I was talking with one of my former students the other day and he asked me “What is a good first watch?”. This made me think about how difficult it can be for emerging collectors to decide on what watch to start their collection with. Thus, I decided to put together a list of about 25 entry-level watches one could think about starting their collection with.
When I started my collection, I did not have $1000s of dollars to spend on a watch. The maximum I was willing and able to spend was about $300. Thus, this guide will focus on watches that are less than $1000.
Building your watch collection can be an exciting journey, especially when starting with the right entry-level pieces. In this post, we explore the 25 best watches under $1000 for entry level collectors. We will focus on quality, style, and affordability, making them perfect for newcomers to horology. From classic designs to sporty options, these timepieces offer a variety of styles ensuring you find the perfect watch to kick off your collection.
25 Best Watches Under $1000 for Entry Level Collectors
Here’s a detailed guide to 25 watches, perfect for budding collectors. Each watch is accompanied by a brief history of its brand and unique features.
1) Brew Metric Automatic Black PVD:
Posz Perspective: Brew, inspired by the industrial design of espresso machines, was founded by Jonathan Ferrer in 2015. The Metric Auto features a retro aesthetic with reliable automatic movement, making it a standout piece for those who appreciate creative design. Its square case and bold color scheme evoke a sense of nostalgia while offering modern reliability. This watch is perfect for those who enjoy a unique blend of industrial design and horological craftsmanship.
2) Seiko Prospex:
Posz Perspective: Seiko, established in 1881, is renowned for its innovative watchmaking. The Seiko Prospex line, short for “Professional Specifications,” was officially introduced in 1965 with the launch of Seiko’s first professional diver’s watch, the 62MAS. Although the Prospex name wasn’t used until later, this watch set the standard for Seiko’s professional-grade timepieces. Over the decades, the Prospex line has expanded to include not just dive watches, but also aviation, land exploration, and marine watches, all designed to meet the demanding needs of professionals. Seiko has continually innovated within the Prospex line, introducing features like titanium cases, ceramic shrouds, and solar power, while also achieving milestones such as creating watches capable of withstanding depths of 1000 meters. Today, the Prospex line represents Seiko’s commitment to durability, reliability, and innovation in sports watches, offering a wide range of models that combine professional-grade specifications with Seiko’s renowned quality and value.
3) Seiko Presage:
Posz Perspective: The Seiko Presage line was introduced to the international market in 2016, combining Japanese aesthetics with traditional watchmaking craftsmanship. This collection was designed to offer mechanical watches with elegant designs inspired by Japanese culture and artistry, bridging the gap between Seiko’s entry-level models and the more luxurious Grand Seiko line. Presage watches feature a range of models, from simple time-only pieces to more complex watches with power reserve indicators and enamel dials, all powered by Seiko’s in-house automatic movements. The line is known for its excellent value, offering high-quality finishes and reliable movements at accessible price points. Over the years, Presage has gained popularity among watch enthusiasts for its blend of Japanese design sensibilities and Swiss-inspired watchmaking techniques, with special editions and collaborations further enhancing its appeal
4) Seiko 5 Sport:
Posz Perspective: The Seiko 5 Sports line was first introduced in 1963, building on the success of Seiko’s original “5” series launched in 1963. The “5” in the name refers to five key attributes: automatic movement, day-date display, water resistance, recessed crown at 4 o’clock, and durable case and bracelet. Over the decades, the Seiko 5 Sports has become known for offering reliable, affordable automatic watches with sporty designs. In 2019, Seiko relaunched the 5 Sports line with a focus on youthful, modern designs while maintaining the core values of durability and reliability. Today, the Seiko 5 Sports continues to be popular among watch enthusiasts for its diverse range of styles, in-house automatic movements, and excellent value proposition in the affordable watch segment.
Posz Perspective: The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 series is a modern reinterpretation of Tissot’s iconic 1978 model, introduced in 2020 as part of the brand’s revival of its classic designs. The PRX, which stands for Precise, Robust, and “X” (representing the Roman numeral for 10 atmospheres of water resistance), features a distinctive integrated bracelet and a sleek, retro-inspired case design that captures the essence of 1970s sports watches. Initially launched with a quartz movement, Tissot quickly followed up with the Powermatic 80 version, featuring an automatic movement with an impressive 80-hour power reserve. The PRX Powermatic 80 has gained significant popularity for its combination of vintage aesthetics, modern reliability, and accessible pricing, making it a favorite among watch enthusiasts and casual wearers alike. In 2023, Tissot expanded the line to include a smaller 35mm version, broadening its appeal and addressing demand for a more versatile size option.
6) Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80:
Posz Perspective: The Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 series was introduced in 2019 as Tissot’s answer to the need for a versatile, reliable, and visually appealing dress watch. It features a clean, modern design with a 40mm case diameter, styled baton hands, and subtly wedged markers, offering various dial options to suit different tastes. The series is powered by the Powermatic 80 movement, which provides an impressive 80-hour power reserve and includes a silicium hairspring for improved resistance to magnetism. The Gentleman Powermatic 80 strikes a balance between formal and casual aesthetics, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions. Since its introduction, the series has gained popularity for its combination of Swiss craftsmanship, modern technology, and accessible pricing, making it an attractive option for both new watch enthusiasts and seasoned collectors looking for a versatile timepiece.
7) Orient Bambino:
Posz Perspective: The Orient Bambino series was first introduced in 2012 as an affordable, stylish automatic dress watch line. It quickly gained popularity among watch enthusiasts for its classic designs, domed crystal, and excellent value proposition. Over the years, Orient has released multiple versions of the Bambino, each with distinct design elements but maintaining the core aesthetic of a vintage-inspired dress watch. The Bambino line has expanded to include various dial colors, case finishes, and even complications like open heart displays and small seconds. In 2022, Orient introduced a smaller 38.4mm version of the Bambino, responding to consumer demand for more compact dress watches while retaining the series’ signature domed crystal and elegant styling.
8) Orient Kamasu:
Posz Perspective: The Orient Kamasu series was introduced in 2019 as a successor to the popular Mako and Ray dive watch lines. Named after the Japanese word for barracuda, the Kamasu features a more refined design with sharper, tooth-like hour markers that inspired its nickname. The series offers significant upgrades over its predecessors, including a sapphire crystal, improved bezel action, and Orient’s in-house F6922 automatic movement with hacking and hand-winding capabilities. Available in various dial colors, including striking gradients, the Kamasu quickly gained popularity among watch enthusiasts for its excellent value proposition, combining robust build quality and attractive design at an affordable price point. In 2021, Orient released the Kamasu II, which maintained the core features of the original while introducing new dial designs and subtle refinements to the case finishing.
Posz Perspective: The Citizen Promaster Diver series has its roots in the 1980s when Citizen introduced the Promaster line as a collection of professional-grade sports watches. The Promaster Diver models are known for their robust construction, high water resistance (typically 200m or more), and innovative features like Citizen’s Eco-Drive solar-powered technology. Over the years, the series has expanded to include a variety of styles, from classic dive watch designs to more modern interpretations, all while maintaining a focus on functionality and durability. In 2023, Citizen introduced a smaller 37mm version of the Promaster Diver, responding to market demand for more compact dive watches. Throughout its history, the Promaster Diver series has been praised for offering excellent value, combining professional-grade specifications with Citizen’s reputation for reliability and affordability.
10) Hamilton Khaki Field:
Posz Perspective: The Hamilton Khaki Field series has its roots in the military watches Hamilton produced during World War II, establishing a legacy of durability and precision. The modern Khaki Field collection was introduced in the 1980s, drawing inspiration from these historic timepieces while incorporating contemporary watchmaking technologies. Over the years, the series has expanded to include various models, from hand-wound mechanical versions to automatic and quartz variants, all maintaining the core design elements of legibility and ruggedness associated with field watches. The Khaki Field has become one of Hamilton’s most popular and recognizable lines, appreciated for its versatile style that bridges military heritage with everyday wearability. In recent years, Hamilton has continued to evolve the series, introducing new materials, sizes, and movements while staying true to the original field watch ethos.
11) Christopher Ward C63:
Posz Perspective: The Christopher Ward C63 series, introduced in 2021, is a versatile collection of sports watches designed to bridge the gap between dress and tool watches. The series includes models like the C63 Sealander Automatic, C63 Sealander GMT, and C63 Sealander Elite, all featuring Christopher Ward’s signature “light-catcher” case design in a more compact 39mm size. The C63 line represents Christopher Ward’s evolution in design and brand identity, offering high-quality watches with Swiss movements at competitive price points. Notable features across the series include water resistance up to 150m, sapphire crystals, and a range of dial options, with the Elite model even featuring a unique retractable crown. Since its launch, the C63 series has gained popularity among watch enthusiasts for its blend of versatility, quality, and value, cementing Christopher Ward’s position as a respected player in the affordable luxury watch market.
12) Christopher Ward C65:
Posz Perspective: The Christopher Ward C65 series was introduced in 2017 as a vintage-inspired collection that pays homage to classic dive watches of the 1960s. The series combines retro aesthetics with modern watchmaking techniques, featuring slim cases, domed crystals, and a variety of dial options. Over the years, the C65 line has expanded to include different models such as the Trident, Dartmouth, and Sandhurst, each offering unique design elements while maintaining the core vintage appeal. In 2021, Christopher Ward introduced bronze versions of some C65 models, adding a new dimension to the series with their ability to develop a unique patina over time. The C65 series has gained popularity among watch enthusiasts for its blend of vintage charm, modern reliability, and excellent value proposition, cementing Christopher Ward’s reputation as a brand that offers high-quality watches at competitive prices.
13) Certina DS Series:
Posz Perspective: The Certina DS (Double Security) series was introduced in 1959 as a groundbreaking line of exceptionally durable watches. The DS concept featured a unique floating movement system where the movement was suspended within a shock-absorbing ring inside the case, providing superior protection against shocks and water. Initially launched with the DS Automatic model, the DS line quickly expanded to include various styles like dive watches, chronographs, and dress watches, all incorporating the innovative DS system. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Certina DS watches gained a reputation for their robustness, accompanying mountaineers on Himalayan expeditions and divers on deep-sea explorations. Today, while the technology has evolved, Certina continues to use the DS concept in many of its modern watches, maintaining the legacy of durability and reliability established over 60 years ago.
14) Bulova Lunar Pilot:
Posz Perspective: The Bulova Lunar Pilot series has its origins in the Apollo 15 mission of 1971, when astronaut David Scott wore a prototype Bulova chronograph on the moon’s surface after his NASA-issued Omega Speedmaster malfunctioned. This original watch was sold at auction in 2015 for $1.625 million, which prompted Bulova to reissue the Lunar Pilot as a modern collection in the same year. The reissued Lunar Pilot features a design inspired by the original prototype, but with modern updates like a high-precision quartz movement that beats at 262 kHz, offering accuracy to within seconds per year. Over the years, Bulova has expanded the Lunar Pilot line to include various finishes and sizes, including a 43.5mm version introduced in 2023 alongside the original 45mm model. The Lunar Pilot series has gained popularity among watch enthusiasts for its space exploration heritage, precision timekeeping, and its position as an affordable alternative to other “moon watches” on the market.
15) Yema Flygraf Flieger French Air Force:
Posz Perspective: The Yema Flygraf Flieger French Air Force series is a modern interpretation of the pilot watches Yema produced for the French Air Force in the 1970s. Introduced in 2020, the Flygraf Pilot collection combines elements of classic flieger watches with Yema’s distinctive design language, featuring a 39mm case with prominent crown guards and a water resistance of 300 meters. The series is available in two main versions: the M1 with a black matte dial and the M2 with a gray matte dial, both featuring a vertically brushed surface and high legibility typical of pilot watches. Powered by Yema’s in-house caliber MBP1000 (later renamed YEMA2000), these watches offer a blend of French watchmaking heritage and modern reliability. The Flygraf Pilot series has gained popularity among watch enthusiasts for its unique design, robust construction, and connection to French aviation history.
16) Baltic Aquascaphe Classic:
Posz Perspective: The Baltic Aquascaphe Classic series was introduced as a vintage-inspired dive watch collection, drawing design cues from mid-century skin divers. Launched by the French watchmaker Baltic, the brand was founded in 2017, the Aquascaphe quickly gained attention for its meticulous design and affordability, making it a standout in the microbrand watch market. The series features a 39mm case, a domed sapphire crystal, and a reliable Miyota 9039 automatic movement, offering both hacking and hand-winding capabilities. Known for its minimalist yet bold aesthetics, the Aquascaphe is available in several dial variations, including blue gilt, black cream, and black silver, each with unique textures and finishes. The series has been praised for its quality construction, vintage charm, and the thoughtful inclusion of features like a lumed sapphire bezel and 200 meters of water resistance, making it a favorite among dive watch enthusiasts.
17) Baltic Hermétique:
Posz Perspective: The Baltic Hermétique series, introduced in 2023, marks the brand’s foray into the field watch category, known for its adventure-ready design and vintage-inspired aesthetics. The Hermétique Tourer model is characterized by its 37mm stainless steel case, 150 meters of water resistance, and a domed sapphire crystal, making it a versatile choice for everyday wear and exploration. The series draws inspiration from classic field watches but incorporates modern elements such as a robust Miyota 9039 automatic movement and distinctive dial designs in colors like green, blue, beige, and brown. The Hermétique’s dial features solid lume blocks for enhanced legibility, and the watch is available with various strap options, including a tropic rubber strap and steel bracelets. Baltic’s Hermétique series has been well-received for its blend of vintage charm, practicality, and affordability, reflecting the brand’s commitment to delivering quality timepieces with a nod to historical watchmaking. This is one of my personal favorites among entry level watches.
18) Baltic MR:
Posz Perspective: The Baltic MR series, specifically the MR Roulette, is a continuation of Baltic’s exploration into micro-rotor dress watches, following the successful MR-01 launched in 2021. The “MR” stands for “micro-rotor,” a feature that allows for a slimmer case profile, and the series is characterized by its 36mm stainless steel case with a vertically brushed bezel and drilled lug holes. The MR Roulette introduces a new dial design inspired by roulette wheels, with a grained main dial and brushed hour and minute tracks, available in colors like black, silver, salmon, and blue. Powered by the Hangzhou CAL5000a micro-rotor movement, it offers a 42-hour power reserve and features a unique sub-seconds dial at 7:30 with circular guilloché. The MR series has been praised for its vintage-inspired aesthetics, accessible pricing, and the distinctive use of micro-rotor technology, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts seeking a stylish yet affordable dress watch. This is a great option for entry level watches, especially entry level dress watches.
19) Zodiac Olympos:
Posz Perspective: The Zodiac Olympos series, originally launched in 1961, is renowned for its distinctive “manta ray” case shape, which set it apart from traditional watch designs of the time. This unique silhouette, combined with its elegant dress watch aesthetics, has made the Olympos a standout in Zodiac’s lineup. Over the years, the series has seen various iterations, including models with “mystery dials” and military-style dials, reflecting Zodiac’s commitment to blending vintage charm with modern functionality.
20) Astor+banks: Fortitude Prime ($675-$695)
Posz Perspective: The Astor+Banks Fortitude Pro collection offers a compelling blend of versatility and refinement in a well-proportioned 38.5mm case, making it an excellent choice for watch enthusiasts looking to start their collection. With its slim profile, 200m water resistance, and scratch-resistant coating, the Fortitude Pro strikes a balance between everyday wearability and durability. The watch impresses with its exceptional case finish, featuring crisp brushing and sharp polished chamfers, along with a comfortable Y-link bracelet that enhances the overall wearing experience. While the lack of a quick-adjust clasp mechanism is a minor drawback, the Fortitude Pro more than makes up for it with its regulated Miyota 9015 movement, offering improved accuracy over stock specifications. Available in a variety of attractive dial colors, including a limited edition Viva Magenta variant, the Astor+Banks Fortitude Pro represents a strong value proposition at $675 USD, making it a worthy contender in the sub-$1000 watch category
21) Spinnaker Braden:
Posz Perspective: Spinnaker Braden series is part of Spinnaker’s lineup of dive watches, known for their vintage-inspired designs and affordability. The series features robust construction with water resistance typically around 200 meters, making them suitable for diving and other water activities. Spinnaker watches, including the Braden series, often incorporate automatic movements, such as the reliable Seiko NH35, and feature design elements like luminescent markers and rotating bezels. The Braden series, like other Spinnaker models, is popular among watch enthusiasts for offering a combination of style, functionality, and value. This is a great choice for entry level watches
22) Spinnaker Croft:
Posz Perspective: The Spinnaker Croft series is a line of dive watches inspired by the achievements of Robert Croft, a US Navy diver who became the first person to free dive to a depth of 200 feet in 1967. Launched by Spinnaker, the Croft series combines vintage design elements with modern watchmaking features, offering a robust and stylish option for dive watch enthusiasts. The watches typically feature a 43mm stainless steel case, a unidirectional dive bezel with a lume pearl, and a sapphire crystal with a cyclops magnifier over the date. Powered by reliable Japanese automatic movements, such as the Miyota 8218, the Croft series provides a 150-meter water resistance, making it suitable for various aquatic activities. The series is available in multiple colorways, including black, blue, green, and brown, each with a fumée dial and luminescent markers, appealing to those who appreciate both functionality and aesthetic appeal in a dive watch.
23) Spinnaker Dumas:
Posz Perspective: The Spinnaker Dumas series is a collection of dive watches named after Frédéric Dumas, a renowned diver and collaborator with Jacques Cousteau. Launched as a tribute to Dumas’s contributions to diving, the series features a distinctive octagonal case design reminiscent of vintage 1970s dive watches. The Dumas watches are powered by reliable automatic movements, such as the Seiko NH35, and offer robust features like a 300-meter water resistance, lumed dials, and a unidirectional bezel, making them suitable for serious diving activities. The series includes variations like the Dumas GMT, which incorporates the Seiko NH34 GMT movement, adding functionality for world travelers. Known for their bold design and affordability, the Dumas watches have gained popularity among watch enthusiasts who appreciate retro-inspired aesthetics combined with modern engineering
24) Timex Marlin:
Posz Perspective: The Timex Marlin series was first introduced in the 1960s as part of Timex’s lineup of durable and affordable watches, gaining popularity for its simple, elegant design and reliable performance. The original Marlin models were characterized by their water-resistant cases and hand-wound movements, appealing to those seeking a stylish yet practical timepiece. In 2017, Timex reissued the Marlin as a vintage-inspired mechanical watch, staying true to the original’s 34mm case size and aesthetic, while incorporating a hand-wound movement. This reissue marked Timex’s return to mechanical watchmaking after a 35-year hiatus and quickly gained popularity among watch enthusiasts for its affordable price point and retro charm. Since its successful relaunch, Timex has expanded the Marlin line to include various dial colors, automatic movements, and even collaborations with designers like Todd Snyder. The Marlin series continues to be a cornerstone of Timex’s offerings, bridging the gap between vintage appeal and modern affordability. The Timex Marlin is a classic choice among entry level watches.
25) Laco Augsburg/ Aachen Grun:
Posz Perspective: The Laco Augsburg and Aachen Grün series are part of Laco’s line of pilot watches, known for their classic Flieger design and functionality. In 2024, Laco introduced these limited edition versions of their popular Basic Pilot watches, featuring distinctive matte dark green dials that depart from the traditional anti-reflective black dials designed for cockpit use. The Augsburg model features a Type A dial layout with large hour numerals, while the Aachen has a Type B dial with minutes on the outer ring, providing a slightly more technical appearance. Both models come in 42mm stainless steel cases with a mix of brushed and polished surfaces, including a polished bezel that distinguishes them from earlier versions. Limited to 250 pieces each, these watches are powered by automatic movements based on the Miyota 82S0, with an option to upgrade to a movement with a longer power reserve. The Augsburg and Aachen Grün editions represent Laco’s effort to create more versatile and stylish interpretations of their classic pilot watches, appealing to a broader audience beyond traditional aviation enthusiasts especially those looking for entry level watches.
Think Before You Begin Your Watch Collection!!
Before you start your watch collection, make sure you have the perfect watch box or roll to help protect your timepieces. Perhaps you need a brief overview of how one finds the correct watch storage solution. Regardless of where you are in your collecting journey Posz Perspectives has you covered!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this starter guide of 25 entry level watches serves as an invaluable resource for anyone looking to embark on their watch-collecting journey. By providing a curated selection of diverse timepieces, the guide helps collectors understand the nuances of different styles, brands, and movements, ensuring they make informed choices. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of balancing quality and affordability, allowing new collectors to build a versatile and meaningful collection without breaking the bank. With insights into the history behind each watch, this guide fosters a deeper appreciation for horology. Ultimately, whether you’re a novice or simply looking to refine your collection, this guide is designed to inspire and empower your passion for watches.
Happy Collecting!
