10 Best Affordable Watches Under $1000 in 2024

Let’s be honest a budget of $1000 does already offer you a list of impressive watches. There are a lot of watches that cost only hundreds of dollars and a timepiece worth $1000 is still considered a big purchase, especially if that is the first buy. Yet, you might still question whether watches under $1000 would do any good for the wearer. Below, I’ve curated some of the best watches under $1000 worth of a collection.

1. Dievas Marine 500

My first recommendation for watches under $1000 is the Dievas Marine 500. Known for its watch’s striking appearance, Dievas-made watches always keep their classic look while giving some updates on the collection.

It is resilient as it is effective. Boasting 500m of water resistance as well as scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, it is an affordable multi-purpose timepiece that would do well either for a daily or professional watch. Powered by ETA’s automatic caliber, ETA2824-2, the watch allows for 40 hours of power reserve. Everything about The Marine 500 is a legit package you can have at a modest price.

Dievas Marine 500: $780.00 USD

2. Citizen Automatic Black Ref. NB1050-59E 

Aside from the popular solar watches, Citizen also manufactures a seamless watch that strikes a perfect balance between being a dress watch and an adventurous everyday watch. The Automatic Black Ref. NB1050-59E possesses what you call a delicate beauty with impressive design, dimensions, and execution. 

The automatic watch is driven by the in-house Citizen caliber 9011 automatic movements allowing for a healthy 42 hours of power reserve. You can barely enjoy the working engine through the screw-in exhibition display caseback. It is a delightful sight to observe the movement, in all its glory, beautifully decorated with a semi-skeletonized rotor and additional Côtes de Genève finishes.

Citizen Automatic Black Ref. NB1050-59E: $580.00 USD

3. Seiko Presage “Urushi” Pwr Rsv Ref. SARW013

Manufactured by Seiko, the Presage collection is one of its leading mechanical timepieces that comprise the line of the caliber 4R, 6R, and 8R. The Presage “Urushi” Pwr Rsv Ref. SARW013 features a black vitreous lacquered dial combined with a gold accent handset and date frame. The harmonious combination allows a bolder style of “black and gold”.

Measured in delicate dimensions, the watch is a good fit with 40.5mm in diameter. The highlight of the watch is definitely the Urushi, which is a Japanese lacquer that is similar to enamel finishing with unrivaled longevity. For a little over $800, you get the assurance stainless steel case and anti-coating sapphire crystal, materials often found on high-end luxurious watch. And, a 45-hour power reserve to boot! Seiko Presage “Urushi” performs beyond its price range.

Seiko Presage “Urushi” Pwr Rsv Ref. SARW013: $835.00 USD 

Read also: The Reputable Holy Trinity Watches in the World of Horology

4. Steinhart Ocean 1 GMT Black/Red Ceramic 2

One of the latest Steinhart-made watch, the Ocean 1 GMT Black Ceramic that sets to amaze with improved features. Simple and elegant, it is made to the highest Swiss standards. The first upgrade can be seen through its classic diver bezel and is known for a “coke” bezel among the watch community — thanks to its colors.

The bezel is now equipped with numbers and markers that are all engraved to give it depth. Steinhart also gives deep and clean knurling on the side of the bezel. That features allows the wearer for easier grip and bezel operation. As a diving watch, it features advanced basic equipment, such as 300m water resistance, 120 clicks bezel, sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating, and SuperLuminova luminosity. 

Steinhart Ocean 1 GMT Black/Red Ceramic 2: $680.00 USD

5. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Earth Brown 38

The Khaki Field Mechanical Earth Brown 38 by Hamilton is a good fit for field watches. This Hamilton’s evergreen collection is a rugged and tough timepiece with a design inspired by military watches. 

The watch presents as a vintage piece with modern technology. The stainless steel case is done in unique ‘Earth’ colored PVD case coating. When it comes to the practicality timepiece at an affordable price, you might just watch to grab this watch. It can run for 80 hours on a single winding. Couples that with ETA movement and low beat rate, this watch is resilient and durable. The Khaki Field Mechanical nails it through and through, this allows the wearer to swap in and out for the enjoyment of pairing a new strap.

Khaki Field Mechanical Earth Brown 38: $510.00 USD

6. Squale 20 ATMOS Black Ceramic – 1545 – SEL Bracelet

The 20 ATMOS is one of Squale’s most sought-after diving watch. It features a lustrous black 120-click diving ceramic bezel, a highly-complex process with the highest quality standard. That feature makes it an accurate and high-quality dive watch under $1000. 

Moving on to the engine that drives the watch, the ETA 2824-2 / Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement features hand-winding and hacking capabilities. Its stainless case and saphire crystal made it resistant to scratch and impacts. Finished that with 200m water res. As one of the best watches under $1000, Squale has done much for an all-around watch. 

20 ATMOS Black: $610.00 USD

Read also: 5 Best Women’s Watches Under $1000: A Simple Beauty

7. Evant Polestar Terra Green – Ltd Production

Manufactured by Evant watch, the Polestar Terra Green is one of their much-anticipated collection which seamlessly fuses modern designs with vintage touches. The simplicity of the Polestar Terra Green can be easily spotted on its watch dial, a dazzling green dial that pays homage to the ocean.

Its 38 hours power reserve left much to be desired, though. However, its Elaboré movement, coupled with 25 jewels, lend itself a most luxurious touch. The watch has a 39.5mm diameter and a lug-to-lug length of 49.5mm, delicately crafted to hold the cutting-edge design for a comfortable fit on most wrist sizes. In brief, this timepiece holds a great luxury oand comfort with a little above $500.

Polestar Terra Green: $569.00 USD 

8. Orient Star Avant-Garde Skeleton Blackout Ref. RK-AV0A03B

Allow me to present you the Avant-Garde Skeleton Blackout, a striking-bold-looking watch that resembles a sports watch. The openwork watchmaking is no stranger to Orient watch manufacturer which had released its first-ever semi-skeleton watch. They proudly showcase the intricate movements through their openwork dial design.

At the heart of the watch is in-house caliber F6F44, an exclusive automatic movement that is only used in Orient timepieces. It beats at 21,600bph and allows for a 50-hour power reserve. After all, this timepiece is a reliable and durable watch, with a remarkable design, and a robust timepiece that can be expected from the Japanese watchmaking industry.

Avant-Garde Skeleton Blackout : $970.00 USD

9. Bulova Lunar Pilot

While it’s been widely known about Omega Speedmaster was involved in the Apollo mission, few know that the Bulova prototype was also worn during the mission of Apollo 15 in 1972. Therefore, in honor of Bulova’s heritage, they make a reissue of the watch, the Bulova Lunar Pilot.

Everything about the watch is just as good as you can expect. It brings the vintage into a modern charm with improved watch performance. The watch is driven by quartz movement offering a high accuracy you can have for watches under $1000.

Price: $440++ USD

10. Tissot Gentleman PRX Powermatic 80

This Tissot watch edition definitely offers a high-value timepiece at a cost-efficient price. It is powered by the high-tech ETA caliber, ETA 2824 but modified for giving better performance and easier industrial production. As a reliable movement, the watch can last for up to 80 hours and has impressive magnetic resistance. 

Talking about the watch’s appearance, the watch perpetuates a retro vibe while also looking modern and elegant. This timepiece is introduced in three dial colors, blue, white, and black. For a clean and crisp watch look, you can go by choosing one of the three.

Price: $600

Conclusion

Wristwatches did indeed need you to spend much money on your savings for one buy of a timepiece. However, the modern watchmaking industry has opened new possibilities for more affordable timepieces, especially for newcomers. Watches under $1000 might not seem like a lot of numbers as many luxury watches are introduced for millions of dollars. 

Yet, the watchmakers still provide a good watch design and complication for a range of budgets. Although price tells about quality, a watch under $1000 is still worth a collection with a range of impressive features to adore. So, which one is your pick?

You might also like: 9 Best Outdoor Watches for the Bold and Adventurous Soul