There’s more to the term ‘Swiss Made’ on a watch than just a nice ring. It means the watch has the highest seat at the horological table. A Swiss watch brand can only claim the bragging rights to such a coveted position if it meets the stipulated requirements.
These requirements include the assembly of its watches being done in Switzerland, the final inspection and testing being performed in Switzerland, and its watches’ movements being created in Switzerland.
Tons of Swiss watch brands follow these criteria, making it challenging for enthusiastic watch connoisseurs to sample timepieces from all of them. We realize the difficulty, and that’s why we’ve compiled a list of the most popular watches of the best Swiss brands- in our opinion- in the detailed review below for your peace of mind.
1. Rolex Submariner Date – Oystersteel, Black Dial Ref. 126610LN
About
Rolex is arguably the world’s famous luxury Swiss brand, popular for its robust, stylish, and timeless pieces, like the Submariner 126610LN.
It’s a beefy luxury men’s dive watch from the Submariner collection with a special 41mm Oystersteel case and matching Oyster bracelet. It also has a black dial that contrasts the masculine steel design and a blue Chromalight illumination for total control underwater.
Its noticeable wrist presence, accurate self-winding movement, and handsome design make it the perfect companion for the modern gentleman with a taste for quality.
Features
They include water resistance to 300m, an automatic Caliber 3235 movement, a date aperture at 3 o’clock with a Cyclops magnifying lens over it, a unidirectional rotating bezel, and a screw-down crown with a Triplock system.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2021
- Case Size: 41mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Black, with Chromalight-applied hands and round/index hour markers
- Bracelet – Oyster-style three-piece link Oystersteel, with Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Glidelock extension system
- Bezel – Unidirectional rotating ceramic ‘Cerachrom’ insert with 60-minute graduations coated in platinum
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Automatic Caliber 3235 movement with 31 jewels, a 70-hour power reserve, and 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
Rolex Submariners are rare, making them desirable among (pre-owned) buyers. Plus, the Rolex Submariner 126610LN is durable and sporty with an exciting modern design.
2. Patek Philippe Nautilus – Stainless Steel, Blue Dial Ref. 5711/1A-010
About
Patek Philippe is a Swiss luxury watch brand that was founded in 1839. It’s famed for the luxury and class its timepieces exude- the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-010 is a perfect example.
The Patek Philippe 5711/1A-010 is a maritime-inspired luxury sports watch for men. It has an eye-catching steel 40mm case with a porthole construction, a blue embossed dial, and a sturdy steel integrated bracelet with well-polished grooves for a maximum sophisticated yet sporty effect. Its all-steel design makes it an ideal versatile piece for men of all ages.
Features
Some of them are a date window at three o’clock, an exhibition sapphire crystal caseback, water resistance to 120m, an automatic Caliber 324 S C movement, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal over the dial.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2006
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Blue, with bold horizontal lines and lume-applied hands and index hour markers (two at 12 o’clock)
- Bracelet – Silver-tone, with grooves in the middle and a Nautilus fold-over clasp
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, stainless steel, with a rounded octagonal shape
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Self-winding Caliber 324 S C movement with 29 jewels, a 45-hour power reserve, and 28,800vph frequency. It also features an automatic rotor in solid 21k gold and Patek Philippe’s in-house Spiromax balance spring and Gyromax balance wheel
Why You Should Invest?
This famous watch has a long waiting list of 1-5 years or more. Plus, it retains its value well over time like a TAG Heuer piece and even increases in worth thanks to its rarity and desirable rep among watch fans.
3. Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch – Stainless Steel, Black Dial Ref. 310.30.42.50.01.002
About
Omega has been known as an unmatched Swiss made label in the watch industry for years. It was founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt. Its quality timepieces have been almost everywhere, from the super-competent fictional British spy James Bond’s wrist and the Olympic games to the moon.
The Omega Speedmaster 310.30.42.50.01.002 is a luxury sports watch for the bold and adventurous gentleman. It’s inspired by the fourth generation of the Moonwatch (the watch worn on the moon).
It has an appealing steel-black dial design consisting of a well-toned 42mm steel case and bracelet and a legible black dial with a matte finish. The anti-reflective sapphire crystal over its dial, tachymeter scale, and subdials emphasize its action theme nicely. It also has a Caliber 3861 movement that works tirelessly to keep it alive.
Features
The main ones are three subdials at 3 (30-minute counter),6 (12-hour counter), and 9 o’clock (continuous running seconds) positions, a transparent case back, a manual winding Caliber Omega 3861 movement, water resistance to 50m, and a bezel with a tachymeter scale.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2022
- Case Size: 42mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Black, with lume-applied white hands and central hands
- Bracelet – Steel polished-brushed five-arched links-per-row, with a fold-over clasp with comfort setting
- Bezel – Black anodized aluminum, with a tachymeter scale and the famous dot over 90
- Function: Chronograph, Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Tachymeter
- Mechanism: Manual-winding Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 3861 movement with 26 jewels, a 50-hour power reserve, and a 21,600vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
It’s in high demand among watch enthusiasts due to its rich history and remarkable precision. Plus, Omega watches have increased in price- especially the Speedmaster models-on the secondhand market.
4. Cartier Tank Must Large – Stainless Steel, Silver Dial Ref. WSTA0052
About
The Cartier Tank Must Large WSTA0052 is a luxury ladies’ dress watch. It boasts more than just physical appeal with its functional and super-accurate quartz movement. It has a slender steel tank-shaped 33.7mm case that’s joined to the wrist by a shimmering, well-polished steel bracelet with flexible links.
It also has a silvered dial that seamlessly blends into the steel background for a satisfying finish. Moreover, it has blued steel hands that elegantly complement the blue sapphire cabochon on the crown and bold Roman numerals that inspire feelings of confidence and power in the modern, sophisticated woman.
Features
Some of its features are a beaded crown with a synthetic blue cabochon-shaped spinel, a quartz movement, Roman numeral hour markers, water resistance to 30m, and a railroad minute track.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2022
- Case Size: 33.7mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Silver, with blued steel sword-shaped hands and Roman numeral hour markers
- Bracelet – Stainless steel, with a push button folding clasp
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, stainless steel
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Quartz movement
Why You Should Invest?
It’s among the most sought-after dress watches in the watch industry today, along with the Pasha, Santos, and Panthere. Moreover, according to WatchCharts, its average market price increased from S$3,492 on September 9, 2022, to S$3,748 on March 7, 2023.
5. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak – Stainless Steel, Silver Dial Ref. 15450ST
About
Audemars Piguet is a respected luxury watch brand famous for its sophisticated and elegant timepieces, such as the Royal Oak collection that came as an answer to the quartz crisis. It was founded by skilled watchmakers Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet in 1875.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15450ST is part of Audemars Piguet’s flagship watch collection. It’s a luxury (men’s) sports watch that also doubles as a dress watch due to its handsome, rugged steel design and ‘Grand Tapisserie’ pattern on its dial. Its octagonal 37mm steel case, unique bezel with eight screws, and bold silver dial are sure to make you the center of attention anywhere you go.
Features
Its features include a date window at 3 o’clock, a self-winding Caliber 3120 movement, water resistance to 50m, a screw-locked crown, and eight screws on the bezel.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2020
- Case Size: 37mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Silvered, with a ‘Grand Tapisserie’ pattern, lume-applied Royal Oak hands, and white gold-applied index hour markers (2 at 12 o’clock)
- Bracelet – Stainless steel, with Audemars Piguet push button folding clasp
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, octagon-shaped stainless steel, with eight steel screws
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Automatic Caliber 3120 movement with 40 jewels, a 60-hour power reserve, and 21,600vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
It’s a must-have among watch fans for its functionality, unique design, and connection to one of the world’s leading luxury Swiss watchmaking brands. Additionally, it appreciates in value well over time and can fetch a good profit if sold in good condition.
6. Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe – Ceramic, Blue Dial Ref. 5000-0240-O52A
About
This is a luxury men’s dive watch from the oldest Swiss luxury watch brand in the world (since 1735). It was crafted with the modern marine adventurer in mind, as it has more than enough personality to match his unique preference.
It has a solid gray ceramic 43.6mm case that houses a masculine blue dial-reminiscent of still turquoise waters- and a reliable high-precision movement. It also has a blue ceramic bezel that complements the dial and a sporty blue canvas strap.
It boasts an impressive 300m water resistance, guaranteeing accurate timekeeping throughout your underwater activities.
Features
They include a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock, an automatic Blancpain Caliber 1315 movement, water resistance to 300m, a unidirectional rotating bezel, and Liquidmetal™ hour markers.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2020
- Case Size: 43.6mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Metallic blue, with a fine sunray finish, lume-applied hands, a seconds hand with a red tip, and steel and dot index hour markers
- Bracelet – Blue sail-canvas strap with blue stitching on the sides and a tang buckle
- Bezel – Unidirectional gray ceramic, with a blue ceramic insert with Liquidmetal™ hour markers
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Self-winding Blancpain Caliber 1315 movement with 227 parts. It has 35 jewels, a 120-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 5000-0240-O52A is a rare watch since Blancpain produces few of its kind per year. This boosts its appreciation and desirability among watch fans. The rarity factor means an increase in value- even on a used timepiece!
7. Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon – Stainless Steel, Silver Dial Ref. Q1368420
About
This is a luxury men’s dress watch that seamlessly embodies male elegance and unmatched Swiss craftsmanship. It has a 39mm well-polished steel case with smooth lines and a mouth-watering round form that proudly displays a big-faced silver dial.
As per the name, the case is ultra-thin, ensuring effortless sliding under a coat or shirt sleeve. It also has a stylish black leather strap that tones down the formalness but builds upon its dynamic design. Wrap it all up with a powerful automatic movement and exhibition caseback and you’ve got a champions’ timepiece. All that’s left to complete it is your wrist.
Features
Some of the most impressive ones are a day and moon phase display at 6 o’clock overlaid with an analog date display, a self-winding Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 925/I movement, water resistance to 50m, a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback, and a blue seconds hand.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2015
- Case Size: 39mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Silver, with a sunburst finish and silver-tone dauphine hands, a blue seconds hand, and stick/dot hour markers
- Bracelet – Black leather alligator strap with a deployant buckle
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, stainless steel
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Automatic Caliber 925/I movement with 246 parts. It has 30 jewels, a 43-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
According to WatchCharts, its average market value increased from S$9,600 on September 9, 2022, to S$9,779 on March 4, 2023.
8. IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Automatic 40 Watch – Rose Gold, Silver Dial Ref. IW358306
About
Another luxury dress watch on our list, the IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser IW358306, brings a fresh Rose Gold-silver dial design to the horological table and it works like a charm.
It has a sturdy 40.4mm Rose Gold case complemented by its Rose Gold-tone hands and Arabic numeral hour markers. It also has a silver dial that brings some much-needed contrast, perfectly backed up by the dark-brown alligator leather strap.
The strap is flexible and soft, easily conforming to the wrist in a relaxed hug. At its heart is the automatic Caliber 82200 movement that breathes life into it every second.
Features
The main ones are a sub-dial at 6 o’clock, Arabic numeral hour markers, a see-through sapphire glass caseback, water resistance to 30m, and an automatic Caliber 82200 movement.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2022
- Case Size: 40.4mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Silver, with Rose Gold-tone Arabic numeral hour markers and hands, and a blue hand in the subdial
- Bracelet – Dark-brown alligator leather strap with white stitches on the sides and a deployant buckle
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, Rose Gold
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Small Seconds
- Mechanism: Self-winding Caliber 82200 movement with 192 components. It has 31 jewels, a 60-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
This IWC (International Watch Company) watch appreciates in value over time. For example, its retail price increased by 2% between 2022 and March 2023.
9. Vacheron Constantin Overseas – Stainless Steel, Silver Baton Dial Ref. 4500V/110A-B126
About
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4500V/110A-B126 is a sports men’s luxury watch with a nice formal edge and a 41mm steel case. It may have an ordinary-looking steel monochrome design, but it has some impressive features that give it the recognition it deserves, including an interchangeable strap system.
This iconic model also boasts a handsome well-lit silver dial shielded by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and transparent sapphire glass caseback so you can see its automatic Caliber 5100 movement in action.
Features
Its best ones are a self-winding Caliber 5100 movement, a date window at 3 o’clock, Arabic numeral minute markers at 5-minute intervals, a flange with a seconds and fractions-of-a-second track, and water resistance to 150m.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2021
- Case Size: 41mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Silver lacquered, with a fine sunburst finish and Super-LumiNova-applied hands and index hour markers
- Bracelet – 3 Steel bracelet (with a Maltese cross motif and interchangeable deployant buckle), black calf leather strap, and black rubber strap
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, stainless steel, Maltese
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Automatic Caliber 5100 movement with 172 parts. It has 37 jewels, a 60-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
This steel sports watch holds its value well over time- better than most luxury watch brands except Patek Philippe and Rolex- and can appreciate in worth if maintained properly. Additionally, it’s crafted from quality materials and is durable.
10. Breguet Marine Chronograph – White Gold, Blue Dial Ref. 5527BB/Y2/5WV
About
This is a luxury men’s sports watch from Breguet’s Marine collection. It has a simple yet elegant design consisting of a rugged 42.3mm 18K White Gold case, a blue dial with 18K White Gold details, and a strong blue rubber strap that joins to the case with the utmost precision that only Breguet can manage.
It has a fixed smooth bezel that adequately shifts focus to the less-cluttered dial- a typical feature of Breguet’s pieces. It also has a water resistance level of 100m and an ever-accurate self-winding Breguet Caliber 582QA movement.
Features
Its most impressive features are three subdials at 3 (30 minutes),6 (12 hours), and 9 (small seconds) o’clock positions, solid Roman numeral hour markers, a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock, an automatic Breguet Caliber 582QA movement, and water resistance to 100m.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2022
- Case Size: 42.3mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Blue, with a hand-engraved wave pattern middle and brushed finished chapter ring, lume-applied solid Roman numeral hour markers, a central seconds counter hand, and faceted hour and minute hands with lume-filled tips
- Bracelet – Blue fluted rubber strap with a deployant buckle
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, stainless steel
- Function: Chronograph, Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Small Seconds
- Mechanism: Self-winding Breguet Caliber 582QA movement with 28 jewels, a 48-hour power reserve, and 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
As per WatchCharts, its average market price rose from S$30,375 on September 9, 2022, to S$30,821 on March 5, 2023.
Summary
The table below summarizes the main points of the watches we’ve picked in the Swiss watch brands review above.
| Model | Key Features |
| Rolex Submariner 126610LN | • Automatic Caliber 3235 movement • Date aperture at 3 o’clock with a Cyclops magnifying lens over it • Screw-down crown with a Triplock system |
| Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-010 | • Date window at three o’clock • Water resistance to 120m • Automatic Caliber 324 S C movement |
| Omega Speedmaster 310.30.42.50.01.002 | • Subdials at 3,6 and 9 o’clock positions • Manual winding Caliber Omega 3861 movement • Bezel with a tachymeter scale |
| Cartier Tank Must WSTA0052 | • Beaded crown with a synthetic blue cabochon-shaped spinel • Quartz movement • Roman numeral hour markers |
| Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15450ST | • Self-winding Caliber 3120 movement • Screw-locked crown • Eight screws on the bezel |
| Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 5000-0240-O52A | • Date window between 4 and 5 o’clock • Automatic Blancpain Caliber 1315 movement • Unidirectional rotating bezel |
| Jaeger-LeCoultre Ultra Thin Moon Q1368420 | • Day and moon phase display at 6 o’clock overlaid with an analog date display • Self-winding Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 925/I movement • Water resistance to 50m |
| IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser IW358306 | • Sub-dial at 6 o’clock • Arabic numeral hour markers • Automatic Caliber 82200 movement |
| Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4500V/110A-B126 | • Self-winding Caliber 5100 movement • Arabic numeral minute markers at 5-minute intervals • Flange with a seconds and fractions-of-a-second track |
| Breguet Marine 5527BB/Y2/5WV | • Date window between 4 and 5 o’clock • Automatic Breguet Caliber 582QA movement • Water resistance to 100m |
The costliest timepiece on the list is the Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711/1A-010 (S$47,000-48,000 plus). Meanwhile, the Cartier Tank Must ref. WSTA0052 (Less than $6,000) is the most affordable.
Our favorite feature is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Ultra Thin Moon ref. Q1368420’s moonphase subdial at 6 o’clock. It helps wearers keep track of the lunar cycle, which is pretty neat if you care whether the moon is waxing or waning.
FAQs
1. What is the most prestigious Swiss watch brand?
There are tons of excellent Swiss watch brands in the industry, such as the brands mentioned above. It ultimately depends on your criteria and preference.
2. What are the big three watch brands?
Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin or Rolex. They’re referred to as such because of their impressive achievements and contributions to the watch world compared to other brands.
For example, Patek Philippe made the first electronic clock, Vacheron Constantin created the first watch complication, and Audemars Piguet introduced the first luxury sport watches: The Royal Oak. However, it all boils down to one’s personal preference
3. What is the luxury Swiss watch brand?
A luxury Swiss watch brand is a brand that meets the highest standards of watchmaking, with its watches’ movements having been evaluated and passed the necessary tests.
4. Are Swiss watches luxury?
Swiss watches are luxury. They’re famous for their premium quality materials and bank-breaking price tags.
Final Word
Swiss watch manufacturers bring an exciting new outlook to Haute Horlogerie that only few brands can emulate. They stop at nothing to provide high-end timepieces with an elegant touch, as is clear from the brands on this list.
Their timepieces might cost a pretty penny, but they’re worth every dollar, considering the effort applied to create them and their aesthetic appeal.
Key Takeaways
- Swiss brands meet the required criteria, which include their watches’ movements being made in Switzerland and the assembly of the pieces being done in Switzerland.
- Swiss watch labels make high-end luxury timepieces with unique designs and the latest mechanical movements.
- Swiss timers are an excellent investment since they fetch a good profit if sold in mint condition.
Looking to buy or sell your luxury watches? Watch Exchange is your one-stop destination for trading Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tissot, Sinn, Zenith, and other luxury timepieces. Find your next watch today or list your item for free!
