Ever wanted to discover the world’s most expensive watch brands? I’ve got you covered with this introduction to some of the most prestigious watchmakers on the planet. But beware — they may cost you an arm and a leg… And a kidney!
When I tell people I write about watches for a living, there are always two key questions that follow. One is whether I get to wear them before I write about them. The other is “Why are watch brands like Richard Mille and Rolex so expensive?”.
To answer this, we must first answer why luxury watches in general are so costly.
Why Are Watches So Expensive?
There is no argument here, luxury watches are expensive. But it’s true what they say, it’s hard to put a price on happiness.
Watches bring us joy and for that reason, serious watch enthusiasts will always justify spending thousands on their next timepiece. But why are watches so expensive, you ask?
Many people would argue a more affordable timepiece can offer the same functions as, say, a Rolex. And it’s true to an extent. But part of owning a luxury watch is to appreciate the quality of its materials and the brand that built it.
Materials and brand reputation come at a price and many prestigious manufacturers rely on age-old techniques, requiring meticulous hand finishes.
Some watches may take years to develop. Research and design processes are very complex and intricate. Other brands engineer their own in-house movements — a factor that also bumps up the price of a watch.
It almost goes without saying that the higher the quality of the materials, the more expensive the watch. Expensive watches aren’t necessarily more elaborate than budget pieces.
Some of the most expensive watches on the market are the simplest of designs. That simplicity is often the beauty of owning an expensive luxury watch.
Manufacturers that choose not to outsource their materials and movements will, of course, have more costs to cover. While some believe that you can’t beat the accuracy of an in-house movement, others swear by suppliers like ETA.
However, in-house manufacture and big brand names go hand-in-hand.
Some of the biggest names in the industry are known for their expertise and this is reflected in their price tag. Quite often, with a large brand, demand outweighs production.
There are longer waiting times and thus higher prices, both new and within the pre-owned luxury watch market. But who are these brands, you wonder?
A Guide to the Most Expensive Watch Brands?
Here’s a list of some of the world’s most expensive watch brands and what makes each one so special.
Rolex
Originally founded in 1905 but officially named Rolex in 1908, this brand is by far the most well-known. Rolex has become a figurehead in the industry, thanks to its vast portfolio of iconic timepieces.
The brand created the first waterproof and dust-proof watch with the Oyster case in 1926. It has also conquered the deepest depths with the Sea-Dweller watch and the highest of heights with the Explorer.
Rolex also offers a travel companion in the form of the Master-GMT and designed the iconic Submariner.
In addition to this, Rolex creates some exquisite dress watches. The Datejust and Day-Date models exude beautiful designs using luxurious materials, diamonds, and a range of dial options.
Quite likely, Rolex is the most expensive brand in terms of net worth. Patented features like the Twin-Lock System and Ring Command bezel contribute to the brand’s status. When combined with Rolex’s in-house materials, these models supersede so many brands on the market.
Some of Rolex’s most expensive watches include the Daytona 6239, originally released in 1963 with a distinctive racing spirit. Also, the Rolex Submariner — a watch for diving and the first to be water-resistant to 100 meters.
Rolex also designed the Day-Date watch — the first to feature the day spelled out on its dial. Its President bracelet is also an ode to elegance and refinement.
Richard Mille
Richard Mille is a relatively young brand. That said, it has grown significantly since its birth a little over 20 years ago. Its cutting-edge watches boast unique designs. Unforgettable models like the RM-056, RM-012, and RM-011 are quickly rising in popularity, and for good reason.
The high price of a Richard Mille watch is down to the brand’s expensive luxury materials and technology. Richard Mille machines its watch components from space-age alloys and can promise tolerances of 1/10,000th of a millimeter.
Enthusiasts pay astronomical prices for the company’s limited production models and its use of materials like carbon fiber and titanium. Ultra-wealthy watch fans enjoy collecting Richard Mille watches as a symbol of success and status.
Omega
Since 1993, Omega has been at the forefront of horology. Now part of Swatch Company, it has built a reputation for creating highly accurate timepieces. Its movements, once chronometer-verified to COSC standards, go through further tests.
These give each movement a METAS certification and a Master Chronometer status.
Some popular models developed by Omega are the cosmopolitan Constellation design, famed for its slim profile, and the Speedmaster. The latter was the first watch to venture to the moon on the wrist of Buzz Aldrin in 1969.
Since then, many iterations have been released. The “Speedy” remains one of the most iconic chronographs to own today.
One of the most expensive Omega watches to sell is the Tourbillon 30.I of 1947. The brand only ever released 12, making each one incredibly important for historical purposes. One sold for nearly $1.4m.
Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet is another independent family-run business with a very creative license. The company is amongst the Holy trinity of luxury watch brands, alongside Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.
Audemars Piguet was the first to create the minute repeater along with the iconic Royal Oak. First released in 1972, the Royal Oak had a distinctive unorthodox design with screws bolted onto an octagonal bezel.
What’s more, the sports watch had an ergonomic integrated bracelet design. Adoring by fans across the globe have loved the watch ever since.
Audemars Piguet also released the Millenary in the mid-90s. It served as a blank canvas for the brand to show off some of its most daring and creative ideas.
Of course, the Royal Oak Offshore has become an equally popular model to the Royal Oak. Beefier in design and offering a chronograph complication, its sporty aesthetics are a must for any sports watch lover.
A. Lange & Sohne
Tasteful and classy sums up the majority of A. Lange & Sohne’s portfolio. The German brand produces timepieces that wow with their complexity and intricacy. The limited edition platinum Datograph Perpetual watch, for example, boasts incredible detail.
Fitted on an alligator leather strap, there are just 100 pieces in circulation, making them a rare find.
The watchmaker also created a Grand Complication comprising 876 parts. A large gold case holds these components secure, bearing a confident 50mm diameter.
Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest manufacturers in the industry. Its motto has always been “Do better if possible and that is always possible”.
The manufacturer operates out of Canton and the Vallee de Joux in Switzerland. It also produces some of the most complicated timepieces the world has ever known.
Examples include the 57260 and the King Faud 402833. As you may have guessed, King Faud I owned the latter, which sold for $3.8m.
The most popular watches developed by Vacheron Constantin include the Overseas watch. Released in 1996, it marked the brand’s transition into sports watches.
The Patrimony is another popular Vacheron Constantin watch released almost a decade after the Overseas. Its thin case became a hit with enthusiasts, taking inspiration from editions from the 1950s.
Without a doubt, the Metiers d’art sports one of the most complex designs, namely for its incorporation of age-old techniques. Master guilloche workers painstakingly demonstrate meticulous attention to detail in these watches.
One of the priciest watches developed by Vacheron Constantin is the Kallista, known to sell at a staggering $11.5m.
Also, the Tour De I’lle is limited to 7 pieces. It marked 250 years of the brand and took a total of 10,000 hours to make. An example sold for around $2m.
What Is the Most Expensive Watch Brand?
It’s hard to answer the question “What is the most expensive watch brand”. But of all the luxury watch brands out there, Patek Philippe has to be the priciest. Along with VC, it’s also one of the oldest manufacturers in the industry.
Two watchmakers named Antoni Patek and Adrien Philippe founded the family-owned business in 1839. Today, the company has over 400 stores around the world and is synonymous with luxury of the highest level.
From keyless winding and hand-setting systems to the most complicated timekeeping instruments on the planet, its developments are unparalleled.
Patek Philippe is the innovator of the Nautilus, an iconic model that still sells for a staggering price in the pre-owned sector.
The dress watch was the work of legendary designer, Gerald Genta. The successful innovator instantly rose to stardom when his influential designs sporting octagonal bezels and porthole-inspired profiles became popular.
Patek Philippe also designed the Calatrava, a popular model still to this day. Suffice it to say this watch hasn’t aged an iota.
Some of Patek Philippe’s most expensive watches include the Grandmaster Chime 6300A-010. It offers around 20 complications. An example sold for over $30M.
Another pricey timepiece by Patek Philippe is the 1527 Perpetual Calendar with vintage elements that include a bulbous 37mm case. One sold for $5.6M after the design became incredibly popular during the years of 1944 and 1945.
Lastly, the Patek Philippe 2499/100P, produced back in 1951 was exclusive to just 10 releases per year. Its exclusive design is still rare and highly sought-after, sporting a perpetual calendar, moon indicator, and chronograph amongst others.
Takeaway: You’ll Pay a Premium for the Best
The most expensive watch brands are those that carry a reputation in manufacturing exquisite timepieces. They promise high-quality materials and reliable in-house movements.
More often than not, when you pay a high price for a luxury watch, you’re paying for a brand name. A name synonymous with quality.
Considering the patents and key collections of each brand discussed in this article, it’s no wonder watches are so expensive. While larger companies own some expensive watch brands, others get by just fine by themselves.
From centuries-old watchmakers to up-and-coming micro-brands, the constant changing of the industry is what makes it so interesting.
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