Popular watch brands such as Rolex, Omega, Breitling and the like are out of the question for you? Are you more interested in non-mainstream watch brands that you won’t spot on every wrist? Then this article is just the thing for you: we’re showing you three of the most exciting brands for connoisseurs who want something different on their wrist.
What do I mean by watch brands for connoisseurs?
I call watch brands for connoisseurs watch manufacturers that are well known to watch enthusiasts, are hardly noticed in the mainstream, and don’t enjoy the same status as extremely popular brands such as Rolex, Omega, or Breitling. However, not only general manufacturer awareness plays a role here. Brands that are out of the ordinary in terms of design can also be watch brands for connoisseurs, as enthusiasts with a range of well-known watches tend to be more open to new things. In this article, I’ll show you three manufacturers that I think are perfect for connoisseurs. Spoiler alert: The last of the three watch brands is a highly controversial luxury watch manufacturer that is nevertheless – or precisely because of this – predestined for connoisseurs.
The Watchmaker of Watchmakers: Jaeger-LeCoultre
Jaeger-LeCoultre may be a household name for watch enthusiasts, but this watch brand is virtually unknown to the general public. Even across the watch landscape, this traditional brand is rarely mentioned in comparison to other watchmakers. Is this because its name is difficult to pronounce? The wrong marketing? Or maybe the design language of these watches? Even if I don’t have the answers to all these questions, I can tell you one thing with certainty: Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the most exciting and interesting watch brands the watch world has ever seen. The manufacturer, which has been in existence since 1833, has been responsible for some of the greatest innovations in the industry. No coincidence therefore that it’s known as the watchmaker’s watchmaker: For decades, the Swiss watchmaker supplied movements to premium watch brands such as Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and Cartier. But the company’s own timepieces are also impressive and among the most beautiful models that the watch industry currently has to offer. While the Master Control collection offers understated, elegant dress watches, the Polaris collection will be of interest to all fans of sports watches. However, the Swiss manufacturer’s most famous and legendary model is probably the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. This rectangular Art Deco timepiece is and remains one of the most iconic watches of all time. A unique feature is its eponymous reversible case, which was originally designed for polo players to protect the watch from impacts and damage during play. Today, this feature is used to add a second dial, for example, or to reveal the timepiece’s movement. Jaeger-LeCoultre is a great watch brand that connoisseurs and enthusiasts should definitely take a closer look at.
Unique Dials In A Class of Their Own: Grand Seiko
Grand Seiko is another household name among watch connoisseurs. For the general public, however, the Japanese watch brand causes confusion from time to time. After all, the Seiko brand is primarily known for affordable mechanical watches starting at around $100. Grand Seiko could be described as the luxury version of Seiko. Depending on whether it houses a quartz, Hi-Beat automatic, or a Spring Drive movement, these watches are priced from anywhere between $2,000 to $10,000, and even more. One of Grand Seiko’s finest accomplishments is its unique Spring Drive technology, which combines the advantages of quartz and mechanical movements. The brand is also known for its unique dials, the likes of which you won’t see anywhere else in the watch world. One of the most popular watch models from Grand Seiko is the so-called “Snowflake” from its Heritage collection. This 41 mm all-rounder has a timeless design, features a Spring Drive movement, and is best known for its eponymous dial with its snowflake structure. The Grand Seiko “Snowflake” is the perfect everyday watch for anyone who’s looking for something different from the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Rolex Datejust, or Omega Aqua Terra.
Loved and Hated: Hublot
Hublot as a watch brand for connoisseurs is pretty controversial. After all, the luxury watch manufacturer is often criticized by the watch community for incorporating sourced movements into its watches. Their designs also aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Objectively speaking, however, Hublot does exactly what many watch fans want, with designs that are refreshingly different and stand out from the crowd. The manufacturer is not afraid to try out new things. Hublot is not only creative in its design, but also in its selected materials. And with its Unico movement, Hublot delivers a proprietary caliber. From a design point of view, the Hublot Classic Fusion is one of the most beautiful watches of our time. The sporty all-rounder is closely based on the original from 1980, and has hardly changed since then apart from its 42-mm size and titanium case. This watch was way ahead of its time back in the day: While a rubber strap on a sports watch is the norm these days, it was unimaginable in the 80s. In my opinion, the Hublot Classic Fusion is not only their most important model, but also the perfect introduction to the world of watch brands. This design icon can be yours for less than $5,000. Regardless of whether you’re a Hublot basher or believer, this is an exciting, creative watch brand that is particularly interesting for connoisseurs.
