As previously discussed, in the present day we cannot keep with the names of watch manufacturers that emerge every other day. But few new manufacturers have been able to grab a podium position among the century old luxury watchmakers. Here few more names that have been either able to keep up with their already ultra-luxury brand image or have struggled to earn their class.
IWC Schaffhausen
The International Watch Company may not have an appealing name as few others. The Swiss-German brand proves its worth by creating tremendously attractive yet simple timepieces, inspired by their own aviation history.
IWC Schaffhausen is one of the first watchmakers to adapt the functional characteristics of the pilot’s watch. The most prominent model in the range is Mark XI, any military-inspired watch collector would admire it.
The Swiss-German company has expanded its range with the time, the classic Portugieser range is one of the oldest series offered by the company. The Portofino Ingenieur is an automotive inspired range. The Big Pilot with its prominent crown and the Spitfire Chronograph are some authentically aviation inspired timepieces.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Jaeger-LeCoultre is a Swiss manufacturer very well known for producing its iconic rectangular-dial Reverso range. This range was developed in appreciation to the polo players who were desperate to wear their watches while playing in the field and a tribute release is also seen now and then.
If somehow you don’t admire a rectangular-dial timepiece then Jaeger-LeCoultre also has to offer a round-dial range Master Collection with elegant styling. For women there is Rendez-Vous. If you think of having further more classy option, then you can always go for Hybris Mechanica range in which the Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpétuel is the top notch.
Montblanc
Montblanc moved from a master manufacturer of writing instruments to a significantly luxury watch manufacturer. Though Montblanc made a late entry into the watch industry, they chose the right path to prove their exclusivity. The company took over the greatest chronograph manufacturing company Minerva based in Switzerland. Since then it has used Minerva movement proving high-end precision and class.
Even if the Summit smart-watch could not gather enough hype but the all hailed Geosphere is a time tested watch that you can invest in for expanding your watch collection. Nonetheless you can always pair your Montblanc timepiece with their other crafts, pens, cufflinks, etc.
Nomos Glashutte
Nomos Glashutte may not be a century old jewellery grade watch manufacturer but it has given very sleek design language to their complete range. Their “less is more” aesthetics have proven to be a unique creation. The in-house developed Nemoatic movements are the proof of high quality dedication as it shares its horology with A. Lange & Sohne. Coming to the Autobahn range of Nomos Glashutte carries the same minimalist design language with high precision movement and functionality.
Omega
Omega has created its own admirers that give a tough competition to Rolex Watches collectors. This brand from Swatch Group holds a flagship status in the group. Considering its Seamaster 300m Professional is a renowned model used in James Bond movies. On the other hand Speedmaster is the first ever watch to travel to the moon, being worn by none other than Buzz Aldrin himself.
The movements used in the Omega watches are further developed versions of Co-Axial movements originally made by British watchmaker George Daniels. Recently, Omega has scored a new record for deepest dive with the longest time, leaving Rolex behind.
Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe is no less prestigious collectors watch than Rolex watches. More or less both brands are considered the one of very few ultra-luxury watch manufacturers. The model range is vast which covers all the aspects of any luxury watch collector. The iconic 1970s steel Nautilus is a self-describing luxury collectors’ item which can only be bought after lining up in a waiting list. On the other hand it also has a dressing range watches for various customer needs.
The limited production numbers of Nautilus has lengthened the waiting list whereas the demand is increasing day by day. The ultimate quality conscious manufacturing process makes it worth the price tag and wait.
Parmigiani Fleurier
It is named as one of the youngest watchmakers from Switzerland. Michel Parmigiani established the company in 1996 in Fleurier. The owner of the company is known as a well reputed watches and clock restorer in the industry. This pedigree makes it even more authentic for watch manufacturing. Taking a step further in designing aesthetics, the gold ratio is used in designing timepieces. Their collaborative timepieces with Bugatti for Chiron, have stepped up the brand image in the watch industry.
Rolex
Rolex is the name that everyone has seen or heard of even if they are least interested in watches. It is a marvel in its name. They have the top-most seat in the watch industry with producing more than 80,000 timepieces annually. The simpler and classic Day-Date are easier to grab. When talking about the Daytona Cosmograph, they are expensive to get a hold on or you might be lucky to get a fully-cared pre-owned timepiece.
