More than accessories, the most refined luxury watches don’t just mark time. These prestigious jewels are born from the technical expertise of the great watchmaking houses and carry a heritage, so dear to fine connoisseurs. If craft lovers are on the lookout for the best men’s suit workshops in Paris , the most elegant luxury watch brands also continue to make them dream.
THE CRITERIA OF ELEGANCE IN WATCHMAKING
Elegance in watchmaking is based on the happy marriage of refined aesthetics and renowned watchmaking tradition . The most cutting-edge techniques combine with timeless design and exceptional precious materials.
The most elegant luxury watches arouse a wide range of emotions, both among their happy owners and among those who wish to acquire one. It must be said that the refinement of such a piece of jewelry goes beyond its functionality, with the promise of wearing a true piece of art around the wrist.
Luxury watchmaking represents the quintessence of sophistication, through its technical and aesthetic aspects.
- The design is balanced, with pure lines, harmony of form and subtlety of details.
- The mechanism is distinguished by its precision and the fluidity of its movement.
- The most precious materials , such as gold or steel, contribute to the discreet luxury and high quality of the watch.
- The finishes demonstrate exceptional know-how and numerous Artistic Crafts are used to achieve watchmaking refinement.
THE 12 MOST ELEGANT LUXURY WATCHES
From the most classic watches to the most innovative, luxury watchmaking creates jewelry of the height of refinement, at all prices. Models from the most elegant brands have become iconic over the decades.
CLASSIC AND TIMELESS WATCHES
Classic and timeless luxury watches span the ages. Through their design and clean lines, these collector’s items transcend trends.
- Cartier Tank Solo . With its rectangular design inspired by military tanks, its Roman numerals and its beaded crown with blue cabochon, the Tank Solo has been an iconic watch from Cartier since 1917. It meets the expectations of both men and women looking for a watchmaking jewel with a timeless style.
- Patek Philippe Calatrava. The Calatrava remains one of the most popular luxury watches among collectors. Influenced by the German Bauhaus art school, its aesthetic is distinguished by the balance of its dial, the elegance of its hands and its perfect finishes. Its minimalism embodies the refinement of Swiss luxury watchmaking.
- Vacheron Constantin Triple Calendar 1942 . Inspired by the iconic Triple Calendar from 1942, this reissue pays homage to the brand’s emblematic models. This high-end steel watch, with a retro-chic look, includes a complete calendar, with date hand, day and month window.
WATCHES WITH HOROLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS
Watches with horological complications present complex functionalities which seduce with their technicality and honor the art of watchmaking.
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso . Launched in 1931, the Reverso marked a turning point in Swiss watchmaking innovation. Its reversible case protects the dial once turned over. The main part of the watch now lends itself to personalization thanks to engraving.
- Franck Muller Sovereign Chronometer . A symbol of watchmaking perfection, the Chronométrie Souverain stands out for its unique design, with its gold or steel case in the shape of a barrel. Its dial features many complexities, including an off-center second and a power reserve displayed at 12 o’clock.
- Breguet Classique Extra Flat. With its extra-flat case and ultra-thin mechanical movement, this great classic from the Breguet watch manufacture sits discreetly around the wrist. Its dial is recognizable between 1,000 thanks to its famous guilloché pattern, so emblematic.
WATCHES COMBINING INNOVATION AND CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
In the world of luxury watchmaking, high-end watches combining innovation and contemporary design push the boundaries, while integrating innovative materials.
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore . An evolution of the classic Royal Oak, the Swiss watchmaking house merges contemporary aesthetics and innovations in the Royal Oak Offshore, while integrating innovative materials such as ceramic. The Grande Complication and Chronograph models allow you to respectively observe the movement of the mechanism and benefit from a chronograph with Flyback function.
- Omega Ville Prestige Coaxial . Reliable and versatile, this luxury watch is well known among enthusiasts for its revolutionary Omega Coaxial movement, characterized by its increased chronometric precision and durability. Its leather or steel bracelet, as well as its dial, have impeccable finishes.
- Lange & Sohne Saxonia . Made in Saxony, the Saxonia combines refined design and mechanical perfection: in-house caliber L941.1 from 2015, traditional screw balance, 3/4 plate in nickel silver.
TECHNICAL AND HIGH-PERFORMANCE WATCHES
Technical and high-performance luxury watch brands stand out for their design and watchmaking complications, as demonstrated by Seiko, Parmigiani Fleurier and Girard Perregaux.
- Seiko SDGK007 . This model highlights Japanese watchmaking. The back of its case reveals refined finishes and its stainless steel dial offers incomparable water resistance. Its automatic movement provides reliable precision and a significant power reserve.
- Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 . This model embodies harmony and balance. Its round, resolutely modern case presents an elegant aesthetic on the wrist. Equipped with an ultra-thin automatic movement, caliber PF701, the Tonda 1950 offers remarkable precision which reflects the exceptional know-how of Parmigiani Fleurier.
- Girard Perregaux Double Spiral Tourbillon . Its particularity lies in its sophisticated watch mechanisms. Its tourbillon improves the precision of the timepiece and its double spiral allows for increased precision of the movement. Its case, most often in gold, has an elegant design, revealing the complex movement through a transparent dial.
HOW TO CHOOSE AN ELEGANT LUXURY WATCH?
Choosing an elegant luxury watch remains a personal decision, which gives food for thought. To select the perfect watch, rely on the following 3 criteria:
- Consider your personal style so that the aesthetic details of the watch match your look: materials, colors, leather or steel strap, case shape, dial and hands design.
- Consider the primary use of the watch . Will you wear it every day or to more formal events? Which watch complications could meet your needs?
- Establish the budget you want to invest because some prices can skyrocket. Turn to the small world of watchmaking and auctions in Paris.
Finally, an investor’s approach can also determine the choice of a watch. Brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Omega, Cartier and Richard Mille increase in value over time. Certain collections are therefore of real interest to an investor . So, never lose sight of the value and resale price of a high-end watch. Find out about the different models.
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An elegant watch is both an object of pleasure and a winning investment. By taking the time to consider the 12 brands of luxury watches that we have presented to you, you are sure to treat yourself to the watch jewelry that suits you!