Best Famous Watch Brands - Top 20
Famous watch brands: Top picks for men and women
If you're looking for a new watch, there are countless well-known watch brands that are globally recognized for their craftsmanship, design, and/or quality. Whether you're looking for men's or women's watch brands, the choice is enormous. In this article, you'll discover the best watch brands you shouldn't miss, from iconic men's watch brands to prestigious luxury watch brands for both men and women.
Time never waits, and neither should you. A good watch keeps you moving forward!
Are these well-known watch brands for men also the best?
Giving a good answer to that question is quite difficult. Because these brands have long since proven their worth, let that be clear. Are they also "the best" watch brands? Yes, they certainly are. But they're not always affordable. These watches often cost over €1000 . Looking for an affordable luxury watch? Then take a look at all the Urban Ace watches.
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Overview of well-known watch brands
Brand |
Best famous watch |
Most expensive watch |
| 1. Rolex | Rolex Submariner | Rolex Daytona Paul Newman (€17.8 million) |
| 2. Patek Philippe | Patek Philippe Nautilus | Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime (€31 million) |
| 3. Audemars Piguet | Royal Oak | Royal Oak Complication (€1 million) |
| 4. Omega | Speedmaster Moonwatch | Omega Constellation Baguette (€700,000) |
| 5. TAG Heuer | Monaco | TAG Heuer Mikrograph (€50,000) |
| 6. Cartier | Santos de Cartier | Cartier Secret Phoenix (€2.3 million) |
| 7. Jaeger-LeCoultre | Reverso | Hybris Mechanica à Grande Sonnerie (€2.5 million) |
| 8. Richard Mille | RM 011 | Richard Mille RM 56-02 Sapphire (€2 million) |
| 9. Hublot | Big Bang | The Hublot $5 Million (€5 million) |
| 10. Breitling | Navitimer | Breitling Bentley Mulliner Tourbillon (€175,000) |
| 11. IWC Schaffhausen | Portuguese | Portugieser Sidérale Scafusia (€750,000) |
| 12. Blancpain | Fifty Fathoms | 1735 Grande Complication (€800,000) |
| 13. Breguet | Classic | Marie Antoinette (€30 million) |
| 14. Panerai | Luminor | Luminor 1950 Equation of Time Tourbillon (€225,000) |
| 15. Piaget | Altiplano | Emperor Temple (€3.3 million) |
| 16. Zenith | The Primero Chronomaster | Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane (€200,000) |
| 17. Vacheron Constantin | Heritage | 57260 (€8 million) |
| 18. A. Lange & Söhne | Long 1 | Grand Complication (€2 million) |
| 19. Tudor | Black Bay | Black Bay One (€350,000) |
| 20. Seiko | Seiko Astron | Credor Spring Drive (€500,000) |
Apex - Olive Green
CHF 161.00
Azure-Tiffany Blue
CHF 85.00
Zephyr 2.0 - Money Green
CHF 161.00
Zephyr 2.0 - Rose Gold
CHF 161.00
Zephyr Legacy - Black
CHF 161.00
Zephyr Legacy - Pacific Blue
CHF 161.00
Zephyr Titan - Gun Metal
CHF 180.00
Watches don't just tell time, they tell stories.
List of expensive watch brands
1 Rolex
Rolex is an iconic Swiss watch brand, founded in 1905. The brand is synonymous with luxury, durability, and technical innovation. Rolex is also known for its pioneering role in waterproof watches and automatic movements.
Rolex is known for:
The combination of precision, prestige and durability.
Most famous watch:
The Submariner, an iconic diver's watch.
What's the most expensive Rolex? The Rolex Daytona "Paul Newman," sold for €17.8 million.
2 Patek Philippe
Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe is one of the oldest independent watch brands. The brand is considered a symbol of refinement and technical excellence, with a focus on intricate watches and timeless designs.
Patek Philippe is known for:
Innovation and refinement in watchmaking, with complex mechanisms.
Most famous watch:
The Calatrava, a timeless dress watch.
What's the most expensive Patek Philippe? The Grandmaster Chime, sold for €31 million.
3 Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet, founded in 1875, is known for its groundbreaking designs like the Royal Oak. The brand combines traditional Swiss craftsmanship with bold innovation.
Audemars Piguet is known for:
Bold designs and technical innovation.
Most famous watch:
The Royal Oak, the first luxury sports watch made of steel.
What's the most expensive Audemars Piguet? The Royal Oak Complication, worth over €1 million.
4 Omega
Founded in 1848, Omega is one of the most recognizable watch brands in the world. The brand is associated with precision and has a rich history in space travel and sports timing.
Omega is known for:
Accuracy and the historical connection with NASA and James Bond.
Most famous watch:
The Speedmaster, also known as the "Moonwatch".
What's the most expensive Omega? The Speedmaster CK2915-1, sold for €3.4 million.
5 TAG Heuer
Founded in 1860, TAG Heuer is a pioneer in chronograph technology and is known for its ties to motorsport. The brand combines performance with contemporary design.
TAG Heuer is known for:
Chronographs and motorsport-inspired designs.
Most famous watch:
The Monaco, with its square case. Read more about this iconic watch at: Max Verstappen watch
What's the most expensive TAG Heuer? The Carrera Mikrogirder, worth €120,000.
6 Cartier
Founded in 1847, Cartier is a French brand that produces both watches and jewelry. The brand is known for its elegant designs and innovations such as the Tank and Santos models.
Cartier is known for:
Luxury watches with a jeweler's design.
Most famous watch:
The Tank, designed during the First World War.
What's the most expensive Cartier? The Cartier Crash, which sold for over €1.5 million.
Nemesis - Black
CHF 104.00
Nemesis - Silver
CHF 104.00
Zephyr 2.0 - Chocolate
CHF 161.00
Zephyr 2.0 - Rose Gold
CHF 161.00
Zephyr Titan - Ice White
CHF 180.00
Zephyr Titan - Ice Blue
CHF 180.00
Zephyr Titan - Ocean Blue
CHF 180.00
Zephyr Titan - Olive Green
CHF 180.00
7 Jaeger-LeCoultre
Jaeger-LeCoultre, founded in 1833, is known as "the watchmaker's watchmaker." The brand produces innovative and refined timepieces with advanced complications.
Jaeger-LeCoultre is known for:
Innovative designs and the use of in-house mechanisms.
Most famous watch:
The Reverso, originally created for polo players.
What's the most expensive Jaeger-LeCoultre? The Hybris Mechanica à Grande Sonnerie, over €2.5 million.
8 Richard Mille
Founded in 1999, Richard Mille is a relatively young brand known for its futuristic designs and use of innovative materials such as titanium and sapphire.
Richard Mille is known for:
Bold designs and use of light, innovative materials.
Most famous watch:
The RM 011 Felipe Massa.
What's the most expensive Richard Mille? The RM 56-02 Sapphire, worth €2 million.
9 Hublot
Founded in 1980, Hublot is known for its innovative "Fusion" concept, which combines traditional and modern materials in striking designs.
Hublot is known for:
Materials such as rubber and distinctive aesthetics.
Most famous watch:
The Big Bang.
What's the most expensive Hublot? The Big Bang Diamond, €5 million.
10 Breitling
Founded in 1884, Breitling specializes in watches for pilots and divers. The brand is beloved for its robust designs and precision.
Breitling is known for:
Watches for aviation and divers.
Most famous watch:
The Navitimer, loved by pilots.
What's the most expensive Breitling? The Bentley Flying B, €255,000.
11 IWC Schaffhausen
Founded in 1868, IWC Schaffhausen is a Swiss brand known for its precision, minimalist designs and technical innovation, especially for pilots and engineers.
IWC Schaffhausen is known for:
Watches with precision and timeless design, often aimed at engineers and aviation.
Most famous watch:
The Portugieser, an elegant and iconic model.
What's the most expensive IWC Schaffhausen? The Portugieser Sidérale Scafusia, worth €750,000.
12 Blancpain
Founded in 1735, Blancpain is the oldest watch brand in the world. The brand has a rich history in luxury diving watches and complex timepieces.
Blancpain is known for:
Old traditions in watchmaking and their first modern diving watch.
Most famous watch:
The Fifty Fathoms, popular with professional divers.
What's the most expensive Blancpain? The Blancpain 1735 Grande Complication, €800,000.
13 Breguet
Founded in 1775, Breguet is a pioneer in watchmaking, credited with inventions like the tourbillon. The brand is known for its classic designs and intricate movements.
Breguet is known for:
Innovation such as the invention of the tourbillon and classic designs.
Most famous watch:
The Breguet Classique, with a timeless aesthetic.
What's the most expensive Breguet? The Grande Complication Marie-Antoinette, worth €30 million.
14 Panerai
Founded in Italy in 1860, Panerai began as a supplier of diving watches to the Italian Navy. The brand is known for its robust designs and large cases.
Panerai is known for:
Large watch cases and use for the Italian Navy.
Most famous watch:
The Luminor, with a recognizable crown protection.
What is the most expensive Panerai? The Luminor 1950 Equation of Time Tourbillon, €225,000.
15 Piaget
Founded in 1874, Piaget specializes in ultra-thin timepieces and combines watchmaking with haute joaillerie.
Piaget is known for:
Sleek watches and integration of gemstones in designs.
Most famous watch:
The Altiplano, one of the thinnest mechanical watches.
What's the most expensive Piaget? The Emperor Temple, €3.3 million.
16 Zenith
Founded in 1865, Zenith is known for its high precision and introduced the first automatic chronograph, the El Primero.
Zenith is known for:
Accuracy and the automatic chronograph El Primero.
Most famous watch:
The El Primero Chronomaster.
What is the most expensive Zenith? Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane, €200,000.
17 Vacheron Constantin
Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest watch brands and is known for craftsmanship, elegance and exclusivity.
Vacheron Constantin is known for:
Traditional Swiss craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Most famous watch:
The Patrimony, an elegant and minimalist model.
What's the most expensive Vacheron Constantin? The 57260, a unique pocket watch worth €8 million.
18 A. Lange & Söhne
Founded in 1845, A. Lange & Söhne is a German watch brand known for its precision and unique designs, such as the iconic Lange 1.
A. Lange & Söhne is known for:
German precision and advanced complications.
Most famous watch:
The Lange 1, with the iconic asymmetrical dial.
What is the most expensive A. Lange & Söhne? The Grand Complication, €2 million.
19 Tudor
Founded in 1926, Tudor is a subsidiary of Rolex and offers watches with the same quality and reliability, but at a lower price.
Tudor is known for:
Affordable luxury watches and a connection with Rolex.
Most famous watch:
The Black Bay, a robust and stylish model.
What's the most expensive Tudor? The Black Bay One, €350,000.
20 Seiko
Founded in Japan in 1881, Seiko is a pioneer in quartz technology and is known for its reliability and innovation in affordable luxury.
Seiko is known for:
Reliability and innovative quartz technology.
Most famous watch:
The Seiko Astron, the world's first quartz watch.
What's the most expensive Seiko? The Credor Spring Drive, €500,000.
Time is precious, wear it well!
1. Which watch brand has the highest value retention?
Patek Philippe and Rolex are known for their excellent value retention. Patek Philippe models like the Nautilus and Aquanaut can even increase in value on the pre-owned market. Rolex models like the Submariner and Daytona retain an average of 85-95% of their purchase price, and specific vintage models often exceed their original retail price. This is why some watches are considered investment choices.
.2. What is the difference between Swiss and Japanese watch brands?
Swiss watch brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Omega are known for their traditional craftsmanship, mechanical movements, and their status as luxury watches. Japanese brands like Seiko, on the other hand, are pioneers in quartz watches and offer excellent quality at more competitive prices.
3. Which luxury watch brands are suitable for beginners?
Tudor and Omega are excellent entry-level brands in the luxury watch world. Tudor, Rolex's sister brand, offers comparable quality and reliability from €2,000 to €5,000. Omega's Seamaster series offers accessible luxury from €4,000 to €6,000. If you're looking for a more affordable men's watch that's also of good quality, take a look at Urban Ace watches.
4. Why are Richard Mille watches so expensive?
Richard Mille watches average between €80,000 and €2 million due to their innovative materials and exclusivity. The brand uses aerospace-grade materials like titanium, carbon TPT, and sapphire crystal for the cases, making the watches ultralight yet extremely durable. Each watch features advanced complications and is produced in extremely limited editions. The RM 011 Felipe Massa, for example, weighs just 20 grams and can withstand extreme G-forces, making them popular with top athletes and collectors.
5. Which watch brands do celebrities wear?
Celebrities often choose iconic brands that radiate status. Max Verstappen wears TAG Heuer (a brand collaboration), while Daniel Craig, as James Bond, wears the Omega Seamaster. Roger Federer is a brand ambassador for Rolex. Rafael Nadal wears Richard Mille during tennis matches (RM 027, worth €750,000). Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is worn by many celebrities, such as Jay-Z and LeBron James. These brands combine prestige, recognition, and quality craftsmanship, perfectly suited to a luxury lifestyle.
Logo watch brands
We've compiled all the well-known logos of these luxury watch brands into one image. See the image below.
Conclusion: Well-known watch brands
Are the well-known watch brands also the best?
Rolex, for example, is not only one of the best-known watches but also one of the best, with its iconic models like the Submariner and Daytona. The brand is known for its accuracy, robustness, and long-lasting value. Omega , another well-known men's watch brand, also has a solid reputation, particularly due to its collaboration with space travel (the Speedmaster was the first watch on the moon) and its achievements in precision and chronometry.
What if a watch is simply too expensive?
Well-known watch brands are often considered the best, but what exactly is "best"? Often, a Rolex is simply too expensive. While it's a well-known brand, it's not affordable for everyone. Looking for a luxury men's watch that's simply good but still affordable? Then Urban Ace is the place to be!
The best watch brands for men
For men looking for good watch brands , there are several options that not only offer reliable timekeeping but also exude style. Brands like Rolex, Omega, and Audemars Piguet guarantee top quality. If you're looking for something exclusive, expensive men's watch brands like Patek Philippe or Richard Mille can be the perfect choice. For more rugged men's watches, luxury brands like Tag Heuer and Breitling are popular choices, with watches often worn by athletes and celebrities. Quality watch brands like IWC Schaffhausen and Jaeger-LeCoultre offer watches that are not only functional but also make a statement.
In the watch world, there truly is something for everyone: from luxury watches for men to the finest watches for women, these brands remain the benchmark for design, innovation, and quality in the watch world.
