Swiss watch types explained

Knowing the type of your watch helps you understand what it was built for, which details matter and how the market values it. Each guide below covers the history of the type, its technology, the landmark models and the Swiss brands A–Z that make it.

• Dive watches36 brands

  From the Rolex Oyster to the Fifty Fathoms and Submariner: how the Swiss dive watch evolved, what ISO 6425 means and what to check before buying.

• Pilot watches23 brands

  Swiss pilot watches from Blériot's Zenith to the IWC Big Pilot and Navitimer: history, features, brands and what they are worth.

• Dress watches34 brands

  Thin, simple and made for the suit: the history of the dress watch, from Breguet and the Calatrava to ultra-thin Piaget, and what it is worth.

• Chronographs42 brands

  Stopwatch on the wrist: how the Swiss chronograph developed from Moinet to the El Primero and Daytona, and what to check when buying.

• Military watches14 brands

  From WWI trench watches to the Dirty Dozen and the MilSub: history, markings, Swiss brands and how to check a military watch.

• Sports watches30 brands

  Swiss sports watches from the 1926 Rolex Oyster to the Royal Oak, Nautilus and PRX: history, features, brands and value.

• Jewelry watches22 brands

  Diamond, gold and enamel watches from Swiss makers: history, setting techniques, hallmarks and why original stones matter.

• Skeleton watches29 brands

  See-through mechanical watches: how skeletonising works, its history since 18th-century Paris and the Swiss brands that make them.