In today's fashion-forward world, wristwatches are more than just timekeepers; they are essential accessories that define personal style and sophistication. From classic timepieces that embody traditional craftsmanship to modern smartwatches that integrate seamlessly with today's digital lifestyle, the selection of wristwatches is vast and varied. Whether you're seeking an understated everyday watch or a luxurious statement piece, finding the right brand is crucial to satisfying your style and functional needs. Discover some of the best wristwatch brands that can elevate your wrist game to new heights below.
Illustration of wrist watch
Best brands of wrist watch in 2025
Rolex
Rolex, founded in 1905 in London, is a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer known for its precision and quality, achieving a remarkable 30.3% retail market share in 2023, and becoming the first Swiss watch brand to surpass 10 billion Swiss Francs in sales that same year; with a history of innovation holding over 500 patents, Rolex watches are crafted with the finest raw materials, and the brand has become synonymous with luxury timepieces around the world. Rolex's dominance in the market is further solidified by the "Big Four" watch brands, including Rolex, which collectively hold 43.9% of the market share in 2023. As of 2023, Rolex has sold an estimated 1.24 million watches, and you can explore the various Rolex models ranging from classic to professional designs on their website.
Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe, established in 1839, is a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer known for its complex mechanical movements and has been family-owned since 1932, maintaining its reputation as one of the oldest watchmakers with an uninterrupted history. Producing approximately 70,000 watches in 2023 and achieving a revenue of $2.05 billion, they are considered a pioneer in watchmaking and a prestigious name, offering timepieces with exceptional craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal.
Audemars Piguet
Audemars Piguet, founded in 1875 by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, is a Swiss manufacturer of luxury watches, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs, holding approximately 4.9% of the market share in 2023; the company introduced the iconic Royal Oak in 1972, revolutionizing the industry with its luxury sports watch, and they were also responsible for the first minute-repeating wristwatch in 1892, making them one of the most esteemed watchmakers; as a family-owned business since its beginning, Audemars Piguet continues to produce limited series of masterpieces, with an estimated production output of 50,000 watches in 2023; with a revenue of 1.93 billion CHF in 2023, the brand has solidified its position as one of the "Big Four" private watch brands, demonstrating continued success in the luxury market.
Omega
Omega, a Swiss luxury watchmaker founded in 1848, is renowned for its precision and innovation, demonstrated by the creation of the first wrist-worn minute-repeating watch in 1892 and the revolutionary 19-ligne caliber in 1894. Despite a slight decrease, the brand still holds a substantial 7.5% market share in 2023, with sales reaching approximately CHF 2.6 billion. Their iconic models like the Speedmaster, which was the first watch worn on the moon, and the Seamaster, known for its diving capabilities, continue to be highly sought after. The brand is celebrated for its blend of classic design and modern technology. You can find their exquisite collections at the official website.
TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer, a Swiss luxury watchmaker founded in 1860, is renowned for its avant-garde designs and precision timekeeping, with innovations like the oscillating pinion in 1887, and the Mikrograph in 1916, showcasing their commitment to pushing boundaries in watchmaking. Despite a 7% decline in sales in 2023, TAG Heuer remains a significant player in the Swiss watch industry, with popular collections including Carrera, Formula 1, and Monaco, which are coveted by watch enthusiasts. The brand's association with motorsports solidifies its image as a producer of high-performance timepieces. Some of their best sellers include the Carrera Chronograph Automatic and the Formula 1 series, and they continue to innovate with models like the Calibre Heuer 01 Skeleton, exemplifying their blend of tradition and modern technology. You can explore their collections at TAG Heuer's website.
Breitling
Breitling, a Swiss luxury watchmaker founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling, is renowned for its precision-made chronometers, particularly its pilot watches like the iconic Navitimer launched in 1952, and for its innovative chronographs used in industrial, military, and scientific applications. With a focus on high-quality materials and strict testing, Breitling has become a leader in the luxury watch market, and although they experienced a stall in growth around 2023, they have previously entered the top 10 Swiss watch brands by sales revenues. As of 2023, Breitling holds a 2.5% market share in the Swiss watch market. The brand has a rich history of innovation, such as creating the first chronograph wristwatch in 1915 and still manufactures its movements in-house, with each one being COSC-certified.
Cartier
Cartier, founded in Paris in 1847, stands as a prestigious luxury goods company, renowned for its exquisite watches, with a 7.5% retail market share in 2023, surpassing Omega for the first time, and is celebrated for iconic models such as the Tank, Santos, and Panthère, appealing to both men and women; the brand's watchmaking history dates back to 1853, and its continuous pursuit of aesthetic and technical innovation makes it a leading force in the luxury watch market. You can explore their collections at Cartier's official website.
Hublot
Hublot, a Swiss luxury watchmaker established in 1980, is known for its innovative use of materials, often combining gold with rubber, creating a unique aesthetic. While the brand is considered the 14th most recognized Swiss watch brand, some watch enthusiasts criticize Hublot for prioritizing aesthetics over function, using generic components, and producing too many limited edition models. However, despite the criticism, Hublot continues to push boundaries with its designs and material science, appealing to a clientele that values bold, modern, and statement-making timepieces. The brand has been innovating for 44 years. To see more of their unique designs, visit their website.
Seiko
Seiko, established in 1881 in Japan, has become a globally recognized watch producer, known for its precision and innovation, introducing Japan's first wristwatch in 1913 and the world's first quartz watch, the Astron, in 1969, with a market share estimated between 15-20% in 2023 alongside other major players, and continues to expand its reach with flagship stores like the one in New York City. To explore their extensive collections, you can visit their official website.
Citizen
Citizen, established in 1918 as the Shokosha Watch Research Institute and later becoming Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. in 1930, has grown into a globally recognized brand, known for its innovative technology and precision, producing one of every four watches in the world by 2001; the company introduced Japan's first automatic watch in 1956, and has a market cap of $1.45 billion as of December 2024. Citizen continues to create quality timepieces for all citizens of the world with a 100-year history.
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