Horando Top Ten 2019
Another year has passed and of course we want to clarify just in time for the start of 2020: Which timepieces were the clear winners of 2019? Which brands belong in every collection and what surprises did 2019 have in store for the watch market? Get inspiration for your 2020 wishlist and expand your expertise with the top ten luxury watches of last year.
Rolex remains unchallenged
Rolex has had the reputation of THE luxury watch par excellence for many years now. So far, no one has contested this: In 2019, Rolex is clearly ahead of the game and is the most sought-after and bought watch. The timepieces' lasting value and timeless class also make them popular investments. In addition, it is no longer a secret that you really only get the finest of the finest for your money. This means that investing in Rolex means you are not taking any risks, but can fulfill a long-held dream with a clear conscience. After this explanation, it is certainly no surprise that first place in 2019 goes to the brand. The Rolex Sea-Dweller Single Red Ref. 126600 is last year's winner. The watch has been on the market since 2017 and, apart from a 43mm diameter, comes with everything you would expect from the professional Sea-Dweller series - and that is, above all, thickness. The glass, base and bezel of the Sea-Dweller models are not for the faint-hearted. The obligatory helium escape valve is also present. The plus point of the Single Red version: it is slimmer overall than the older Sea-Dweller models and is therefore much more comfortable to wear than the watches known as "bumblebees". It is also ahead in terms of visual coherence, the proportions of the individual components are ideal and the look in the style of the Red Submariner captivates the eye across the board. The black dial with the red lettering creates a legendary image - details are what make the look. It is also the first Sea-Dweller with the characteristic date magnifier that otherwise adorns every Rolex model. The Geneva manufacturer has finally managed to close this gap with the Sea-Dweller Single Red. A very special model to mark the anniversary of the series. Demand for this model has been enormous for years, but who would say it is not justified? We say congratulations to the well-deserved 1st place.
The competition is on the rise
Rolex even made it to the second place. Everyone would have guessed that the Rolex GMT Master II Ref. 126710BLRO would come in at the top. The elegant case made of Oystersteel, a stainless steel specially developed by Rolex, promises the best corrosion resistance, durability and exceptional shine. The 18-carat gold indices, the high-quality five-row Jubilee bracelet with Oysterlock safety folding clasp and the two-tone Cerachrom dial with 24-hour graduation on the bidirectional rotating ceramic bezel embody technical sophistication and flawless beauty. An impressive ten patents have been registered for the 3285 caliber inside the watch - here you can find out what it means to experience a new generation Rolex. This Swiss chronometer is unrivaled in terms of precision, reliability and power reserve (70 hours).
In third place, however, is not Rolex itself, but a classic counterpart that is available for a little less money: Frederique Constant . The brand is known for classic elegance, the wonderfully clear lines are a trademark of the Classics collection. The Frederique Constant Classics Moonphase Ref. FC-335MC4P6B2 didn't make it to the winner's podium for nothing, because the elegant luxury watch has a lot to offer, and at an incredible price.
The classy tone-on-tone look in silver with a case and strap made of durable stainless steel never goes out of fashion and allows the fine details that make this watch stand out: Filigree black Roman numerals, a beautiful moon phase display at 6 o'clock and a clear view of the movement at 12 o'clock make this timepiece without a doubt one of the most beautiful models of our time. Fourth place also goes to a model from the Classics series of the affordable luxury brand: the Frederique Constant Classics Moonphase Ref. FC-335MC4P5 with a gold case and brown leather strap.
However, Rolex once again takes fifth place in the most popular watches of the year with the Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126334 (A), as does the Rolex Submariner Ref. 114060 in sixth place and the Submariner Date Ref. 116610LN in seventh place. The blue dial of the Datejust 41, the date display with window at 3 o'clock with automatic date change and the cyclops magnifying glass on the watch glass for ideal readability of the date make this watch a classic but exclusive eye-catcher. Paired with Oystersteel and white gold, it is a luxury piece in a class of its own - a Rolex. If you can do without white gold and are looking for a robust, reliable companion with strong contrasts, then look no further than the Submariner Date.
The Surprise of the Year
The Omega Seamaster Professional Diver 300M has had numerous fans for almost twenty years, so it's no wonder that the modern model Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial Master Chronometer Ref. 210.30.42.20.01.001, which takes on the famous maritime heritage, is also well received and made it into last year's top ten. Nobody can argue against this combination of tradition and modernity, complemented by tasteful design. The bezel and dial made of black ceramic with a diving scale made of white enamel and a date window at 6 o'clock already look classy at first glance, but the laser-engraved waves on the dial are the icing on the cake. The watch comes with a stainless steel case and bracelet, and at its heart beats the Omega Master Chronometer caliber 8800, which can even be admired up close through the glass case back. A well-deserved 8th place in 2019.
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Calibre 7 GMT Automatic 43mm Ref. WAY201F.BA0927 came in 9th place. The timepiece is clearly reminiscent of the model in second place: the Rolex GMT Master II Ref. 126710BLRO. TAG Heuer offers an impressive alternative here. The watch made of finely brushed stainless steel and aluminum defies all resistance and boasts a water resistance of an impressive 300 meters, as well as a double safety clasp and rhodium-plated luminous indices. However, it only offers a unidirectional rotating bezel.
The surprise of 2019 is at the bottom of the top ten: Mühle Glashütte makes it to 10th place with the 29er Day/Date Ref. M1-25-34-NB. The sporty watch is inspired by sailing and is an image of ideal balance - no environmental influences can disturb this timepiece. The balanced ratio of date and day of the week display, the high-quality stainless steel case and the sporty look in modern titanium gray with a robust textile strap are convincing across the board, making this a worthy last place in the ten most popular watches of 2019. Even if most of the year's winners are probably not surprising, it has become a varied top ten of the past year. Which of these celebrated luxury watches is your favorite? We are already excited about the top watches of 2020.
This post is also available in: English