Finding the perfect watch is by no means rocket science, but there are a few factors to take into consideration before you take the plunge. After all, picking out a watch takes a little more thought that just choosing a pair of shoes or a necktie. Your watch makes a statement about yourself, and it’s the one item of apparel that you’re likely to wear day in and day out. Think about the message that your watch is going to send to others. Do you want to project confidence? Do you want to seem debonair? No matter what story you’re trying to tell, it all starts with the shopping phase.
Not sure where to begin? First things first. Find the watch brand that works best for your image. If you’re a more casual dresser, you’re going to want a more casual wristwatch. If you’re wearing a diamond Rolex with an old gym tee, it’s going to look odd. Finding the brand that works for you might be a bit of a trial and error process, but we can help set you in the right direction with a quick overview of the top ten brands for men’s watches.
Without further ado, check out these five top brands below!
- Omega
Kicking off our list at number one is the watchmaking juggernaut, Omega. Ever since they were chosen as the official watches of the British Royal Flying Corps in 1917, and by the US Army the following year, the brand has solidified its position on the world stage. In addition to being the official watch of the Olympics since 1932, and the favorite of everyone from James Bond to JFK, Omega deserves your attention.
There is a broad spectrum of Omega styles and price points, but word to the wise, you can find a killer deal on pre-owned Omega men’s watches from sites like TrueFacet.
- Baume & Mercier
Founded in 1830, the Geneva-based watchmakers Baume et Mercier as the oldest on our list. In its current collection, Baume & Mercier feature vintage styles like the Hampton, inspired by the 1940’s Art Deco era. The luxury mid-range Baume & Mercier watches tend to fetch from $2,000 USD to $5,000 USD depending on the design.
- TAG Heuer
Another Swiss contender is the indomitable TAG Heuer. The manufacturer makes watches, as well as other branded fashion accessories like eyewear. Founded in 1860, TAG Heuer today is part of the luxury French conglomerate LVMH. The unusual name is an acronym for Techniques d’Avant Garde, a concept reiterated in their slogan, “Swiss Avant-Garde Since 1860”. The brand’s image is aligned with athletics and Hollywood, with a long line of spokesmen like Tiger Woods, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Leonardo DiCaprio to reflect that.
- A. Lange & Söhne
Lange & Söhne is one of the more prominent German brands in the watchmaking industry and one of the top choices for high-end pieces. Founded outside of Dresden a few decades before Audemars in 1845, Customers are often fond of A. Lange & Söhne for the brand’s complicated watches with perpetual calendars, chronographs, and split-second chronographs.
- Audemars Piguet
Closing out our list at number five is Audemars Piguet. Founded in 1875, the Swiss watchmakers manufacture around 32,000 timepieces each year, ranging from haute jewelry to high complex mechanical watches. Still owned by its founding family, the brand’s slogan reflects its understanding of its craft, combined with its commitment to innovate further, “To break the rules, you must first master them.”
Whether you’re more inclined to go with an Omega watch, or if you think you’re more a TAG Heuer guy, a new watch can make you feel like a new man. So get out there and find your perfect watch today!
