Everyone has heard of Patek Philippe, Rolex and Longines, but just because a brand is not as well known doesn’t mean it’s not as high-quality. The brands we have listed below are innovative, and most of all. From brands such as Ebel with over 110 years of experience behind them to newer, more modern watchmakers such as U-Boat, you’re sure to come across a watch you can’t take your eyes off of. Find your new favourite timepiece from one of these 3 lesser-known luxury watch brands.
Ebel
Ebel is a Swiss brand established in 1911 in La Chaux-de-Fonds by husband and wife duo Eugene and Alice Blum. Through the couple’s combined love for aesthetics, precision and elegance, the essence of Ebel was formed. Though the couple had different specialities, they managed to blend their strengths, which guaranteed the brand’s success in the long run. Eugene handled the movements and engineering of the watches, placing a focus on accuracy.
EBEL Men’s Wave Blue Dial Stainless Steel Bracelet Date Display 1216238
The Ebel Wave watch is the embodiment of the Ebel philosophy. The watch has an elegant high-end design and its wave links add that unique Ebel touch. The watch case and bracelet are made of stainless steel. The case is large, measuring 40 mm in diameter, allowing for greater visibility. Silver-coloured indices contrast the sunray blue dial. A date aperture is placed at the 3 o’clock position. The model is water-resistant up to 5 bars or 50 meters. Increasing its durability is the sapphire crystal, covering the dial.
Ball Watch Company
The Ball Watch Company was created out of necessity. Inspired by the need for railroad workers to have reliable and precise watches while they work, Ball Watch Company was founded in 1894. To this day, Ball Watches remain rooted in their role as instruments more than mere watches. The technology and expertise which go into each and every models’ creation have the same passion for precision which drove Webb C. Ball to conceptualise a new timekeeping system and become one of the most influential American watchmakers.
Ball Watch Company Roadmaster Pilot GMT 40mm Limited Edition DG3038A-S1C-BK
Like most Ball Watches, the Roadmaster Pilot GMT is created to be an indispensable tool for its wearer. The watch has a 40 mm case, made of durable lightweight titanium, a titanium and stainless steel bracelet and a bi-directional ceramic red and black bezel. In order to increase the visibility of the watch, the bezel, as well as the hour-markers and hands, feature luminescent markings and the sapphire crystal has an anti-reflective layer. The hands and indices utilise Ball’s innovative micro gas tube technology to ensure the longevity of the luminescence. The watch is COSC certified and has three-time zone indicators and a water resistance up to 30 bars or 300 meters. Powering this magnificent timepiece is an automatic movement with calibre BALL RR1204-C.
U-Boat
For fans of the Italian way of life and style, we have the unique U-Boat brand. Created by Italo Fontana in 2000, U-Boat is a beautiful union between tradition and modernity. In 1942 Italo’s grandfather, Ilvo, was tasked by the Italian Navy to create watches that are precise, robust and had an unsurpassable water resistance. The first designs of these watches were bold and rugged. Taken by his grandfather’s sketches, Italo Fontana was inspired to bring them to life in the 21st century. Since then, the brand has maintained its stand-out style and has become a pioneer of Italian watchmaking.
U-Boat Darkmoon 44mm Noble Green SS / Rubber Strap 8702/B
The U-Boat Darkmoon watches take the oil immersion concept first introduced in the brand’s Sommerso models and develops it even further. The Darkmoon watch features a quartz movement entirely submerged with a special oil that preserves the movement and helps with its functionality. The dial features a visible air bubble which helps with temperature variations as well as adds to the watch’s unique design. Another feature of the oil is it increases the visibility of the dial. The case measures 44 mm in diameter and is secured by a black rubber strap. The watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters or 5 bars.
What do you think of these 3 lesser-known luxury watch brands? Let us know in the comments below.
