What are the top ten famous watches at home and abroad?

The top 10 famous watches in the world

The top 10 famous watches in the world all have noble blood, prominent status, glorious history, and expensive price. The price is more than 6 digits in RMB, which is similar to the price of a mid-range sedan in China. The outstanding contributions they have made in the history of their respective watch development can be regarded as the pinnacle of human mechanical manufacturing wisdom.

First place:

Patek Philippe: the symbol of nobility

Original model

Patek Philippe’s superb manufacturing technology, Created many top brand watches. In 1927, in response to an order from American automobile magnate Bogarde, the company produced a reed watch that could play his mother's favorite lullaby. It was worth 8,300 Swiss francs at the time. At the request of Greaves, a great collector in New York, Patek Philippe used 5 years from 1928 to 1933 to create a bag watch with time difference and astrological charts. Its exquisiteness has set a milestone in the history of watches. In 1985, Patek Philippe produced the 940 model multi-function watch, which had functions such as fully automatic, calendar, moon phase, leap month, and automatic sun jump. The thickness of the body was only 3.75 mm, making it the thinnest watch of its kind.

Forge ahead

In order to achieve further development, Patek Philippe officially issued the "Patek Philippe International Magazine" in October 1996, with six editions in English, French, Japanese, Chinese, German and Italian. It is published in two languages ??and strives to attract customers and enhance the corporate image through the content of the magazine. All these prove that Patek Philippe's business philosophy of constantly pursuing innovation and change has made this century-old factory still full of vitality and vitality.

Exquisite craftsmanship

In terms of watch technology, Patek Philippe has always been in a leading position and holds several patents. Since 1851, when Patek Philippe received its first "rotating handle winding" patent, major patented projects include precision regulators, dual timers, large spiral balance wheels, peripheral self-winding rotors, and related balances. Wheel axle center device, etc. In the 30 years from 1949 to 1979 alone, there were 40 patents, the most on the list.

Weishi Famous Products

Patek Philippe has strict restrictions on the production of watches, and each model will not exceed 10,000 pieces. Nearly a century and a half since the company was founded, its total output is only 600,000 pieces. High-quality products and limited editions make Patek Philippe watches extremely valuable. In 1989, a commemorative watch produced to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Patek's founding had quadrupled in value by the early 1990s. A platinum diamond-encrusted sun, moon and star men's perpetual calendar watch produced by the company in 1953 was purchased by a European buyer for HK$5.3 million at the '97 spring auction in Hong Kong, breaking the highest price ever paid for a perpetual calendar watch in Asia. Two records for the highest price for a watch at auction.

Compatibility of modernity and tradition

At present, Patek Philippe is still the only manufacturer in the world that adopts manual refining and can complete all watchmaking processes in the original factory, and adheres to the traditional craftsmanship of watches. The Swiss watch industry calls this traditional manufacturing technique the "7 Traditional Watchmaking Techniques of Geneva", which means it combines the traditional techniques of designers, watchmakers, goldsmiths, watch chain makers, sculptors, porcelain painters and lapidaries. Patek Philippe firmly believes that the watches produced by the skillful hands of such masters of craftsmanship are unique art treasures, and this is the most proud feature of Patek Philippe watches. In order to break through tradition and create a more ideal working environment, Mr. Philippe Stone, the current president and managing director of Patek Philippe, began planning and building a new factory in 1988 in order to "combine Patek Philippe's unique craftsmanship and technology." Under one roof”. After the new factory was completed and opened, it became a complete "finished watch" factory. An old castle next to the factory was renovated into a private collection museum in Geneva.

Second place:

Vacheron Constantin: a noble work of art

Unique and extraordinary design

Vacheron Constantin is world-famous for its craftsmanship , specializing in the manufacture of complex mechanical watches. Take Saltarello, a new watch in the Les Complications series, as an example. The transparent crystal on the bottom of the watch allows the wearer to appreciate the dynamic beauty of mechanical operation. Due to the high production requirements, this famous watch is issued in limited edition. The design of Jumpinghour is even more exquisite. It displays the time in a 12 o'clock window and the minutes in a semicircle. It is called a jumping hour watch and is very rare.

The master’s consideration, the test of time

The Tourbillon watch series is another masterpiece of Vacheron Constantin. The sophisticated, elegant and unique power reserve display, which can be appreciated through the crystal sapphire surface, fully demonstrates the profound mystery of the movement of time. The classic Torbiland perfectly reproduces Vacheron Constantin's motto: perfection is everything. Exquisite craftsmanship has laid the foundation for Vacheron Constantin's creation and production principles. Because of this, every finished product of Vacheron Constantin needs to be tempered for several years, and every scale reflects the master's meticulous craftsmanship.

Third place:

Audemars Pigeu (Audemars Pigeut): Adhering to a century-old tradition

All diamonds used in Audemars Piguet watches are strictly selected , both color and clarity are of the highest quality, truly perfect. Then they are carefully set by experienced jewelry craftsmen to show your extraordinary charm and elegance while accurately controlling the time.

Audemars Piguet engraves the name of the manufacturer on the back of each watch to show its responsibility and guarantee. In order to maintain Switzerland’s reputation as a kingdom of watches, it has set up watch schools in Switzerland to cultivate the needs of the watch industry. Watch talents. An apprentice must first complete a four-year course in a watch school before he can qualify as a qualified watchmaker. However, if he wants to become a master of an Audemars Piguet watch factory, he must spend an additional two years. Qualified to be assigned to work in the ultra-thin machinery department. The Audemars Piguet watch factory adheres to the tradition of making watches with the hands of master craftsmen. Audemars Piguet's after-sales service is quite famous among famous watch manufacturers in the world. The parts have been out of production for 20 years. As long as the manufacturing data is available, the Audemars Piguet watch factory can still repair it for customers to achieve the purpose of ensuring quality for generations.

Fourth place:

Breguet: 200 Years of Eternal Light

A.L. Breguet has many major inventions, but the one that has had the greatest impact on the watch industry is the tourbillon.

Today, due to the way it is used. Due to changes in manufacturing materials and the development of speed control devices, the tourbillon has an inestimable advantage in providing the most accurate time. However, its inspiration for post-degeneration thinking will always remain unparalleled.

For a long time, people have deliberately sought to synchronize the machine with the rotating star to achieve the same running time. However, Master Breguet saw the reaction effect of the gravity of the earth's rotation, which caused the balance wheel to balance. The amplitude is inconsistent up and down, and another opposite force is needed to control it. The advent of the tourbillon makes this ideal a reality. It can compensate for the unstable watch produced by the balance wheel and hairspring.

This device, which generates reaction force by rotation, was patented in France on 9th and 7th (June 26, 1801). According to current knowledge, Breguet was patented in the years after 1801. He was always seeking to improve his work, and it was not until 1805 that he completed one of his tourbillon watches. By the time of his death (1823), the total number of watches produced was probably 35. A highly collectible treasure. So far, the newly opened Breguet Private Museum does not have a tourbillon bag watch made by him.

Fifth place:

IWC: extraordinary mechanical manufacturing quality

In the 1960s, IWC launched an attack on Swiss watches in the face of Japanese quartz electronic watches impact, followed the trend, and adopted new technologies and strategies to meet the challenges. It has successively launched titanium alloy watches, the "OCEAN" series for divers, the "VTRA SPORTIVO" ultra-thin watches and the "PORTOFINO" series, etc., making IWC one of the first-class watchmakers in Switzerland. The newly launched world’s first diving watch with a mechanical depth gauge further demonstrates IWC’s incredible creativity and imagination.

In 1780, the first self-winding bag watch was launched, named "perptuelle"

In 1801, the "Tourbillon" equalizer was patented.

In 1990, the new "synchronous advance two-in-one" minute repeater was launched, which combined the table clock and the watch into one.

In 1783, the chiming bell of the self-ringing watch was invented. Designed with rounded hands and “Breguet” numerals.

In 1810, the first wrist watch was produced.

In 1991, the perpetual calendar with the equation of time was patented.

1786 The first surfaces carved by hand using an engraving machine.

1812 The time-off-centre surface is unveiled.

In 1997, the perpetual calendar watch with linear design was patented and had the function of instantly changing the year.

In 1789, the "Breguet key" was invented.

In 1815, the double-spring marine chronometer was invented.

In 1790, the "pare-cbute" shock absorber was invented.

In 1820, the "precision timer for observation" was invented.

1795 The perpetual calendar timepiece is launched. The compensating balance wheel is equipped with a Breguet coil. For the first time, there is a record of a "two-in-one synchronized advance" minute repeater.

In 1830, the first keyless winding watch was invented.

In 1796, the first luggage clock and "souscription" clock were invented.

In 1866, the "Tuning Fork Clock" was patented.

1798 Obtained the first patent for the Lisi wheel.

In 1926, the jumping hour display and the rotating surface without hour hand were patented.

1799 Sold the first "tact" bag watch that told time by touch.

In 1939, the sidereal timepiece "garde-temps" was patented.

Exquisite craftsmanship

Since 1868, every watch produced by IWC has been registered in the watch factory registration book. For more than a hundred years, these registration books have been integrated into several large volumes. , this kind of registration book is the only record book in the world. The old copy records the contract number, the number on the back of the case, the material used, the weight of the watch, the name of the watchmaker, the date of completion, and the name of the watchmaker or purchaser in cursive fonts. Russian Tsar Ferdinand I, Pope Pius IX, British Prime Minister Churchill... etc. all owned more than one IWC pocket watch.

At the same time, important spare parts produced by the IWC factory since 1868 are stored in high kitchen cabinets, so IWC watchmakers can completely overhaul even the oldest watch movements to ensure future This old watch can still keep accurate time after many years. Because of this, IWC watches are worthy of being heirlooms for generations to come.

Sixth place:

PIAGET (Piaget): a treasure of the supreme count worthy of appreciation

A Swiss watch founded in 1874—— Piaget, with its outstanding design talent and superb watchmaking technology, Piaget has led the watch industry for a century, making the world's watch industry shine with brilliance.

Piaget’s first slim mechanical operating device has achieved great success and is a historical legend in the watch industry. To this day, every part of PIAGET's products is made by the PIAGET studio, which is unique and meticulous. It even has its own gold casting workshop to strive for perfection.

In addition to the original and first-class mechanical operating device, PIAGET's design is admired by everyone. All watch cases and bracelets must be cast with 18K gold or platinum, and there are many surface designs. It is colorful and unique. It is decorated with surface decoration carved from precious gemstones such as lapis lazuli, coral stone, mother-of-pearl, tiger eye stone, agate, etc. The effect is gorgeous and eye-catching.

PIAGET also produces precious jewelry and watch jewelry with high artistic value, using valuable diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds, which require hundreds of hours of meticulous creation by PIAGET craftsmen to complete. A work that lives up to PIAGET's reputation.

Seventh place:

Cartire: the pet of high society

Cartier, since its founding in 1874 by Louis-Francaise Cartier, has achieved everything Highly respected by the royal family, nobles and fashion people, he has become the royal designer. Later, the talented Louis Cartier inherited the family business and carried it forward, becoming a rare jewelry master.

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In 1888, Cartier tried to install a mechanical women's watch on a gold bracelet set with diamonds. In 1904, the gold watch made for his old friend SANTOS took off immediately. Since then, Cartier watches have been the pets of the upper class and have endured for a long time.

Inheriting the essence of more than 150 years, Pasha, Panthere, Tank, Tank Francaise, Santos, Baignoire and the Trinity watch series in recent years have long been household names and famous all over the world. The newly launched Tank Basculante watch series is an artistic crystallization of fashion and craftsmanship. However, with the enterprising spirit of continuous improvement, the Paris Cartier-Private Collection series specially designed and manufactured by Cartier for watch lovers can be said to be another breakthrough in the history of watches. Cartier is not only a pioneer of modern aesthetics, but also a noble model that combines time-honored technology and experience with super-era design.

In addition to some of the Cartier watches manufactured by the main factory in Paris, a considerable number of Cartier watches are specially made under contract with famous companies such as Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and other famous companies. Its functional modeling and craftsmanship can be said to be based on the strengths of various companies and the essence, so the world is vast. Cartier relies on its advantages as an international famous brand group to produce and sell high-end hand accessories, especially women's handbags, which are favored by aristocrats and wealthy people.

The Cartier brand has become a household name. It tends to be more feminine, so white-collar women should be able to satisfy their own pursuits by owning Cartier. They just choose according to their own hobbies and strengths, because Cartier has many styles, and there must be one. The one that suits you.

Eighth place:

Jaeger-LeCoultre: Precision comes from tradition

Jaeger-LeCoultre is a typical Swiss famous brand watch. Many famous Swiss watch brands have the following two characteristics: they come from the JOUX Valley of the Jura Mountains, such as Piaget; they are the result of collaboration between two people, such as Patek Philippe (created by PATEK and PHILLIPE), Girard-Perregaux (Collaboration by Grardt and Perregaux) etc. Those with both characteristics are such as Audemars Piguet and Jaeger-LeCoultre, which enjoy great reputation around the world.

Before the 18th century, British and French watchmakers monopolized the entire watch industry, providing precision timepieces for merchant ships to assist them in sailing around the world.

At the same time, another watch force is also actively brewing, and this is Switzerland, because a large number of French Protestant craftsmen lived in seclusion in the JOUX Valley in the Jura Mountains in Switzerland to escape religious persecution. The mountains are covered with snow for six months a year, and the long cold winter keeps people indoors. They have enough time and patience to make more sophisticated mechanical devices, such as music boxes, automatic machines and clocks. By the 19th century, the valley residents known as "Combiers" had possessed watchmaking technology that surpassed that of Britain, France and other countries, leaving the rest of the world in the dust.

Jaeger-LeCoultre was born in this valley. A boy, Antoine, was born in the LeCoultre family in 1803. He began as an apprentice in his father's blacksmith shop, while concentrating on gear manufacturing technology and metallurgy. In 1833, he founded a handicraft factory in the town of Le Sentier and left the family business. By 1860, the size of his company had reached more than 100 people, specializing in the production of precision watch components and launching hundreds of watch movements, thereby establishing his position in the Swiss watch industry. In 1903, when Antoine was 100 years old (of course he did not live until that time, but he did receive the best birthday gift), his grandson Jacob-David entered into a partnership with the French precision navigation timepiece manufacturer Jaeger-LeCoultre. (Edmon Jaeger) cooperated to establish today's Jaeger LeCoultre factory.

Since the company was founded in 1833, Jaeger-LeCoultre has owned numerous patents and has made great contributions to the development of world watches. Because Jaeger-LeCoultre's movement production is extremely diverse, it is one of the few movement-output watchmaking companies in the world. Especially in the area of ??high-end movements, some other brands of high-end watches have very small sales, so their own movement output is also relatively small. They will choose movements produced by Jaeger-LeCoultre, which invisibly promotes Jaeger-LeCoultre. It can be considered mutually beneficial.

Ninth place:

Rolex: the leader in the field of watches

The predecessor of Rolex is W&D Company. It was founded in Renton in 1905 (the 31st year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty) by the German Hans Weisdorff and the Englishman Davis. In 1908, Weisdorf registered the Rolex trademark in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and W&D was changed to Rolex. The original logo of Rolex was a palm with five fingers extended, which indicated that the brand's watches were entirely crafted by hand. Later, it gradually evolved into Crown's registered trademark to show its dominance in the watch field. Rolex is the third among the top 10 most valuable brands in the world and the only watch brand.

In the 1920s, Rolex worked hard to develop the first waterproof watch. In 1926, Rolex's waterproof watch was officially registered. The design style of Rolex watches has always been solemn, practical, and not flashy. It is loved by people from all walks of life, especially those in the Far East and the Middle East.

Tenth place:

Girard-Perregaux: nobility

In 1791, J.F. Bautte, the founder of Girard-Perregaux, created his first watch . Soon, his ultra-thin watches made him famous, and he founded a manufacturing factory in Geneva. Girard-Perregaux is one of the few manufacturers in Switzerland today that can design and manufacture its own movements. Each movement is assembled, engraved and decorated by hand by experts. For most models, you can choose different grades of straps and surfaces