Patek is the oldest family-owned firm in Geneva, and this is its signature model. The company is one of the few that makes all its own components, from bracelets to movements, and each watch has the Geneva Seal (awarded, after extensive testing, by the Geneva School of Horology). Al Armstrong echoes the opinion of many dealers when he says, "Their pieces are as good as it gets in terms of quality and finish." After a lengthy period during which bigger, flashier watches have ruled the roost, it's nice to see the pendulum swing back to a timepiece that's as discreet and quietly prosperous as its birth town.

Price: Starts at $15,400; rose gold (shown): $16,800
Other available cases: Yellow gold, white gold, platinum
Year introduced (original model/this edition): 1932/2006
Made in: Switzerland
Case size: 36 mm
Band material: Alligator
Movement: Manual mechanical
Web site: patek.com