Top 10 Most Popular Watch Brands

Audemars Piguet

Founded in 1875 in Le Brassus, Switzerland, by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, Audemars Piguet remains one of the last major watchmakers still run by its founding families. Over the years, the brand has introduced several groundbreaking innovations, including developing the first minute-repeating wristwatch movement in 1892. In 1972, during the quartz crisis, the brand made history with the launch of the Royal Oak. Designed by Gérald Genta, this luxury sports watch, made from stainless steel, broke conventions with its bold octagonal bezel, visible screws, and integrated bracelet—creating an entirely new category of timepieces.

Further pushing the boundaries of design and craftsmanship, Audemars Piguet introduced the Code 11.59 collection in 2019. This line stood out for its sophisticated construction, featuring a round bezel, an octagonal middle case, and a round case back, showcasing the brand’s ability to merge heritage with contemporary aesthetics. With an annual production of around 50,000 watches, Audemars Piguet remains a symbol of exclusivity and watchmaking know-how, continuing to shape the future of luxury watchmaking.

F.P.Journe

François-Paul Journe, born in Marseille, France, in 1957, is a Swiss-French watchmaker celebrated for his exceptional watchmaking and innovative designs. After graduating from the Paris watchmaking school in 1976, he honed his skills under the guidance of his uncle, a well-known clock restorer. In 1999, Journe established Montres Journe SA, introducing a collection of wristwatches under the brand F.P. Journe, accompanied by the Latin motto “Invenit et Fecit,” meaning “[He] invented it and made it.”

Journe’s timepieces are acclaimed for blending 18th-century horological principles with contemporary innovation. Notably, he developed the Chronomètre à Résonance, a watch utilizing the resonance phenomenon to enhance precision. His watches have received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Aiguille d’Or grand prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, which he has won three times—a record in the industry. Today, F.P. Journe’s watches are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. His contributions have solidified his reputation as a leading figure in modern haute horology.

Hublot

Hublot was founded in 1980 by Italian watchmaker Carlo Crocco, who introduced the world’s first luxury watch with a rubber strap—an unconventional move that set the brand apart. The watch, named “Hublot” after the French word for “porthole,” combined a gold case with a black rubber strap, pioneering the “Art of Fusion” philosophy that would become Hublot’s signature.

In 2004, Jean-Claude Biver took over as CEO, transforming Hublot into a powerhouse of innovation and bold design. The following year, he launched the Big Bang, a game-changing chronograph that catapulted the brand into global recognition. Hublot continued pushing boundaries with materials like Magic Gold (scratch-resistant gold) and sapphire cases, solidifying its reputation for avant-garde watchmaking. The brand also forged high-profile partnerships in sports, including FIFA and Formula 1. Today, Hublot remains a leader in modern luxury watches, blending audacious design with cutting-edge technology—always staying true to its disruptive spirit.

IWC Shaffhausen

Founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones, IWC Schaffhausen combined Swiss craftsmanship with advanced American production techniques. Located in Schaffhausen, Switzerland—far from the traditional watchmaking hubs—the brand quickly gained a reputation for precision engineering and robust designs. In the early 20th century, IWC pioneered pilot’s watches, creating the legendary Big Pilot and Mark series, setting the standard for aviation timepieces. The Ingenieur (1955) introduced anti-magnetic technology, while the Aquatimer (1967) catered to divers. IWC’s Portugieser, originally a 1930s oversized wristwatch, became an icon. Today, IWC is known for its high-complication watches, eco-conscious manufacturing, and a dedication to engineering excellence. From tool watches to haute horlogerie, IWC remains a symbol of their motto, “Probus Scafusia”—good, solid craftsmanship from Schaffhausen.

Jacob & Co

Jacob & Co. is a high-end watch and jewelry brand established by Jacob Arabo, renowned for its bold and imaginative designs. The brand has earned global recognition for its groundbreaking approach to watchmaking and jewelry craftsmanship. As the founder and chairman, Arabo is known for pushing the boundaries of haute horology, introducing industry-first complications. Jacob & Co. offers an extensive collection of luxury timepieces and jewelry frequently seen by celebrities and elite collectors. Defined by innovation, creativity, and a fearless spirit, the brand stands out for its technical mastery and avant-garde style, making it a top choice for those who appreciate daring, exceptional design.

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the most respected names in Swiss watchmaking, often called “the watchmaker’s watchmaker” because of its technical mastery and contributions to the industry. It all started in 1833 when Antoine LeCoultre, a self-taught watchmaker, set up a small workshop in the Swiss Vallée de Joux. Over the years, JLC has introduced some of the most iconic timepieces in watch history. The Reverso, launched in 1931, was designed for polo players with a flipping case to protect the dial. The Memovox, introduced in 1950, was one of the earliest wristwatch alarms, later evolving into the legendary Polaris dive watch. The Atmos clock, invented in 1928, runs on tiny temperature changes—essentially perpetual motion. More recently, the Gyrotourbillon, introduced in 2004, took mechanical precision to another level with its multi-axis tourbillon. JLC has created over 1,200 calibers and supplied movements to brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin. Still based in Switzerland, Jaeger-LeCoultre remains a powerhouse of innovation and craftsmanship.

Louis Moinet

Louis Moinet was a visionary watchmaker, artist, and inventor best known for creating the world’s first chronograph in 1816. Born in France, he developed a deep passion for horology and mechanical precision, making timepieces for royalty, astronomers, and world leaders, including Napoleon Bonaparte and Thomas Jefferson. His chronograph, originally designed for astronomical measurements, was far ahead of its time, capable of measuring 1/60th of a second—a groundbreaking feat in the 19th century. Beyond his own work, Moinet also authored Traité d’Horlogerie, a renowned book on watchmaking, solidifying his status as a master of the craft. Despite his brilliance, his contributions were largely forgotten until modern times.

The Louis Moinet brand was revived in 2004 by Jean-Marie Schaller, bringing the watchmaker’s legacy back to life. Today, it remains dedicated to Moinet’s spirit of innovation, crafting limited-edition high-end timepieces. Many of its creations are inspired by astronomy, incorporating elements such as meteorite fragments, lunar dust, and even pieces from Mars. The brand is known for its exclusive movements, including double tourbillons, split-second chronographs, and unique automations. Watches like the Memoris, the first dedicated chronograph watch, and the Space Revolution, featuring twin satellite tourbillons, showcase the brand’s daring approach to Haute Horology. With only a few hundred pieces produced each year, Louis Moinet watches remain highly exclusive, continuing to push the boundaries of fine watchmaking while staying true to their founder’s pioneering spirit.

Patek Philippe

Few names in watchmaking command the same reverence as Patek Philippe. Established in 1839, the brand has spent nearly two centuries defining the pinnacle of Swiss Haute Horology. The story begins with Antoni Patek, a Polish émigré who set up shop in Geneva, crafting high-quality pocket watches. His fateful partnership with French watchmaker Adrien Philippe—the inventor of the revolutionary keyless winding system—cemented the brand’s place in horological history. Over the decades, Patek Philippe became a driving force behind some of watchmaking’s most complex achievements. The brand pioneered the perpetual calendar, split-seconds chronograph, and minute repeater—complications that remain benchmarks of fine watchmaking. Perhaps most famous is the Henry Graves Supercomplication, a masterpiece of mechanical ingenuity that shattered records when it sold for $24 million at auction.

Acquired by the Stern family in 1932, Patek Philippe has remained fiercely independent, ensuring an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. Iconic models like the Calatrava, Nautilus, and Grand Complications continue to captivate collectors, blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation. As the brand’s legendary motto states: “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.” A sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the brand’s enduring legacy—built not just to measure time but to transcend it.

Richard Mille

Richard Mille didn’t just launch a watch brand in 2001—he rewrote the rulebook. With a background in luxury watchmaking and a vision inspired by Formula 1 engineering, Mille introduced a new era of horology, one that fused extreme performance with unapologetic luxury. His debut model, the RM 001, set the tone: a radical, skeletonized tourbillon built from high-tech materials more commonly found in aerospace and motorsport. From the outset, Mille’s philosophy was clear—his watches weren’t just timepieces; they were “racing machines for the wrist.” Crafted from cutting-edge alloys, carbon composites, and even graphene, each model pushed the limits of mechanical endurance. The RM 027, famously worn by Rafael Nadal on the tennis court, shattered the notion that a tourbillon must be delicate. These watches weren’t meant to sit in a safe—they were built to perform under the most extreme conditions.

Yet beyond their technical prowess, Richard Mille timepieces became the ultimate modern status symbol. Their instantly recognizable tonneau-shaped cases, limited production, and stratospheric prices made them the watches of choice for collectors, celebrities, and industry titans. In just over two decades, Mille has cemented his place among the greats, proving that in watchmaking, as in motorsport, innovation wins.

Rolex

In 1905, a young German named Hans Wilsdorf had a vision: to create wristwatches that were not only stylish but also incredibly accurate. At a time when pocket watches were the norm, this was a bold idea. Wilsdorf founded Rolex in London, and by 1910, Rolex became the first wristwatch to receive a Swiss certificate for precision. In 1926, the brand made history again with the Oyster, the world’s first waterproof watch. To prove its durability, Rolex had swimmer Mercedes Gleitze wear it while crossing the English Channel—after 10 hours in the water, it was still ticking perfectly.

Rolex kept innovating. In 1931, it introduced the Perpetual movement, an automatic winding mechanism that set the standard for modern watches. The 1950s and 60s saw the birth of legendary models like the Submariner (built for divers), the GMT-Master (for pilots), and the Day-Date (for presidents and VIPs). Today, Rolex remains a symbol of luxury, adventure, and achievement. Whether on the wrist of explorers, athletes, or world leaders, a Rolex isn’t just a watch—it’s a statement.