Why do people like luxury watches even more?

Differently from women who can count on a wide range of accessories, men count on watches above all to enhance their look, with male fascination seemingly aimed at luxury models in particular.

To create the perfect harmony between the watch and the personality of its wearer, numerous details have to be assessed, for example chromatic pairing, the size and shape of the dial, the display design and, naturally, the strap.

There are historical brands on the market that for generations have been proposing to clients new or revisited models, given that vintage has become one of the main attraction poles of people who love an elegant, refined style.
These valuable accessories have interested mainly adults for a while now, but today it is the new generations that are heading with increasingly more knowledge towards the luxury watch market.

According to the reliable statistics of Chrono24, in fact, even though the average age of purchasers is 59, Generation Y (those born between 1985 and 1995) and Generation Z (those born between 1996 and 2000) are progressively dominating the market.

The percentage of watch enthusiasts aged between 20 and 24 has increased impressively during these past few years, thanks also to the tendency to buy similar products as a ‘safe haven’, in other words a safe investment for the future. 

People tend to prefer luxury watches because:

• they characterise the wearer’s personality, given that an accessory of this type helps to standardise the special characteristics of his or her look with style while also enhancing their outfit;
• they are an advantageous investment, because the value of these ‘safe haven’ goods will increase over time, not just the new models but also the retro models, which are often appraised at astonishing figures;
• they symbolise success, because a luxury watch indicates the typical social status of a person who has reached specific objectives;
• they can be worn always, thanks to their extreme versatility. They can, in fact, be worn during a job interview, when on a romantic date, for a special occasion or an exclusive evening.

Luxury watches belong to the timeless ‘high horology’ category which, independently from the brand, guarantees a strong impact as far as style and elegance are concerned. Fashion tendencies do not affect the versatility of a luxury watch.
Those who choose this type of accessory have a deeply-rooted sense of belonging to a lifestyle that is timeless and personalised according to individual demands.

These products are considered the absolute best by collector enthusiasts, but also by those who are approaching the timepiece world for the first time, thanks to their unique mechanisms, carefully selected materials, the refined taste of the design, the exclusive combinations…and without forgetting the prestige of the brands that make them.

The most famous luxury watches ranked

The most famous luxury watches are not always the most expensive, because the buyer’s appreciation often depends on things that do not include the cost but which have also made some timepieces true style icons. 

According to a reliable ranking drawn up by sector experts, the 9 most famous models are:

 

• 1st: Rolex Daytona

This model, which has been a symbol of success for more than 30 years, is universally recognised as the most famous – and also the most expensive – watch in the world.
Even outside Italy the waiting list to purchase one is endless, and the frenzy while waiting for one to be auctioned reaches incredibly high levels. 

The Daytona is universally considered to be the most sought-after status symbol, also because of its extremely famous steel link bracelet with Oyster screw-down case back.
The most coveted variant has always been the Daytona Paul Newman, worn by the famous actor in the film “Winning”.

 

• 2nd: Omega Speedmaster

In spite of the numerous variants and customisation processes that the model underwent over the years, the Omega Speedmaster, made in 1957 and affectionately called “Maitre de Vitesse” is still a sturdy, waterproof, reliable chronograph with a dial that is very easy to read. 

The case with its tonneau design – an unusual asymmetrical shape and unmistakable twisted lugs – has made this timepiece an eternal icon, associated also with Neil Armstrong’s adventure in space, when he took the first steps on the moon on 21 July 1969.

 

• 3rd: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

The first Royal Oak, presented at the Basel Salon in 1972 and coming from the creativity of Gérald Genta, the most famous designer of the 20th century, is characterised by an octagonal case and the innovative bezel locking system that uses eight screws, recalling in a way how a deep-sea diver’s helmet is closed.

Since then, 700 variants of the original model have followed, always respecting a design that has remained unique in the world and which has made this timepiece one of the most coveted by collectors from every corner of the world.

 

• 4th: Patek Philippe Nautilus

With its carré cambré (square-shaped and curved) case obtained from a single block of metal and the famous octagonal bezel obtained from eight circle arcs, the Nautilus dial stands out above all for the polished sapphire crystal that opened the way for many other similar models.
This watch is also distinct because of its decidedly sporty look, which is still extremely refined because of the total harmony of its shape and size.

 

• 5th: Jaeger-Lecoultre Reverso

The possibility of reversing the rotating case of watches began with this model, which was made in 1931 and immediately became a cult piece for collectors.
It is a timepiece that was able to remain coherent with its basic layout, deriving from the concept of protecting the sophisticated mechanisms.
The way the case and the strap, rigorously of sought-after leather and with elegant chromatic nuances, are paired gives this watch a stylish look with a great impact.

 

• 6th: Breitling Chronomat

Created at the beginning of the 1900s as a watch designed for civil and military aviation, this model soon became an icon of style and functionality for the American Armed Forces and for all enthusiasts with good taste.
Its timeless elegance is well represented by the black case, with black dial and strap, which create a total black look that has always been appreciated by enthusiasts.

 

• 7th: Tag Heuer Monaco
  The model in question can be easily identified because of its square case and the dark blue of its dial, against which the white hands and numbers stand out.

It is one of the first automatic chronographs that owes its fame also to the fact that the actor Steve McQueen wore it while “Le Mans” was being filmed.

 

• 8th: Bulgari Octo Finissimo

A total black watch made completely of ceramic and having the same diameter and thickness: this is Octo Finissimo by Bulgari, one of the most sold luxury models and which even today, years later, is coveted by enthusiasts and collectors also thanks to the technical characteristics of Swiss ‘high horology’.

 

• 9th: Cartier Santos

Famous above all for its jewels, Maison Cartier also excels in making luxury watches, like the famous Santos, created at the start of the 1900s for the pilot Alberto Santos Dumont, and still considered an icon of style and elegance today.
Ideal for both men and women, Santos has a square case with golden frame fixed by traditional screws, and a metal link bracelet, always with gold screws.

The fundamental role of straps in luxury watches

Many years, and just as many technical developments, were needed to develop the wide range of straps that is currently available for luxury watches and which includes metal link bracelets or straps made of leather or cutting-edge synthetic materials.
When dealing with materials for straps, never limit yourself to just the traditional ones – you should take technical substrates like nylon and rubber into consideration, too.

Leather straps, which adapt perfectly to luxury timepieces, are produced using conventional materials such as calfskin, goatskin, sheepskin, deerskin, pig leather, and also more exotic materials such as crocodile, lizard, alligator, snake, shark and emu leather.
Metal bracelets, which are among the most popular on the market, are used by the most famous ‘high horology’ brands, and are made using steel and gold, either individually or combined. Platinum and titanium are also often used by the big luxury watch brands.

Rubber straps have the great advantage of being waterproof, elastic, extremely strong yet gentle on the skin at the same time: almost all the luxury brands use similar accessories, which permit an extremely wide range of colour tones.

Nylon straps are safe, resistant and, thanks to their versatility, can be attached to any watch model.

An aspect to be considered when choosing a luxury watch strap is the buckle or clasp, which can be folding (with two metal plates that fold over each other), butterfly (closed by two opposing pieces that connect in the middle), or pin (where the strap is adjusted by placing a pin through an eyelet similar to those on belts).

Bonetto Cinturini produces a wide range of bracelets for luxury watches, taking care of each production phase, from material selection to final packaging.
The products are the result of a creative process that considers the client’s requirements above all, so that any watch can be personalised at best.
The straps/bracelets are made by craftsmen and are finished by hand, even though production still takes advantage of the most innovative sector techniques.

The wide choice of rubber straps is complemented by a just as wide range of buckles, whose matching follows style criteria that are dictated by a constant search for elegance, style and functionality. The straps, in fact, have buckles that are designed to be safe, but at the same time refined and one of a kind, so as to be sporty, traditional, contemporary or easy.

They are accessories that never go unnoticed, and which optimally complement the look of the watch.