It is known to all that many collectors focus on collecting these two iconic brands, but the cost of entry is beyond the means of most. However, there are other important brands with lower entry points that are valued among watch collectors. What I’m about to mention are a short list of the brands that are available for serious collectors. There are no secrets here as these brands are well known for producing collectible pieces. And they are not exactly inexpensive (with one exception). But they do provide an entry point that may more realistic for a watch lover who wants to be a collector.
BEST
ROYAL OAK
One of things to look for is a replica watch brand or model with a strong following. There’s one timepiece that has attracted a following that borders on being cult-like. It’s the replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Its success with certain buyers is practically freakish. Its octagon-shaped bezel, large—yet comfortable—case and “tapisserie” pattern or open-worked dials are all iconic features of the timepiece. Within this framework the 140-year-old family owned watchmaker has created many types of variations. The company also is a true watch manufacturer that has produced many groundbreaking movements, which adds a great deal of credibility to its brand. Among the most popular Royal Oaks are the many chronographs and perpetual calendar models.
Best Selling
If there’s any watch that could compete with the rabid-like affection of the Royal Oak its replica Panerai. In 1997 Richemont bought the remains of a small Florence-based watchmaker that once created diver replica watches for the Italian navy and moved Angelo Bonati from Cartier to head what would become a brand. The first Panerai employee of its modern era, Bonati remains the brand’s CEO. He is credited with using the company’s modest history to turn it into a replica luxury brand. “It was a watch it was not a brand,” Bonati told me in a recent interview. “It was one watch but it was a watch full of energy because of the size, because of the uniqueness, because the story, the history behind the watch.” Thanks to Bonati, Panerai is an internationally recognized brand with a strong, passionate international following.