Does a good watch have to be expensive? No. You’ll find models that impress with character, quality, and a great look just below (and sometimes well below) the $2,000 mark. Whether as an introduction to the world of precision mechanics, or as an addition to an existing collection – attractive watches don’t have to cost a fortune. We’ve selected ten interesting timepieces that show how much watch you can get for comparatively little money.
The All-rounder – Citizen Tsuyosa
Cheers of joy broke out in 2023 when Citizen presented the Tsuyosa collection. Its classic design, including an integrated bracelet, is reminiscent of icons from the 1970s, such as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Citizen gives the Tsuyosa precise automatic calibers from its own production, which can be viewed through a display case back. In addition to classic three-hand watches, the range also includes variants such as the reference NK5010-01H, which are equipped with a small seconds dial at 6 o’clock. The stainless steel watch is available in 37-mm and 40-mm case sizes, and has a selection of fresh dial colors. Citizen offers a very affordable entry into the world of mechanical watches at prices that are sometimes below even $300.
High quality and good value – Citizen Tsuyosa
Casual and Relaxed – Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
Another Gérald Genta-inspired design is found with the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80. Tissot goes one step further here, as can be seen in the dial design with its fine guilloche. This watch with the coveted “Swiss Made” label on the dial can be yours for less than $700. The PRX comes in sizes of 35 and 40 mm. You can select from numerous dial colors and different strap combinations. For friends of gold watches, Tissot also has the right model in stock with the reference T1372073302100. The automatic Powermatic 80 caliber that gives the watch its name ticks away inside. The movement from the Swiss manufacturer ETA offers a power reserve of 80 hours.
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 in its noblest form – ref. T1372073302100
Classic – Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80
If you don’t like the 1970s design of the PRX 80 but have the Tissot brand in mind, you can opt for the somewhat more conservative Gentleman Powermatic 80. The 40-mm men’s watch is available in stainless steel, or in two-tone with red or yellow gold plating. The case and dial design is classic, and almost understated, making the Tissot Gentleman ideal for everyday wear. In addition to different dial colors, stainless steel or leather straps are also available. The heart of these watches is once again the ETA-based Powermatic 80. You can buy a Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 in mint condition at prices between $500 and $1,500.
Classically elegant: the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 with a green dial
Better Than Television – Mido Multifort TV Big Date
If you like the Patek Philippe Nautilus or Aquanaut, but don’t have a fortune to shell out for a three-hand steel watch, then the Mido Multifort TV Big Date could be an exciting alternative. Mido offers the Multifort TV Big Date in a case size of 40 mm. The case is made of stainless steel and is also available in PVD-coated black. The dial of a Multifort TV Big Date is brown, blue, gray, or black, depending on the model. The ETA Powermatic 80 ticks away inside this watch. The price for a Mido Multifort TV Big Date in mint condition is between $900 and $1,300.
Square and stylish – Mido Multifort TV Big Date M0495261108100
The Diving Expert: Squale 1521
The fine Swiss watch brand Squale is rather unknown even among experienced watch enthusiasts. This is astonishing, as the independent manufacturer has dedicated itself entirely to diving watches and has decades of expertise in this field. The 42-mm Squale 1521 can probably be regarded as the watchmakers’s icon, which comes with 500 meters (50 bar, 1,640 feet) of water resistance. The model is available in numerous dial colors, designs, and strap combinations. The Squale 1521 Classic is one of the most popular models. The Squale 1521 Classic is powered by the Sellita caliber SW 200-1 and is priced at just over $1,000 for a new model.
Diving watch from the underwater expert – Squale 1521
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 5
The Formula 1 collection stands somewhat in the shadow of other TAG Heuer model series. This may be due to the fact that many models are equipped with quartz movements, which is sometimes viewed critically in collectors’ circles. There is one exception however: the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Caliber 5, a 43-mm stainless steel model with an automatic ETA-based movement and a distinctive, sporty, dynamic design. The gray dial with a sunburst dial is particularly striking, accentuated by red design elements that emphasize the racing character of the collection. Prices for unworn models start at around $1,600, making the Caliber 5 an interesting option in the entry-level segment of mechanical sports watches.
Dedicated to racing – TAG Heuer Formula 1 ref. WAZ2011.BA0842
Made In Germany – Sinn 104
The Frankfurt watch brand Sinn unveiled the model 104 in 2013. This simple and functional pilot’s watch has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 41 mm. Thanks to its water resistance of 200 meters (20 bar, 656 feet), you can also take this watch diving. The clear dial design is typical of Sinn, making the 104 easy to read. Driven by the Sellita SW220-1, its displays the day of the week, the date, and of course the time. Sinn offers the 104 model in a range of different dial colors, and on a stainless steel or leather strap. Expect to pay an average price of around $1,400 for a new one.
Clean and functional – the Sinn 104
Glashütte Bauhaus Style – NOMOS Ludwig 38
Any selection of the best watches under $2,000 is unquestionably going to need a classic dress watch. The NOMOS Ludwig 38 is our choice today. With this watch, the German manufacturer offers an elegant, slim timepiece that combines timeless restraint with fine mechanics. Roman numerals, blued hands, and the crisp, legible NOMOS design make it a stylish companion – not only for special occasions, but for everyday wear as well. In the Ludwig 38, the NOMOS manual Alpha caliber with a small seconds complication at 6 o’clock sets the pace. An elegant strap made of black horse leather holds the watch on the wrist. The NOMOS Ludwig 38 is available at prices between $1,600 and $1,800.
Classically elegant design from NOMOS – the Ludwig 38
Affordable and Exclusive – Longines HydroConquest
When talking about legendary diving watches, icons such as the Rolex Submariner, Omega Seamaster, or Blancpain Fifty Fathoms are often mentioned. Among this company, the Longines HydroConquest is an insider tip that’s definitely worth a look. Longines, a brand steeped in tradition, has consistently developed its sporty flagship since its launch in 2007. The HydroConquest is water resistant up to 300 meters (30 bar, 984 feet), and is equipped with the modern ETA-based caliber L888. The design combines classic diving watch elements with a unique look. The range includes many models in different designs and colors. The 41-mm original model can be found under the reference number L3.742.4.56.6. Price: around $1,250. More modern versions with a ceramic bezel cost around $1,600.
High-quality diver from a company rich in tradition – Longines HydroConquest L3.781.4.56.6
Complete With Bling Factor – Tudor Royal
Tudor is primarily known for robust diving watches with a vintage character. With the Royal collection however, the brand shows a surprisingly elegant side. The model combines sporty elements with a sophisticated look. Polished case surfaces, an integrated bracelet, a fluted bezel, and a finely crafted sunburst dial with Roman indices are stylistically reminiscent of classics such as the Rolex Datejust. This positions the Royal as an elegant everyday watch with brand-typical elements. Tudor offers the Royal in different sizes and variants, including two-tone. A standard model such as the Royal ref. M28500-0005 with a blue dial can be purchased in unworn condition for around $1,800.
A Tudor with an elegant look – the Royal ref. M28500-0005
Discover more from rolexrivivalsvintagevibes
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
