With all the talk around hype watches and some seriously inflated resale prices on the secondary market, it’s easy to forget that there are plenty of top-tier timepieces that don’t cost as much as a new car. Ultra-popular watches not only overshadow the more affordable options in a brand’s catalog but can also give the impression that everything sold by that brand is entirely out of reach.
Of course, luxury watches are expensive by definition and affordable means something different to everyone. Affordable luxury watches made by big name brands are still going to cost a few thousand dollars — it’s all relative. If you are ready to spend that kind of money on a premium timepiece, you have options.
Whether you’re thinking about buying your first luxury watch or are just on the lookout for a good deal, we’ve rounded-up some entry-level models from top watchmakers to consider. And a note about prices: we’re sticking to manufactured suggested retail prices (MSRP) for new watches in this review since prices in the pre-owned watch market are constantly changing. Lucky for you, in most cases, you can find these entry-level watch models at even cheaper prices when buying pre-owned.
Tudor 1926
Retail prices start at $1,750
For so long, Tudor was considered the cheaper alternative to Rolex (the founder of both companies purposely positioned them that way) — the entry-level Rolex, if you will. However, in recent years, there’s no doubt that Tudor has grown to become an immensely popular watch brand thanks to the company's fantastic assortment of watches and not because of any association with Rolex
Yet, Tudor’s hits are mostly in the sports watch genre, particularly the diving, GMT, and chronograph models from the Black Bay line. However, if you dig deeper into the Tudor catalog, you’ll find some superb dressier options, which also happen to be more affordable.
Take the Tudor 1926 for example, which is named after the company’s founding year and is, naturally, designed with vintage-inspired details. The entry-level Tudor watch is simple in that it offers straightforward time and date functionality. Yet, design touches such as an embossed waffle dial, sword-shaped hands, and a mid-century mix of Arabic numerals and arrow hour markers add flair to the otherwise minimalist timepieces. Available in four sizes (28mm, 36mm, 39mm, and 41mm), several metal options (full steel and two-tone steel and pink gold), and a bevy of dial and bracelet options, there are over a hundred Tudor 1926 watch variations to choose from.
Cartier Ronde Solo
Retail prices start at $2,580
Cartier’s watch collection is vast, encompassing a myriad of shapes, sizes, movement types, and price points. Among all the choices, one of the least expensive is the Ronde Solo de Cartier, which is a collection of round watches.
Fans of Cartier watches will know that the brand is known for shaped (i.e. non-round) timepieces, such as the rectangular Tank, square Santos, and amorphous Crash — yet despite the traditionally circular silhouette, Ronde watches are still entirely recognizable as a Cartier timepiece.
Available in 29mm, 36mm, and 42mm sizes, as well as a choice of inexpensive steel or pricey rose gold, the Ronde Solo watches have all the customary Cartier design details such as Roman numerals, blue sword-shaped hands, and a blue stone set into the winding crown. You’d never know it was the entry-level Cartier watch — it’s chic and elegant as the other timepieces from the Maison.
The smallest version of the Ronde Solo is powered by a quartz movement, the largest model by an automatic movement, and the medium model is available with either quartz or automatic. What’s more, the 42mm Ronde Solo includes a date window while the other two smaller editions are time-only watches.
Breitling Superocean Automatic
Retail prices start at $3,600
The Superocean is a collection of sporty dive watches by Breitling, available in a range of sizes and colors. Despite its entry-level status in the current Breitling catalog, Superocean watches are highly capable divers with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a modern diving watch.
The steel cases are highly water-resistant (200 meters for the 36mm versions and 500 meters for the bigger editions) and topped with unidirectional rotating bezels. The striking dials feature a mix of oversized Arabic numerals and tapered indices, which along with the large hands, are generously applied with luminous materials for superb legibility in the dark. There’s also a date window at 3 o’clock.
Breitling Superocean Automatic watches are offered in 36mm, 42mm, 44mm, 46mm, and 48mm case sizes and colorways range from classic black and blue to fresh choices like orange and yellow.
Omega De Ville Prestige Chronometer
Retail prices start at $3,350
Though the De Ville name has been a part of Omega’s catalog for almost as long as the Seamaster, Constellation, and Speedmaster, it is an often-overlooked collection. That’s a shame really because the De Ville line is home to some tasteful pieces, including the entry-level De Ville Prestige Chronometer models.
The self-winding De Ville Prestige Chronometer watch collection offers old-school elegance in the form of a 39.5mm round case with a simple domed bezel and compact lugs. The dial is home to slim hands that point to a mix of applied Roman numerals and dots at the hours. Adding to the visual interest (and functionality) of the dial is the minute track at the periphery, as well as a date window.
True to Omega form, the De Ville Prestige Chronometer is not only available in a multitude of metals, colors, and dial styles, but there are also various bracelets and straps to choose from. The countless configurations available in the De Ville Prestige Chronometer range means you can find an accessibly priced dress watch (made by one of the biggest brands in luxury watches) that speaks to you.
