Written by Menswear Style in Tips & Advice on the 2nd January 2015

Switzerland is the heart of watchmaking and a watch crafted there is the epitome of luxury. The craftsmanship and design is undeniably unparalleled compared to the cheaper forms of watchmaking and the price of a Swiss-made watch is certainly shown in the final product.

Breitling 

Breitling are one of the remaining few independent Swiss watch brands still in business. Unlike many other watch companies, they produce their own movements in-house and don’t outsource making their certified chronometers unique and precise. They have soared in the name of aviation watches being official partners of aviation since the Navitimer was released in 1952 and have been deeply involved ever since becoming the “official supplier to world aviation.” 

This Navitimer model is the A1937012/C883 443a model and is a wonderful depiction of the great craftsmanship of the Navitimer collection. The blue dial stands out against the stainless steel case and strap and features an attractive Moon phase and date feature. It also features a slide rule bezel that helps the wearer calculate a distance or speed, something useful for pilots and that is found on every Navitimer timepiece.

Longines 

The Longines brand began their relationship with sports in 1896 when they provided timers for the first modern day Olympics and also provided a watch for Arctic explorer Louis Amédée de Savoie. Today, they are the official sponsors of a variety of sports events including a number of famous Equestrian events such as Royal Ascot and even host their own. The brand are also partnered with skiing, tennis and gymnastic events. 

The Longines HydroConquest collection represents the strength of the brand’s sporting heritage. This L3.688.4.59.6 has an eye-catching deep red bezel and a standard black dial with Arabic numerals and date window. To make it a useful companion on a conquest, it is water resistant to 300 metres and has a double security folding clasps and integrated diving extension. 

Audemars Piguet 

Undoubtedly one of the most well-known luxury watch brands, Audemars Piguet are popular amongst celebrities and famous sportsmen. The brand, like Breitling, are also one of the remaining independent Swiss watch brands to still be in business. 

Their most popular collection is the Royal Oak Offshore collection that is designed to appear sporty and more eye-catching. The pink-gold Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph is definitely that and the black sub-dials and ceramic crown and push-pieces really stand out. 

Check out watches from other great Swiss watch brands at The Watch Gallery Best Swiss Watches blog post. Alternatively Click here for more Swiss watch brands.

A look at luxury watches featuring 3 of the Best Swiss Watch Brands available including Breitling, Longines and Audemars Piguet.