Let’s be clear: $2,000 is no small chunk of change. However, it’s not that much in the watch world. Most watches in this price segment would be considered entry-level luxury watches. The good news is, thanks to their great designs and top-level quality, these comparatively inexpensive watches can delight novices and seasoned collectors alike. Here are ten great watches for under $2,000 each.
- Citizen Tsuyosa
- Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
- Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80
- Mido Multifort TV Big Date
- Squale 1521
- TAG Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 5
- Sinn 104
- Nomos Ludwig 38
- Longines Hydroconquest
- Tudor Royal
1. The New All-Rounder: Citizen Tsuyosa
When the Citizen Tsuyosa dropped in 2023, it hit like a tsunami. Boasting a stellar design, remarkable quality, an automatic movement, display case back, and lots of colorful dials to choose from, the newcomer has taken the watch world by storm. Priced at $450, Citizen proves that you don’t have to break the bank to buy a great timepiece.
2. Nearly a Classic: Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
The Tissot PRX is another heartbreaker of a watch. This Genta-Inspired timepiece first debuted in 2021, but it has already become an integral part of the watch world and a budding classic. The watch excels both in design and quality, which makes it a favorite among beginners and more experienced aficionados. The highlight of the watch is undoubtedly the automatic Powermatic 80 caliber and beautiful waffle-patterned dial – you won’t be able to take your eyes off it! The Tissot PRX is available in 35 and 40 mm, and with a wide range of dial colors. The official list price of $725 is yet another appealing characteristic of this timepiece.
PRX not quite what you’re looking for? Check out these great alternatives!
3. The Modern Pick: Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80
As beloved as the PRX may be, the distinctive Genta-esque design isn’t for everyone. Some watch fans prefer to keep things simple. Enter the Tissot Gentleman, a modern take on the PRX that offers pretty much everything the Genta-inspired model does, i.e., lots of dial options, great quality, and the Powermatic 80 moment with an 80-hour power reserve and date function. While the Tissot Gentleman is slightly more expensive than its vintage counterpart at $825, it still represents great value for money.
4. Mido Multifort TV Big Date
Many watch lovers dream of owning a Patek Philippe Nautilus, but it remains out of reach for all but a select few. Luckily, the rest of us can turn to the Mido Multifort TV Big Date, a watch that is strikingly reminiscent of the steel sports legend but with its own unique DNA to boot. While you will find a couple of versions priced south of the $1,000 mark, you’ll have to contend with spending closer to $1,200 for most. The Mido Multifort TV Big Date is the perfect Nautilus alternative in the sub-$2,000 price range.
5. The Diving Expert: Squale 1521
The fact that Squale is so seldom known to experienced watch lovers never ceases to amaze me. After all, this indie manufacturer is completely dedicated to diving watches and has extraordinary expertise in the area. While the Squale brand was officially launched in 1959, founder Charles von Büren had already been making watches under his own names since the late 1940s.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Squale made its cases available to other manufacturers, including DOXA, Sinn, TAG Heuer, and Blancpain. The Squale 1521 could be considered the brand’s icon, with 500 m (1,640 ft) of water resistance and its legendary von Büren case. I personally prefer the version with a white dial. It’s a rare find, but if you can hunt one down, it’s a nice addition to any collection for around $1,400.
6. TAG Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 5
The Formula 1 collection from TAG Heuer receives relatively little attention from the watch world, largely due to the fact that most – but not all – are powered by a quartz movement. The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 5, on the other hand, is a beautifully-designed watch with an automatic movement. I love the gray sunburst dial and plentiful red accents. The color scheme perfectly complements the watch’s sporty character. You can find the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 5 in new condition for around $1,600 on Chrono24.
7. Fan Favorite From Germany: Sinn 104
As a native of Frankfurt, Germany, I can’t help but include a watch from Frankfurt-based Sinn in this top-10 list. The Sinn 104 first debuted in 2013 and has quickly earned itself a reputation as a solid pilot’s watch among fans. The watch is a great size and has a beautiful design, which really stands out in the version with a white dial. This pilot’s watch can be bought for around $1,400 in unworn condition on Chrono24.
8. Bauhaus Made in Glashütte: NOMOS Ludwig 38
Our list of the best watches under $2,000 wouldn’t be complete without an elegant dress watch. The NOMOS Ludwig 38 is a beaut that looks fabulous at special occasions, but also makes a great companion for everyday wear. If you’re looking for a streamlined, charming timepiece to call your own, NOMOS offers numerous options under $2,000. The Ludwig 38 is my personal favorite, but it’s worth shopping around. Expect to pay around $1,900 for an unworn example.
9. The Affordable Diving Icon: Longines HydroConquest
When you think of diving icons, chances are you jump to illustrious names like the Rolex Submariner, Omega Seamaster, and Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. The Longines HydroConquest is significantly cheaper than any of those three legends, but it still earns respect from watch collectors near and far. Longines has continued to improve and refine their flagship model, and the current version is an extremely desirable diver that you can purchase starting around $1,600.
10. A Tudor With Bling: Tudor Royal
Tudor is best known for its sporty diving watches with vintage flair. The Tudor Royal, on the other hand, passes more like a jewelry watch and is vaguely reminiscent of watches like the Rolex Datejust and Day-Date. The polished case and bracelet, the playful bezel, and sunburst dial point to an unusually elegant side of Tudor. And while the official list price is well over $2,500, you can find some fine examples under the $2,000 mark on the secondary market.
If your budget can stretch a bit further, be sure to check out our list of the best watches under $10,000!
