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Top 10 Best Luxury Watches for Men Reviewed – December, 2024
The old saying “you are what you wear” is still true, particularly if you hang out with power players or are trying to impress ladies who appreciate style.
It is not just shoes which make the man, it’s also his watch. Here are the top 10 luxury watches for men in December, 2024 worth checking out if you want to make a real statement. This top 10 list is focused primarily on classical dress watches.
Groom+Style have created another list of sport-focused luxury mechanical watches – please check it out.
Tip: If these watches are a bit pricey then feel free to check out our best affordable luxury watch list.
Characteristics of a Luxury Watch
A luxury watch is an indication of status as well as a timepiece. In evaluating the top options, the primary characteristics you should consider are:
- Brand
- Construction quality
- Features
- Style and complications
- Price
It may not sound like common sense, but watch features and extras are really the least important characteristics of a luxury watch. To be blunt, all the timepieces Groom+Style checked out are of extremely high quality, and the differences in their performance are minute (if you’ll pardon the pun). That’s why appearance, brand and price really determine the true value of each of these luxury watches.
Top 10 Luxury Watch List – Classical Dress Watch Focus
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Needless to say, creating a top 10 list is a subjective process and opinions will differ. However, the review team believes all of these luxury men’s watches are exceptional from a functional and material perspective, while also looking impressive – sometimes, even artistic. You will notice a distinct Swiss influence in the list.
Once you have main your choice it would be worthwhile to read the Groom+Style’s article on how to service, maintain and care for your luxury mechanical watch which includes a section on the need to buy a watch winder to care for your new purchase.
The watches are listed from 10 to 1.
10. TAG Heuer Men’s Kirium F1
Founded by Edouard Heuer in 1860 in St-Imier, Switzerland, TAG Heuer has a distinguished history of offering luxury timepieces designed for use by the “active man”. Furthering this brand identification, the company has been long been associated with the finest in sailing and auto racing, and is a premier sponsor of Formula 1.
TAG Heuer offers iconic watch which are as appropriate for an evening spent in the Casino de Monte-Carlo as they are for a day of sailing the America’s Cup course in San Francisco Bay.
The Kirium F1 incorporates the qualities men have come to expect from TAG Heuer over the last century and a half. This TAG Heuer offering is made from stainless steel and is clasped to the arm with a soft leather band. The black face is backlit and covered with a sapphire crystal cover which provides great protection for the silver analog dial while eliminating reflected light which could make the face of a watch difficult to read while on the water.
| The Tag Heuer Kirium F1 is a great choice among luxury watch brands for men who are seeking a timepiece that can be worn both to social events and during the work week. Some of this product’s features:
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9. Jaeger- LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon 39
Jaeger-LeCoultre is a luxury watchmaker based in Le Sentier, Switzerland, and has been making watches since 1833. The company is known for offering luxury men’s watches which incorporate high-quality materials in a refined design.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon 39 is one such masterpiece. This timepiece incorporates an uncluttered round face with an analog time mechanism and calendar date indicator. The calendar date recorder also maps the phases of the moon as time passes.
The face of the watch is an off-clam color, with silver hour markers and watch arms contrasted against a blue second counter.
The watch is secured with a black leather band. At just 4.9 millimeters, this watch is as thin as it is sleek. A brown version is available as well.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon 39 is the perfect watch for the man who wishes to make it clear he prefers the finer things in life but isn’t ostentatious about it. Check Jaeger LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moonphase Price On Amazon |
8. Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver Chronometer
Ulysse Nardin is an old-school luxury timepiece maker. Founded in 1846 by Ulysse Nardin, the company has continuously produced watches ever since, remaining open despite two world wars. Unlike other watchmakers, this company not only still operates in the location where it was founded, Le Locle, Switzerland, but it still makes its watches in the original building.
Ulysse Nardin specializes in marine chronometers. If you find those styles attractive, your search for a luxury men’s watch should begin and end with the Maxi Marine Diver Chronometer.
This timepiece incorporates a round stainless steel body secured by a titanium and rubber strap (remember, this is designed for use on and around the water.)
The face of the watch is a striking deep blue with analog arms maintaining the minute and hour count. The day of the month is recorded at the base of the face. The watch has a screw-down crown with a sapphire crystal glass cover to protect the face of the timepiece and is water resistance to 300 meters.
Perfect for the man who has an affinity with the ocean.
7. Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945
Girard-Perregaux is one of the top luxury timepiece companies in the world. Founded in 1856 through the merger of two smaller Swiss companies, Girard-Perregaux has a well-earned reputation for producing exceptional, luxury mechanical men’s watches.
Many view their watches as a bit more exclusive than other Swiss watch brands because the company produces fewer of them a year than most other shops.
The Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 is the company’s best-known offering, and it’s a stunning watch. There are four variations of the timepiece, but all incorporate a square face design containing an analog dial mechanism.
Watch faces can be selected in silver, black or white. The watch is supplemented with the choice of either a moon phase or calendar date indicator. Bands come in brown or black leather. As has always been the case with all Girard-Perregaux timepieces, each of the watch’s components is made by Girard-Perregaux on site.
6. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Audemars Piguet is a Swiss watchmaker unique among Swiss brands: continuous ownership. Founded in 1875 in Le Brassus, Switzerland, Audemars Piguet is the nation’s only luxury watch brand that has not been sold off to a corporate master. The families of Jules Audemars and Edward Piguet, the original founders still own the company.
Without experts working in a specialized facility, it’s nearly impossible to objectively detail the quality of all of the watches we’re listing here. However, it says a lot for Audemars Piguet that Cartier and Bulgari purchase the company’s watches and then rebrand them as their own products.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak timepieces are perfect examples of the quality products sold by the company. Offered in eight variations, each watch is completely handmade with the following features:
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5. Vacheron Constantin Patrimony 85180
Founded by Jean-Marc Vacheron in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is the oldest Swiss watchmaker in the world. The company is based in Geneva, and operates with the motto: “Do better if possible, and that is always possible”. Over the centuries, this has translated into elegantly restrained designs which are a marvel of craftsmanship.
The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony 85180 is a beautiful timepiece. This watch is obviously exquisitely crafted but incorporates a clean and simplified design extremely pleasing to the eye.
Vacheron Constantin watches stand out because of their pure beauty, and although expensive, are priced competitively compared to other high-end luxury men’s watches. Features include:
Check Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine Price On Amazon |
4. Rolex Yacht-Master II
Rolex is arguably the best known brand in luxury men’s watches, and is a great introductory watch for the newly-successful man. While Rolex is known as a Swiss brand, many are surprised to learn the company was actually started in England in 1905, by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis.
The company originally built watches using components imported from Switzerland, before changing its name to Rolex in 1908 and moving to Switzerland in 1919 to avoid exceedingly high wartime taxes.
Whatever the company’s origin, the Rolex Yacht-Master II is a statement of sophisticated manliness. This watch is clearly an accessory for the man who is both successful and powerful.
First offered in 2007, the Yacht-Master II has a 44 millimeter stainless steel casing which incorporates gold, typical of a Rolex watch. The watch is analog with a blue Cerachrom insert made from a ceramic material, and it comes with a stainless steel bracelet. The hour markers are 18 carat gold and contrasted with beautiful blue watch arms.
The Rolex Yacht-Master II would certainly be a talking point with everyone you meet. |
3. Blancpain Le Brassus Minute Repeater Carousel 0235-3631-55B
Launched in 1735, Blancpain is based in Biel, Switzerland and is known for its “supreme quality” brand. The company has a reputation for making high-quality watches for the discerning man while also taking a unique approach to their products’ visual appearance. The faces are often transparent, showing the time-keeping mechanism in great detail.
The Blancpain Le Brassus Minute Repeater Carousel 0235-3631-55B is a perfect example of the timepieces produced by Blancpain. It incorporates a carousel minute repeater with a one-minute flying carousel, to provide unparalleled performance. The watch case is 18 carat gold, with a white grand feu enamel dial which provides a transparent view of the inner workings of the timepiece. The case is 15.35 millimeters by 45 millimeters and secured with a brown alligator leather strap. This is truly an amazing watch and one of our real favorites.
The Blancpain Le Brassus Minute Repeater Carousel 0235-3631-55B makes a statement for the discerning (and very wealthy) gentleman. |
2. Patek Philippe & Co. 5078R-001 – Rose Gold – Men – Grand Complications
Patek Philippe & Co. is a Swiss timepiece maker based in Geneva. The company has made luxury timepieces since 1852 and is quite possibly the foremost luxury brand in the field. Their watches are of such quality that they have long been the choice of royalty, including Queen Victoria of England and Hussein Kamel, the former Sultan of Egypt.
A Patek Philippe timepiece also holds the world record for the highest-priced watch ever sold; a Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication watch was purchased by Sheikh Saud Bin Mohammed Bin Ali Al-Thani of the Qatari royal family for just over $11 million.
The Patek Philippe & Co. 5078R-001 – Rose Gold – Men – Grand Complications does not come with an $11 million price tag, but does offer the quality associated with the company’s brand.
This timepiece features a white face encased in rose gold, secured with a brown alligator pattern band. Its features include:
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1. TOP CHOICE: Cartier 18k Rose Gold & Diamond Tank Anglaise Extra-Large Model
Our selection for the top men’s luxury watch comes from the French brand Cartier, who (surprise, surprise…) chose to manufacture their watches in Switzerland. Founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, the Parisian jeweler has long been known as the dominant luxury brand in the world. Their venture into modern watchmaking began via a partnership with the Swiss company Ebel – and once it proved successful they decided to purchase the business, and now operate out of La Chaux-de-Fonds.
Men’s watches have been part of the line of luxury products offered by Cartier for nearly 100 years, with the “Tank” line originating in 1917; the inspirations for these watches were the French tanks used in World War I.
The Cartier 18k Rose Gold & Diamond Tank Anglaise Extra-Large Men’s Watch screams luxury. The timepiece is designed with a rectangular case and face. The case diameter is 46 millimeters and made of 18 carat rose gold with a diamond bezel. The vertical exterior is lined with two rows of diamonds on each side of the body running the full length of the case. The gold and diamond frame is offset by a beautiful silver lacquered face and a blue watch arm mechanism which also contains a calendar date mechanism.
This timepiece is water resistant to 100 feet and comes with a 5-year warranty.
Quite simply, this watch is simply amazing. The Cartier 18k Rose Gold & Diamond Tank Anglaise Extra-Large Men’s Watch speaks for itself. |
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the highest-quality watch?
Many brands make high-quality watches, but some of the most well-known and respected brands in the luxury watch market are Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin. These brands are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, precision, and attention to detail. They use only the finest materials and employ traditional watchmaking techniques to create watches that are considered works of art. They are also well known for their long history, heritage, and exclusivity.
Other best watch brands that are considered to be among the best in the world include Rolex, Omega, and Breitling. These brands are also known for their precision, durability, and design. They are also well known for their reputation, brand awareness, and status symbol.
Ultimately, the best watch is a matter of personal preference and depends on your budget and the specific features you are looking for. It’s important to research different brands and models and to consider what you will be using the watch for before making a purchase.
Conclusion
As a discerning gentleman in the watch industry, you know your appearance is a statement of your personal status and success. There is really very little difference in the quality of any of the luxury watches discussed in this article; all are built to the highest standard and will impress. That is why emphasis should be placed on the style of the brands you are considering and how they match your own personal taste and personality within the watch industry. Identify a match – and you have found your perfect watch.
Of course, if you decide to indulge in one of these watches, your partner will be expecting a present as well. With this eventuality in mind, the team has prepared a list of the Top 10 Best Luxury Watches for Women.
Great information, love the watches. Thank you for sharing
Some one interested in Patek Philippe Genève Swiss 18k 750
1398
The collections of watches are very attractive. It can’t be described in words that how much they’ve attracted me. Thanks for sharing this amazing collection of watches. I’ve much information about them.
Awesome. This site is very perfect and usefully information
Hey, thanks for sharing this amazing collection of watches. They look very classy and stunning and now I got various ideas and designs that can help me to purchase one for my bro on his birthday. Keep posting such useful posts.
I think the Patek is the way to go if you are looking to impress watch enthusiasts or high rollers. The Rolex is for impressing everyday people. I on the other hand like independent, so my main go to is a 18k rose gold Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda Quator Annual Calendar. Even watch people have to ask what it is and it feels great on the wrist!
Very nice list. My vote goes to Rolex Yacht-Master II I simply love it!
I went to ballgame and they were handing out team watches for the first 10000 to enter the gates. That was 15 years ago and I still wear that watch every day. No problems perfect timing.
Best Free watch ever!
I really like Rolex yacht master II, its gold color always attracts me and unique style matched with each dress I wear.
Informative article, totally what I waas looking for.
I prefer a good old Timex because they keep on ticking even after a licking!!!!!!!!
What watch is at the very begining of your article? The black & white pic.
Hi Guy,
This is actually a stock photo – but our best guess is that watch is a variation of the Patek Philippe 5033P. Unless you have a cool half million it is, unfortunately, going to be a touch out of your your price bracket…
Kind Regards,
Pierce and Franz
While I appreciated the article I guess I have grown to be a bit of a watch snob over the years. I think if we are talking luxury I feel you missed a few key ones: A Lange and Sohne, FP Journe, Breguet. I guess it depends on ultra luxury or luxury. Guess my list looks like:
1. Patek Philippe
2. A Lange and Sohne
3. FP Journe
4. Audemars Piguet
5. Blancpain
6. Breguet
7. Vacheron Constantin
8. Piaget
9. Jaeger-LeCoultre
10. Girard-Perregaux or Ulysee Nardin
Rolex and the others don’t belong in this high end group. They are great watches, but I consider them as mid tier luxury watches.
Thanks for the comment Jon, some brilliant choices there!
You will see a lot of those listed in our sport focused list, what do you think?
http://groomwithstyle.com/best-luxury-watches-men-sport-list/
Kind Regards,
Pierce
This is an awesome reference guide. Thank you so much for publishing a real and informed luxury watch list. 7 years ago, I treated myself to a Breitling Chronomat 44, steel with a chocolate face. It’s a beautiful piece. At the time, I looked at an Omega, Panarai, Zenith, Gucci and a Phillip Patek. I’m back in the market for a nice timepiece, preferably leather strap, under $6,000. I like a bigger face. Also what are your thoughts of the ones I’ve listed? Thanks!
Hi Thomas,
We have to say – an awesome choice with the Breitling Chronomat 44!
If you like this kind of watch – which is assertive and masculine, and you want to stick with a budget of around 6000 USD, we really suggest that you focus on a Panerai.
The Italian company is definitely geared towards bigger dials, which coupled with their hefty, iconic stainless steel case renders them chunky, manly timepieces.
As you can see in this article http://groomwithstyle.com/best-luxury-watches-men-sport-list/ we have published the Radiomir 1940 in our Top Ten list, but we suggest you check the Panerai Radiomir PAM00610 which cleanly fits the bill.
Link to the Panerai Radiomir PAM00610 on Amazon -> http://geni.us/paneraipam00610
Also, we are about to publish an updated version of our affordable luxury watch article, so stay tuned for other very nice alternatives!
http://groomwithstyle.com/top-10-best-luxury-watches-under-2000/
PS – you are listing the cream of the crop (with the Omega, Panarai, Zenith, Gucci and a Patek Philippe), so you will not go wrong buying any of them, but we think that the Patek would be a tad out of your budget.
You could also consider checking;
– the Eberhard – great quality for a good price. Link to watches on Amazon -> http://geni.us/eberhardwatches
– and the new Baume et Mercier Clifton line based on the Baumatic movement that will debut in September 2018: really amazing stuff, and very attractive price!
Hope that helps,
Franz Rivoira
https://www.quora.com/profile/Franz-Rivoira
https://www.linkedin.com/in/franzrivoira/
How much are you willing to spend on a designer mens watch? This is always a good place to start, because it gives you am idea of what brands and makes you should look at, and which ones you should just avoid.
amazing article and informative article about man i like you , TAG Heuer watch the feature are awesome of this watch i like it
The pictur at the very top looks wired because of the cup that he holding.
Sorry, you find the picture weird… 🙂
how about panerai??
Hi Don,
We are not 100% sure Panerai deserve a place on our top 10 list – they do design some pretty eye-catching watches, but as far as the pedigree and history that Groom+Style think should go along with a luxury watch…well, we are not quite sure they compete at that level yet!
But that is the great think about luxury watches, everyone can judge for themselves, and if you like their designs (and the price is right) then that is all that should matter.
You can find some Panerai watch options available on Amazon via this link -> http://geni.us/panerai
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Why Apple Watch is not listed?
Hi Proroll,
From what we understand Apple did try to break into the luxury watch market with a 18-karat gold Watch Edition which was priced between $10,000 and $17,000 – that was back in March 2015, you will find no sign of that watch today. So Apple did try and fail to break into the luxury watch market. People who buy luxury watches are typically not interested in innovation, they want a watch with a 100 year history that is handmade. For more on what makes a luxury watch you can read our article below.
http://groomwithstyle.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-buying-luxury-watches/
Kind Regards,
Pierce
what is the verdict on Mont Blanc watches? Are they worth the price tags?
Hi Tag,
Mont Blanc are still probably better know for making pens than watches – although that is slowly changing.
One of the key arguments made for not buying one of their timepieces is; if you are going to invest in a high end watch, then buy from a brand that specialises (has a long history) in just making watches.
On the flip side they are starting to make really high end watches with in house movements (not just ETA movements https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETA_SA) for their Villeret and 1858 collections. And if you find a piece in your price range, that you like and find visually appealing then that is all that really matters!
http://www.montblanc.com/en-us/collection/watches/montblanc-collection-villeret-1858.html?=undefined
http://www.montblanc.com/en-us/collection/watches/montblanc-1858-collection.html?=undefined
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Why not Hublot?
Hi Liam and David,
If we were to add a Hublot to the list it would be one of their Big Bang collection. They are of course, exceptional time pieces and they do not apologise for their bold and avant-garde style! Some might argue they are slightly tacky and expensive…but each to his own. Were you thinking of buying one, or do you own one?
http://www.hublot.com/en/collection/big-bang
Kind Regards,
Pierce
How come hublot is not in this list.
Cartier is NOT from a france! It is Swiss!!
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for the correction.
Cartier is a French luxury goods brand founded in Paris, but since 1977 have manufactured their watches in Switzerland – the article has been updated.
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Thanks Pierce, I was inclined to go that way. Opting for the Rolex blue dial on jubilee
No problem – hope it brings you lots of pleasure 🙂
Would you buy the Omega Constellation (38 mm) in gold and steel or a Rolex datejust 41 in steel only. About same price.
Hi Mounir,
Thanks for the question. Experts and watch lovers will debate endlessly about which is a better watch brand, Omega or Rolex – and emotions will be a large part of the debate. One school of thought is that Rolex is a slightly better watch technically, but you will pay relatively more for that over-engineering compared to the Omega i.e. another way of putting this is that you will get better value for your money with an Omega than the Rolex.
Having said that buying a luxury watch is not really about practicalities, and you should trust your gut and emotions. What watch makes you feel better? From a personal perspective I would go for the Rolex Datejust with the Blue Dial…
Kind Regards,
Pierce
I just purchased my dream watch, a 46mm Breitling Navitimer 01. I’ve looked at the Rolex, and Omega, and even the Patek Phillippe. I use to fly private planes and I am biased toward the flight watch appearance. So, to me, there is nothing like a Breitling watch. I’ve been admiring this watch for years and now that I retired this was the first thing I bought for myself. I can’t stop staring at it.
Hey Mark,
What a stunning choice, congratulations on the purchase. Now you just have to find some creative ways to bring it into conversation so everyone notices (if they do not see it straight away)…I might actually add that to the new article idea list!
For those who want to know more about the Breitling Navitimer (46 MM) click the link below to read more on amazon.
http://geni.us/breitlinignavitimer01
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Breitling was also left out
Hi,
What is your favourite Breitling model?
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Yes, I wondered where was Omega also!!
Omega not on the list?!
Hi,
Yes, we were wondering who would notice. Omega’s are of course amazing watches, but as mentioned early in the article, creating a list of luxury watches is going to be a subjective process and opinions will differ. Groom+Style have included an Omega in another one of our watch articles linked below.
http://groomwithstyle.com/top-10-best-luxury-watches-under-2000/
Kind Regards,
Pierce
Wow!
Rolex – I wish I could have that. Wow, these watches might be everyone’s dream 🙂
some very stylish watches here!
Vacheron Constantin knows the art better.
Wish I could have one
Wow, it would be tough to choose between any of these! They are all gorgeous pieces. I’ve always liked the Kirium F1 just because of how simple the design is.
I know the feeling Drew. I love kirium too as the design has not been tampered with all the latest fashion trends
-Pierce