Founded back in 1875 by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, Audemars Piguet is a Swiss manufacturer of luxury watches located in Switzerland. The company is famous for manufacturing the first steel luxury watch as well as the first oversized watch. In a year, this luxury watch brand produces 36,000 watches with the prices ranging from $7,000 to over $850,000.
This watch manufacturer was founded by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1775. It wasn’t until 1999 when it became a brand of the Swiss Swatch Group. The luxury watch brand is noted for its invention of the tourbillon. The brand is famous for their coin-edge cases and distinctive dials. Their prices range between $7,000 - $4000+
Based in Grenchen, Switzerland, Breitling is Swiss watchmaker founded by Leon Breitling in 1884. It started off as a diver and aviation but later transformed to design luxury watches. The aviation industry has, for a long time now, chosen the Breitling watch brand as its features have been used by fighter pilots. Their prices range between $3,000 and $280,000
Cartier is a French company that designs and manufactures watches and jewelry as well. Headquartered in Paris, the company was founded by Louis-Francois Cartier back in 1845. They are widely known for their use of high-end material that makes the faces of brand shine and glitter. Also, they are known for their use of typical roman numerals in their vintage watch brands. They have many great timepieces for ladies, thus are being among the most popular watch brands for women. Prices range from $2,300 to over $2.5 million.
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Franck Muller is a Swiss watchmaker. His brand of watches comes with the famous slogan “Master of Complications. It wasn’t until 1984 when Frank Muller created his own tourbillon watch which was quite complicated. Back then, only a few watchmakers were capable of crafting such complicated timepieces. On average, Franck Muller's timepieces go for €38,000 per unit.
HUBLOT, a Swiss watchmaker, was founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco. They are famous for producing big luxury watches that feature complicated movements. Despite it being a newcomer, Hublot is an award-winning luxury brand. In 2010, they were appointed as Formula 1 official watchmaker. Its prices range between $4,200 and $5 million.
Founded by an American watchmaker, Florentine Jones, in 1868, International Watch Company is yet another Swiss watch manufacturer. They are headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Their distinctive shapes and superior materials have made this luxury brand famous. The company’s motto is “Probus Scafusia” which translates to “Good Craftsmanship from Schaffhausen” which they have definitely lived up to - I might add. The price range is $4,000-$750,000
Panerai is among the premium mens watch brands at the moment. Founded in Italy in 1860, Panerai is an Italian watchmaker. It is the first non-swiss watchmaker we have encountered in this list. It is famous for its bold styles without complicating its designs. These watches are appropriate for different occasions as the company has produced watches ranging from sophisticated and flashy ones to simple and sports watches. The prices range between $4,000 to $1 million.
Since its creation in 1851, PATEK PHILIPPE has produced complex watches combined with elegant designs. The watch has been worn by royalty since its inception and they have been able to keep their marketing consistent over the years. The prices range from $15,000 to over $1 million.
This is among the most common luxury watch brands at the moment. In spite of Rolex’s popularity, each unit is made by hand. The company makes 2,000 watches a day making Rolex the largest single watch brand. Also, it has previously been featured by Forbes on the list of powerful brands,
Since its inception in 1846, they have continuously produced wristwatches using visually distinctive material like the colored leather straps. They have been headquartered at the same building Le Locle since 1865. Their prices range between $2,300 and $285,000
Since its creation in 1755, they have consistently manufactured luxury watches rich in quality as they pay attention to the slightest of details. This luxury watch brand is also famous as it has been worn by historical figures including Napoleon Bonaparte, Pope Pius IX and Harry Truman, a former US president. It features explicit detailing on its traditional style making it stand out from the others. Prices range from $18,000 to $6 million.
Founded in 1999, Richard Mille is a Swiss watchmaker. The watches feature 3-dimensional constructions making them unique.
BUYING A LUXURY WATCH
Buying a luxury watch is more important than most people would like to think. Currently, there are many knock-offs and replicas and all this makes the whole activity a bit tricky. It is therefore vital to know the things you need to be on the lookout for and the red flags you need to avoid completely. Below are some of the things you need to consider when getting luxury watches Los Angeles.
AVOID OBSCURE BRANDS
Do some research on all the luxury watch brands that have performed exemplary over the years like the Omega. This will save you from unprecedented disappointments.
PURCHASE FROM AUTHORIZED RETAILERS
It is important to buy the luxury watch from a transparent retailer who will sell you the watch together with the paperwork and warranty cards.
INSURANCE
When purchasing luxury watches, you will want it to remain safe for years to come considering the amount you spent buying it. Therefore, choose a retailer that offers services like insurance against theft or damage.
VINTAGE WATCHES
Vintage watches are not as reliable and durable like their counterparts, contemporary models. Most people feel like the appeal that comes with a vintage timepiece outweighs the fact that they are fragile and are complicated.
KNOCKOFFS
If the retailer cannot guarantee the authenticity of a luxury timepiece as well as offer a full refund, then it is not worth the risk.
DO RESEARCH
Before heading over to the retailer, undertake some research and know what kind of watch you are looking for. Also, ask the dealer questions before purchasing.
