Swiss watchmakers have long been touted for being the masters of luxury watches. However, there are many luxury brands from around the world that are worth considering the next time you buy a gift for a significant other or yourself. Here are five luxury watch brands that aren’t Swiss made.
Seiko
Seiko’s origins date back 130 years to their humble beginnings in Tokyo, circa 1881, when Kintaro Hattori opened a watch repair shop. The company’s signature piece, the Grand Seiko, was launched in Nagano in 1960. From there, it became not only the first Japanese wristwatch with a stopwatch but the official watch of the Olympics. The master craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation in Seiko’s inner sanctum produced a lot more firsts in the watchmaking industry.
Seiko makes stunning yet subtle women’s watches that are both fashionable and functional. They have been listed in the top nine watches on the Best watch website for traveling, with some models incorporating GPS capabilities.
Today, Seiko acts not only as an incredible brand that learned many of its techniques from master Swiss watchmakers over the years, but it also has a rich history that makes for an incredible story of entrepreneurial spirit.
Michael Kors
Michael Kors has made quite a name for himself, both as a designer and as a brand. This self-made American designer sells everything from shoes to handbags, promising sleek elegance and modern, trendsetting designs with every purchase. While Michael Kors watches are American made and named for their American-born designer, Kors’ father is Swiss. Perhaps the affinity for beautiful watches is an inherited trait.
While the Michael Kors name is primarily popular with the female audience (and for good reason– the designs are to die for), the brand does offer accessories for men that promote understated masculinity and sleek lines.
Cartier
Cartier, as the name suggests, is French. The brand was founded in Paris in 1847 by a man of the same name and remains one of the most recognizable watch names in the marketplace despite not being Swiss made. Cartier’s designs have long been preferred by the British monarchy and remain steady in the luxury market today. The most iconic Cartier model, the Tank, has been worn by famous historical figures such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
Recognized for their iconic square face, Cartier watches remain a popular choice for female celebrities today, and more than a few male A-listers. In addition to their innovative engineering and unforgettable design, the watches are extremely comfortable. What more could you ask for?
Casio
The Japanese have long been recognized for their innovative designs and technological advancements that put them ahead of the rest of the world. As such, it’s no wonder that two Japanese watch brands make the list. Like Seiko, Casio had humble beginnings in Tokyo. Casio didn’t enter the Swiss or North American market until 1967. At the time, their main focus was calculators rather than luxury watches.
For a luxury watch with more function than fashion, Casio offers GPS, three-way time sync, and Bluetooth integration. Their designs are as bold as they are high-tech, and a great piece for movers and shakers.
You may also recognize the Casio name from cash registers and calculators from around the world. This is one of the few watch companies on the list that has managed to make a name for themselves in various areas while maintaining their reputation as a luxury watch company. All areas of innovation within the company impact the technological advances that create an incredible product offering.
Bell & Ross
Bell & Ross is another French watch company, with designs reminiscent of aircraft dials and meters. Unlike the other watchmakers on this list, Bell & Ross started in the 1990s as a college project amongst friends. Their designs were not crafted by the Swiss, but rather by a German institution known as Sinn Spezialuhren. The first models referenced Sinn on the dial, but are now entirely branded under the Bell & Ross name.
Bell & Ross is the brainchild of two friends who met in college, Carlos Rosillo (Ross) and Bruno Belamich (Bell). Their use of their nicknames gave them a competitive edge in the North American market, by offering an Americanized brand name that appealed to those trying to shop local during the heydey of the 1990s.
Whether you shop for a luxury watch for yourself or your significant other, these five companies have branched away from the Swiss made brands that dominate the market. For something truly unique, think outside the box and buy a luxury watch from one of these talented designers.