The Best Watches Under $1,000

Watch collecting is a fascinating hobby that can bring joy, satisfaction, and style to anyone who appreciates the craftsmanship, design, and history of timepieces. Whether you are looking for a casual, sporty, or elegant watch, there is a wide range of options available in the market that can suit your taste and budget.

However, watch collecting is also very personal and subjective. There is no definitive answer to what makes a good watch, or what is the best watch for you. Ultimately, the most important factor is how you feel about the watch, and how it reflects your personality, preferences, and lifestyle.

That being said, if you are new to watch collecting, or you want to expand your collection without breaking the bank, you might be interested in some of the best watches under $1,000 that offer great value, quality, and performance. These watches are not only affordable, but also versatile, reliable, and attractive. They can serve as a good starting point for your watch collecting journey, or as a nice addition to your existing collection.

In this article, we will introduce you to 15 of the best watches under $1,000 that you can buy right now. We will also provide some brief information about each watch, such as its features, specifications, and pros and cons. We hope that this list will help you find the perfect watch for you, or at least inspire you to explore more options and discover your own favorites.

Mido Ocean Star 200

The Mido Ocean Star 200 is a dive watch that combines a classic design with modern technology. It features a 42.50 mm stainless steel case, a unidirectional rotating bezel, a screw-down crown, and a sapphire crystal. It is water-resistant up to 200 meters, and has a date window at 3 o’clock. The dial is available in various colors, such as blue, green, black, and white. The watch is powered by the Mido Caliber 80, an automatic movement that boasts an impressive 80-hour power reserve. The watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet or a fabric strap, depending on the model. ($970 USD, 2024)

Pros:

• A solid and durable dive watch that can handle any adventure
• A long-lasting and accurate movement that requires less winding
• A simple and elegant dial that is easy to read and matches any outfit

Mido Baroncelli Signature Gent

The Mido Baroncelli Signature Gent is a dress watch that exudes sophistication and elegance. It features a 39 mm stainless steel case, a fluted bezel, a sapphire crystal, and a transparent case back. It is water-resistant up to 50 meters, and has a date window at 3 o’clock. The dial is available in various colors, such as silver, black, blue, and brown. The watch is powered by the Mido Caliber 80, an automatic movement that boasts an impressive 80-hour power reserve. The watch comes with a leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet, depending on the model. ($970 USD, 2024)

Pros:

• A refined and classy dress watch that can elevate any formal or casual attire
• A long-lasting and accurate movement that requires less winding
• A beautiful and detailed dial that showcases the craftsmanship and quality of the watch

Mido Multifort Patrimony

The Multifort Patrimony is a vintage-inspired watch that pays tribute to the heritage and legacy of Mido. It features a 40mm stainless steel case, a domed sapphire crystal, and a transparent case back. It is water-resistant up to 50 meters, and has a date window at 6 o’clock. The dial is a stunning Anthracite and blue colors that changes shades depending on the light. The watch is powered by the Mido Caliber 80, an automatic movement that boasts an impressive 80-hour power reserve. The watch comes with a brown leather strap that complements the dial. ($930 USD, 2024)

Pros:

• A stylish and charming watch that evokes a retro and nostalgic vibe
• A long-lasting and accurate movement that requires less winding
• A captivating and unique dial that attracts attention and compliments

Tissot Heritage 1938 Automatic COSC

The Tissot Heritage 1938 Automatic COSC is a historical watch that recreates the design and spirit of a Tissot watch from 1938. It features a 39 mm stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal, and a transparent case back. It is water-resistant up to 50 meters. The dial is a vintage pink color that contrasts with the black Arabic numerals and hands. The watch is powered by the Tissot Caliber Powermatic 80.811, an automatic movement that is certified by the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) as a chronometer, meaning that it meets the highest standards of precision and reliability. The watch comes with a black leather strap that matches the dial. Check out Tissot for more information. ($825 USD, 2024)

Pros:

• A timeless and elegant watch that honors the history and tradition of Tissot
• A certified and reliable movement that ensures accuracy and performance
• A classic and simple dial that is easy to read and versatile

Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80

The Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 is a dive watch that combines functionality and aesthetics. It features a 43mm stainless steel case, a ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel, a screw-down crown, and a sapphire crystal. It is water-resistant up to 300 meters, and has a date window at 6 o’clock. The dial is available in various colors, such as blue, black, green, and gray. The watch is powered by the Tissot Caliber Powermatic 80.111, an automatic movement that boasts an impressive 80-hour power reserve. The watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet or a rubber strap, depending on the model. ($795 USD, 2024)

Pros:

• A robust and versatile dive watch that can handle any environment
• A long-lasting and accurate movement that requires less winding
• A sporty and attractive dial that is easy to read and matches any outfit

Seiko SRPE53

The Seiko SRPE53 is a casual watch that offers simplicity and versatility. It features a 40.5mm stainless steel case, a Hardlex crystal, and a solid case back. It is water-resistant up to 100 meters, and has a day-date window at 3 o’clock. The dial is a black color that contrasts with the silver hands and indices. The watch is powered by the Seiko Caliber 4R36, an automatic movement that has a hacking and hand-winding function, and a 41-hour power reserve. The watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet that matches the case. ($275 USD, 2024)

Pros:

• A practical and affordable watch that can suit any occasion
• A reliable and functional movement that has a hacking and hand-winding function
• A minimalist and modern dial that is easy to read and versatile

Mondaine Stop2Go

The Mondaine Stop2Go is a unique watch that replicates the iconic Swiss railway clock. It features a 41mm stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal, and a solid case back. It is water-resistant up to 30 meters, and has a date window at 3 o’clock. The dial is a white color that displays the red second hand that stops for two seconds at the 12 o’clock position before jumping to the next minute, mimicking the behavior of the railway clock. The watch is powered by the Mondaine Caliber 58-02, a quartz movement that has a stop2go function, and a battery life of two years. The watch comes with a leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet, depending on the model. ($755 USD, 2024)

Pros:

• A distinctive and fun watch that pays homage to the Swiss railway clock
• A quartz movement that has a stop2go function that adds character and accuracy to the watch
• A clean and legible dial that is easy to read and iconic

Hamilton Khaki Field Murph Auto, 42mm

The Khaki Field Murph Auto with standard packaging 42mm is a special edition watch that celebrates the movie Interstellar, in which the main character Cooper communicates with his daughter Murph through a Hamilton watch. It features a 42mm stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal, and a solid case back that is engraved with the word “Eureka” in Morse code. It is water-resistant up to 100 meters, and has a date window at 3 o’clock. The dial is a black color that has the word “Murph” printed in the same font as the movie title. The watch is powered by the Hamilton Caliber H-10, an automatic movement that has an 80-hour power reserve. The watch comes with a black leather strap that has a pin buckle. ($995 USD, 2024)

Pros:

• A meaningful and sentimental watch that is inspired by the movie Interstellar
• A long-lasting and accurate movement that requires less winding
• A sleek and elegant dial that is easy to read and stylish

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Bronze

The Khaki Field Mechanical Bronze is a hand-winding field watch that combines military-inspired style with a gorgeous bronze case. This watch is faithful to the Hamilton heritage of making watches for military forces during the 20th century, and features a slim and lightweight design, a rugged black dial with luminescent markings, and a high-grade leather strap. The bronze case is a living metal that develops a unique patina over time, reflecting the wearer’s story and adventures. The Khaki Field Mechanical Bronze is powered by the exclusive H-50 movement, which provides military precision and a long power reserve. ($895 USD, 2024)

Pros:

• A practical and affordable watch that can suit any occasion
• A long-lasting and accurate movement that requires less winding
• A minimalist and modern dial that is easy to read and versatile

Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer

The Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer is a pilot watch that is inspired by the Hamilton watches that were worn by the British Royal Air Force in the 1970s. It features a 41mm stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal, and a solid case back. It is water-resistant up to 100 meters, and has no date window. The dial is a black color that has luminous Arabic numerals and hands, and two subdials for the seconds and the 30-minute counter. The watch is powered by the Hamilton Caliber H-31, a chronograph movement that has a 60-hour power reserve. The watch comes with a green NATO strap that matches the dial. ($995 USD, 2024)

Pros:

• A robust and versatile pilot watch that can handle any environment
• A chronograph movement that has a 60-hour power reserve and a stopwatch function
• A sporty and attractive dial that is easy to read and matches any outfit

Doxa Sub 200

The Doxa Sub 200 is a dive watch that is a modern reinterpretation of the Doxa Sub 300T, a legendary watch that was introduced in 1967 and was favored by many divers, including Jacques Cousteau. It features a 42mm stainless steel case, a unidirectional rotating bezel, a screw-down crown, and a sapphire crystal. It is water-resistant up to 200 meters, and has a date window at 3 o’clock. The dial is available in various colors, such as orange, black, silver, navy, turquoise, and yellow. The watch is powered by the Doxa Caliber ETA 2824-2, an automatic movement that has a 38-hour power reserve. The watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet or a rubber strap, depending on the model. ($950-990 USD, 2024)

Pros:

• A solid and durable dive watch that pays tribute to the Doxa Sub 300T
• A reliable and accurate movement that is widely used and trusted
• A colorful and vibrant dial that is easy to read and eye-catching

Frederique Constant Classics Index Automatic

The Frederique Constant Classics Index Automatic is a dress watch that breaks the rule by a hair but is an excellent classy choice. It features a 40mm stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal, and a transparent case back. It is water-resistant up to 50 meters, and has a date window at 3 o’clock. The dial is available in various colors, such as silver, black, blue, and brown. The watch is powered by the Frederique Constant Caliber FC-303, an automatic movement that has a 38-hour power reserve. The watch comes with a leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet, depending on the model. ($1,095 [borderline] 2024)

Pros:

• A refined and classy dress watch that can elevate any formal or casual attire
• A reliable and accurate movement that is made in-house by Frederique Constant
• A sleek and elegant dial that showcases the craftsmanship and quality of the watch

Alpina Startimer Automatic

The Alpina Startimer Automatic is a pilot watch that is designed for aviation enthusiasts and professionals. It features a 44mm stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal, and a solid case back. It is water-resistant up to 100 meters, and has a date window at 3 o’clock. The dial is available in various colors, such as black, blue, green, and gray. The watch is powered by the Alpina Caliber AL-525, an automatic movement that has a 38-hour power reserve. The watch comes with a leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet, depending on the model. ($995 USD, 2024)

Pros:

• A robust and versatile pilot watch that can handle any environment
• A reliable and accurate movement that is made in-house by Alpina
• A sporty and attractive dial that is easy to read and matches any outfit

Seiko SSK011 Presage Automatic GMT

The Seiko SSK011 Presage Automatic GMT is a travel watch that is ideal for globetrotters and jet-setters. It features a 39.9mm stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal, and a solid case back. It is water-resistant up to 100 meters, and has a date window at 3 o’clock. The dial is a white color that has a GMT hand that indicates a second time zone, and a 24-hour scale on the inner bezel. The watch is powered by the Seiko Caliber 6R64, an automatic movement that has a 45-hour power reserve. The watch comes with a leather strap that matches the dial. ($625 USD, 2024)

Pros:

• A practical and affordable watch that can display two time zones at once
• A reliable and accurate movement that is made in-house by Seiko
• A minimalist and modern dial that is easy to read and versatile

Seiko SSA459 Presage Cocktail Time

The Seiko SSA459 Presage Cocktail Time is a dress watch that is inspired by the cocktail culture and the art of mixology. It features a 40.5mm stainless steel case, a sapphire crystal, and a solid case back. It is water-resistant up to 50 meters, and has a date window at 3 o’clock. The dial is a blue color that has a sunray pattern that creates a shimmering effect, resembling a cocktail glass. The watch is powered by the Seiko Caliber 4R57, an automatic movement that has a power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock, and a 41-hour power reserve. The watch comes with a leather strap that matches the dial. ($575 USD, 2024)

Pros:

• A refined and classy dress watch that can elevate any formal or casual attire
• A reliable and accurate movement that has a power reserve indicator
• A captivating and unique dial that attracts attention and compliments

We hope that you enjoyed reading it and that you found some watches that appeal to you. Remember, watch collecting is very personal and subjective, so we recommend taking your time to determine which watch draws your attention and evokes a personal emotion. Happy watch hunting! 

Let us know what you think or if you’d like to add a suggestion in the comments section below!