Just about everyone has heard about the quality of Swiss watches. They are always associated with expert craftsmanship, consistent innovation, and meticulous timekeeping accuracy. But can Swiss watches really live up to their glistening reputation?
Fortunately, the answer is yes — Swiss watches can and do live up to the reputation they have earned. To this day, Swiss watches remain the pinnacle of timekeeping technology and tradition. And while their beautiful designs and expert workmanship mean that many Swiss watches cost more than timepieces from other locales, there are still plenty of affordable Swiss watches on the market, particularly if you shop for good deals through Ashford.
So, how did Swiss watches gain so much notoriety and prestige over the years? What sets them apart from other types of watches? Finally, what are some of the best luxury Swiss watch brands you can purchase at affordable prices?
We will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s look at exactly what it means to be a “Swiss watch.”
What Are Swiss Watches?
Though it may seem obvious, many people confuse Swiss watches because they encompass a wide array of brands and designs. In any case, all Swiss watches are timepieces originally designed and manufactured by watchmakers in Switzerland. However, there is still room for confusion when it comes to terms like “Swiss-made” and “Swiss movement.”
What is the difference between Swiss-made and Swiss movement?
Swiss-made is an honored signifier that a timepiece has been produced in Switzerland using Swiss-standard manufacturing processes. Since Switzerland has a long and storied history of creating and inventing quality clocks and watches, this means that a Swiss timepiece is always a reflection of high-quality work.
Alternatively, Swiss movement refers to the process of setting the timekeeping mechanisms using standards and practices that have been passed down over the course of several centuries. This means that, rather than sending watches through an assembly line using generic methods, watches with Swiss movement are set for automatic movement using some of the most respected and revered processes that maximize both precision and quality.
So, what’s the real difference between a Swiss-made watch and a watch that uses Swiss movement? The truth is that there is a high degree of crossover. Most Swiss-made watches also happen to use Swiss movement. However, due to the high standards set by the practice and mechanisms involved with Swiss movement, it has been adopted by luxury watch manufacturers all over the world. Therefore, a watch can use Swiss movements and not be Swiss-made.
The distinction is important, as some retailers may confuse you by calling a timepiece a “Swiss watch” simply because it was made using Swiss movements. Alternatively, a Swiss-made watch can also be called a Swiss watch even if it was manufactured on a subpar assembly line in Switzerland. Ideally, you should look for a Swiss watch that is both Swiss-made and uses Swiss movements. This way, you can be sure that you are getting one of the absolute best timepieces on the market.
History Of Swiss Watchmaking
Most experts agree that the Swiss watch industry began in Geneva, Switzerland, sometime in the mid-16th century. At the time, it was forbidden for the people of Switzerland to wear ornamental jewelry, which pushed many innovators to watchmaking. While also acting as a form of jewelry, pocket watches (and later wristwatches) bent the rules on the technicality that they served an actual purpose. They weren’t just ornamental; they were functional, too.
After more than a century, Geneva had already become the global center of timekeeping and watchmaking. This led many of the great watchmakers to take their talents throughout the countryside, with some even setting up shop in other countries. Figures like Daniel Jeanrichard and Abraham-Louis Perrelet helped uphold the high standards forever associated with Swiss watchmaking while also creating new manufacturing processes and watch movements in the process.
By the 19th century, a Swiss watchmaker by the name of Louis Moinet invented the first chronograph, cementing the history and importance of watchmaking in Switzerland. As mass-production took hold in the 20th century, Switzerland was able to export hundreds of thousands of Swiss watches every month. Fast forward to today, and Swiss watches are still considered the pinnacle of craftsmanship and quality in timekeeping.
Luxury Swiss Watch Brands
When you’re trying to find the indisputable best Swiss watch, it can feel like an uphill battle. There are so many amazing brands and individual models to choose from that there is no one watch that can beat out all the others. Fortunately, there are thousands of luxury Swiss watches that can meet your particular needs. Whether you want a beautiful watch to show off at an event or a rugged watch to take with you on an outdoor adventure, you can look to some of the top Swiss watch brands for help.
While there are hundreds of top-tier companies producing Swiss-made watches (with Swiss movement), here are a few of the best:
It’s important to note that all of the Swiss watchmakers listed above make excellent designs for both men and women. So, whether you want to treat yourself or buy a gift for a loved one, you can find exactly what you need with any of these brands. The key is to ensure that you purchase authentic Swiss watches through a licensed retailer (like Ashford) or directly through the manufacturer. If you buy from an unreliable source, you run the risk of getting scammed with a fake or imitation watch.
Additionally, many consumers assume that older brands are always better. However, this is not always the case. Some of the oldest brands in the world offer amazing Swiss watches, but this does not mean that you cannot get excellent quality from new companies. After all, many newer brands are able to use the same processes and materials as the more established companies while also offering lower prices (more on that below). It just comes down to what matters most to you. Ultimately, the functionality and look of the watch should supersede the brand, but it’s also understandable if you only want the best and most luxurious timepiece for your collection!
Affordable Swiss Watch Brands
If you’re looking for the absolute best deals on Swiss watches, it is pretty hard to beat B Swiss (by Bucherer). Not only does B Swiss produce top-of-the-line Swiss watches, but it sells them for a fraction of the cost of most competitors. So, if you’re looking for cheap Swiss watches or affordable Swiss automatic watches, B Swiss (by Bucherer) is definitely one of the best options out there.
Alternatively, you can also get affordable Swiss-made watches through brands like Swiza and Invicta. These brands may cost a little more than B Swiss, but they are still inexpensive and budget-friendly when compared to some of the most opulent and high-priced Swiss watch products. Consequently, Swiza and Invicta offer some of the best value for your money, combining the best possible craftsmanship with amazing deals and discounts.
We hope you found our guide on Swiss watches useful! If you’d like to learn more about
buying a luxury watch, feel free to contact the experts at Ashford today!
