Watches do more than just tell you the time. They also serve as a way for you to reflect your personal taste and style, character, and can go a long way in helping you brand yourself. They allow people to see what kind of accessories you love and the kind of standards that you maintain.
Though you can find some brilliant timepieces at a lower price, nothing displays your sense of style better than luxury watches for men and women. In fact, luxury watches display your tastes so well, that many famous sports personalities, thespians, business people and other personalities choose to show off their tastes primarily with their watches. With over 200 popular watch brands all competing for your attention, it can be difficult to make the right decision as far as which watch to get.
To help you make the right choice, we shall review the top 10 luxury watches for men and women, and then give you a few tips on what you should look out for when purchasing your first luxury watch.
Top 10 Luxury Watches for Men and Women
1. TAG Heuer Men’s CAJ2110.FT6023 Aquaracer Chronograph Watch
Tag Heuer is a brand that has been synonymous with style, luxury, and accuracy for over 150 years, and this watch is one of their most popular products. Not only does it look beautiful, it is also one of the most functional watches you can buy, and is perfect for those that are into water sports.
Our Rating: 
(5 / 5)
The Tag Heuer CAJ2210.FT6023 is a chronograph watch that comes with a beautiful black dial and a strong rubber strap, making it ideal for those who are interested in adventure and sport. Its hands and markers are all luminescent to help you tell the time even in the dark, and it also comes with a 60-minute diving scale to help you keep track of how long you have been underwater.
However, you should be warned that this watch is much more than a timepiece and therefore, just like with a nice camera, you will have to learn how to use all its functions to be able to extract the most out of it. However, once you have learned how to use it properly, it is by far one of the best timepieces you will ever purchase, especially if you are in to water sports such as diving and jet skiing.
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Fluted, protected crown
- 60 minute diving scale
- Luminescent hands and markers
Cons
- Very Technical
- Limited Warranty if bought from a grey market dealer
2. Omega Women’s 1475.71.00 Constellation My Choice Diamond Accented Watch
Despite the fact that Omega is one of the most popular luxury watch brands, their luxury watches for women are rather rare and hard to find. However, when they do finally release expensive watches for women, they are some of the most classic timepieces you can find, and this one is no exception.
This beautiful watch looks very simple when you first glance at it, but a closer look reveals a richness and elegance that is hard to find in any other woman’s watch. Its stainless steel bracelet is highly polished to give you a dazzling shine, and is so durable that you are sure the watch will last for years.
Our Rating: (5 / 5)
The face is consists of a beautiful domed sapphire crystal that is glare and scratch resistant, meaning that you will be able to look at it on even the brightest day without worrying about blinding yourself. The dial is made from mother of pearl, and comes with silver hands that point at silver studs. To add to the luxury, the watch comes with a diamond bezel that looks stunning with whatever you wear.
Despite the fact that this watch is water resistant, it is better at withstanding the rain and minor splashes of water than it is at handling full submersion.
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Glare resistant face
- Mother of Pearl dial with Diamond Bezel
- Water Resistant
Cons
- Few luxury metals for the price range
- Cannot withstand a lot of water despite being water resistant
3. TAG Heuer Men’s CAY211A.BA0927 Aquaracer Analog Display Swiss Automatic Silver Watch
Another beautiful luxury watch for men from TAG Heuer, those who own it have called the CAY211A.BA0927 Aquaracer revolutionary. It maintains the original Aquaracer look, but comes with a host of design features that separate it from the rest. For instance, it has a brand new stainless steel uni-directional rotating bezel, and a black dial with luminous silver-tone hands that enables you to tell the time even in complete darkness. The sapphire crystal that covers the dial is scratch resistant, meaning that you do not have to worry about scratches obscuring your vision.
Our Rating: 
(4.5 / 5)
The bracelet is made out of highly polished stainless steel, guaranteeing you durability and style, and ensuring that you are the envy of your peers. Its solid steel case feels really good to the touch, and adds to the watch’s unique appearance.
The best thing about this watch is that it is waterproof up to 300m, making it ideal for those that are into water sports such as Scuba diving and jet skiing. Another great feature of this watch is the magnifying glass that makes it easier to see the date display, meaning that you no longer have to strain your eyes every time you want to see what the date is.
Pros
- Water resistant up to 300 m
- Chronograph dials include 60 second, 30 minute and 12 hour dials
- Luminous dials
Cons
- Technical and slightly complicated to use
- Uni-directional
4. Frederique Constant Men’s FC705X4S4 Slim Line Rose Gold-Plated Automatic Watch with Brown Leather Band
Compared to other luxury watches for men, this timepiece may seem small and unimposing, but do not let its simple design fool you. This is one of those Swiss watches that will make you save up just to get one, and compared to some of the other entrants on this list, you won’t have to save for very long. However, do not think that this means that Frederique Constant have compromised on luxury. The SlimlineMoonphase watch is one of the best luxury watches for men that you will ever own.
Our Rating: (5 / 5)
A classic dress watch, the Moonphase has a reserved style and fine finishing that is hard to ignore. The Rose gold-plated stainless steel case is elegantly curved, and the face is covered by a beautiful domed, antireflective sapphire window. The dial itself is just as elegant as the case, and comes in a variety of colors including this Rose and White edition.
Despite the fact that it does not have an active second hand, rather than taking away from the watch, this omission helps to add some elegance to the design of the dial. The moon phase display is an excellent accessory that makes you feel related to something much larger; not just a moment in time, but also a moment in celestial time. It’s also a huge bonus that the dial actually works accurately.
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing and well designed
- Antireflective Sapphire Window
- Attractive dial highlighted by the Moon dial
- Easy to read date display around the moon phase dial
Cons
- May be slightly large for dress watch connoisseurs
- Lug width is a little inconvenient
- Date display around the moon phase dial may be a little cramped
5. Frederique Constant Men’s FC365RM5B6 Runabout Analog Display Swiss Automatic Black Watch
Another Frederique Constant classic timepiece, this is a Swiss watch that will make you the envy of all who see you wearing it. Released to commemorate the 2015 Lake Tahoe Concoursd’Elegance, this limited edition watch comes in a beautiful stainless steel case that is topped off with a diamond-hard scratch and reflection resistant Sapphire crystal dial window, and an additional sapphire window at the back so that you can watch the movement.
Our Rating: (5 / 5)
The face of the watch contains silvered dials, and a trio of sub-dials that include a dial for the date, the month, and the day, and a moon phase dial at around 6 o’clock. The winding crown contains two O-rings that help to make the watch water resistant to at least 50 meters. However, it is better at handling short periods of submersion, and therefore should not be worn when you go snorkeling or diving.
One of the best things about this watch is the price. In comparison to some of the other luxury watches for men on this list, this watch will not really make you break bank to get it.
Pros
- Classic design, and aesthetically pleasing
- Scratch and reflection resistant Sapphire dial window
- Water resistant to 50 meters
- Suitably priced
Cons
- Water resistance only effective for short periods
- Can be complicated for those who do not know how to use it
6. Luxurman Watches Mens Diamond Watch 3ct
When it comes to luxury watches for men, one company that seems to have gotten it right in Luxurman, and this watch just goes to prove that. This watch is not called a Diamond watch for nothing, and comes complete with 3 carats of real diamonds on the stainless steel bezel. The over sized stainless steel case comes in at a phenomenal 46 mm, meaning that people will definitely take notice when you wear this timepiece. The case is highly polished, as is the stainless steel bracelet that helps to keep this timepiece on your wrist.
Our Rating: (5 / 5)
The watch face is also covered in sparkling stones, further enhancing the watch’s luxurious look. Despite the fact that the movement is not Swiss Quartz, it is still of the highest quality, and is made from the finest Japanese Quartz. The 3ct Diamond watch is also water resistant, though it is better at handling minor splashes than being submerged in water for a long time. However, one of the best things about this watch is the pricing. It is by far one of the most affordable watches on this list, coming in at more than $1000 most of the other watches here.
Pros
- 3 carats worth of diamonds on the bezel
- Three sub dials – 30 minute dial, 24 hour dial, and day dial
- Comes with two additional leather straps
- 5 year warranty
Cons
- May be large for the watch connoisseur
- Dial window not made of sapphire, therefore not scratch resistant
- Many fakes available on the market
- Can become inaccurate over time
7. Invicta Men’s 16802 Venom Analog Display Swiss Quartz Silver Watch
Invicta is known for making some fantastic timepieces, and this one is no different. This limited edition watch is one of the Venom series finest designs, and when you look at this timepiece, it’s hard not to see why.
Its stainless steel bezel is highly polished, and is wonderfully complemented by a stainless steel case and band. The unidirectional bezel frames a synthetic sapphire crystal dial window that is both scratch resistant and antireflective. The black dial contains luminous white and blue hands and hour markers.
Our Rating: (5 / 5)
The movement on this watch is provided by one of the best quartz engines in the world, the Swiss Roonda 5040.F Master calendar, ensuring that you are always on time, and that the watch does not lose its accuracy in the long term. One of the best things about this watch is its water resistance, which is effective up to depths of 1640 feet. However, what is more impressive than the water resistance is the warranty, which at 5 years means that you are assured a quality product that you can maintain or replace should anything go wrong with the timepiece.
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Scratch resistant synthetic sapphire dial window
- 5 year warranty
- Water resistant up to 1640 feet
Cons
- Large and heavy
- Battery powered thanks to Quartz movement
- Complex and technical
8. BulovaAccutron Curacao Men’s Automatic Watch 64B108
This is a fantastic watch for those that love luxury watches for men, and though it may be a bit large, it is still one of the best dress watches that you will ever buy. The BulovaAccutron Curacao comes with a stainless steel rose gold plated case that gives it an elegant, timeless look.
Our Rating: (5 / 5)
The black dial contains luminous hands and dotted hour markers, enabling you to read the time easily even when it is pitch dark. There is a small date display window at the 3 o’clock position that is very easy to read, and the dial is protected by sapphire window that is both antireflective and scratch resistant. Movement is provided by the finest Swiss automatic mechanics, ensuring that the watch is accurate every time you put it on.
One of the best things about this watch is that it is water resistant up to 300 meters, which makes it ideal for those who love water sports. Though it may not be a watch that you would want to wear every day, it is a watch that will garner much attention, especially if you are one of those who loves to dress up occasionally.
Pros
- Simple design makes it surprisingly fashionable
- Water resistant up to 300 meters
- Luminous dials allow you to tell the time in the dark
- Dual purpose; good as both a dress and sports watch
Cons
- Strap may initially be uncomfortable to wear
- 44 mm diameter case means that it may be a little large for some
- Slightly heavier than similar sized watches
9. Raymond Weil Women’s 5927-STS-00995 “Noemia” Stainless Steel Watch with Link Bracelet
Raymond Weil are one of the most famous watchmakers on the planet, and this luxury watch for women is one of the many timepieces that helps to cement their name among the greats. This Swiss watch was made specifically for that sophisticated woman that is new to the luxury watch arena, and would love to have a watch that is both simple and stylish.
Our Rating: (5 / 5)
The Stainless steel bezel is studded with Diamonds, while the mother of pearl dial contains four silver Roman numeral indices at 12, 3, 6 and 9, and 8 diamond hour markers. All this is protected by a scratch and reflective resistant sapphire dial window. The 14mm bracelet is made from polished stainless steel that oozed luxury, especially when viewed in the right light. The movement is supplied by the finest Swiss quartz, meaning that you never have to worry about the accuracy of this timepiece.
This luxury watch for women is water resistant up to 50 meters, though it is not recommended that you go swimming with it for extended amounts of time. This means that though you do have about 165 ft of water to play with, you should not do any water sports such as diving and snorkeling while wearing this watch.
Pros
- Diamond studded stainless steel bezel is absolutely beautiful
- Has a Scratch and reflective resistant sapphire dial window
- Swiss Quartz movement for accuracy and reliability
- Water resistant
Cons
- Diamond studded bezel may seem a little flashy
- Can be damaged if used in water for extended periods.
10. Raymond Weil Womens 5235-ST-01659 Jasmine Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch
Despite the fact that the Jasmine collection of watches was started earlier in this century, this elegant Swiss timepiece is by far one of the most classic ladies watches you will ever purchase.
In keeping with the design simplicity of most Raymond Weil Watches, the design of the Jasmine may seem understated, but do not let that fool you into thinking this is not a luxury item. This particular version has a polished stainless steel bracelet and case that is made even more elegant by the scratch resistant, antireflective sapphire dial window. The silver tone dial contains Roman numeral indices that are flush to the case, while the dial itself contains a petal-like engraving that adds to the elegance of the piece.
Our Rating: (5 / 5)
This watch looks even more epic when it finally ends up on your wrist. The stainless steel case and bracelet make the watch noticeable, yet do not scream at the admirer, adding to the simple elegance of the watch. The curve of the links in the bracelet, combined with the smooth roundness of the dial makes this watch seem bigger than its 29mm case would suggest, making it seem even more classy.
Pros
- A timeless design that becomes more impressive the more you examine it
- Much more affordable than it seems
- Stainless steel case and bracelet makes it even more eye-catching
- Swiss Quarts guarantees accuracy
Cons
- May be too moderate for some peoples taste
- May be too small for those with larger wrists
- May seem more old-fashioned if not fitted properly
Luxury Watches Brand Guide
With over 200 different luxury watch brands, it can be quite taxing to try and pick out the best luxury brand of all. Ultimately, what will determine the brand that you buy is the functions that you are looking for, whether the designs that the brand releases are appealing to you or not, and what level you would like to begin with, be it high end luxury or basic luxury brands.
However, before you even begin to decide on what level you would like to consider, you need to know what luxury brands exist. Listed below are some of the most popular brands, along with what makes them so unique and desirable.
1. Tag Heuer
This Swiss-based company produces eyewear, and mobile phones and accessories, but is most famous for its timeless watches. TAG is an acronym for ‘Techniques d’AvantGarde’ while Heuer is a reference to the original owner of the company, EdouardHeuer. Most of these are billed as sports watches, and though they have evolved over the decades, they have managed to maintain their sports-inspired looks. They are some of the most technologically advanced watches on the market today, and offer functionality that is hard to find in other brands.
2. Omega
This is another Swiss-based watch manufacturer, they have been around for over 100 years, and have proven over time that they produce some of the best timepieces in the world. In fact, they have been used by both the British Flying Corps and the American Army as the official time keepers for close to 100 years now, with the British adopting them in 1917, and the Americans shortly after in 1918.
3. Frederique Constant
Despite the fact that they are a relatively new luxury watch manufacturer (having only been founded in 1988) Frederique Constant have proven that they can produce some of the most reliable, classic timepieces the world has ever seen. Their owners made it their mission to ensure that high-class watches can be availed to the masses, and they have not disappointed. Though they may be slightly cheaper than their more famous counterparts, they still produce watches that are the envy of many thanks to their simple yet classy designs.
4. Rolex
As one of the most popular brands in the world, Rolex produce the most recognizable expensive watches on the planet. They are lauded for both their exquisite design and their functionality, and are popular with everyone from golfers to pop music icons. Rolex has one of the most powerful brands in the world, and is by far the largest luxury watch brand in the world, making about 2,000 watches a day in 2015.
5. Raymond Weil
This is a relatively new luxury brand, having only been around since 1976. However, they are still one of the more respected brands on the market, and their recent marketing campaigns have helped to make them even more popular. Their watches are more elegant than they are sporty, and even though they make quite a few racing-inspired chronograph watches, they are known for their more conservative, traditional designs.
Luxury Watch Buying Guide
Now that you know a little about a few of the brands that exist, it is time to find out what you should look out for in a luxury watch. Depending on the level you would like to achieve, many aspects come into play.
Basic Luxury Watches
These watches usually cost anything from just under $1,000 to $2,000, and are known for their trend following designs and mass production. They can be found in department stores and watch store chains, though many of them are unique enough to deserve their own boutique.
They are usually durable watches that have either mineral glass or synthetic sapphire crystals as their dial windows, and come with a solid metal construction and Swiss or Japanese movement, depending on where they are made. Brands in this range include Epos, Fortis, and Oris.
Pseudo-Luxury Watches
These watches usually retail for anything between $500 and $4,000 depending on the materials used and the dealer that you approach. For instance, if you would like a Stainless steel watch from Raymond Weil, you would have to fork out just over $1,000 dollars and above. However, if you would like a gold Baume & Mercier, you would definitely be paying more than $1,500.
Most of these watches will come with anti-reflective and scratch resistant sapphire crystal dial windows, and mechanical movements. If the watch is contains a quartz movement, then you need to make sure it has a Superquartz movement or the equivalent or you may find that you have paid too much for your timepiece.
Luxury Watches
These are Watches that retail for no less than $1,000 and can be as expensive as $20,000 depending on the materials used on the watch. These watches range in design from the more traditional look to a very original design that is meant to turn heads.
These watches should all come with anti-reflective sapphire crystal, high quality mechanical movement, quality case finishes and polishes and some form of luminant to help you tell the time in the dark. Many of the luminants have fancy names like “SuperLumiNova”, and if you find a watch that does not, it is probably made of a cheap material that will not last long. The brands that sell watches at these prices should also carry a lot of brand pedigree, and should have a story behind them and their designs. Brands that fit into this category include Tag Heuer, Rolex, Omega and Cartier.
High End Luxury
With these watches, price is no longer an object, and they can range from $5,000 and up, with some being priced at more than $1,000,000. Most of the brands in this range are unknown to the wider world because of their exclusivity and limited production.
Most high end luxury watches are handmade, and include mechanical movements that are either developed in-house by the company or purchased from speciality movement houses. They are also made from precious metals, and will usually have some precious stones or quality jewels included in their construction. They are some of the most complicated watches you can buy, and usually increase in value over time, especially if they are well maintained. Watch brands that fit into this category include Silberstein, Breuget, JLC and VacheronConstantin.
Conclusion
Luxury watches are becoming more affordable every day, as more companies like Frederique Constant come into existence. There are also many watch companies that are beginning to develop high quality, low cost materials that are also making it easier to access luxury watches. However, before you make a purchase, you have to be careful of the product that you are buying, as now more than ever counterfeit watches are finding their way onto the market.
Of all the watches on this list, perhaps the best luxury watch for men is the TAG Heuer CAJ2210.FT6023 Aquaracer watch. It is by far one of the best sports watches you will ever own, and having the freedom to sink 300 meters below the waves with your favorite timepiece on your wrist is more than a fulfilling feeling, it also goes to show that you have made a good investment.
As far as a luxury watch for women is concerned, the best has to be the Raymond Weil Jasmine watch. It may look plain at first, but once you begin to notice all the fine details that go into making it, you realize that you are staring at a masterpiece. The price tag also helps, and you would be hard fought to find another watch of such high quality at such a low price. So whether it is for yourself, a friend, a girlfriend or a wife, this is definitely a watch you need to think of getting the next time you would like to buy something special.