Which are the most sought-after luxury men's watches in the world? Among hundreds of existing expensive watch brands, we can highlight 20 truly luxurious ones. Typically, these brands have been producing fine, handcrafted watches for over hundreds of years and are still doing so successfully today. For example, the legendary watch brand Audemars Piguet was founded in 1875, Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1833 and Vacheron Constantin has been producing its luxury watches since 1755. To immerse you in the world of style and fine mechanics, we have put together a selection of luxury men's watches. So these top 20 luxury watch brands can be an exceptional choice for men.
The most expensive luxury men's watches
Those who previously thought that improving technology for classic watches was unnecessary are now convinced of the opposite. Luxury watches continue to be coveted pieces for the enthusiastic rich. Here we take a look at the 25 most luxurious watch brands for men.
A watch is nothing less than a work of art, especially since most are assembled by hand. Just as the invention of cameras did not make Renaissance paintings any less valuable, these accessories simply show how far man has evolved from the ancient sundials and hourglasses.
Rolex men's watch - since 1905
This is said to be the most well-known luxury watch brand, so for the uninitiated it is “the” luxury watch brand. In Forbes lists of the world's best-performing brands, its British origins are regularly reflected in its classic designs. With 2,000 hand-made watches per day, Rolex remains the largest single luxury watch brand. Over the years we have seen some models in countless classic films, making the name a household name for its timeless pieces. Justin Timberlake, David Beckham and Kanye West are some of the celebrities who are proud owners of Rolex luxury men's watches. We would also like to mention a particularly valuable piece from Rolex: Paul Newman's Rolex Daytona was sold for $17,752,500, making it the most expensive wristwatch ever sold in the world.
Audemars Piguet - Since 1875
Audemars Piguet was founded in 1875 by the Swiss Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet and is still owned by these founding families. With 36,000 watches per year, this brand is so perfect that even Tiffany & Co and Bulgari use its movements. It has stood as the Royal Oak since 1972 and created the first oversized watch in 1993 called the Royal Oak Offshore. The innovation was a trademark of the watch manufacturer, which also produced the world's first luxury sports watch made of steel.
This also resulted in the first jumping second hand and Piguet's thinnest watch. Tom Cruise and Usher are some of the celebrities who own Audemars Piguet watches. Priced at $869,000, the Royal Oak Complication makes the list of most expensive watches and is one of the brand's most luxurious watches.
Vacheron Constantin – Seit 1755
The name Jean-Marc Vacheron originated in Geneva in 1755 and is one of the oldest manufacturers of luxury men's watches. The brand is now part of the Richemont Group. Among its many famous wearers are Napoleon Bonaparte, Harry Truman and Pope Pius IX. The Metiers d'Art 2012 collection “Les Univers Infinis” was fantastic with its interlocking shapes. The “Reference 57260”, a watch with 57 complications, came onto the market in 2015. It took three watchmakers eight years to create the masterpiece and is probably the most complicated mechanical work in the world. The most luxurious Vacheron Constantin watch was created in 1979 and set with diamonds. Vacheron Constantin Kalista, worth $11 million, is the brand's most expensive product.
Patek Philippe – Since 1839
A team of competing brands is currently trying to re-engineer this manufacturer's world-famous intricate mechanics. The process has been going on for 200 years and has brought together some brilliant minds with unique skills. Since its founding in 1851, Patek Philippe's stunning, traditional-style movements have made a name for themselves in the premier class. A famous wearer was Queen Victoria. Today Robert Downey Jr. and Nicholas Sarkozy wear the jewelry. A rare Patek Philippe Reference 1518 stainless steel wristwatch sold for over $11 million at a Phillips auction in 2016.
Chopard – luxury men's watches since 1860
Although it began manufacturing women's watches in 1860, this watch brand is now worn by actors such as Michael Fassbender and Colin Firth. The Swiss watchmaker is also an official partner of the Cannes Film Festival and the historic Monaco Grand Prix. A Chopard watch is characterized by attention to detail and a classic look.
In 2013, the brand helped promote products made with ethically sustainable gold. The estimated price of the ultra-luxurious Chopard 201 Carat Watch is $25 million, making it the brand's most expensive watch.
Jaeger-LeCoultre – Since 1833
They are often considered pioneers of watchmaking due to the many innovations they made in the field of watch technology. Since its inception, the Vallee de Joux-based brand has produced at least a thousand movements. With the world's smallest watch caliber, it has taken the reputation of intricacy to another level. The Reverseo Tourbillo, which features a fold-over rectangular case, is impeccably elegant. Jaeger LeCoultre presented Queen Elizabeth II with the stunning Jaeger LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette luxury watch to mark the 60th anniversary of her reign. The watch features 576 diamonds, looks like a bracelet and is priceless.
Piaget – Since 1874
Famous for its delicate and enamelled pieces, The Luxurious Institute named Piaget and its watchmakers as the 6th most prestigious jewelry brand in 2008. This began in 1874 as a manufacturer of clock movements and then branched out into its own line in the 1900s. The brand's most expensive watch is the luxurious Piaget Emperador Temple Watch, worth $3.3 million.
Cartier Watches – Since 1847
What higher commendation can a brand have than being called the “Jeweler of Kings and King of Jewelers” by King Edward VII of England himself? This Parisian jewelry and watch company was also favored by John F. Kennedy, Sofia Vergara and Angelina Jolie. Their trademarks are their typical Roman numerals. The Secret Phoenix Decor Watch is considered Cartier's most expensive wristwatch. It is adorned with 3,010 diamonds and the price is $2.76 million.
Hublot - Since 1980
Hublot was founded in 1980 and is now part of the LVMH group. They came to prominence with the release of the Big Bang Red Gold watch and have since become a favorite among men, especially in sports. We've seen her typically masculine jewelry on the wrists of Jay Z and Kobe Bryant. In 2010 they were named the official watchmaker of Formula 1. The most expensive luxury watch from Hublot is also known as Hublot and costs a whopping $5 million.
Omega - Since 1848
The famous Omega brand has turned sports luxury down to an absolute science and its watches are regularly seen in James Bond films or on the wrists of Olympic champions around the world. The brand not only stands for luxury, but also takes longevity very seriously. It is worn by the “fastest” people on earth. Thanks to Edwin Aldrin, it is also the first luxury watch worn on the moon. Omega Stainless Steel Tourbillon 301 was sold for 1,428,500 Swiss francs on the Phillips Geneva Six. This makes it one of the most expensive luxury men's watches from Omega that have ever been sold at auction.
Tag Heuer – Since 1860
The TAG stands for 'Techniques d'Avant Garde' and is reminiscent of their original trend of being avant-garde. Since 1840, it is now even more reliable than avant-garde. The luxury watches are functional, very popular and designed for tough use. Promised longevity has also made the watch a reliable partner to some of the biggest sporting events. The company has now also expanded into the production of cell phones, glasses and accessories. TAG Heuer announced the new Connected Modular smartwatch with a white gold band and nearly two dozen carats of diamonds. The watch costs 190,000 Swiss francs, or about $197,000.
Montblanc - Since 1906
The makers of what are probably the most beautiful pens in the world don't lack style in the watch department either. The brand was founded in 1906 by a Hamburg banker and a Berlin engineer and has produced some impressive watches over the past century. The latest innovation is the E-Strap 2015 with a mini electronic display that connects to the strap of your regular traditional watch. However, Montblanc's most expensive watch is the Regulateur Nautique Chronograph Watch, priced at $388,600.
Breitling – Since 1884
Over the years, these Swiss watch manufacturers have become popular with aviators and divers. Each of their watches features either a B01 caliber or a B04 caliber. The other distinguishing features are an easy-to-read dial and a strictly mechanical winding mechanism. Number 1 among the most expensive and luxurious Breitling watches is the Grande Complication pocket watch with a breathtaking price of 280,700 US dollars.
IWC Schaffhausen – Since 1856
This brand was founded by an American watchmaker in Switzerland. IWC stands for International Watch Company and continues to live by the motto “Good, solid craftsmanship from Schaffhausen”. Today it is the only remaining large Swiss factory in eastern Switzerland. Their pilot watches and diving watches are legendary. They are characterized by a combination of precision technology and exclusive, classic designs. IWC has recently expressed social responsibility as the brand sought to improve its standards and practices in response to growing environmental challenges. The Siderale Scafusia is one of the most complicated watches produced by IWC. It has a perpetual calendar and an astronomical display. The price of this miracle is $750,000.
Zenith – since 1865
While most Swiss brands started in the mid-19th century, it took around a century for Zenith to break into the world of luxury watches. This happened with the release of 'El Primero'. It is an automatic and precise chronograph watch that many still consider to be the ultimate standard. The brand is now owned by LVMH. The watches continue to be manufactured in-house and the El Primero continues to be updated as required. The luxurious Zenith Academy Tourbillon Quantieme Perpetual Black Tie is today's most modern and expensive Zenith watch, valued at $400,000.
Richard Mille – Since 1999
After the watch manufacturer came into play in 1999, it quickly developed into a major luxury brand. The secret is that he has created a place for himself among the youth through innovative and unconventional designs. The Tourbillon RM 008 is one of the best models and has such advanced features that wearers still find it difficult to use them. The exceptional and luxurious Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 56-02 Sapphire watch costs $2 million.
A. Lange & Söhne – Since 1845
This German brand has subjected the Swiss brands to tough competition over the past century to become one of the best technological successes. With the exception of a few limited editions, each of these luxury men's watches runs on a large mechanical movement that was created in-house.
Most cases are made of platinum or various shades of gold, with designs that have a strong Teutonic feel. Lange & Söhne's Grand Complication watch was introduced in 2013 and is currently the brand's most expensive luxury watch at $2.5 million.
Bell & Ross - since 1992
Launched in 1992, this model is one of the new additions, but has already made a big impression with its sporty and extremely durable watches. They specialize in bringing selected demographics and professions into line with contemporary tastes. Led by the French Bruno Belamich and Carlos A. Rosillo, the brand's trademark is the square shape that frames most of the pieces. Luxruy Bell & Ross BR-X1 Tourbillon Sapphire for $495,000 is by far the most expensive watch the brand has ever produced.
Maurice Lacroix - Since 1975
Maurice Lacroix was founded in 1975 and developed into a prominent luxury brand with the Les Mécaniques line from the 1990s. Today, this line is known as the Masterpiece Collection and includes some of the manufacturer's best and most popular watches. The success of this line also allowed the brand to establish its own manufacturing unit. Their limited editions are a special requirement and maintain their standard by balancing traditional Swiss mechanics with the quality of their own manufacturing. $29,263 is the price of an exceptional Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Roue Carree Seconde, the luxury brand's most expensive watch.
Seiko – since 1881
Can Japan be far behind? This luxury watch brand was founded in Tokyo in 1881 and has consistently maintained its function and style ever since. It produces both quartz and mechanical watches. Recently they have expanded into jewelry and glasses. The Grand Seiko forever changed the way the world viewed the brand.
A Seiko was the long-time companion of NASA flight director Gene Kranz. One of the most expensive models is the Seiko Spring Drive 8-Days Power Reserve for the modest sum of $55,000.
