It’s not a shocker that the watch industry has been through steady growth since its early years. Even after the pandemic came to fruition, watch connoisseurs have proven that the COVID-19 hit was absolutely ineffectual towards the industry, especially after considering how watch collections became an entire online phenomenon following the 2021 edition of Watches & Wonders that was held online internationally.
Watch enthusiasts concentrate on different aspects of the trusty watch. Whether a watch that is practical, sturdy, and does its job remarkably well or a watch that can hold sentimental or monetary value, a watch can illustrate the true meaning of being the best of both worlds. These are all bits and pieces that can define a watch towards its value and why it can radiate veneration.
However, what makes a watch all that it is? Here we have compiled the top 5 watch brands that have conquered the art of timepieces and their inner purpose, making them the most sought-after watches whose price margins are constantly shifting towards a sky-scraping price. They retain their value exceptionally well and excel in numerous factors, such as their legendary story, inner workings, technical upgrades and innovations, craftsmanship, and endorsements.
Rolex
A true undisputed champion amongst supreme luxury watch brands that stay true to their value. The Swiss brand is embellished with a rich history that valuers captivate in their timepiece ventures. Moreover, they received exemplary boasting rights for being on the wrists of both Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on their quest to the top of Mount Everest – the first watch on Mount Everest. To add to their achievements, Rolex were also the first to engineer a dive watch. For their astonishing repertoire, they are known as the most famous and sought-after watch brand worldwide.
Patek Philippe
There is likely no other that can symbolize power, class, and exclusivity more than Patek Philippe. With an outstanding historic 177-year-old tradition, the brand is known for its statement that ‘great watches should not be owned, but should be saved for the next generation.’ This is basically a great argument for any of you with parents who own a Patek Phillipe. Their state-of-the-art, in-house artisans allow for masterpieces with quality parts, materials, and movements. However, finding these models in a solid state might be harder than it looks.
Audemars Piguet
Deemed one of the holy trinity amongst Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet made its mark by paying meticulous attention to minor details in their movements and machinery. The craftsmanship in every watch is completed with perfection in ways many other watch brands cannot compare. From their superb finishing, exquisite engraving and well-thought-of motifs, do note that they are experts at their craft and will not leave any stone unturned. Although the praise, do note that AP watches are incredibly exclusive and most definitely challenging to get your hands on one of them.
Richard Mille
Compared to the former, Richard Mille is a relatively young company which was founded a little bit over two decades ago. Despite its young age, the brand is still considered extremely exclusive and has an unassailable reputation for quality and craftsmanship. These clocks are not widely available, with ever-so-limited-edition timepieces with mesmerizing designs and quality handmade by expert Swiss watchmakers. Consequently, Richard Mille watches tend to hold their value quite well, making them a wise contender for an investment opportunity for anyone looking for a luxury clock that would appreciate in value.
Omega
Although the prices of Omega do not compare to some of those above, they retain their value incredibly well. With Buzz Aldrin winning the Omega Speedmaster Professional Chronograph to Apollo 11 mission at the 1969 lunar landing, the brand does keep in check with the achievement notion of watch connoisseurs. Omega shifted independently from buying and changing ETA movements to being able to engineer their own motions. This can be seen in Co-Axial, where the escapement removes all movements that cause friction.