Luxury watches have a unique appeal. They radiate affluence and exclusivity and represent the highest levels of precision and craftsmanship. For many people, owning a watch from Rolex, Omega, or Breitling is a dream come true. However, many also assume that these watches are prohibitively expensive and therefore don’t even try to get their hands on one. We’ve put together a list of affordable entry-level models from ten top brands, proving that this doesn’t always have to be the case.
Seiko 5 Sports SSK001
Seiko watches are generally considered the “gateway drug” to the world of watches. There are many reasons for this: the selection is huge, the quality is consistently high, and the prices are almost outrageously low. Many models such as the Turtle, Tuna, and Alpinist also enjoy cult status. Watches in the Seiko 5 Sports collection have always drawn a large fan base. These robust sportwatches are water-resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft) and typically feature a date and day of the week display. An interesting example from the recent past is ref. SSK001: Thanks to its in-house caliber 4R34, the timepiece has a GMT function, which means that it can display two time zones simultaneously. However, at just $475, the watch costs a fraction of what a comparable Swiss-made watch goes for on the open market.
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 5
TAG Heuer has always had a strong affinity with motorsport. Many of the collections are linked to current or historic racing events. Two famous models are the TAG Heuer Monaco and Carrera; however, neither can really be considered an entry-level watch. Instead, take a look at the Formula 1 Caliber 5, a mechanical watch with a reasonable price tag. The Tag Heuer Formula 1 collection is a series of contemporary sports watches that make a great entry point into the brand. They are markedly more affordable than comparable models from other luxury brands. Plus, TAG Heuer watches are always in demand. A stainless steel Formula 1 Caliber 5 with a three-piece link bracelet is available on Chrono24 for less than $2,000. This corresponds to savings of some $500 compared to the MSRP.
Breitling Avenger Automatic 42
Breitling is third up on our list. This luxury brand’s collections include numerous legendary watches. At least three of these models are available at attractive prices. One example is the Breitling Chronomat Automatic 36 (ref. A10380101C1A1), which Breitling lists at $5,250. You can buy this watch unworn on Chrono24 for some $1,000 less. Breitling also offers surprisingly affordable versions of their classic pilot’s watch, the Navitimer. The official list price for the three-hand version with a 41-mm stainless steel case (ref. A17329371L1P1) is $5,300. However, the same Navitimer Automatic 41 trades for an average of $4,700 on Chrono24. One of the most affordable models in the current Breitling range is the Avenger Automatic 42 ref. A17328101C1X1, which has a list price of $4,750. Here you can also save a good $1,000 if you buy on Chrono24.
Omega De Ville Prestige Co-Axial
The second coveted luxury brand on this list is none other than Omega. The Biel-based manufacturer offers relatively affordable variants in almost all of its collections. Here, we’re recommending a watch from the De Ville line, which is by far the most affordable Omega series. The Omega De Ville Prestige with a 40-mm stainless steel case and the co-axial master chronometer 8800 caliber is a beautiful, classic men’s watch that is available in many different dial and band variants. It is listed at a price of $5,700. But on Chrono24, you can often get ahold of this timepiece for significantly less, starting at around $4,400. If you opt for the predecessor model with a diameter of 39.5 mm, you can save even more. The price for an unworn example of this watch is around $3,200.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual
The Oyster Perpetual is the way to go if you’re interested in buying a Rolex for less. The design is characterized by that classic Rolex look. In contrast to models such as the Datejust or Submariner, however, the Oyster Perpetual isn’t outrageously expensive. The men’s Rolex Oyster Perpetual is available with diameters of 36 or 41 mm. As of summer 2024, current models officially cost $6,400 (ref. 126000) and $6,700 (ref. 124300). But as is almost always the case with Rolex, availability is anything but rosy. Waiting times at authorized dealers are currently between 6 and 12 months. Of course, this isn’t an issue on the secondary market, but price mark-ups are to be expected. Prices for a current Rolex Oyster Perpetual with a diameter of 36 or 41 mm start at around $8,900 for unworn examples. Older Oyster Perpetual models are a much more affordable alternative. The ref. 116000 – the predecessor of the current Oyster Perpetual 36 – is available unworn on Chrono24 from around $7,500.
Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix
Vacheron Constantin is one of the most traditional watch manufacturers out there. The brand has been active without interruption since 1755, bringing countless watches onto the market ever since. This heritage lives on today in collections such as the Patrimony and Overseas. The Fiftysix collection offers a good introduction to the world of Vacheron Constantin. The three-hand ref. 4600E/000A, in particular, is almost a bargain given the quality it offers at around $14,800. The 40-mm stainless steel watch has a sector dial that has strong roots in the 1950s. At the heart of the watch you’ll find the self-winding, in-house caliber 1326 with a date display and 48-hour power reserve. At 9.6 mm, the watch is pleasantly flat and slips easily under any shirt cuff. The Fiftysix Automatic is also available with a gold case. However, the price then rises to around $23,000.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding
When it comes to Audemars Piguet, we can hardly use the word affordable. The brand is synonymous with high-end luxury watches that are worn by countless celebrities from sports, music, and art. The best known series is without a doubt the Royal Oak collection. But it’s also where you can find an entry-level Audemars Piguet. With a list price around $27,000, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Automatic 37 mm (ref. 15550ST) is the most affordable watch in the brand’s range. Nevertheless, it’s an expensive watch. But it’s more than just an expensive luxury item; it’s a model designed by Gérald Genta, the man who revolutionized the market for high-end sports watches with his designs. If you browse Chrono24, you will find that prices for this model on the open market are far higher than official list prices. Similar to Rolex, low supply and high demand drive up prices. Older models with a smaller diameter are generally more reasonably priced. Two-tone versions can also be a great option for beginners. You can find these on Chrono24 from around $13,000.
Watch with legendary status: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 15550ST
Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167A
Patek Philippe is another top name in the luxury watch sector. Anyone looking for a Patek must be prepared to make a major investment. What you get in return, however, is a unique watch of the very highest quality and enormous prestige. One of the most affordable sports models from this brand is the Aquanaut. It was developed for an active lifestyle, specifically for sports and water sports. Since its launch in 1997, it has bridged the gap between traditional watchmaking and contemporary aesthetics. This is exactly what makes the model so successful and sought-after. The design is inspired by the famous Patek Philippe Nautilus, which was another of Genta’s creations. However, Patek’s “entry-level” sports watch comes at a price: The three-hand version with a 40.8 mm stainless steel case and rubber strap (ref. 5167A) officially costs $24,450. You can only expect to see similar prices on the open market for ladies’ models. In the classic size, prices start closer to $45,000, which is, of course, quite a steep price for an entry-level watch.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface Small Seconds
The Reverso is THE cult watch from traditional manufacturer Jaeger-LeCoultre. The timepiece has been part of the JLC range since 1931 and is characterized by its unique reversible case and Art Deco-style design. Over the years, countless variants of the Reverso have been produced. The watches in the Classic Monoface range are the entry-level models in the current collection. They come closest to the original from the 1930s and are available in sizes for both men and women. With its 20 x 35.78 mm stainless steel case, the Reverso Classic Monoface ref. Q2608440 is particularly suitable for slimmer wrists. The manual caliber 846 powers the watch. The MSRP is $7,900, but you can buy the watch on Chrono24 from around $7,500. The men’s ref. Q3858522 measures 27.4 x 45.6 mm and is powered by the JLC caliber 822. In addition to hours and minutes, the movement also displays a running seconds at 6 o’clock. The watch costs around $9,700 on Chrono24 and is therefore some $2,500 cheaper than the list price.
Cartier Tank Must XL
Cartier has produced watches for royalty and other political and business elites for over a century. Some of their models are among the most legendary watches ever. The Cartier Tank was presented for the first time in 1917. Louis Cartier designed the watch for John Pershing, U.S. Army general of the American Expeditionary Force. The watchmaker was inspired by the Renault tanks on the Western Front. There is now a wide range of Tanks available at very different price points. The Must series is the best place to start; we recommend the Cartier Tank Must XL. Although there are more affordable watches in the collection, most would be equipped with quartz movements. The Tank Must XL with an automatic caliber is a truly special watch, as its design is strongly based on that of the original Tank. It’s a piece of watchmaking history for the reasonable price of $5,000.
Closing Thoughts
That wraps up our list of entry-level models from ten major manufacturers in the luxury watch industry. Each one of these watches exemplifies its respective brand history and is still available at a relatively reasonable price. The manufacturers have these watches in their range for a reason – you always need a place to start when discovering your favorite brand. Good luck narrowing your choice down to just one of the models presented here – it’s not an easy one!
