Author: William Boyd

The Swiss watch industry churns out 20 million timepieces annually, but that only makes up a portion of global manufacture. Value-wise, however, it contributes to around 50%. Crazy, right? So, you’re wondering who the big players are and what they contribute to within the horological world?

Well, “best” is a pretty subjective term, and there’s an endless list of watchmakers all chomping at the bit to become the next leading brand. There are low-end, mid-tier, and high-end categories – each deserving a written piece of its own.

But if we’re talking about rounding up the hard hitters that experience year-on-year success, I have 11 lined up here for you.

The watch brands I’ve chosen for this list are based on my eleven years of industry experience and data from 2023 to 2024. Of course, there will be names you think should be on this list and maybe a brand or two you believe should be further down the ladder.

But these are the names collectors are digging right now. Learn how each one has earned its place on this list of best watch brands in 2025, and jump right in!

No.1 Rolex

How can a “best watch brands” list not include the name Rolex? It may not be the most boundary-pushing of brands by today’s standards, but there is a reason for the crown logo on the dial of every timepiece, and that’s because Rolex is king.

Rolex is the most recognized watch brand on the planet, and pretty much every design it has ever created has earned itself the title of “icon.”

Rolex watches cost as much as houses, especially when it comes to auction prices (take Paul Newman’s very own Daytona watch as an example, which sold in 2017 for over 17 million dollars!). But guaranteed, if you ever find yourself stranded in a foreign country, you could buy yourself out of any situation with a Rolex.

Back in 2023, Rolex occupied 30% of the entire Swiss market, with 1.24 million watches sold. The company made around $11.2 billion, with bestsellers like the Submariner, the Datejust, Day-Date, Daytona, and GMT-Master II, proving top of a collector’s wish list. But why is Rolex the No.1 watch brand?

It’s all to do with the company’s presence across the industry and a history steeped in firsts, like the first waterproof and dustproof watch in 1926 with the Oyster watch and Rolex’s first self-winding perpetual rotor in the early 1930s.

Rolex was also the first brand to create a watch that displayed the day and date on a dial back in 1945 with the Datejust. Moreover, Rolex watches are investment pieces, with most designs retaining their value exceptionally well, if not appreciating over time, making them an appealing proposition to those who know when to strike when the iron is hot.

No. 2 Cartier

The No. 2 position used to be held by Omega but is now held by Cartier, and are you surprised? If you are, you shouldn’t be. After all, Cartier invented the first wristwatch for men, remember? The Cartier Santos – a bold, square, and kind of industrial-inspired watch for its time.

Other iconic models include the Tank – a wristwatch inspired by military tanks of WWI, and the Cartier Ballon Bleu – a bubble-like, balloon-inspired design adorned with a sapphire cabochon crown. Around 18 months ago, Cartier took up an 8% market share, selling over 3 million watches.

Even though Cartier holds the second place in this list of best watch brands in the world, the drop between Rolex and this brand is still huge. If anything, it shows what a domineering giant Rolex really is.

From a consumer’s point of view, Cartier watches are the ultimate symbol of luxury and prestige and became even more respected across elite watch collecting circles when it began putting old collectibles back into production, like the recently released A Guichets watch from the 1930s.

The Prive collection is dedicated to modern relaunched variants of classic designs like this and includes models such as the Tortue and Tortue Monopoussoir Chronograph.

No. 3 Omega

Without a doubt, Omega is one of the most famous names in the industry. Part of that global recognition is down to the Speedmaster, which became famous as the first watch that went to the moon.

Technically, though, the Speedy was initially intended for the racetrack, hence its trio of chronograph counters at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock and its black tachymeter bezel for measuring speed based on distance. Still, the Speedmaster passed all of NASA’s stringent testing criteria and became its most famous design of all time, alongside other bestsellers like the Seamaster, Constellation, and De Ville.

Like Rolex, Omega has put its hand to manufacturing its own materials and crafts some of its most covetable watches from Sedna Gold – the brand’s own 18k rose gold alloy, and Moonshine, a slightly paler-looking yellow gold with a composition of silver, copper, and palladium.

Aside from the iconic Speedmaster, Omega made history in other ways, including its first minute-repeater wristwatch in 1892 and its first pioneering watch movement, which was created for mass production in 1984.

No. 4 Audemars Piguet

If you’re unfamiliar with Audemars Piguet, you’ll at least recognize its history-shaping Royal Oak or the many inspired designs that have followed it. Audemars Piguet is one of the oldest luxury watch manufacturers in the world, revolutionizing the luxury sports watch market with its Gerald Genta-designed Royal Oak.

The highly covetable sports watch is distinguishable by its octagonal bezel and Grand Tapisserie dial. The equally popular Royal Oak Offshore followed in its footsteps – a chronograph with beefier proportions and a more aggressive aesthetic.

Despite its popularity, the Royal Oak is notoriously difficult to obtain due to its high demand and limited production. As in many cases where the thousands seek an iconic watch, production rarely meets consumer demand, which drives prices up even higher on the second-hand market.

Back in 2023, Audemars Piguet made $2.6 billion in sales and sold 51,000 watches. This gives a much clearer view of each AP watch’s retail price compared to units sold.

Audemars Piguet has a reputation to uphold and a standard to keep up with, so it’s unlikely that its watches will ever come down in retail price. Thus, we’re unlikely to see prices come down on the pre-owned market any time soon, either.

No. 5 Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe is the Rolls Royce of watches and is revered in the watch community for its high complication watches using some of the industry’s finest materials.

Patek Philippe watches are elegant, complex instruments that garner a lot of attention for their horological beauty. The average cost of a PP watch is $44,000, making this brand one of the most expensive of all time.

 Patek Philippe sold 70K watches in 2023 and retains 6% of market shares, making $2.28 billion on an average year. A combination of factors contribute to PP’s high price tags, one being the brand’s rich history and the other its excellent craftsmanship.

These watches are designed to outlive you and me, making them superb heirlooms thanks to their exquisite movements and fascinating complications.

Aside from the iconic Nautilus, which dominated the sports watch industry throughout the 1980s, the brand also experienced success with the dive-ready Aquanaut, the classic Calatrava dress watch, and the Grand Complications series, home to platinum and gold watches equipped with minute repeaters, tourbillons, and perpetual calendars.

And if you like a bit of history behind the brand you wear, Patek Philippe has an incredibly interesting one. From the invention of the keyless winding system to the patenting of its perpetual calendar mechanism, there’s a lot to appreciate and respect about this brand.

No. 6 Richard Mille

Richard Mille crafts the most expensive toys. What appeals to many is its non-conventional design langauge. Richard Mille watches don’t look like anything else on the market.

Some models are incredibly complex, while others are disruptive, aggressive, and highly sporty. These designs are built like Formula 1 cars and demand attention with carbon nanotubes and space-age materials.

If you plan to own a Richard Mille watch one day, you’d better start saving. They can top out around $250k, with lower-priced models proving barely more attainable, starting at around $171k.

Thanks to this brand’s association with high-end sports and luxury, many celebrities and professional athletes sport Richard Mille watches on their wrists, selling the lifestyle with which these high-end timepieces are most associated. It’s one of Richard Mille’s most successful marketing strategies.

Meanwhile, innovative materials like the brand’s gold-and-carbon fused cases and its silicone nitride designs sell themselves as some of the most shock-resistant materials on the market. Above all, Richard Mille watches are not just flex watches. They’re actually horological powerhouses.

No. 7 Longines

Now, we’re getting into entry-level luxury watches. Those that are both more attainable and versatile enough to wear with classic and casual attire. Longines dates back to 1832 and has a solid history steeped in precision and elegance.

The brand has a strong presence in sports, especially equestrian events. It was the official timekeeper for the Olympics in 1952 and shared the role with Omega and Junghans in 1968 and 1972, respectively.

The brand sells around 1.6 million watches annually; an average timepiece costs around $1,100. The brand makes around $1.2 billion in sales each year and is a gateway brand into the realm of affordable watch collecting.

Think about when you travel and you take a look at the duty-free section; Longine’s name is always there. The brand is synonymous with making quality Swiss-made watches and began developing its own movements from the late 1800s onwards.

Longines is also the brand responsible for creating the first wrist chronograph, as well as the first high-frequency pocket chronograph and the first flyback chronograph.

Today, Longines offers a vast range of designs to choose from, its most popular designs being the Hydroconquest, the DolceVita, the Master Collection, Spirit, and the Record collection.

No. 8 Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin is a relatively new member of the billionaires club, with $1.22 billion in sales in 2023. The watchmaker is part of the Holy Trinity, sitting alongside Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet.

It takes 3% of the market share and became a significant player in the industry when it launched the iconic Overseas watch during the zeitgeist of the sports watch.

Vacheron Constantin is under the Richemont umbrella and plays by the book. It has upheld a solid reputation in crafting beautiful timepieces, many of the classic nature, that excel in quality craftsmanship and artistry. It’s also one of the oldest watchmakers, so if brand provenance is essential to you, Vacheron Constantin has it by the bucketload.

If you’re clued up on high-end watchmaking, then designs like the Patrimony, Traditionnelle, and Egerie may be familiar to you.

The company has produced some of the most complicated wristwatches in history and followed that up recently with the 2025 release of the Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication, complete with 41 complications.

No. 9 Breitling

Breitling sells around 178k watches per year and holds 2% of the market share, with the average watch costing around $7,500. Although Breitling watches don’t tend to hold their value as well as a Rolex, they do offer great value for money. The watchmaker was an expert in crafting pilot’s watches and pioneered some crucial developments for the chronograph mechanism, including the first chronograph pusher in 1815 and the second independent pusher in 1934. The innovations helped prevent accidental chronograph activation and helped develop the pathway to the modern sports watch as we know it today.

Most tool watch collectors and sports watch fans will have heard of the Navitimer and the Chronomat. The Navitimer was the ultimate pilot’s watch instrument when it launched in the 1950s.

It was equipped with the indispensable slide rule bezel for onboard calculations like descent rate, multiplication, and fuel consumption.

Meanwhile, the Chronomat remains one of the brand’s most covetable timepieces today, with distinctive rider tabs on the bezel and the special roll-like link bracelet designed exclusively for the collection.

No. 10 IWC

Many may be surprised to see the IWC name on this list of best watch brands, as it’s quite the underdog brand. However, the Schaffhausen-based brand has begun to realize the impact of social media and the power of the secondary market.

Over recent years, the brand has dedicated more focus toward making its own materials, just as many other brands have done, and it now takes up around 2% of market shares.

IWC specializes in robust, legible pilot watches and has developed case materials and designs that testify to their environments.

Its use of Ceratanium for its cases combines the lightweight materials of titanium with the scratch resistance of ceramic to provide an ultra-tough construction that IWC specialists have mastered adding color to.

In addition to its Pilot’s Watch collection, IWC is also loved for its more classic dress watches belonging to the Portugieser and Portofino series, not to mention its popular sports watch designed by Gerald Genta in the 1970s – the Ingenieur.

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Without even mentioning the designs, it’s worth knowing that Jaeger-LeCoultre has developed some of the world’s best movements in its near-on 200-year history.

The watchmaker is renowned for its innovative designs like the Reverso, with a case that could turn in on itself, and the Memovox – the world’s first alarm wristwatch. Above all, Jaeger-LeCoultre is synonymous with in-house design.

Every component of a watch made by this company has been developed in-house, giving connoisseurs that all-important feeling of exclusivity in a wristwatch. Today, the average price of a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch is around $8000, with more expensive timepieces reaching up to around $25,000.

From the early days, experts at Jaeger-LeCoultre began working hard to miniaturize intricate movements and adapt them to fit inside smaller wristwatch proportions.

The brand developed the first watch capable of measuring a micron with the Millionometre in 1844, followed by the first mechanical wrist alarm and a diver’s watch with an advanced escapement with the 1968 Polaris watch.

Conclusion

The watch market is an ever-changing climate, and any one design’s popularity is often driven by emotion. Still, some brands have built long-standing foundations on a solid reputation and have taken years to acquire a global fanbase, with brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Omega retaining their high-up position on the horological ladder.

Interestingly, all these brands are of Swiss origin. Yet German and Japanese brands are not far behind, but that’s for another time.

All these brands in this article deserve recognition and respect for their contribution to horology. But there is always room for a newcomer, too, which keeps the watch-collecting climate so exciting and unpredictable. You never quite know what’s coming next.

There are many watches out there that cover all kinds of crazy functions, designs, heritage, and, most certainly, price. Not everyone can afford luxury brands such as Rolex, Omega, and so on and not everyone wants to spend that kind of money on a watch.

There are no objectively right answers to this and that is why watches are such a fun hobby, or rabbit hole, to go deep into because there is always a right watch at the right price for anyone out there. 

Some people might be confused with quality and price, and think that you would have to spend a huge chunk of cash to only be able to obtain a quality watch. That is far from the truth. 

Whether you are just a student getting ready to venture out into the scary and intimidating adult world or you’re just someone who just wants a nice watch to impress your first date, we’ve got you covered. 

In this article, we are going to cover the 17 best watches for around $1,500 (prices might not be exactly $1,500, but we will do our best to include watches close to that price point) and will cover several different brands and also different styles. 

Things to know before you buy

There are several brands from several countries, such as Switzerland, Germany, and Japan. There are no objectively “better” quality watches from where the watch is made, it is purely up to the buyer’s preference of whether they prefer a Swiss or a Japanese watch by the design and movement. 

There are also different types of movement in this article, predominantly quartz and automatic watches. The main difference between the two is that quartz uses a battery to power the watch and requires a change of battery every two years or so. 

On the flip side, the watch will always run and will be much more accurate as compared to the automatic movement. However, for an automatic watch, everything is mechanical, and as long as you wear it on your wrist, the watch will run. There is a charm to that, especially for watch enthusiasts. 

Thus, it depends on the occasion that you’re planning to wear it. If you are wearing it during special occasions, quartz movements are more preferred as it will always run, and you do not have to worry about adjusting the time when it stops. Also, usually quartz watches are thinner and hide under your sleek cuffs on your special night out. 

If you want an everyday watch, automatic movements are preferred because as long as you wear it, the watch will always run, making it more reliable, and there is no headache of changing the battery every few years. 

Obviously, this is just a guide and not something that you have to follow. Be your own and choose whatever you wish, and I am sure you will enjoy the watch regardless. 

In this article, we will be separating into two sections: automatic watches and quartz watches.

Best Automatic Watches

In this section, Seiko arguably dominates this category because of its affordable price and in-house movements, made entirely in Japan since 1881. 

They also have one of the best price points with an automatic movement, as most automatic watches are usually slightly more expensive because of their complex nature of movement. There are also different “tiers” for Seiko, such as Seiko 5, Seiko, and Grand Seiko (which we will not cover in this topic due to the lack of budget). 

There are also other brands from Switzerland and Germany. They are also a great price for value as Swiss watches (especially) are always viewed as a more reputable and more expensive counterpart due to their long horology history and also strong heritage that Swiss watch brands have cemented.

Seiko Prospex SPB143

The SPB143 is well-known among the Seiko enthusiasts and is very well-loved around the world. It is reminiscent of the legendary 62MAS, the first dive watch ever released by Seiko, and it still maintains that similar look with stick markers and a flat cushion-styled stainless steel case. 

Powering this watch is the reliable and in-house automatic 6R35 movement with a power reserve of 70 hours. It is part of the Seiko Prospex line, which is more professional and aimed at divers. It has a water resistance of 200m, which is perfect for everyday wear or swimming. 

With a case size of 40.5mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 47.6mm made from entirely stainless steel, this watch would fit a medium to large sized wrist, suitable for most people out there. You can find the watch for $1,200 at authorized Seiko retailers such as Exquisite Timepieces.

Seiko Presage SPB495

The Presage collection from Seiko is part of their dressy line, which exudes class and elegance. The SPB495 pays homage to the first-ever pocket watch made by Seiko themselves back in 1895.

It has an extremely unique enamel dial which gives this porcelain-white look, giving it a high contrast with the deep blue hands and black Roman numerals. The entire dial is not only easy to read with the contrast but also very timeless looking. 

The watch is powered by the Caliber 6R5H, an automatic movement with 3 days power reserve. It also features a classy black cowhide strap made from leather, adding more dressy points to the watch.

The SPB495 features a 40mm stainless steel case and also an open case back where the wearers can enjoy the movement of the watch.

Usually, watches with an enamel dial come at an exorbitant price due to the highly complex process of creating the dial. But the SPB495 only comes in at $1,400, making it one of the most affordable watches with an enamel dial. 

Seiko Prospex SPB379

This is recently released by Seiko to introduce an extra GMT function to their very famous Alpinist line of watches. The original Alpinist was very popular among watch collectors as it features a quirky crown at 4 o’clock that is actually a crown that rotates the inner bezel, which is a compass. 

The SPB379 has a matte black dial with a striking and contrasting red second hour hand to show the second time zone. This makes the watch incredibly legible and has that field watch look to it. Powering the watch is the Caliber 6R54, a mechanical automatic movement that has an approximate power reserve of 72 hours.

Sizing of the watch is not too huge either with a case diameter of 39.5mm and a thickness of 13.6mm, suitable for most wrists out there. The SPB379 also has a 200m water resistance, perfect for everyday wear. 

As with most Seikos, it is very well priced at just $1,150.

King Seiko SPB283

The King Seiko was discontinued for a while but recently, Seiko has brought it back to life. The King Seiko fills the gap between Seiko and Grand Seiko, offering a good balance between luxury and relatively affordable prices. The SPB283 is no exception.

The SPB283 is one of the most versatile-looking watches that offer exceptional finishing on the sunburst black dial and a comfortable bracelet that is suitable for everyday wear and also dressier occasions. 

It also features one of the smallest dials in this list with a 37mm stainless case and 12.1mm thick. What makes it more unique than the others is the box-shaped sapphire crystal, offering an extra vintage look to improve legibility under direct sunlight. 

The movement of the watch is King Seiko’s mechanical automatic caliber 6R31 with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The retail price is slightly more than the price suggested in this list at $1,700.

Seiko Prospex SPB257 1970 Mechanical Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation

The list deserves something slightly more special and does not have that standard stainless steel-look case, and the SPB257 is perfect for that. The SPB257 uses an iconic cushion case shape that watch enthusiasts call this series of Seiko dive watches the Seiko Turtle. 

What makes the SPB257 unique is the black hard coating on the 42.7mm stainless steel case, giving that extra cool factor. The case size might look big, but it wears smaller than that due to its extremely short lug-to-lug distance of just 41.6mm.

The orange accents on the bezel and the minute hand give it a fascinating contrast and improve legibility, especially at night or under the sea. Completing the watch is the fabric strap that is made in Japan which is extra resistant to sunlight and prevents degradation over time. 

Powering the watch is the automatic Caliber 6R35 with a power reserve of 70 hours. The retail price for the SPB257 is $1,300. 

Seiko Presage SPB219

So far, we have mostly black dials and white dials, and I think a bit of color would not do any harm. Green is the new hyped-up color recently and it seems like every brand out there is introducing their own versions of green dials. 

Luckily, the SPB219 has one of the most striking and beautiful green dials on the market, especially at just $1,400. It has a striking deep emerald green along with sharp-edged patterns on the dial, also known as “Tokima” or evergreen trees.

As this is part of the Presage lineup, it looks slightly more to the dressy side but also has extra features such as a GMT function that has a 24-hour GMT painted in yellow, a power reserve indicator, and a date window. It also has an open case back where you can see the beautiful Caliber 6R64 29-jewel automatic movement and a power reserve of approximately 45 hours.

Longines Hydroconquest Black Dial Automatic

Our first Swiss watch entry is this list and it has to be a Longines. They offer amazing products at a very good price point, especially for Swiss-made watches. 

This Hydroconquest on this list is the older version of the current Hydroconquest line, but it is still an amazing watch, especially at just $1,375 (the newer ones are about $700 more). The Hydroconquest is Longines’ take on modern-style dive watches that feature bold numerals and very legible indices. 

It features a very distinctive black dial that improves legibility and also maintains its timeless looking design. It is powered by the Caliber L888, an automatic movement that has a power reserve of approximately 72 hours and a water resistance of up to 300m.

Longines Hydroconquest Black Dial Steel PVD Automatic

Although it’s 99% the same watch as the above, we thought it would be a great addition to the list as this features a yellow PVD coating on the stainless steel bracelet and also on the bezel, crown, indices, and hands. 

This is a great addition for someone who wants more of that vintage look and looks a bit more expensive and luxurious, offering that two-tone look. This is essentially a two-tone watch at a bargain, as most watches would include gold plated/solid gold to give that look. And it only costs a bit more than the standard Hydroconquest at $1,550.

Ball NM9050C-S1-BE Roadmaster Perseverer 40mm Blue Dial

Ball watches are often under the radar and are one of the most underrated Swiss watches in the current market. The Roadmaster is one of their entry-level watches that is perfect for everyday wear, but the finishing on the bracelet and the 40mm case is seamless. What I really like is the deep dark blue dial with contrasting white indices and just a pop of red that writes “Automatic” and the seconds hand. 

It has an integrated 904L stainless bracelet type of look that can easily be dressed up or down, offering lots of versatility for the wearer. Not only that, the 904L stainless steel is a unique alloy that offers exceptional corrosion resistance. Powering the watch is the automatic Caliber Ball RR1103, which features a date function. The watch comes in at a very respectable price of around $1,550.

Junghans Max Bill Automatic 027/3500.02

Our first German brand on this list and Junghans is the perfect brand at this price range. The Junghans Max Bill is one of the most minimalist looking watches but looks modern at the same time with its Arabic numerals. The Max Bill is mostly known for its Bauhaus design offering incredible legibility with an extremely clean white dial. 

The Junghans Max Bill is also extremely wearable, with a 38mm stainless steel case and a thickness of just 38mm. The watch also comes in a black calfskin strap that offers better comfort and extra casual points. 

Powering the Max Bill is the automatic Caliber J800.1 with a power reserve of 38 hours, and the price tag is $1,460.

Raymond Weil 2925-STC-80001 Millesime

Another new brand added to this list is the Swiss brand Raymond Weil. They have been manufacturing watches since the 70s and have always been making solid watches ever since. The Millesime collection offers a very simple design and has a sector dial look. It is made to pay homage to the heritage and the traditions of horology of this brand. 

We particularly picked this configuration that features a salmon dial, as it really brightens up the watch and gives it much more character. It also has two types of finishes on the bezel and case, offering an extra level of finishing. The watch comes in a case diameter of 39.5mm and just 9.25mm with a glassbox-type sapphire crystal. 

The watch has an open case back, and you can enjoy the RW4200 automatic movement from behind and you can see the unique and signature W-shaped oscillating weight. It is priced at $1,650.

Frederique Constant FC-303NB5B6 Index Automatic 40mm

Frederique Constant has slowly been on the rise for Swiss-made watches and is continuing to creep up the ranks. The classic index collection is Frederique Constant’s entry-level watches for men, featuring a simple black dial with contrasting black indices. 

This watch has a matte finish and provides a timeless aesthetic, making it perfect for everyday wear. Giving an extra bit of character is the calf leather with nubuck finishing and crocodile pattern for the strap to ensure great comfort and classiness.

The watch has a 40mm case and is powered by the automatic FC-303 with a power reserve of 38 hours. The Classic Index is priced at $1,195.

Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Automatic Blue Rubber ZO9270

If you’re after a super fun watch with bright colors and fun contrasted dials, Zodiac is the brand for you. Zodiac goes a long way back in 1882 and is also Swiss made. The Super Sea Wolf is one of their most popular and iconic dive watch collections, as it really stands out from the crowd.

The current selection features a super bright white dial and bezel with contrasting orange minute hand and minute track. This watch is perfect for those summer times at the beach or just taking a stroll in the city. It also features a wearable 40mm stainless steel case paired with a high-quality rubber strap and with a 200m water resistance. 

The Super Sea Wolf is powered by an automatic movement STP 1-11 and is priced at $1,295.

Squale 1521 Classic Blue Sand Blasted on Strap

Another bright and fun watch brand with a rich heritage and history that goes back to the 50s for making reliable dive watches is Squale. They have been creating and testing to manufacture the best of the best dive watch cases for a lot of big Swiss brands back in the day and now have created their own. 

The 1521 features a bright blue dial and bezel with a contrasting orange minute hand to improve legibility, especially under water. It also has the best water resistance on this list, with 500m, and is perfect for hardcore divers out there. 

The case diameter is 42mm, and uses the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement with a power reserve of 38 hours. Price of this watch is $1,040.

DOXA SUB 200T 804.10.351.10 Professional Iconic Dial

Continuing the list of fun looking dive watches, the Doxa Sub 200T is no doubt one of the most iconic Swiss dive watches out there at this price range. The striking orange dial, the sophisticated beaded bracelet, the stainless steel cushion case are what makes the Sub 200T, the Sub 200T. 

It is one of the most wearable dive watches on this list with a 39mm diameter and just at a thickness of 10.7mm. The unidirectional rotating bezel is also super unique with its integrated US Navy no-decompression limit table that describes the benchmark for a diver’s safety. 

It is equipped with a Swiss automatic movement that is decorated exclusively by Doxa with a power reserve of around 38 hours. It is priced at $1,590.

Best Quartz Watches

Longines L4.330.4.11.0 Elegant Collection Moonphase White Dial on Strap

Ladies watches should deserve some love too, and for all the ladies reading this blog, we got you covered.

The Longines Elegant collection is, as the name suggests, a super elegant looking dress watch that has a simple white dial and a moonphase at the 6 o’clock. This offers a bit of character with Roman numerals with some extra functionality such as the date as well. The watch comes in different strap colors too but in this example, we went for the light green colored strap to make the watch slightly more unique. 

The watch features a Quartz Caliber L296 in a 30mm case diameter and a thickness of just 8.5mm. And at its price point of $1,350, it’s the perfect date night watch!

Longines Dolcevita L5.255.4.71.6

Second entry to the ladies watches in this list is the ever-so classic Dolcevita. This watch is the first rectangular shaped stainless steel case, a case dimension of 20.8mm x 32mm, on this list as it was inspired by a model from the 1920s that offers better proportions and exudes class and elegance without losing its original identity. 

This classy watch features a Quartz Caliber L178 with roman numerals and a small seconds hand at 6 o’clock. What makes this watch super classy is its blue hands and silver, textual dial color that really shows off the elegance of the watch. The Dolce Vita also features a 5 link style bracelet for maximum comfort and versatility. 

As the name suggests Dolce Vita, also means “sweet life” in Italian, can be true for you at just $1,425.

Conclusion

As you can see on this list, you do not have to break the bank to buy a solid and reliable watch. Doesn’t matter if it’s Japanese or Swiss or German, every watch is different in their own way.

There is no perfect watch out there, only a watch that is perfect for you.

Rolex are Rolex. We all know them, so many of us love them, and it’s all for good reason. They’ve become the ultimate symbol of style, success, and craftsmanship, and that doesn’t change if you’re a die-hard collector or just someone who appreciates a great watch.

Why is Rolex so special? That’s not an easy question to answer in a few sentences. But they’ve somehow mastered the art of precision, durability, and timeless design, so timeless in fact that Rolex watches will effortlessly take you from an adventurous underwater situation to something formal in a boardroom.  

But with a successful history comes options, and with over a century under this Swiss watchmaker’s belt, there are many Rolex watches out there to consider.

You have the Submariner, the Daytona, the Datejust and so many more, each with their own set of unique characteristics and story. So how do you choose? Well a good place to start is right here, exploring some of the best Rolex watches of all time.

How To Choose the Right Rolex Watch For You?

Before we get into the best Rolex watches of all time, first take a moment to consider what you want in a watch. Because at the end of the day, the perfect Rolex isn’t just about picking the most popular model but about finding the one that best suits you.

There are a few key things to consider like budget, style, sizing, and design preferences. Rolex watches are an investment, and while prices vary, even the most affordable options come with several zeros on the price tag to make up for that craftsmanship and prestige.

It’s also worth noting that Rolex is a brand built on timeless design. Their DNA has changed very little over the decades, and rightly so because they nailed it from the start.

Most models exude a classic, enduring style that never goes out of fashion so if you want something overly bold and funky, a different brand might be a better option. Although don’t leave just yet, because Rolex do have a small handful of bold exceptions you’ll see later.  

It’s also true that different Rolex families are designed with specific environments in mind like the diving-inspired Submariner, the motorsport-driven Daytona, and the adventure-ready timepieces like the Explorer. But that doesn’t mean you need to be a diver to wear a Submariner, nor a motorsport enthusiast to rock a Daytona.

At the end of the day, choose the watch that speaks to you, offers the functionality you want, and has a style you’ll throw on effortlessly every day. The best Rolex for you is the one that brings you joy every time you glance at your wrist.

The 20 Best Rolex Watches of All Time

With so many iconic Rolex models out there, narrowing it down to the best of the best is no easy task. But that’s exactly what we’ve done here. Whether you’re into classic dress watches, legendary tool watches, or statement-making timepieces, we’re pretty confident there’s a Rolex watch down below that’s going to suit you.

Rolex Submariner

In the top spot, unsurprisingly, we have the Rolex Submariner. This isn’t just one of the best Rolex watches of all time, but it might just be one of the most important watches ever. Since its debut in 1953, the Submariner has shaped the entire world of dive watches and set the standard for what a luxury sports watch should be.

Its appeal is universal. The Sub has been on the wrists of explorers, divers, celebrities, and even James Bond cementing its place as a true icon. It’s rugged yet refined, designed for the deep sea but just as at home under a suit cuff. Over the decades, it has seen updates in materials, movements, and case proportions, but the core design remains as timeless as ever.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual

Before anything else, it’s important to clear up a common misconception. The words Oyster Perpetual appear on almost every Rolex, but here we’re talking about the actual watch model, not the technology behind it.

Oyster refers to Rolex’s famous waterproof case from 1926, while Perpetual represents the automatic movement introduced in 1931. Together, they make up the foundation of Rolex watchmaking.

The Oyster Perpetual itself is as classic as it gets. No date window and no complications; it’s just a clean, refined, and highly versatile design. For years, it was seen as a quiet classic rather than a headline grabber, but that changed in 2020.

New dial colors including vibrant turquoise and bright pink, along with a larger 41mm case option, has made it an instant favorite among collectors. The playful “Celebration” dial pushed things even further and has proved that Rolex can be bold when they want to be.

Rolex Explorer

When Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953, they carried a Rolex Oyster Perpetual with them. Inspired by this historic achievement, Rolex launched the Explorer later that year, cementing its place as the ultimate go-anywhere, do-anything watch.

Seventy years later, the Explorer remains largely unchanged and that’s exactly why people love it. The 36mm case, clean black dial, and bold 3-6-9 numerals make it one of the most versatile watches Rolex has ever created.

It’s sleek enough for the office yet rugged enough to withstand extreme conditions. The Rolex Explorer reference 1016, a model that has been produced for nearly three decades, remains one of the brand’s best-known cult favorites.

Rolex Explorer II

The Explorer II takes everything great about the original Explorer and dials up the adventure factor. While the Explorer I is all about simplicity, the Explorer II adds a bold, functional twist with a 24-hour hand and fixed bezel designed to help wearers distinguish between day and night.

But interestingly, the bezel doesn’t rotate, and in earlier versions, the 24-hour hand was linked to the main time, rather than independently adjustable so it’s not your standard GMT watch.

It’s a model ideal for cave explorers, polar adventurers, or anyone spending long periods in environments where the sun doesn’t rise or set. But let’s be honest not many people buying an Explorer II today are actually using it for spelunking.

What keeps this watch in high demand is its rugged, sporty design, larger case size, and that eye-catching orange hand, which gives it just the right amount of flair.

Rolex GMT-Master

The Rolex GMT-Master isn’t just a sharp-looking watch that’s also a large part of Rolex’s aviation history. Back in the 1950s, when long-haul flights were becoming a reality, Pan Am needed a timepiece that could track two time zones at once for its pilots. Rolex delivered, and in 1955, the GMT-Master was born, complete with a 24-hour bezel and an extra hour hand to track a second time zone.

The first-ever ref. 6542 came with a fragile Bakelite bezel, which Rolex quickly swapped for aluminum. By 1959, the legendary ref. 1675 arrived, bringing a larger 40mm case, crown guards, and the first COSC-certified movement in the series.

The GMT-Master I is no longer in production, but it remains highly sought-after, especially classics like the ref. 1675, which has been a collector’s favorite – albeit an expensive favorite – for many years.

Rolex GMT-Master II

The Rolex GMT-Master II took everything great about the original GMT-Master and made it even better. While the first GMT-Master is now discontinued, the GMT-Master II remains in production, proving just how popular and enduring this model is.

At first glance, the two watches look nearly identical, but the biggest upgrade came in 1983 when Rolex introduced a movement that allowed the 24-hour hand to be set independently from the main hour hand.

This simple tweak meant wearers could now track three time zones instead of two, one on the main dial, another with the 24-hour hand, and a third by rotating the bezel. It’s still one of Rolex’s hottest and hardest-to-get watches, especially in stainless steel, while older, discontinued versions offer great investment potential.

Rolex Datejust

The Rolex Datejust might not be the flashiest watch in the lineup, but it’s the backbone of Rolex’s success and one of the most instantly recognizable timepieces ever made. It debuted in 1945 to celebrate Rolex’s 40th anniversary and became the world’s first watch with a self-changing date window, setting the standard for modern date complications. It also brought us the Jubilee bracelet, an alternative to the sportier Oyster bracelet that adds a little extra refinement to the mix.

For many, the Datejust is their first Rolex since it’s the perfect blend of affordability, versatility and history. And while it may not grab headlines like the Explorer or Submariner, its everlasting appeal keeps it firmly at the heart of Rolex’s catalog proving that sometimes, the classics never go out of style.

Rolex Lady Datejust

Some of you might think this one’s a bit high on the list, but hear me out. The Lady-Datejust absolutely deserves its spot. As mentioned above, the classic Datejust has been a Rolex staple since 1945, and just over a decade later, in 1957, Rolex introduced a version tailored specifically for women.

Same iconic design, just in a more compact size. And while it might not get the same hype as some of Rolex’s better known sports models, by volume, it outsells many of them.

The Lady-Datejust keeps everything that made the original great like the Oyster case for water resistance, the self-winding movement, and that signature date window at 3 o’clock.

It just offered a much more compact design for those with smaller wrists. It’s a collection that also offers insane levels of variety with the case available in every metal finish, from Oystersteel to Everose gold, platinum, and even two-tone Rolesor models.

Rolex Day-Date

If this list were purely based on dream watches, the Rolex Day-Date would be sitting right at the top for me. There’s just something about it. It has the perfect blend of luxury, prestige, and practicality. It’s not quite a sports watch, but it’s not strictly a dress watch either.

The Day-Date made history when it launched in 1956 as the first watch to display both the date and the full day of the week. It also arrived with the legendary President bracelet, which debuted on this model and went on to earn the watch its famous “Rolex President” nickname. That nickname was also cemented by U.S. Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, JFK (rumored, at least) and Ronald Reagan who had their own.

Rolex Daytona

The Rolex Daytona is the only chronograph in the Swiss watchmaker’s lineup and has become a symbol of the brand’s deep-rooted connection to motorsports. Since its debut in 1963, the Daytona has gone from a tool for race car drivers to one of the most coveted, valuable, and recognizable watches in the world.

If there’s one watch that defines vintage collecting, it’s the Paul Newman Daytona, a version of the ref. 6239 with an exotic dial that became legendary thanks to the actor and racing enthusiast himself. His personal watch sold for $17.8 million in 2017, setting the record for the most expensive vintage wristwatch ever sold.

That moment single-handedly launched the Daytona into another stratosphere of desirability. But even beyond vintage models, the modern Daytona is a grail piece for many collectors. Try walking into a Rolex boutique and asking for one and  you’ll be met with years-long waitlists or a hefty price tag on the pre-owned market.

Rolex Perpetual 1908

The Rolex Perpetual 1908 launched in 2023 and quickly became Rolex’s answer to those seeking a sophisticated, dressier timepiece. With its sleek 18k yellow or white gold cases and minimalist black or white dials, it filled the gap left by the discontinued Cellini collection.

The watch features a subtle railroad track printing, applied markers, and Breguet-style hands, blending modern design with vintage elegance.

In 2024, Rolex introduced a platinum version with a stunning “rice-grain” guilloché pattern and a cool icy-blue dial, taking the Perpetual 1908 to new heights of luxury. Still young, this collection shows promise as one of Rolex’s most refined dress watches in years, offering an elegant balance of classic charm and modern precision.

Rolex Yacht-Master

The Rolex Yacht-Master, introduced in 1992, is another of Rolex’s well known sports watches. Designed with the boating community in mind, hence the name, it combines a sleek, diver-inspired aesthetic with high-end materials like gold and mother-of-pearl. Initially crafted from 18k yellow gold, it soon expanded to include a variety of metals and sizes, giving it widespread appeal among collectors.

Rolex’s Yacht-Master II came later, launching in 2007 and elevated the design with an additional regatta timer designed specifically for competitive sailing. It’s a Rolex all about precision and timing, making it a tool for sailors rather than casual enthusiasts. Although of course, you don’t have to be on board a boat to appreciate its design.

Rolex Sea-Dweller

While the Submariner is a great everyday dive watch, the Rolex Sea-Dweller is built for those who truly want to push the limits of underwater exploration. Introduced in 1967 for saturation divers, it offers more than triple the water resistance of the Submariner and features a helium escape valve to prevent crystal issues during decompression.

The most popular Sea-Dweller is without doubt the Deepsea reference worn by James Cameron during his Mariana Trench dive. It’s a watch with an astonishing 3,900 meter water resistance. Modern-day references continue to be a symbol of technical achievement and durability, whether it’s the larger 43mm case in 2017 or the luxurious Yellow Rolesor Sea-Dweller which joined in 2019.

Rolex Air-King

The Rolex Air-King, introduced in 1945 to honor RAF pilots from WWII, is one of the longest-running models in Rolex’s catalog. Initially a dress watch, it has evolved into a more rugged, professional tool watch. The modern version, revamped in 2022, features a 40mm case and a dial inspired by cockpit instruments, giving it a distinctive, utilitarian feel.

The Air-King’s legacy includes a variety of design updates over the years, from engine-turned bezels to concentric dials, but the most recent version seems to have struck the right balance. With its understated elegance, green accents, and aviation roots, it’s a watch that offers both historical significance and a unique place within Rolex’s professional tool watch lineup.

Rolex Cellini

The Rolex Cellini line sadly no longer exists, debuting in 1968 as the brand’s attempt to enter the world of luxury dress watches – something which was far removed from their tool-watch reputation. The Cellini was crafted with refined designs, precious metals, and sometimes even gemstones, making it the perfect choice for black-tie occasions. It was also pivotal in helping Rolex shift its brand identity, with a focus on luxury as much as functionality.

While the Cellini may not have received the same widespread affection as Rolex’s sportier models, it was an essential piece in the brand’s collection. Named after the Italian goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini, the line highlighted impeccable craftsmanship and elegance. The Cellini was also favoured by influential figures like former President Barack Obama, cementing its place as a symbol of understated luxury. Sadly, this historic line has come to an end, leaving behind the aforementioned Rolex 1908.

Rolex King Midas

The Rolex King Midas is undoubtedly one of the brand’s boldest and most unique creations. Released in 1964, this asymmetrical, 18k gold watch was designed by Gérald Genta (the very man behind the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus) and became the heaviest gold watch of its time.

With its chunky bracelet, crafted from a single block of gold, and its unconventional urn-shaped case, the King Midas was both a luxury piece and a statement of artistic design.

For a while, it was also the most expensive Rolex available and its exclusivity was underscored by its limited edition status. Famous owners like Elvis Presley and John Wayne continued to cement its value. The King Midas was eventually absorbed into the Cellini line and was later discontinued but it still remains one of Rolex’s most intriguing and rare models.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss was introduced in 1956 to cater to professionals working in environments with strong electromagnetic fields, like scientists, engineers, and doctors. Before its release, traditional watches would lose accuracy in high magnetic fields, but the Milgauss was designed to resist up to 1,000 gauss which was a significant breakthrough in horology at this time.

Initially tested at CERN, the watch quickly became a vital tool for those in the scientific community with its most distinctive feature being the lightning-bolt second hand, a nod to its scientific roots.

The Milgauss had a brief early history with models like the ref. 6541 and ref. 1019, and was later revived in 2007, with the most recent version featuring a unique green-tinted crystal. But it was discontinued again in 2023, and thus remains a rarity, making it a popular one with collectors.

Rolex Oysterquartz

The Rolex Oysterquartz was Rolex’s entry into the quartz revolution during the 1970s, a period marked by the rise of electronic timekeeping. Rolex spent five years developing its own quartz movement, and the result was a luxury watch that combined Rolex’s precision with the new-age technology of quartz.

Produced from 1977 to the early 2000s, the Oysterquartz is a quintessentially ’70s piece, featuring angular cases and integrated bracelets, reminiscent of the era’s design trends seen in watches like the Royal Oak and Nautilus.

The Oysterquartz was available in two main lines, the Datejust and Day-Date, with cases typically measuring 36mm. Despite being produced for 25 years, fewer than 25,000 Oysterquartz watches were ever made, making them relatively rare compared to Rolex’s other offerings.

While often overlooked today, the Oysterquartz remains a fascinating chapter in Rolex’s history, showcasing their commitment to innovation during a pivotal time in the watch industry.

Rolex Prince

The Rolex Prince is perhaps one of the brand’s most unexpected models, and it offers an intriguing glimpse into Rolex’s early innovation.

Introduced in 1928, the Prince was a rectangular watch with a distinct Art Deco design, and while it was intended for elegant, black-tie occasions, it became particularly popular with a specific group of professionals: doctors.

The Prince featured a seconds sub-dial that allowed medical professionals to measure a patient’s heartbeat, making it an unusual but highly practical tool for healthcare.

The original Rolex Prince was discontinued in 1940, but Rolex revived it in 2005 as part of the Cellini collection, before retiring it again in 2015. It’s definitely not the most famous Rolex watch, but it’s a fascinating example of a model built for function and style, and still an important piece of Rolex history.

Rolex Sky-Dweller

The Rolex Sky-Dweller, introduced in 2012, was designed to compete with luxury travel watches like the GMT-Master but with a more sophisticated, flashy twist.

While the GMT-Master catered to pilots, the Sky-Dweller was aimed at high-end travelers, offering a stylish 42mm case, mostly in precious metals like gold. It was a departure for Rolex, as it didn’t have a rich historical lineage to draw from, allowing the brand to create a completely new design.

Some of its most notable features include the Ring Command bezel which allows the wearer to adjust the month, date, and two time zones easily and the annual calendar and GMT complications.

It feels like Rolex is still writing its history on this one, since it’s still relatively new to their portfolio compared to so many of their other references, so who knows where its popularity will go.

Rolex Pearlmaster

The Rolex Pearlmaster was introduced in 1992 as the brand’s ultra-luxury, diamond-adorned variation of the Datejust. Exclusively crafted in precious metals, it featured an eye-catching, opulent design with a mirror-polished case and bracelet, adorned with at least 12 diamonds or gemstones.

It was initially offered in smaller sizes of 29mm and 34mm before eventually including some 34mm and 39mm versions.

This is a Rolex that was never a mainstream hit but garnered attention for its extravagant nature, appealing mostly to celebrities and the ultra-wealthy who appreciated its high jewelry aesthetic. For 30 years, the Pearlmaster stood as Rolex’s most flamboyant offering, with its bling-filled design eventually being integrated into other Rolex models.

It was eventually discontinued in 2022 but continues to live on as a symbol of Rolex’s brief flirtation with ultra-flashy, gemstone-studded timepieces.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual True Beat

Finally, we have the Rolex Tru-Beat. This is a watch introduced in 1954 and is something of a fascinating anomaly in watchmaking history. Featuring a “deadbeat” seconds hand, it ticks once per second, just like a quartz watch, but with the mechanical precision Rolex is known for. This rare complication was designed specifically for medical professionals to measure a patient’s pulse rate more easily.

The Tru-Beat’s mechanism was incredibly complex, as it had to slow down the usual sweeping motion of a mechanical movement to advance the seconds hand just once every tick. Despite its innovative design, the Tru-Beat was a niche product with limited appeal, and Rolex only produced it for five years. Consequently, the Tru-Beat is one of the rarest Rolex models, often commanding high prices when found at auction.

Conclusion

With so many incredible Rolex models out there, each offering something different from the next, choosing the right one can feel like an impossible task. Some models have been discontinued and are now only available on the second hand market, while others are so in demand that the waiting lists stretch for years.

But at the end of the day, the best Rolex isn’t just about rarity or price but about what speaks to you. Whether you’re drawn to a classic design like the Datejust, the rugged appeal of the Explorer, or the prestige of a Daytona, the best Rolex is the one that fits your style and lifestyle. Find the one that tickles your wrist in just the right way, then go out and make it yours. It won’t be cheap, but it’ll be worth it.