When talking about watches especially the high-end ones, the word ‘Swiss’ will always come up. For centuries Switzerland has always been the number one in watchmaking and the best watches always are Swiss made. But some people are close minded and don’t know about the brands that produce very high quality brands that can be considered as high-end watches. In this list we have the favorite non-Swiss watchmakers that have been producing amazing timepieces over the time.
James Stacey – A. Lange & Söhne (Germany)
A. Lange & Söhne doesn’t need much introduction but this small German watch manufacturer has been producing one of the finest watches over the years. Germany has been had a strong watchmaking history in the past and A. Lange & Söhne has paved a good part of it. Their watches are full of uniqueness while being gorgeous and distinctive. They focus on featuring watches that are beautifully subtle with complexity. A.Lange & Söhne is the heart of German watchmaking.
Jack Forster – Grand Seiko (Japan)
Grand Seiko is one of those brands that really shows you do no have to be a Swiss brand to succeed in the watchmaking world. The Japanese brand has been designing amazing watches since the start of the 20th century and since then has had a name for themselves. The philosophy of quality that informs them is so characteristically Japanese which makes it so incredible. Grand Seiko doesn’t aspire to resemble a great Swiss watch; instead, it strives to be the best possible Japanese watch. Grand Seiko has shown great evidence that you can be at any part of the world to create such a wonderful timepiece.
Stephen Pulvirent – Sarpaneva (Finland)
Many people would not think as Finland as a country for watchmaking rather one for hockey legends or telecom companies like Nokia. Sarpaneva has been producing watches from the center of Helsinki. Their watches have a completely different feel to them having a rock n’ roll feeling to them. With the signature moon grinning back at you from the often layered dials. They also has a line of slightly lower priced pieces under the brand S.U.F that are intended for the Finnish domestic market and play off local culture and use local materials. It is very fascinating to see a watch brand like this using their own materials and building watches in their own turf while making watches that are nothing alike to the ‘Swiss’ style.
