Like so many other things, the niche world of watches and watch brands can often seem daunting. The delicate vocabulary, the annual race of collectors in search of new models, the encyclopedia of complications, where to start? The easiest entry point is to get acquainted with the best brands of watches. Yes, there are those household names that often make parent’s bedside tables and song lyrics, but are they worth it? (Short answer: often, yes.)
But, there is more to consider: is there a new brand that is worth checking out when making a purchase? What if you are just starting your watch collection? Or add one for not too much money? Which brands are likely to accumulate value over the years? Etc., etc. Below you will find information on all these questions, to which the answers are very broad; check out and buy our long list of the best brands you need to know.
Up there, in the best-known watch brands, Rolex watches are a continual and constant commodity. Their value holds – and most often increases – years after purchase. This is true of almost all styles.
Widely regarded as the leading sports watchmaker – driving, soccer, diving, etc. They also have cleaner, slimmer options for those who want something more subdued.
Similar to their jewelry, cult classics from Cartier have been favorites of celebrities and watch buyers for decades. Watch models are updated every few years to stay on the cutting edge of technology.
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This Japanese watchmaker is a bit of a sleeper brand. However, watches have to pay attention to a lot of things: good looks, stellar craftsmanship and not too expensive.
The French luxury brand also has meaning with watches. The models are an extension of what they do so well: refined and timeless.
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Classic and sporty options from the official Olympics timekeeper, partner of most recent James Bonds, and what’s on the wrist of Cindy Crawford and Nicole Kidman.
Clean and clean in design, the Nomos Glashütte watch brand offers designs that are silent and won’t compete with an outfit.
There is a lot of history in the nearly two hundred years of Longines watchmaking. The brand has styles just as big and small to offer.
Watches as jewelry are the number of people who stylize their Van Cleef & Arpels pieces. Legendary jewelry has recently taken on this philosophy with a watch pendant as an extension of their quintessential Alhambra line.
Swiss watchmaking without the clash of stickers from many other brands on this list. This is a great price point to enter the watch market without sacrificing craftsmanship.
A true balance between flashy and functional, Audemars Piguet has everything of a classic watch with all settings and full of sparkle.
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Piaget – often the holder of the thinnest watch award (a mechanical feat) – was a favorite of Jackie Kennedy and holds true for an understated watch with a burst of glamor.
A steep price, but for good reason. Patek Philippe is often considered the gold standard in watchmaking. The pieces hold their value so well that the company’s marketing campaign suggested that owning one of their watches only takes care of it until you pass it on to the next generation.
The Detroit-based brand, also known for its bikes and leather goods, started with watches. Proud partner of Swiss-made movements and American craftsmanship, Shinola offers both robust and feminine options.
Although best known for their sporty and luxurious ceramic J12 model, Chanel watches have a lot more to offer, like their more understated Boyfriend watch, and pieces with more classic watchmaking skills like painted dials and chronographs. the hand.
