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Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Diving Chronograph

The 19th-century eggheads behind this brand—a.k.a. Antoine LeCoultre and Edmond Jaeger—were true technical wizards. Take the millionometer, which LeCoultre single-handedly came up with in 1844, and which, for the first time, allowed for measurements to the nearest micron. A century and a half later, "they're one of the strongest, most undervalued brands," says Edward Faber. "They have lots of interesting ideas and play with the aesthetic"—thus explaining the eye-catching blue details on this model. Also of note, per Faber, "they were the first to remove the crown so you didn't see it." That model, the Reverso, was aimed at athletic polo players, who worried about accidentally breaking the crystal during matches. The Master Compressor, meanwhile, is aimed at divers, though both work pretty well at the office too.
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Price: $9,750–$22,500
Year introduced: 2007
Made in: Switzerland
Finishes: Rose gold or titanium with rubber strap, titanium bracelet, or articulated rubber bracelet
Movement: Mechanical, automatic, chronograph
Web site: jaeger-lecoultre.com