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.

1.Omega Speedmaster CK 2998 Pulsometer

This chronograph list would not be complete without adding this years Omega Speedmasters. This watch channels superiority and purity that has made Omega Speedmasters a fan favorite.  It’s a beautiful object tied to a wonderful and important chronograph lineage. The CK 2998 Pulsometer is priced at $6,500 and could be the watch of any chronograph lover.

2. Montblanc 1858 Automatic Chronograph

When talking about aesthetics this Montblanc 1858 Automatic Chronograph is very well attractive and well made. Its stainless steel case measuring at 42mm has a dial that features a gorgeous black dial with arabic numerals which brings in vintage tastes. With a reliable Sellita SW500 movement, this timepiece is all you can ask for in a chronograph. This Montblanc chronograph is a good choice at a great price of $4,300.

3. Sinn 103 SA BE LE

The first thing that caught my eye when looking at the Sinn 103 SA BE LE, is the beautiful sunburst blue dial. With a lightly tanned lume, and a rich blue aluminum bezel, it is worn on a creamy leather strap. This 41mm chronograph is limited to 500 pieces with a 7750 ticking movement. This is a perfect chronograph for an everyday wear priced at $2,600. 

1. A. Lange & Söhne

Known as one of the first German watch brand, A. Lange & Söhne is not one of the oldest watch in Germany but also in the world. The Galshutte based brand was founded in 1845 and paved most of the way for other watch brands to prove greatness in Germany. Ferdinand Adolph Lange used his son as his primary work force to produce the best watches in the town. A. Lange & Sönhne changed their style as the World’s War II soldiers wore wristwatches in the trenches. After the war the new Soviet government split companies like A. Lange & Söhne and was put out of business. After the reunification of Germany, the started producing again fine wristwatches and soon twenty years later brought the company back to life.

2. Junghans

Life on the East side of the Berlin Wall was very spartan and minimalistic during the 1940s and 1950s. Junghans made the most of the post war life. Founded by Ernhard Jungians in 1860, it was not until 1956 when the company started working with Max Bill in 1956 when the watches actually came to existence. While Max Bill applied the minimalistic style, Junghans took its attractive wall clocks and made them into fine wristwatches.

3. Mont Blanc

Mostly known for its high-end pens, Mont Blanc is also popular for its luxury watches. Even though the company is purposely a German brand, they rely on Swiss expertise to produce their fine watches. In 1997 they started Le Locle, Switzerland to manufacture these timepieces and in the past decade they have just started producing their own in-house movements. Like TAG Heuer, Mont Blanc has also started to produce luxury smartwatches.

4. Sinn

As the watchmaking business gets tougher and tougher, Hemet Sinn knew exactly how to target the market and how to break into the watch business. Sinn started as a company producing pilot watches and navigational watches. Sinn targeted the market by reproducing watches that were affordable yet with great quality. This method launched Sinn to become a premier brand. These watches were durable and reliable that they were even used by astronaut Reinhard Furrer.

5. Chronoswiss

While some may wonder why this brand is in this German watch brand list, Chronoswiss was founded in Munchen, Germany. They also have headquarters in Lucerne, Switzerland and even has the name ‘Swiss’ in the brand name! Chronoswiss has produced top-tier watches and caught the market’s eye with its skeletonized chronographs and the very detailed crowns. Chronoswiss did so well with its timepieces which claims as co-founder of the mechanical renaissance.