The world of luxury watches can be daunting for people just getting into the hobby. Some of the most talked-about names are expensive luxury brands, making it seem as if you need thousands of Dollars to buy a watch. This is certainly true if you have your eyes set on a Rolex, Omega, or Breitling. However, not everyone has the budget to chase a timepiece from these big names. Fortunately, there are plenty of amazing options from renowned brands and small microbrands that can be yours for under $1000. We have selected ten great options that could be your perfect first step into the world of horology.
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
Let’s kick off this list with one of the biggest recent success stories in the watch industry. The Tissot PRX was a hit when it was introduced in 2021. This stylish sports watch with an integrated bracelet takes design cues from a Tissot Seastar from the 1970s. It combines this with a modern automatic Powermatic movement that offers 80 hours of power reserve. The PRX Powermatic 80 comes in 35mm and 40mm and is offered with a wide variety of dial colors, providing options for both ladies and gentlemen. Once you wear a Tissot PRX, you will understand why luxury watches do not have to cost an arm and a leg.
Traska Commuter
Our second pick is a watch from the small American microbrand Traska. The brand has quickly made a name for itself by offering some of the best watches for under $1000. The Traska Commuter is stylistically similar to the Rolex Oyster Perpetual and Rolex Datejust. The style is combined with a Japanese Miyota movement for great reliability. If you are looking for an elegant and versatile daily wearer, look no further. Traska offers its Commuter in 34mm, 36mm, and 38mm sizes with various dial colors on a stainless-steel bracelet. Priced under $700, the Traska Commuter is a great option.
Certina Action Diver 38mm Powermatic 80
Our first affordable dive watch on this list is the Certina Action Diver 38mm Powermatic 80. Its modest 38mm size will fit various wrist sizes, and the watch is powered by the same Powermatic 80 movement found in the Tissot PRX. The stainless-steel Action Diver is offered with either a green, blue, or black dial on a stainless-steel bracelet, all under $1000. You could also opt for the super stylish titanium version on a NATO strap or titanium bracelet – it is a little over the set budget, but it is worth considering. Whichever one you choose, you can’t go wrong with the Action Diver.
Serica 6190 Field Chronometer
Next up is the 6190 Field Chronometer from the French microbrand Serica. It is a super stylish take on a classic military-style field watch. The team at Serica knows how to take influences from the past and add their design twist to come up with something special. The 6190 is last year’s follow-up to the 4512 introduced in 2019. The new version saw updates in terms of design and also switched from a manual-winding to an automatic movement that is chronometer-certified. The impressive Serica 6190 is a great versatile option, priced just slightly above a $1000 budget.
Seiko Prospex SPB317
Seiko used to be king of watches under $1000. The brand’s Prospex series has especially been a fan favorite. However, prices for the brand’s Prospex watches have increased, with quite a few models passing the €1000 threshold. But there are still a few amazing options. A true fan favorite is the Seiko Prospex SPB317, also known as the “Turtle Origin.” It refers to its case shape that evolved into the Seiko “Turtle,” which resembles a turtle’s shell. The design finds its roots in 1968 and still looks as characteristic as ever. Combined with a modern in-house Seiko movement, the SPB317 offers great heritage and modern-day execution.
Mido Ocean Star Tribute
Another dive watch that pays homage to the great dive watches of the 1960s is the Mido Ocean Star Tribute. Mido’s retro-inspired diver combines vintage design charm with the daily comfort of a modern 40.5mm case that is water-resistant up to 200 meters for all your diving adventures. Inside the case, you will find the Powermatic 80 movement mentioned earlier. Mido offers the Ocean Star Tribute in green with a textile strap or a red or gray gradient dial on a black rubber strap for $990.
Baltic Hermétique Tourer
If you are not interested in sports watches and want something more classically styled, the Baltic Hermétique Tourer is a great option. The series takes design inspiration from 1950s field watches, giving them plenty of character. The looks might be rooted in functionality, but the watches have a graceful style that almost resembles a dress watch. The modestly sized 37mm watches have a nice slim profile for great comfort and are powered by a Japanese Miyota movement. Choose from four chic colors and order the watch on the chic beads-of-rice bracelet for an ultra-sleek look. Adding a rubber strap is the best way to completely change the watch’s look, and will still keep your price under $1,000.
Christopher Ward C65 Dune Automatic
Another brand that has to be part of this list is Christopher Ward. The English brand offers many options under $1000. We picked the C65 Dune Automatic, which has some traditional Rolex Explorer vibes and combines them with a retro-inspired desert look and a Swiss-made Sellita movement. The 38mm stainless-steel watch is available with a blue, black, or green dial. But if you want the true desert look, the sand-colored dial with the brown canvas strap is your way to go at just under $1000. For the money, the C65 Dune Automatic is truly one of your best options for looks and quality.
Hamilton Khaki Field Auto
Another great option is the Khaki Field Auto from Hamilton. The Swiss brand with American roots is well known for its military-inspired field watches. The Khaki Field collection is inspired by the watches the brand supplied to the US military for decades. The Khaki Field Auto is the automatic version of the characteristic field watch, available in 38mm and 42mm with either a black or silver dial. Inside the case of all models, you will find the brand’s H10 movement, which is essentially the Powermatic 80 caliber we discussed previously. Both on a leather strap and a stainless-steel bracelet, the watch is well under $1000.
Unimatic Modello Uno U1 Classic
Milan-based Unimatic has become known for its minimalist style, eliminating unnecessary bells and whistles. After many limited releases, the brand launched a series of permanently available Classic models. All four models in the collection qualify for this list, but we picked the brand’s popular Modello Uno C1 Classic dive watch. The modern-day diver features a 40mm stainless steel case with a bezel that loses the usual 60-minute markings on the insert. Combined with the stylish dial design, it makes for a stylistic statement powered by a Japanese Seiko movement. The robust diver can be yours for around $600 on a comfortable NATO strap, making it a great last option for this list.
There you have it—ten great watches under €1000 that prove you can buy great watches without spending thousands of Euros. They show that there is an automatic watch for everyone, no matter the budget.
