Even as the world becomes increasingly reliant on smartphones, a quality watch will still always have its place on the wrists of many. While brands like Casio or Swatch serve more of a functional purpose, a luxury timepiece acts as aย style statement โ as well as a savvy investment. Diving into the world of these coveted pieces for the first time can be daunting, especially when some โgrailโ models command prices in the tens of thousands โ or even millions. To ease you into the wonderful world of horology, wristwatch and learn from our list of entry-level luxury watches for the economical buyer.
Reminder: Though these are considered entry-level, they’re still luxury watches. Expect prices to be on the side of paychecks, but not mortgages.
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Rolex, Oyster Perpetual โ Clean & Classic
Make the world your oyster and secure the holiest of grails in horology: a Rolex. While the brand is famous for commanding sky-high prices, the Oyster Perpetual series remains relatively accessible for entry-level buyers โ especially on the pre-owned market. Introduced in 1931 as Rolexโs first self-winding, waterproofย chronometer, the Oyster Perpetualโs minimalist design makes it an ideal gateway into luxury watches โ and itโs almost guaranteed to hold its value if properly cared for. Classic to the core, its polished domed bezel, three central hands with hour markers, and five diameter options (28, 31, 34, 36, and 41 mm) make the Oyster Perpetual a timeless choice for everyone.
Omega, Seamaster Diver 300M โ Bold Statements On Land & Sea
Although Omega is celebrated for its space-faring Moonwatch, the Seamaster Diver 300M is arguably the better jumping-off point into this Swiss marque. Precision-made for adventure and exploration, the Seamaster embodies Omegaโs rich diving heritage โ and was memorably worn by Daniel Craig in his โJames Bondโ films. The series spans a range of price points, yet even the most accessible model retains the cutting-edge advancements and masterful craftsmanship of the line. Self-winding and water-resistant to 300 metres, Seamaster models come with stainless-steel, NATO, or rubber two-piece straps. You may never plunge your luxury watch into the oceanโs depths, but itโs reassuring to know itโs ready if you do.
Cartier, Tank Must โ Never Out Of Style
One of the most recognisable designs in horology, the Cartier Tank and its rectangular face have graced the wrists of celebrities, diplomats, and royalty since 1917. Although some Tank models command truly eye-watering prices, the Tank Must line offers an accessible entry point to the iconic French marque. This quartz-movement watch comes in four sizes โ from small (29.5 mm) to extra-large (41 mm). Whether paired with a black grained calfskin strap or a steel bracelet, a Tank Must is a fuss-free investment that may reward you handsomely down the line.
Hamilton, Khaki Field Murph โ Cinematic Chic
Straddling the line between premium and luxury, American watchmaker Hamilton offers a perfect gateway to fine horology with Swiss precision and timeless design. Arguably its most popular model, the Khaki Field Murph is more than a well-made timepiece โ itโs an icon of cinematic history. A faithful recreation of the watch worn by Jessica Chastainโs Murphy Cooper in Christopher Nolanโs sci-fi masterpiece โInterstellar,โ this automatic-movement model comes in two sizes. The 38 mm version adds options such as a steel bracelet alongside the original black leather strap, while the 42 mm model retains the distinctive โeurekaโ printed in Morse code on its seconds hand. True movie magic!
TUDOR, Black Bay 58 โ Stylishly Robust
With a rich history in military diving, TUDOR has forged a reputation for watches engineered to perform at the absolute limit. Part of the iconic Black Bay line, the Black Bay 58 series features self-winding diving watches in 39 mm steel cases, waterproof to 200 metres. Though designed to withstand the harshest conditions, each model remains striking on the wrist, with strap options โ including steel, leather, rubber, and fabric โ that let you dress up or down as you please. Built with robust Swiss precision, a TUDOR can be a steadfast companion for decades.
Longines, Legend Diver โ Heritage Gem
Designed for adventures on both land and sea, Longinesโ Legend Diver series has been a watchmaking icon since 1959. Its self-winding mechanical movement stands out thanks to a case architecture pioneered by Longines: two crowns and an internal rotating bezel, all safely recessed to prevent accidental shocks or manipulation. Available in a wide range of sizes, colours, and strap materials, the Legend Diver delivers cutting-edge performance with water-resistance to 300 metres โ making it as functional as it is attractive.
TAG Heuer, Formula 1 โ Life In The Fast Lane
For the ideal entry-level luxury watch for the racing enthusiast in your life, look no further than TAG Heuerโs iconic Formula 1 series. Beyond its standard Chronograph and Date models, the quartz-movement Formula 1 line features exclusive collaborations with motorsport legends such as the Indy 500, Oracle Red Bull Racing, and the Ayrton Senna Foundation. Now is a smart time to invest: TAG Heuer has reissued its vibrant โ80s and โ90s designs โ available for a limited time โ updated with modern Solargraph technology.
Sinn Spezialuhren, Series 556 โ No-Frills Elegance
Some of the best no-frills โ and most affordable โ watches on the market come from the storied German brand Sinn Spezialuhren, particularly its pilot-inspired Series 556 line. Elegant yet sporty, simple yet precise, these models boast strikingly sparse dials that highlight only the essentials of timekeeping. Each self-winding watch features a stainless-steel case, is water- and pressure-resistant to 200 metres, and offers a variety of strap options. This straightforward Sinn series is as easy to pair with any outfit as it is to read at a glance.
Born in Korea and raised in Hong Kong, Min Ji has combined her degree in anthropology and creative writing with her passion for going on unsolicited tangents as an editor at Friday Club. In between watching an endless amount of movies, she enjoys trying new cocktails and pastas while occasionally snapping a few pictures.
