What Are The Top Swiss Watch Brands?
1. Rolex
When discussing the top Swiss watches, the first company that springs to mind is Rolex, a brand that epitomizes the luxury watch. However, aside from their prestigious reputation, Rolex has a long history of innovation.
Established in 1905, Rolex was one of the first brands to master and commercialize wristwatches and produced the first waterproof wristwatch in the 1920’s. The brand prides itself on offering durable, innovative watches made to the highest of standards using the best quality materials. Furthermore, they have strong resell values in comparison to many other watch brands thanks to ongoing demand for Rolex’s.
Price point: $5,500 - $100,000
Our favorites: Submariner; The Daytona; The Datejust
2. Audemars Piguet
Founded in 1875 by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet, the Audemars Piguet company remains under the ownership of the founding families to this day. Although many businesses struggled during the Second World War, Audemars Piguet saw a lot of interest and business coming from the United States which enabled their brand to survive this difficult economic period. One of their most notable designs, the Royal Oak, was the first luxury timepiece to be designed in a sporty style.
Price point: $18,000 - $500,000+
Our favorites: Royal Oak; Millenary; Tourbillon
3. Patek Philippe
It is inconceivable to discuss Swiss watch craftmanship without naming Patek Philippe. As one of the earlier Swiss watch manufacturers, Patek Philippe was founded in 1851 in Geneva. Frequently referred to as one of the most prestigious Swiss companies, not only do they produce intricately beautiful designs but the mechanics and technology behind their masterpieces are unparalleled.
Price point: $18,000 - $500,000+
Our favorites: Nautilus; Chronograph; Grand Complications
4. Longines
The oldest brand in our top five, Longines, was established in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz in Saint-Imier. The Longines logo was created in 1889 and is the oldest unaltered registered trademark to date. Longines has a well established relationship with equestrian sports, so much so that their first advertisement was aimed at attracting horse racing bidders.
Price point: $1,000 - $4,500+
Our favorites: Master Collection; Legend Diver Watch; Dolcevita
5. Jaeger-LeCoultre
Renowned for pioneering great advancements in the watch industry, Jaeger-LeCoultre is famed for inventing the world’s smallest calibre as well as thousands of other unique inventions. Established in 1833, the brand has registered over 400 patents and is responsible for breakthrough inventions. Including the keyless watch and the Millionometre, the most accurate measuring tool of its time. LeCoultre’s approach to innovation is what makes them one of the leading Swiss watch companies.
Price point: $5,000 - $50,000+
Our favorites: Master Ultra-Thin Moon Automatic; Master Control Ultra-Thin; Rendez Vous
What Makes A Good Swiss Watch Brand?
- Materials used: The top Swiss watch brands pride themselves on using only the finest of materials to craft their watches with. Many Swiss made watches use high quality steel which performs better and is much more durable than cheaper steels used on more affordable watches. Better quality watches also use more durable, scratch resistant crystal watch faces.
- Craftsmanship and Designer: Swiss made watches have a long history of skilled craftsmanship and great attention to detail. With elaborate internal mechanisms and high quality design, the craftsmanship and intricate detail you can find in luxury watches is unparalleled.
- Watch longevity: Top Swiss watch brands have a well deserved reputation longevity making them a durable and trustworthy choice. However, it is crucial to make sure your watch is serviced every three to four years and that it is looked after properly. It is important to check the guarantee or warranty for your watch. Note that a longer guarantee period is reflective of a company’s trust in their own products.
- Precision: Swiss watches are perhaps best known for their incredible precision in time keeping. In a region with competing watch brands, all pursuing the highest level of exact timekeeping, the drive to produce the most precise of watches has resulted in staggeringly accurate watches.
Why Is Switzerland Famous For Watches?
Switzerland is renowned for its luxury watches due to the long horological history within the region; a skill and commitment that has been upheld for generations. Thanks to this, Swiss made watches have developed a well earned reputation for producing the best quality watches in the world.
The Swiss watchmaking industry has paid a lot of attention to developing good time keeping precision and ensuring exceptional quality and innovative designs.
How To Buy Swiss Watches For The Best Price?
If you are looking for affordable Swiss watches, the best option to shop pre-owned watches from a reputable luxury seller. Use Swiss watches sell for a fraction of retail and yet are engineered to last decades, if not generations. So whether you are looking for Swiss diving watches, pilot watches, sports watches or mechanical watches, the used market has plenty to offer.
At myGemma, shop a wide range of pre-owned and expertly authenticated Swiss watches. Including luxury watch brands such as IWC Schaffhausen, Tag Heuer, Baume & Mercier, Vacheron Constantin and much more.
