The history of some of the more popular Swiss Watch brands dates as far back as 1735. Swiss watch makers today draw on a tradition and craft that has been built up over centuries. So although many Swiss watch manufacturers use the most modern techniques and technology, their craft is one that runs deep in their blood.

Is is for this reason that Swiss watch companies are still so renowned for their high quality and why many of these watches are even more popular today than they were 100 years ago. There are numerous brands to choose from, however, there are a few that stand above the rest and are the most sought after watches and famous Swiss watch brands available.

Rolex

One of the most well-known and most  popular Swiss watch brands is Rolex. This is partly because Rolex watches are a well recognized status-symbol. The Rolex brand has a rich history that has developed since 1908 when the name was submitted for trademark. Rolex watches are distinctive and breathtaking. Today it is still one of the most counterfeited watches around the world. An authentic Rolex will cost at least $4800.00 with many styles that will cost over $45,000.00. You can find pre-owned watches for as low as $2500.00 depending on the age and style of the watch.

Some of the most popular lines include the Submariner, Oyster Perpetual, the Yachtmaster-II, Day-Date, Datejust, Daytona and the GMT Master II. It is a wide enough range that there is one for every taste, from the stylish dress watch to a rugged outdoor one. The most popular Rolex is probably the Rolex Submariner although the Rolex Daytona has a huge following too.

Omega

The original Nasa-issue Omega Speedmaster watch

Omega is probably the second-most famous Swiss Watches. In popular culture it is renowned for having been adopted by James Bond (who traditionally used to wear a Rolex). More important is the fact that Omega was the first wristwatch that was sent to space. In the past these watches were seen as something of a poor man’s Rolex, but in recent years Omega Swiss watches have managed to re-establish their reputation in their own right.

The leading Omega is the Speedmaster. In times past this was thought of as a cheap version of the Rolex Daytona. But since it was selected by Nasa it is now widely known as the first watch on the moon. Nasa notes that although it was never specifically designed to be used in space, it performed admirably. In space-walks it was worn on the outside of the space suit. It as, Nasa says, still worn on many current missions too.

In more recent years the Omega has also gained fame as being the watch worn by James Bond (or 007). In 1995 Bond dumped his Rolex for an Omega Seamaster Ocean with a blue dial.

Hublot

Hublot Watches are a real newcomer to the market. This is a brand that has only really emerged over the past decade or so under the leadership of Jean-Claude Biver, an inspirational marketer with a real passion for watches. These watches are unimaginably modern, using materials that include Kevlar and rubber. The Hublot Big Bang deliberately sets out to differentiate itself from all other Swiss watch brands. Unless you are young, modern and rich you probably won’t get a Hublot as your first watch but you may well choose to get it as a second watch to add to a collection.

Tag Heuer

Tag Heuer watches have quickly become popular and some styles are as expensive as Rolex watches. Known for creating a watch with a high level of accuracy it has become a favorite watch of sports enthusiasts. Tag Heuer has become the official watch for many sporting events. You can find some of there styles that sell for $775 and many of their high-end styles will range up to several thousand dollars or more. The watches are beautiful and have quickly become a very popular watch among men and women alike.

Breitling

Breitling watches are a favorite and unofficial watch choice of pilots. These watches are exceptional quality timepieces that were originally marketed to professionals such as pilots. You can find some styles for approximately $1895.00.with a few styles such as the Breitling Bentley that sell for $99,000.00. Designed with the best technology, the watches will last a lifetime. Breitling watches are distinctive and have unique features that set them apart from many of the high-end watches on the market.

Affordable Swiss Watch brands

Wenger: One of the most popular Swiss Watch Brands

Most of the luxury Swiss watches mentioned above are the finest in the world. But they also happen to cost thousands of dollars each (if you are lucky).  That doesn’t mean that people of more modest wealth can’t also enjoy Swiss quality and style. For there is also a large range of affordable Swiss watches that start much more cheaply. Generally these will have quartz movements, rather than mechanical ones, but they will still be made to exacting standards. The cheaper Swiss watch brands won’t cost more than a month’s salary, but they still give satisfaction and can be worn with pride.

Wenger

If you are looking for affordable Swiss watches you would do well to look at the high quality Wenger brand. Wenger Swiss watches are popular and very affordable as many styles start at a $210.00. The company was established in 1886 and was a well-known manufacturer of the Swiss Army Knife. Wenger started making watches in 1997 and the company was committed to making an attractive line of quality watches. Since then, they have developed a line of ladies watches and sport watches. The watches are very attractive and made with Swiss accuracy and precision. They may not carry the exorbitant price tag of the many other popular watches; however, they are a beautiful line of stylish watches.

Swatch

Many more popular Swiss Watch Brands available are affordable. Swiss quality is not limited to watches that carry a high price tag. Swatch makes a great line of cheap Swiss watches that are still pretty well made. Many of the most popular watchmakers have developed more affordable lines of watches. You do not have to spend thousands of dollars to have a quality Swiss made timepiece. Although, if you are looking for a status symbol that advertises your individual success, a high-end Swiss watch may be a solution. You will want to shop at a reputable dealer to avoid purchasing a counterfeit.

People looking for an affordable watch can do a lot worse than try a Swatch. These generally don’t cost much more than $50, yet because they are still pretty well made and look good they are among the world’s most popular watches. They also come in enough designs and colours to make almost anyone happy. I own a couple for times when I’m running at night or going into a bad neighbourhood and don’t want to risk having an expensive watch stolen.

The Most Popular Swiss Watch Brands

The Breitling Cosmonaute

First and Foremost, Breitling does not service products purchased online, as they estimate the vast majority of these are counterfeit.  The unfortunate circumstances of this make getting a low price on Breitling time pieces almost impossible, as you will have to buy from an authorized dealer.  The upside of that is unlike many products that you would buy online, this you will get to see and try on in person, and you will know for sure that you really love it before it arrives on your doorstep.  With the trusted reputation and variety of products Breitling has available, they are sure to offer what you are looking for and it will be something you enjoy for the rest of your life.

The Navitimer Line

There are eleven models in the Navitimer line, starting with the:

Navitimer- These hit the market originally in 1952, and have been a big hit ever since.   Sporting a sleek design and attractive black leather band for the wrist, this piece also comes with a built circular slide rule for pilots to calculate flight plans with.  This is the world’s oldest chronograph.

Navitimer World- The two distinguishing features of this time piece is that not only is it ten percent larger than the other products in this line, but it also is capable of charting two time zones, a handy feature for any pilot.

Cosmonaute- Made for service in space, today these are used also in the armed forces.  The face on this product has a twenty four hour dial, avoiding the confusion between midnight and noon, as night and day have no real meaning in space.

Limited Edition Cosmonaut- Very similar to the piece mentioned above, but with a metal band bracelet and a retro styling to the face.  Only a thousand of these will be made, and the lucky few who will own them will own a piece of history.

Montbrillant- A smaller face, about 38 mm as opposed to the usual larger sizes in the 40mm to 45mm range, this piece was crafted in mind of older times, the styling that was used in 1940, with the screw in back and the Breitling logo designed on the back.  The 18 carat gold face is an attractive look as well.

Montbrillant Legende- Unlike its counterpart above, this large time piece by Breitling sports a 47mm 18 carat gold face, as well as a metal bracelet band, which makes it both considerably heavier as well as larger.

Montbrillant Olympus- Complete timing through the leap year cycle, this time piece is made up of almost two hundred fifty different components which makes it exceptionally accurate, as well as a nostalgically designed tool.

Montbrillant Datora- The uniqueness of the date and weekday display is beautiful, and the calendar month is also not only attractive but practical.  An old favorite of Breitling, this piece is neither too gaudy nor too awkward.

Chrono-Matic 49-This 49mm self winding monster is a simpler piece compared to some of those mentioned above, but is no less legendary in quality to any of them.  Chrono-Matic itself is a long standing tradition in Breitling, and remains so today.

Chrono-Matic 1461- The current model offered by Breitling, this time piece has a braided metal band for the wearer to enjoy.  49mm just like the model offered above, this model has its own unique look which was a surprise to me.

Chrono-Matic QP- This amazing piece of equipment has five hundred miniature moving pieces, and is immune to the effects of even the leap year, charting moon phases, times, dates, you name it.  The only model to have the rubber comfort band, this model is capable of it all.

Other lines offered by Breitling are the Windrider line (featuring seven models), the Professional line (also featuring seven models), and the Aeromarine line (featuring a whopping sixteen models).  With this many great products to offer the public, why not trust one of the best names in the chronograph business and enjoy a truly legendary time piece.  More than mere watches, these can be an invaluable piece of equipment should you find yourself in a survival situation and it would then really be priceless, should your life ever be on the line.

Breitling Navigator Products, Things to Know About Products for Professionals

A Swiss chronograph is not necessarily made in Switzerland; it also includes time pieces made from Swiss components.   Switzerland is a big name in watches and Swiss chronographs for good reason, and the quality derived from the Swiss products will last you an entire lifetime should you choose to purchase one of these time pieces.  Take a look at one of my favorite companies in Swiss time pieces and the wide range of products offered to the public, Breitling is one of the very best names in these products and in Swiss chronographs, and makes watches for the military, as well as for private use for civilians.  These products are used for diving, aerospace, and any other use you would need to have this kind of precision.

The Products Offered by Breitling

Breitling offers four lines of Swiss chronograph (the Navitimer, the Windrider, the Professional, and the AeroMarine), and none of them can be purchased save through an authorized dealer.  This means you should not try to buy one on the Internet. This is because there are so many frauds out there, and unfortunately this not only brings the cost on the true product up but makes it a little tougher to even find them in the first place.  Breitling will not honor the warrantee on any product they did not make regardless of whether it bears their logo or not so know that you must buy from an associate they trust.  With forty one unique models offered, it is likely that they have something that will suite your needs.

The Navitimer Line

The Navitimer line has been around for almost sixty years, and there are eleven models offered in this line.  They range from the space aged to the classic art piece, and feature some of the most advanced attributes available in the business today.   The models are as follows The Navitimer, the Navitimer World, the Cosmonaute, the Cosmonaute Limited Edition, the Montbrillant, the Montbrilliant Olympus, The Montbrillant Legende, the Montbrillant Datora, the Chrono-Matic 49, the Chrono-Matic 1461, and the Chrono-Matic QP.  All of them are featured on the Breitling website and they range in face size from 37mm to 49mm, giving a very nice range for folks to consider.

The Windrider Line

The Windrider line is a beautiful line of Swiss chronograph, very elegant, and this line has many watches which might interest the female set, some are smaller, and even jewelry like in their styling.  These models include the Chronomat B01, the Chronomat, the Cockpit, the Lady Cockpit, the Chrono Cockpit, the Starliner, and the Blackbird.  The line has a wonderfully diverse set of faces, and wrist bands, and will look great on anyone who wants one of these fine time pieces.

The Professional Line

This line is really geared more towards men, they are on the bigger side and will be a little unwieldy for ladies.  This is a great line, and they have classic styling that any pilot or survivelist will really enjoy.    Models include the Emergency, the Aerospace, the Airwolf, the AIrwolf Raven, the Skyracer, the Skyracer Raven, and the Co-Pilot.  Seven models, seven really nice Swiss chronographs, and they couldn’t be better if Breitling tried.

The AeroMarine Line

There are so many great watches in this line, the Super Avenger, the Avenger, the Avenger Seawolf Chrono, the Avenger Seawolf, the Chrono Super Ocean, the Super Ocean Steelfish, the Super Ocean Heritage Chrono, the Super Ocean Heritage 46, the Super Ocean Heritage 38, the Chrono Colt, the Colt GMT, the Colt GMT +, the Colt Automatic, the Colt Quartz, and the Colt Oceane.  Wow, that is a mouthful, with sixteen different models offered in this line and every one of them a winner.  You could not find a better gift for your husband or father, and this Swiss chronograph will last him his lifetime.  They also hold their value well and should need no maintenance, they are one of the few things that when you buy it you should never have to worry about it again, some of these watches made by Breitling were made to go into space for Pete’s sake, so I can’t really see why you would even want to look at a different manufacturer.

– A guest post by Bill S.

What is a Swiss Chronograph, What Would I Use it For, And Where do I Buy One?