butterflies fluttering their wings, or stars moving across the dial.

Source from Van Cleef & Arpels Official Website

7. A. Lange & Söhne

A. Lange & Söhne is the first German luxury watch brand that is synonymous with elegance, style, and class watch. The brand’s meticulous craftsmanship and design pay close attention to every detail and seek to capture the essence of its extensive history and legacy.

Craftsmanship and Quality: A. Lange & Söhne timepieces possess a natural sense of aesthetics and a steadfast dedication to accuracy. They are handmade and undergo numerous quality checks to ensure that every detail meets the highest standards.

History and Legacy: Founded in 1845, A. Lange & Söhne has a rich history of producing high-quality watches. The brand is known for its technical innovation and is credited with many inventions, including the oversized date display. From Alexander II of Russia to Brad Pitt, both celebrities and royalty have chosen this brand’s timepieces as their preferred watches.

Iconic Models and Collections: A. Lange & Söhne’s most iconic collection is the Lange 1, which features a unique, asymmetrical design and a large date display. Other notable collections include the Saxonia and the 1815.

The Lange 1 is one of the most iconic collections that announced by A. Lange & Söhne. It features a unique, asymmetrical design and a large date display.

Source from A. Lange & Söhne Official Website

8. F.P Journe

F.P Journe is a luxury watch brand that is known for its unique and innovative designs. F.P Journe’s watches are crafted with the finest materials and are designed to reflect the brand’s passion for innovation and creativity.

Craftsmanship and Quality: The exceptional quality of F.P Journe watches is widely acclaimed for their superior craftsmanship. Each watch is meticulously handcrafted using traditional techniques and the finest materials available. F.P Journe is known for its impressive accuracy and technical innovation, and they are made in limited quantities to ensure its exclusivity.

History and Legacy: Founded in 1999 by François-Paul Journe, F.P Journe is a relatively new brand compared to others on this list. But it has quickly built a reputation for excellence in the watchmaking world and has won numerous awards and accolades for its watches.

Iconic Models and Collections: F.P Journe’s most iconic collection is the Chronomètre bleu, which features two oscillators that resonate with each other to improve accuracy, featuring a distinctive blue dial and an accurate and reliable movement.

F.P Journe Chronomètre bleu has been announced in 2009, featuring a distinctive blue dial and an accurate and reliable movement.

Source from F.P.Journe Official Website

9. Jaeger LeCoultre

Jaeger LeCoultre is one of the oldest and most respected luxury watch brands in the world. Founded in 1833, the brand has a rich history and has made significant contributions to the watchmaking industry over the years. Today, Jaeger LeCoultre is known for its innovative and technically advanced watches, which are among the best in the world.

Craftsmanship and Quality: Jaeger LeCoultre watches are recognized for their innovative spirit, having introduced many groundbreaking features such as the first watch with an alarm function. Jaeger LeCoultre watches are designed to be both functional and beautiful, with intricate details and elegant designs that are the hallmark of the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality.

History and legacy: Jaeger LeCoultre has a rich history, having been founded in 1833 by Antoine LeCoultre. The brand has made numerous contributions to the watchmaking industry over the years, including the development of the world’s first wristwatch with a perpetual calendar. Jaeger LeCoultre is widely considered one of the most important and influential watch brands in history.

Iconic models and collections: The Reverso is one of Jaeger LeCoultre’s most iconic watches, featuring a distinctive rectangular case and a reversible design. The Master collection is another popular collection from the brand, known for its technical innovation and precision.

The Reverso is one of Jaeger LeCoultre's most iconic watches, featuring a distinctive rectangular case and a reversible design.

Source from Jaeger LeCoultre Official Website

10. Audemars Piguet

Audemars Piguet is a Swiss luxury watch brand that is known for its innovative and technically advanced watches. Audemars Piguet watches are characterized by their distinctive designs, which often feature complex movements and intricate detailing.

Craftsmanship and Quality: Audemars Piguet has a long history of creating complex and precise timepieces, including chronographs, perpetual calendars, and minute repeaters. Audemars Piguet is also known for its use of innovative materials, such as forged carbon and ceramic, which enhance the durability and functionality of its watches.

History and Legacy: Founded in 1875 by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet, Audemars Piguet has a rich history of producing some of the world’s finest watches. The brand is known for its technical innovation and has developed many groundbreaking movements over the years.

Iconic Models and Collections: Audemars Piguet’s most iconic collection is the Royal Oak, which features a unique octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet. Other notable collections include the Millenary and the Jules Audemars.

"The

Source from Audemars Piguet Official Website

11. Breguet

Breguet has established a reputation for accurate timekeeping and is recognized for innovating many of the features present in modern watches. Furthermore, the brand is admired for its opulent materials and sophisticated designs. 

Craftsmanship and Quality: There are details that are identical to Breguet watches that show their craftsmanship. Four crucial elements have formed Breguet’s identity: Guillochage, Engraving, Anglage, and Enameling. 

History and Legacy: Breguet was established in 1775, and is probably one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world. The brand has been responsible for many innovations in watchmaking, including the development of the tourbillon and the use of guilloché dials. Breguet has also been favored by historical figures, including Napoleon Bonaparte and Queen Victoria.

Iconic Models and Collections: Breguet’s Classique, Marine, and Type XX collections are especially noteworthy. The Classique is the most iconic collection, which features a simple, elegant design.

The Classique is the most iconic collection of Breguet, which features a simple, elegant design.

Source from Breguet Official Website

12. Ulysse Nardin

Ulysse Nardin is a distinguished Swiss luxury watchmaker celebrated for its precision timekeeping and groundbreaking designs. The brand is globally renowned for its marine chronometers and has garnered numerous accolades for its innovative and exceptional timepieces.

Craftsmanship and Quality: Ulysse Nardin utilizes innovative materials, such as silicon and titanium, to enhance the performance and durability of their watches. This brand undergoes rigorous testing and quality control to ensure the highest level of accuracy and performance. Besides, it is also committed to sustainable practices, using environmentally friendly materials and minimizing waste in its manufacturing process.

History and Legacy: Ulysse Nardin was founded in 1846 in Switzerland, with a long and rich history in the world of luxury watchmaking. They are known for their technical innovations, including the invention of the first pocket chronometer, and have won numerous awards for their watches.

Iconic Models and Collections: Among its remarkable collections are the Marine, Diver, and Classic collections. The Marine collection pays homage to the brand’s rich history of producing precision marine chronometers, which is characterized by its classic, nautical-inspired designs and use of high-quality materials.

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Source from Ulysse Nardin Official Website

13. Blancpain

Blancpain is a Swiss luxury watch brand known for its exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. Founded in 1735, Blancpain has a long and rich history of producing high-quality timepieces.

Craftsmanship and Quality: Blancpain uses only the finest materials, such as gold, platinum, and diamonds, in their watchmaking. Each watch is meticulously crafted to the highest standards, ensuring that it is not only beautiful but also highly functional and accurate. Blancpain also uses a range of innovative technologies in their watchmaking, such as the use of ceramic and titanium in their cases, which provide added durability and strength.

History and Legacy: Founded in 1735 in Switzerland, Blancpain is one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world. They have a rich history of technical innovations, including the creation of the first modern diver’s watch and the invention of the tourbillon.

Iconic Models and Collections: Blancpain is best known for its Fifty Fathoms collection, which was created in collaboration with the French Navy and is credited as being the first modern diving watch. The collection is characterized by its ruggedness, durability, and water resistance. Other notable collections from Blancpain include the Villeret, the Le Brassus, and the L-Evolution.

Blancpain is best known for its Fifty Fathoms collection, which was created in collaboration with the French Navy and is credited as being the first modern diving watch.

Source from Blancpain Official Website

14. IWC Schaffhausen

IWC Schaffhausen is a Swiss luxury watch brand with precision engineering and exceptional quality, as well as innovative designs. The brand was founded in 1868 by Florentine Ariosto Jones, an American watchmaker, and since then, it has become known for its innovative designs and advanced technical features.

Craftsmanship and quality: IWC Schaffhausen is renowned for its commitment to excellence. The brand’s watches are crafted using only the finest materials, and each watch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that it meets the highest standards of accuracy and durability.

History and Legacy: IWC Schaffhausen has a rich and storied past, dating back over 150 years. The brand has been at the forefront of watchmaking innovation, developing a number of groundbreaking technologies, including the Pellaton winding system, which revolutionized automatic winding. IWC Schaffhausen has also been the official timekeeper for a number of prestigious events, including the Olympics and the Volvo Ocean Race.

Iconic Models and Collections: IWC is particularly known for the Portugieser, the Aquatimer, and the Big Pilot. These watches are known for their bold designs, advanced technical features, and exceptional accuracy. Each watch in the IWC Schaffhausen collection is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a luxury watch that combines style and function.

IWC Schaffhausen is particularly known for the Portugieser collection that has captured the luxurious laid-back lifestyle of the Mediterranean fishing village.

Source from IWC Schaffhausen Official Website

15. Omega

Omega is a Swiss luxury watch brand founded in 1903 by Louis Brandt. The brand is known for its precision timekeeping and has been the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932. Omega is particularly known for its Speedmaster, Seamaster, and Constellation collections.

Craftsmanship and quality: Omega watches are known for their accuracy, durability, and reliability. They use high-quality materials and innovative technology in their manufacturing process to ensure their watches are of the highest quality.

History and legacy: Omega has a rich history and has been a part of many important moments in history. Omega was the first watch on the moon and has been the official timekeeper for many Olympic games. It has also been featured in James Bond movies.

Iconic models and collections: Omega’s iconic models and collections include the Seamaster, Speedmaster, and Constellation. The Seamaster has been a popular choice for divers since its introduction in 1948, while the Speedmaster has been worn by astronauts and pilots. The Constellation collection features elegant and timeless designs.

The Speedmaster has been worn by astronauts and pilots.

Source from Omega Official Website

Conclusion

Choosing a luxury watch brand can be overwhelming, as there are many factors to consider. However, by considering the three elements of craftsmanship and quality, history and legacy, and iconic models and collections, you can narrow down your options and find a brand that suits your needs and preferences.

The 15 luxury watch brands highlighted in this article offer a variety of options for those looking to invest in a high-end timepiece. From the precision timekeeping of Patek Philippe and Rolex to the exquisite designs of Piaget and Cartier, there is a luxury watch brand to suit every taste.

Green Auctioneers is proud to present an exceptional sale in 2024 to celebrate the 150 years anniversary of PIAGET – the legendary watch and jewelry Maison of creativity and craftsmanship. 

Preview

The Art of Piaget 2024

12-14 May, 2023

Hotel Beau-Rivage Genève

Quai du Mont-Blanc 13, 1201 Genève, Switzerland

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