With a market full of countless luxury timepieces, these are our picks that won’t break the bank.
For anyone looking to get into collecting luxury watches, the most important lesson is to buy what you like and not what someone else likes. With high-end models from Rolex, Audemars, Piguet, and Patek Philippe reaching retail prices well into five figures, entry into the world of watches proves to be challenging for aspiring enthusiasts. While those rare and exclusive pieces come with hard work, starting or maintaining a collection with other budget-friendly examples helps diversify and add to your knowledge of the industry.
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Whether you’re looking for a race-inspired chronograph or an elegant dress watch, there are models out there that will add to your style without breaking the bank. In this special, we are proud to compile a list of our favorite watches under $1,000 for the budget-friendly collector. This list is meant to help guide new watch enthusiasts towards a great first watch to begin the obsession. Shop all of the best watches under $1,000 featured in this special by clicking the links attached below.
Dan Henry 1972 Maverick Chronograph
The large, high-contrast dial and minimalist design of the Dan Henry 1972 Maverick Chronograph are the keys to the high readability of its complex features and eight hands. The 41mm stainless steel case of the 1972 in available in your choice of matte or black PVD. With its sapphire crystal, the 1972 Maverick Chronograph is the ultimate tool watch.
Price: $350
EDIFICE Sospensione ECB2000PB-1A
Inspired by formula car suspension, the Sospensione ECB-2000 is the first EDIFICE with a carbon fiber-reinforced resin case, thanks to a unique case design that arranges the lugs in a four-arm configuration. The lugs too are reinforced with carbon fiber, bringing the true motorsports spirit to both the design and the materials of this timepiece.
Price: $300
Rotate Edison – Watchmaking Kit
All-in-one kit to build your own mechanical watch. Parts, tools, and a user-friendly guide included. The Edison is a classic black & white design, versatile for any occasion.
Price: $195
Shinola The Runwell Chrono 47mm
Built to last, and named accordingly, every detail of The Runwell was engineered with an obsessive focus to ensure the highest possible quality. The Argonite 5021 high-accuracy movement is the powerful motor behind this bold blue dial, chronograph and sub-second. The polished stainless steel case is accentuated by a classic pumpkin crown while Teak leather straps compliment the refined dial handsomely.
Price: $795
Seiko Prospex Compact Solar Scuba Diver
This practical compact diver’s watch with sapphire glass is conveniently solar-powered; the watch charges from both natural and electric light with no need for a battery replacement. Seiko Prospex timepieces are designed to be practical, reliable and durable; to meet the high standards required in extreme environments for sports lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Price: $500
Spinnaker Boetteger Coral Orange
The Boettger is famed for It’s under the index alignment of hour, minute and seconds hand. Ingeniously designed, the watch is powerfully engineered and a departure from the traditional codes of dive watch design.
Price: $690
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
Created for those with an eye for design and packed with twenty-first century features in a Tissot case shape from 1978, the PRX is a must-have on every watch fan’s wish list. The self-winding Powermatic 80 movement delivers reliability and precision thanks to the innovative Nivachron hairspring. With 80 hours of power reserve, it’s a modern movement designed to keep pace with busy lifestyles.
Price: $650
UNDONE Aquaman
Inspired by the comic elements of the DC superhero, Aquaman, UNDONE brings a unique experience through a humble journey of Aquaman’s return home. With his trident primed and ready, the power he holds underwater and the respect he demands when arriving at Atlantis is mirrored in the Limited Edition UNDONE Aquaman.
Price: $699
VAER D4 Atlantic
The D4 is the ultimate outdoor watch, combining best-in-class durability and full USA assembly. Offered in a compact 38mm size with the added appeal of a perpetually powered solar quartz movement
Price: $399
Vincero The Apex
The Apex blends head-turning details and incredible durability, for an aggressive and edgy look that blends form and function. This race-inspired timepiece is powered by an impressive engine of its own, the renowned VK64 Meca-Quartz from Seiko.
Price: $228
