Swiss watches have seen a recent resurgence in popularity. Recent reports are that sales are booming. The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry reported that exports of Swiss watches to the USA rose by 7.8% in the first 8 months of 2018.
Always dreamed of owning a Swiss watch? We take a look at 9 brands you should check out if you’re looking for Swiss watches for men.
Swiss Watches For Men
What’s so great about a Swiss watch? They didn’t invent watches. The first clocks made small enough to be portable were made by the Germans.
It was exiled Huguenots, fleeing from France, who first brought watchmaking skills to Switzerland. They established themselves in Geneva and founded the Swiss watchmaking craft.
The Germans, Dutch, and even the English had stronger reputations before the Swiss watchmakers came to dominate watchmaking in the mid 19th century. With their market domination came developments in watch technology and greater quality. Sales in the USA after World War II were key to establishing the Swiss brands that we recognize today.
The emergence of Japanese quartz watches might have been the death knell for Swiss watch craftsmanship. After all Japanese imports of motorcycles and motorcars severely damaged US motor manufacturing. The Swiss responded with their own quartz watches and re-took the initiative.
The Swiss watch continues to represent quality and craftsmanship. More than that, it represents excellence in esthetics too. They are leaders in style, luxury, and fashion.
1. Longines
Established in 1832 the Longines brand is very visible sponsoring the timekeeping at sporting events today. The logo itself has been unaltered since 1889. It’s a watch with heritage.
There was a time when the brand stood for technical development such as sports timing. More recently it’s the classic good looks that mark it out for the Swiss watch connoisseur.
2. Patek Philippe
Buying a Patek Philippe watch could set you back a pretty penny. Prices of over $20 million have been known for certain rather special watches. If you want a new one, and you want a particular sought-after model, you will have to get your name on a waiting list.
3. Rolex
Rolex may be one of the best known of the Swiss watches but it’s a surprisingly recent innovation. Founded in 1905, it seems to have captured the imagination of men wanting to make a statement. It’s loved by successful entrepreneurs and hip-hop artists alike as a symbol of their achievement.
James Bond favored the Rolex Submariner diving watch. They exude quality and status. They rarely do anything but accrue in value.
4. Jaeger-LeCoultre
La Brassus is the home of Jaeger-LeCoultre. In this mountain town, the watchmakers are perhaps amongst the most innovative in the world. The number of patents alone indicates this.
The inventiveness is especially focused on the movement of the watches. Even other Swiss watchmakers have used these movements. Brands as respected as Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin owe much to Jaeger-LeCoultre.
The watch faces can be complex and exciting while still being easy to read. For innovative design check out the Reverso and the Master Ultra Thin. There are exceptional details and unique styling.
5. Hamilton
Hamilton is a Swiss timepiece with a military heritage. The Hamilton Khaki Field is a soldier’s watch. It’s hardy and thick-skinned with a stainless-steel case with 38mm of protection.
This is a watch for active men. Your job may be sedentary but this watch cries out for activity. Take it running, hiking or just to the gym but don’t sit still.
Hamilton might not be in the same luxurious class as Rolex or Omega. But it is a Swiss watch with all that says about its quality and heritage. The range includes nylon, canvas, leather, and metal straps.
6. Breitling
If you are looking for durability and reliable precision than Breitling is your brand. The watch for aviators is worn by anybody who appreciates quality. They were founded in 1884.
The Breitling typically comes with more functionality than most watches. For example, the Emergency model includes an emergency transmitter. A watch that looks great, tells the time and saves your life has to be worth every penny.
7. Omega
Men’s Swiss watches seem to be popular with James Bond. The Omega has also featured in the British secret agent’s collection. It might also be the watch of choice for naval divers with the Seamaster being the obvious candidate.
NASA has named Omega as an official partner. They’ve even taken an Omega to the moon. From the shores of Lake Bienne in Switzerland to the moon is an epic journey.
8. TAG Heuer
The head office of TAG Heuer is in La Chaux-de-Fonds high mountains of western Switzerland. Here they make famous sports chronographs that feature in sporting events as prestigious as Formula 1.
TAG Heuer have diversified into other fashion and technology products. It’s eyewear, clothing ranges and even mobile phones reflect its brand values. After all the TAG handle stands for “Techniques d’Avant Garde”.
9. Blancpain
The Blancpain company has an idiosyncratic resistance to the latest technological innovations. They only produce mechanical watches. No quartz technology crosses the Blancpain threshold.
This commitment to mechanical watches has served the brand well. There is a passion for quality and luxury here that has served it for 300 years. Since the 1990’s it has found new life.
The designs range from minimalist simplicity to elaborate complexity. Something for everybody as long as you can afford the luxury price tag.
You’re Dressed Well with a Swiss Watch
The elegance and refinement of a quality Swiss watch set off any man’s wardrobe. Don’t fly an aircraft, dive into the sea or attend a cocktail party without one.
The range of styles and features in Swiss watches for men means that there’s something for everyone. Understated or showy, minimalist or complex. There’s a watch for you.
Swiss watches embody precision and elegance, making them a timeless investment for any man. Whether you’re drawn to classic designs or innovative features, these top brands offer something for every style. If you’re exploring wardrobe staples, you might be asking, what are preppy shirts called?
Here’s more advice for men who want to dress better.
