A luxury watch isn’t just a machine for telling time. In India, it’s often the gift handed over during life’s biggest milestones — a graduation, a wedding, a career-defining success. It’s the sparkle on a wrist at a family gathering, the quiet nod of respect across a boardroom, or even a prized possession carefully preserved for the next generation.
What’s remarkable is how India, once a relatively quiet market for Swiss watchmaking, has now become a stage where global icons and daring independents all compete for space on collectors’ wrists. And in 2025, the top 10 luxury watch brands in India tell a story not just of craftsmanship, but of identity.
These premium watch brands in India combine Swiss engineering with modern appeal.
Let’s walk through these names — not as a cold list of revenues and units sold, but as companions that have shaped how Indians think about time itself.
Every collector has a “first Rolex story” Rolex remains one of the most desired Swiss luxury watch brands in India. Sometimes it’s a Submariner picked up abroad after a promotion. Sometimes it’s a Datejust passed down by a father. Rolex isn’t rare in the strictest sense — over a million are sold each year — yet in India it remains profoundly personal.
The Submariner still defines the dive watch. The Daytona, with its racetrack DNA, is instantly recognized. And the Datejust? It’s practically a uniform for professionals who’ve “made it.” For many Indians, buying a Rolex isn’t about telling time at all — it’s about telling their time.
As Sir Edmund Hillary once said after summiting Everest,
That sense of endurance and reliability still defines Rolex today.
Cartier’s watches don’t just sit on wrists; they set moods. The Tank’s clean rectangle has graced royalty, artists, and movie stars. The Santos, with its visible screws, was bold before boldness became fashionable.
In India, Cartier has become synonymous with life’s grand milestones—engagements, anniversaries, and celebrations where timeless elegance holds as much importance as precision. It is widely regarded as one of the most premium watch brands in the country.
Women are drawn to its jewelry-first sensibility, while men gravitate toward the Santos, a piece with a pilot’s swagger wrapped in Parisian refinement.
That line still captures why Cartier is loved in India — not just for measuring hours, but for embodying timeless style.
If Rolex is about milestones, Omega is about moments. The Moon landing stamped the Speedmaster into history. James Bond diving into danger with the Seamaster made it cinematic.
In India, Omega feels like a thoughtful decision. Collectors see it as a blend of heritage, technical prowess, and relative accessibility. It’s often the choice of those who want a storied name but also a watch they can wear every day, from office to holiday.
When the Royal Oak launched in the 1970s, people thought a steel sports watch priced like gold was madness. Today, its octagonal bezel is one of the most recognizable shapes in luxury.
Among Indian buyers, Audemars Piguet is less about blending in and more about standing apart. The kind of collector who picks an AP doesn’t want to whisper their passion — they want the watch to do the talking. And it does, loudly, especially in rooms where connoisseurs notice details others miss.
Patek Philippe’s tagline — “You never actually own a Patek Philippe, you merely look after it for the next generation” — resonates deeply in India. In a culture where heirlooms matter, this philosophy feels natural.
From the Nautilus to high complications like perpetual calendars and one of the most respected Swiss luxury watch brands, Patek represents the upper tier of taste. Owning one in India isn’t about status. It’s about patience, permanence, and the quiet pride of knowing your children will inherit not just a watch, but a legacy.
Ellen DeGeneres, a retired American comedian, actress, television host, a known collector, once said of her Patek,
“This watch works as hard as I do — it’s all about details.”
That precision and attention to craftsmanship are exactly why Patek Philippe is revered worldwide.
Richard Mille didn’t look back at history; it catapulted into the future. Skeletonized dials, shock-resistant movements, and space-age materials turned its watches into mechanical sculptures.
In India, Richard Mille stands out as a luxury watch brand speaks to a new generation of collectors. Athletes, entrepreneurs, and film stars gravitate toward its disruptive designs. To wear one is to say: I don’t follow tradition; I create it.
Longines has always had a softer entry point into Swiss luxury, but don’t mistake accessibility for lack of prestige. Its aviation-inspired pieces, its equestrian ties, and its understated dress watches have stood the test of time.
For many Indians, Longines is the “first step.” The brand often serves as the introduction to horology — the moment when a buyer realizes that a watch can be both functional and poetic.
Adopted since 1999, it’s more than marketing — it’s a philosophy that makes Longines timeless.
Vacheron Constantin doesn’t shout. It whispers. Founded in 1755, it’s the oldest continuously running watchmaker in the world. But its charm lies in discretion — Patrimony’s clean dials, the Overseas’ elegance, the intricate complications that reward closer inspection.
In India, collectors often choose Vacheron for its timeless heritage and understated elegance. A Vacheron doesn’t seek the spotlight, yet among insiders, it commands immense respect.
Breitling has long been tied to the skies, with chronographs built for pilots. In recent years, it’s modernized — sleeker designs, sharper proportions, but still rugged enough to wear with confidence.
In India, Breitling appeals to those who live active lifestyles. As a premium watch brand, It’s sporty, adventurous, and increasingly visible in boutiques across major cities, making it a natural choice for professionals who want something dynamic.
TAG Heuer is where speed and style meet. The Carrera and Monaco still carry the DNA of motorsport. And with smartwatches in the mix, TAG remains relevant for a younger, tech-forward generation.
For many Indians, TAG Heuer is the gateway to collecting — often the very first luxury watch purchase. Affordable compared to heavyweights but rich in heritage, it makes stepping into horology both exciting and accessible
At Circa, we don’t just sell watches; we curate experiences. Walking into a Circa boutique feels less like shopping and more like stepping into a dialogue with history and innovation.
Many buyers in India search for luxury watches, premium watch brands, and even fashion labels. At Circa, you’ll find them all in one place — discovery that feels personal, and every purchase becomes an experience rather than just a transaction. Whether you’re buying your first Tissot, marking a special moment with Rado, choosing a Seiko for everyday sophistication, or investing in a Balmain to carry forward as a legacy, we’re here to guide that journey.
If you’d like to dive deeper into what Circa stands for, don’t miss The Story of Circa – When Hours Become Yours. It’s a window into how we see time not just as measured minutes, but as memories waiting to be made.
Visit World Of Circa and explore timepieces that don’t just measure minutes — they mark life itself.
