Top 5 Luxury Watch Brands in the World (2026 Guide)

The world market is dominated by a few elite luxury brands of watches that possess outstanding craftsmanship, enduring design, high bidding history, and iconic watches that are worn by leaders, athletes, celebrities, and collectors around Dubai, Europe, and the U.S.

Wonder what the most desired names or the five most desired names to own are? The guide covers the details of the leaders, their past, their models, and their popularity among collectors.

A select few of the finest makers dominate the luxury watch industry in 2025 with rich heritage, scarce supply, consistent value creation, and cultural capital- driving a consistent demand among the wealthy customers.

As per recent reports, the global luxury watch market is estimated to be approximately 50-60 billion dollars in the year 2025, and the market is expected to go up to 80-130 billion dollars in the next decade. Five of the most outstanding brands are discussed below.

Rolex is number one in the list of the top watch brands and will remain at the top. Rolex is developed on the basis of antique knowledge, unmatched precision, and worldwide demand, and thus Rolex watches control the second-hand watches market and are the most desired watches among men across the globe. Rolex is an expensive brand that cannot be imagined among novice buyers or serious collectors, as it is regarded as a global status symbol.

Timeless Icons

The Submariner, Daytona, and GMT-Master II are considered the most valuable watches in the world.

Unmatched Resale Strength

Rolex has been the leader in resale value and sustained demand across the industry.

Daily Wearability

Each model has a strong engineering foundation and a sleek, immediately recognizable design.

Rolex Models (Comparison Table)

The Rolex brand reigns in high culture: the red carpets of Hollywood and the Formula 1 paddock, and the company is the undisputed standard among the world’s best watch brands. As an investment, a daily wear, or any other product, Rolex will always provide reliability, prestige, and incredible value retention, one of the defining qualities that place it firmly among the top 5 watches in the world.

Audemars Piguet (AP) is a luxury brand of watches that has high esteem, and all are thought to be the king of high complications and masterful engineering. The latest revolution in the industry developed by AP was the Royal Oak, the new high-end steel sports watch, and the first of its kind in the world. The AP-related thighs are all related to exclusivity, innovation, and architectural design.

Let's find out what makes AP a distinguished brand below.

Bold Design DNA

The watch’s octagonal bezel is one of the most widely recognized.

Haute Horology Movements

Decorated skeletonized calibers with complex complications.

Collector Prestige

AP watches rank among the top 10 luxury watch brands in the auction market and among the top 10 men’s watch brands.

Audemars Piguet Models (Comparison Table)

Above models and specs make it appear in the top 5 of the luxury watch brand list, particularly among those who value art and engineering. The Royal Oak has been one of the most powerful watches ever designed, and its rarity has been a global driver of collector interest.

Patek Philippe is often known as the master watchmaker behind the best watches in the world, a symbol of tradition, a family business, and craftsmanship. This brand appeals to collectors who want a timepiece that will always provide them with the time they invest in the ERP business.

Let's find out why Patek Philippe stands out.

Prestigious Heritage

More than 180 years of continuous watchmaking.

Auction Dominance

The most expensive wristwatches in history are Patek Philippe.

Iconic Designs

Nautilus and Aquanaut dominate the global luxury watch market.

Patek Philippe Models (Comparison Table)

Patek Philippe is not only a brand, but also an institution. Most collectors believe that Patek Philippe is the most exalted watchmaker of all time, and that its watches have been handed down through generations. In 2025, Patek Philippe is among the safest and most robust investments in fine watchmaking.

Richard Mille has transformed the world of luxury watch brands by using futuristic materials, extreme lightweight construction, and radical designs. Richard Mille is the new age of a hyper-luxury watch brand featured on the wrists of athletes, billionaires, and F1 champions, making it one of the standout names among the top 5 luxury watch brands today. Let's find out why Richard Millie stands out.

F1-Level Engineering

Carbon TPT, titanium skeleton, and shock-free motions.

Extreme Exclusivity

Production is limited, creating high demand and market premiums.

Trend-Setting Designs

Future tonneau cases that are immediately recognizable.

Richard Mille Models (Comparison Table)

In the existing list of expensive watch brands, Richard Mille occupies first position with the majority of its watches costing over half a million dollars and still increasing their value. There exists no substitute for RM among purchasers who need to have authentic uniqueness.

Hublot is characterised by innovative materials of modernity and use, which include gold, ceramic, sapphire, and carbon, and a disruptive design philosophy. The brand appeals to people who desire to have a statement piece with a trendy wristwatch.

So let's find out what makes Hublotana an amazing choice

Material Innovation

Magic Gold, composite full sapphire cases, rubber-metal fusion.

Modern Identity

Large, bold watches to be worn as a lifestyle and a statement.

Celebrity Appeal

Adored by athletes, musicians, and the society of the rich.

Hublot Models (Comparison Table)

Hublot is one of the best men’s watch brands, especially among younger luxury watch brands that tend to favor more conservative watch designs.

With Rolex's reliability, Patek Philippe's heritage, artistic engineering of Audemars Piguet, futuristic innovation of Richard Mille, and modern fusion of Hublot, the five brands continuously remain as the leaders in fine watchmaking. This selection is a real treasure towards the best 5 luxury watch brands, depending on what you hold dear the most, which is investment potential, technical innovation, classic tradition, or daring modern design.

Which is the No. 1 watch brand in the world?

Rolex remains the global leader based on demand, value retention, and recognition.

What are the top 5 luxury watch brands?

Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, and Hublot.

Which watch brand has the best resale value?

Rolex leads, followed by Patek Philippe and Richard Mille.

Which brand makes the most expensive watches?

Richard Mille and Patek Philippe regularly produce multi-million-dollar pieces.

Which watch is best for men?

For everyday luxury: Submariner or Datejust. For collectors: Nautilus or RM 011. For sports luxury: Royal Oak or Big Bang.