The Best dress dive field Watches Under $1000 You Can Buy In 2024

The 16 Best Watches For Under $1000 In 2025

Good watches don't have to be expensive. These are the best watches under $1000.

Our watch editors have put together the best affordable watches under $1000, spotlighting watches with a high-quality build and reliable movements. 

Even if a watch has the most beautifully executed dial, is the perfect size, houses a reliable mechanical movement, and is presented on a comfortable bracelet or attractive strap, one key factor can still stand between you and purchasing it: the price. Fortunately, a watch needn’t be expensive to be good (and not all expensive watches are good), with several great dress and tool watches accompanied by exceedingly affordable price tags.

The word ‘affordable’ is a somewhat loaded term, as affordability is relative; what may be pocket change to one might be someone else’s monthly salary. For the sake of consistency, we’re defining ‘affordable’ as under $1000USD. Yes, thanks to the ever-fluctuating nature of the Australian dollar—and perhaps to give ourselves a tad more leeway—we’re opting to work with USD rather than AUD.

When looking for the best watches under $1000, the most attractive options are the timepieces that don’t try to do too much. That means no tourbillons or moonphases; as these tend to be poorly executed and can ‘cheapen’ the feel of the watch. Look for time-only or time-and-date watches, as this is where the segment plays best. Oh, and ditch your preconceived notions about quartz — a well-made quartz watch is more accurate than its mechanical counterparts and often less expensive too.

Spanning dive watches, pilot’s watches, field watches, and dress watches, the best watches under $1000USD are an attractive option for those in the market for a starter watch as well as those simply looking to add a new great watch to a preexisting collection.

The best watches under $1000 in 2025

Many articles on the best affordable watches under $1000 tend to spotlight watches from ‘fashion brands’ (i.e. brands that specialise in ready-to-wear clothing rather than watches) and direct-to-consumer brands with slick websites that market their watches as affordable due to ‘cutting out the middleman’ but are actually just poor quality dropshipped watches with cheap movements that are still too expensive for what they are. 

This is not one of those listicles. Our article on the best affordable watches for under $1000 prioritises timepieces with high build quality (that means solid construction and durable materials), reliable movements (both automatic and quartz), and beautiful aesthetics (because while looks aren’t everything, they do indeed matter). 

The best thing about these affordable watches under $1000 is that not only do they not sacrifice quality, they also don’t sacrifice clout. They’re the kind of watches that a serious watch collector sporting a H.Moser & Cie. Endeavour Centre Seconds or a Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Micro Rotor will see on your wrist and think “hey, maybe I should get one of those.”

The best affordable watches under $1000 offer a solid value proposition for newcomers and seasoned horologists alike. They span everything from GADA watches from reputable watch brands like Hamilton and Serica, to vintage-inspired dress watches from microbrands such as Baltic and Furlan Marri.

1. Baltic MR01

Sitting well within budget, the Baltic MR01 delivers refined aesthetics and elegant finishings at an eminently affordable price point. A matte grained dial plays host to applied Breguet numerals and leaf-shaped hands, with the timepiece distinguished by its off-centre small seconds subdial at 7 o’clock. The timepiece is housed within a minimalist stainless steel case (though it’s also available in gold PVD); defined by its purity of lines, it features a thin profile thanks to the use of a micro-rotor movement which is visible through the exhibition caseback. It’s presented on either a leather strap or an attractive beads-of-rice bracelet.

Price: €545 (approx. $560USD/$904AUD)
Model: MR01
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 36mm

2. Dan Henry 1939 Military Chronograph

Movement snobs look away. Dan Henry is a name that should be bigger than it is. Founded by one of the most prolific watch collectors in Brazil, the eponymous brand is playing a role in democratising watch collecting by creating vintage-style pieces at affordable prices (with most timepieces priced under $300USD) — largely in part thanks to the use of reliable quartz movements. The Dan Henry 1939 Military Chronograph is powered by a mechaquartz movement (which gives it a sweeping seconds hand rather than the usual ticking hand that typically acts as a telltale sign of quartz) and features a tonal sector dial with vertically positioned subdials that draws upon the design codes of the Art Deco movement.

Price: $290USD (approx. $470AUD)
Model: 1939 Military Chronograph
Movement: Mechaquartz
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 38mm

3. Serica Field Chronometer ref. 6190

A field watch with a COSC-certified movement for under $1000USD? Yes please. French microbrand Serica has made a name for itself thanks to its pared-back, almost unbranded watches that boast a minimalist vintage aesthetic. Its take on the field watch sees the rugged classic take on a sleek, streamlined appearance that allows it to feel equally at home paired with a suit as it does with more casual gear. The Serica Field Chronometer ref. 6190 is available in three dial configurations, however we’re partial to the Californian style, and can be ordered with the crown on the left or right side.

Price: €825 (approx. $901USD/$1345AUD)
Model: Field Chronometer ref. 6190
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 20ATM
Case Diameter: 37.7mm

4. Orient Bambino

A well-made automatic watch at under $200USD is a rarity, but trust the Japanese to make it a reality. The classically styled Orient Bambino sits comfortably on the wrist at 38.4mm, with its convex dial and domed class adding vintage charm.

Price: from $208AUD ($139USD)
Model: Bambino
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 38.4mm

5. Timex Marlin Hand-Wound

The Best dress dive field Watches Under $1000 You Can Buy In 2024

While best known as a purveyor of affordable mass-produced quartz watches, the Timex Marlin Hand-Wound proves the American manufacturer knows how to do mechanical watches too. The Timex Marlin Hand-Wound looks to vintage styles, with a throwback case size of 34mm and a hand-cranked movement. The silver-toned dial features a subtle brushed sunburst finish with slim black Arabic numerals.

Price: $499.95AUD ($307USD)
Model: Marlin Hand-Wound
Movement: Manual winding
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 34mm

6. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical

No list of the best affordable watches under $1000 would be complete without the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical. A streamlined classic at an unbeatable price point, it’s one of the true equalisers of the horological world; the kind of watch a guy (or girl!) with a Rolex Perpetual 1908 or Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso will have in his collection. With period-correct sizing, a clean dial layout, and a rugged build, the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical is the natural choice for a daily beater. Its black dial, Arabic numerals, 24 hour inner ring, and healthy dose of lume harken back to the watches the Swiss manufacture produced for the United States military in the mid-20th century. Its mechanicals are equally as impressive, with the timepiece powered by a hand-wound movement. Whether on a NATO strap or stainless steel bracelet, it exudes utilitarian style.

Price: $950AUD (approx. $584USD)
Model: Khaki Field Mechanical
Movement: Manual winding
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Diameter: 38mm

7. Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

Tapping into the increasing collective consumer desire for steel sports watches, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 caters to the trend at an unbeatable price. The integrated bracelet style comes in several colourways, but none so appealing as the ice blue variant. The ergonomic fit and finish are comparable to timepieces well above its price range, while the automatic movement boasts a weekend-friendly power reserve of 80 hours. A solid contender for those looking to buy into the steel sports watch trend without refinancing the mortgage.

Price: $725USD/$1150AUD
Model: PRX Powermatic 80
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 10ATM
Case Diameter: 40mm

8. Duckworth Prestex Verimatic

A uniquely styled watch courtesy of relaunched heritage British watch brand Duckworth Prestex, the Verimatic sees a classic cushion case play host to a grained fumé dial with lume-filled Arabic numerals and brushed gold hour markers with applied lume. An elegant dress watch with a laidback feel (and an impressive 20 metre water resistance), the Duckworth Prestex Verimatic is a decidedly versatile vintage-inspired timepiece.

Price: $1203USD (approx. $1957AUD)
Model: Verimatic
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 20ATM
Case Diameter: 39mm

9. Baltic Aquascaphe Classic

We know, we know, another Baltic. But there’s no denying the French microbrand’s ability to put out a watch that punches above its price point. Looking to dive watches of the 1950s, the Baltic Aquascaphe employs vintage design codes while carving out its own space in the market. Created by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, it nails vintage proportions with a 39mm case size and features a subtle sunburst dial with cream-toned hour markers and a domed sapphire crystal. It’s presented on a handsome beads-of-rice bracelet that lends the Aquascaphe a unique character and sets it apart from its contemporaries.

Price: €660 (approx. $677USD/$1095AUD)
Model: Aquascaphe
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 20ATM
Case Diameter: 39mm

10. Furlan Marri Nero Sabbia

This elegant chronograph comes courtesy of another microbrand producing beautiful heritage-inspired timepieces at affordable prices. The Furlan Marri Nero Sabbia boasts vintage aesthetics with a twist, with the black dial taking on a sector layout with hour markers on the inner ring, minutes on the outer, and a chronograph scale on the periphery. A gilt-toned small seconds subdial rests at 9 o’clock. While most chronographs are well above the $1000USD mark, the Furlan Marri Nero Sabbia is powered by a hybrid mechaquartz movement (the Seiko VK64) which allows it to sit within the affordable category.

Price: $555CHF (approx. $605USD/$985AUD)
Model: Nero Sabbia
Movement: Mechaquartz
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Diameter: 38mm

11. Corniche Heritage Chronograph

From a branding perspective, a combination of a rather flowery background story and an overt use of faux-heritage/old money aesthetic editorial imagery has Swedish microbrand Corniche veering dangerously into fashion watch territory. Fortunately, its solid design and value proposition saves it from such a fate. Reminiscent of notable vintage models like the Patek Philippe 5170P and the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1815 Flyback Chronograph without being too derivative, the Corniche Heritage Chronograph is an undeniably attractive watch. The black ceramic dial is topped with polished hour markers and features a railroad minutes track and a tachymeter scale on the periphery. Like the Furlan Marri mechaquartz chronographs, it’s powered by the Seiko VK64, a hybrid mechaquartz movement that combines the accuracy and reliability (not to mention the affordability) of quartz with the visceral appeal of a mechanical movement. This means that it features a sweeping (rather than ticking) seconds hand and that when the chronograph is reset, the chronograph hands are disengaged from the quartz motor and are snapped back to zero (a telltale sign of quartz chronographs is a gradual sweep back to zero).

Price: $425USD ($691AUD)
Model: Heritage Chronograph
Movement: Mechaquartz
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Diameter: 39mm

12. Farer Mansfield

Green is arguably the most horologically zeitgeisty dial shade of the decade, however the Farer Mansfield does it a little differently. A sophisticated cushion case plays host to a sector dial in an alluring shade of tea green, diverging from the deeper hues of forest green, khaki, and heritage green often employed. The raised circular ring houses applied highly polished hour indices and Arabic numerals which are paired with slim dauphine hands. A recessed silver subdial with a grooved texture sits at 6 o’clock, and features a hand in a different shade of green. A masterful interplay of colour combined with a hand-wound movement make this an affordable watch worth getting your hands on.

Price: $1075USD (approx. $1750AUD)
Model: Mansfield
Movement: Manually winding
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Diameter: 38.4mm

13. Tissot Heritage Banana

Uh, the Tissot what? The Tissot Heritage Banana looks to an archival style that first came into production in 1916. While not a good source of potassium, the original Tissot Banana derived it name from its long, curved case. Despite looking like the lovechild of a Frank Muller Curvex and a Cartier Tank, the Tissot Heritage Banana manages to carve its own space out thanks to its almost comically elongated proportions. Be warned: you need a fair amount of wrist real estate to pull this one off. Priced from around $315USD to $375USD (depending on the edition and choice of metal), the Tissot Heritage Banana isn’t currently sold on the brand’s webstore, but you can usually find a secondhand one for just over retail (and well under our $1000USD budget).

Price: from $315USD retail (approx. $482AUD)
Model: Heritage Banana
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 49mm x 27mm

14. Yema Rallygraf Meca-Quartz

Many black and white chronographs are at risk of looking too Paul Newmany (yes, that’s a legit term); most by their own devising. The Yema Rallygraf Meca-Quartz avoids this fate through a unique subdial shape inspired by the dashboards of vintage race cars. Like the Furlan Marri and Corniche timepieces above, the Yema Rallygraf Meca-Quartz is powered by the Seiko VK64 mechaquartz movement, meaning it features a sweeping seconds hand and instantaneous chronograph reset to zero. The Yema Rallygraf Meca-Quartz features oversized vintage-style chronograph pushers and a matte aluminium bezel with a tachymeter scale, and is presented on either a black leather strap or steel mesh bracelet. If the reverse panda colourway isn’t your style, there’s also a conventional panda dial as well as red, green, and blue interations.

Price: $369 USD on leather strap/$399USD on steel mesh bracelet (approx. $600AUD/$649AUD)
Model: Rallygraf Meca-Quartz
Movement: Mechaquartz
Water Resistance: 10ATM
Case Diameter: 39mm

15. Baltic Prismic

Just tipping over the budget is the Baltic Prismic. Men’s cocktail watches are a criminally underserved category, which is why this avant-garde release excites us. Inspired by the refraction of light produced by prisms, the Baltic Prismic features an elegantly finished sector dial that sees the innermost sector adorned with a radial guilloché motif and encircled by a concentric brushed finish on the outer sector and a thin ring of fluted guilloché on the periphery. The small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock features a grained finish while the studded steel hour markers adhere to the geometric theme and are complemented by brushed dauphine hands. We’d recommend breaking the budget (just a little!) by opting for the braided steel mesh bracelet.

Price: €1050 on steel (approx. $1076USD/$1753AUD)
Model: Prismic
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 36mm

16. Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB121J1

When it comes to affordable watches, nobody does it quite like the Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB121J1. A watch that looks far better in the metal—and on the wrist—than it does in photos, the Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB121J1 is distinguished by its compass minutes track and cathedral hands. Originally an exclusive timepiece for the Japanese market, the Seiko Prospex Alpinist was designed with mountaineers in mind and boasts an impressive water resistance of 200 metres. The Seiko Prospex Alpinist is often releases with limited-edition dials, however the signature (non-limited) green dial is our favourite variation and has the reference number SPB121J1. The Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB121J1 has a case diameter of 39.5mm, however for those wanting something that wears a little smaller, the Seiko Prospex SPB155 is 38mm and boasts a similar aesthetic, albeit with a gradient green dial and sans compass minutes track. The Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB121J1 has a retail price of $1200AUD (approx. $758USD), however is often on sale for almost half that, making it an incredible value proposition.

Price: $1200AUD (approx. $758USD)
Model: Alpinist (ref. SPB121J1)
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 20ATM
Case Diameter: 39.5mm

Tips on choosing a good affordable watch

On your journey to find the best affordable watch, it’s worth remembering that even ‘cheap’ watches can be overpriced. A watch priced at $250 is far too expensive if it costs about $15 to produce (and was likely made in unethical conditions, too).

With that in mind, when looking for a good affordable watch, it’s key to do some research. That doesn’t mean you need to dedicate hours to learning about the minutiae of balance cocks and escapement mechanisms or read every book about watches on the market, but it is a good idea to have a grasp on the basics of watch movements and the anatomy of a watch

Once you’ve understood the basics, narrow down the type of watch you’re interested in. As mentioned before, it’s a good idea not to bother with tourbillon or moonphase watches in the three-figure range, as these mechanisms at lower price points can feel (and look) cheap. However, it’s possible to find excellent dress watches, dive watches, chronographs, and tool watches at affordable prices. The field and pilot’s watch categories in particular excel at this, with many durable, solidly constructed timepieces available for well under $1000.

If in doubt, stick to well known brands such as Seiko, Tissot, Timex, Orient, and Hamilton, before venturing into microbrands like Baltic, Furlan Marri, and Duckworth.

FAQ

What are the best automatic watches under $1000?

Not all watches under $1000 have to be quartz. The best automatic watches under $1000 are the Baltic MR01, Duckworth Prestex Verimatic, Tissot PRX Powermatic 80, Serica Field Chronometer, and the Orient Bambino.

What are the best affordable watch brands?

Some of the best value for money watch brands include Seiko, Baltic, Serica, Orient, Timex, Hamilton, and Tissot.

Enjoyed this article on the best watches under $1000? Check out our watch guides here; covering everything from the types of watch movements to watch styles and complications. 


Words by John Deckard