Swiss watchmaking is the premier standard for mechanical watchmaking in the world. The Swiss know how to make watches, that much is true. This means that when you want to get an exceptional mechanical watch, you’ll need to look at Swiss brands. In this article, we’ve collated some of the best brands for you to buy a luxury watch from:
Blancpain
A constantly underrated Swiss watchmaker, Blancpain has some of the best modern divers watches in the world. For most watch connoisseurs, someone who owns any Blancpain watch means that they’re serious about the quality and make of the timepieces they’re wearing. Blancpain may not be as big as some of the other brands listed here, but its heritage and history are comparable to most.
If you’re going to buy one from the brand, check out the Fifty Fathoms collection. This is the collection that made modern divers watches happen, and you won’t get a more compact and luxurious styling on a diver’s timepiece than from it. The Carrousel Volant Une Minute from another collection is also a joy to wear. Not to mention, it’s a stunning watch with several world-class complications.
Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet, or AP for the in-the-know, has had some serious reckoning in terms of popularity in the past decade. Thanks to the Royal Oak collection, the Swiss brand is now one of the most revered and noteworthy watch brands in the world. That’s not to say it didn’t in the first place, but with celebrities and athletes suddenly wearing Royal Oaks here and there, it solidified the brand’s ascension to being one of the greats.
Of course, if we are talking about AP, we’ll need to talk about Royal Oak. It’s the most popular watch from the brand right now, but there are quite a few collections that should be at the forefront as well. One of which is the Jules Audemars line. The watches in this collection are not only dressy; they exude a classic elegance that’s missing from most of the luxury watches manufactured today.
Rolex
Rolex is undoubtedly the king of luxury watches. It’s the most popular as well, and its name has entered mainstream consciousness because of effective marketing and promotions. In the past two decades, the brand name Rolex has become synonymous with luxury, expensive watches. And while the moniker as king is deserved, not all of the watches by the brand are up to par with some of the best Swiss watches right now.
If you do get the chance to gift yourself a Rolex, we’d recommend looking at the Daytona. It’s a little more expensive than the other standard models, but it will go down as one of the most iconic watches in the world. To own one is like owning a piece of history. In fact, if you can, scour for vintage ones, at that, as they’re more valued.
Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe invented wristwatches. They’re also one of the few Swiss brands that have withstood the test of time. Patek is all about Swiss craftsmanship, and every watch from this watchmaking legend is as bespoke as any luxury item made to order. One interesting tidbit about the brand is that it’s also one of the few remaining Swiss watchmakers that are still owned by the family who first started it.
Shopping for a Patek? Get a Nautilus. The ones in mechanical and automatic movements. The Nautilus is the brand’s shining glory, and right now, its lifeblood as well. The Grand Complications line is a great collection to browse if you’re more into subtle elegance. Make sure to set an appointment and viewing with your nearest Patek store to check out these pieces.
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Takeaway
Let’s get one thing straight: Swiss watches can fetch astronomical prices. We’re talking tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars here. That’s why you’d need to have a sizable disposable income to spend if you’re collecting. And while some of these watches are lifetime investments, in the end, you are still burning a lot of money for a piece of accessory.