50 Best Watches Under $1000 for 2024

Best Watches Under $1000

With the overwhelming positive feedback of our Best Watches Under $500 list, we thought we’d take a up the budget a little bit to offer some more models in another price point. When purchasing a watch, there tends to be two points on contention for a buyer - Breaking the $1000 price point, and breaking the $3,000 price point.

So today we thought we would take a look at the latter. With a $500 price point, a splurge can often be in the cards for something under that price. With $1000, a little more thought tends to go into it. We thought we’d make the job a little easier for our readers. Without further ado, let’s get into it.

Awake Concept Mission to Earth

Awake Concept Mission to Earth

Awake has developed some of our favorite concepts in recent years. Whether it’s for their finishing techniques or their penchant for taking influence from a more philosophical angle than physical. For instance, for the Mission to Earth, the brand created the watch based on a quote from the famed astronaut Thomas Pesquet “From Space, I witnessed the Earth’s beauty, but also its fragility”. Awake Concept wanting to capture that in a watch, and attributed it to the inovation in NASA and the preservation of the earth. The watch comes in a 70% recycled Titanium case to minimize the footprint of its creation, and a cool dial inspired by La Cupola - The window in the ISS which astronauts can look into space. The rubber strap is also unique in that it uses Biopoly, a bean oil, in alternative to fossil fuels. Overall, the watch is unique with a lot of environmentally friendly manufacturing tactics. The Mission to Earth has a retail price of $990 USD but is currently sold out. We have heard from the brand, however, that they might be releasing something new very soon!

Christopher Ward C63 Sealander

Christopher Ward C63 Sealander

It’s not always the easiest task to find high quality steel sports watches at reasonable prices. They tend to either be ultra-affordable and lack some great qualities, or ultra-luxury and out of many enthusiast’s price range. Christopher Ward has done a really good job of balancing both value and quality in its C63 Sealander collection. The swiss-made sport watch comes in a variety of unique colors including turquoise and purple with a really well finished and handsome 36mm stainless steel case with integrated bracelet. Our favorite is the Purple dial, inspired by the Foxglove plant - A notoriously dangerous plant with very vivid purple blooms. Price for the C63 Sealander is a modest $925 USD. Swiss watches at under $1,000 can be hard to come by with automatic movements. So this piece offers a lot of watch for your money.

CIGA Design Series U Blue Planet

While you can read our full review here, we found the Ciga Design Blue Planet to be one of the most fun releases of 2022. The Chinese brand made history by being the first GPHG winner for China with this design. The watch features a hyper-realistic motif of a top down view of the earth. This motif spins as each hour goes by, and utilizes the compass on the design to point to the hour, while another chapter ring spins to line up the minutes. It’s a unique way of determining the time, and GPHG agreed. It’s rare to be able to pick up a GPHG winner at a reasonable price, but the Blue Planet in Steel can be purchased for $999 USD.

BAUME & MERCIER Baume Moonphase

BAUME & MERCIER Baume Moonphase

Baume & Mercier have some really unique designs that often times, and unfairly, tend to fly under the radar. One of those designs is an original dress watch with a moonphase indicator in the center of the dial. The Baume Moonphase blends a unique mix of dressy and casual style with its deep and rich blue hues, and slick nylon. The integrated wire lugs are on hinges allowing for the watch to flex to any wrist, with the crown and pusher at 12 o’clock. It’s a superbly comfortable watch that can be dressed up or dressed down. Price for the Baume Moonphase is $950 USD.

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

Another solid entry into the steel sport watch category is the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80. We’ve recently reviewed the Chronograph version of this model (Which can be found here) and found it to be one of our favorite Tissot’s to date. The PRX line has breathed a lot of new life into Tissot as a brand, with almost every model being a slam dunk in terms of design, finishing, and quality. The 3-hand PRX Powermatic delivers a solid value proposition at a fairly attainable price-point of just $675 USD .

Seiko Alpinist SPB121

Seiko Alpinist SPB121

The Seiko Alpinist has long been an enthusiast piece, with many seeking our the rarely seen after-market sale of the Alpinist of old. Luckily, Seiko has re-released the model with some modern tweaks and makes the watch far more accessible than its older brother. The 39.5mm stainless steel case is fitted with an green dial and gold hands and hour markers. On paper, none of that should work, but in practice it looks clean, concise, and original. The magnifying cyclops date display is a nice touch often seen on more expensive watches. Seiko as a brand has a unique way of mixing styles and colors, which has been a main reason the Alpinist has been such a staple in Enthusiast’s minds as long as it has. Price for the Seiko Alpinist SPB121 is $725 USD.

Doxa Sub 200

Doxa Sub 200

Doxa has a rich history with dive watches in the 70’s. At the time, more middle class hobbies were breaking out during the boom, and diving became an American pass time. Doxa released the Sub 300 which was a utilitarian dive watch meant for professionals. It was a dedicated tool watch meant for serious divers. It wasn’t positioned in the luxury segment but it was priced alongside competitors like Omega and Rolex. The Sub 200 was recently created to provide a more reasonable cost of entry for a more casual segment. It has a more modest size, a slew of dial colors, and a less bank-busting price point. They’re attractive and give the brand more buyer potential than their staple Doxa 300 (yet you still get Doxa's precision). At a price point of $950 USD, Doxa is a solid choice for anyone looking to get into the brand.

Unimatic Modelo Due Limited Edition

Unimatic Modelo Due Limited Edition

When it comes to militaristic influence, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more brooding piece than the Unimatic Modelo Due. The Italian brand has carved out quite the niche in design and case shape. The Modelo Due features a blocky steel case that has plenty of wrist presence (and solid dimensions) without feeling too big or too thick. The dial's design is very intersesting. The brown dial is complimented by thick lume filled indices, but other than a logo, that’s all that’s on the dial. It’s super crisp and uniform. Price for the watch is $750 USD.

Hamilton Field Khaki

Hamilton Field Khaki

We’d make the argument that field watches are necessary in any collection. We’ve gone so far as to compile a list of some of our favorites. But when it comes to only having one, the Hamilton Field Khaki is the OG, and should be a staple of any enthusiasts collection whether they have deep pockets or not. The class case shape and dial have figured out a perfect blend of sport and utility. Its found a great niche among collectors. The watch comes in either black or a slick white. Price for the Hamilton Field Khaki is $475 USD on Amazon. The Hamilton Field Khaki is one of the best automatic watches under $500, let alone under $1,000.

Yema Wristmaster Traveller

Yema Wristmaster Traveller

Yema has been a favorite of ours for awhile. They tend to provide great designs with solid quality at a reasonable price. The Wristmaster Traveller drives a hard bargin for what you’re getting with the watch. The stainless steel sports watch comes on an integrated bracelet that tapers really nicely - A rarity in a lot of watches in this price point. Additionally, the watch is equipped with a black dial with copious lume. The Fauxtina is judged harshly quite often in the watch community, but I think it works really well. It has a suedo-vintage charm and we’re hear for it. Price for the Yema Wristmaster Traveller is $899 USD.

Zodiac Olympos Automatic

Zodiac Olympos Automatic

We’ve seen a bit of a resurgence in Zodiac as a brand in the last few years. They’ve really stepped up their game and capitalized on their rich history with the military. One of the outlier collections in Zodiacs catalogue is the Olympos, another cool sport watch that isn’t a Super Sea Wolf. The Olympos packs a lot of historical features Zodiac has been known for bring a coherent watch together. First is the manta shaped case, with two extended wings towards the top. Second the sunburst quadrant dial. The Olympos comes on a dizzying array of strap and dial color options, so there’s sure to be something for everyone. Price for the Zodiac Olympos is $895 USD.

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Tide

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Tide

The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Gents was one of the more enthusiast friendly steel sport watches when it was first released. It hearkened back to brands original models with a modern upgrade. It featured some sharper edges as opposed to the rounded nature of its predecessor. One thing it allowed the brand to do is open up the model for more collaborations and efforts. The Aikon #Tide was born out of the brand’s desire to rid the ocean of plastic. The brand uses a process that converts wasted plastic into watch cases. So it’s both economic, and enviromentally friendly. You can get an Aikon Tide for $750 USD.

Spinnaker Boettger

Spinnaker Boettger

Spinnaker is often associated with lower quality watches that can be original in nature, but rely on some less expensive parts. One of the watches that put Spinnaker on a more elevated level of watchmaking was the Boettger dive watch. The 42mm stainless steel watch comes on a really clean and well finished integrated bracelet, with a brushed bezel and ultra-contrast dial. But what really sets the Boettger apart is the handset - Which, when lined up are still perfectly legible due to the different in shapes and colors. Further, the watch comes standard with an integrated rubber strap designed to go over a wetsuit easily. Price for the Spinnaker Boettger is $690 USD.

Bulova Lunar Pilot

Bulova Lunar Pilot

When it comes to watches that have been to space, the pickings are quite slim. And the ones that are often available are fairly pricey. The biggest watch that comes to mind is the Omega Speedmaster. However, there is another contender that has also become a “lesser” alternative to the Speedmaster, and that’s the Bulova Lunar Pilot - A strongly capable watch that has been to the moon, and still channels the chronograph features that make a moonwatch, well, a moonwatch. Price for the Bulova Lunar Pilot is $775 USD.

Baltic Aquascaphe

Baltic Aquascape

Baltic is a microbrand that has absolutely been killing it lately. When it comes to vintage-style divers, there are few who do it better than Baltic. The Aquascaphe channels some serious vibes from vintage watches while still pulling off a modern look for a diver. Whether you’re looking for cool textures or color combinations, the Aquascaphe is functional enough to fulfill just about any occasion. If you’re diving? It’ll work just fine. If you’re just heading out to a barbecue? Also fine. And with the inclusion of either a rice-bead bracelet, or a rubber strap, the Aquascaphe has a look for everyone. Price for the Baltic Aquascaphe is $610 USD.

Mido Ocean Star 200

Mido Ocean Star 200

Mido largely flies under the radar, especially in the US. But to be completely honest, the Mido Ocean Star 200 can outpunch and outweigh most of it’s competition in it’s price point. For starters, the Mido Ocean Star utilizes an ETA base movement with modifications giving the watch an 80 hours of power reserve - Much above most other options in this price point. Additionally, this is one of the only Chronometer certified watches under $1000 - A serious feat. When you add in the fit and finishing, with vertically brushed dial and alternating polishing and brushed steel, it makes sense for any serious diver on a budget at just $970 USD.

Zelos Swordfish Blue Meteorite

Zelos Swordfish Blue Meteorite

Zelos isn’t for everyone. We’ve established that for quite awhile. But the Zelos Swordfish beckons a serious value proposition considering the materials, the fit, and the finsh. The stainless steel diver comes fitted with a brushed steel integrated bracelet with a sandwich dial, allowing the lume to take center stage on the dial. Lume is always a tool for diving beyond 20 feet, and the Swordfish doesn’t disappoint. Further, instead of a traditional dial plate, Zelos has created a sheet of Meteorite that has been colored blue to allow both the lume and bright indices to create some superb legibility both at night and underwater. It’s borderline impossible to find legitimate meteorite in this price point, but somehow Zelos has managed it. Price for the Zelos Swordfish Blue Meteorite is a modest $449 USD.

Casio G-Shock GMB2100D-1A

G Shock GMB2100D-1A

It’s no shock to anyone that Casio’s most iconic and popular model is the G-Shock - More recently the Casioak. historically, the Casio G-Shock has been made with a resin material that feels more like rubber than anything else. The brand has recently launched a full metal model, but still with the rubber bracelet (or strap if you prefer). Although the brand has now released a full metal bracelet version in the GMB2100D-1A. For those who love the CasiOak, but are looking for a heavier more hefty version of the classic CasiOak complete with G-Shock staples like stopwatch and alarm, Casio has finally released the version for you. Price for the watch is a modest $411 USD on Amazon.

Venezianico Nereide GMT

Venezianico Nereide GMT

Ever thought that you can have a modestly sized automatic GMT that doesn’t break the bank, and doesn’t come with a ridiculous catch? Neither did we. But here comes Veneziancico with their Nereide GMT that sets itself apart from it’s competition with a modestly priced GMT in a plethora of colors and dials. To start, the stainless steel case size measures in at 39mm, though, relatively thick. The thickness comes from the fact the case is rated for 200 meters of water resistance - quite a feat for a GMT traveler’s watch. Additionally, the integrated bracelet is the cherry on top. Automatic movements are generally more expensive than quartz movements, and an automatic caliber with a GMT complication tends to be even more expensive. You are really getting A LOT of watch for your money at just $625 USD.

Maen Manhattan 37

Maen Manhattan 37

Maen has been one of those microbrands that has done some really cool things in a really short amount of time. The Manhattan 37 is an eye-catcher that ups the ante for much of it’s competition. For starters, the case shape is a prodigy in its price point. A case shape this this usually ends up being thick because of the movement and the structure required to keep it coherent. However Maen has been able to slimline the Manhattan 37 to less than 10mm thick - Ensuring that the watch wears incredibly well. The watch comes standard on a tapered stainless steel bracelet, comes in 3 different dial colors, and doesn’t break the bank at just $690 USD.

Certina DS 8 Moonphase

Certina DS 8 Moonphase

Certina has really upped their game in the recent years. With the solid release of the Kontiki, Certina breathed new life into their brand. However, many of their models are a bit more pricey than this list is targeting, however there are some really cool options available from the brand. For instance, the DS 8 Moonphase is a solid dress watch all around, comes in a variety of metals and features a crisp, uniform moonphase to contrast it’s sunburst black dial. Price for the Certina DS 8 Moonphase is $555 USD.

Frederique Constant Classics Index Automatic

Frederique Constant Classics Index Automatic

Frederique Constant is another brand that largely flied under the radar, especially in the US, but offers some seriously quality wrist watches for a beyond reasonable pricepoint. Again, while most of their offerings tend to hit the 4-figure mark pretty easily, the brand has a number of dressier options under $1,000 USD. For instance, the Frederique Constant Classics Index Automatic is a clean and sleak dress watch with a simple case and dial, and every bit of the brands welcomed attention to detail. And instead of slapping a quartz movement in there, Frederique Constant sprung for an automatic. You can pick up the Frederique Constant Automatic for $995 USD.

Alpina Startimer

Alpina Startimer

The Alpina Startimer is a great option for anyone looking for a solid swiss made sportier pilot watch from a swiss brand. Alpina tends to really be the best of everything being located in Geneva, and producing relatively affordable sport watches with their own unique DNA. It’s real easy to just copy other more expensive brands, but Alpina gets it’s own pride from offering something different at a reasonable price. The Startimer watch comes in a variety of colors, metals, configurations and strap options, ensuring that there is a Startimer for everyone. Depending on the configuration, the Startimer’s typically start right around $600 USD.

Junghans Max Bill Handaufzug

Junghans Max Bill

Junghans has more or less become known for their minimalistic designs. They believe in letting the watch tell it’s own story, and leave the minute details to speak for themselves. This is called “Bahaus” design. So what better way to honor the design language than highlight Max Bill, a world-renowned Swiss pioneer of design. Max Bill was known for his Bahaus designs in architecture, painting, graphic design, and of course, watches. So Max Bill designed a watch for Junghans that is still in production to this day. It’s a simple, yet timeless watch that can be had for right at $1,040 USD.

Tsao Legacy Bronze

Tsao Legacy Bronze

While you can read our full review of the Tsao Legacy here (spoiler alert: We love it), Tsao has really developed a knack for color and material combination. The Tsao Legacy Bronze comes in a (obviously) bronze case with a choice of 4 dial colors, all with a fume treatment - a rarity in this price point. One of the reasons we like the Legacy, is it’s rich deep purple color against the bronze case. It’s a striking design that we find both incredibly well executed and charming. You can pick up the Tsao Legacy Bronze for $899 USD

Wolfpoint Arctic Beast

Wolfpoint Arctic Beast

When we were putting this list together, we came across a suggestion for Wolfpoint - A Chicago based watch and accessories company. While they mostly sell a slew of fun affordable designs, the Arctic Beast is a clear step in a higher quality steel sports watch. The Artic Beast features some high polishing with a fully integrated stainless steel bracelet. The dial features some heavy texturing, which features the brand’s logo in a Tappisserie format. While this would typically be jarring for many enthusiasts, Wolfpoint has done a fantastic job balancing that out with a polished bezel, giving a sleek uniformed look to the watch. You can get the Arctic Beast for $600 USD.

Longines Conquest

Longines Conquest

Longines has a rich history. They’re an old brand that has gone through many phases over the years. While most of their price-points are a bit more segmented into the luxury market, they have a few models that can be had for a reasonable price. The Conquest is one of them. It’s a solid sport watch cultivated and produced by a really prominent luxury brand. The specs check out with 300 meters of water resistance in a stainless steel case and integrated bracelet. The blue dial is something that only Longines seems to be able to pull off well, and the watch can be had for a modest $695 USD. Definitely a must-have in the under $1000 price-point.

Stowa Marine Classic 36

Stowa Marine Classic 36

Stowa first got their start in pocket watches with big movements in them. By 1939, Stowa started producing high quality Marine Observations watches designed to be ultra-legible. Inside, they used the same movements to produce the wrist watches. Now, the Marine Classic 36, a watch with some real elegance, is available in a number of configurations and movements. One thing that is really unique in Stowa, is the purchaser can configure their watch with different dials, or movements - Including the handwound pocket-watch style movement (with some modern upgrade). It’s almost a small customization option and we absolutely love it. Depending on the customizations can increase the price, but the Stowa Marine Classic 36 starts at $850 USD.

Martenero Edgemere Reserve

Martenero Edgemere Reserve

Martenero is a relative newcomer who’s made strides in enthusiast circles. The brand has done a fantastic job with colors, and the Edgemere Reserve is a perfect example of that. The watch comes in 3 variations, all with their own take on the Turquoise, white, blues, and reds. Each watch has it’s own unique configuation, and we think that’s really cool. Price for the Edgemere Reserve is a modest $695 USD.

Farer Durham

Farer Durham

Considering its age, Farer has built up quite a number of unique designs within their catalog. The suedo-vintage style is a catchy presentation that feels original without being kitschy. The brand does a great job of melding color and textures in a way that’s rarely seen in watches in this price point. One of our favorite models, and one of the entry-level pieces is the Farer Durham, a unique blend of salmon colors and slate grey. It’s a fantastic play on colors, and not badly priced at $995 USD.

Boldr Odyssey

Boldr Odyssey

Boldr is a relative newcomer to the watch scene, but has made its own waves in the industry. When it comes to steel sports divers, it’s hard to ignore what Boldr brings to the table for those who like larger watches with plenty of wrist presence. The Boldr Odyssey measures in at 45.5mm in stainless steel, but brings a significant amount of design queues from a much more expensive segment. The blocky bracelet is integrated and fits the brooding case and multiple colors. The Odyssey also offers a whopping 500m of water resistance - unheard of in this price point. You can get the Boldr Odyssey for a modest $649 USD.

Philip Stein Signature

Philip Stein Signature

Philip Stein tends to get a bad rep in the industry as being the “cruise ship” watch, but it’s quite unfair, though cruise ships do tend to sell the brand. Philip Stein gets it’s popularity from its shape, which is an oblong oval with various complications and benefits from the brand. The brand touts it’s unique case shape as a beneficial watch for “relaxation” and while we can’t vouch for the idea that it promotes relaxation, we can say it’s a unique shape that isn’t often seen. The signature features a figure-8 style case with a dual time zone dial with completely different dial from the top to the bottom. It’s clean, concise, and doesn’t break the bank at just $750 USD.

Tag Heuer Formula 1 Quartz

Tag Heuer Formula 1 Quartz

If you’re simply itching for a watch from a major luxury brand, one of our go-to under $1000 watches, is the Tag Heuer Formula 1. This is a quintessential model for both Tag Heuer and the Racing industry it caters to. The Formula 1 is one of the most classic watches in the Tag Heuer catalog, with its traditional black and white and red color scheme. It’s an instantly recognizable watch. While you might not end up being able to get a brand new one, it won’t be hard to find a used or vintage Formula 1 for not a lot of cash. If a “Big 3” watch is what you’re looking for, the Formula 1 may be a strong contender. You can find them for under $1,000 USD on eBay.

Victorinox Airboss Mechanical

Victorinox Airboss Mechanical

Victorinox has long been a favorite among true tool watch enthusiasts. The brand is responsible for some truly iconic models over the brand’s rich history. One of the more modern designs that is largely a pilot watch is the Airboss Mechanical. The 3 hand watch comes in a variety of colors with clear militaristic influences. The watch comes fitted with an integrated stainless steel bezel, but can also come on a leather strap for those looking for a dressier look. Price for the Airboss Mechanical ranges from $480 USD to $648 USD on Amazon.

Islander Northport

Islander Northport

Long Island Watch is typically a retailer of some more affordable timepieces, but they’ve recently started producing a watch of their own - And it’s actually really freaking cool. The Northport is a neatly colored dive watch with a unique feature in the way they produce the dial. Using a “wave” texture, the Northpoint feats a uinique gradient that gives the effect of the sky touching the water. It’s not something you see very often, and it’s most certainly not something you see that often in this price point. Price for the Islander Northport is a modest $429 USD.

Autodromo Group B

Autodromo Group B

If bold and proud is what you’re looking for, then Autodromo might be for you. The brand is most known for their large and “Out there” racing inspired designs. One of the more (ahem) grounded models from the brand is the Autodromo Group B - A dashboard inspired watch of race cars in the 80’s. With a clean aesthetic with simple lines as indices, the watch captures what a racing tachometer looked like in the past. It comes in a variety of colors and strap options, but doesn’t break the bank at only $975 USD.

MTM Silver Falcon

MTM Silver Falcon

MTM Watch is a cool brand that takes it’s inspiration from it’s founder’s time in the military. Each watch is built with a purpose and crafted in the United States. One of the cooler models in their collection (and they’re all pretty cool) is the MTM Watch Silver Falcon. The 44mm watch is purpose-driven for utility in the dark. Not only is the watch titanium and ultra-light, but the carbon fiber dial is also fitted with a multi-purpose light system that illuminated the watch via a pusher. It even features a strobe feature that lasts until the rechargable lithium ion battery dies. Price for the MTM Silver Falcon is $985 USD.

Xeric Regulator Automatic

Xeric Regulator Automatic

Regulator dials are when the time-telling mechanism separated the minute and the hour hand into their own subdial. Chronoswiss was the first brand you utilize this method of time telling, but they’re priced much higher (as is many of the Regulator-style tend to be). Xeric offer’s it’s own automatic Regulator watch and it’s actually incredibly cool. And to further add to the cool-factor, the Xeric Regulator tells the hour in 24-hour time. Price for the Xeric Regulator Automatic is a modest $499 USD.

Muhle Glasshutte Panova

Muhle Glasshutte Panova

Muhle Glasshutte is securely placed in the luxury segment of nautical instrument timepieces. However, their cost of entry isn’t unaffordable by any means, as the brand offers a neat little steel watch that doesn’t break the bank. The Panova is pretty firmly rooted in nautical themes with it’s turquoise dial and nato strap. The stainless steel case measures in at a modest 40mm, and is fitted with a sapphire crystal. The watch utilizes a modified Sellita movement with Muhle’s gooseneck regulation module. Price for the Muhle Glasshutte Panova is $999 USD.

Citizen Promaster Dive

Citizen Promaster Dive

The citizen Promaster Dive is one of the most classic affordable dive watches on the market. It has a rich history of functional diving so it’s a staple of many hobby divers collections, and also the desk diver variety. The Promaster dive comes in a slew of colors and configurations and wears incredibly well. In the current catalog, there’s a blue and an orange configuration, but the Promaster Dive is seemingly available everywhere in a number of price points. Current MSRP is $300 USD.

Marathon Arctic Edition

Marathon Arctic Edition

When it comes to Mil-Spec style watches, Marathon is a strong frontrunner for some of the best on the market in an affordable price range. One of our current favorites is the Artic Edition. Marathon developed it’s current SAR (Search and Rescue) watches in conjunction with the Canadian government to be able to handle the Country’s extreme elements. The Artic Edition specifically was build with the Medium Search and Rescue groups in slightly more elevation and extreme circumstances. Price for the Marathon Arctic Edition is $990 USD.

Vaer R1 USA Racing Chronograph

Vaer R1 USA Racing Chronograph

If vintage vibes is what you’re looking for, Vaer may be the brand for you. One of our favorites from the brand is the R1 USA Racing Chronograph. The whole collection is really fun, but it’s the Cream model that looks like it stepped right out of the 70’s. While the watch is a quartz, this allows for the R1 to be relatively thin. Price for the Vaer R1 USA Racing Chronograph is $399 USD.

Ferro Distinct 3 Vintage

Ferro Distinct 3 Vintage

Ferro & Company has created a number of distinct vintage-inspired watches over the years. Interestingly, the price points of the watches Ferro’s offers vary greatly, though the brand does produce a number of more affordable timepieces. One of our favorites is the Distint 3 Vintage - A fun pseudo-vintage watch inspired by the Le Mans race. The 42mm stainless steel case comes fitted with leather strap (and racing inspired leather straps are among our favorites), but also offers a slew of nylon straps equally as colorful for a fantastic barbecue timepiece. Interestingly, the watch features an oversized onion crown designed to allow the wearer to utilize the crown with driving gloves on. Price for the Ferro Distinct 3 Vintage with automatic movement is $685 USD.

Gorilla Fastback Phantom

Gorilla Fastback Phantom

While we recognize that Gorilla Watches aren’t necessarily for everyone, it’s hard to argue with the feature set with the Fastback models. Specifically, the Phantom. First, the watch features a forged carbon case with a bead-blasted ceramic bezel - Something typically found in much higher-priced watches. The square shape measuring in at 44mm wears a little bit bigger considering the case shape. Further, the FKM rubber and Codura textile strap fit the watch well and is superbly comfortable. Price for the Gorilla Fastback Phantom is $880 USD.

Benrus Sea Lord

Benrus Sea Lord

The Sea Lord, historically, has been a solid and successful model for Benrus. The brand has recently revived its staple collection with some modern guts and an updated style. Benrus has pulled a lot of the same case, bezel, and dial of their vintage Sea Lord, so it’s an honest representation of it’s model. One cool thing you’ll notice is that the crown is oversized for a Diver making it easier to utilize. The Sea Lord is a fantastic mix of dress and tool watch, easily wearable with a suit, or with some board shorts. Price for the Benrus Sea Lord is $895 USD.

Mondaine Evo2 Automatic

Mondaine Evo2 Automatic

Mondaine is definitely not a watch for everyone, but we love it at Wrist Enthusiast. The Evo2 is a natural evolution to the brand’s flagship collection utilizing shapes and colors to create a truly unique design. The Evo2 comes in a variety of of sizes and colors, starting at 26mm and moving on up to 43mm. The watch comes in stainless steel or rose gold, with an endless array of straps and color options. If bold shapes and colors is something that you’re into, consider the Mondaine Evo2 Collection. Price for the Evo2 Automatic is $735 USD

Circula Aquasport II

Circula Aquasport II

Starting in the south of Germany in the 20’s, Circula was born out of a jewelry wholesaler who wanted to create high-quality timepieces that were accessible and affordable. One of the models that came out of that desire was the Aquasport. The Aquasport has since gone through a refresh, and the Aquasport II was born. The Aquasport II is a refined diver that plays on color and finishing that is bold in style and easily worn. The Swiss Made diver is a fantastic option for those looking for a dive watch that you can be sure nobody else in the room is wearing - A true affordable conversation starter. Price for the AquaSport II is $710 USD.

Nodus Sector Dive Seafoam

Nodus Sector Dive Seafoam

Nodus has a pretty strong foothold in the affordable enthusiast circles. They’ve proven time and again that they can create a solid product that doesn’t break the bank. One of our favorites from the brand is the Nodus Sector Dive (Particularly the Seafoam model). The Sector Dive was created to be an accompaniment for skin divers - Divers who don’t use breathing apparatuses. The goal is to have a lightweight and smaller footprint on the wrist. The stainless steel model measures in with a 39mm cas size with a carbon bezel making it superbly light. The watch comes equipped with a 7-link integrated bracelet making it a fantastic dive companion for a skin diver. Price for the Nodus Sector Dive is $500 USD.

Hoffman Octane Mechanical

Hoffman Octane Mechanical

Hoffman Original has become more popular thanks to their pseudo-vintage chronographs. Mostly offering quartz models, the brand has branched into the mechanical space with the Racing 40 Mechanical. The slick chronograph features a well-finished hand-wound mechanical movement with a minimalistic retro dial. The dial comes in 3 colorways - a Panda dial, a reverse panda dial, and a cream dial that we’ve found to be our favorite. Price for the Hoffman Octane Mechanical is $699 USD.