The most popular wrist watches. Prestige rating of Swiss watch brands

A watch is more than just an accessory that shows the exact time. They demonstrate the status of the owner no worse than a car. Many of the most expensive watches are so intricate and complex that they resemble works of art. And watchmakers work on them no less, or even longer, than a sculptor on a majestic sculpture or a jeweler on a diamond necklace.

These incredible creations can cost millions of dollars. Of course, price is not the only reason to admire a luxury watch. Below we will talk about most expensive watches in the world that have survived the test of time.

25. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complication - $725 thousand

The Swiss company Audemars is famous for its luxury watches. But the "Grande Complication", made entirely of ceramic, is undoubtedly their best creation. Through the anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass you can see the mechanism, all the details of which are made by hand.

And the most important thing is that this watch looks damn stylish and just begs to be worn by a respectable, wealthy man.

24. Ulysse Nardin Hannibal Minute Repeater Tourbillon - $758 thousand

One of the most expensive men's wristwatches in the world is created for those who appreciate ancient Roman culture, and in particular its stage associated with the Punic Wars. They are decorated with figures reminiscent of the Carthaginian commander Hannibal and his war elephants.

However, engraving is not the only thing that makes this watch so extravagant and expensive. Each component is handcrafted, the case is made of platinum, and the strap is made of alligator skin. The watch also boasts a special music system - “Westminster chime”. The Hannibal Minute Repeater Tourbillon series is limited to only 30 pieces.

23. Greubel Forsey Art Piece 1 – $1.5 million

This wristwatch boasts excellent mechanical properties, such as a 30-degree double tourbillon. But their cost of 1.5 million dollars is explained by the unique design. Hidden inside the watch is a tiny sculpture that is only visible thanks to a miniature optical system. It is located on the crown and acts like a microscope.

Sculptures created so far include a ship, a mask, a Coca-Cola bottle and a hummingbird.

22. Vacheron Constantin Tour de l’Ile – $1.5 million

This superb combination of mechanics and aesthetics was created to mark the 250th anniversary of Vacheron Constantin.

Each of the seven existing examples includes 16 “complications”. The Tour de l'Ile watch was awarded the "Golden Hand" award - this is the main prize of the international watch competition Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève.

21. Richard Mille RM 56-02 Sapphire – $2 million

The appearance of this watch, produced in a limited edition of 10 pieces, is as unique as its mechanism.

Durable and beautiful sapphire was used for the exquisitely smooth transparent case. And the clock mechanism is suspended on cables, giving the impression that it is floating in the air. The composition is completed with a comfortable rubber strap that fits snugly around the wrist.

20. Rolex ref. 4113 - $2.4 million

Only three times did this gentleman's watch in a steel case appear at auction. And they have never been on sale for free. Rolex dedicated all the models in this series to the small number of racers it once sponsored.

Once again, but perhaps not for the last time, the watch was sold in 2016.

19. Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie - $2.5 million

What makes this watch admired is not only its classic and elegant design (white gold case combined with a black strap), but also the fact that it is the most complicated minute repeater in the world. It is louder and more melodic than repeaters of other luxury watches, and the “brain” of the repeater is a three-tiered tower 5.15 mm high.

In the photo of the watch, you can see that on the right there is a dial, and on the left, the watch developers placed an open minute repeater mechanism so that the owner of the accessory could watch all these tiny wheels and levers rotating at any time.

18. Lange & Söhne Grand Complication - $2.5 million

So far, this model, which debuted in 2013, remains the most expensive from the German luxury brand Lange & Söhne.

Inside the large gold case lies a complex mechanism that combines a perpetual calendar, a large and small strike, as well as a split-seconds chronograph, which allows you to determine time intervals with an accuracy of 1/5 of a second.

Unlike many luxury and expensive watches, in which the dial is so intricate that it is difficult to see the time, this model has a simple and clear dial at first glance.

17. Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega 4 – $2.7 million

With 36 different complications, 1,483 components, a 1,000-year calendar and many other eclectic features, the Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega 4 is one of the most complex watch movements in the world.

A team of watchmakers led by the famous Pierre-Michel Golay worked on this watch for six years. Their creation has many impractical options such as large and small combat, but who needs practicality when it comes to a piece of art?

16. Patek Philippe Ref. 5004T - $4 million

Famous released Ref. 5004T in 2013, especially for a charity auction. 5004T is a unique titanium version in the beautiful Patek Philippe collection. Its gold dial is decorated with handmade engraving that imitates a classic chess pattern.

Swiss watches caused a stir in the industry because they received a sportier, more colorful look than the more conservative “family members”.

15. Breguet Antique Number 2667 - $4.5 million

Breguet is one of the oldest watch companies in the world, producing watches since 1775. And Antique Number 2667 is considered the third most expensive watch released by the house of Breguet. They are distinguished by a stylish and strict design, as well as a luxurious 18-carat gold case. They also have two strokes and are based on the principle of resonance.

This accessory has two dials: the first consists of Arabic numerals, the second - of Roman numerals. This unusual watch fully reflects Breguet's refined aesthetic taste and his inventive genius.

14. Louis Moinet, Meteoris Collection - $4.6 million

This watch with an astronomical price tag was named after Louis Moinet, the famous 18th-century watchmaker. The collection includes four watches adorned with precious stones and pieces of real meteorite embedded in the dials.

• The Tourbillon Mars watch contains a fragment of the Martian meteorite Jiddat al Harasis 479, which fell to Earth. Martian meteorites can cost up to $1,000 per gram.
• The Rosetta stone watch contains a piece of the oldest meteorite that fell to Earth and was found in the Sahara Desert.
• The Asteroid watch uses a piece of an asteroid that formed near the Sun.
• And on the Moon tourbillon dial you can see the dark structure of the Moon with small inclusions.

13. Hublot Big Bang - $5 million

This diamond wristwatch is an ideal option for those who value chic and have $5 million to spare. The Hublot Big Bang features 1,280 diamonds of 3 carats each. And all the stones were cut by the same New York jeweler with 40 years of experience, so that each of them had the same signature.

12. Rolex Ref. 6062 "Bao Dai" - $5 million

The eye-pleasing combination of a gold case and a black dial is not the only advantage of this model. The hour markers are interspersed with diamond markers.

But the main thing about the Bao Dai watch is the name, thanks to which the watch is known to all watch collectors. Once owned by the last emperor of Vietnam, it is a legend among Rolex enthusiasts. The motto of the reign of the last representative of the Nguyen dynasty was “Bao Dai,” which translates as “guardian of greatness.”

11. Rolex Oyster Cosmograph Ref. 6265 "The Unicorn" - $5.9 million

Until this watch was unveiled to the public in Geneva in 2018, it was believed that the Ref. 6265 was produced exclusively in steel or gold cases. But it turned out that in 1970, for one rich lucky person, Rolex created a unique masterpiece - a cosmograph made of precious white metal.

The only model in white gold was the crown jewel of John Goldberger's collection. For a long time, Goldberger argued that this cosmograph would never be sold, since it simply could not be replaced with another copy.

However, the collector then decided to sell this watch in the interests of Children Action, a foundation dedicated to improving the lives of young people around the world.

10. Patek Philippe Caliber 89 - $6 million

If the second number in the top 10 most expensive watches in the world has 24 “complications,” then the Caliber 89 boasts as many as 33. However, on September 17, 2015, Vacheron Constantin introduced the luxury accessory Ref. 57260, which has 57 “complications”. This is an unsurpassed result to date.

A total of four Caliber 89 examples were produced, three in different types of gold cases and one in platinum. Last year, the accessory with a yellow gold case was offered at Sotheby’s auction, but did not go into private hands due to disappointingly low auction results.

9. Vacheron Constantin Reference 57260 – estimated $10 million

This is not the most expensive wristwatch in the world, but it is currently the most complex. Their assembly took eight years. The watch has 2826 parts and weighs 957 grams.

The price of Reference 57260 agreed between Vacheron Constantin and the client is confidential and not officially disclosed. However, various sources value this watch at $10 million. They were created for one client, whose personal data is kept secret. What is known is that this man is the “chief watch collector.”

8. Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 - $11 million

This is the first of four Ref. 1518 with stainless steel case and bracelet. The watch, made in 1941, was the world's first perpetual calendar with chronograph to ever be produced in series.

Seven bidders competed for such a valuable lot at The Geneva Watch Auction in 2016. As a result, the super-expensive accessory went to a private collector.

7. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman” ref. 6239 - $17.7 million

In 2017, this watch was sold for an amount previously unattainable for Rolex. This is explained by the fact that they belonged to the famous Hollywood actor, producer and director Paul Newman.

6. Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch - $18 million

The very name of these watches hints that only those with billions, that is, billionaires, can afford them.

So far, this excellent accessory with emerald-cut diamonds weighing 260 carats exists in a single copy and belongs to businessman Flavio Briatore.

5. Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication - $24 million

The most expensive men's watch was sold to an anonymous buyer at Sotheby's for an amount that surprised even seasoned collectors.

Inside the very weighty (over 500 grams) watch there is a very complex mechanism, on which Swiss craftsmen worked for eight years. They were created as a result of the rivalry between banker Henry Graves and the owner of "factories, newspapers, steamships" James Packard. Each of them dreamed of becoming the owner of the most complex watch on Earth. And the victory went to Graves, who received the Henry Graves Supercomplication with 24 “complications”. With the release of the Caliber 89, the Supercomplication lost its “unparalleled complexity” status, but remains the envy of all watch collectors in the world.

4. Chopard 201-Carat - $25 million

This elegant bracelet watch, created by the master craftsmen of the Swiss house Chopard, is set with 874 diamonds weighing a total of 201 carats. Can you imagine how all this splendor shines in the bright sun or under the light of a huge crystal chandelier?

The three largest heart-shaped diamonds are connected to a spring mechanism. If you need to see what time it is, the mechanism “opens” the diamonds like the petals of a flower.

3. Marie-Antoinette N°1160 - $30 million

The third most expensive watch in the world was made by the craftsmen of the house of Breguet, commissioned by a mysterious admirer of the former French queen Marie Antoinette (the one who is falsely credited with the expression “if they have no bread, let them eat cake”).

The legendary watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet began creating watches in 1783, and his son finished the work in 1827.

Beneath the gold dial is a complex mechanism based on the most revolutionary technologies of the time. After all, the queen should have received all the best. The problem is that the Breguet craftsmen probably took too long to think about this order. Marie Antoinette was guillotined 34 years before her failed gift saw the light of day (​​or the darkness inside the pocket).

The precious historical artifact was stolen in the late 1900s from a museum in Jerusalem and was only found again in 2007. Now the clock is safely locked away in the L.A. Mayer Museum, waiting for you to arrive there with a suitcase full of money.

2. Graff Diamonds The Fascination - $40 million

If you're willing to spend nearly $40 million on a watch, it needs to do more than just tell the time. Graff Diamonds has just such a watch. They have a removable part that becomes a ring.

The Fascination watch consists of many white diamonds. But the main pride of the accessory is an exquisite rare D-shaped diamond weighing 38.13 carats. This pear-shaped masterpiece is the dial of the watch, or it can be taken out and worn as a ring.

According to Laurence Graff, founder and chairman of Graff Diamonds, their watches are designed to demonstrate the close ties between the London diamond house and Swiss watchmaking.

1. Graff Diamonds Hallucination - $55 million

Wearing a watch of this cost on your hand, packed in a light and luxurious shell, is just a hallucination for most people on Earth. But for Graff Diamonds this is reality, embodied in the most expensive watches in the history of the watch industry.

The platinum bracelet and watch case are decorated with diamonds of different colors. The total weight of the gems is 110 carats. All this stunning beauty took over a thousand hours of work by watchmakers, gemologists and designers.

Many people believe that there is a clear gradation of Swiss manufacturers, a hundred best, a prestige rating... but this is the same myth as a lifetime guarantee for all Swiss watches or the strong opinion that all Swiss watches are made entirely by hand. All watches are actually assembled by hand, but most of the watch mechanisms themselves are made by automatic machines. A completely hand-assembled movement is a rarity these days. But this is a topic for a separate article.

There are many independent ratings showing the position of a brand, usually built by the brand itself or watch magazines. And all these ratings are different - there is not and cannot be a specific scheme by which one can judge the primacy of this or that brand. The manufacturer, as a rule, positions its position

Then everything is simple - take the best-selling brand and it will be at the very top of the ranking. Again, that’s not the case – budget manufacturers will come forward. And if we take the least-selling models, then it turns out incorrectly - why do they sell little? Perhaps they really are the coolest and most expensive. Maybe they are made by a small company with small production volumes. Or maybe they are simply not interesting to anyone?

Wristwatches from famous brands are a stylish accessory for some people, and a tool that tells time for others. Some people don't even take them seriously and find out the local time by looking at their cell phone screen. Many people consider branded accessories to be very expensive, which is why they don’t buy them. No matter how one feels about watch brands, one always focuses attention on the wrist of a neighbor, friend or just a passerby. After all, they attract the eye, and even more so the famous brands. Like clothes, they will tell you how much the owner has a sense of taste and what his position in society is. Sometimes when we see a watch on another person’s hand, we understand that we also want to buy ourselves an accessory that will perfectly highlight our individuality and clothing style.

Which watch brands are considered the most stylish?

Swiss production occupies the leading place among all brands. All over the world it is considered the best, reliable and accurate. It is worth noting that a number of Swiss brands are included in Guinness records and are part of Swiss art. Swiss-made models were and are chosen by people from the following list: Napoleon Bonoparte, Arnold Schwarzenegger, V.V. Putin and many famous figures of past centuries and our time. By purchasing them, you will be accepted in any society. The most famous watch brand among Russians is Casio. They are the ones who produce products that are so beloved all over the world, and they do this exclusively on the basis of innovative technologies, which include heavy-duty mechanisms and super reliable coating methods. Casio produces millions of products every year. Branded Casio watches are good not only because they are a beautiful accessory that emphasizes your image, but also because they are affordable. But the most important thing is that they will perfectly complement the image of both their first and second owners. Nowadays there are a myriad of watch brands. The most interesting thing is that they are produced not only by watch companies, but also by almost all famous fashion houses. Many people want to buy accessories from well-known brands, but they are sure that they cannot afford such purchases; this is a general misconception. Some of the world's most famous watch companies produce watches that can be purchased by people with average incomes.

Just a century ago, men's wristwatches, compared to pocket watches, caused only a slight smile, and sometimes even complete misunderstanding in society. Few could imagine that over time this accessory would become an integral part of men's style and one of the main indicators of success. Convenience, functionality, ease of use - all this was appreciated by the military, submariners and pilots of the late 19th century, and later by representatives of other male professions.

A good men's watch is the main addition to a man's basic wardrobe and the most important attribute of his individual image. As the saying goes:

To find out what time it is, boys look at their smartphones, and men look at their watches.

Today there are more than a hundred companies producing branded watches in the world, each of which amazes with its quality, uniqueness, style, appearance and internal content. Most often, men's watches are chosen for specific purposes, for example, for everyday wear, sports, formal events, tourism, and so on. There are very expensive watches and budget options. And there are many more indicators.

In this article, we will look at the best men's watches from world-famous brands, the most popular among the stronger half of humanity and relevant for 2019.

TOP 10 BEST WATCHES FOR MEN

ROLEX

The largest and world famous Swiss brand of men's watches, Rolex, is rightfully considered the standard of quality. The company was registered in 1905. The brand produces both completely new innovative models and older watches that are no less reliable. The cost of Rolex is quite high, but the brand guarantees the simultaneous embodiment of fashion and style to its owner. Pay attention to the legendary chronometer - Rolex "Paul Newman" Daytona.

PATEK PHILIPPE

One of the oldest and most famous brands of Swiss men's watches, Patek Philippe, was founded back in 1839. A very popular brand among watch lovers. According to the company itself, the brand is based on 10 values ​​- independence, tradition, innovation, quality and craftsmanship, rarity, value, aesthetics, service, emotion, heritage. Nothing to add.

This sought-after brand of premium Swiss watches combines exclusive design and excellent quality materials. It is also popular among the fair sex. The company was founded in 1868. High functionality, wide range and price range of the brand allows you to choose watches for both everyday use and professional purposes.

One of the leading brands of men's watches at reasonable prices from a Japanese manufacturer. The company was founded in 1930. The main goal of the brand developers is to improve watch design along with the introduction of advanced technologies. It should be noted that the company successfully achieves its goals. What are the modern Citizen Eco-Drives worth?

SEIKO

The Japanese luxury men's watch brand Seiko was founded in 1881. The company launched the world's first quartz watch in 1969 and has won many awards in the field of innovative watch technology. Men of almost any profession, regardless of social status and type of activity, can use Seiko in everyday life.

OMEGA

A truly amazing Swiss watch, both technically and design-wise. Omega was founded in 1848. The watch was used by the British and American armies at the beginning of the 20th century, was tested in zero gravity conditions and selected for the Apollo program, and the brand is also associated with the main character of the James Bond films. Overall an elite and high quality brand.

Not only jewelry, but also luxury watches from the famous French brand are a combination of elegance, brilliance and the highest quality materials. The company dates back to 1847 and is considered one of the most recognizable in the world. Typical Roman numerals and elegant style are the hallmarks of the brand. Most suitable for lovers of classic clothing style and regulars at social events.

One of the oldest companies producing luxury wristwatches was founded back in 1755. Rumor has it that this brand of fine men's watches was preferred by such historical figures as Napoleon Bonaparte and Harry Truman. For true connoisseurs of the Swiss watchmaking school, this is an ideal option.

Above were the best men's watches, in terms of quality and popularity, among a relatively wide range of men from around the world. If you want to become stylish, but you don’t have enough experience in choosing watches, start with one of these brands. Proceed from your inner feelings and lifestyle that is unique to you.

Of course, to lovers of watches from Swiss brands without some brands, for example, Blancpain, the rating may seem incomplete, but these are fashion trends and our subjective opinion.