Looking to buy a new watch without breaking the bank? It’s a common misconception that a great luxury watch needs to cost thousands of dollars. The reality is that there is an abundance of options for every budget. Plenty of reputable watch brands have a great selection for under $2,000. But it can be hard to find the right watch for you. That’s why we’ve gathered the ten best options for a budget of $2,000 or less. Whether you’re looking to buy your first watch or aiming to add a budget-friendly option to your collection, there’s something for everyone. So without further ado, let’s dive into 2021’s top 10 watches under $2,000 on Chrono24.
1. Oris Divers Sixty-Five 40mm
Oris offers plenty of great options within this budget. For example, you could go for the Big Crown Pointer Date or the Aquis Date 43.5 mm on a rubber strap. However, my pick for this list is the 40-mm Oris Divers Sixty-Five with a rubber strap. This vintage-inspired diving watch is one of the most charming options out there. Its 40-mm case fits a wide variety of wrist sizes, and the dial is very well-balanced. Plus, thanks to its rubber strap, this timepiece exudes all kinds of retro charm. It’s a hard watch to beat for the money.
2. NOMOS Club Campus 38
Another great option is the NOMOS Club Campus 38. The brand from Glashütte, Germany is known for creating some of the best-designed watches out there. Bauhaus-inspired, their Club Campus combines minimalist design with an overall modern look and feel. On top of that, the watch is powered by an in-house NOMOS Alpha manual caliber. Great design, an in-house movement, and incredible versatility: What more could you want?
3. Seiko Prospex SPB143J1
Another brand offering great options under two grand is Seiko. Their most popular line of watches is their Prospex divers. My pick for this list is the 40.5-mm Prospex SPB143J1. This watch is the modern reinterpretation of the company’s famous first diver, the iconic Seiko 62MAS. The SPB143J1 combines the charm of the original with the latest in watchmaking technology. Enthusiasts love it because it looks great on its steel bracelet and pours on even more of that retro charm when swapped onto a leather or rubber strap.
4. Longines Heritage Classic “Tuxedo”
For something a little dressier, let’s turn to Longines. The brand from Saint-Imier, Switzerland has a rich history, and their Heritage line offers some of the best reissues of their classics. The Heritage Classic “Tuxedo” is based on a classic Longines dress watch dating back to 1945. Longines has updated the case diameter to 38.5 mm, a more modern size that perfectly maintains the original charm of the contrasting black and tan colored dial. At a list price of $2,000, this is about as classy as it gets.
5. Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver
Nivada Grenchen is a famous brand from the past that was successfully resurrected not too long ago. It made a glorious return with the re-introduction of its Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver. The company’s new owners decided to pay tribute to its horological past by re-releasing this classic diving chronograph. The best thing is that you can opt for either a manual or automatic movement, and there are different hands and dial colors available. If you want the best re-issue of a classic, this is your watch. Even if this new version sells for more than $2,000 on Chrono24 right now, you can find “originals” for between $1,500 and $2,000. Plus, you will be able to call a very cool vintage watch from the 1960s your own.
6. Mido Ocean Star GMT: A Black Dial On a Blue Strap
There are plenty of watches out there inspired by timepieces from the past. However, the Mido Ocean Star GMT is the perfect option for those looking for a modern-day diver. With a 44-mm case size, it features an extra GMT hand that lets you keep track of time in two different time zones, perfect for frequent travelers. Its look and wrist presence also make it the perfect daily wearer for every situation.
7. Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
Luxury steel sports watches have become very popular over the last couple of years. The Gérald Genta-designed Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus are the most popular options in this category. Their one big drawback, however, is their increasingly unaffordable prices. The best affordable option, and one of the latest additions to this category, is the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80. Tissot introduced the new PRX in a quartz version at the beginning of 2021. Impressive in its own right, watch fans also eagerly awaited the automatic version. It arrived only a couple of months later, equipped with the Swatch Group’s Powermatic movement that delivers an impressive 80-hour power reserve. And things only get better when gazing upon this timepiece’s impeccable design. If you want a true style statement for well under $2,000, this is a great option.
8. Sinn 104 St Sa I
Is any Top 10 list in this price range complete without a watch from the German brand Sinn? This Frankfurt-based watchmaker focuses on producing functional watches equipped for everything life has to offer. The Sinn 104 collection contains pilot’s watches that combine style and function. If a conventional black dial is a bit too utilitarian for you, be sure to check out the version with a beautiful electroplated anthracite sunburst dial. The gray suede strap rounds off this timepiece’s stunning appearance.
9. Rado Golden Horse Automatic
If you’re looking for a watch that has the same characteristic style as a Rolex Datejust but doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg, you should consider the Rado Golden Horse Automatic. It is a perfect remake of a Rado classic that dates back to 1957. The new version is powered by the same Powermatic 80 movement found in the Tissot PRX. Those looking for something larger might enjoy the 41.8-mm edition. It features a different bezel style that also looks amazing. Either way, this is a fantastic retro Rado suited for every occasion.
10. Junghans Max Bill
If you’re looking for a true fashion statement, there’s no beating the Junghans Max Bill Automatic. Bauhaus graduate Max Bill designed this timepiece. Bill originally started working for Junghans on a series of kitchen wall clocks in the 1950s. Soon afterward, he designed the watch whose descendants we still find in production today. Although Bill’s version has manual winding, I personally prefer the somewhat more convenient automatic model – it is simply stunning. The best thing about the watch is that you can wear it casually or in more formal situations. Its minimalist style is perfectly balanced and a true design statement.
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