The Top 10 Luxury Watch Brands to Know and Collect in 2022

The word luxury always has its own prestige for people. This works as well for luxury watch brands that produce high-end watches with a range of exceptional features. It's more than just a time-teller that sits on the wrist. It goes beyond that idea. It stands out to elevate a style, provides premium features, and might also have an impressive story behind the making. In line with that, it's no wonder that luxury watches come in an expensive price range. Not only that it offers an avant-garde timepiece but also a glamorous symbol for the wearer's identity.

If you are going to start watch collecting, luxury watch brands might be quite pricey. Yet, the watch certainly serves a high-performing function and impeccable appearance. There are a lot of brands claiming as luxury watch brands. Understanding that you might feel overwhelmed with the endless list, we have sorted out our recommendation of the top 10 luxury watch brands.

Although we put it in an orderly list, it is not in any particular order or purpose. We believe that every watchmaker always tries to give high-performance watches to the customers. But, some of them may have the capacity to give more than others. Therefore, every last one listed in this article is a great luxury watch brand and their timepieces are worth a collection. Here are the top 10 recommendations of luxury watch brands for you.

Patek Philippe

Talking about watch brands would always include Patek Philippe as the front runner. Ever since its first launch in 1839, it remains an astonishing watch manufacturer with its unique identity. The company was first founded by Antoine Norbert de Patek and François Czapek. Combining skills for over 177 years, this luxury watch brand creates the finest timepieces on the basis of decades of experience and understanding. 

Lots of their watch collections are considered the most complicated pieces in the world. No one would deny the title of 3 Holy Trinity Watchmakers given to Patek Philippe. Some of the renowned collections are the Nautilus, Aquanaut, World Time, Twenty-4, Calatrava, and more. What makes Patek Philippe unique is the fact that all of their collections are made by hand -- assembling every delicate element to make a fine luxury watch. 

Besides, throughout that long journey, Patek Philippe always follows modern design. It makes their collections always future-oriented and sought after by many watch collectors. 

See also: Why Should You Get Elegant Watches in Collection?

Richard Mille

A newcomer that enlightens the world of horology. Richard Mille as one of the best luxury watch brands started its journey in 2001. Yet, it becomes a brand that produces extraordinary watches. The great story behind Richard Mille’s success is valued on its new contemporary approach to creating a new realm in the world of horology.  The unique point of the watch can be seen through its tonneau case design paired with distinctive torque screws.

Brave enough to challenge and make an appeal with its innovation, Richard Mille managed to attract the world's attention. As such, every collection of Richard Mille becomes the favorite of most watch collectors despite its six-digit price tag.  The RM 001 is the first watch that comes on the market that shows off its unique tourbillon. It is built with a concept of optimal maintenance and extreme shock resistance. Well, performance, technicality, and high shock resistance have been Richard Mille's key highlights since its first journey. 

Audemars Piguet

This luxury watch brand is the other one that sits on the throne of the Holy Trinity. Audemars Piguet was founded by childhood friends Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet in 1875. As a highly honored watch manufacturer, Audemars Piguet embraces every innovation to create an exceptional timepiece. The company is best well-known for its Royal Oak collection introduced in 1972. Ever since the product launch, the brand becomes more prominent in the watchmaking industry.

Many say that the rise of Royal Oak starter during the quartz-crisis through which Georges Golay as the managing director of Audemars Piguet managed to introduce a new vision for the watch collectors. A steel case, octagonal bezel, and “Tapisserie” dial design are the charming point that makes this collection becomes a favorite series. The watch somehow resembles an enormous grace and delicacy that give rise to the Audemars Piguet itself.

A.Lange & Söhne

Every piece made by A.Lange & Söhne is a dream watch everyone would love. As one of many best luxury watch brands, this company is the first one from Germany founded in 1845 and started its journey to make excellent and perfect timepieces. Carrying a distinctive history,  A.Lange & Söhne was expropriated in the Soviet-occupied zone after the Second World War and returned to Germany in 1990. 

The Lange 1 is the first watch produced by this company following the re-establishment of the company. It embodies the traditional element, such as screwed gold chains, a screw balance, an asymmetrical dial, and a three-quarter plate. As for now, the entire Lange 1 family integrates knowledge and experiences throughout their long journey -- at the start of the 19th century. Further, this watch brand is known for pursuing precision for its timepieces. Together with an unusual and appealing design, A.Lange & Söhne grows as a great watch brand for luxury watches. 

Tag Heuer

Tag Heuer and racing watches are the identities of one another. This luxury watch brand is known for its daring approach to making a robust watch to fulfill the needs of drivers behind the wheel. The word TAG in its name is the abbreviation of Techniques d'Avant Garde which is depicted through its tough and classy design. Therefore, most of their collections are also popular among youths and style-conscious collectors. 

Durability is also this company's commitment to making a tough watch with a daring and blazing new look for the watch industry.  One of the most coveted collections is the Aquaracer with a sporty design that completes the fashion. A luxury dive watch for a deep-sea activity companion. Well, in fact, every piece of Tag Heuer is perfect for a luxury watch collection. 

Hublot

Hublot’s image as one of the best luxury watch brands is known for its bold design. Also, Hublot is the first watch company that used natural rubber as their watch strap material. The choice of rubber somehow contrasts the watch dial design that shows a sturdy and rugged design. Yet, it turns out as the main charm that makes Hublot timepieces become luxurious and sought after by many. As such, Hublot is considered as a Swiss Brand that resembles the 'Art of Fusion'.

Hublot itself was established in 1980 by Carlo Crocco. His intention to introduce a new design for the watchmaking industry brings Hublot with its well-known signature. The watches made in this company are adaptable, durable, and stylish as well, making them look good for both men and women. The Hublot Big Bang is one of Hublot’s favorite collections among the others that were made specifically for the racing edition in Formula 1.

Breitling

Breitling is famous for making professional watches, especially for aviators. They produce exceptional timepieces with a robust performance to withstand harsh conditions and look stylish. Having one of the Breitling timepieces would be a nice choice. The company has been around since 1884, putting them among the best luxury watch brands with an outstanding journey in the watchmaking industry.

The production of watches for the aviation industry was a significant milestone for Breitling to move forward. The Breitling Navitimer is one of its finest timepieces aside from the Super Avenger, Navitimer, and Superocean Now. As for the latest collection, Breitling releases its Super Avi B04 collection that is set to amaze. It is a chronograph watch with a three sub-dial and is driven by the Breitling B04. Once you have this watch collection straps on your wrist, a taste of prestige is what you'll get.

Panerai

Panerai watch collection is an Italian watch brand that will guarantee the finest timepieces from the master. Founded in 1860 in Florence, Panerai is known for its exceptional case design. A sporty and bold watch case that would give the wearer a sense of strong and extraordinary. It has a traditional taste yet is timeless at once. Therefore, every collection becomes the waited moment for watch collectors.

Among many of its collections, the Luminor and Radiomir are the famous ones. Both are famous for each uniqueness, while the Luminor embodies modern design with a stylish look, the Radiomir exhibits a vintage image on its design that is dressier than the other one. The Radiomir is introduced with its large cushion-shaped case paired with a leather strap. 

See also: The Top 3 Italian Watch Brands to Collect

Montblanc

Starting off as a watch manufacturer in 1997, Montblanc sits among luxury watch brands. Although not as old as most well-known brands, the Montblanc watch collection is a luxury good. At first, Montblanc is a German luxury goods company that provides various personalized and luxury gifts, such as fountain pens and watches. 

Their first mark on making watches started in the Salon de International de Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) where Montblanc made a debut for its luxury watch.  The company introduced the Meisterstück watch that took inspiration from the Meisterstück pen. That day marks the new journey for Montblanc to produce more luxury timepieces. Until today, this luxury watch brand is known for its impeccable design and superb craftsmanship in horology. 

Rolex

Rolex is not only a luxury watch brand but is also considered the most recognizable one among the others. Many of their collection becomes phenomenal product among watch collectors, be it from the materials, features, or designs. Therefore, Rolex has many watchmaking inventions under its name. One of its popular inventions is the first-ever waterproof watch called Oyster introduced in 1926 and remains extraordinary until today.

Rolex watches are also famous for their sturdy and reliable performance. It's even estimated that this company produces approximately 2.000 watches per day. By that means, it infers the higher buying value of Rolex watches rather than other watch brands in the market. Among many of the collections, GMT Master, Submariner, and Daytona are probably the most popular collection of Rolex.

Wrapping words

As a wrapping section, I would infer that although many ask about the best luxury watch brands, the decision truly depends on some other factors. Every watch brand has its own unique point. Therefore, some of them might seem the best for any particular of you as they match your needs. Practically, it depends on the watch type that you're looking for. 

Some might be the best in the industry for their chronograph watches and others could be well-known for their military watches. In simple words, there are still a lot of luxury watch brands not mentioned here, such as BVLGARI, Arnold & Son, Roger Dubuis, and many more. After all, every timepiece is an art in the world of horology. 

See also: Exclusive Watches: The Treasures Worth for a Collection