A watch is more than just a timepiece, it’s a fashion statement. For years people have relied on watches to tell them the time and keep track of their schedules.
It has been an item that defines your style and complements your outfit. With so many options available you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to finding the perfect watch for you!
A man’s watch tells the world that he appreciates beauty and understands what makes a great accessory; a woman’s watch is her signature piece. This alone explains why most of us want to invest in high-quality timepieces, even luxury watches.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a CEO, an entrepreneur, or just someone who wants to look good for work – when it comes down to it, your watch says a lot about you. The quality of the materials and craftsmanship speak volumes about how much care and attention went into its selection.
In this post, I’ll share with you:
- the best luxury watch brands in 2022
- how to find the top-tier timepiece
- the most affordable high-end watches you can get
- best luxury watch brands you can trust
…and so many other interesting things you need to know when it comes to top-tier timepieces!
Without further ado, let’s begin!
Qualities of A Luxury Watch
Have you ever wondered why some timepieces are so cheap, yet some can also cost you an entire fortune? What really are the indicators that you are buying a high-quality product and not a knock-off.
If you are one of the many people who are still looking for answers to those questions, then you’re in the right place! Here are some of the
- Premium Materials
One of the most obvious qualities that set luxury watches apart from mass-produced products is the kind of materials used. Normally, factory-made timepieces are either made of plastic or cheap metal.
On the other hand, you can expect premium watches to only use the best materials known today. Top-tier watchmakers always make it a point to include only the finest substance not only to increase the intrinsic value of the item but also to ensure that it withstands the test of time.
After all, this is one of the main reasons why they are so expensive.
Plus, most of these high-end products include rare gems and crystals to make it look more elegant, fabulous, flashy, and all things elite!
- Intricate design and handiwork
Another thing that makes luxury items really stand out is the design and the way the product was produced.
When it comes to style, most of these products (if not all) are one-of-a-kind. It means you don’t have to worry about meeting some random stranger wearing the same item as you. In fact, almost every design is unique, or limited edition.
Craftsmen greatly pay attention to each and every detail included in producing one item, making it feel more special, personal, and valuable. Plus, some brands rely on handiwork rather than machines, which makes the process more tedious, yet intricate.
The time spent making each product and the dedication plus craftsmanship involved is enough to really set the price higher than any mass-produced watch.
- Movement and precision
When it comes to timepieces, precision is always a must. It’s a very crucial aspect of timekeeping.
To some, this is equivalent to accuracy, but it’s really not. They are two totally different qualities found in most watches.
Precision refers to the rate the clock’s mechanism changes over time. Most manufacturers say that the lower the change rate, the more precise the product is. Now, with that said, it follows that the item also displays the accurate time since there are fewer changes in the movement of the parts.
Luxury brands are very particular when it comes to the precision of their timepieces. This is another great thing you can expect from a premium product.
- Branding and Signature
In today’s modern age, many brands struggle to keep imitators from copying their designs. If I’m going to be honest, there are more knock-offs compared to the actual number of legit premium watches ever made.
So, one of the most important qualities you should pay attention to when buying luxury items is the brand. These companies have built their reputation over time and they deserve the premium status they are enjoying. A brand wouldn’t last too long in the market if there wasn’t any product worth buying, right?
Now, to know if you are getting the real stuff or not, try to look for signatures because manufacturers have started to engrave it in the watch so that they are less likely to be subjected to piracy.
Top 20 Luxury Watches (From the Cheapest to the Most Expensive)
Spending money on luxury watches is considered an investment. Unlike any other depreciable assets, there are some premium timepieces that increase in value over time.
If you are still looking for the top picks this 2022, then here’s a list of the most popular luxury brands you can trust:
- Gucci
- Tag Heuer
- Rado
- Montblanc
- IWC Schaffhausen
- Tudor
- Omega
- Blancpain
- Bvlgari
- Piaget
- Jaeger LeCoultre
- Vacheron Constantin
- Cartier
- Chopard Haute
- Audemars Piguet
- Rolex
- Patek Philippe
In this post, we’ll cover from the CHEAPEST to the most EXPENSIVE luxury watch in order. Let’s get started.
Gucci Grip GG Canvas Strap Unisex (US $1,395.00)
Gucci is a very well-known clothing brand, not only for women but also for men. From designer outfits to bags, shoes, and accessories, they always have something for the fashionistas.
This GRIP GG Canvas watch is a good article that will complete your casual look this 2022. With its simple yet classy design, you never have to worry about matching it with your existing wardrobe. Built as a tribute to skaters, this is a mixture of both fun and elegance.
It comes with a 30m water resistance rating, making it a really tough product despite its very posh appearance. Plus, it is made of stainless steel body and genuine leather strap so it could outlast cheap watches more than twenty folds.
However, surprisingly for a luxury watch, its movement is quartz. This means it is battery-operated.
If you are fine with that, then there is no reason for you to pass up this chance to grab a minimalist premium timepiece today! Priced at just a little over $1000, you’re definitely getting your hands on the cheapest luxury watch brand on this list.
Tag Heuer Connected Modular Digital Dial (US $1,306)
At the mere mention of a designer watch, most people would almost automatically think of vintage designs. But, Tag Heuer will prove you wrong. This product is one of the few premium digital timepieces you can see today.
Designed for men, it has a band made of rubber, fit for a casual and sporty look. Plus, it has a dual control display that allows you to switch digital designs based on your current needs. You can either control it using the touchscreen or manually turn the side bezel to change the display.
This luxury timepiece will let you know the time, your heart rate, specific route, or even the distance you are traveling, all on that tiny screen. If that doesn’t amaze you, I don’t know what else will.
To top all that, this product comes with connectivity features to keep you on the go! It has built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS technology to make your active lifestyle a whole lot easier.
Rado Captain Cook Automatic Bronze (US $1,923)
Rado is a company based in Switzerland and is very popular for stylish luxury timepieces. Over the years, they strived to design products that offer both vintage and modern feel at the same time.
Though originally tagged as a men’s watch, this can very well fit women too. The burgundy color makes it less likely gender-biased, so anyone can wear it.
Captain cook model is a refreshing addition to the growing Rado collection. It is made of a bronze case, surprisingly complementing its original burgundy NATO strap. At first, you might double-take on the boldness, but the more you look at it, the more appealing it becomes.
In contrast to the eye-catching exterior, this model’s display is rather simple. No complicated graphics, just plain clock hands and the numbers 15, 30, and 45 along the rims.
But, let’s never forget that it isn’t always about the style of the products. What’s even more amazing about this is that it has a water resistance rating of 300m! That really tells us how durable this beauty is.
Rado Captain Cook Ceramic Black Dial (US $3,224)
Another great item from the wide array of Rado luxury timepieces is this high-tech ceramic black dial model. This is perfect for those who want to have a classic yet elegant design. Because of the item’s colorway, you won’t have a problem matching it with any outfit – formal, casual, sporty.
This product is operating on a Rado calibre R734 movement, which means it is automatic. With the addition of the antimagnetic Nivachron spring, you can be sure that this beauty will give you precision and accuracy at any moment. Plus, it has a reserve power of up to 80 hours.
If you have been a fan of this collection, you should probably know that this is the company’s best-selling product line. This particular Captain Cook model is on the bigger side of the scale, though. It measures about 43mm, perfect for bold and daring personalities.
Montblanc 1858 Geosphere LE (US $5,498)
Montblanc’s 1858 product line is a very special collection. It was inspired by the vintage Minerva watches popular in 1920s onwards. And it is one of the reasons why these series have become the best-selling item in the brand’s history.
Craftsmen spend so much time and dedication into making one model, to ensure precision and accuracy. Specially made in tribute to the Seven Summit mountaineering challenge, this watch is equipped with features that bring you closer to nature.
The case is made of bronze and the dials are in green, symbolizing nature and earth. It is also self-winding with a power reserve of 42 hours. Plus, the dials include two rotating hemispheres that represent different timezones, making it easier for you to tell the time no matter where you go.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition (US $4,660)
IWC Schaffhausen is another legendary watchmaking company. It was founded by a then 27-year-old engineer who wanted to manufacture pocket watches for the American market using the undeniably good Swiss techniques combined with western technology.
The start of this brand’s journey wasn’t smooth and they experienced downfalls along the way. But, with the right people and technology, they were able to make a name for themselves – making them one of the leading luxury watch brands in the world.
The Pilot model comes in 5 different variations, and the most popular among them is this chronography edition of the “LE PETIT PRINCE”.
It is made of a premium stainless steel case that comes with 6-bar water resistance. The total diameter runs for about 43mm, leaning on the larger side of the scale.
On the display aspect, there’s nothing really complicated about this item. Since it is a chronograph edition, you can see three various smaller spheres on the dials that could function differently. This design makes it possible to use it as a stopwatch, perfect for timing sports events.
Tudor Black Bay Chrono PANDA White (US $6,400)
For those of you who don’t know it yet, Tudor is the sister company of Rolex. Though it may not be as famous, you can rest easy knowing that it is supported by one of the most famous companies known around the world.
This model is very different from the classic Bay Chrono products you know of. Instead of having the usual black-gold colorway, this sports a rather playful black and white dial, hence the term PANDA.
The greatest thing about it is that it has a sleeker design compared to its siblings in the same series. This means it will fit those with slimmer wrists or people who just enjoy something not as bulky as the usual ones.
Not only that! It also comes with different band variations. You can choose the bracelet type (the most typical one made of stainless steel), a leather strap (perfect for dressing up and formal occasions), or the fabric strap which gives it a more relaxed and comfortable feel for everyday use.
Since it is not as expensive as the highly coveted Daytona model, this could be perfect for those who have lower-budget needs for luxury watches.
Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch (US $6,084)
Despite having been released in 2010, this product still proves to be one of the best high-end timepieces you can find today. Manufactured by one of the world’s leading brands, it is still a very coveted beauty among men.
Its design is patterned with the original style worn by spacemen on the historical first moon landing. So the name Moonwatch isn’t really surprising, is it?
It has dual sapphire glass (both in front and at the back), making it very sturdy and durable. Plus, the clockworks are enclosed in a premium quality stainless steel that could stand the test of time.
It also has an analog design with three chronographs on the dial. This makes it easier for you to use it as a timer in case the need arises.
The best thing about this is that it uses the Calibre Omega 3861 movement. It has taken the company 4 years to get this certified as Master Chronometer, which just adds to the credibility and intrinsic value of the item.
It has a power reserve of 50 hours and is surprisingly hand-wound instead of being automatic just like most on this list.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe (US $6,995)
Blancpain is among the top-tier brands focused on targeting the elite market for accessories and timepieces. However, they have product lines that are not as pricey as the Rolex Daytona or the Patek Philippe Nautilus. Among them is the Fifty Fathoms series.
This beauty’s design is kinda straightforward. It has no complicated graphics, but rather a simpler and minimalist look. This particular model has a grey (almost black) dial perfectly contrasting the gold circular markers for each number and the bar-shaped quarter hours.
The clock’s hands are grey (light) and are lined with green material for easier visibility at night. The same goes with the second hand that has a circular green marker for better viewing in low light conditions.
Unlike others on this list, it has a unilateral bezel that makes it easier for divers to operate. Though it is a luxury piece, many people still consider its functionality as a diving watch more than it is for fashion.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Flyback Moonphase (US $21,150)
Another Blancpain masterpiece has made it to our list, and what’s more interesting is that it comes from the same Fifty Fathoms series.
But don’t get me wrong. This one is very different from the first Blancpain model I was talking about. This is more of a casual-looking piece, and the design is unique to itself as well.
Instead of having a simple dial, this one comes with a chronograph. On top of that, it displays both the Day and Month instead of the date.
The most interesting part about it is the inclusion of a “Flyback” feature. This is a really helpful addition since it will allow you to reset the stopwatch by just pushing one single button. Because of this, you no longer have to stop and reset the timer to start over again.
Primarily considered a diver’s watch, it’s not a surprise that it has a water resistance rating of 1000ft. or 300m approximately. It is the perfect companion for those of you who want to explore the deep sea life without forgetting the time for you to go back to the ground.
It has a metallic blue color scheme paired with silver hands and numbers on the dial. This makes it a really good representation of the navy blue sea.
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Auto Rose Gold (US $33,495)
Bvlgari is a popular Italian brand known for its jewelry and accessories. They are one of the world’s most expensive watch manufacturers. They are among the favorite companies of the elite collectors.
This particular model was released in 2017 but still continues to be among the top-tier timepieces you can own today. It is tagged as a sports watch, but it could also very well fit formal occasions and parties.
For some reason, it has been Bvlgari’s mission to create ultra-thin luxury timepieces, and they never failed at that. Octo Finissimo is proof of that achievement.
Unlike the bulkier and heavier rivals, this one will be easier to wear. With a diameter of only 40mm, it definitely would go well with men who have slimmer wrists. Plus, the band/strap itself is thinner than usual, allowing you to have a sleeker and sexier-looking accessory.
There are different colours that you can choose from: blue, grey, rose gold etc. (But the price will also differ.)
Piaget Altiplano Skeleton White Gold (US $33,900)
Finally! Something on the list perfect for women as well who want to add a luxury piece to their collection. This simple yet classy beauty will definitely complete your wardrobe.
If it was in the past, seeing an ultra-thin watch would mean you are dreaming. Most timepieces before are so thick mainly because of the movement or mechanism it contains. But thanks to the hard work of dedicated craftsmen, we are finally able to have pieces that are thin enough yet still very functional.
The reason why this feature is highlighted because given the product’s small size (34mm dia.), it is extremely difficult to fit in all the pieces together and there’s just too little power you can work on. So seeing this self-winding wristwatch is really amazing.
The casing is mainly made of white gold, as well as the numbers in the dial too. Plus, it has 72 diamonds to finish the entire flashy look! That alone is enough justification for its price if you ask me.
Also, the pink one is a limited edition, with only 360 pieces released, so consider yourself lucky if you get your hands on this beauty!
Piaget Altiplano Ultra-Thin Chronograph (US $26,750)
It’s time for another Altiplano model, but this time, dedicated to men. This classic timepiece is all about having a vintage style and timeless appearance. You can never go wrong with the rose gold case and its brown leather strap.
For a man’s accessory, this is considerably smaller with only a 41mm diameter. Not only that, this is slimmer than most items on this list. So if you are into sleeker and more lightweight timepieces, then this might just be for you.
The chronograph has a dual-time zone display, making it easier for you to keep track of the time for different locations. Plus, it also has a flyback feature so, with a single click of the button, you can reset your timer and restart the process if needed.
JAEGER LeCoultre Diving PRO
This is a rather bold accessory right here. While other brands strive hard to make their products thinner and slimmer, here’s JAEGER LeCoultre proudly marketing a thick timepiece.
It has a 46mm diameter and is 20mm thick. That is significantly thicker than most items on this list, but that’s what also makes it unique.
At first glance, you might see it as a formal accessory, but that’s not entirely true. In fact, this is specifically made for divers which explain the water resistance rating of up to 1000ft.
True to its purpose, it even sports a mechanical gauge to assess the depth of the waters. This is so helpful when you dive deeper into the sea to explore the wonderful life down there.
==>> View the collection now!
Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Self-Winding
If simple is what you are looking for, then this self-winding beauty is the right fit for you. Its design is very minimalist, containing only the necessary things a watch can offer. Contrary to being dull, this exudes a chic and elegant vibe.
In fact, what you can see on the dial are only the hour and minute hands plus the thin bars representing the numbers on the clock. It will remind you of this accessory’s very purpose and that you don’t need something flashy to look elegant and nice.
But, don’t let its simple appearance fool you. Inside this tiny accessory, there is so much you can look forward to. It uses one of the thinnest and most functional movements in the history of horology – the calibre 1120. Right now, only three brands are using this; VC, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe.
The good thing about this mechanism is that it comes with an anti-shock feature, making it less likely to succumb to pressure from accidental drops and impact.
==>> Discover the entire collection here.
Cartier Santos-Dumont Brown Mechanical
Cartier is among the highly-favored luxury marque for the younger generation and celebrities. It is a French company founded in 1847. Over the years, they have maintained their reputation and even constantly appear in Forbes’ Most Valuable Brand list.
This particular model is rather a deviation from the Santos series when it comes to the price points. Since it uses a quartz movement, this significantly lowered its cost without compromising the design and credibility.
Design-wise, this one’s quite unique. It doesn’t have the typical round case you see in most clockworks. Instead, it comes in a square or box-type design, perfectly matching men’s masculinity (well, sort of).
And of course, it’s never Cartier if it doesn’t have the popular bezel with “screw” designs on it. This item carries with it the popular trademark of the company, so you can never mistake it for another brand, even at first glance.
When it comes to the dials, it’s pretty straightforward as well. But instead of bars or buttons, this has bold roman numerals for each hour, making it easily visible even at a reasonable distance. This is probably why it was a favorite of pilots since they never need to lift their arms to see the time. With one peak, you can easily tell which hour it is.
==>> Check out the entire Santos series!
Chopard Haute Horlogerie White Gold Diamond Bezel
Another women’s accessory that made it to our list is the Horlogerie White Gold Diamond Bezel Bracelet by no other than Chopard Haute. It is a very flashy band that screams nothing but elegance and beauty.
People always say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and Chopard Haute knows this all too well. In fact, this beauty has a bezel filled with 108 pieces of this gem! Well, you shouldn’t be so surprised about that, given its expensive price tag.
And as if that’s not enough, the casing and the band itself are made of 18k pure white gold. With these materials, you can very well consider this as a good investment that will stand the test of time.
With respect to its dial display, it’s quite simple. It only has 3 and 9 as the numbers while the rest of the hours are represented by bars. The hands of the clock are nothing extravagant as well, probably to balance all the glitz and sparkle of the surrounding diamonds on the bezel.
==>> Check the actual price now.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore
In today’s modern age, a lot of people are leaning towards the contemporary style. If you are one of them who love modern desgins, then this piece would probably suit you.
At first glance, you wouldn’t really consider this as a luxury timepiece, but rather, a sports accessory. It’s overall appearance is very much fitting for a casual and sporty look. Well, that’s really not surprising because it’s been categorized as a diver’s watch.
Though many divers now rely on computer systems when going down deep, there are still a number of professionals who prefer getting into the water with an actual watch. This is where AP’s Royal Oak Offshore model will come in handy.
It has a water resistance rating of up to 100m, perfect for a quick dip into the deep sea. It also comes with a chronograph that you can use as a timer while under, just so you can safely go back up when it’s time to.
Plus, it uses an automatic movement with a power reserve of 50 hours, making it a more reliable companion.
==>> View the entire series here!
Rolex Daytona 116506 Platinum Oyster Cosmograph
I bet many of you are waiting for this brand to come out of the list because who wouldn’t? I mean, Rolex is so popular that it has become synonymous with the word “luxury”.
This piece is very special since it was released to mark the 50th anniversary of the Daytona series. This has been subject to so many controversies yet it is also one of the most coveted items by many collectors all around the world.
It has a very interesting design that screams freshness. The platinum case paired with the icy blue dials just make it a perfect casual watch you can wear any time of the day. Plus, it comes with a Chesnut-colored bezel to balance everything, making it look as classy as it should be.
What makes it even more interesting is the seemingly simple chronograph. You might think this is just a mere display, but it is actually backed up by the automatic calibre 4130. It uses the brand’s famous Parachrom hairspring, making the piece shockproof and unfazed with sudden changes in temperature.
With these features alone, you will never have to worry about wearing it wherever you go, be it from one city to another, or as far as one country to the next!
==>> Discover the Daytona series today!
Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph Rose Gold
In case you are wondering what the most expensive luxury watch brand is, then it’s probably Patek Philippe (well, at least on this list). It may not be as expensive as the Hallucination model from Graff Diamonds priced at a whopping $55M, but this particular model is still the priciest in this list at around $300,000. You know we choose the best watches not by price point but in terms of value-for-money, right?
This actually came as a surprise for hardcore Patek Philippe fanatics. Though the design is similar to its siblings in the collection, the colorway was a shock. The brownish rose gold theme makes this piece really stand out among the crowd of silver-steel sports watches.
And, instead of going for a full round case, Gerald Genta infused his well-renowned box-type casing also evident in the Royal Oak model by Audemars Piguet. The designer seems to enjoy this style, and it’s quite interesting as well.
The best thing about this item is that it’s not your usual thick sports watch. It runs on a caliber 324 S C which is only 3.3mm thick. This allows for the slimmer body, keeping the watch as sleek as it can be.
==>> Check the actual price here!
Are Luxury Watches Worth It?
The question of whether or not luxury watches are worth it is a complicated one. On the surface, they offer some tangible benefits – you get to have a piece of beautiful jewelry on your wrist that’s sure to turn heads and make you the envy of all your friends.
However, there are also some negatives associated with any purchase – like how much money you’re spending and if it will even suit your needs in the long run.
You need to know exactly why you want the timepiece and how much you are willing to spend on it. If you are an elite collector with lots of cash to spare, then it will probably be worth your resources.
On the other hand, if you are someone who just loves to have beautiful watches, then there is really no need to spend your entire fortune on a single luxury watch. You are better off with other more affordable yet equally appealing options.
Final Thoughts
Even in the past, people have been using watches to tell time. However, luxury timepieces are not just about telling time; they also symbolize prestige and status.
They are timeless pieces that will never go out of style. They can be passed down for generations and still look like new (even if it’s an old model) because they’re made with superior quality materials that can resist corrosion or scratches.
Though it is actually a good investment, you have to make sure that you won’t overspend on them just so you can have one. As a matter of fact, these are branded as luxury items because in the first place, it isn’t necessary to buy one. It is a privilege that only some people can enjoy.