Written by Menswear Style in Brands on the 17th September 2018

There are so many premium watch brands available that it can be difficult to choose between a Rolex and a Breitling. However, we’re here to help you weigh up the initial pros and cons of some of the world’s heavyweights when it comes to premium watches. Read on for comparisons between some of the top watchmaking brands, as well as which timepieces you should invest in as well as tips on caring for your investment.

Breitling vs. Cartier 

As two of the most widely recognised luxury Swiss watch brands, it may seem that they are too similar to compare but we’re here to help you with your decision. Cartier is perhaps more recognisable than Breitling in terms of brand awareness, however, with the latter there is a direct relationship between the value of its brand, recognition and resale value within the world of watch enthusiasts. Interestingly, you are more likely to get a higher resale value for a Cartier watch on the high street, due to the association between the brand and members of the royal family who have historically chosen to wear Cartier watches.

Patek Philippe vs. Omega 

In terms of price and prestige, these brands are like chalk and cheese. That being said, each brand has their own advantages depending on what you’re looking for. You’re more likely to see Omega’s watches plastered on billboards and advertisements than Patek Philippe. Omega has run some popular advertising campaigns, including Buzz Aldrin’s Omega Moonwatch and product placements in James Bond films with their Omega Seamaster. Whereas Patek Philippe is, today, one of the world’s most prestigious luxury watch brands, known for having invented the wristwatch. If you’re looking for a watch to impress watch enthusiasts with, that maintains its value over a longer period of time, you should go for a Patek Philippe. However, if you want a watch which is more widely recognised, Omega watches are for you.

Rolex vs. Audemars Piguet 

There are a number of exclusive watch brands out there but none are as prestigious as Audemars Piguet. There’s no denying that Rolex is the most recognised premium watch brand in the world, but Audemars Piguet is considered the Holy Trinity in the watchmaking world, something Rolex has never achieved. The choice between deciding on whether to get a Rolex or Audemars Piguet comes down to exclusivity and prestige versus recognition. An Audemars Piguet watch wearer will be happy knowing what they have on their wrist without the need of someone’s recognition. On the other hand, a Rolex does hold its value, perhaps better than any other watch brand out there. It’s also the most widely recognised brand, so it all comes down to the type of watch you want.

Premium watches you should investing in 

If you’re in the market for a new watch which may become a vintage classic in the near future, you’ll want to consider the following: 

Omega Spacemaster Z-33 (£3,920) – the seventies vintage design makes this a good investment, as vintage Omega watches continue to rise in popularity. 

Cartier Santos models (£5,350-£54,500) – own a part of history with the return of Cartier’s Santos special edition models to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this legendary timepiece. 

Breitling Navitimer Rattrapante (£9,040) – one of the most complicated watches around, this model is one of the most impressive and accurate timepieces available.  

Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller (£9,550) – don’t be put off by the initial low sales. Rolex’s RRP rises will make this into a collector’s item, especially as this particular model was a big move for the premium watch brand. 

Patek Philippe 5205 (£36,750) – this or any Patek Philippe model will do - all you have to do is enjoy having one of the world’s best watches on your wrist. 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-Thin (£46,700) – admire the self-winding mechanics through the watch’s underside exhibition case.

Invest in safely storing your watches 

If you’re a watch enthusiast, you’ll want to safely store your investments not only from damage but from dust as well. There are a number of options available to you, including a bank deposit box, although you may want to consider the limited accessibility you’ll have to admire your timepiece or for those who enjoy winding them regularly. You could instead invest in a crushproof, dustproof and waterproof protective watch case that can fit up to 10 watches in, to display your investment timepieces, maintain their perfect condition and so you can dote on them whenever you want. Also a tip is to shop around online for e.g. luxury watches under $3000 from Chronoexpert. Having compared some of the world’s best premium watch brands, we’d love to hear which is right for you, or if you have any of your own tips on any watch investments for the future, please do share them with us.

We feature Patek Philippe, Omega, Breitling and Cartier and discuss Premium watches you should consider investing in, in this article on the World’s Top Premium Watch Brands.