Who says building a collection of watches should cost you thousands of dollars? Believe us when we say that there are a lot of desirable models out there that do not cost an arm and a leg. That is if you know where to look.
Lucky for you, this guide is all about helping you find the best watches and how to spot them. Read on to find out our stand on second-hand watches and our top picks on high-quality models that are less than $1000. We also throw in a list of affordable alternatives to classic luxury watches.
Enjoy watch hunting on a budget!
Top Choice: Based on Popularity
Seiko SKX007
The Seiko SKX007 is a classic dive watch that graces the wrists of many watch enthusiasts. It ticks all the boxes required by ISO 6425 standards at a very affordable price. Its case is durable and will be able to handle a few bumps.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 20 hours
- Dimensions: 42.5mm
- Water resistance: 200m
Timex Weekender
The Timex Weekender has the look of a military watch. Like a chameleon, it blends in well with a ton of strap designs. That is why it is no surprise that this Timex model is often seen on people’s wrists.
- Case: Brass and LLB
- Movement: Quartz
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 38mm/40mm
- Water resistance: 30m
Seiko Prospex SRPE03
Dubbed as the Seiko “King Turtle”, this diver offers vast features for its price. This model is upgraded with a ceramic bezel insert. Whether or not you are a Seiko enthusiast, the King Turtle will prove to be a very useful tool watch.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic with manual winding capacity
- Power reserve: 41 hours
- Dimensions: 45mm
- Water resistance: 200m
Premium Buy: Price Range $500-$1000
Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80
Named after Tissot’s home in Switzerland, the Le Locle proves to be a very tasteful dress watch. Both the texture on the inner dial and the Roman numeral markers contribute to its elegance.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 80 hours
- Dimensions: 39.3mm
- Water resistance: 30m
Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic
The Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic features a clean guilloche finish on the dial. This fancy timepiece will surely captivate people when they glance at your wrist.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 80 hours
- Dimensions: 40mm
- Water resistance: 50m
Hamilton Khaki Field
The Hamilton Khaki Field is America’s original soldier’s watch. And staying true to its ancestors, it still dons the same aesthetics as the 1960s model. Its long military heritage makes it durable and reliable.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Hand-wound
- Power reserve: 42 hours
- Dimensions: 38mm
- Water resistance: 50m
Value Buy: Price Range $100-$500
Seiko 5 SNK805
The Seiko 5 SNK is one of the cheapest, if not the cheapest, automatic watches on the market today. This timepiece dons a classic military-style dial along with a nylon NATO strap. Apart from that, it is powered by Seiko’s reliable in-house automatic movement. If you want a cheap military-style watch that feels like a million bucks, this is it.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 40 hours
- Dimensions: 37mm
- Water resistance: 30m
Orient Mako II
The Orient Mako II has everything a diver watch needs and much more. It is the upgraded version of the Mako’s first iteration. Among its added features are a hacking movement and an upgraded 120-click bezel. Its simple aesthetics also makes it a good daily watch.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 40 hours
- Dimensions: 41.5mm
- Water resistance: 200m
Orient Bambino
The Orient Bambino is the perfect starter dress watch. Indeed, people consider it as very cheap for its features. The watch boasts an accurate movement with a hacking feature. It also comes in different colors and styles that will make heads turn.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 40 hours
- Dimensions: 40.5mm
- Water resistance: 30m
Tips On Choosing Your Next Best Watches
There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of watches out there. It can get confusing especially to beginners. So to help you narrow the list down, here are a few tips to take note of for your next watch acquisition.
- Make sure it fits your lifestyle. Before choosing a specific watch model, ask yourself first. Where will you use it? Are you almost always in business meetings? If yes, then a dress watch might suit you better. If you’re the adventurous type, then a diver watch would be a better companion.
- Choose a brand you connect with. Choosing one model from a pool of watches can prove to be difficult. Especially if you are still unsure about what you want. To narrow down your options, you can start with a brand that you connect with. Which brand’s history or ideals do you find most fascinating? A minimalist person, for example, is more likely to become attracted to a Bauhaus watch like Stowa and Junkers.
- Take it slow. Always remember that slow and steady wins the race. It is very important to think about the type of watch that you will be buying. Do your research and ask around. Make sure that the watch you like is really what you want and/or need. No one would want to spend a few hundred dollars only to realize they want something else.
Types of Watches
Best Watches For Men Under $1000
Longines Conquest
The Longines Conquest is one of the cheapest offerings of the luxury brand. On the dial, it features large Arabic numerals and indices which make it easy to read. It also has an End of Life (EOL) function that detects if the battery is getting low.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 41mm
- Water resistance: 300m
Timex Marlin
The Timex Marlin is a reissue of the brand’s classic timepiece in the 1960s. It features a hand-wound mechanical movement. This marks as the brand’s first mechanical timepiece since 1982. It has a domed lens and its dial gives off a sleek mid-century vibe. This watch is a modern machine encased in a vintage-looking case.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Hand-wound
- Power reserve: 40 hours
- Dimensions: 34mm
- Water resistance: 30m
G-Shock GMWB5000
The G-Shock GMWB5000 from Casio is one of the most rugged affordable watches you can buy. Among its features are a stopwatch, world timer, and Bluetooth connectivity. Its shock-resistant body also makes it an ideal watch for adventurous people.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: n/a (Digital)
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 49.3mm
- Water resistance: 200m
Best Watches For Women Under $1000
Hamilton Boulton Mechanical
If you’re not too keen on round watches, the Hamilton Boulton Mechanical is for you. Its distinctive case shape makes it stand out from the rest. Meanwhile, the dial features a design that combines art deco and classic American styling.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Hand-wound
- Power reserve: 80 hours
- Dimensions: 34.5mm
- Water resistance: 50m
Frederique Constant Classics Art Deco
The Frederique Constant Classics Art Deco Oval screams class and elegance. It draws inspiration from women’s fashion back in the 40s. This intricate watch bears a timeless beauty that will surely turn heads.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 30mm
- Water resistance: 30m
Tissot T-Lady Heart Powermatic 80
The Tissot T-Lady Heart Powermatic 80 oozes elegance. Its small size and petal-like hands will remind you of a rose. Inside, it is equipped with the revolutionary Powermatic movement. This caliber can keep your timepiece running for up to 80 hours.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 80 hours
- Dimensions: 34mm
- Water resistance: 50m
Best Dress Watches Under $1000
Tissot Ballade Powermatic 80
The Tissot Ballade is an addition to the Powermatic 80 collection. Aside from its elegant looks, this dress watch is also known for having a silicon balance spring. This upgrade makes it more resistant to magnetism.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Dimensions: 41mm
- Water resistance: 50m
The Seiko Cocktail Time is one of the most popular dress watches among enthusiasts. It is powered by Seiko’s premium 6R15 caliber movement. What makes it more interesting is that it was crafted in collaboration with Shinobu Ishigaki, a renowned mixologist.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 50 hours
- Dimensions: 40mm
- Water resistance: 50m
Frederique Constant Classic Quartz Day Date
The Frederique Constant Classic Quartz Day Date is the perfect combination of classic and modern. It features a very conservative dial. Although it is cheaper than the other watches by the brand, this specific model still embodies the high-quality craftsmanship of Frederique Constant.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 40mm
- Water resistance: 50m
Best Dive Watches Under $1000
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto
The Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto is a great entry point for Swiss mechanical dive watches. While its price tag is definitely entry-level, its quality is comparable with its higher-end counterparts. It is enough to handle an average person’s swim in the lake.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 80 hours
- Dimensions: 40mm
- Water resistance: 100m
Orient Ray 2
The Orient Ray 2 is the second generation of Orient’s famous dive watch. It features numerous upgrades like a hand-winding and hacking movement. It is definitely one of the most affordable dive watches around.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 40 hours
- Dimensions: 41.5mm
- Water resistance: 200m
G-Shock Frogman
The G-Shock Frogman is the brand’s idea of the ultimate dive watch. It has the official ISO-6425 diver’s certification and it has several features like a tide indicator and stopwatch. The Frogman is capable of being a backup for your dive computer.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: n/a (Digital)
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 59.2mm
- Water resistance: 200m
Best Chronograph Watches Under $1000
Hamilton Khaki Aviation Chrono Quartz
The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Chrono Quartz is one of the most reputable pilot’s watches. This watch is accurate enough to be used by professional aviators. Also, they are the official timekeeper of the Red Bull Air Race 2018.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 44mm
- Water resistance: 100m
Tissot T-Race Chronograph
The dynamic style of the Tissot T-Race Chronograph is inspired by bike races around the world. It is powered by the ETA G10.211 quartz movement, which is known for its durability and accuracy. In terms of features, it has a 60-second timer, 30-minute timer, and a 1/10 second timer.
- Case: Stainless steel case with black PVD coating
- Movement: Quartz
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 43mm
- Water resistance: 100m
Orient NEO 70s Panda
The Orient NEO 70s Panda is the closest you can get to a Daytona without breaking the bank. It sports a stylish colorway that creates high contrast. This makes the dial easy to read. Meanwhile, its chronograph function can measure up to an hour.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 42mm
- Water resistance: 100m
Best Field Watches Under $1000
Timex MK1 Aluminum
The Timex MK1 is the brand’s original military-inspired collection. Its case is made with anodized aluminum for lightweight comfort and durability. It boasts a utilitarian design that is easy to read.
- Case: Aluminum
- Movement: Quartz
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 40mm
- Water resistance: 30m
Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic
The Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic is a classic field watch for the adventurous type. While it is made to be rugged, it can still pass off as a classy watch for business casual settings. This versatile model offers one of the best bang-for-buck values in the market.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 80 hours
- Dimensions: 42mm
- Water resistance: 50m
The Seiko Alpinist SARB017 offers a unique aesthetic for a field watch. Truly enough, its famous dark green dial has attracted a lot of watch enthusiasts. It is both classy and rugged at the same time. But the main highlight of the Alpinist is its upgraded 6R15 Japanese automatic movement which allows hand-winding and hacking.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 50 hours
- Dimensions: 38mm
- Water resistance: 200m
Best Digital Watches Under $1000
The Timex Ironman Classic 100 is the go-to sports watch of various kinds of people. As its name suggests, it is a digital watch that is ideal for people who love training for sports like the Ironman. It has a chronograph and has a 100-lap memory recall.
- Case: Resin
- Movement: n/a (Digital)
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 44mm
- Water resistance: 100m
Casio Vintage
Although it is digital, the Casio Vintage still gives off a retro vibe. Its unique square-shaped design pulls off a hipster vibe that appeals to a younger audience. When it comes to features, it has a daily alarm, 1/100-second stopwatch, and an hourly time signal.
- Case: Resin/Chrome-plated
- Movement: n/a (Digital)
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 34mm
- Water resistance: 30m
Apple Watch Series 5
If you own an iPhone, the Apple Watch is one of the most popular smartwatches around. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth so you can send/receive texts or calls with it. Aside from that, you can also install various features like moon phase, calculator, etc.
- Case: Aluminum
- Movement: n/a (Digital)
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: comes in 40mm and 44mm
- Water resistance: 50m
Best Quartz Watches Under $1000
Hamilton Ventura L
This odd-shaped watch is known for being the world’s first electrical, battery-powered timepiece.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 38mm
- Water resistance: 50m
Citizen Nighthawk
The Citizen Nighthawk is one of the best bang-for-buck quartz watches on the market. For its price, it offers features that are on par with more expensive counterparts. Among its complications are a chronograph and a tachymeter. It is solar-powered so you don’t have to change its battery every now and then.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 42mm
- Water resistance: 200m
Bulova Moonwatch
The Bulova Moonwatch is the perfect cheaper alternative to an Omega Speedmaster. It was initially made for astronaut David Scott who used it during the Apollo 15 mission. This is recommended for people who want all the functions of a tool watch sans the heavy price.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 45mm
- Water resistance: 50m
Best Mechanical Watches Under $1000
Hamilton Khaki Pilot Day Date
The Hamilton Khaki Pilot Day Date can make you look and feel like a real pilot. Indeed, its design is based on military fighter jets. It uses Hamilton’s reliable H-40 automatic movement that features a whopping 80-hour power reserve.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 80 hours
- Dimensions: 42mm
- Water resistance: 100m
The Junkers Bauhaus is one of the most affordable Bauhaus watches in the market today. Despite its cheap price tag, it boasts a reliable movement. This watch is the perfect way to get a German watch without spending a lot.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 40 hours
- Dimensions: 40mm
- Water resistance: 30m
Shinola Runwell
The Shinola Runwell is the flagship model of the famous American brand. It is available in different colors like orange, yellow, or brown. Inside, it is powered by the Stellita SW200-1 movement which has 26 jewels.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 38 hours
- Dimensions: 45mm
- Water resistance: 50m
Where to Buy Affordable Watches
Now that you’ve decided on which watch to buy, the next step is figuring out where to buy it. Here are a few places where you could buy affordable watches. There are loads of options in this department and each choice has its own pros and cons. Find out which one is most convenient for you.
- Online. Buying online is the most convenient way to shop. You have to be careful, though. Make sure that who you’re dealing with is a real person and not a scammer. So before buying from a website like Amazon, make sure you’ve taken a look at the seller’s reviews. The good news is that some brands make their watches officially available on their website. One downside is that you can’t try the product first before buying it. If it turns out to be too big on your wrist, returning it could be a hassle.
- Pawnshops/Second-hand stores. A few more places you can find good deals on watches are pawnshops and second-hand stores. They usually sell watches below the SRP. When done right, you could save a ton of money buying from there. Just make sure that you’re buying from a reputable store.
- Boutiques/Authorized Dealers. Going straight to a brand’s boutique or an authorized dealer is the way to go. When you’re buying from an AD, you wouldn’t have to worry about fakes. Just do not expect that you’ll get a good deal out of it. Also, the waiting list could get long. Except of course, when you’ve already built a relationship with your dealer. While authorized dealers and boutiques are not known to give huge discounts, some of them give out freebies.
Things to Watch Out for in Buying Watches $1000 & Below
- Case. When looking at a watch, the first thing that people will notice is its case. To make it presentable, it is important that the case is free from scratches or deformities. Keep your eyes peeled for hard-to-see hairline scratches and try to run your finger through it to ensure that it is smooth. Apart from that, you should also check the dial for cracks and other damages.
- Strap. Before buying a watch, it is important to know how it feels on your wrist. And its strap plays a big part when it comes to comfort. Is the steel bracelet too heavy for you? Or is the nylon strap too rough on your skin? These are the things you have to look out for. You wouldn’t have to worry, though if the strap is easily replaceable. However, you have to keep your eyes open if the watch comes in a valuable bracelet like an 18k gold.
- Movement. The movement is probably the most important thing to check when buying a watch. Basically, it is the part that makes your timepiece move. Although it is fairly difficult to check it yourself, you can have a trusted watchmaker inspect it for you.
- Counterfeit. Before giving your hard-earned cash, make sure that you inspect the watch closely to make sure that it’s the original thing. Do your research and compare it with the pictures of the real thing.
- After-Sales Service. Just because your watch costs less than $1000 doesn’t mean you should take for granted the after-sales service. Whether your watch is affordable or ridiculously expensive, it is important to have it maintained every few years. Especially if you plan to wear it for a long time.
Should You Buy Second-Hand Watches?
While buying something new and shiny is very tempting, some collectors will argue that buying second-hand is the way to go. Hopefully, this guide will help you decide if you’re still on the fence about buying a pre-loved watch. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind before you hand out your credit card.
Advantages of Buying Second-Hand Watches
- You can get more quality for less the price. Instead of buying a brand new entry-level model, why not go for a second-hand one that’s on a higher tier? Simply put, you can get more for your dollar if you consider getting second-hand timepieces.
- You’ll have more options. Watches have been here for a hundred years. With that said, there have been thousands of models released within that time frame. Many watches have been discontinued, but thankfully, these can still be seen in the watch aftermarket community. When you do not limit yourself to only brand new watches, you’ll have a whole lot more to choose from.
- Vintage watches are appealing. Ever wonder why some people like film cameras even though they’re obsolete? Like those, vintage watches have a charm that new watches don’t. If you’re lucky, you might even discover a watch that has grown a beautiful patina on its dial. This, however, does not mean that every second-hand watch is vintage as a timepiece can be considered vintage if it is at least 40 years old.
- The hunt is exciting. People love the thrill of chasing things. And believe us when we say that it is fulfilling to finally get ahold of a grail after searching for it for so long. All those nights spent researching for the best piece at the right price will surely pay off.
Disadvantages of Buying Second-Hand Watches
- There are a lot of fakes. As mentioned above, there are a lot of fake watches on the market. So when buying a second-hand watch, it is important to know how to distinguish an original from the counterfeit. When buying, make sure that the seller is reliable and has a proven record.
- The watch can have hidden issues. There are times when the watch’s problems do not show on the outside. If you’re buying online, you will never know if the movement is damaged or has been altered by the seller. To prevent this from happening, we suggest that you bring it to a trusted watchmaker for authentication.
- Inflated prices due to desirability and rarity. By logic, it is expected that second-hand things are cheaper than brand new ones. However, there are special cases when a watch is highly sought-after and is very limited. When this happens, prices can shoot up the sky. One example of this is the Patek Philippe Nautilus which has an SRP of n and is currently sold at around n in the market.
- Can take a lot of time and effort to find a good deal. The hunt may be exciting but if you are the impatient type, it could be an ordeal. If the watch you are looking for is rare, then it could take weeks or maybe even months before you come across a good deal. This may leave you frustrated and upset.
