The world's top 10 watches all have noble pedigree, prominent status, glorious history and expensive social status. Their prices are all above 6 figures, which is similar to the price of a mid-range car in China. Their outstanding contributions in the history of their respective clocks and watches can be called the pinnacle of human mechanical manufacturing wisdom.
First place:
Patek Philippe: a symbol of nobility
original model
Patek Philippe's exquisite manufacturing technology has created many top brands of watches. 1927, under the order of American car king Bogart, the company made a spring watch that could play his mother's favorite lullaby, which was worth 8300 Swiss francs at that time. At the request of Greaves, a great collector in new york, Patek Philippe took five years from 1928 to 1933, and the time difference and star map were equal to one. Its exquisiteness has set a milestone in the history of clocks and watches. 1985, Patek Philippe produced a model 940 multifunctional watch, which has the functions of full automation, calendar, moon phase, leap moon, automatic sun jumping, etc. The thickness of the watch body is only 3. 75 mm, the thinnest watch of its kind.
Determined to make progress
In order to achieve further development, Patek Philippe officially published Patek Philippe International Magazine in June 1996+00. The magazine was published in English, French, Japanese, Chinese, German and Italian, trying to attract customers and enhance the corporate image through the magazine content. All these prove Patek Philippe's business philosophy of constant innovation and change, which makes this century-old factory still full of vigor and vitality.
Highly skilled
Patek Philippe has always been in the leading position in watch technology and holds many patents. From 185 1, Patek Philippe obtained the first patent of "winding handle". The main patent items include precision regulator, double timer, large spiral balance wheel, peripheral self-winding rotor and related balancing hub device. Only in the 30 years from 1949 to 1979, there were 40 patents, ranking first in number.
Weishi famous products
Patek Philippe has strict restrictions on the output of watches, and each model will not exceed 65,438+00,000. The company was established nearly a century and a half, with a total output of only 600,000 vehicles. The limited number of fine products makes Patek Philippe watches extremely valuable. 1989, commemorative watches produced to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Patek Company1989 increased fourfold in the early 1990s. However, a platinum-encrusted perpetual calendar men's watch produced by this company 1953 was bought by a European buyer for HK$ 5.3 million at the' 97 spring auction held in Hong Kong, breaking the two records of the highest transaction price of perpetual calendar watches and the highest auction price of Asian watches.
Compatibility between modernity and tradition
At present, Patek Philippe is still the only manufacturer in the world that uses manual refining and can complete all watchmaking processes in the original factory, and adheres to the traditional craftsmanship of watches. The Swiss watch industry calls this traditional manufacturing technology "the seven traditional watchmaking technologies in Geneva", which means that it combines the traditional technologies of designers, clockmakers, goldsmiths, watch chain makers, sculptors, porcelain painters and jewelers. Patek Philippe is convinced that famous watches made by such craftsmen are unique artistic treasures, and this is the most proud feature of Patek Philippe watches. In order to break through the tradition and create a better working environment, Philippe, the current president and managing director of Patek Philippe? Mr. Si Tong has been planning and building a brand-new factory since 1988, in order to "integrate Patek Philippe's unique technology and technology under one roof". After the new factory was completed and put into use, it became a complete "watchmaking" factory, and an old castle next to the factory was renovated into a private collection museum in Geneva.
Second place:
Vacheron Constantin: Noble Works of Art
Unique and extraordinary design
Vacheron Constantin is famous for his craftsmanship and is good at making complex mechanical watches. Take Saltarello, a new watch of Les Complications series, as an example. The transparent crystal at the bottom of the watch is convenient for the wearer to appreciate the dynamic beauty of mechanical operation. Due to the high production requirements, this watch is issued in limited edition. Jumpinghour's design is more exquisite. It displays the time in the window of 12 hour and the minutes in the semi-circular ring. It's called a skip schedule, which is very rare.
Master's thinking, the test of time.
Tolby Lang is another masterpiece of Vacheron Constantin. The Xu Li display screen, which can be appreciated through the surface of crystal sapphire, is precise and elegant in design and unique in originality, which fully shows the profound mystery of time movement. The classic Tolby Lang perfectly reproduces Vacheron Constantin's motto: Perfection is everything. Exquisite craftsmanship laid the foundation for Vacheron Constantin's creation and production principles. For this reason, every finished product of Vacheron Constantin has to be tempered for several years, and every scale reflects the master's meticulous work.
Third place:
Abigail: Adhering to the century-old tradition.
The diamonds used by Audemars Piguet are strictly selected, and the color and clarity are the best level, which is really perfect. Then it is carefully inlaid by experienced jewelers, showing your extraordinary charm and elegant demeanor while accurately grasping the time.
Airbnb engraves the manufacturer's name on the back of each watch to show that it is responsible for the warranty. In order to maintain Switzerland's reputation as a watch kingdom, a watch school was set up in Switzerland to train the watch talents needed by the watch industry. Apprentices must complete four years of courses in watch school to become qualified watchmakers. However, if he wants to be a master of Audemars Piguet, it will take another two years before he can be sent to work in the ultra-thin machinery department. Audemars piguet factory insists on the tradition of making watches with the hands of old masters, which lasts for a hundred years. Audemars piguet's after-sales service is quite famous among world famous watch factories. Even if the parts have been discontinued for 20 years, as long as the manufacturing data is inquired, Airbnb can still be repaired by customers, thus achieving the purpose of ensuring quality for generations.
Fourth place:
Breguet: 200 years of immortal light
Breguet has many great inventions. But tourbillon has the greatest influence on the watch industry.
Up to now, due to the change of use mode, the difference of manufacturing materials and the development of speed regulating devices, tourbillon has an incalculable advantage in providing the most accurate time. However, its enlightenment to post-metamorphic thought will never be lost.
For a long time, people have been deliberately seeking how to synchronize machinery with rotating stars and get the same running time. But Master Breguet saw the reaction. The gravity generated by the earth's rotation makes the swing of the balance wheel inconsistent and needs another opposite force to control it. The appearance of tourbillon made this ideal come true. It is described that this can make up for the instability of the watch caused by the balance wheel and hairspring. "
This device which generates reaction force by rotation was patented in France on June 7th, 2009 (Gregorian calendar 180 1). As far as we know, in the years after 180 1, Breguet has been seeking for the improvement of his works. It was not until 1805 that he finished his own tourbillon watch. By the time he died (1823), the total number of productions was about 35. These watches operated by tourbillon devices must be treasures of great collection value. Up to now, the newly-built Breguet Private Museum does not have his TOFITO wheel bag watch.
Fifth place:
All nations: excellent quality of machinery manufacturing.
In 1960s, IWC faced the impact of Japanese quartz electronic watches on Swiss watches, followed the trend and adopted brand-new technologies and strategies to meet the challenge. Its titanium alloy watches, "Ocean" series for divers, "VTRA SPORTIVO" ultra-thin watches and "PORTOFINO" series make IWC one of the first-class watchmakers in Switzerland. The newly launched world's first diving watch with mechanical depth gauge further demonstrates IWC's incredible creativity and imagination.
1780, the first self-winding bag was named "perptuelle".
Tourbillon equalizer was patented at 180 1.
1990 the new "synchronous advance in one" came out in minutes, and the clock and watch were combined into one.
1783 invented the bell with self-ringing. Design round hands and "Breguet" numbers.
The first table was made in 18 10.
The time equation was patented in the calendar of 199 1 year.
1786 The first batch of surfaces carved by manual engraving machine.
18 12 time eccentric surface appears.
1997 The straight-line perpetual calendar watch was patented, which has the function of changing the year instantly.
The Breguet key was invented in 1789.
18 15 invented the double-spring navigation precision timepiece.
1790, the "pare-cbute" shock absorber was invented.
1820 invented the "observation precision timer".
1795 Calendar Timer appears. Compensating balance wheel with Breguet coil can be provided. For the first time, there is a record of "synchronous two in one" for three minutes.
/kloc-the first keyless winding watch was invented in 0/830.
1796 pioneered the trunk clock and the "reservation" clock.
1866 "tuning fork timepiece" was patented.
1798 obtained the first patent right of Li Sibun.
It is patented that 1926 shows surfaces without clockwise rotation when jumping.
1799 sells the first tact pocket watch that displays time by touch.
1939 "Garde-Temps" was patented.
Exquisite craft
Since 1868, every watch produced by IWC has been registered in the watch factory register. Over the past hundred years, these registers have been integrated into several large volumes, making them the only record books in the world. In the old version, the contract number, the number behind the case, the materials used, the weight of the watch, the name of the watchmaker, the date of completion and the name of the watchmaker or buyer are all recorded in cursive font. Russian czar Ferdinand I, Pope Pius IX, British Prime Minister Churchill ... all have more than one IWC pocket watch.
At the same time, due to 1868, the important spare parts produced by IWC factory are stored in high kitchen cabinets, so IWC watchmakers can even thoroughly overhaul the oldest watch core to ensure that the old watch can keep accurate time for many years to come. Because of this, IWC watches can be regarded as heirlooms for future generations.
Sixth place:
PIAGET: The Treasure of the Supreme Count Worth Appreciating
Earl, Swiss watch, founded in 1874. With excellent design talent and exquisite watchmaking technology, Earl led the watch industry for a century and made the world watch industry shine brilliantly.
Piaget's slim mechanical operation device has made outstanding achievements and is a historical legend in the watch industry. Nowadays, every part of Earl's products is made by Earl's studio, which is unique and meticulous, and even has its own gold casting workshop to make it perfect.
In addition to the unique mechanical operation device, Piaget's design concept is even more admirable. All watchcases and bracelets must be cast in 18K gold or platinum, and the surface design is more beautiful and unique. The surface decoration is carved by lapis lazuli, coral stone, mother of pearl, tiger's eye stone, agate and other precious stones. The effect is gorgeous and amazing.
Piaget also produces precious jewelry and watch jewelry with high artistic value, and selects valuable diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Piaget craftsmen need to spend hundreds of hours of careful creation to complete a work, in order to live up to Piaget's reputation.
Seventh place:
Cartier: the pet of the upper class
Cartier, founded by Louis-Francaise Cartier from 1874, was highly praised by the royal nobles and fashionistas and became a royal designer. Later, the talented Louis Cartier inherited the family business and carried it forward, becoming a rare jewelry master.
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1888, Cartier tried to install a mechanical watch on a gold bracelet inlaid with diamonds. 1904, the gold watch made for my old friend Santos began to run away. Since then, Cartier watches have always been the pets of the upper class, enduring.
Inheriting the essence of 150 years, Pasha, Panther, Tank, Tank France, Santos, Bagnori and the Trinity watch series in recent years have long been well-known in the world. The new all-round Tank Basculante watch series is the artistic crystallization of fashion and craftsmanship. However, with the enterprising spirit of Excellence, Cartier's Paris Cartier-Private Collection series specially designed and manufactured for watch lovers can be said to be another breakthrough in the history of watches. Cartier is not only a pioneer of modern aesthetics, but also a distinguished model that combines honed technology and experience with the design of the times.
Some Cartier watches are made by the main factory in Paris, and quite a few are specially made by famous companies such as Patek Philippe Vacheron Constantin European Watch Company. Its functional modeling technology can be described as learning from other people's strengths, integrating them, and the world is vast. Cartier, with the advantages of internationally renowned brand groups, produces and sells high-grade hand ornaments, especially women's handbags, which are favored by nobles and rich people.
Cartier brand has become a household name, and it tends to be feminine. Therefore, working girl should be able to satisfy its own pursuit by owning Cartier, and only choose according to its own hobbies and strength, because there are many styles of Cartier, and there is always one that suits you.
Eighth place:
Jaeger-LeCoultre Watch: Accuracy comes from tradition.
Jaeger-LeCoultre watches are typical Swiss famous brand watches. Many Swiss watches have the following two characteristics: they come from the Jouxe Valley in the Jura Mountains, such as Piaget; The results of their cooperation, such as Patek Philippe (jointly created by Patek Philippe and Philip) and Zippo (jointly created by Grardt and Perregaux). Those brands with both characteristics, such as Airbnb and Jaeger-LeCoultre, enjoy a high reputation all over the world.
18th century ago, British and French watch manufacturers monopolized the whole watch industry, providing sophisticated timepieces for merchant ships to help them sail around the world. At the same time, another clock power is also actively brewing, that is, Switzerland, because a large number of French Protestant craftsmen live in seclusion in the Jouxe Valley of the Jura Mountains in Switzerland to escape religious persecution. There are six months in a year when mountains are closed by heavy snow. The long winter keeps people indoors, so they have enough time and patience to make more sophisticated mechanical devices, such as music boxes, automatic operating machines and clocks. By the19th century, the valley residents, known as "Combiers", had surpassed the clock technology of Britain, France and other countries, leaving the rest of the world behind.
Jaeger-LeCoultre watches were born in this valley. 1803, a boy Antoine was born in the Lecourt family. He started as an apprentice in his father's blacksmith's shop and devoted himself to gear manufacturing technology and metallurgy. 1833, he founded a handicraft workshop in the town of Lesentier and left the family business. By 1860, his company had reached more than 100, specializing in the production of watch precision devices, and successively launched hundreds of watch movements, thus establishing his position in the Swiss watch industry. 1903, when Antoine 100 years old (of course, he didn't live to that time, but he did receive the best birthday present), his grandson Jacob-David cooperated with Edmund Jaeger, a French manufacturer of precision navigation timepieces, to set up Jaeger Jaeger's Jaeger factory today.
Since the establishment of 1833 company, Jaeger-LeCoultre has owned many patents and made great contributions to the development of watches in the world. Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the few watchmaking companies in the world because it produces extremely diverse movements. Especially in the high-end movement, the sales of other brands' high-end watches are very small, so their own movement output is also very small, and they will choose the movement produced by Jaeger-LeCoultre, which invisibly promotes Jaeger-LeCoultre. This is also mutually beneficial.
Ninth place:
Rolex: the overlord in the field of watches
The predecessor of Rolex Company is W &；; D company in Hans, Germany? 1905 (Guangxu 3 1 year of Qing dynasty), Weisdorf and British Davis jointly operated in Renton. 1908, Wissdorf registered the Rolex trademark, W &；; D therefore changed to Rolex. The original logo of a Rolex watch is a palm with five fingers, indicating that the watch of this brand is completely handmade. Later, it gradually evolved into a registered trademark of Crown to show its dominance in the field of watches. Rolex is the third most valuable 10 brand in the world and the only watch brand.
In the 1920s, Rolex fully developed the first waterproof watch. 1926, Rolex waterproof watch was officially registered. The design style of Rolex watches has always been solemn, practical and unpretentious, and is deeply loved by people from all walks of life, especially those in the Far East and the Middle East.
Tenth place:
White matter: Show your dignity.
179 1 year, J.F.Bautte, the founder of Zippo Watch, created his first watch. Soon, his ultra-thin watch made him famous and set up a manufacturing factory in Geneva. Today, Zippo Watch is one of the few Swiss manufacturers that can design and manufacture their own movements. Each movement is hand-inlaid, carved and decorated by experts. For most models, you can choose different grades of straps and surfaces.