The name on a watch dial can tell you a lot about the history, quality, and durability of timepieces.
There are hundreds of watch brands in operation today, each with its own personality and approach to watchmaking.
Why A Luxury Watch?
Watches can serve as an investment in addition to being a classy accessory and functionality. The luxury watch market is forecasted to grow by $1.64 billion between 2020-2024. The key driver behind that growth is premiumization through product design and innovation. For investors and individuals looking to hedge their money, luxury watch brands could be a rewarding and stable investment.
Rolex
Represented by a crown logo, Rolex is considered the “king” of luxury watches, famously worn by many historic figures and contemporary celebrities. Rolex is an iconic brand that many types of watch collectors are drawn to – all who appreciate a truly well-made timepiece. The range includes classics like the GMT Master, Day-Date, and Cellini. Meanwhile, the Submariner, Daytona, and Datejust enjoy the highest demand.
Rolex watches are among the most collectible, holding their value. New models can sell for above MSRP on the secondary market and vintage Rolex is the subject of the most active and passionate watch collecting.
Looking to sell your Rolex? Contact us today for a free consultation.
Patek Phillip
Alongside Rolex, Patek Philippe is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and collectible names in watches. The historic brand is known for its refined and complicated designs that often auction for extremely high prices. The legendary Swiss watchmaker is one of the most expensive brands in the world, boasting the 175th Commemorative Grandmaster as their finest. Universally appealing, Patek Philipp watches are common to high-end purchasers.
Cartier
Cartier is often thought of first as a jeweler, but the company is also considered one of the most important historical watchmakers in the world. The French company pioneered early wristwatches and continues to make some of the most recognizable models today.
Richard Mille
Mostly costing in the six-figure range, Richard Mille watches typically have complicated movements, tourbillons, untraditional materials, aggressive sizing and flamboyant styling. It is often associated with high-flying celebrities and a topic of conversation. With unique innovation and technical expertise, Richard Mille watches offer wearable luxury.
Do you have a gold watch? Want tips on how to sell your gold items? Read Westlake’s guide here.
Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin is the oldest watchmaker in Switzerland, and has been in the business since 1755. Over the years, the respected watchmaker has welcomed high-profile customers, ranging from Napoleon Bonaparte, the Duke of Windsor, and multiple popes. The 1929 King Fuad I pocket watch, a highly complicated piece was originally gifted to King Fuad of Egypt, who reigned from 1917 to 1936.
Jaquet Droz
Known for master crafters in watchmaking and decorative expertise, Jaquet-Droz is a luxury brand that’s nearly 300 years old. Featuring hand-crafted birds and scenery, Jaquet Droz’s limited edition Tropical Bird Repeater is perhaps one of the most unique timepieces still around today, featuring vibrant peacocks, tropical leaves, hummingbirds, toucans, dragonflies, and waterfalls.
Audemars Piguet
Boasting tradition and focus on producing mechanical creations unimaginable by other watchmakers, Audemars Piguet has been around for over 130 years. The Royal Oak collection is probably the most recognizable, along with the Tourbillon Openworked Only Watch Edition, watches ranging from ideal for the active elite to purely luxury timepieces.
Ulysse Nardin
Ulysse Nardin creates intricate watches with a naval theme, placing the brand in an exclusive place in the watchmaking industry. One of its most notable pieces, the platinum Royal Blue Tourbillon features a blue crocodile strap and sapphire glass. This watch boasts a diamond strap. The piece features 568 baguette diamonds and 234 sapphires.
Looking to sell your used watch or timepiece? Contact us today for a free consultation.
A. Lange & Söhne
The German-made brand Lange and Söhne stands out in the world of wtachmaking for its tasteful and classy creations. With just 100 in circulation, one of the brand’s finest pieces is the limited edition platinum Datograph Perpetual. This watch boasts an elegant alligator strap. And the 876-part Grand Complication takes a year to make. It is housed inside a large gold case that’s 50 millimeters in diameter and 20 millimeters thick.
Hublot
Luxury brand Hublot was founded by Carlo Crocco in 1976. It set a new standard by using the first natural rubber strap. The Big Bang collection is a popular choice when it comes to elegance. It raises the bar in high-end sports watchesRaising the bar in high-end sports watches. Topping the list as the most expensive is a watch called The Hublot – the masterpiece features 1,200 diamonds.
Whether you are looking for your next timepiece to accessorize with, or for a timely investment in a luxury piece – any of these brands is a great choice.
