Swiss watches: The epitome of fine watchmaking

Just the mention of the word "Swiss" evicts oohs and ahhs, and it has certainly earned this prestige, as some of the finest watch craftsmen originated in Switzerland. These watchmakers were true artisans, inventors, and perfectionists. Let's start with the most esteemed of all watchmakers, Rolex.

Rolex

Who doesn't think of the name "Rolex" when the topic of fine watchmaking arises? It got its start when The Rolex Company was founded by Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law under its first name, "Wilsdorf & Davies," in London in 1905. At this time Swiss companies were the main watch providers, but still had difficulty making accurate time pieces with the small movements that wrist watches required. Wilsdorf solved this problem by using Swiss-supplied movements which greatly improved the accuracy of watches.

Just three years later it had grown to be one of the leading watch companies in London, and it was in this year that Wilsdorf changed the name to "Rolex." The prestigious name soon after gained increasing respect, and still maintains that respect after all these years. Over the years the company has received numerous accolaides and invented many technological ideas as well as stayed with the times stylistically. With each release, Rolex solidifies the notion that they continue to create the world's most prestigious time-pieces.

Omega

This Swiss company was founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1848, where the assembly workshop created by 23-year-old Louis Brandt gradually gained renown. The humble beginnings of this watch began when, throughout the long winter months - by the light of his workbench window - Louis Brandt assembled key-wound precision pocket watches from parts supplied by local craftsmen. When the snows had melted, Brandt travelled throughout Europe selling his watches, and the empire grew. Omega watches have since become one of the top brand names in watches worldwide. They are leaders in the industry stylistically as well as technologically, and their watches can be found on fashion runways, in Olympic games, and even in space.

Invicta

The choices are numerous with this Swiss manufacturer, Invicta makes quality watches in an array of syles, from sport styles to dress styles. The prices of them is just as varied, as prices range from the very affordable to high end pieces from the Elite collection. Here are a few of the more popular types you can find online: Speedway Chronograph, Swiss Chronograph, Lupah, Uniter, and Diver.

Movado

In 1881, Achilles Ditesheim hired six employees at the ripe age of 19 and started his own watch company in La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland. He named this company Movado, meaning "always in motion," and soon after it became known for its technological design innovation. Movado watches can now be found in 20 permanent museum collections worldwide. Being lauded for both style and technical savvy makes these watches highly sought after items.

TAG Heuer

In 1882, Edouard Heuer founded a watchmaking workshop in St-Imier, Switzerland, a time and place where many fine timepiece makers were emerging. Heuer patented his first chronograph inventions in 1887, and he continued to stay ahead technologically by inventing new concepts in watchmaking. The company has received many accolades over the years and has continued to be about precision, reliability and aesthetics. Edouard Heuer was passionate about precision and his mastery is reflected in his impressive number of patents and part of the esteem that Swiss watchmakers have. That is why the TAG Heuer philosophy is symbolized by the slogan “Swiss Avant-Garde since 1860.”

These are just a small fraction, though some of the finest, of fine Swiss made timepieces available. Be sure to browse our site for the top authorized Swiss dealers on the market.

For more information about Swiss watches or related products, choose from one of the following links:

Watches | Men's Watches | Women's Watches