There is something magical about expensive watches. They don’t just tell time; they tell stories. From the glam of Rolex to the futuristic features of Richard Mille, each is a statement piece for a reason.
Ahead, we are going to share the top 10 most expensive watch brands with you, from wrist watch to wall-mounted or any other category. You will find the best models, the most expensive model, the lowest cost categories, and some fun stories behind the luxurious brands.
But let’s be real, the craze for luxurious watches is real. Even though you don’t intend to purchase one, digging into their interesting history will surely amaze you. If you are into Swiss watches, you will feel the thrill!
So, let’s get to know your favourite expensive watch brand here!
Table of Contents
Top 10 Luxury Watch Brands & Interesting Facts
- Rolex
| Facts | Details |
| Founded | 1905 in London by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis |
| Brand Name | “Rolex” was chosen in 1908 because it’s short, catchy, and fits on a watch dial |
| Headquarters | Based in Geneva, Switzerland |
| Owner | Owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation (a private charitable trust) |
| CEO | Jean-Frédéric Dufour (since 2015) |
| Annual Production | Around 1–1.2 million watches per year |
| Market Position | World’s #1 luxury watch brand (by revenue) |
| Market Share | 30-32% of the Swiss luxury watch market value |
| Revenue (Est.) | Approximately $10–12 billion USD per year |
| Employees | 7,000 worldwide |
| Popular Models | Submariner, Daytona, Datejust, GMT-Master, and Day-Date |
| Most Expensive Model | “Paul Newman Daytona” sold for $17.8 million at auction |
| Entry-Level Watch | “Oyster Perpetual” starts around $6,000–$7,000 USD |
| High-End Retail Model | “Day-Date Platinum” can reach over $80,000 USD |
| Innovation | Created the first waterproof watch (Oyster, 1926) and self-winding mechanism (1931) |
| Material Craftsmanship | Gold, steel, and platinum in-house foundries |
| Certification | Superlative Chronometer (accurate to within seconds a day) |
| Sister Brand | Tudor (offers affordable watches with Rolex quality roots) |
| Famous Owners | James Bond, Paul Newman, and Roger Federer |
| Fun Fact | Every Rolex is hand-assembled and tested for precision before leaving the factory |
- Swatch Group
| Facts | Details |
| Founded | 1983 in Switzerland by Nicolas G. Hayek |
| Headquarters | Based in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland |
| Owner | Hayek family (controlled by them through majority shares) |
| CEO | Nick Hayek Jr. (son of the founder) |
| Market Position | World’s largest watchmaking group by number of brands |
| Market Share | ~ 19.8% of the Swiss luxury watch market value |
| Revenue (Est.) | Approximately $8–9 billion USD annually |
| Employees | Over 30,000 people worldwide |
| Famous Brands | Omega, Longines, Tissot, Breguet, Blancpain, Rado, Hamilton, Swatch, and more |
| Flagship Brand | Omega (known for the Moonwatch and James Bond watches) |
| Entry-Level Brand | Swatch (colorful, affordable Swiss watches starting around $60 USD) |
| Luxury Brand Range | Breguet and Blancpain (exceed $100,000 USD) |
| Most Expensive Watch | Breguet Marie-Antoinette No. 160 (valued at over $30 million USD) |
| Innovation | Launched the Swatch plastic quartz watch in the 1980s, saving the Swiss watch industry |
| Technology Edge | Owns ETA (movement maker) and Nivarox |
| Sustainability | Introduced bioceramic watches (eco-friendly materials mixing ceramic and bio-plastics) |
| Famous Collaborations | The Swatch x Omega “MoonSwatch” (caused massive hype in 2022) |
| Global Presence | 160+ countries |
| Future Vision | Smartwatch tech and sustainable production materials |
- Richemont
| Facts | Details |
| Founded | 1988 by South African businessman Johann Rupert |
| Headquarters | Based in Geneva, Switzerland |
| Owner | Rupert family (Controlled by them through Compagnie Financière Rupert) |
| Chairman | Johann Rupert (founder and executive chairman) |
| Market Position | World’s second-largest luxury goods group (after LVMH) |
| Market Share | 19.5% – 20% of the Swiss luxury watch market by value |
| Revenue (Est.) | Approximately $20–22 billion USD annually (includes jewelry, watches, fashion) |
| Employees | Over 37,000 worldwide |
| Main Brands | Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Vacheron Constantin, Piaget, Montblanc, and more |
| Flagship Brand | Cartier (one of the world’s most prestigious watch brands) |
| Entry-Level Brand | Baume (offers sustainable, modern watches starting around $600 USD) |
| Luxury Range | Vacheron Constantin and A. Lange & Söhne exceed $100,000 USD |
| Most Expensive Model | Cartier Secret Phoenix Décor Watch (valued around $2.7 million USD) |
| Innovation | Pioneered fine watchmaking with advanced complications and sustainable luxury practices |
| Technology Focus | Smart luxury (owning stakes in digital platforms like Yoox Net-a-Porter) |
| Sustainability | Ethical sourcing, responsible gold, and carbon-neutral goals |
| Global Presence | 130+ countries |
| Fun Fact | Richemont started by spinning off luxury assets from Rembrandt Group (South Africa) |
- Cartier
| Facts | Details |
| Founded | 1847 in Paris, France, by Louis-François Cartier |
| Headquarters | Based in Paris, France |
| Owner | Richemont Group (since 1988) |
| Chairman/CEO | Cyrille Vigneron |
| Market Position | One of the top five luxury watch and jewelry brands in the world |
| Market Share | ~7.5% of the Swiss luxury watch market value |
| Revenue (Est.) | Approximately $10–12 billion USD annually (combined jewelry and watches) |
| Employees | Over 8,000 worldwide |
| Famous Watch Collections | Tank, Santos, Ballon Bleu, Panthère, Pasha, Drive de Cartier |
| Flagship Model | Tank (first introduced in 1917, inspired by WWI tank design) |
| Entry-Level Watch | Tank Must or Ronde Solo (starting around $3,000–$4,000 USD) |
| High-End Retail Model | Ballon Bleu or Panthère (can exceed $100,000 USD) |
| Most Expensive Model | Cartier Secret Phoenix Décor Watch (valued at around $2.7 million USD) |
| Innovation | Among the first to design modern wristwatches for men (Santos, 1904) |
| Material Craftsmanship | 18k gold, platinum, and diamonds |
| Signature Design | Roman numerals, a blue sapphire crown, and sleek rectangular cases. |
| Celebrity Fans | Worn by Princess Diana, Michelle Obama, Andy Warhol, and Timothée Chalamet |
| Fun Fact | Cartier created one of the first pilot watches for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont |
- Omega
| Facts | Details |
| Founded | 1848 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, by Louis Brandt |
| Headquarters | Based in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland |
| Owner | Part of the Swatch Group |
| CEO | Raynald Aeschlimann |
| Annual Production | Around 500,000 watches |
| Market Position | One of the top Swiss luxury watch brands, rivaling Rolex in prestige and precision |
| Market Share | ~7.5% of the Swiss luxury watch market by value |
| Revenue (Est.) | Approximately $2–3 billion USD annually |
| Employees | 2,000+ worldwide |
| Famous Collections | Speedmaster, Seamaster, Constellation, De Ville, Aqua Terra |
| Flagship Model | Speedmaster Professional [known as the “Moonwatch”] |
| Entry-Level Watch | De Ville Prestige (starts around $3,000–$4,000 USD) |
| Most Expensive Model | Omega Speedmaster 321 Canopus Gold (priced around $80,000 USD) |
| High-End Range | Limited editions and gold models can exceed $50,000 USD |
| Historical Milestone | The first watch worn on the Moon during Apollo 11 in 1969 |
| Material Craftsmanship | Uses proprietary metals like Sedna™ Gold and Canopus™ Gold |
| Sustainability | Focus on recycled materials and long-lasting designs under the Swatch Group initiatives |
| Collaborations | The famous Swatch x Omega “MoonSwatch” collaboration in 2022 caused global hype |
| Fun Fact | The name “Omega” symbolizes ultimate perfection (inspired by the last letter of the Greek alphabet) |
- Patek Philippe
| Facts | Details |
| Founded | 1839 in Geneva, Switzerland, by Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe |
| Headquarters | Based in Geneva, Switzerland |
| Owner | Stern family (private owner since 1932) |
| CEO | Thierry Stern |
| Annual Production | Around 60,000 watches per year |
| Market Position | The most prestigious and exclusive luxury watch brand in the world |
| Market Share | ~5.6% of the Swiss luxury watch market by value |
| Revenue (Est.) | Approximately $1.5–2 billion USD annually |
| Employees | 2,000–2,500 worldwide |
| Popular Models | Nautilus, Calatrava, Aquanaut, Grand Complications, Gondolo |
| Flagship Model | Nautilus Ref. 5711 (one of the most desired watches globally) |
| Entry-Level Watch | Calatrava (starts around $25,000 USD) |
| High-End Retail Model | Grand Complications (can exceed $500,000 USD) |
| Most Expensive Model | Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A (sold for $31 million USD, the most expensive wristwatch ever auctioned) |
| Innovation | Pioneered the perpetual calendar, split-seconds chronograph, and minute repeater in wristwatches |
| Craftsmanship | Entirely hand-finished with in-house movements and the Patek Philippe Seal for unmatched quality |
| Famous Owners | Owned by Brad Pitt, John Mayer, Robert Downey Jr., Queen Victoria, and many royal |
| Fun Fact | Created the world’s first wristwatch in 1868 for a Hungarian countess |
- Audemars Piguet
| Facts | Details |
| Founded | 1875 in Le Brassus, Switzerland, by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet |
| Headquarters | Le Brassus, Vallée de Joux, Switzerland |
| Owner | Privately owned by the founding Audemars and Piguet families |
| CEO | François-Henry Bennahmias until 2023 (new leadership transition ongoing) |
| Annual Production | Around 50,000 watches per year |
| Market Position | Among the “Holy Trinity” of luxury watchmaking |
| Market Share | ~4.9% of the Swiss luxury watch market by value |
| Revenue (Est.) | Approximately $2.5–3 billion USD annually |
| Employees | 2,000 worldwide |
| Popular Models | Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore, Code 11.59, Millenary |
| Flagship Model | Royal Oak (launched in 1972, designed by Gérald Genta) |
| Entry-Level Watch | Royal Oak Selfwinding 37mm (starts around $25,000 USD) |
| Most Expensive Model | Royal Oak Complication and Diamond Outrage (valued up to $1 million USD+) |
| High-End Retail Model | Royal Oak Complications (can reach $300,000+ USD) |
| Innovation | Introduced the first luxury sports watch in steel (Royal Oak, 1972) (a game-changer for the industry) |
| Signature Design | Octagonal bezel, exposed screws, and integrated bracelet |
| Celebrity Fans | Worn by Jay-Z, LeBron James, Serena Williams, and Lionel Messi |
| Sustainability | Ethical gold sourcing and sustainable workshops in Switzerland |
| Fun Fact | The Royal Oak was inspired by a diver’s helmet and was initially seen as “too bold” (now it’s legendary) |
- Longines
| Facts | Details |
| Founded | 1832 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, by Auguste Agassiz |
| Headquarters | Based in Saint-Imier, Switzerland |
| Owner | Part of the Swatch Group |
| CEO | Matthias Breschan |
| Annual Production | Around 1.6 million watches annually |
| Market Position | Affordable luxury watch brand with a strong heritage |
| Market Share | ~3.4% of the Swiss luxury watch market by value |
| Revenue (Est.) | Approximately $1.5–2 billion USD annually |
| Employees | 3,000 worldwide |
| Popular Models | Master Collection, HydroConquest, Conquest, Spirit, Heritage Classic, DolceVit |
| Flagship Model | Longines Master Collection (known for timeless design and reliability) |
| Entry-Level Watch | Longines Conquest (starts around $1,000 USD) |
| Most Expensive Model | Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch (valued up to $25,000 USD in collectors’ markets) |
| High-End Ranges | Limited editions and gold models can reach $10,000–$15,000 USD |
| Innovation | Precise timing instruments and aviation watches in the early 1900s |
| Craftsmanship | Combines Swiss precision with classic aesthetics and mechanical excellence |
| Celebrity Ambassadors | Endorsed by Kate Winslet, Jennifer Lawrence, and Simon Baker |
| Signature Design | Known for elegant dials, thin profiles, and classic Roman numerals |
| Fun Fact | The winged hourglass logo is the oldest registered trademark still in use today |
- Richard Mille
| Facts | Details |
| Founded | 2001 by Richard Mille and Dominique Guenat |
| Headquarters | Based in Les Breuleux, Switzerland |
| Owner | Richard Mille and Dominique Guenat (privately owned by them with limited external partnerships) |
| CEO | Peter Harrison (Europe) & the brand remains led by Richard Mille as founder |
| Annual Production | Around 5,000 watches annually |
| Market Position | Ultra-luxury avant-garde watchmakers, known for exclusivity and innovation |
| Market Share | ~3.1% of the Swiss luxury watch market by value |
| Revenue (Est.) | Approximately $1.3–1.5 billion USD annually |
| Employees | 500–600 globally |
| Popular Collections | RM 11, RM 27, RM 50, RM 67, RM 65, RM 88 |
| Flagship Model | RM 11-03 Automatic Flyback Chronograph (iconic for design and engineering) |
| Entry-Level Watch | RM 005 Automatic (starts around $80,000 USD) |
| Most Expensive Model | RM 56-02 Sapphire Tourbillon (valued around $2.2 million USD) |
| High-End Range | Most models range between $200,000–$2 million USD |
| Innovation | Pioneered the use of space-grade materials like titanium, LITAL alloy, and sapphire crystal cases |
| Craftsmanship | Combines aerospace engineering with Swiss watchmaking precision |
| Celebrity Ambassadors | Popular among Rafael Nadal, Pharrell Williams, Bubba Watson, and Jackie Chan. |
| Signature Design | Tonneau-shaped case, skeletonized dial, and futuristic materials |
| Sustainability | Longevity and craftsmanship |
| Fun Fact | Richard Mille watches are often referred to as “the Ferraris of the watch world.” |
- Vacheron Constantin
| Facts | Details |
| Founded | 1755 in Geneva, Switzerland, by Jean-Marc Vacheron |
| Headquarters | Based in Geneva, Switzerland |
| Owner | Subsidiary of the Richemont Group |
| CEO | Louis Ferla |
| Annual Production | Around 20,000 to 25,000 watches annually |
| Market Position | One of the “Holy Trinity” of Swiss watchmaking |
| Market Share | ~2.7% of the Swiss luxury watch market by value |
| Revenue (Est.) | Approximately $1.5–2 billion USD annually |
| Employees | 1,200–1,500 worldwide |
| Popular Models | Overseas, Patrimony, Traditionnelle, Historiques, Égérie, Harmony |
| Flagship Model | Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph (a symbol of sporty elegance) |
| Entry-Level Watch | Fiftysix Automatic (starts around $13,000 USD) |
| Most Expensive Model | Reference 57260 (the world’s most complicated watch, valued at ~$8 million USD) |
| High-End Range | Complication watches range from $50,000–$500,000 USD |
| Innovation | Ultra-complicated movements, skeletonization, and minute repeaters |
| Craftsmanship | Renowned for hand-finishing, artistic engraving, and in-house manufacturing |
| Celebrity Ambassadors | Worn by Tom Cruise, Kate Bosworth, and Jay-Z |
| Signature Design | Ultra-thin calibers and timeless sophistication |
| Sustainability | Adheres to ethical gold sourcing and eco-friendly production standards |
| Fun Fact | Its Maltese cross logo is inspired by a watch movement component |
History Of Expensive Watches:
The history of expensive watches began with portable pocket watches in the early 16th century in Europe. A German locksmith and clockmaker from Nuremberg, Peter Henlein, invented the tiny, portable, fanciful spring-powered brass clocks.
These clocks were uncommon and costly jewellery pieces popular among the nobility. Some people say that these clocks were the first luxury timepieces, worn as pendants or carried in the pockets.
The first portable watches were often heavy and large. So, in 1675, Christiaan Huygens, a Dutch mathematician, inventor, physicist, engineer, and astronomer, made yet another advancement in horology. His invention of the spiral balancing spring made it possible to reduce the size of timepieces, leading to the creation of the tiny pocket watch.
Of course, a custom pocket watch was the ideal of a gentleman’s good position in society. It was considered the most desired accessory a noble could possess.
During this period, luxurious pocket watches became fashionable among be busy. by wearing a pocket watch, you commanded respect.
During that time, the American Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, watchmakers had realised the demand for reasonable watches. The American watch companies started to reduce production costs through mechanization and made low-cost watches affordable to all.
However, the Swiss watchmakers kept focusing on quality and precision rather than following these rules. Thus, by the nineteenth century, expensive Swiss watch brands like Rolex were exporting more than 7 million watches per year, making a remarkable position in the world of the luxury watch industry.
Where To Purchase The Expensive Watches?
If you are a luxury watch enthusiast seeking a safe and secure platform to buy or sell expensive watch brands, you have come to the right place. Let’s find the authorized sources:
Authorized Dealers
You can easily purchase new, luxurious watches from the official brand retail websites. First, make sure of their authenticity and the manufacturer’s warranty, as there are already a lot of fake sellers on the same name.
Pre-Owned Online Marketplaces
There are a lot of reliable websites like WatchBox, Bob’s Watches, and others that specialize in pre-owned luxurious watches. Check their authentication, and you can easily purchase from them.
Auction Houses
Another option to buy limited edition pieces is to visit reputable auction houses. They sell rare and vintage timepieces that you may never find anywhere else.
Jewelry Stores
The last and most secure option is to visit traditional brick-and-mortar jewelry shops. You can find different expensive watch brands and their exclusive collections.
Top Expensive Watch Brands By Country
Here are some other expensive watch brands from all around the world. Find which luxurious brands are available in your country:
- United Kingdom: Rolex, TAG Heuer, Patek Philippe.
- United States: Rolex, Omega, Breitling.
- United Arab Emirates: Cartier, Rolex, Audemars Piguet.
- Hong Kong, China: Rolex, F.P.Journe, Patek Philippe.
- Canada: Tudor, Rolex, Omega.
- Singapore: Rolex, Panerai, Audemars Piguet.
- Australia: Omega, Rolex.
- India: Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Rolex, Richard Mille.
- Japan: Omega, Rolex, IWC.
- Germany: Breitling, Seiko, Panerai, Omega.
- Switzerland: Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega.
Things to Consider While Choosing Expensive Watch Brands
So many reputed brands are available in the watch industry. There are many things to be considered to pick the best watch among the thousands of timepieces available in the market. Here are some guidelines for selecting the right one:
- Popularity of the brand name.
- Model and designs.
- Pricing of the timepieces.
- Materials used.
- Case Size.
- Water resistance.
- Movement.
- Colour combination.
Final Thoughts:
Since the 16th century, luxury watches have been more than just a stylish piece of clothing. For nobles, rich people, and investors, the most expensive watch brands offer a reliable and profitable investment opportunity. Unlike other investments, watches don’t need to be maintained and don’t often lose value.
As we have shared the top 10 luxurious watch brands in the world, we reveal the meticulous craftsmanship, exacting precision, and lavish amenities that come together. Each handcrafted timepieces exceed mere functionality.
Moreover, these brands are set apart by their commitment to ensuring unparalleled quality and complemented by a rich history of innovation and the introduction of pioneering features.
FAQs:
When was the concept of the wristwatch introduced?
The wristwatch was first introduced around 1810 and was seen as women’s jewellery as Abraham-Louis Breguet designed the wristwatch for the Queen of Naples, Caroline Murat.
Which is the most expensive watch brand?
Rolex is the richest watch company in the world by revenue. The company was established in 1905 by Alfred Davis and his brother-in-law Hans Wilsdorf in London under the name Wilsdorf and Davis.
What are the materials used for making expensive wristwatches?
Expensive wristwatch makers use a variety of materials, like Stainless Steel and Titanium, Gold, Platinum, and other high-tech substances like carbon fibers and ceramic.
What may be the case size of expensive wristwatches?
The Case Size of expensive wristwatches varies from 35mm to 43mm.
Who is the oldest luxury watch manufacturer?
The oldest luxury watch manufacturer is Blancpain, founded in 1735. However, technically, Vacheron Constantin is considered the oldest watch manufacturer, founded in 1755, as they have been continuously operating in the watch manufacturing market and have never shut down.
