It’s okay to be skeptical about owning a watch that has the same name as a famous car company. Jaguar is one such watch company. However, considering they have been around since 1938, maybe they are driven by different ideals and not simply riding on the famous Jaguar name and logo.
In this article, we deep dive into Jaguar, a watch brand with a name that causes some confusion. We examine their history, brand reputation, and the build quality of their watches. Most importantly, we answer the one question that’s been troubling new watch buyers: is Jaguar a luxury watch company?
Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will have decided whether Jaguar watches are anything close to what they are hyped up to be, or merely over-priced, entry-level status pieces. Read on.
Jaguar Brand History
Swiss watchmaker Peter Haas founded Jaguar watches in 1938. He is famous for being the first watchmaker not to name his watch after his own name, which has become the norm today. Inspired by the jaguar, a feral animal known for its raw power and agility, Haas embarked on creating a brand, one that has become synonymous with elegance and power.
Jaguar’s Nine Lives
In 1989, Festina Group acquired Jaguar. What followed was rigorous marketing and brand repositioning. Before being acquired by Festina, Jaguar had had a relatively quiet existence, barely living up to the same old Swiss traditions and lacking energy. The takeover was much needed. It gave the old cat a new lease of life. It reestablished its foothold on the international stage, thanks to Festina’s dynamism and expertise. Festina also owns
Read more about Festina watches here and check out other brands that the group owns including Lotus, Calypso, and Candino watches.
Jaguar Watch Collections
Jaguar boasts of a vast collection of timepieces for both men and women. If you care about what you wear for specific occasions, Jaguar has timepieces for just about any. The stringent standards of Swiss-Made watches, coupled with unique designs, are the bare minimum of Jaguar watch collections. Let’s take a closer look at some collections and individual models.
The Acamar Collection
Call it ‘Men’s leather watches.’ Other than the dial color variation, there’s not much difference between the collection’s 10 models. The Jaguar Acamar Men’s Quartz embodies Jaguar’s tradition. With a 43mm steel case and a sapphire glass strapped to soft, genuine leather, its durability is one to bet on.
The silver hands and embedded hour markers against a black, textured dial make for a good dress watch. It has a separate seconds subdial. The luminous hands and indices will come in handy in the movie theatre if you are the peacocking type.
The Special Edition
🏆 #1 Best Overall
- 【Watch repair tool kit】- JOREST watch repair tool kit contains common tools required for repairing watches, suitable for adjusting and replacing watch straps, opening watch covers, replacing watch batteries, gaskets, etc., and has detailed operations Manual to help you solve watch problems at home and save expensive repair costs.
- 【Adjust the strap】- Metal watch band link remover, watch band holder, pin punches, double-headed hammer and spring bar tool with scale are used to replace various watch straps, adjust the length of the strap to fit your wrist.We are equipped with 15PCS spare needle to improve the service life of the tool, suitable for pin punch and metal watch band link remover.
- 【Suitable for different watch covers】- Watch back case opener is used for watch cases with grooves；watch case opening pry is used for the watch case with a pry opening；Screwdriver is used for watch case fixed by screws；tweezer is used to remove the battery.The use range of the watch back case opener is 15-60mm, and the drill bit spacing is set by rolling the adjusting wheel to fit the groove of your watch back.
- 【Five-in-one watch screwdriver】- Five types of screwdriver bits are suitable for many situations: watch battery fixing screws, watch case screws, watchband screws, and can also be used for glasses screws. The cover at the end of the screwdriver can be opened, and the inside is hollow for storing other screwdriver bits.
- 【The purpose of the watch case holder】 - The watch case holder can be used with other tools in the kit to help fix the watch and reduce the risk of sliding and scratching the watch. It is suitable for watches of various sizes, and can be used for watches with a diameter of up to 50mm.
This collection has different models for varying tastes and preferences; from silicon, leather, to stainless steel bands. The Jaguar Special Edition Men’s watch is the master of vitality. It’s a sporty timepiece with a touch of class. Enclosed by a 45mm stainless steel case and protected by sapphire glass is a function-rich white dial, featuring day of the week and seconds subdials.
Not into silicon-banded watches? No problem. Try this other model, which comes with a replacement leather strap (and tools).
Automatic Collection
Rank #2
- UPGRADE COMPLETE 155 PCS WATCH REPAIR KIT suit for professional and general use, which can solution for most watch repair requirements
- MULTIFUNCTION DELUXE WATCH TOOLS SET has every tool you need, 3 point watch wrench case opener (extra large), watch band link remover tool, pin punch, hammer, pliers, spring bar removal tool, band holder, 5x screwdriver, tweezers, case pry
- INCLUDED XL WATCH WRENCH CASE OPENER up to 55MM, easy to open groove type oversize watches. This kit is perfect for common watch trouble, like opening watch back cover, watchband adjustment, changing watch batteries, watch band remover, watch resize, watch pins remover. You will never pay pricey watchmaker fees again
- THE METAL WATCHMAKING TOOLS are made of high quality solid 304 stainless steel, they are sturdy, portable, practical and very easy to use
- EXCELLENT WEARABILITY NYLON STORAGE BAG holds the whole watch repair set neatly, and this portable zipper case is easy to carry, you can transport it to fix your watch anywhere you want
Let’s take a closer look at Jaguar Automatic Men’s Watch to see if the hype is deserved.
Enclosed within a 44mm stainless steel case and sapphire glass is an automatic ETA 2824-2 movement made by Soprod, a Festina Group subsidiary. Though the 200M/20ATM water resistance rating is quite impressive, it’s not a diver’s watch. This bad boy can handle himself quite well in the swimming pool.
This wristwatch is, without doubt, a head-turner. From the look of things, we’d say it has all the makings of a status symbol. On the one hand, it is a timeless classic, and on the other, an energy-packed timepiece. Beauty is in the detail. The coloring, texturing, gold plating, and everything in between invites you to indulge in the glory of the imposing cat as it roams the Amazonian tropics.
The Executive Collection
Rank #3
- 【2024 Upgraded Adjustable Watch Opener】①Bigger size for better grip;②It is equipped with three different shapes of jaws, which can better adapt to different types of grooves;③The jaws are more stable, and when used with an anti-slip film, they can help you complete the job safely and efficiently.
- 【Multifunctional Screwdriver】We centralized the functions of removing screws from watches and glasses, prying open watch covers, and replacing watch spring bars in this screwdriver, which helps you save storage space and saves you the trouble of keeping multiple tools.
- 【Convenient Storage】Built-in mesh pocket for storing manuals, extra watches and watch straps, etc. Note: The pouch only shows the items that can be stored, the set does not contain these items: watches, straps, batteries.
- 【Replace the Watch Battery & Adjust the Watch Band】Suitable for watch backs with a pry opening, watch backs with grooves or watch backs with screws; The metal link remover and hammer tool can help you adjust the strap length to fit your wrist.
- 【Illustrated Instruction Manual】The instruction manual（in English） describes in detail how to use each tool, which makes it easy for even beginners to get started. This upgraded watch repair tool set is perfect for professional repairers or watch enthusiasts.
The collection boasts of watches with irresistible simplicity and grace. These accessories embody a distinguished testimony for the Jaguar classics yet are sufficiently modern. Not much variation design-wise, but they are exquisite.
The Executive Women’s Quartz comes with a 32mm gold-plated stainless steel case and sapphire glass. The stone-encrusted, color-splashed white dial captures the timepiece’s eccentric aesthetic, giving the watch a touch of character and style. If you are daring, you can count on this watch to accentuate your bold personality.
Jaguar Brand Reputation
Firstly, Jaguar watches have no connection whatsoever with Jaguar cars. In fact, the latter have their own watch product line under Bremont, a British watchmaker of luxury, aviation-themed timepieces. Aside from Festina-owned and Belmont-inspired Jaguar watches, there is a bunch of other replica watches masquerading as legit Jaguar timepieces.
Bermont Watch Company has been around since 2002. Festina-owned Jaguar, on the other hand, has over 70 years’ worth of reputation. While the two brands are incomparable; horologically speaking, Jaguar watches enjoy the perks of being around the block. Has Jaguar benefited from the confusion occasioned by similar names and brand logos? Maybe.
It should be noted, however, that Jaguar has a distinct brand signature, design ideals, and brand appeal.
Accuracy
Jaguar is known for creating reliable timepieces. Whether you are looking to buy an automatic or quartz watch, you can be sure of owning a legit Swiss-Made wristwatch with Swiss-sourced components that have been assembled with exemplary Swiss precision.
Agility
You do not get to name your watch after one of the world’s most agile animals and produce dull pieces. With this respect, we’d say the company has done right by the jaguar. In their partnership with Festina, they have found a rare balance between their founders’ ideals and Festina’s brand appeal.
Pedigree
Owing to the unceasing strive for technological and aesthetic innovation, Jaguar is known for its broad appeal and consumer segmentation. This is reflected in its design depth/breadth and pricing strategy.
Is Jaguar A Good Watch Brand?
The question of a “good” watch is in part, a matter of personal perception and available budget, so it depends on who you ask.
Nevertheless, every Jaguar-branded timepiece reflects a commitment to precision and a meticulous eye for detail, evidenced by creative design and craftsmanship. Some reviewers have heaped Jaguar watches with wannabe replicas, arguing that they are equally pretenders, pure junk, and cheaply made. However, Jaguar watches, if genuine, are great timepieces.
Their automatic watches are solid. They are designed to cater to a wide market segment, with some relatively pricier models, such as this Jaguar Men’s Automatic Special Edition, likely to set you back a few thousand dollars. Other than the semi-exposed gear, there’s not much difference, aesthetic-wise, compared to this Tissot Automatic Men’s Watch. The latter has a reputation for build quality and a richer horological heritage to go with, and what’s more, you get a comparable “open-heart” design at a fraction of the price.
For other comparisons, you could look at any of these other affordable Swiss brands.
Is Jaguar A Luxury Brand?
We’ve explored the brand’s reputation and looked at individual models. And now the moment of truth is upon Jaguar—is it a luxury brand?
Design and build quality are just two of a myriad factors for determining a watchmaker’s position in the pecking order.
Quartz watches, irrespective of the maker, tend to be associated with the lower end of the market spectrum. While movement alone does not cement a watch’s position, rocking a pricier Swiss-made watch just hits different. Even so, watch buffs view automatic watch collections as a good starting point for determining a watchmaker’s position in the watch brand hierarchy.
That said, a capable old-timer would go for a Belmont-inspired Jaguar watch over our not-so-memorable Jaguar. The Jaguars were discussing here may not hold their value long enough to even be considered serious timepieces by seasoned watch enthusiasts, but for someone who wants to make an elegant-looking and affordable swiss made watch without breaking the bank, the brand may be a good fit.
In all fairness, we’d say some Jaguar models reliable quartz watches that compete with other consumer brands in the price range but even Festina itself only claims Perrelet and L.Leroy, as their only luxury brands.
Where To Buy Jaguar Watches?
Jaguar does not sell directly from their website, but they have points of sale spread across the globe.
Shop on Amazon (US) or See eBay for new and pre-owned and vintage Jaguar watches.
Where Are Jaguar Made?
Jaguar watches are quite popular in Spain and France, but they are made in Switzerland. Though the Barcelona-based Festina SA owns Jaguar, they manufacture and market their watches under a Swiss-based Festina subsidiary. All its components are sourced and assembled in Switzerland.
Jaguar Warranty Policy
There’s no explicit mention of the product warranty on the company website. However, some Amazon listings come with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Rank #4
- Beginner-Friendly Kit: The watch tool kit includes all tools needed for watch link removal and battery replacement, complete with instructions. Even with zero experience, you can easily complete watch repairs in minutes, saving you time and expensive watchmaker fees
- Complete Toolkit: The watch repair kit includes a case opener, band remover, screwdrivers, pry opener, case holder, band holder, tweezers, and a hammer. It also comes with 108 watch pins and multiple spare accessories to meet all your repair needs, eliminating any worries
- Watch Protection: Tools that hold your watch are made of anti-corrosion PP plastic, protecting your watch from scratches. Other tools are crafted from durable 304 stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting use
- Universal Watch Tools: Includes 3 types of band adjustment tools and 3 types of case opening tools, compatible with the vast majority of watches on the market
- Thoughtful Gift: All tools are neatly organized in a nylon storage case, making it easy to carry on the go. Give friends and family a quick, effortless repair experience. A practical gift for watch lovers to keep at home