Cover Vacheron Constantin recently unveiled the striking blue Métiers d'Art Tribute to the Celestial watch collection
Vacheron Constantin recently unveiled the striking blue Métiers d'Art Tribute to the Celestial watch collection
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They are some of the most prestigious names in horology—and also the most mispronounced. Learn how to say them like a connoisseur.
You run your fingers along the gentle curves of the watch case, admiring the soft glint of the sand gold material. The calendar mechanism is equally intriguing, a powerhorse of accuracy and reliability, refined over generations of craftsmanship. You enjoy learning about its history, which validates its authenticity as a watchmaker. But when it comes to saying its name “Audemars Piguet” out loud, you hesitate. You're not alone—even seasoned collectors have stumbled over the syllables of haute horlogerie’s trickiest names.
Read more: Audemars Piguet marks 150th year with a groundbreaking perpetual calendar movement
Don’t sweat it. Here’s a guide to help you pronounce these 10 foreign watch names like you have been collecting them for years.
Above From Blancpain to Vacheron Constantin, some of the top names in horology are tricky to pronounce
From Blancpain to Vacheron Constantin, some of the top names in horology are tricky to pronounce
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A LANGE & SÖHNE
Who Germany’s answer to Patek Philippe
Say it right Ah Lahn-guh und Zurn-er
AUDEMARS PIGUET
Who: The Le Brassus manufacture known for the Royal Oak
Say it right Aw-duh-mahr Pee-gay. The 's' is silent.
BLANCPAIN
Who The oldest surviving Swiss watch brand famous today for the Fifty Fathoms dive watch
Say it right Blong-pahn
BREGUET
Who Founded by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the father of modern horology, thanks to his inventions such as the tourbillon and the Breguet hands that remain the symbols of fine watchmaking today.
Say it right Breh-geh
CARTIER
Who The King of shaped watches
Say it right Kaar-tee-ay. The last ‘r’ is silent.
CHOPARD
Who Though better known for its jewellery, Chopard’s L.U.C timepieces made in its Fleurier manufacture are some of the finest today.
Say it right Shor-pahr. The ‘d’ is silent.
See also: Why the Breguet Classique Souscription 2025 is the perfect tribute to 250 years of legacy
Above Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Artistica Calibre 179
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JAEGER-LECOULTRE
Who A storied Swiss maison responsible for the first polo watch, the Reverso.
Say it right Jay-zher Lah Kool-truh (in French) or Yay-ger Lah Kool-truh (in German). If it proves too much of a tongue twister, just say JLC—it’s widely understood which brand you’re referring to.
PARMIGIANI FLEURIER
Who An undisputed champion of quiet luxury built on the legendary reputation of watch restorer and founder Michel Parmigiani.
Say it right Par-mee-ja-nee Flur-yee-yay
PIAGET
Who The perpetual innovator of ultra-thin Altiplano timepieces.
Say it right Pee-ah-jay
VACHERON CONSTANTIN
Who The oldest continuously operating Swiss watchmaker since 1755.
Say it right Vash-uh-ron Con-stahn-tan
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Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
