subject: Top Five Swiss Watchmakers [print this page] Swiss are the pioneer of watch making industry. Thanks to Jean Calvins ban to wear jewels during the middle of 16th Century, the artisans, goldsmiths and jewellery makers invented a new kind of jewel. One that Jean Calvin was unable to ban and one that eventually became a huge trade industry for the Swiss. Today 91% of their production is exported worldwide and Swiss watchmakers are known across the globe for their elegant artisanship.
Rolex
Rolex is the only brand among the Swiss watchmakers producing around 60000 pieces every month. The brand is simply "Haute". What people do not know about these Swiss watchmakers are the facts that they were the first to introduce a waterproof wristwatch, an automatic date changer, an automatic day changer, to show two time zones at the same time and to earn chronometer certification for a wristwatch.
Omega
Founded in 1848, Omega stands second in our lists, although the Omega's true legacy starts in 1879 when two Swiss watchmakers Paul and Cesar decided that the production must conducted in-house. These two brilliant Swiss watchmakers were the sons of founder Louis Brandt. Omega Speed master professional was the first watch on the moon and since 1995 it has become the new James Bond watch.
Breitling
Bretiling Navitimer and Breitling Emergency could be named as true watch legends produced by Swiss watchmakers. These too brilliantly haute watches carved the cachet their manufacturer the identity they are known for worldwide. Among Breitlings other master pieces are the Breitling Monbrillant 1903 and the latest, Chronomat Evolution.
Panerai
Although the brand started during 1800s in Italy it is widely known as a Swiss brand since Swiss watchmakers were behind their watches since the beginning. However, these exceptional Swiss watches are still more famous in Italy than the rest of the world. Panerai was Ferraris official brand from 2005 until 2010. They are also the official watch supplier of the Regia Marina (the royal Italian Navy)
Chopard
Chopard has been famous for the innovative ideas and precise pocket watches and chornomters ever since its foundation was laid during 1800s. Chopard watch collections are also famous for being a beautiful blend of gems and elegant designs Swiss watchmakers are famous for worldwide. Chopard is also an sponsoring partner of Cannes Film Festival since 1997. The most haute Chopard watch collections are Mille Miglia, Happy Diamonds, Happy Sport, Happy Spirit, Classiques, Your Houre, La Strada, L.U.C. and Haute Horlogerie.
These Swiss watchmakers have built their legacy over a century and have received numerous chronometer certification awards for their products. Some of the other significant haute Swiss brandsinclude Ulysse Nardin, Corum, TAG Heuer , Chanel, Mido and Patek Philippe. Although Patek Philippe is considered one of the most haute Swiss watchmakers, our rating system is based on number of chronometer certifications received.
