Some of the Watch Brands We Carry and their Significance

Swiss watches are admired around the globe due to its state of art timekeeping mechanism and exceptional craftsmanship. Swiss watches are highly recommended to men and women who have an elegant taste of luxury.  Here are the most prestigious and esteemed Swiss watch brands that we offer at Sumpter’s and some great facts on what make each stand out.

Rolex:  Rolex is one of the most respected and renowned watches in the global market.  Since 1905, the Rolex Company has been designing timeless and elegant luxury watches. Rolex has set the records in terms of cutting edge innovation and technological revolution in the watch industry.  This brand of watch was able to manufacture the first waterproof wristwatch, the first wristwatch with an automatically changing date on the dial, the first wristwatch to show two time zones at once and the first wristwatch with an automatically changing day and date on the dial. Due to its noteworthy significance in the watch history, Rolex is one of the most admirable and recognized watch in the world.  Overall, the Rolex watch is a symbol of timeless luxury and eternal magnificence.  Swiss tennis great Roger Federer grew up in Basil Switzerland, home to the world’s biggest watch fair. He’s a discerning watch fan himself, and has been an ambassador for Rolex for many years.

IWC-International Watch Company:  The IWC was founded in 1868 with the objective of combining Swiss craftsmanship with the modern US engineering technology. Since then, the IWC has continually engineered powerful and luxurious watches. Through its passion for innovation and technical ingenuity, the IWC has marked a prestigious reputation. The craftsmanship and design of the IWC watches is impeccable. This Swiss watch manufacturer has been designing masterpieces which combine precision engineering with exceptional design. There is no doubt that the IWC watch is the quintessence of luxury timepieces.  It has been seen on the red carpet by none other than actors like Bradley Cooper.

Patek Philippe:  Patek Philippe was founded in 1851.  This Swiss luxury watch manufacturer located in Geneva designs and manufactures classy timepieces as well as some of the most intricate mechanical watches.  It attained a remarkable status as the world’s most prestigious watch brand by many watch experts and enthusiasts. This brand pioneered and invented the perpetual calendar, split-seconds hand, chronograph, and minute repeater in watches. This brand is notable for manufacturing its own parts and machineries.  Patek Philippe is also known for producing on of the most expensive timepiece in the world. This brand of watch is patronized by the royalty and other powerful figures worldwide.  They forgo celeb endorsements. The slogan for their men's line goes, "You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation."

Hublot:  Luxury and Indulgence are the foremost features of these watches. Founded in 1980, Hublot is a globally recognized brand known for luxurious and classy timepieces.  Currently, the brand is manufacturing the most expensive watch in the world worth $5 million dollars!  This brand is well known for engineering the first natural rubber strap in the history of watch manufacturing.  Hublot watch is highly recommended due to its technological innovations and distinctive designs.  And while basketball greats like Dewayne Wade and Kobe Bryant prefer a Hubot watch, Lebron James prefers the next watch on our list.

Audemars Piguet:  These watches are an iconic luxury Swiss watch that is admired around the globe.   The roots of Audemars Piguet watch can be traced back to 1874. Since then, the Audemars Piguet has attained a tremendous worldwide success and became one of the most legendary watches ever. This timepiece is one of the most fine looking and luxurious accessory in the watch market. It has introduced several special and limited edition watches for celebrities and athletes, like King James.  The quality and workmanship of the Audemars Piguet watch is exceptional. With its revolutionary designs and state of the art mechanism, the Audemars Piguet watch is one of the most remarkable Swiss watches in the global market. 

Breitling:  Breitling is a private company headquartered in Switzerland.  Since 1884, the company has been producing high-end watches known for their precision and accuracy especially in the aviation industry.  Breitling watches are typically categorized for diving, aviation, and luxury (Breitling for Bentley). Breitling has played a critical role in the innovation of the chronograph watches. It is also the world’s only major watch brand to equip all its models with chronometer certified movements and produce its own mechanical chronograph movement. With its durable, reliable and high-performing timepieces, Breitling is definitely one of the most prestigious brands in the watch industry.  Breitling has announced David Beckham as the representative for its Transocean Chronograph Unitime worldtimer watch.

Omega: Omega is known for designing state of the art mechanical watches since 1848, Omega is an admired brand of Swiss watches. The Omega watch is a legendary timepiece that has been used in moon explorations. It is also globally recognized as the maker of the iconic James Bond watches. The timekeeping mechanism of this timepiece is the most accurate in the world. This brand of watch has set the precision records and continually redefining the standard of luxury Swiss watches. With its polished and refined appearance, this timepiece will surely enhance your charm and boost your confidence. Likewise, this watch will surely last for a lifetime since it is engineered with superb quality and high-end materials.  Nicole Kidman is a spokesman for the famed watch brand.

Panerai:  Panerai has been around for more than 50 years.  Panerai is known as one of the greatest names in the world of Swiss watchmaking. It is considered a legendary watch brand that is trusted around the world.  Panerai timepieces have experienced tremendous popularity. Today, Panerai is one of the most sought-after watch brands in the world, making limited editions for Ferrari and being preferred by celebrities such as Sylvester Stallone. 


 


 
Cartier:  Founded in 1847, Cariter designs and manufactures watches and jewelry.   Cartier is considered a legitimate watch brand, having a solid history and reputation. Detailing on each of its watches is very impressive, giving the watches just the perfect mix of simplicity and complexity. Cartier is also a brand adored by many important people, including Royals like Kate Middleton who loves the iconic Ballon Bleu watch.  Being a true luxury watch brand model, Cartier has become a great influence to a number of other watch designers and manufacturers.

 
    
Baume and Mercier:  It is the company’s goal of creating exceptional models that incorporated cutting-edge innovations that earned them excellent reputation among collectors and fellow watchmakers alike. Devoted to their maxim, “Accept only perfection, only manufacture watches of the highest quality,” the company enjoyed unparalleled growth. Over the years, a number of Baume & Mercier watches have already won prestigious international distinctions. Today, they are no doubt one of the most sought-after watch brands in the world for their inherent creativity and unequaled service.  Kim Basinger and Gary Sinese are the newest Baume and Mercier celebrities. Previously, Kiefer Sutherland and Meg Ryan were behind the Baume campaign.

Longines:  Longines is one of the many watch companies that is currently owned by the Swatch Group.   Longines is considered as one of the world’s leading watch companies. The brand is known for its Aviators watches, which are still being produced up to this day. It is also known as the watch company to provide timers for the first modern Olympics in 1896.  It is currently associated with Equestrian events, including being the official Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby.  Today, the company has stores in more than 140 countries all over the world. It has established an international influence and is one of the most coveted watch brands. Currently, the star of the Mentalist’s, Simon Baker is the “Ambassador of Elegance” for Longines.

Tudor:  Tudor is a brand of watches made by Rolex.  The brand name was chosen as a way to pay homage to the Tudor period in England. In essence, a Tudor watch is also a Rolex watch.   Perhaps the only difference between the two is that Tudor is moderately priced. In terms of quality, some may argue that Rolex is the better brand of the two, although there should really be no competition, as Tudor Watches are made to the same standards that Rolex timepieces adhere to. What makes Tudor special, though, is that it was the brand chosen by the French Navy for its divers in the late 60’s. Tudor was also chosen by the US Navy for its Navy Seals and UDT. Today, one of the most notable celebrities that wear Tudor watches is Tiger Woods.

Tag Heuer:  Tag Heuer was founded in 1860 and since its creation. Tag Heuer has been continually revolutionizing the watchmaking industry. Among the company’s feats include being the first Swiss watchmaker in space in 1962. Nothing has changed much for TAG, which until today, is still an extraordinary watchmaking company that produces irresistible timepieces. What makes TAG Heuer special is that each model conveys a feeling of power while remaining reasonably priced. More importantly, the company is committed to values of quality, reliability, and boldness, which has helped TAG Heuer shape its identity and become one of the most successful watchmaking companies in history.  Just ask Jeff Gordon, Tag is a sponsor for the 24 race team!

Movado:  Movado is known for its iconic museum dial and innovatively-designed aesthetic. The company was originally founded in 1881 and some of the most celebrated timepieces ever created were produced by Movado, one of which is the Movado Museum Watch. More and more famous people are recommending the Movado watch brand these days, but the real reason for the brand’s popularity is not because of the fact that it is being endorsed by celebrities, but because Movado watches are truly well-made. Each Movado timepiece is designed carefully and is  built on a foundation that has supported the watchmaking art for over 130 years.  All-star shortstop Derek Jeter has been a longime brand ambassador for Movado, and the Movado has commemorated watches in his honor.

Bulova:  Bulova is one of those watch companies with a very rich history. It was Bulova that created the first innovative change in timekeeping technology after over 300 years by discovering Accutron, a technology that uses a 360 hertz tuning fork as the timekeeping element instead of a balance wheel. In 2008, the Bulova was sold to Citizen.  Together, the two are now the world’s largest watchmaker.  At its April 10, 2013 auction of “Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces” held in New York City, a  Bulova Accutron owned by baseball Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio sold for $20,625, over five times its high estimate of $4,000.

Montblanc: Montblanc was founded in 1910 and probably most recognizable for their pens, In 1910, The company would eventually add other products under its belt, including watches. Among the highlights of Montblanc’s watchmaking history is the invention of the e-strap, an interchangeable strap that adds smartwatch-like features to a wristwatch. Montblanc continues to produce timepieces with excellent technicity, performance, and innovative appeal, making them one of the most dynamic watch companies in the world today. Nicolas Cage represents MontBlanc in today’s advertisements.

Zenith: Founded in 1865 the company is committed to producing exceptional watches using fine craftsmanship. Since its creation, Zenith has been creating some of the most beautiful handcrafted timepieces in the world. The secret to the beauty Zenith Watches is that they are produced under one roof. In fact, Zenith still makes sure that all aspects of their watchmaking are done in-house, and is one of the few watchmakers who observe the practice. Zenith watches are truly remarkable, to a point that even the great Mahatma Gandhi himself preferred it over other brands. Zenith remains to be one of the most respected watch brands in this generation, and there is no question that it will continue to do so.

Raymond Weil is one of the last independent companies in the Swiss watch industry. Created in 1976 in Geneva, it is a family-run business.  For the past 39 years, Raymond Weil’s clientele continued to expand, and that due mainly to the company’s design concepts, impeccable movements, and commitment to pure Swiss-made products. Despite the company’s success, it never relaxed and compromised its standards, but became even more aggressive in producing high-quality timepieces that continue to impress customers. The Raymond Weil watch collection of today is simply a reminder of the company’s desire to create timepieces that possess distinctiveness in them while remaining elegant and modern, and at the same time relevant to this generation of watch aficionados.  Charlize Theron is currently the celebrity voice for Raymond Weil.

If you have any questions on the prices of these watches or want to know our current inventory, feel free to contact us.

www.sumptersjewelry.com

written by: Susan G
edited and designed by: Carolyn M 

Sumpers Jewelry is not an authorized Rolex dealer nor is it affiliated with the Rolex Corporation or any of its subsidiaries. Datejust, Day-Date President, Presidential, Super President, Pearlmaster, Masterpiece, Submariner, Cosmograph Daytona, Explorer, Sea Dweller, GMT Master,Yacht-Master, Air King Milgauss, Prince, and Cellini are all registered trademarks of the Rolex Corporation (Rolex USA, Rolex S.A.)All trademarked names, brands and models, mentioned on this site are the sole property of Rolex, USA, Inc. and/or their respective trademark owners. This site, including its owners, operators, and developers, are not affiliated with nor endorsed by Rolex, Rolex USA, or any of its subsidiaries, in any way. We are not an official dealer for the products we sell and have no affiliation with the manufacturer. All brand names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.