The Swiss Confederation has enjoyed an excellent reputation and pioneering position in the world of fine timepieces since the 18th century. It is therefore no wonder that the most desirable luxury watches still come from Switzerland. Whether Rolex, IWC or Breguet: we present you the top 5 of the most popular Swiss watch brands at CHRONEXT.
Rolex, IWC & Co – Top 5 Swiss Watch Brands
A centuries-old tradition lives on
The 18th century is regarded as the cornerstone of today's watchmaking industry, when numerous companies settled in the Swiss Jura to build mechanical timepieces. The oldest manufacturer from the Vallée de Joux in the Swiss Jura is Jaeger-LeCoultre, founded in 1833, which still designs and manufactures high-quality timepieces today.
Over the centuries, Switzerland has developed an extremely specialised watchmaking industry that is at the same time conscious of its traditions and combines traditional know-how with technical innovations. One example are the current Omega movements, which thanks to METAS certification are rightly considered to be high-tech calibres, but are still decorated and finished with traditional Geneva stripes and other traditional techniques. Moreover, the Swiss watch industry is also known for its unique savoir faire. This includes techniques such as guilloché work, enamelling or the setting of fine gemstones.
The top 5 Swiss watch brands
5th: Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet is one of the most highly regarded Swiss watch manufacturers worldwide. The traditional manufactory was founded in 1875 in Le Braussus and is known for its horological innovation.
Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak is a legend in the watch industry and is in demand worldwide. Designed by Gérald Genta, this watch with its wide octagonal bezel is the Manufacture's flagship model.
4th: IWC
The International Watch Co, or IWC for short, was founded in 1868 and is based in Schaffhausen. Over the years, the manufacturer has produced numerous timepieces that enjoy a high reputation in the watchmaking world. These include the Pilot's Watches, the Ingenieur developed by Gérald Genta and the striking Aquatimer.
One of the most exciting models is the Portuguese, which was introduced in 1939 and was inspired by the marine chronometers used on board ships at the time. To this day, the appearance of the Portuguese has remained virtually unchanged and the watch, as one of the most elegant dress watches, is a perfect choice for connoisseurs and enthusiasts.
3rd: Omega
While Breguet has probably the most exciting horological history, Omega, founded in Bienne in 1848, has played a part in one of the most impressive achievements of mankind: the journey to the moon. The Omega Speedmaster was part of the official equipment of the NASA astronauts and accompanied the Apollo 11 crew on their wrists on their journey to the moon in July 1969. To this day, the classic Moonwatch is sold in a virtually unchanged form.
In general, the Swiss watch brand Omega is convincing in all respects: They close to the watch community (Speedy-Tuesday models) and build both outstanding Heritage watches (1957 Trilogy) and impressive modern timepieces (METAS certification, ceramic cases).
2nd: Breitling
The history of Breitling SA dates back to 1884, when Leon Breitling began producing mechanical timepieces in Saint-Imier in the Bernese Jura. Shortly afterwards, the still young company moved its headquarters to La Chaux-de-Fonds. Breitling has always focused on professional tool watches, particularly military and pilot's watches.
In 1954, Breitling presented the Navitimer, an aviator's watch for professional pilots created in collaboration with the international pilots' organization Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), which is still in production today. Since Georges Kern became CEO in 2017, Breitling has increasingly focused on Heritage models, which is a great change of direction considering the exciting history.
1st: Rolex
When Hans Wilsdorf registered the name Rolex in 1908, he pursued the goal of producing watches that could withstand any situation. He proved this goal as early as 1926, when the swimmer Mercedes Gleitze crossed the English Channel in a Rolex Oyster and the watch became the world's first waterproof watch. Even today, Rolex stands for uncompromising robustness, in addition to the worldwide promotion of culture, science and research: all Rolex models are at least 100 metres water resistant.
The Rolex Submariner is considered the archetype of the diver's watch and can withstand a diving depth of 300 metres. The Submariner is not only a perfect watch in every situation, but also a reliable investment.
