Best Famous Watch Brands - Top 20
Famous Watch Brands: Top Picks for Men and Women
If you are looking for a new watch, there are many famous watch brands that are appreciated worldwide for their craftsmanship, design and/or quality. Whether you are looking for watch brands for men or women's watch brands, the choice is enormous. In this article you will discover the best watch brands that you should not 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?
To give a good answer to that question is quite difficult. Because these brands have already earned their spurs, let that be clear. Are they also 'the best' watch brands... yes, that will certainly be the case. But they are not always equally affordable. Often these watches are more expensive than 1000 euros . Do you want an affordable luxury watch? Then take a look at all Urban Ace watches.
Every second counts when you're wearing a masterpiece!
Overview of well-known watch brands
| Brand | Most 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. Tag Heuer | Monaco | Tag Heuer Mikrograph (€50,000) |
| 4. Omega | Speedmaster Moonwatch | Omega Constellation Baguette (€700,000) |
| 5. Audemars Piguet | Royal Oak | Royal Oak Complication (€1 million) |
| 6. Breitling | Navitimer | Breitling Bentley Mulliner Tourbillon (€175,000) |
| 7.Hublot | Big Bang | The Hublot $5 Million (€5 million) |
| 8. Cartier | Santos de Cartier | Cartier Secret Phoenix (€2.3 million) |
| 9. Richard Mille | RM 011 | Richard Mille RM 56-02 Sapphire (€2 million) |
| 10. Jaeger-LeCoultre | Reverso | Hybris Mechanica à Grande Sonnerie (€2.5 million) |
| 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 | Patrimony | 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) |
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 is 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 is the most expensive Patek Philippe? The Grandmaster Chime, sold for €31 million.
3. Audemars Piguet
Founded in 1875, Audemars Piguet is known for groundbreaking designs such as 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 is the most expensive Audemars Piguet? 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 is 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 motorsports. 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 on: Max Verstappen watch
What is 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 is the most expensive Cartier? The Cartier Crash, sold for over €1.5 million.
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Zephyr Legacy - White Gold
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Zephyr Legacy - Pacific Blue
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Zephyr Legacy - Cherry Red
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 is 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 is 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 is the most expensive Hublot? The Big Bang Diamond, €5 million.
10. Breitling
Breitling, founded in 1884, specializes in watches for pilots and divers. The brand is loved for its robust designs and precision.
Breitling is known for:
Watches for aviation and divers.
Most famous watch:
The Navitimer, loved by pilots.
What is 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 is 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 complicated movements.
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 is 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 such as 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 is 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 craftsmanship with haute joaillerie.
Piaget is known for:
Sleek watches and integration of gemstones into designs.
Most famous watch:
The Altiplano, one of the thinnest mechanical watches.
What is the most expensive Piaget? The Emperador 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 is 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 connection with Rolex.
Most famous watch:
The Black Bay, a robust and stylish model.
What is the most expensive Tudor? The Black Bay One, €350,000.
20. Seiko
Founded in Japan in 1881, Seiko is a pioneer in quartz technology known for 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 is the most expensive Seiko? The Credor Spring Drive, €500,000.
Time is precious, wear it well!
Logo watch brands
We have put all the well-known logos of these luxury watch brands together in 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 most famous, but also one of the best, with its iconic models such as 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, especially for its association 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?
Often, well-known watch brands are indeed the best watch brands, but what is actually 'best'? Often, a Rolex is simply too expensive. It is a well-known brand, but not affordable for everyone. Do you want a luxury men's watch that is simply good but still affordable? Then Urban Ace is the place for you!
The best watch brands for men
For men looking for quality watch brands , there are several options that not only provide reliable timekeeping, but also exude style. Brands such as Rolex, Omega, and Audemars Piguet guarantee top quality. If you are looking for something exclusive, expensive men’s watch brands such as Patek Philippe or Richard Mille may be the perfect choice. For the more edgy men’s watches , luxury watch brands such as Tag Heuer and Breitling are popular choices, with watches often worn by athletes and celebrities. Quality watch brands such as IWC Schaffhausen and Jaeger-LeCoultre offer watches that are not only functional, but also make a statement.
In the watch world, there really is something for everyone: from luxury watches for men to the most beautiful watches for women, these brands continue to set the benchmark for design, innovation and quality in the watch world.
