The Rankings

Rolex Datejust 36mm New 126283RBR Yellow Gold Factory Diamond Black Dial Papers

New 2023 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Black Dial 124300 / Warranty

New November 2023 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm Black Dial 124300 / Warranty

The following list contains 689 watch brands ranked in a pecking order hierarchy from Entry level to Ultra Luxury based on their typical price point, quality and exclusivity delineating between Swiss and non-Swiss brands:

CategoryLuxury StarsTypical Price Point
Ultra Luxury Watches5 Stars>$40,000
High-End Luxury Watches4 Stars$10,000 - $40,000
Luxury Watches$5,000 - $10,000
Basic Luxury Watches$1,500 - $5,000
Entry Luxury Watches1 Star$500-$1,500
Watches< $500 

 Quick Search:

See our FAQs on why certain watch brands are placed in a particular category.  If a watch brand does not have a hyperlink it is because the brand is not in business anymore.  In addition, watch brands that stand out within their respective category are decorated by the red heart symbol: watch-rankings.com-favorite

Last updated July 23, 2024 - view the change log here and if the watch brand you're looking for is not ranked then check the rankings in progress here.

Ultra Luxury Watches Attributes:

  • > $40,000
  • Superb Heritage/Pedigree
  • Exclusivity (Limited Quantities)
  • May not have the best resale value
  • Small niche boutiques (Independents)
  • Impeccable Handmade Craftsmanship
  • Brand recognition in horology circles
  • Complex Automatic In-House Movements
  • Precious Metals and Stones
  • Sapphire Crystal

High-End Luxury Watches Attributes

  •  $10,000 - $40,000
  • Superb Heritage/Pedigree
  • High resale values
  • High Quantities (on most pieces)
  • May have famous very expensive rare pieces
  • Brand recognition by greater public
  • Complex Quality Automatic Movements, most In-House
  • Impeccable Craftsmanship, often Handmade
  • Precious Metals and Stones
  • Sapphire Crystal



Luxury Watches (Swiss) 3 Stars

 

Luxury Watches (Other countries) 3 Stars

Luxury Watches Attributes

  • $5,000 - $10,000
  • Respected Heritage/Pedigree
  • High resale values
  • Mass Production, some rare pieces
  • Quality Automatic Movements, some In-House
  • Great Craftsmanship
  • Some Precious Metals and Stones
  • Sapphire Crystal

Basic Luxury Watches (Swiss) 2 Stars

Basic Luxury Watches (Other countries) 2 Stars


Entry Luxury Watches (Swiss) 1 Star

Entry Luxury Watches (Other countries) 1 Star




 Watches (Swiss) 0 Stars

Watches (Other countries) 0 Stars

Watches Attributes

  • < $500
  • Fashion / Sports Brands
  • Mass Production
  • Quartz or Automatic Movements made in Asia
  • Average Industrial Craftsmanship Quality
  • Usually have Mineral Crystal
  • Usually not worth servicing except for battery

 

New: View the ranking list change log here.

Why is your watch brand not here?  First check if the ranking analysis for the watch you're looking for is currently in progress here.  If it's not there, well, we may have missed it.  Tell us in the comments where it should be ranked at on the list.  OS




630 thoughts on “The Rankings”

    • Admin says:

      Pasquale, the rankings haven’t taken the COSC and ISO standards into consideration so far. Like anything else the more certifications the better if all else is equal. The challenge is to have the manpower to track down that information and average it out across the models for a brand. Ultimately those certifications make their way into the overall quality and price of a watch just like other characteristics. Thanks.

    • Admin says:

      Pasquale, Piaget and Girard Perregaux have been ranked for a long time.  To find a brand do a CTRL-F in the page to search for text within the page.  The rankings page is getting a little long.

  6. Adam Majsa says:

    Hi,
    I think Davosa is the same quaility (Entry Luxury Watches) like Tissot, Certina or Steinhart etc. Every Davosa watch has saphire, ETA or Sellita automatic movement, or swiss quartz movement.
    With automatic movement it costs 700$-1600$

    • Admin says:

      Totally agreed with the suggestion upon another look. Moved Davosa (Germany ) (origins Switzerland) to the to the 1 star Entry Luxury Other Countries Watches category $500 – $1,500 from the  Watches (Swiss) category <$500. Thanks for pointing this out.

    • Admin says:

      Serge. Added Formex to the 1 star Entry Luxury Watches category $500 – $1,500.  Enjoyed learning about the brand and their collection.  Thanks for pointing it out. 

  9. Lemmy Caution says:

    Jean Marcel (German/Swiss) seems to be a more modern maker with interesting pieces, also having a COSC certified chronometer would warrant a place on the list.
    //www.jeanmarcel.com/en/

  10. Ed says:

    Edson says:
    Hey Team,
    You all really demand commendation and plaudits for the wonderful job you are doing. Rest assured, many appreciate and value this effort.
    I just want to add that your team also considers: Arcadio(Primo Luxury), and Arcaido, watch brands.
    Looking forward to hearing from you.
    Happy New Year, and Cheers!
    Best Regards, Ed!.

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