Luxury watches are renowned for being fairly expensive. Acquiring a timepiece from the likes Rolex, Omega, Breitling and TAG Heuer is typically associated with the parting of thousands and thousands of dollars. So we took it upon ourselves to find some of the most affordable watches from some of the best entry level luxury watch brands. Enjoy!
Raymond Weil Freelancer
One of the reigning kings of the entry level luxury watch market, Raymond Weil has an assortment of automatic watches that work really well to balance affordability with quality. The illustrious Freelancer is no exception and is perhaps the brand's most telling piece. This particular reference is a solid all-rounder diver's watch that is both wallet-friendly and super versatile.
Maurice Lacroix Pontos
Another brand that defines this particular segment of the market, albeit on the more expensive side of things, Maurice Lacroix has a broad spectrum of timepieces that cater for a range of budgets and tastes. The Pontos is one of the brand's newer pieces, combining a free-flowing aesthetic with some vintage inspiration in a package that is cool, relevant and wearable.
Oris Aquis Date
Oris is virtually synonymous with affordability, practicality and quality. And the Aquis is perhaps the best example of that. Yes, Oris has been making moves in the technical department, especially with the Big Crown ProPilot X, but for those of us looking for something a little more approachable, the Aquis is a no-brainer.
Longines Heritage 180th Anniversary Chronograph
Longines' Heritage collection sums up everything that I admire in the category of entry level luxury watches. Well made, well designed and true to the foundational elements of the watchmaker, Longines' Heritage is ticking all of my boxes right now. And the Heritage 180th Anniversary Chronograph is no exception to that. Featuring a monopusher chronograph and gorgeous vintage-inspired aesthetic, the Heritage 180th Anniversary Chronograph may be the most expensive piece here, but it also represents tremendous value.
Rado True Skeleton
Rado is the renowned kings of using obscure materials for its watchmaking. The True Skeleton, clad in grey ceramic with a skeletonised dial is, in a word, striking. This is indeed a watch for those of you that want to walk the unbeaten path of watch collecting, but it's also one that you're going to find dfficult to compare to, especially so in the entry level luxury watch market.
Baume et Mercier Clifton
Not much else compares to a well executed, restrained and sophisticated time-only watch. Dressy, classical yet contemporary, the Clifton treds the fine line between old-school heritage and new-school demands and it does so exceedingly well.
Frederique Constant Classic Index Automatic
Frederique Constant reigns supreme in the category of affordable classical dress pieces in the entry level luxury watch space. And the Classic Index Automatic is a great example of just how far a watchmaker can push it without breaking the bank. Like the Baume et Mercier Clifton, The Classic Index Automatic blends classicism with modern design and proportions to create a package that is absolutely outstanding. Considering the price you would otherwise pay for a timepiece that looks as good as this from one of the bigger brands and you've got yourself a bona fide bargain.
Tissot PRS 516 Automatic
With Tissot we are spoilt for choice. From the sub-$200 mark all the way up to deep in four-figure territory, Tissot has amazing offerings. The one we chose is the PRS 516 Automatic. Also available in a Quartz variation, I couldn't believe my eyes when I came across this mechanical version. Sporty, subtle and soundly executed, the PRS 516 Automatic's price tag is just like the proverbial cherry on top to give you that extra little push you need to get it.
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