Which are the Most Expensive Luxury Watch Brands in the World?
Watches allow one not only to keep track of the time but also to express one’s tastes and position in society, like a business card, with an elegant appearance. Watches are essential accessories for both men’s and women’s styles all over the world. They are the stylish complement to stylish combinations.
When it comes to watches, it is unfair to refer to them as ordinary accessories. Watches are a passion for wearers and collectors, a legacy for future generations, and iconic status symbols for their wearers. A simple look can turn into an outstanding example of simple elegance with just one watch. For this reason, users who follow fashion pay extra attention to their watch selections. It is one of the most trendy and expensive watch brands in the world. With the right choices, every user will have a timeless style.
Although the world’s most expensive watch brands generally come from Switzerland and Germany, it is possible to talk about an increasing demand for innovative and highly valuable brands and models designed in other countries. We have selected the world’s most expensive wristwatch brands and the best models that will add a stylish signature to your style with their advanced functions, special mechanisms, add-ons that make life easier, and their quality.
Top watch brands:
- F. P. Journe
- Richard Mille
- Patek Philippe
- Audemars Piguet
- Blancpain
- Jaeger-LeCoultre
- Vacheron Constantin
- Breguet
- Hublot
- A Lange & Söhne
- Girard-Perregaux
- Panerai
- Rolex
- Montblanc
- IWC
- Piaget
- Omega
- Cartier
- Ulysse Nardin
- Chopard
- Breitling
- TAG Heuer
What Makes Luxury Watches Expensive?
When looking at the most expensive watch brands and models, the prices are sometimes as high as those for luxury homes and cars. In fact, it has almost the same value as a jewelry set. While many people are surprised by the price of luxury watches, those who know that each watch is made up of thousands of pieces and is crafted like a work of art are aware that what they buy is not just a tool to show the time. The most luxurious watch brands for men and women carry much more than ordinary watch mechanics. Before we look at the most expensive watch models and brands, we can talk about what makes luxury watches so expensive:
Workmanship
The most expensive wristwatch brands in the fast fashion world continue to exist without going out of style. Of course, the use of quality materials has a part to play in this success. Expensive watches must have gold or silver cases, high-quality and durable steel parts, and diamond or diamond pieces. The valuable materials used in both the interior and exterior of the products have a direct impact on the price. In addition, thanks to the use of quality materials, the world’s most expensive watch models are much more durable and long-lasting than ordinary watches.
Modern Design
The world’s most expensive wristwatches bear the signatures of the world’s best designers. The name of the designer, in addition to the cost of the design, increases the price difference between the limited edition watches produced. Just as jewelry or perfume designs are associated with their designers, watches gain value from their designers. Well-established brands offer you decades of history, not just a watch. The watch you buy is a part of a brand that takes years and makes history, not hours of design or days of production. Of course, modern designs to mark this rare feature also appear on the watch. For example, the logo of the watch brand is placed in a place where it can be seen and adds a nice touch to the user’s style. It reveals the trends of the year or the classic style of the brand. So, design details and the designers who make them have a direct effect on how much the products cost.
Limited Edition
The world’s most luxurious watch brands sometimes create capsule collections in addition to their annual or seasonal collections. The designs that are released on anniversaries and special days for the brand are produced in much smaller numbers. Some brands may even announce that they only produce a few models of certain models. Of course, rarity is a feature that raises the price of watches, as it is with any commodified work in the fashion world. The most expensive brand watches are usually produced in small quantities and serve as a symbol of class for the person who purchases them.
Brand Faces
When we ask which is the most expensive watch brand, you probably think of the people who wear it and the models worn by famous names who come to mind. This marketing strategy is not only good for getting the word out about the product but also for getting something of value out of it. In other words, the accessories used by the richest business people in the world and the brands for which the most famous stars are the brand faces are much more valuable. The world’s most expensive watch brand, the films it sponsors, and the brand faces it agrees with indicate the world it belongs to. Users can have those models by giving themselves the benefit of having the same accessories as the prestigious brand faces.
The world’s most expensive watch brands and their average prices we have listed for you:
F. P. Journe
The brand was established in Switzerland in 1999. F. P. Journe’s iconic watch models are the Chronomètre Bleu and the Souveraine Chronomètre à Résonance. The watch is the first in the world to have acoustic resonance because it has a special oscillator that sends out sound waves. In addition, the Elegante and Classique collections have become the signature of the brand. Tonneau cases and electromagnetic movements are the hallmarks of F. P. Journe watches. Prices for F. P. Journe watches start at $14,500 as of 2022. The average price of the brand’s premium watches is around $65,000. Also among the famous F. P. Journe watch users are Robert De Niro, Roger Federer, and Vladimir Putin.
Richard Mille
Founded in 2001, the Swiss watch brand Richard Mille produces watches from durable materials used in the aerospace industry. The RM 001 Tourbillon, RM 033, RM 11-03 Automatic Flyback Chronograph, and RM 52-05 are some of the most well-known models from this brand. The prices of the watches, which are used by names such as Mick Schumacher, Lando Norris, Rafael Nadal, and Pharrell Williams, are in the range of approximately 60,000 to 1,300,000 dollars.
Patek Philippe
Founded in 2001, the Swiss watch brand Richard Mille produces watches from durable materials used in the aerospace industry. The RM 001 Tourbillon, RM 033, RM 11-03 Automatic Flyback Chronograph, and RM 52-05 are some of the most well-known models from this brand. The prices of the watches, which are used by names such as Mick Schumacher, Lando Norris, Rafael Nadal, and Pharrell Williams, are in the range of approximately 60,000 to 1,300,000 dollars.
Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet, which has been among the top 10 watch brands in the world since 1875, is known for its iconic Royal Oak model. The firm, which still exists as a family business, has also launched Patek Philippe Nautilus, Royal Oak Offshore, and Royal Oak Concept Black Panther signature products over the years. The brand’s watch prices range from 2,000 to 600,000 euros. On the other hand, Justin Bieber and Will Smith are famous people caught in the lenses of Audemars Piguet watches, as are Smith, Serena Williams, and John Legend.
Blancpain
Blancpain, which bills itself as “the world’s oldest watch manufacturer,” was founded in 1735. The brand, which left a mark with its Fifty Fathoms collection and Submariner model, is known for its multifunctional watches such as the Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon 8-Jours. It also has models for women such as Villeret and Ladybird. Taking its place among the most expensive women’s watch brands in the world with the contribution of these collections, Blancpain’s prices range from 6,600 euros to around 240,000 euros. Among the most famous users of the brand, we can count Vladimir Putin and Brad Pitt.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Jaeger-LeCoultre is known for its elegant designs and new ideas that have made Swiss watches even more popular. Reverso with its rectangular case design and thin Master Ultra Thin, Master Memovox, Deep Sea, and Master Compressor Diving models constitute alternatives to the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand suitable for different lifestyles. Among the most well-known collections are Rendez-Vous, Hybris Mechanica, and Polaris. It is possible to come across designs at different prices, from 3300 euros to 440,000 euros, among the products. Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Jon Hamm, and Adrien Brody have all worn Jaeger-LeCoultre to finish off their looks.
Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin is one of the most well-known Swiss luxury watchmakers. The company has been making watches for almost 300 years. You can see the Vacheron Constantin signature on the world’s most complex pocket watch. It has become iconic with its patrimony and overseas collections. The most famous models of the brand include the Patrimony Perpetual Calendar, Fifty-Six, and Overseas Chronograph. To buy a Vacheron Constantin watch, you have to sacrifice a budget of around 11,000 euros to 3 million euros. In addition, celebrities such as Kate Bosworth and Alexander Skarsgard are among the users of the watch.
Breguet
The biggest royal families in Europe choose Breguet watches, which have been made for hundreds of years. The Classique and Classique Complications collections combine the brand’s timeless designs. In the Tradition, Maribe, Type XXI, Reine de Naples, and Heritage collections, there are also well-known details. Breguet is one of the most expensive watch brands for women, but it also has a very large collection of watches for men. It made its mark on history because Marie Antoinette liked to wear it. In addition, Napoleon Bonaparte and his family are among the customers of the watches. The cost of owning a Breguet watch today starts at around 5,500 euros and reaches up to 400,000 euros.
Hublot
The world’s most expensive watch also brings to mind the Hublot brand. The company has been around since 1980 and is known for its high-end collections and decorative screws. Classic Fusion, MP, and Spirit of Big Bang are just a few of the memorable Hublot watch collections that have spread rapidly from Switzerland to the rest of the world. Famous users of the brand include names such as Kylie Jenner, Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Kobe Bryant. Today, the cost of owning a Hublot watch reaches up to 500,000 euros. However, there are also many models with price tags of 10,000 euros, and 30,000 euros.
A Lange & Söhne
Established in Germany in 1845, A Lange & Söhne brand made a mark in history when it patented the large date display in 1992. The brand, which makes a difference with its blued screws, fine adjustment mechanism, and elegant balance hammer, offers its users a piece of art with its rich-looking watch designs. The most popular collections of the brand are Saxonia, Zeitwerk, Odysseus, and Lange 1. 1815, Grosse Lange 1, Datograph, and Richard Lange models find their place in these series. Among the famous users of the brand are Abdulhamid II, Bill Clinton, Michael Jordan, and Brad Pitt. You can have A. Lange & Söhne watches, among the most expensive men’s watch brands, with prices ranging from 16,500 euros to 350,000 euros.
Girard-Perregaux
Girard-Perregaux watches, which we have seen on famous names such as Hugh Jackman and Harry Connick Jr., are the product of more than 200 years of experience. Watches with a three-axle tourbillon have been designed in Switzerland since 1791. Girard-Perregaux, which has models such as the Sea Hawk, the Vintage 1945 Jackpot Tourbillon, and the Bridges Minute Repeater Tri-Axial Tourbillon, offers products at different prices from 5.800 euros to 420.000 euros.
Panerai
The history of Panerai, an Italian brand, dates back to 1860. Known for its pillow-shaped cases, the brand has collections such as Luminor and Radiomir. Combining modern materials and retro designs, the prices of Panerai watches vary between 4,000 euros and 400,000 euros. Among the famous users of the brand, you can see Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jason Statham.
Rolex
The most famous brand that comes to mind when it comes to stylish and luxury watches is Rolex. Rolex was the first company to make waterproof watches. It was founded in 1905 and has its headquarters in Switzerland. The series that earned it this title is Oyster. Day-Date, Daytona, Datejust, and Submariner are among the best-known models of the brand. Rolex watches are available at prices ranging from around 5,500 euros to 268,000 euros. Among the famous names who prefer Rolex watches, which are in the drawers of almost every celebrity, we can mention Barack Obama, Brad Pitt, and Jennifer Aniston.
Montblanc
All of Montblanc’s watches are made in-house, which is one of the most important parts of traditional watchmaking. Meisterstück is famous for watch models such as the Montblanc Villeret 1858 ExoTourbillon Rattrapante and the Montblanc TimeWriter II chronograph Bi-Fréquence 1000. The brand, which draws attention with its wide price range between 750 euros and 230,000 euros, has been the choice of many celebrities until today. Mark Ruffalo, Sacha Baron Cohen, Channing Tatum, and Macarena Gomez are among the world’s most luxurious watch brands that prefer Montblanc.
IWC
IWC: Schaffhausen, which is among the most famous and luxurious watches in the world, comes to mind with its pilot’s watches. A lot of watch fans also like the International Watch Company (IWC) brand, which has collections like Portofino, Da Vinci, Portofino, and Aquatimer. Memorable collections such as Spitfire and Top Gun also carry the IWC brand. IWC’s men’s and women’s luxury watches range between $4,100 and $46,500. Many famous names, such as Bradley Cooper, Carmelo Anthony, and Jason Bateman, have completed their elegance with IWC designs.
Piaget
Piaget, which produces ultra-thin wristwatches, is also a Swiss jewelry manufacturer. Among the iconic models of the brand are gold watches decorated with diamonds. Established in 1874, the brand became famous, especially with the Piaget Altiplano. In addition, the Polo, Limelight, and Possession series include well-known products of the brand. Polo S, Ref. G0A41002, Limelight Gala, and Altiplano Ref. You can get an idea about the brand line by looking at the G0A39122 models. The prices of Piaget watches are measured in tens of thousands of euros and go up to almost 100,000 euros. Today, Piaget users include Rihanna, Ryan Reynolds, Taylor Lautner, and Jeremy Renner.
Omega
While men’s and women’s watch brands compete with each other with their most expensive models, Omega watch brands are differentiated from other companies. Omega, whose reputation exceeds the world’s borders with the use of astronauts going to the moon, strengthens its brand image with the Master Chronometer certificate. It has been tracking innovation since 1848. The Speedmaster Professional and Moonwatch watches, which are worn by astronauts, are the most well-known Omega watches. Thanks to this reputation, celebrities you can see wearing Omega watches include Tom Hanks, Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg, and Steve Carell. In addition, the price of the products in the brand’s watch collection ranges from $5,200 to $7,150 in 2022.
Cartier
One of the leading brands of luxury watches is Cartier. Santos, Tank, Panthere models, and the Roadster collection are considered cults in watch fashion. Cartier is the watch brand that designed the first rectangular dial in the world. Among the celebrities who prefer Cartier are Mick Jagger, Michelle Obama, and Jake Gyllenhaal. The designs of the luxury watch brand Cartier meet with users at different prices points between 2,000 and 100,000 euros.
Ulysse Nardin
Among the best brand watches, we should also mention Ulysse Nardin. The brand is known for its innovative designs and silicon technology. The classic Marine collection, the sporty Diver series, and the futuristic Freak models are all examples of how the brand made its mark. Ulysse Nardin’s best-known models include the Freak Diavolo, Freak Blue Phantom, Marine Chronometer, and Caprice. The average price of Ulysse Nardin watches in 2022 will be around $10,000. But you can also find models priced up to 105,000 euros. There are names like Jeff Bezos, Will Smith, Elina Svitolina, and Kate Bosworth among those who are attracted to Ulysse Nardin watches.
Chopard
Chopard is one of the most expensive watch brands, and what sets it apart from others is that it makes its own movements. The most expensive watches in the world are made by this brand, which makes models that are both useful and beautiful. Among Chopard’s iconic series are Happy Sport, Happy Diamonds, Imperiale, L.U.C., Mille Miglia, Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, Superfast, and La Strada. Among the celebrities who use Chopard watches, the prices of which vary between 3,700 euros and 250,000 euros, it features Javier Bardem, Leonardo DiCaprio, Denzel Washington, Princess Diana, and Sandra Bullock.
Breitling
Swiss watch brand Breitling is famous worldwide for its pilot watches and chronographs. The brand, which also produces high-tech smart watches, stands out with its Superocean, Avenger, Colt, Heritage, and Premier collections. Among the most famous models of the Breitling brand are the Navitimer Automatic, Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43, Navitimer 806 1959 Re-Edition, and Breitling Top Time watches. Brad Pitt, Gordon Ramsay, Tom Cruise, Charlize Theron, and John Travolta are just some of the well-known people who have worn Breitling watches.
TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer, which made a name for itself by producing the most luxurious watches for racing pilots, is regarded as one of the best watch brands of the 1860s. The Autavia, Carrera, and Monaco models have made the brand famous. Racing fans are especially fond of the brand. Besides cars, he also made watches out of materials used in aviation and space research. In addition, it became the first luxury watch brand to step into the smartwatch market with its Connected model. You can find TAG Heuer-branded watches at different price points, from 1,500 euros to 60,000 euros. If you think that only athletes use these watches, you are wrong. You can see Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Barack Obama, Cara Delevingne, and Will Smith posing with luxury watch brand TAG Heuer watches.
You can also review our website for the Best Watch Brands.