Watches were not intended as a fashion accessory. From time immemorial, they have had a place in advancing modern history. The first man to walk on the moon had his wristwatch with him; the first flight would never have made it without a timepiece; soldiers had timepieces with them to mark time precision.
Nowadays, wristwatches are a hot fashion accessory that speaks volumes about a person’s fashion sense. They have been translated from just instruments of technology to pieces of art that embellish an individual style. Some people go for the classic, vintage watches, while others are more interested in the more modern breeds. Whether you are a classic watch freak or a lover of contemporary creation, there are several brands that are stylish, prestigious, and classy.
Let’s check out some luxury watch brands that you should know about;
- Longines
This brand reeks of elegance and tradition. They are also famous for keeping time for sporting world competitions and international sports federation. The headquarters is in Saint-Imier in Switzerland and has been there since 1832.
- Patek Phillipe
Headquartered in Geneva, they are said to be the creators of the world’s finest timepieces. Members of the royalty favor their creations as it boasts complex mechanics, while still maintaining its traditional look.
- Audemars Piguet
In 1873, Jules-Louis Audemars, a technology student, and Edward-Auguste Piguet, an economy student, innovated this brand to experiment on manufacturing, precision work, and quality. Their timepieces are stylishly mechanical, with incredible craftsmanship and impeccable finishing. They are also famous for creating the world’s first luxury steel sports watch known as the Royal Oak and the first oversized watch, the Royal Oak Offshore.
- Chopard
Louis-Ulysse Chopard was just an artisan watchmaker that created beautiful and artistic timepieces. A Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II, is a known customer of this brand. Chopard uses distinctive chronometers, state-of-the-art technological innovation, and pays serious attention to detail in his timepieces.
- Vacheron Constantin
Constantin is one of the oldest watchmakers in the world. This brand dated as far back as 1755 and was founded in Geneva by Jean-Marc Vacheron. They are also a predominantly traditional styling brand. Some known owners of their work include, but are not limited to, the King of Egypt, Farouk, Napoleon Bonaparte, Marlon Brando, Harry Truman, and Pope Pius IX.
- IWC Schaffhausen
Ariosto Jones, a Bostonian watchmaker, founded this brand back in 1868. He aimed to unify advanced American production capabilities using the Swiss watchmakers’ skills, design, and craftsmanship. They have proved over time that they are a brand with substance and impressive credentials in sustainability.
- Rolex
Almost everyone is familiar with Rolex wristwatches. They look and feel ageless. There are so many timeless and beautiful collections from this brand.
- Cartier
Many know Cartier for being a jewelry brand, but they are also one of the world’s most recognizable luxury watch brands. If you want to indulge in a bit of extravagance, you can try the brand described by Edward VII as the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers.
Some other brands are OMEGA, Piaget, TAG Heuer, among many others. Most women adore watches, and for men, they are accessories a gentleman should wear.