From the outside looking in, it can look like a handful of brands are dominating the watch industry. While it is true that some of the world’s biggest brands such as Omega and Rolex continue to rule the world of watchmaking with a tight fist, a lot of savvy buyers are starting to look at alternatives to circumvent the premium they often have to pay for the brand alone. This is why many new watchmakers are making their presence felt. The Swiss watchmaking industry is also not the only kid on the block anymore, and we’re seeing more competition from other regions. Let’s take a look at some of the emerging watch brands every collector and observer should know about.
Georg Jensen
George Jensen might be well known for their jewellery, but they’re also getting more recognition in the affordable luxury watch sector. Retailers like Berry’s Jewellers sell Georg Jensen jewellery and watches starting from as little as £745.00. They’re also known for their great craftsmanship, swiss automatic movement, and classic minimalist design.
NOMOS
The German watchmaker might only be around a quarter century old, but it is already a behemoth in the industry. Their flagship Glashütte Bauhaus Tangente is already seen as a classic to many, and the brand is known for the manufacturing depth of their watch movement, and for their solid reputation in the affordable luxury market.
Shinola
While we don’t usually think of Detroit when thinking of watchmakers, Shinola is gaining attention from a lot of collectors. The brand has a strong “made in USA” outlook, and also has a great story that makes the brand interesting. The watches were first made by auto workers who lost their jobs after the city’s catastrophic decline. While the timepieces are the company’s flagship product, they also manufacture leather goods, and bikes. Shinola watches are recognisable by their rugged exterior combined with Swiss craftsmanship.
Triwa
When we think of Scandinavian design, we automatically think about clean lines and minimalism. But while Triwa does have pieces that fit the mould, they also have plenty of more modern models and aren’t afraid to think out of the box. They have everything from white faced 2-handers and shiny gold-plated chronographs. But one thing that remains true to form is their affordability, and Triwa watches can be found for as little as £200.
Boom
Staying with affordable brands, another Scandinavian brand that is getting attention is Boom. What makes the watches so special is the modular design that allows you to mix and match pieces and arranged in over 3000 different configurations. They’re also known for their great reliability, classic design, and great craftsmanship. You can find countless different rings, cases, and faces to customise the look in a hurry and completely transform your look. These are a great option for people on the go.
All these watch brands are set to make waves in the next few years and should be on everyone’s radar.
