Italy is not only famous for its rich cultural heritage but also for its contribution to the world of luxury timepieces. Italian watch brands are known for their craftsmanship, innovation, and exquisite designs. If you’re a watch enthusiast or looking for a statement piece to add to your collection, these top 15 Italian watch brands should be on your radar:
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Top Italian Watch Brands to Try
We’ve covered Japanese watch brands, French watch brands, and many others across the market. Now, it’s time to take a look at some of the top Italian watch brands.
20. Locman
Locman finds its creative muse in the vast expanse of the sea, resulting in a collection of watches that embody the essence of the oceans. Passionate about nature and the oceans, the brand focuses on creating essential timepieces that exude a spirit of adventure.
One standout model from Locman is the sporty Mare Ref. 0557A08S-00WHBLSB. Boasting a 44mm steel and titanium case coupled with a cool blue silicon strap, this watch captures the essence of maritime allure. The white and blue dial features Arabic numerals, luminous blue hands, a practical date window, and a delightful shark outline instead of the usual 6 o’clock marker, adding a touch of playfulness to the design. Powered by a reliable Miyota Three-Hand quartz movement, the Mare Ref. 0557A08S-00WHBLSB offers both style and precision for those with a penchant for the sea and its wonders.
19. WeWOOD
WeWOOD, an unconventional and youthful brand, finds its home in the heart of Tuscany. Specializing in wooden fashion watches, what sets them apart is their commitment to environmental preservation, planting a tree for every watch sold.
Surprisingly, despite being crafted from various wood types, these timepieces remain remarkably lightweight. While some may perceive them as novelty or gimmicky, their price range of $50-$200 makes them an appealing option for those seeking a fun and distinctive accessory. Available widely on Amazon, WeWOOD watches boast solid construction and stand out with their unique designs.
Take, for instance, the Jupiter Army-Beige model, which captures the charm of a log cabin’s wall clock on its dial. The use of hardwood imparts a strong and beautiful finish, while the cut-out style subdials for hours and seconds add a modern flair to this outdoorsy timepiece. For those with a taste for the extraordinary and a love for nature, WeWOOD offers a delightful choice that doesn’t just tell time but also makes a positive impact on the environment.
P.S. With a watch as unique as this, try making it stand out by wearing it on the inside of your wrist or with other jewelry.
18. Giuliano Mazzuoli
In the realm of watchmaking, the artistic genius Giuliano Mazzuoli, based in Florence, stands out with his ingenious creation, the Manometro. What sets this timepiece apart is its unconventional foundation – an air pressure gauge, lending it a distinctive and recognizable charm.
Mazzuoli’s watch designs are characterized by round cases and a playful “cobbled from something else” style, meticulously fused to create a polished and professional aesthetic. True to the Italian watchmaking tradition, his timepieces boast generous proportions, with a characteristic thickness that adds to their allure. However, Mazzuoli surprised aficionados by introducing the Manometro Compressed, a compact version of his beloved original. While the standard model measured 14mm in thickness, this new iteration boasts a merciful 10mm profile, offering a sleeker and more refined presence on the wrist.
17. Squale
Squale Watches holds a captivating history that traces back to its establishment by Charles von Büren in Neuchatel, Switzerland, in 1946. Though Swiss-made, I’m featuring them in the Italian watches post due to their acquisition by the Maggi family, friends, and distributors of von Büren, hailing from Italy. This fusion of Swiss craftsmanship with Italian influence has lent a distinct character to the brand.
The current lineup boasts professional-grade dive watches, including the Matic, 1521, 1545, and the Tiger, each designed to withstand the rigors of underwater exploration. A standout from the collection is the Squale Matic 600 meter, a modern iteration of the original Squalematic dive watch, which first emerged in the 1970s. With its impressive water resistance and timeless design, this timepiece remains a testament to Squale’s commitment to quality and innovation.
16. Meccaniche Veneziane
Meccaniche Veneziane, an esteemed Italian watchmaker, takes pride in crafting high-precision, low-maintenance timepieces inspired by the Renaissance era and Venetian heritage. They infuse their watchmaking process with the essence of Italian tradition, resulting in exquisite timepieces. Embracing eco-friendliness, the brand sources handcrafted leather from Italy for use in their watches, further enhancing their appeal.
A beloved favorite among their creations is the Nereide GMT Ref. 1305001J, celebrated for its blend of elegance and sportiness. Reminiscent of the iconic Rolex GMT-Master II with its signature Pepsi design, this timepiece features a 42mm stainless steel case and a five-link bracelet adorned with a rotating Pepsi GMT bezel. The striking black dial showcases luminescent hands and hour indices, complemented by a vibrant red seconds hand and a convenient date window at 3 o’clock. A transparent caseback provides a glimpse of the mechanical CAL.MV295 movement that powers this remarkable watch. For enthusiasts enamored with the iconic bezel, this model is available at approximately $1,036 USD.
15. Bvlgari
In 1884, Bvlgari was established in Rome by Sotirios Voulgaris, an immigrant Greek watchmaker, and has since gained worldwide acclaim for its luxurious offerings. This expansive brand goes beyond watches, encompassing everything from jewelry to handbags, captivating a diverse audience. Operating under its Swiss subsidiary, Bvlgari Haute Horlogerie SA, the brand ensures top-tier craftsmanship from start to finish.
For men, Bvlgari boasts four captivating collections: Octo, Bvlgari Bvlgari, and Haute Horlogerie. Women, too, have their share of enchanting options with collections like Serpenti and Lucea. Despite not being a dedicated fashion enthusiast, the Bvlgari Bvlgari line has managed to catch my eye, exuding a timeless appeal that transcends trends. If you’re curious, take a look at their offerings, and you might discover something you adore. One particular highlight is the Bvlgari Bvlgari, ref. 1013132, featuring a 41mm bronze case and a captivating blue dial, truly a sight to behold.
14. Breil
Established in 1939 in Milan, Breil is a fashion-forward brand named after a Swiss town. Founded by Innocente Binda, it remains family-owned under the Binda Group. While Breil does offer multiple automatic watches under $500, the brand mainly focuses on Japanese quartz movement timepieces, priced from $100 to $500. Despite not being considered high horology, Breil’s distinct designs, like the uniquely curved lugs, set them apart.
Breil watches capture Milan’s style legacy and offer a blend of history and innovation. With roots dating back to 1939, the brand appeals to a wide audience by combining automatic and quartz movements, showcasing their commitment to both aesthetics and functionality.
13. U-Boat
Crafting exceptional timepieces for nearly two decades, U-Boat stands as an illustrious Italian watch company. Renowned for its unparalleled Italian craftsmanship, each U-BOAT model reflects a distinct touch. For those seeking a meticulously handcrafted watch with an unmistakably authentic Italian essence, this brand offers an ideal choice.
A true standout is the U-Boat Doppiotempo 46 Bronze, a piece that commands attention with its refined, vintage-inspired aesthetics. Encased in a 46mm bronze frame, complemented by a lockable bronze bezel, this timepiece exudes an air of elegance. The hand-made calf leather strap in brown further enhances its allure. The left side of the dial introduces an oversized crown with grooves, designed to enhance grip functionality.
The black dial harmoniously complements the rustic bronze exterior, showcasing luminous blunt hands, Arabic numerals, and hour indices all coated with Super-LumiNova pigment. Beyond its fundamental features, the watch houses a small seconds counter and a date window. Powering these functions is a self-winding movement with an impressive 48-hour power reserve, demonstrating U-Boat’s commitment to precision.
As a premium Italian brand, U-Boat’s offerings generally exceed $100 USD. Among its distinguished collection, the U-Boat Doppiotempo 46 Bronze commands attention, embodying a harmonious blend of artistry and functionality. For enthusiasts seeking an investment in Italian horological excellence, this timepiece is available at an approximate cost of $4,400 USD.
12. Mazzucato Watches
Introducing Mazzucato, a prominent name celebrated for its collection of cutting-edge and forward-looking timepieces. The brainchild of Simone Mazzucato, a visionary steeped in the realm of Industrial Design, the brand encapsulates his profound expertise in design and manufacturing. This fusion has given rise to a truly distinctive array of watches that seamlessly merge technical brilliance with refined elegance, a characteristic that has become synonymous with Mazzucato’s “never boring” approach.
One remarkable model within Mazzucato’s portfolio is the Mazzucato Rim Sport Ref. 03-GY536, a timepiece that exudes sophistication and robust engineering. Encased within a 48mm stainless steel housing, this watch is paired with a double compression FKM strap in a sleek shade of grey. One exceptional feature is its reversible design, allowing wearers to alternate between two distinct watch faces within a single model. On one side, a rim structure reminiscent of cars takes center stage, featuring a time-only display. On the flip side, a chronograph dial layout offers a different dynamic. Adding to its complexity, this watch boasts both an automatic calibre and a quartz movement from Miyota.
Mazzucato’s offerings, characterized by their intricate craftsmanship, often inhabit the high-end spectrum of pricing, frequently exceeding $1,000 USD. The Mazzucato Rim Sport Ref. 03-GY536, for instance, is available at approximately $1,400 USD. For those seeking captivating and avant-garde Italian timepieces, Mazzucato stands as an intriguing brand that warrants exploration.
11. Anonimo
The distinct trait shared by numerous Italian brands lies in their penchant for bold Arabic indices, a style reminiscent of Panerai. Interestingly, Anonimo embraced this iconic aesthetic after Panerai’s departure from Italy. In 1997, as Panerai relocated from Florence to Switzerland, Anonimo’s founder, Frederico Massacesi, seized the opportunity, assembling the core group of skilled Panerai watchmakers who were left behind, thus giving birth to Anonimo.
This strategic move presents both advantages and drawbacks. Anonimo prolonged the preservation of authentic Italian craftsmanship compared to Panerai, yet it remained steadfast in its commitment to traditional design, despite later shifting its base to Switzerland. It’s worth noting that both Panerai and Anonimo maintain deeply Italian design sensibilities, with headquarters situated in Italy.
For enthusiasts captivated by the authentic and substantial Italian tool watch style, Anonimo offers meticulously crafted automatic timepieces across their three military-inspired collections: Militare, Nautilo, and Epurato. Despite the geographical shift, Anonimo continues to pay homage to its heritage through its timepieces, providing aficionados with a timeless connection to Italian watchmaking tradition.
10. Gucci
Founded by Guccio Gucci in Florence in 1921, Gucci is a renowned Italian fashion brand that has left an indelible mark on the industry. With revenues exceeding €10.49 billion in 2022, Gucci stands as a major player in the fashion world. Expanding into watchmaking, Gucci offers timepieces at a more affordable price range, making them an accessible entry point into luxury watch ownership. While these watches boast stylish designs, they may not offer the same level of intricate craftsmanship as some of their counterparts. However, for individuals seeking a blend of fashion and functional timekeeping, Gucci’s watches provide an enticing option.
9. Ennebi
Based in Prato, Italy, Ennebi has solidified its reputation as a master of artisanal watchmaking, specializing in crafting professional timepieces, particularly in the domain of diving watches. Their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication have earned them a noteworthy standing among watch enthusiasts.
Among their esteemed collection, the Fondale watch stands as a legend, showcasing an astounding water resistance of 1000m. Moreover, their innovative prowess extends even further, as they’ve engineered diver’s watches capable of withstanding pressures at depths of up to 6000m. Unmistakably robust, these timepieces possess a commanding presence, even on wrists of average proportions.
Ennebi’s watchmaking artistry not only hinges on their impressive technical capabilities but also manifests through captivating aesthetics. Some of their creations boast unique features like California dials, vivid red watch faces, and intricately embossed leather straps. Adding to their allure is the fact that Ennebi produces their timepieces in limited quantities, rendering them true collector’s items due to their rarity.
8. Panerai
Panerai, an integral name in the realm of Italian watches, simply cannot be overlooked. Originating in Florence, Italy, in 1860, this luxury watch manufacturer was founded by Giovanni Panerai. The correct pronunciation, pun-eh-rye, adds to the charm of this brand. Its legacy traces back to its status as an official supplier to the Royal Italian Navy. Building on this connection, Panerai ventured into crafting diving watches, which Rolex manufactured using pocket watch movements. Although Panerai officially relocated to Switzerland in 1997, a departure from its Italian roots, we’ll make a special allowance for its inclusion in our list.
The diverse Panerai collections encompass the Submersible, Luminor, Luminor Due, and the Radiomar, each encapsulating the brand’s signature blend of style and functionality. These watches resonate with me as personal favorites, although their price tags remain beyond my reach. Commencing around $4,000, the models swiftly ascend to the $20,000 and beyond bracket. With an emphasis on robust craftsmanship and sophisticated designs, Panerai watches are esteemed not only for their timekeeping prowess but also for the status they bestow upon their wearers.
7. Visconti
Visconti, renowned for its premium pens and watches, offers more than just timepieces – it embodies a lifestyle. A distinctive blend of craftsmanship and elegance characterizes this brand, even though their watch collection remains relatively compact. Despite the limited quantity, each Visconti timepiece boasts unique traits that proudly showcase superior Italian artistry. This brand takes immense pride in entrusting only the most skilled master watchmakers to craft their pieces, ensuring an exceptional standard of quality.
Among Visconti’s modest selection of five watch models, the crown jewel is undoubtedly the Visconti Opera – a sophisticated and intricate masterpiece. Encased within a 43.5mm brushed stainless steel housing, it harmoniously pairs with a black alligator leather strap, adorned with captivating blue accents. The watch’s sector dial design pays homage to Italian classical music, mirroring the layout of music sheets. A distinctive touch lies in its date display, ingeniously resembling piano keys, further enhancing its connection to musical inspiration. Driven by an automatic movement, the Visconti Opera transcends timekeeping to embody the spirit of Italian artistic expression, offering a wearable masterpiece that resonates with enthusiasts of both watchmaking and the arts.
6. Salvatore Ferragamo
Emerging from Florence in 1928, Salvatore Ferragamo is a distinguished luxury brand that has cultivated a diverse portfolio of high-end consumer goods. While not exclusively devoted to watchmaking, their offerings extend across various domains. To create their timepieces, Ferragamo collaborates with external manufacturers through licensing agreements, an approach that ensures a diverse range of watches. Despite this outsourcing strategy, Ferragamo’s watches still exude captivating beauty and unique designs.
5. Filippo Loreti
While not a traditional Italian watch brand, Filippo Loreti draws inspiration from the Roman Empire and Italian design. Established in 2015 through a successful crowdfunded project that secured 1 million in funding for their inaugural watch, the brand blends international presence with Italian heritage. With a commitment to accessible luxury, Filippo Loreti achieves this through in-house design, direct manufacturing relationships, and a direct-to-customer (DTC) approach. Their range encompasses watches starting around $70 USD for women’s quartz marble editions and reaching up to $650 for exclusive limited edition men’s timepieces, such as the Arsenal Black Gold model, making them a noteworthy option for those intrigued by both aesthetics and affordability.
4. Meccaniche Veloci
Founded in Milan in 2006 before eventually settling in Geneva, Switzerland, Meccaniche Veloci exemplifies a blend of Italian heritage and Swiss precision. Guided by a profound philosophy, the brand believes that a watch transcends mere functionality when it carries a compelling narrative. Infused with values of passion, freedom, and respect, Meccaniche Veloci is dedicated to crafting distinctive timepieces that resonate with individuals seeking uniqueness and craftsmanship.
Among its standout creations, the Icon 10th Podium Ref. W01GC110 takes center stage with its captivating and unconventional design. Boasting a sizable 49mm rose gold case, this timepiece is complemented by a timeless black alligator leather strap. The watch face serves as an artistic canvas, showcasing four sub-dials that each unveil a distinct time zone, accompanied by a date window on one of the sub-dials. Beneath this visually striking facade lies the self-winding MV8802 calibre, a testament to the brand’s dedication to both aesthetics and technical prowess. Meccaniche Veloci’s journey from Milan to Geneva encapsulates its evolution, while its emphasis on storytelling, values, and innovative designs firmly positions it as a noteworthy player in the world of watchmaking.
3. Unimatic
Established in 2015, Unimatic has swiftly garnered a dedicated fan base, a testament to their remarkable journey in the watchmaking world. This independent brand’s approach defies conventional Italian aesthetics, opting for a distinct identity that sets it apart. Unimatic’s collections radiate a blend of simplicity and functionality, evoking hints of Movado’s elegance and Sinn’s robust engineering.
In a departure from the rugged tool watch archetype, Unimatic embraces a different path. Their watches are characterized by slim cases that span a range of sizes, catering to diverse preferences. This emphasis on versatility allows enthusiasts to enjoy minimalist aesthetics without compromising on sturdiness or practicality. As Unimatic defies expectations with their unique design philosophy, they continue to carve a niche that resonates with those who appreciate the art of balancing form and function.
2. Officina del Tempo
Founded in their hometown of Senigallia at the dawn of the new millennium, Officina del Tempo was brought to life by siblings Roberto and Giorgio Emili. Drawing inspiration from the realms of racing, sailing, and enterprise, this brand has rapidly flourished, amassing an impressive portfolio featuring eleven distinctive collections. The Emili brothers’ journey has been marked by remarkable expansion, reflecting their dedication to excellence.
What truly resonates with me is Officina del Tempo’s unwavering commitment to quality. This brand’s attention to detail is evident in every facet, from meticulous assembly to thoughtful packaging. A noteworthy highlight is their dedication to Italian craftsmanship, as everything apart from the movements, which primarily employ quartz, is meticulously crafted within Italy. This devotion to sourcing and producing locally showcases their dedication to preserving Italian heritage while delivering exceptional timepieces. As Officina del Tempo continues to innovate and evolve, it captures the essence of a brand that prioritizes precision, style, and the spirit of Italian ingenuity.
1. Emporio Armani
Emporio Armani, a prominent name in the premium fashion industry like Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci, offers a collection of Italian watches that blend classic design with versatility. While acclaimed for its fashionable apparel and accessories, the brand’s timepieces cater to various occasions, whether casual or formal.
The Emporio Armani Ref. AR60012 stands out with its chic monochromatic appearance. Boasting a 43mm black-tone stainless steel case and a grey leather strap, the watch emanates sophistication. Its sector dial features varying shades of grey, rose gold-tone indices, luminous brown hands, a small seconds counter, and a 24-hour counter. Notably, the open heart display provides a captivating view of the automatic movement powering the watch.
For those in search of quality Italian watches without a hefty price tag, Emporio Armani offers a compelling choice. The Emporio Armani Ref. AR60012 is accessible at a price of just $365 USD, making Italian craftsmanship and style more accessible to a wider audience.
Try Italian Watch Brands Today
Italian watch brands have cemented their place as icons of luxury and style in the world of horology. Each brand on this list offers a unique blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and design. Whether you’re drawn to classic elegance or contemporary flair, these Italian watch brands have something special to offer. So, elevate your style and collection by embracing the sophistication and allure of Italian timepieces.