What’s the world's most prized possession? Some may argue it's gold, diamonds, or natural gas, among other treasures. These items hold great value and come with a hefty price tag. Yet, they share a common trait—they can all be obtained over time. As you contemplate this question, you'll soon realize that time itself is the most invaluable commodity. Further, this cannot be purchased or replenished, but it is essential to everyone.
While time cannot be replicated, there is a marvelous creation that captures its essence—a timepiece. Crafted with care, these timepieces can be cherished and enjoyed for generations to come. Moreover, the best luxury watch brands have dedicated decades to perfecting their art, imbuing each watch with even greater worth.
World’s Best Luxury Watches
Some of the world's most renowned luxury watch brands have crafted pieces of extraordinary significance. Among them are Tissot, Rado, Hamilton and Seiko, which we will discuss in a moment. Further, these prestigious names have set the bar for exquisite craftsmanship in the world of high-end watches.
Rado
Rado is a renowned watchmaker for its advanced material research and development. Founded in 1917 as Schlup & Co., the brand gained popularity during World War II and later changed its name to Rado. Additionally, it introduced the Golden Horse and Green Horse watches, with a moving anchor symbol that became a hallmark of the timepieces.
Also, Rado continued to produce exceptionally durable watches, expanding its global recognition to over 60 countries by the late 1950s. In the 1960s, Rado succeeded with the Diastar watch, beginning their material experimentation. They pioneered sapphire glass and hard metal, creating scratch-resistant cases.
In the new millennium, Rado unveiled the V10K watch, featuring a high-tech diamond that was incredibly scratch-resistant. Apart from its involvement in international tennis tournaments, Rado became the official timekeeper for multiple events in 2019. Plus, the label's precision timing has found an effective place in the sports industry, particularly in tennis. It has been capturing the moments cherished by both players and spectators since then.
Tissot
Established in 1853 by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son Charles-Émile Tissot, the brand has maintained its roots in Le Locle, Switzerland. Situated in the Neuchâtel region of the Jura Mountains, Tissot initially got renowned for crafting highly reliable pocket watches with gold cases, which garnered a global following of appreciative enthusiasts.
In 1930, they merged with Omega, and both trademarks now operate under the Swatch Group umbrella corporation. Since 1983, Tissot has persisted in producing some of the world’s best luxury watches while making them accessible to a wide range of individuals.
Despite its reputation as an affordable luxury brand, Tissot remains a considerable contributor to the horology field and holds a consequential place in the history of expensive watch brands.
Hamilton
Hamilton is a unique company that combines its American origins with Swiss craftsmanship. Originally based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for over a century, Hamilton now has its headquarters in Biel, Switzerland. Also, the brand's American heritage remains integral to its individualism. Its name pays homage to James Hamilton, the founder of Lancaster County. Under the ownership of Swatch, the company has nurtured its roots and continued to thrive as a prominent and one of the best luxury watch brands.
In the 1980s, they reintroduced several previously retired designs, including the Boulton, Wilshire, and Ardmore collections from the 1920s and 1960s. And they also haven’t left any industry untouched, whether aviation or Hollywood.
Moreover, Hamilton's association with Hollywood is a substantial aspect of its identity.
- It dates back to 1932 when the watches made their silver screen debut in the movie "Shanghai Express."
- In 1951, The military models were featured in the Academy Award-nominated film "The Frogmen," showcasing their suitability for US Navy divers during World War II.
- One of the most notable film appearances occurred in 1961 in "Blue Hawaii," where Elvis Presley's character sported the iconic Hamilton Ventura watch.
Seiko
Established over 130 years ago by Kinato Hattori, Seiko began as a watch and clock repair shop in Tokyo. After years of growth and innovation, the company introduced Japan's first wristwatch, the Laurel, in 1913. Despite setbacks, they achieved numerous milestones.
Furthermore, this included the creation of the shock-resistant Diashock device in 1958 and becoming the official timer of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. In the 1960s, Seiko gained global praise with the debut of its first dive watch and the world's first quartz watch, the Seiko Quartz Astron, during the quartz crisis.
Additionally, in 1975, Seiko introduced the world's first titanium dive watch, the Professional Diver's 600m. It successfully set a new standard for durability and reliability in dive watches. Seiko further pushed the boundaries of watch technology by familiarising Spring Drive in 1999. It features a unique mechanism that enhances accuracy and smooth motion.
Read more: Major Concerns About Seiko Watches in Canada
Skagen
This celebrated watchmaker delivers a captivating array of timepieces with a minimalist Scandinavian design that appeals to budget-conscious people. Moreover, the watches are affordable due to the utilization of elements such as:
- Quartz movements
- Mineral crystal (glass)
- Efficient production method
Skagen primarily focuses on creating fashionable accessories rather than aligning with traditional horological history or catering to watch collector culture. For those seeking a stylish and pocket-friendly option, Skagen's watches can serve them well for many years.
Besides, the company, known as "Skagen Denmark," traces its roots back to 1989 when it was established by a Danish couple residing in New York at the time. It draws inspiration from Scandinavian minimalism. The design aesthetic and identity symbolise its namesake, the picturesque northernmost town of Denmark. Now, Skagen serves as a contemporary international trademark and is sometimes considered American.
Like many watches in a similar price range, Skagen's manufacturing is based in China. Although founded in the United States, the company became part of the American conglomerate Fossil Group in 2012. Currently, it operates from its headquarters alongside its parent company in Texas.
Citizen
One of Citizen's most groundbreaking achievements was the invention of the quartz movement. It was a revolutionary technology that transformed the watch industry. Additionally, the precision offered by quartz movements surpassed that of traditional mechanical movements. This propelled Citizen to the forefront of advancements.
Yet, their pursuit of innovation did not end there! They continued to push boundaries by introducing the world's first titanium watch, a marvel of engineering that boasts remarkable qualities such as:
- Lightweight
- Corrosion resistance
- Hypo-allergenic properties
This made it a preferred choice for individuals with nickel allergies and divers alike. Also, an exceptional aspect of Citizen's approach is their vertical integration, crafting every part of their watches in-house. And that’s a rarity in today's watch-making landscape!
Citizen's contributions to the watch-making are unbelievable, with only a handful of trademarks matching their level of influence. One of their outstanding inventions, the Eco-Drive movement, further solidified their commitment to sustainability and technology. Besides, these innovative watches put solar energy to use, enabling them to run perpetually as long as they receive exposure to sunlight every few months.
By pioneering this eco-friendly approach, Citizen eliminated the need to manufacture and dispose of millions of watch batteries.
Swatch
Swatch Watches, often referred to as Second or Swiss Watches, epitomize Swiss performance. Launched in 1983 by the Swatch Group, these timepieces were designed to counter the rise of Japanese digital watches. Also, they meant to revive the popularity of analogue watches in a digital-dominated era.
The company quickly gained fame for its 1980s-style bold designs and efficient quartz movements. Despite reducing the number of parts from 91 to 51, the watches maintained high accuracy. Their aggressive marketing strategies made them a global success. Result? The reputation of Swiss watchmakers was restored!
Swatch Watches were initially regarded as fun fashion accessories, especially in the mid-1980s. Notable additions like the Pop Swatch, which could be attached to clothing, and collaborations with artists like Keith Haring further boosted their popularity. Moreover, made from synthetic plastic, some Swatch models became sought-after collectibles.
Today, Swatch offers five distinct families of watches:
- The Originals feature plastic cases,
- Irony sports - metal bodies
- Skin offers ultra-thin timepieces at 3.9 mm
- Beat defines digital watches
- Bijoux focuses on jewelry-inspired designs with Swarovski fashion jewels.
Luminox
Luminox occupies a unique and esteemed position in the watch industry, catering to everyone, including:
- Emergency services
- Military personnel
Renowned elite groups like the US Navy SEALs have come to rely on Luminox timepieces as vital tools in their operational equipment. Beyond its association with emergency services, Luminox demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Moreover, they have invented watches crafted from #TIDE. It is a sustainable material sourced from ocean-collected waste plastic.
One of Luminox's standout features is its Luminox Light Technology (LLT). It sets them apart as a leader in watch luminescence. LLT incorporates tritium gas-filled tubes. They brilliantly illuminate the watch hands and hour markers. Unlike conventional luminescence, this tech does not rely on batteries or the need to be charged by sunlight. Additionally, the tritium tubes remain safe and continuously illuminate for 25 years.
Victorinox
Victorinox, a famed label, is known not only for its watches but also for its iconic Swiss Army knives. In 1891, Karl Elsener (the founder) co-founded the Schweizerischer Messerschmiedverband, an association of Swiss knife manufacturers. Further, he patented and globally marketed what would later be identified as the original Swiss knife.
In tribute to his late mother, who passed away in 1909, Karl renamed the company Victoria. However, in 1921, the name was changed to Victorinox, a combination of Victoria and Inox, the French word for stainless steel. They ventured into the watch-making industry under the Swiss Army brand in the United States in 1989. Subsequently, Victorinox quickly made a name for itself in the world of watches due to its:
- Impressive functionality
- Diverse range
- Captivating designs
- Exceptional durability
Today, Victorinox watches have become dearests among watch aficionados and collectors alike. Their endless variety will surprise you!
Bulova
The Bulova Watch Company is compelling in the narrative of American watch brands, starting with its roots in New York City. Over the years, it has become one of the best luxury watches in the United States. Since then, it has left a lasting impact on countless.
For many Americans, Bulova watches hold sentimental value, often passed down as cherished heirlooms from parents or grandparents. Moreover, it is common to hear stories of individuals starting their watch journey with a Bulova timepiece before eventually exploring more expensive Swiss luxury brands.
Fossil
The Fossil watch company, founded by Tom Kartsotis in 1984, has undergone noteworthy growth and evolution. It began by creating its label of watches and quickly made a name for itself within the designer industry. Expanding its offerings to women's leather goods, men's accessories, sunglasses, and more, Fossil continued to thrive.
In 1997, it took over Emporio Armani and started distributing watches worldwide. Moreover, the ingenious approach, such as the patented Big Tic watch and Kaleido® color-changing technology, further fortified its standing in the market. The brand expanded through partnerships with:
- Michael Kors
- ADIDAS
- Marc Jacobs
- Acquisitions like Skagen watches
Ending Notes
The choice and acquisition of a watch can reveal volumes about one's character. Besides, it serves as a medium for personal expression, reflecting the wearer's personality and preferences. But some companies are perfection in themselves.
Find luxury watches and more with Bijoux Eclore. Your dream style is just a few clicks away, so why wait?