Watch collecting can be an expensive hobby, and just check out the picks in T3's best watch guide and ludicrous best watches to invest in right now guide if you don't believe me. There are prices in there that would make an oil baron's eyes water.
However, not many people are aware that it doesn't have to be like that. You'd be surprised what you can get for under £1000, even if you're after that premium look with the not so premium price tag. With loads of options from smaller firms like Brew and Christopher Ward, there are some excellent affordable watches out there, and I'm here to show you the best.
If you're after more budget timepieces, check out our favourite watches under £300.
Best watches under £1000 ranking
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Available in stainless steel or lightweight titanium, this stellar option from Christopher Ward fits perfectly into the sport/dress category, and is intended to complement just about any outfit on any occasion. It's available in six dial colours and two types of movement, and its bezel is a dodecagon (just in case you're wondering where the name comes from).
Okay, there is a slight variation when it comes to price. The stainless steel watch is priced at £1,050 on a bracelet or £850 on a rubber strap, whilst the titanium model is £1,595 on a matching bracelet and £1,225 with a rubber strap. However, you'd be able to cop at least a few options under the £1000 mark, and that sounds pretty good to us.
Resistant to water, drastic temperature changes, shocks and eight tons of pressure, the Victorinox I.N.O.X. is a force to reckoned with. Whether you're in the office or on top of a mountain, it looks as good as it performs, meaning it's perfect to be worn anywhere, anytime. Talk about versatility, right?
Our favourite model features a genuine American paracord strap, which is hand-woven and also allegedly serves as a versatile survival tool.
With military-inspired features, this Hamilton Khaki Field Auto Watch is reliable, functional and resilient. It's presented on a black leather strap with white stitching, and features a 38mm stainless steel case with a polished bezel. Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the black dial that's enhanced by Arabic numeral hour markers and a date window at 3 o'clock.
Hamilton is a historic name when it comes to watchmaking, and this Khaki field watch is probably its most iconic design. It's undoubtedly a classic, and we absolutely love it.
Automatic dive watches with a design similar to those by Tudor, Omega and Rolex usually command a high price, but that's not the case here. The Tissot Seastar 1000 can be had for around £600, believe it or not.
For that, you get a 43mm stainless steel case with a matching strap and unidirectional rotating bezel. The Swiss-made watch has an automatic self-winding mechanical movement with a date complication at six o’clock. With its classic dive watch design, this is a must-have timepiece for any collection.
We think the Certina DS Action GMT Automatic, with its separate 24-hour indicator, lightweight, and high durability, is the ideal companion for your travels.
The case of the DS Action GMT measures 43mm and is made from black PVD-coated stainless steel, and it houses an automatic Powermatic 80 calibre with a long power reserve of 80 hours.
Best affordable watch brands
Wondering what are the best brands to invest your £1000 in? Check out this selection below:
Where to buy watches under £1000
These are the best places to buy watches under £1000:
What to look for when buying the best watches under £1000
If you need a little help deciding what watch to buy, here are a few things to consider:
- Ask yourself what you want a watch for. If it's to wear on the weekends then you might want a sporty tool watch, like a diver or chronograph, or, if it's to wear at formal work events, then you'll want a classy dress watch.
- Fashion brands like Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, and Michael Kors can make attractive watches, but if you're serious about watchmaking, there are higher-quality pieces out there which offer better value for money…
- … on the other hand, if you're not too bothered about traditional watch brands, and are more interested in how a watch looks, then buy that Daniel Wellington watch and wear it proudly.
- If you're planning to wear a watch swimming or around water, you'll need a watch with around 10ATM (100 metres) of water resistance. 3ATM is splash resistant, but probably wouldn't survive a quick shower. If you plan on diving, then you'll want a watch with 20ATM+ water resistance.
- If your current budget is £1,000, but the watch you really want is £1,500, then keep saving, don't just buy a watch for £1,000 because that's all you can afford now.
- Think about what size watch looks good on your wrist.
- Choose between a watch with an automatic movement, hand-wound movement, or quartz movement using information in the section below…
Automatic vs Hand-wound vs Quartz
If you're buying your first watch, you may not know whether you want one with an automatic movement, hand-wound movement, or quartz movement. Here's a quick description of the different types of movement below:
Automatic: powered by the movement of your body
Hand-wound: requires regular winding of the watch crown
Quartz: battery-powered
When it comes to buying a watch, you've got to ask what movement is best for your needs.
Quartz movements are generally reliable and accurate. They don't need to be worn or wound regularly, meaning you can put your watch down, then pick it up again a month later and it'll still show the right time (as long as the battery hasn't died). If you're not too bothered about the craftsmanship of watchmaking, then this could be for you, especially as they're generally more affordable than mechanical watches (with some exceptions).
If you do prefer the art of mechanical watchmaking, and want to feel more of a connection with your watch, then you'll want either an automatic or hand-wound piece.
Automatic watches are powered by the movement of your arm, which means if you wear your watch regularly then it won't need to be wound. However, if you don't wear it for a few days, it will stop and you'll need to set the time when you next go to wear it. These are generally preferred over hand-wound watches, which need regular winding to keep going.
Hound-wound watches are usually smaller than automatic watches and less expensive.