Watch Facts

Founded in 1999 by Richard Mille and Dominique Guenat, Richard Mille is renowned for its innovative approach to watchmaking. The brand debuted its first timepiece, the RM 001 Tourbillon, in 2001, setting a new standard in luxury watches with its use of cutting-edge materials like carbon nanofiber and a strikingly modern design. Known for its “racing machine on the wrist” concept, Richard Mille watches are celebrated for their durability, precision, and avant-garde aesthetics.

Richard Mille’s collaborations with sports figures like Rafael Nadal and Felipe Massa highlight the brand’s commitment to creating lightweight, shock-resistant watches designed to withstand extreme conditions. The RM 27-02, for instance, features a skeletonized unibody baseplate inspired by racing car chassis, enhancing rigidity and impact resistance

Founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Hamilton Watch Company initially gained fame for its accurate railroad pocket watches, earning the title “The Watch of Railroad Accuracy.” During World War I, Hamilton produced wristwatches for the military, marking a shift from pocket watches to wristwatches. The brand continued to innovate, introducing the world’s first electric watch, the Ventura, in 1957, famously worn by Elvis Presley.

Hamilton transitioned to Swiss ownership in 1969 and is now part of the Swatch Group. The brand is known for its robust collections, including the Khaki Field, Jazzmaster, and Ventura, blending American heritage with Swiss precision. Hamilton remains a prominent name in both aviation and cinematic history, often featured in major films like “Interstellar” and “Men in Black”​

Founded in 1995 by watchmaker Roger Dubuis and designer Carlos Dias, Roger Dubuis has established a reputation for its avant-garde designs and exceptional watchmaking expertise. The brand quickly gained recognition for its bold and innovative approach, particularly in the realm of architectural skeletonized movements. By 1999, the company began designing and producing its own in-house movements, all certified with the prestigious Poinçon de Genève, ensuring the highest standards of craftsmanship and quality.

Roger Dubuis is known for its distinctive collections, such as the Excalibur and the Hommage, which feature complex mechanisms like the double tourbillon and minute repeater. In 2008, the brand joined the Richemont Group, further solidifying its place in the luxury watch market. Today, Roger Dubuis continues to push the boundaries of haute horlogerie with its limited-edition timepieces and commitment to innovation

Founded in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf, the creator of Rolex, Tudor was established to offer high-quality watches at a more accessible price point while maintaining the reliability and precision associated with Rolex. The brand gained significant recognition for its robust and reliable timepieces, such as the Tudor Oyster Prince and the Tudor Submariner, which were often used by military forces, including the French Navy.

In 1969, Tudor introduced the “Snowflake” hands in response to requests from French Navy divers for more legible watches underwater. This distinctive design remains a hallmark of the brand. Tudor’s modern resurgence began in the early 2000s, with a renewed focus on creating timepieces that combine heritage and innovation. In 2015, Tudor launched its first in-house movement, marking a significant milestone in its evolution​

F.P. Journe, founded in 1999 by François-Paul Journe, is renowned for its innovative and high-precision timepieces. The brand quickly gained recognition for its distinctive designs and technical prowess, epitomized by the Tourbillon Souverain, introduced at Baselworld in 1999. This model featured the first wristwatch tourbillon with a constant-force remontoire, a mechanism that enhances accuracy by ensuring consistent force delivery to the escapement.

François-Paul Journe’s journey in watchmaking began with his uncle, a restorer of antique clocks in Paris, where he honed his skills and developed a passion for horological artistry. His work is heavily influenced by historical watchmaking techniques, which he combines with modern innovation. Notable models include the Chronomètre à Résonance, which uses resonance to improve precision, and the Centigraphe Souverain, capable of measuring time to 1/100th of a second.

F.P. Journe remains a highly sought-after brand among collectors, known for its limited production of around 800 pieces per year, ensuring exclusivity and high craftsmanship​

A. Lange & Söhne, a prestigious German watch manufacturer, embodies precision, innovation, and timeless elegance. Their tagline “Never Stand Still,” adopted around 2014, reflects the brand’s relentless pursuit of horological excellence and continuous improvement. This motto, inspired by the late Walter Lange’s philosophy, underscores the brand’s commitment to innovation and perpetual advancement in watchmaking. Founded in 1845 by Ferdinand Adolph Lange, the company has a rich history of crafting exceptional timepieces that merge traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Renowned for their intricate movements and exquisite designs, A. Lange & Söhne watches are celebrated by connoisseurs worldwide, making “Never Stand Still” a perfect representation of their enduring commitment to watchmaking mastery​

H. Moser & Cie, founded in 1828 by Heinrich Moser, has a storied history that spans nearly two centuries. Initially established in St. Petersburg, Russia, the brand quickly became synonymous with quality and elegance, attracting notable clients including Russian royalty. The company faced significant challenges during the Russian Revolution but was revived in the early 2000s by Dr. Jürgen Lange and Heinrich Moser’s great-grandson, Roger Nicholas Balsiger.

Today, H. Moser & Cie is known for its innovative and minimalist designs, often featuring their signature fumé dials and high-precision movements. The brand emphasizes exclusivity, producing around 3,000 watches annually, and is celebrated for its craftsmanship and unique approach to traditional watchmaking. Notable collections include the Streamliner, Pioneer, and Endeavour, each showcasing the brand’s dedication to blending classic aesthetics with modern technology​

Founded in 1839 in Geneva, Patek Philippe is one of the most prestigious and revered watchmakers in the world. The brand, still family-owned by the Stern family since 1932, is celebrated for its high-quality craftsmanship and complex timepieces. Known as the “King of Complications,” Patek Philippe has produced some of the most intricate and valuable watches, including the Grandmaster Chime, which sold for a record $31.19 million in 2019. The brand’s iconic models include the Nautilus, Calatrava, and Aquanaut

Vacheron Constantin, one of the oldest and most esteemed watch manufacturers in the world, launched the “One of Not Many” campaign in 2018. This tagline captures the brand’s essence of exclusivity, exceptional craftsmanship, and the high standards that have defined it since its founding in 1755. The campaign focuses on the limited production of their timepieces, emphasizing quality over quantity, and celebrates unique individuals who excel in their respective fields.

The “One of Not Many” campaign highlights Vacheron Constantin’s collaboration with talents such as artist Zaria Forman, musician Benjamin Clementine, designer Ora Ito, and explorer Cory Richards, who embody the brand’s values of excellence, innovation, and creativity. This initiative underscores the brand’s commitment to maintaining a unique and refined standing in the highly selective world of Haute Horlogerie

TAG Heuer, a prominent Swiss watch brand, is synonymous with endurance, precision, and innovation. The tagline “Don’t Crack Under Pressure,” initially introduced in the early 1990s, was revived in 2014 to emphasize the brand’s commitment to resilience and high performance under demanding conditions. This motto reflects TAG Heuer’s long-standing association with sports and its dedication to creating timepieces that can withstand extreme environments. Founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer, TAG Heuer has a legacy of pioneering advancements in chronographs and precision instruments. The “Don’t Crack Under Pressure” campaign highlights the mental fortitude and unyielding spirit that define TAG Heuer, making it a fitting representation of the brand’s identity and philosophy​