All brands that produce watches begin their activity with one purpose in mind: to create time-indicating accessories. But why then do modern watches have so many additional functions nowadays? Why doesn’t a brand just produce time-only devices, like they did centuries ago?
As we can observe in the horology industry, the concept of just making watches has gradually blended with the concept of manufacturing phenomenal accessories beyond the limits of imagination. Therefore, we see timepieces featuring unbelievable chronometer-grade movements, phenomenal calendars, and sustainable precision mechanisms. It seems that every watch brand challenges itself in outracing not only the competitors but itself as well. By such means, horology houses share with their audiences a piece of their history. Moreover, they make it possible to align with remarkable historical events like space missions and ocean discovery. Without those additional complications, the such alignment wouldn’t have been possible.
So, here you will discover the most iconic watch brands that combine horology tradition with modern technology. They never disregard the main purpose of time-indicating. They just only attach some additional value to Time.
And while writing the title for this article, I intuited that you, as a reader, would associate with brands that sell additional jewelry or accessories apart from the watches. But, no, it’s not about that. It’s about the Value that they sell apart from the watches. Let’s see how exactly.
Yes, the number one is the Rolex
Most watch enthusiasts are already used to seeing Rolex as the primary watch brand in most watch blogs. How could it be otherwise? Its arsenal comprises truly amazing timepieces with a strong historical connotation. A great illustration of such a watch collection is the first waterproof line ever known as the Oyster. Would ocean exploring missions be possible without them? Perhaps, but much later. The Oyster invention brought significant facilitation to divers in ocean depths exploring.
On top of that, the brand has reached such an elevated status that is already able to produce its own mechanisms and materials. Many of you have probably heard about Cerachrom, Rolesor, Oystersteel, or Everest Gold. But few of you know that, in fact, these are proprietary compounds belonging exclusively to Rolex.
So, what does Rolex sell except for watches? It sells perfect professionalism, unlimited vision, and impossibles made possible. To prove that, immerse into the craftsmanship of the Rolex Explorer, Cosmograph Daytona, and Submariner.
Omega brand
This is another remarkable brand perceiving watches through a visionary prism. For more than a decade, the watch house has consistently surprised the watch community with phenomenal models. Not to mention the Speedmaster Professional, which was the first watch “to visit” the Moon. Would have the space mission been possible without it? Probably, yes. But, it wouldn’t have been registered and monitored so excellently without the timepiece on the wrist of Buzz Aldrin.
Apart from the “cosmic” achievements, Omega does it perfectly here, on Earth. The brand is a loyal partner to organizations for Ocean cleaning purposes and takes an active part in sustaining massive campaigns. Moreover, it has a tight connection with the Olympics and the `Swiss Omega museum can tell you much more about that.
Take into account the Seamaster Aqua Terra, Speedmaster Professional, and the De Ville collections if you want to understand the essence of Omega. You will discover a deep and enchanting brand philosophy.
So, what does Omega sell, apart from watches? Just like Rolex, it sells immaculate craftsmanship. But, beyond that, it sells the idea of opting for a healthy lifestyle and aligning together for big purposes.
Audemars Piguet brand
Did you know that the “Audemars Piguet” name actually refers to the surnames of two close friends? Based on a strong friendship, these two protagonists built a brand whose essence was (and still is) traditional watchmaking practices along with technological tendencies.
A great example mirroring the brand’s state-of-the-art is the exceptional Royal Oak. Until its release, Audemars Piguet had already represented the brand of cult in the horology realm. But, with Royal Oak’s release, it phenomenally skyrocketed, leaving a potent and resounding echo behind. On top of that, the line became the “departure point” of the following modern steel sports timepieces. This is because, until its launch, luxury brands used to manufacture sports timepieces exclusively from precious metals like gold. In such a context, Audemars Piguet changes the rules of the horology game becoming the brand that sets the standards. For more prolific models, consider the Millenary and the Cod 11:59 collections.
So, what does Audemars Piguet sell, except for watches? It sells big purposes turned into reality and achieved objectives despite all obstacles.
Jaeger- LeCoultre brand
Perhaps, you are familiar with the Jaeger Le-Coultre Swiss brand. You probably know the thunderous collection it created, the Reverso. But, what you are unlikely to know is that the watch manufacturer tests all its timepieces for a thousand-hour functionality. The main purpose of such a technique is to test the watches from all perspectives including the resistance to magnetism, temperature changes, and precision under shock conditions.
On the other hand, the brand boasts of its design, especially when speaking about its phenomenal Art Deco signature. So, no, Jaeger LeCoultre is not only about fancy timepieces. Apart from selling watches, it also sells the ambition for quality regardless of how sure it can be about it. Great examples of phenomenal durability, resistance, and appealing design can be seen in Duometre, and Polaris collections. Just like the Reverso, these lines are impregnated with premium quality and infallible serviceability.
Patek Philippe brand
Many watch enthusiasts debate on what brand is more remarkable between Rolex and Patel Philippe. With all due respect, I don’t think these two brands can ever be compared, despite their phenomenal technical architectures. First of all, they have different visions of watch design. Second, and most importantly, they address different audiences. While Rolex addresses predominantly the general audience, being its metaphor of status, Patek Philippe is the metaphor of perfection for the exquisite social strata.
Don’t get me wrong; Rolex has its specific signature and is also fabulous for exquisite social layers. But, Patek Philippe preserves a stronger sense of classic and tradition fortified by centuries of experience. Long story short, have a look at the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Aquanaut, and Calatrava that best mirror the essence of the brand’s refinement.
So, what does Patek Philippe sell, apart from watches? It sells the quintessence of traditional horology. This brand is one of the few in handcrafting its timepieces with artisan works like guilloche and marquetry. The superlative design and the particular attention to detail are the key factors making the brand persist for centuries.
Vacheron Constantin brand
Being even older than Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin is one of the most reputable watch houses in the world. It built its remarkable reputation through artisanal watch manufacturing techniques and a distinctive design approach. These elements combined brought about historical collections like Metiers d’Art and Vacheron Constantin Patrimony. Throughout its history of more than 260 years, the brand has been a loyal partner for remarkable historical celebrities like Napoleon Bonaparte. Just imagine the level of experience the brand has gained down its road.
If there is anything the brand sells apart from its phenomenal timepieces, it must be the talent of knowing how to be one step ahead. It’s like the brand has always foreseen what was going to be considered phenomenal and simply created it in advance.
Cartier brand
Give me a synonym for an exquisite luxury brand: Cartier. The most interesting of all is that people see the grandeur of his band from different perspectives. While some brand fans are fascinated by its iconic watches, others embrace its ionic jewelry arsenal. The third category highlights the brand’s talent in creating versatile accessories matching all types of preferences and styles. This means that the brand is similarly remarkable in all vectors it develops. And this is something to be highly appreciated. It took the challenge to expand in different fashion fields and it blossomed spectacularly in all of them.
To exemplify the theory, I advise you to get familiar with the Trinity fine jewelry collection, as well as with the Love Bracelets. Minimalist, alluring, outstanding- these are only a few descriptive words that can be attributed to Cartier. In terms of watches, Cartier Tank, Santos de Cartier, and Ballon Bleu lines illustrate the phenomenal artistry that the brand has.
So, what does Cartier sell, except for watches and jewelry? It sells us the conviction that it IS possible to be perfect in many fields simultaneously. There are no excuses to achieve what you want to achieve.
Chopard brand
Chopard also boasts of being on the list of the most iconic watch brands in the world. Like Cartier, this brand also manages to achieve wonderful results not only in the watchmaking field but in jewelry as well. Its rings, remarkable necklaces, and alluring bracelets are pieces of choice for ladies all across the world. Stressing the magnetic beauty of diamonds, Chopard integrates them in almost all of its collections.
One of its remarkable lines is the Happy Diamonds jewelry. The arsenal of magnificent embellishment accessories includes fabulous timepieces and bracelets, among other distinctive units. On the other hand, the brand has a fabulous taste for sports timepieces. In such a context, lovers of car racing can’t miss the Mille Miglia timepieces ensemble. This line shows us the other extreme of the brand. Therefore, it has a sensational talent in switching from sports to finesse motifs, without compromising a single aspect of quality.
Ulysse Nardin brand
Just like Patek Philippe, Ulysse Nardin has a distinctive elegant charisma impregnated in every single timepiece it creates. This is why enthusiasts embracing the sports and casual watch styles might be less familiar with its works. However, it doesn’t mean that the brand is somewhere lower in the chart of the most iconic brands. On the contrary, it has a special position in seasoned collectors’ collections. What makes Ulysse Hardin watches fabulous is the intricate and sophisticated construction of watches. And this refers to both technical and aesthetic aspects. In addition, the brand is an exquisite artist in creating phenomenal gorgeous mechanisms, whose beauty is usually exposed throughout a transparent watch caseback. To prove that, you would better get a glimpse at Skeleton X and Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur. It would be hard for you to disagree that they are indeed noteworthy.
What does Ulisse Nardin sell apart from watches? It sells us the feeling of confidence, status, and exclusiveness.
Breitling brand
If Breitling is not the favorite brand of seasoned watch enthusiasts (which is highly unlikely), then certainly it is for pilots. The fabulous chronograph pilot watches that the brand has designed illustrate a superior level of craftsmanship. Actually, Breitling gained deep respect along its historical pathway through perseverance and rocky ambition. Just consider the resonant collaborations and partnerships with remarkable names from different industries. Bentley- car industry, Mark and Scott Kelly- aviation field, Charlize Theron and Brad Pitt- cinematography. All these names have closely partnered with Breitling, expanding its international echo.
Not enough for you? Dive into the Chronomat, Navitimer, and Superocean Heritage masterpieces. After all, given that this brand sells premium performance, there is a low chance you won’t find them phenomenal.
Tudor brand
Who can deny that Tudor’s creations are marvelous in design and functionality? No one would dare. Simply because his brand’s watches follow the same design approach and technical reliability as `Rolex. No, it’s not because Tudor imitates Rolex. It’s because the primary is the subsidiary of the latter. Actually, the Tudor concept as a watch manufacturing brand was to give people what they look for in a Rolex, but can’t afford. Therefore, Tudor is nothing else than a more accessible option, while preserving the high standards of quality.
These two brands indeed have a lot in common, especially if speaking from the design point of view.
Looking carefully at the Tudor Black Bay you will notice familiar particularities of the Submariner. Similarly, the Tudor Royal will remind you about the Oyster Perpetual Day date. Either way, Tudor preserves its distinct features and puts effort into that the audience perceives it as apart from the Rolex. After all, they are two separate brands with their personal visions.
Tag Heuer brand
Like Breitling for aviators, Tag Heuer is for motorsports fans, and not only. All watches released by this iconic brand carry an intense vibe associated with motorcars. Their particular designs make them easily recognizable among plenty of other watches. This is because their silhouettes, dials, and functions- all are reminiscent of “motorcar” architecture. Tag Heuer definitely captivates through its strongly modern style in which the sports charisma is placed on the pedestal. It’s not a surprise that the Monaco and Tag Heuer Carrera collections have shaken the modern watch industry. Not a less remarkable collection is the Aquaracer which comes to show us what a truly reliable timepiece means.
Seiko brand
Honestly speaking, the Seiko brand was a revelation for me. I’ve been hearing stuff about it previously, but I have never immersed myself in its specifics to know it better. And when I did, I just felt sorry for not having discovered it earlier. If this is your case, it’s high time to know that the Seiko brand is on the list of best watches brands for a good reason.
Unlike most of the other brands mentioned here, this one is not a Swiss brand. It comes from Japan and it has a huge influence and massive echo there. More than that, Seiko played a significant role in the watch industry. Guess what. The first quartz watch ever was designed by Seiko. Do I need to tell you more?!
Imagine how globally it changed watch manufacturing history and industry with the invention of quartz watches. The Aston, which is the name of the watch, was the starting point for the new watch era.
Apart from its watchmaking talent, the brand is an active player in the environment changes. It loves collaborating with non-governmental organizations to improve Ocean conditions and all kinds of activities giving back to the planet. Good for him! That’s marvelous when a brand focuses on environmental issues aside from its main vector.
Nordgreen brand
Another non-Swiss watch brand with a determined ambition to save the planet. This time we talk about the Danish company, Nordgreen. Maybe not as “high” as Omega or Breitling, the Nordgreen brand has a distinctive way to produce remarkable timepieces. The focus of the company relies on watches that are environmentally friendly. It strongly encourages its audience to bring watches so that they could be recycled and resold. More than that, these come in eco-friendly boxes made from recycled plastic. And the icing on the cake, the brand gives you the chance to choose where to donate the money from the sales.
What does the brand sell, apart from watches? Of course, it sells a priceless thing that seems to be lost nowadays: the care for the planet.
Discover the real meaning
I encourage you to think out of the box and try to identify the main messages of every brand behind the scenes. Every brand has one. And in many instances, that specific global message can be the one that pushes the brand forward. See? All the above-mentioned brands are the best. All of them produce phenomenal watches for all types of tastes. Which one would you opt for? And why? Most probably, you wouldn’t choose one or another specifically for their watch designs (though it also matters a lot). Instead, you would opt for the one whose history and background raise more awareness.
Finally, if you resonate with any of them, maybe it’s high time for you to have one. While their prices are pretty “painful” for many of us, you can consider good and reliable replica versions. After all, replica versions are also a way to embrace and align with the philosophy of a certain brand. And when you are ready, AAAReplica could be a trustworthy place to buy one. The online store provides high-quality replica watches that will never let you down. In addition, the store arsenal contains the most fabulous watch models from the watch industry. Cheers!