Best Luxury Watches Under $5,000
Watches can come in at all different price points, from a $10 quartz to a $1,000,000+ Grand Complications. Luxury watches under $5,000 is a great spot to start for new collectors just starting to navigate the world of watches. This price point offers many things that watches under $1,000 may not always offer. Of course, what you end up wearing on your wrist all comes down to personal style and the features you are looking for. Watches under $5,000 can offer a wide variety of features, including different movement qualities, complications, metals, and luxury brand name. Here’s a breakdown of our top watch recommendations under $5,000:
Key Takeaways
>Luxury pre-owned watches under $5,000 are a great starting point for new collectors.
>While cost-friendly, watches at this price point are still available in a variety of functions, complications, and styles.
>There are at least 10 top luxury watches under $5,000 from impressive brands including Grand Seiko, Rolex, Tudor, and Omega.
>It’s more challenging to find a great luxury watch under $1,000, but there are some options available like the Seiko Sportura GPS Solar and Oris Artix Date.
In this article, we review these top watch recommendations under $5,000:
> Breitling Transocean Chronograph
> Grand Seiko Heritage Spring Drive Soko Special Edition
> Nomos Glashutte Autobahn Neomatik 41 Date Midnight Blue
> TAG Heuer Calibre 16 Chronograph
> Bonus: 3 Best Watches Under $1,000
Our Top Watches Under $5,000
There is a mix of brands and models in the under $5,000 price point for watches. These are 10 of our current favorite mens watches under $5,000, in no particular order. This list can continue to grow as there are quite a few brands and models and it can be hard to narrow it to just 10.
1. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date
A brand that can be hard to find in the sub-$5,000 price point, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date is a classic design from the luxury watch brand. The Oyster Perpetual is known for being water-resistant and a utility watch. The blue dial of this model makes it both casual and dressy.
The three-link Oyster bracelet is a comfortable design and one synonymous with Rolex. The sporty-yet-dressy watch makes this a perfect starter watch, or something that works for a “one-watch” collection. It has a 100m water resistance and can be worth casually or more dressed up. It is a perfect “do-all” watch in the under $5,000 market.
Current Pre-Owned Pricing: $3,450 and up
2. Omega Speedmaster
Rounding out our list is another Omega, this time being the Speedmaster. While there are a few different options that can be found under $5,000, one, in particular, stands out as a must-have in this price point. The Moonwatch is the watch able to boast the title “first watch on the moon.” and was first introduced in 1957 with the broad arrow reference.
This model features a 42mm case and includes the distinction of “Professional” on the dial. The look of the Speedmaster professional has been largely unchanged over the last 50 years and features a black dial with Hesalite crystal. The Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is an iconic watch that new and seasoned collectors lust after and is NASA approved.
Current Pre-Owned Pricing: $3,950 and up
Shop Pre-Owned Omega Speedmaster
The Tudor Black Bay Bronze is another unique watch under $5,000, and within the Black Bay family there are a few different options within this price point. The collection was launched in 2012 as a modern update to the Tudor Submariner design. The Bronze iteration is the first time Tudor made a dive watch with solid bronze. The model features a 200m water resistance and can be found with different strap, and dial/bezel combinations.
Being a 43mm bronze watch, this model has some major wrist presence. Similar to the bronze Oris we started this list with, the bronze case of this watch will patina over time, especially if worn in the water. The large luminous Arabic numerals, dot hour markers, and large hour and minute hands also make this an easy read in the dark, or when diving.
Current Pre-Owned Pricing: $4,150
SHOP THIS WATCH: Pre-Owned Tudor Black Bay Bronze
4. IWC Pilot’s Spitfire
IWC is known for it’s high quality pilot watches, and this bronze Pilot’s Spitfire is no exception. This 39mm automatic watch features a unique color scheme. The bronze case is complemented by a brown leather strap and green dial, also giving it a military feel. The crown is slightly oversized, although not as large as other IWC models. The case back is an homage to the original Spitfire as an engraving of the plane design.
Current Pre-Owned Pricing: $4,750
Shop Authorized IWC Pilot’s Watches
5. Omega Seamaster Diver 300
The Seamaster Diver 300 is a watch that needs no introduction and is also the model that James Bond wore in the early 1990s. It is a well-known model from the iconic brand Omega. Similar to other watches on our list, the Seamaster Diver can be found in a few different variations of dial colors and complications, all under $5,000. This includes the newer released blue ceramic bezel with laser-engraved wave dial, the Diver 300 Chronograph, and older versions of the classic diver.
Depending on the model, you can find different case sizes, but most have two distinct features, the wave dial and helium release valve. The model boasts a 300m water resistance even in the chronograph variation. The 5-link bracelet is both sturdy and comfortable and features a diving extension. Depending on the model, the watch can also be found on a rubber strap.
Current Pre-Owned Pricing: $4,750
SHOP PRE-OWNED OMEGA SEAMASTER
6. Breitling Transocean Chronograph
Breitling has a long-standing history in watchmaking, in particular, the brand has become well known for superior pilot watches. The original Transocean was released in 1958, and the family was revived in 2010 featuring a vintage design influence. The 43mm case is a modern update to the classic design. The watch is also powered by the B01 in-house automatic movement with a 70-hour power reserve.
The Transocean Chronograph is an easy to read tri-register chronograph with contrasted dial. The B01 movement powering this watch is also C.O.S.C certified, providing an extra layer of reliability in an affordable timepiece.
Current Pre-Owned Pricing: $3,450 and up
SHOP PRE-OWNED BREITLING TRANSOCEAN
7. Grand Seiko Heritage Spring Drive Soko Special Edition
For a classic approach to a dress watch and iconic Grand Seiko model, the SBGA427 features a contrasting green second and power reserve hand. This special edition watch was released as part of a collection inspired by the seasons and was for the US Grand Seiko market. The SBGA427 reference is inspired by the late autumn season in Japan’s bamboo forests, with a play of light and shadow on the dial texture. The green accents represent the color of these forests.
The Spring Drive movement utilizes a speed control mechanism, blending quartz with automatic watch features. This allows the watch to deliver next-level precision and keep accurate time. You can see the movement through the exhibition caseback.
Current Pre-Owned Pricing: $4,950
SHOP THIS WATCH: Grand Seiko Heritage Spring Drive Soko Edition
8. Oris Big Crown Pointer Date
Oris has been making watches since 1904 and the brand only makes mechanical watches. An icon in the collection is the Big Crown Pointer Date. The model blends sport and traditional qualities while also referencing their vintage models and takes design cues from classic pilot’s watches.
The Big Crown Pointer Date can be found in a variety of metals, dial colors, and straps, including the 80th-anniversary edition, which features a bronze case and green dial with a brown leather strap. The bronze case will begin to take on a life of its own as it is worn and begins to age, making it unique to each owner. The date is easily read with the red-tipped hand circulating the dial.
Current Pre-Owned Pricing: $1,400 – $1,700
SHOP: Oris Big Crown Pointer Date
9. Nomos Glashutte Autobahn Neomatik 41 Date Midnight Blue
Next up on our list is a newer model from German watch brand, Nomos Glashütte. Nomos Glashütte is known for its Bauhaus-inspired designs and this model takes inspiration from its namesake, the Autobahn. The dial is inspired by the dash of a car with eight luminous sections arching across the top of the dial, making it easy to read in the dark. The hour hand is also fully lumed.
The date-window found at 6 o’clock is also quite unique, with yesterday, today, and tomorrow showing in a three-lane date window. The caliber DUW 6101 can be seen through the caseback, an in-house movement not always found in watches under $5,000. The Autobahn Neomatik 41 Date can be found in a variety of dial colors, and at the time of writing, they all vary in price under $5,000.
Current Pre-Owned Pricing: $3,950
SHOP THIS WATCH: Nomos Glashutte Autobahn Neomatik
10. Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph
Starting to introduce more complications, while still representing watches under $5,000 is the Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph. As its name states, this watch features a chronograph with a tachymeter scale read on the ceramic bezel. The ceramic is a nice updated feature from other brands using steel or aluminum. The Calibre 16 powering the watch is automatic and has been awarded the C.O.S.C. certificate, being officially chronometer tested and showcasing precision and reliability.
The black dial and silver details make this a high-contrast dial that is easy to read. The sub-seconds at 9 o’clock is easily distinguished from the chronograph hour and minutes. The black alligator strap dresses up this otherwise sporty timepiece.
Current Pre-Owned Pricing: $2,950
SHOP: Authorized Tag Heuer Carrera
Bonus: Best Watches Under $1,000
While the under-$1,000 price point category is harder to find luxury watches—even harder if you’re looking for watches under $100—it doesn’t mean that you can’t find a luxury piece. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Seiko Sportura GPS Solar
Starting off our under $1,000 section is the Seiko Sportura GPS Solar. Seiko is an impressive brand, with a wide range of Japanese-made timepieces, from quartz like this model to higher-end models from Grand Seiko. The GPS Solar can be found on both a stainless steel bracelet or a leather strap. The bracelet version is going to cost slightly more for the metal but is a good-buy as you can always purchase a strap at a later time, and the bracelet can get wet without worry. This 45mm watch has a water resistance of 100m and has a world time and GPS function.
Current Pre-Owned Pricing: $650-850
2. Oris Artix Moon
Oris is an underrated Swiss-made brand with innovative and functional designs. The Oris Artix Moon is a great entry-level model for the brand. It’s dressier than other models, and features a moonphase indicator around the edge of the dial.
This stainless steel watchfeatures an automatic movement. The popular 5-link bracelet is extremely comfortable to wear as each link is able to bend around the wrist. This model is also equipped with an exhibition case back, something unique for this price point of watches.
Current Pre-Owned Pricing: $800
SHOP PRE-OWNED ORIS
3. Raymond Weil Toccata Rectangle
As the model name suggests, this Raymond Weil is rectangular in shape, reminiscent of a JLC Reverso. The watch is quartz which means you won’t have to worry about setting the time, while the date will need to be adjusted. This rectangular watch measures 29mm x 37mm which makes it very wearable on the wrist. The black leather strap has been embossed with an alligator pattern and paired with Roman numerals, the watch becomes a classic dress watch.
Current Pre-Owned Pricing: $700 – $800
No matter your price point, there is a watch to fit your style. The world of watches is vast and this list is just the start of some of the best luxury watches under $5,000. Not quite sure what you’re looking for? Shop the entire collection of under $5,000 luxury watches available at The 1916 Company.
Please note that this list is updated and based on pricing available on the secondary market in February 2022.