No matter the season, there’s one accessory that will continue to be appropriate for any event – a well-made, luxury timepiece. But like so many other things, the niche world of watches is one that may be daunting for you to enter. You have different movements to consider, tricky vocabulary to master and a whole world of vintage collectables with seemingly higher price tags to navigate. So where do we start looking for a style and fit that’s worth our investment? Keep reading for our top picks of the best timeless brands worth investing in.

ROLEX

No surprises here, up there with one of the most well known and trusted luxury brands is Rolex. Founded in London dating back to 1905, founder Hans Wilsdorf foresaw and designed wristwatches that were precise and reliable ahead of the times. Rolex’s are continuously a hot commodity with their value most often than not increasing in value year on year.

Shop Rolex

CARTIER 

From humble beginnings in 1847, Louis-François Cartier an apprentice at the time purchased his mentor’s small Parisian store, now the brand is well known for their cult status timepieces and jewellery. Favoured amongst A-listers, Cartier is the ultimate fashion statement with their pieces seeing minimal change proving a timeless investment.

Shop Cartier

HUBLOT

Instantly recognisable and strikingly unique timepieces, Hublot’s groundbreaking designs often combine metals, rubber and leather. Founded in 1980 by Italian entrepreneur Carlo Crocco, Hublot is revelatory and transgressive (like sneakers and a summer dress). The brand’s special and limited edition pieces are some of the most globally prized watches.

Shop Hublot

PIAGET

Piaget, founded by Georges-Édouard Piaget in 1874 was a favourite of Jackie Kennedy. The Swiss brand is renowned for its movements and luxury watches, oftentimes the holder of the prize for the thinnest watch (a mechanical feat) which still holds true for their watches that are demure with a touch of glamour.

Shop Piaget

LONGINES

Founded in 1832, the almost two hundred-year-old Swiss watchmaking brand Longines offers everything that a top-tier Swiss watchmaker should, the heritage, the movements all at an attainable price point. But it wasn’t until 1913 that they started making wristwatches offering equally petite, vintage and chunky styles.

Shop Longines

Audemars Piguet

Born in the centre of Switzerland’s high-end watchmaking region in 1875. Audemars Piguet is functional, flashy with all the glamour of a luxurious watch house. Expect year-long waiting lists for this brand’s watches, particularly the Royal Oak holding a class of it’s own.

Shop Audemars Piguet

PATEK PHILIPPE

It was in 1839 that the beginning of a tradition that is a Patek Philippe heirloom was born. With pieces retaining their value so well, it is well known that you never really own a Patek Philippe but merely look after it for the next generation. With price tags that could send your three children to uni, these watches are really worth their weight in gold.

Shop Patek Philippe

Vacheron Constantin

A family business that was founded by watchmaker Jean-Marc Vacheron in 1755, produces high-quality pocket watches for nobles and kings like Louis XIV, Czar Alexander II and the Czarina, the Maharajah of Patiala and even the King of Egypt in 1926. Holding the same high-quality standards till today, Vacheron Constantin continues to produce exceptional movements with painstaking detail.

Shop Vacheron Constantin

Omega

Refined, classic and sporty options are what this brand does best. From the official timekeeper of the Olympics and worn by the likes of A-listers such as Nicole Kidman, Alessandra Ambrosio and Daniel Craig – you can’t go wrong with a Constellation or the classic Speedmaster.

Shop Omega

Franck Muller

Synonymous with the whimsicality of Alice in Wonderland thanks to his Crazy Hours watch – the namesake brand Franck Muller broke boundaries with unconventional designs that are rebellious but genius. Franck Muller watches are defined as one of the finest and most complicated movements coming out of Geneva and it’s not hard to why.

Shop Franck Muller

Tag Heuer

Largely thought of as the premier sports watchmaker – the luxury timepiece company was founded in Switzerland like most elite watch brands in 1860. With a particular affinity to race car driving, this brand has been trackside at the majority of motorsports events and most of their watches celebrate this legacy in one way or another.

Shop Tag Heuer

Tissot

Swiss-made, old school mechanics and without the sticker shock of the other brands listed above – look no further than Tissot. Whatever your style, you’re likely to find something you want at a great entry price point without sacrificing the quality and craftsmanship.

Shop Tissot