All the watch forums debate the subject of luxury timepieces vs smartwatches. Watch enthusiasts always get into hot discussions debating the relevance of one type to the other. Despite the many subjective opinions, I love to rely on numbers though. When I look through numbers and statistics, things become much clearer. No matter how much the watch community loves smart pieces with activity trackers and plenty of digital functions, luxury timepieces remain the main accessory to speak about sophistication and uniqueness. It’s not me saying this, it’s the numbers.
A traditional timepiece, especially a luxury one, speaks volumes about your life philosophy, don’t you agree? A smartwatch will never be able to allude to your exquisite spirit so much as a traditional luxury watch. So, if you appreciate watchmaking houses blending innovation and history, chances are that you are a true connoisseur of watch craftsmanship. The big luxury brands know how to touch the chords of our souls through their elegance and exquisiteness. Not in vain, a luxury timepiece is the best gift ever to celebrate important events in our lives. And it’s not only because they are expensive. It’s because they hide traditions passed from generation to generation and because they “house” an entire watchmaking science in them.
Either way…
Regardless of whether you are a seasoned watch collector or a beginner in the hobby, I hope you find this article helpful and valuable for you. It comprises a conclusion of the best brands and watches of the outgoing 2022 year. The information you’ll find here is based on official statistics, and you know, numbers never lie. In addition, I hope this piece of information will help you make the right decision in 2023, in case you decide to add a certain watch or brand to your collection. The great part of it is that here you’ll find examples for any budget and any style. On top of that, you’ll find decent imitations to replace your beloved luxury brand. With all that in mind, here is what you have to know about the statistics of the previous year in order to be prepared for the next one.
Short overview of the best brands
If referring to the best watch brands, most probably you won’t find anything new here. The best watch brands in 2022 are the same ones that were the best in 2021. That’s why I decided to specify what exactly makes a brand the best. I took into account different perspectives so that you know better what people appreciate in them.
According to 2022 statistics, here is the watch brands’ classification, based on different criteria:
- Breguet turned out to be the most expensive watch brand.
- Omega has been credited as the best overall watch brand. Watch enthusiasts resonated the most with this brand in 2022.
- The best affordable watch brand turned out to be Oris. Times and Hamilton are in second, and third places, respectively.
- Rolex has received the “trophy” of the best luxury watch brand. It’s not surprising, right?!
- Vacheron Constantin was the favorite/best watch brand of men.
- On the other hand, Cartier has received the “award” for the best ladies’ watch brand. Bulgari is the second one.
- In terms of style, Jaeger LeCoultre is viewed as the best dress watch brand.
- In the same context, Breitling is also the best, but at “the best pilot watches” nomination.
- Surprisingly or not, Panerai is thought to be the best brand for diver watches.
- Zenith turned out to be the best expert in chronograph timepieces.
- The optimal brand designing jewelry-like pieces is Piaget.
- In terms of precision, the most promising watch brand is the Tag Heuer.
- Patek Philippe is, as always, the best Swiss watch brand.
- Last, but not least, Blancpain is also part of the “the best…” nomination and receives the title of the best mechanical watch brand.
This list is not my subjective opinion. It is based on statistics and research presented by the biggest business magazines. To me, as a watch connoisseur, the list makes complete sense. Only Panerai surprised me a bit with its imminent position as the best diver watch brand. It’s not that I doubt this brand’s craftsmanship, by no means. Only that I was betting on Seiko, whose divers are just marvelous. What do you think?
I’d like to know your opinion on this listing, so share it below. Meanwhile, let’s explain the value of each brand to see why exactly they received that rating.
Omega: the best overall watch brand
I think most watch enthusiasts will agree with this “title”. The reliability and accuracy of this brand’s timepieces have been not once confirmed by the owners. I won’t go into much in detail about the Omega brand, as you might already know a lot from one of my previous articles about the Omega value as a brand. But, the only thing I’d like to add here is that the brand knows like no there how to make things cool, from head to toe.
When I say ”from head to toe” I actually mean from the inner technical construction to the last design detail from the watch exterior. Not surprisingly, people consider it the best overall brand. Omega’s brand value is actually the sum of its craftsmanship, social involvement, sports support, and incredible passion. It’s impossible to not resonate with it.
Breguet: the best expensive watch brand
I could not be otherwise, considering that this brand was and is a loyal time-keeping partner of Queens, Kings, and the most remarkable CEOs in the world. In a single word, this brand is designed for leaders, no matter the time. All of the famous people wearing Breguet timepieces are true connoisseurs of horology art. Otherwise, they wouldn’t wear these timepieces. A Breguet watch is a horological ”book” keeping the secrets of watchmaker science.
Not in vain, these watches were the “silent friends” of Winston Churchill, Alexander I of Russia, and Napoleon Bonaparte, among others. Breguet timepieces are not about expensive prices (even though they are indeed cosmically expensive). These are about philosophy, art, and technical craftsmanship.
Oris: the best affordable watch brand
Matter-of-factly, brands like Oris, Timex, Seiko, Tissot, and Hamilton can be found in every watch enthusiast’s collection. These brands build not only affordable but also highly practical, utilitarian, and comfortable timepieces. And we have to agree that comfort and practicality are among the most sought-after criteria in the 21st century. And this refers not only to timepieces but rather to the lifestyle as a whole.
In 2022, Oris seems to have had a bit more luck than other brands from the same range. And the truth is that I’m really glad the brand stepped out from the shadows. This Swiss brand (yes, it’s a Swiss brand to the amazement of most of you) has an over one-century history. During that period, it built innovative and pretty cool collections. Just consider the Aquis, ProPilot, and Divers series to discover the particular Oris sense. I really admire the sexy and sleek styles and forms of Oris independent watchmaking brand and that’s truly amazing to have them at such affordable prices.
Rolex: the best luxury watch brand
When it’s to the best luxury watch brand, it can be o other than the remarkable Rolex. Many watch enthusiasts have a “love-hate relationship” with this brand. Some criticize the unfair purchase procedure of these epic watches, others don’t quite understand why the brand is stuck in the same collections, without creating something absolutely new.
Either way, the brand doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone, as it showed in various instances how innovative and spectacular it can be. The best words describing the Rolex approach are prestige and quality. These two aspects are present in every watch’s DNA. One example of that is the epic Oyster watch which is nothing but a trophy for every watch collector due to its phenomenal technical profile and amazing design.
Vacheron Constantin: the best watch brand for men
When you say that a watch brand has existed for about one century, it sounds overwhelming. What about 2 centuries?! Yes, it’s about the iconic Constantin Vacheron watch brand, which has existed for more than 250 years. How is it even possible to stay alive for centuries, without being affected by the challenges of time?! That’s just breathtaking if you contemplate for a while.
Vacheron Constantin is the epitome of artistry and elegance. Every one of its watches adorns the wearer with a refined charisma and incomparable exquisiteness. On top of that, the brand’s cutting-edge evolution has turned its watches into ultimate treasures that are a “must” for every self-respecting watch collector.
Just one example showing the brand’s incomparable talent is the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle. It’s inexplicable how fabulous Traditionnelle watches are. These are the final touch of uniqueness and exquisiteness of every man that decided to wear it.
Cartier: the best watch brand for women
What does a modern woman want to express through the watch she wears? Her grace? Power? Femininity? Independence? All of them. And no other watch brand can “draw” them better on the lady’s wrist than Cartier. This classic-oriented watchmaking brand has been “adorning” with subtlety and finesse personalities like Jackie Kennedy and Kate Middleton. It’s hard to say which of the Cartier collections is more remarkable. All of them represent a fashion cult.
Either way, the Cartier Panthere, and Tank line-ups seem to be on the top of ladies’ preferences, and not only in 2022. While the Bulgari competitor is also a fabulous watchmaking brand pleasing ladies all over the world, Cartier resonates better with the ladies’ spirit due to its refined classic features and elegant charisma.
Jaeger LeCoultre: the best dress watch brand
The battle for the “best dress watch brand” title was pretty harsh. This is because Jaeger LeCoultre had to compete with a couple of phenomenal watch brands, also experts in formal watches: Constantin Vacheron and Patek Philippe. I don’t know the exact reasons for making Jaeger LeCoultre win this battle, but I know for sure that it unarguably deserves it. I guess the reasons refer to the brand’s stylish lines and ever-lasting constructions. Or maybe, the fully-hand-crafted technique of making watches is the reason making watch enthusiasts adore this brand.
Either way, Jaeger LeCoultre is an expert in designing fabulous timepieces and integrating spectacular movements into them. Every timepiece is a work of art expressing a superior level of beauty and reliability. The brand’s sense of “drawing” formal timepieces is so unique and refined, that all of LeCoultre’s watches remarkably stand out of the crowd.
Breitling: the best pilot watch brand
This brand was born to amaze with bold proportions and powerful aspects. Breitling chronographs bring about an irreparable fusion of style and vibrancy. If that sounds too “cheesy” for you, just take a moment to explore the Navitimer collection. Technically, these watches have so many particular functions, going beyond imagination. The brand calculated everything, literally, when designing the concept of Navitimer watches. Distance, speed, and climbing/descending rates are just a few of the wide ensemble of Navitimer complications. The greatest part of all is that the brand could incorporate all these functions into a phenomenally-designed case, showing off its creative skills.
Without any doubt, Breitling deserves to be the best pilot watch brand, simply because it is synonymous with all that “pilot” means.
Panerai: the best diver with brand
I must admit that Panerai has amazingly blossomed lately. Here, I don’t necessarily suggest that it is somewhat inferior to other brands, by no means. Only that it has been slightly shadowed lately by the constant horological achievements of its competitors.
Either way, I’m glad to see that it is the brand of choice when it comes to diver timepieces. And why not, after all? The brand makes incredible sporty and water-resistance timepieces and it deserves the title with all the dignity. Just look at the Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro marvel. With a spectacular technical profile including 3 days of power reserve and an Incabloc anti-shock system, the timepiece is water-resistant for up to 300 meters. In addition, it seems that the pronounced edges and rugged designs introduced with the latest models are to the audience’s liking.
Piaget: the best jewelry-like watch brand
Give me a better playful, vivid, and refined-designed watch brand than Piaget. It’s hard to think of one, huh?! That’s because no other brand can create more flirtatious watches than Piaget. I love the history of the brand. It all began with the founder’s dearest wish to design a gift for his beloved wife. From then on, the passion grew exponentially and the company began immersing in horology more and more. The distinctive signature of Piaget’s brand is the specific ornaments it adds to its watches. These transform the accessories from time-telling pieces into phenomenal jewelry on the wrist.
Patek Philippe: the best Swiss watch brand
What else can I say here other than that Patek Philippe is the holy grail in the watchmaking industry? The “best” means the best in everything: superb mechanical precision, spectacular modern ultra-complications, and remarkable design. This Holy Trinity member has written history with plenty of its collections. Calatrava, Aquanaut, Grand Complications, Twenty-4, and the fabulous Nautilus are all expressions of watchmaking as a science and as a philosophy.