Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
Wrist watches have long ceased to be just a necessary accessory, but have turned into a sign of prestige and prosperity. Today these are not just chronographs, but designer jewelry, the cost of which sometimes exceeds several million dollars. They are created from platinum, white or rose gold and are encrusted with diamonds, diamonds, emeralds and other precious stones. For many, a watch is as much a proof of condition and status as a cruise yacht or a vintage car.
For a long time, craftsmen have been working on creating unique designs. They publish real masterpieces, many of which are striking in their beauty and complexity of mechanisms, and which subsequently take worthy places in famous museums around the world.
Rating of the most expensive brands of men's watches
| Nomination | a place | Name of product | price |
| TOP-8 most expensive brands of watches for men | 1 | Jaeger-lecoultre | the most accurate mechanisms |
| 2 | Audemars piguet | best handmade watches | |
| 3 | Ulysse nardin | the best high-tech developments | |
| 4 | Patek philippe | the most expensive models | |
| 5 | Rolex | the most legendary brand | |
| 6 | Omega | the most robust and durable models | |
| 7 | Panerai | best waterproof watch | |
| 8 | TAG Heuer | best sports models |
TOP-8 most expensive brands of watches for men
Our experts have compiled a rating of the most expensive brands, including in the TOP-8 of the best manufacturers of elite luxury wristwatches. They are preferred by famous politicians, businessmen, show business stars. Many companies release single copies that are sold at world auctions. There are models that have a price tag of over $ 20 million and they still haven't found their owner. In any case, designer watches are a successful investment, their value never falls, but over time it doubles or even triples.
Jaeger-lecoultre
Rating: 5.0
The oldest Swiss brand was founded in 1833 in Le Santier, where a small watch factory was opened. In those distant times, the company managed to create such a perfect mechanism that not a single measuring device could recognize the degree of their inaccuracy. And then the brand's experts created a million meter. It was he who for half a century served as a reference point for accuracy for all watch movements.
The brand develops the Duoplan caliber in 1925, which was later used to create the Cal.101 movement. To this day, it is considered the smallest caliber in the world, no other company has been able to make it smaller. The Jaeger-LeCoultre management aims to develop a new concept of improved men's watches, which leads at the end of the last century to the creation of innovative movements with functions of tourbillon, perpetual calendar and minute repeater.
Since its inception, the company has adhered to the main principle: “Beauty, technical excellence and sophistication are inseparable from each other” – and produces complex movements that become the standard of quality. What is their famous caliber of the Hybris Mechanica model, which faithfully reproduces the sound of the famous Big Ben watch. More than 1,300 parts were used in its production.
Audemars piguet
Rating: 5.0
The next company in the ranking was founded in 1895 by two talented craftsmen. Subsequently, it got its name thanks to the combination of two names of the great watchmakers: Audemars and Piguet. Their models have always been distinguished by precision and improved mechanisms. Currently, no more than 15,000 copies are produced per year, since they are all made by hand. The main difference between the brand's products is the ultra-flat movement, which not only has high manufacturability, but also allows you to create a men's watch that is compact in size.
The company has always strived to develop new improved watches and constantly became innovators, creating in 1925 the thinnest pocket models, in 1946 – the thinnest men's wristwatch, in 1967 – the thinnest self-winding movement. Particular attention was paid to design. The brand was the first to launch a watch set with diamonds.
Most of all chronographs have an octagonal shape with a massive bracelet or strap. The production uses the most exclusive materials: if gold, then the highest standard; if stainless steel, then only with improved characteristics of wear resistance and strength. Ceramic, carbon, platinum, carbon fiber, which are not quite usual for men's models, are also used.
Ulysse nardin
Rating: 5.0
The company began its history 170 years ago in the Swiss town of Le Locle, where it began to produce marine chronometers and astronomical watches. She is still considered an innovator in watchmaking, developing unique luxury men's models. Independence, imagination and movement forward are the main inspirers of the brand, helping to reach unprecedented heights in such a complex matter as creating ultra-modern and accurate chronographs that fall into the collections of the powerful.
The anchor became the logo of the brand in memory of the first successful inventions of its founder. The company's developments have been appreciated by international experts, they have repeatedly become laureates of prestigious competitions. So the model Astrolabium Galileo Galilei entered the Guinness Book of Records in 1989 as the most complex men's wristwatch in the world. The brand has the largest number of patents for the development of mechanical parts.
Only premium materials are used in the production: gold, platinum, precious stones. Keeping and following traditions, many dials are decorated with mother-of-pearl or enamel. All collections come in limited numbers. For example, the Maxi Skeleton was presented in 50 pieces.
Patek philippe
Rating: 4.9
The next representative of Switzerland, included in the rating, is the oldest world-famous watch company, whose unique products are known to all connoisseurs of luxury accessories. The cross of the Spanish order of Calatrava became its symbol. Continuous research in the field of watchmaking has led to the fact that many of the pieces created are considered to be the finest examples ever produced.
In 1925, the brand introduced the first men's watch with a perpetual calendar, followed by chronographs with fractions of a second and minute repeater. The most expensive model released by the company is considered to be the Henry Graves Supercomplication. The watch was sold at Sotheby's for $ 11 million. Their development and production lasted 5 years, they were made of white gold, the movement consisted of 900 parts and reproduced 24 functions. They are currently in the Swiss Watch Museum in Geneva.
The company's designers stick to the classics, but do not forget to bring something new and cutting edge. The main focus is discreet decor and an emphasis on luxurious materials. Throughout history, 600 models have been released, which were developed and created by the best craftsmen using unique technologies, preserving the traditions of Swiss watchmakers, who are considered the best in the world.
Rolex
Rating: 4.9
The history of the world famous Rolex begins in 1905 in London. Their creator, Hans Wilsdorf, revolutionized the concept of 'fashion' forever with the release of the world's first men's wristwatch. Before that, only women wore them, while gentlemen preferred pocket models. In 1910, they were issued a chronometric accuracy certificate, and later awarded class A. Today the brand's logo in the form of a crown is known throughout the world. The brand is headquartered in Switzerland in Geneva, and the production itself is in Biel.
It is worth noting that Rolex is one of the few firms that exclusively uses its own parts without purchasing them from other companies. Today the brand is the most successful and recognized leader among luxury goods manufacturers. His watch is the most forged in the world, which is further proof of his success. This product has its own serial number with marking.
The most expensive men's watch of the company was sold at auction for $ 17.7 million. These were the legendary Daytona in yellow gold with a diamond dial and bezel, emeralds on the indexes, issued in 1968 and owned by the famous actor Paul Newman.
Omega
Rating: 4.8
The ranking is again a company from Switzerland, founded in 1848 in the city of La Chaux-de-Fonds. The first pocket watches produced from parts supplied by artisans were very popular with the locals, and gradually the rumor about them spread throughout Europe. Soon a factory opens, where both the production of parts and their assembly are carried out in one place.
The first caliber released by the brand was named the last letter of the Greek alphabet Ω (Omega), and subsequently the whole company was called that way. After all, this meant completeness, durability and superiority. Designers do not adhere to any one style – they represent classic, sporty and even avant-garde male models.
In 1965, the company's watches, along with models of other brands, were tested in zero gravity, under the influence of a magnetic field and temperatures from -18 to + 93 ° С. And only the Omega Speedmaster was NASA certified for space travel and selected for the Apollo program. Jacques-Yves Cousteau used the watch for his research at a depth of 500 m. Subsequently, a model with a water resistance of 1000 meters was released. It is the watches of this brand that have become an invariable attribute of James Bond since 1995.
Panerai
Rating: 4.8
Giovanni Panerai opens the first workshop in 1860 in Florence, where the first watches are created at the same time, then sold to the local population and where young masters are trained in a complex craft. The company would later become the official supplier of precision instruments for the Italian Navy. Until 1993, the brand produced models for military submariners and watch officers. After that, a new era of the brand begins, which conquers the civilian watch market and becomes a leader along with the oldest Swiss companies.
A distinctive feature of the brand was the use of self-luminous paint, the composition of which was patented in 1915. This made it possible to use the devices in complete darkness. And currently the developers have not abandoned this technology. Luminous hands are an indispensable attribute of all men's watches. Also, all men's watches are distinguished by a characteristic pillow shape with a slightly convex glass.
Today, Panerai is a well-recognized brand, whose watches are distinguished by their signature design, increased accuracy and water resistance. Half of the models are handmade. Since 2014, a new manufactory has been opened in Neuchâtel (Switzerland), where the development, production, assembly and control of exclusive watches takes place.
TAG Heuer
Rating: 4.7
The Swiss company included in the rating begins its history in 1860 with the creation of a small watch workshop. But after 9 years, thanks to the talent, dedication and hard work of Eduard Hoer, a real revolution took place that turned the idea of time upside down. Instead of a key for the winding, the crown was used, which greatly facilitated the operation of the watch.
The brand is known for its careful control during the entire production process and checks on finished products. The main focus of the company is sports models and luxury chronographs. The Formula 1 series is available for diving, golf and auto racing. High water resistance, bright hands and a well-readable dial are the main distinguishing features of TAG Heuer watches.
Today men's watches of the company are an indispensable attribute of many famous athletes and people who value functionality, practicality, style and quality. She is the innovator of many high-tech ideas that are implemented in life. In 2012, the brand was awarded the most prestigious award – the Golden Arrow Grand Prix of Haute Horology. But the company never stops on its laurels, creating exclusive chronographs with the maximum range of functions.
Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
