Horando Top Ten 2019

Another year has passed, and 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 hold 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 enjoyed the reputation of being THE luxury watch par excellence for many years now. No one has disputed this: In 2019, Rolex clearly held the lead again, being the most sought-after and purchased timepiece. The lasting value and timeless class of these timepieces also make them popular investments. Furthermore, it's no longer a secret that you really get only the very best for your money. This means that investing in Rolex means you're not taking any risks; instead, you can fulfill a long-held dream with a clear conscience. Given this explanation, it's 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 its 43mm diameter, has everything you'd expect from the professional Sea-Dweller series – and that is, above all, thickness. The crystal, case back, and bezel of the Sea-Dweller models are simply not for the faint of heart. The obligatory helium escape valve is also present. The advantage of the Single Red version: It is overall slimmer than the older Sea-Dweller models and is therefore much more comfortable to wear than the watches so-called "bumblebees." It also has the edge in terms of visual coherence; the proportions of the individual components are ideal, and the look, reminiscent of the Red Submariner, is a feast for the eyes across the board. The black dial with the red lettering creates a legendary image – details are what make a look. It is also the first Sea-Dweller with the characteristic date magnifier, which otherwise adorns every Rolex model. The Geneva-based manufacturer has finally succeeded in closing 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 wasn't justified? We offer our congratulations to the well-deserved first place.

The competition is on the rise

Rolex even made it to the second podium. Everyone probably expected that the Rolex GMT Master II Ref. 126710BLRO would finish so high. The elegant case, crafted from Oystersteel, a stainless steel developed specifically by Rolex, promises superior corrosion resistance, durability, and exceptional luster. The 18-carat gold indices, the high-quality five-link Jubilee bracelet with an Oysterlock safety folding clasp, and the two-tone Cerachrom insert with 24-hour graduations on the bidirectional rotating ceramic bezel embody technical refinement and flawless beauty. A whopping ten patents have been filed for the caliber 3285 inside the watch – here you'll discover what it means to experience a new generation Rolex. When it comes to precision, reliability, and a power reserve (70 hours), this Swiss chronometer is unmatched.

In third place, however, isn't Rolex itself, but rather a classic counterpart that's available for a little less money: Frederique Constant . The brand is known for classic elegance, and the wonderfully clean lines are a hallmark of the Classics collection. The Frederique Constant Classics Moonphase Ref. FC-335MC4P6B2 didn't make it to the winner's podium for nothing, as this elegant luxury watch has a lot to offer, all at an incredible price.

The sophisticated tone-on-tone look in silver with a durable stainless steel case and strap never goes out of style and allows the fine details that define this watch to shine: Delicate 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. Also taking fourth place is a piece 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 Datejust 41's blue dial, the date display with a window at 3 o'clock with automatic date change, and the Cyclops magnifying glass on the watch crystal for ideal date legibility make this watch a classic yet exclusive eye-catcher. Paired with Oystersteel and white gold, it's a luxury piece in a class of its own – a Rolex, after all. 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 , the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial Master Chronometer Ref. 210.30.42.20.01.001, which takes on this famous maritime heritage, is also well received and made it into last year's top ten. Nothing can compete with this combination of tradition and modernity, complemented by tasteful design. The black ceramic bezel and dial with a white enamel diving scale and date window at 6 o'clock already appear elegant at first glance, but the laser-engraved waves on the dial are the crowning glory. 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 transparent case back. A well-deserved 8th place in 2019.

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Calibre 7 GMT Automatic 43mm Ref. WAY201F.BA0927 took 9th place. This timepiece is clearly reminiscent of the model in second place: the Rolex GMT Master II Ref. 126710BLRO. TAG Heuer offers an impressive alternative. Made of finely brushed stainless steel and aluminum, the watch defies all odds and boasts a water resistance of an impressive 300 meters, a double safety clasp, and rhodium-plated luminous indices. However, it only offers a unidirectional rotating bezel.

The surprise of 2019 brings up the rear of the top ten: Mühle Glashütte , with the 29er Day/Date Ref. M1-25-34-NB, makes it to number 10. This sporty watch is inspired by sailing and epitomizes ideal balance—no environmental influences can upset this timepiece. The balanced ratio of the date and day display, the high-quality stainless steel case, and the sporty look in modern titanium gray with a robust textile strap are impressive across the board, making this a worthy final spot in the top ten most popular watches of 2019. Even if most of the year's winners probably won't come as a surprise, the past year's top ten is diverse. Which of these celebrated luxury watches is your favorite? We're already excited about the top watches of 2020.

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