When it comes to flaunting wealth, there isn’t a classier option than a luxury timepiece. Keeping time in style has been a longstanding hallmark of anyone with means who wants to be taken seriously. However, it is indisputable that some timepiece brands are superior to others. Some brands have been crafting elegant watches for hundreds of years, resulting in some of the most detailed, intricate craftsmanship you’ll ever see. Sadly, you can’t Youtube to mp3 all good things.
We’re here to celebrate these select brands, highlight their features, and recommend some pieces. If you’re looking to seriously lash out, that is.
1. Rolex
You knew Rolex would be on this list. Since the 1900s, Rolex has grown to become synonymous with power and prestige. When you buy a rolex, you don’t just buy a watch. You buy a story. Every watch at Rolex is painstakingly laboured over until every revolutionary feature is absolutely perfect. They pioneered underwater technology, they were worn by James Bond, they’re mentioned in countless rap songs, they’re favoured over the Apple Watch. The proof is in the pudding with Rolex. Even better, most Rolexes appreciate in value over time, so they’re sort of like a wearable investment.
2. Patek Philippe
Patek Phillipe is the longest running family-owned timepiece operation still running today. The Stern family started in 1839, and they still run the business, which is pretty extraordinary. So are their timepieces. Patek Philippe watches are famous for their functionality as well as aesthetics, boasting chronograph faces that serve as stopwatches as well as time tellers. Patek Philippe’s seasoned experience with the art of horology makes their watches some of the most expensive in the world. For reference, the Henry Graves Supercomplication is valued at around $24 million.
3. Omega
Omega watches have been around for 170 years and during that time, they’ve spanned the globe like no other. Omega watches have been sported in the north pole, up in space, and in the depths of the Atlantic. That’s quite the extensive resume. The wristwatch brand has also found its way onto some household names. Buzz Aldrin, Elvis Presley and John F. Kennedy all opted for an Omega watch, and many others with means have followed in their bootsteps. Speaking of musicians, be sure to check out this incredible live performance from San Cisco.
4. Jaeger-LeCoultre
Jaeger-LeCoultre is the brand of choice for the daring, the innovative, and the attention seeking. The legendary timepiece brand made a name for itself by experimenting with new designs for the wristwatch. Their unisex rectangle time-face option was pioneered by the brand back in 1930, and they’ve been innovating ever since. They boast the world’s smallest mechanism, the Calibre 101, and they also put all their watches through a rigorous 1,000 hour test before hitting the shelves. So when you buy a Jaeger, you know you’re getting exactly what you paid for.
5. Ulysse Nardin
If you’re a lover of gadgets and functionality, this is the timepiece brand for you. Ulysse Nardin are the new-school agents of wrist watches, famous for unusual, futuristic designs and endless features. For example, their 1985 watch the Astrolabium Galileo Galilei boasted 21 different functions, from positioning the major stars and tracking the orbit of the sun and the moon. Now that’s a snazzy conversation starter for any horoscope diehards out there.
