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Dimitri Tsilioris

Best Watches Under $1,000



In this day and age, $1,000 for anything isn't much. As unfortunate a fact as that might be, it really lies smack bang in the middle of reality. But, and you know there is always going to be a but, if you look really hard you will be surprised at what you might just find in this cramped, crowded and altogether confusing space.


From Seiko to Tissot, Hamilton to Ikepod, Frederique Constant to Maurice Lacroix, here are some of the best watches under $1,000.



Enjoy!



Tissot PRX Powermatic 80






  • Brand: Tissot

  • Model: PRX Powermatic 80

  • Reference: T137.207.11.091.00

  • Case: 35mm x 10.90mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 100m

  • Movement: Powermatic 80

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 80 hours


The 35mm green-dial Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is, in my humble opinion, one of the greatest watches under $1,000. Its proportions, its colours, its finishing. It all works together in harmony, and for a watch that costs as much (or should I say as little), as the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80, I think you would be hard pressed to find anything else out there that can compare.


Frederique Constant Classics Index Automatic






  • Brand: Frederique Constan

  • Model: Classics Index Automatic

  • Reference: FC-303NS5B6

  • Case: 40mm x 10.30mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 50m

  • Movement: FC-303

  • Frequency: 38 hours

  • Power Reserve: 4 Hz


From Frederique Constant is the beautiful Classics Index Automatic. Simple, classic and elegant, the Frederique Constant Classics Index Automatic is a wonderful affordable take on traditional Swiss watchmaking less the often heftier price tag that comes with those watches.


Tissot PRS 516 Powermatic 80






  • Brand: Tissot

  • Model: PRS 516 Powermatic 80

  • Reference: T131.430.36.052.00

  • Case: 42mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel (PVD coated)

  • Water Resistance: 100m

  • Movement: Powermatic 80

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 80 hours


Tissot's  PRS 516 Powermatic 80 is a prime example of what you can find in the super crowded sub-$1,000 space. Featuring a PVD coated case and an automatic movement good for 80 hours of power, the Tissot PRS 516 Powermatic 80 is a staple and a proper consideration for a decent watch under $1,000.


Hamilton Khaki Field King Auto






  • Brand: Hamilton

  • Model: Khaki Field King Auto

  • Reference: H64465733

  • Case: 40mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel (PVD coated)

  • Water Resistance: 50m

  • Movement: H-40

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 80 hours


Hamilton's submission onto the list of the greatest watches under $1,000 comes in the form of the brilliant little Khaki Field King Auto. This particular model is encased in a black PVD coating and features fantastic legibility, solid proportions and great appeal throughout.


Ikepod Chronopod Hey Joe






  • Brand: Ikepod

  • Model: Chronopod Hey Joe

  • Reference: C014-SI-LB

  • Case: 42mm x 12.30mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 50m

  • Movement: Quartz

  • Frequency: -

  • Power Reserve: -


Something super random and about as avant garde as you would find in a list of watches under $,1000 is the Ikepod Chronopod Hey Joe. Looking like out of the dystopian future from a 1970s film, the Ikepod Chronopod Hey Joe is a true enigma and holds its own as one of the most absurd yet wholesome watches in this list.


Tissot PR516 Chronograph






  • Brand: Tissot

  • Model: PR516 Chronograph

  • Reference: T149.417.11.051.00

  • Case: 40mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 100m

  • Movement: Quartz

  • Frequency: -

  • Power Reserve: -


A segue into battery-powered watchmaking with the new Tissot PR516 Chronograph. The PR516 Chronograph hold its own as a very interesting watch under the $1,000, particularly because of its very familiar looking colour palette and chronograph sub dial layout. Lot's of watch for not a lot of money.


Seiko Prospex Speedtimer






  • Brand: Seiko

  • Model: Prospex Speedtimer

  • Reference: SSC935P

  • Case: 41.10mm x 13mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 100m

  • Movement: V192 (Solar powered)

  • Frequency: -

  • Power Reserve: 6 months


The solar-powered Seiko Prospex Speedtimer is a rather interesting piece. Utilising any form of light, it boasts a 6-month power reserve and looks the absolute nuts. Not bad for a watch under $1,000.


Raymond Weil Toccata






  • Brand: Raymond Weil

  • Model: Toccata

  • Reference: 5485-STC-00658

  • Case: 39mm x 7.89mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 50m

  • Movement: Quartz

  • Frequency: -

  • Power Reserve: -


Leading the charge for the classical dress watches is the Raymond Weil Toccata. Lovely proportions, a soft monochromatic colour way divvied up by dashes of blue Raymond Weil Toccata is a wonderful watch under $1,000.


Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80






  • Brand: Tissot

  • Model: Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80

  • Reference: T120.407.17.051.00

  • Case: 43mm 12.70mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 300m

  • Movement: Powermatic 80

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 80 hours


The Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 is one of the more hardcore watches under $1,000. It combines exceptional build quality, sound mechanicals and a solid depth rating. All in all, the Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 has a fair amount of bang-for-your-buck value.


Tissot Chemin Des Tourelles Powermatic 80






  • Brand: Tissot

  • Model: Chemin Des Tourelles Powermatic 80

  • Reference: T139.407.16.261.00

  • Case: 42mm x 11.30mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 50m

  • Movement: Powermatic 80

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 80 hours


The Tissot Chemin Des Tourelles Powermatic 80 is a blend of vintage charm with modern technology, solidifying itself as a prime example of what can be bought for less than $1,000. I think you would be hard pressed to find another modern Tissot, or another watches under $1,000 that marries those two worlds better than the Chemin Des Tourelles Powermatic 80.


Seiko Prospex Land






  • Brand: Seiko

  • Model: Prospex Land

  • Reference: SPB245J1

  • Case: 38mm x 12.90mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 200m

  • Movement: 6R35

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 70 hours


Any list of watches under $1,000 should always feature a Seiko or two. One of the coolest renditions in the sub-$1,000 space is the Prospex Land. It features a beautiful green dial, gold coloured highlights and the air of being something that should cost far more than its price tag lets on.


Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto






  • Brand: Hamilton

  • Model: Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto

  • Reference: H32565555

  • Case: 40mm x 10.80mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 50m

  • Movement: H-10

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 80 hours


The Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto is a complete vibe and offers a rare dial-side glimpse into the inner workings of its H-10 calibre. For a watch under $1,000, the Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto has a lot going for it and really opens the door for collectors and enthusiasts to enjoy something that is, in its own right, completely unique.


Certina Aqua DS PH200m






  • Brand: Certina

  • Model: Aqua DS PH200m

  • Reference: C0364071804000

  • Case: 43mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 200m

  • Movement: Powermatic 80

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 80 hours


The vintage inspired Certina Aqua DS PH200m is a quality consideration in this list of the best watches under $1,000. Especially so if you're looking for something that is a little bit different from the crowd of Seikos, Tissots and Hamiltons in this space.


Hamilton American Classic Intra-Matic Auto






  • Brand: Hamilton

  • Model: American Classic Intra-Matic Auto

  • Reference: H38425720

  • Case: 40mm x 10.95mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 50m

  • Movement: H-10

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 80 hours


There is definitely something to be said about the classical tool-watch, with the Hamilton American Classic Intra-Matic Auto really hammering home the notion of being something more capable than the sum of its parts. A truly interesting piece for less than $1,000.


Tissot PRX Powermatic 80






  • Brand: Tissot

  • Model: PRX Powermatic 80

  • Reference: T137.407.11.051.00

  • Case: 40mm x 10.90mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 100m

  • Movement: Powermatic 80

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 80 hours


While the 35mm is my preference, there is no denying that the 40mm Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 in any of its many colour guises is one of the ultimate watches under $1,000. Like its 35mm brother, the 40mm Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is a powerhouse of quality all the while not burning too large a hole in your wallet.


Seiko Presage Style60s






  • Brand: Seiko

  • Model: Presage Style60s

  • Reference: SSA451J1

  • Case: 40.80mm x 14.30mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 50m

  • Movement: 4R57

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 41 hours


The Seiko Presage Style60s is categorised by a deep green dial, an off-white small-seconds sub-dial, a neat little power reserve indicator and a solid vintage charm, making it one of the most appealing watches under $1,000 out there. In fact, I might just go right ahead an order one for myself.


Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical






  • Brand: Hamilton

  • Model: Khaki Field Mechanical

  • Reference: H69439363

  • Case: 38mm x 9.50mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 50m

  • Movement: H-50

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 80 hours


The little Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical has a lot going for it, particularly with that subtle yet distinct colour way. A prime example of what you can find for less than $1,000.


Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80






  • Brand: Tissot

  • Model: Gentleman Powermatic 80

  • Reference: T1274071105100

  • Case: 40mm x 11.50mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 100m

  • Movement: Powermatic 80

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 80 hours


As far as watches under $1,000 go, the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 in my very humble opinion reigns supreme. It's the perfect combination of quality, engineering, aesthetics and wearability that makes the Gentleman as good as it is. Pair it with a leather strap or go casual with something rubber or fabric, and for the money you probably have one of the best dollar-per-pound watches out there.


Hamilton American Classical Railroad Auto






  • Brand: Hamilton

  • Model: American Classical Railroad Auto

  • Reference: H40555131

  • Case: 40mm x 11.35mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 50m

  • Movement: H-10

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 80 hours


The Hamilton American Classical Railroad Auto is another one of those staple sub-$1,000 watches to consider. Featuring a stylised dial inspired from the railroads of old, the American Classical Railroad Auto holds prime position as a super considerable watches for under $1,000.


MIDO Ocean Star Tribute






  • Brand: MIDO

  • Model: Ocean Star Tribute

  • Reference: M026.830.18.091.00

  • Case: 40.50mm x 13.40mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 200m

  • Movement: Calibre 80

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 80 hours


With MIDO what you normally get is a very capable tool watch that is well built, soundly engineered and design for modern wear and tear. And the Ocean Star Tribute is no different. Available in a variety of colours, the Ocean Star Tribute holds its own as a wonderful little bit of kit that won't break the bank and that will put a smile on your face each and every time you wear it.


Seiko Presage Cocktail Time






  • Brand: Seiko

  • Model: Presage Cocktail Time

  • Reference: SSA407

  • Case: 40.50mm x 11.80mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 50m

  • Movement: Calibre 4R38

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 40 hours


The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time is a theatric dream, with its balance wheel fully exposed dial side. Beyond that, it's a Seiko so you can be assured that the build quality is well above par, too. Something a little on the wilder side of things, but regardless a beautiful watch for under $1,000.


Bulova Classic Automatic






  • Brand: Bulova

  • Model: Classic Automatic

  • Reference: 96C141

  • Case: 43mm x 12.80mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 30m

  • Movement: Calibre 9110-20A

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 40 hours


The information-laden Bulova Classic Automatic is a true testament to the power of the sub-$1,000 watch market. A day-date display, 24-hour time and a power reserve indicator all in a watch under $1,000? Take my money!


Maurice Lacroix Les Classiques Date






  • Brand: Maurice Lacroix

  • Model: Les Classiques Date

  • Reference: LC6098-SS002-120-1

  • Case: 40mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 30m

  • Movement: Calibre ML115

  • Frequency: 4 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 38 hours


With the Maurice Lacroix Les Classiques Date you're stepping into a different calibre of watchmaking where the focus, while continuing to be of importance, shifts to include what lies beneath the dial. You get a 4 Hz calibre with 38 hours of power here, along with a very beautiful and clean aesthetic that is as wearable as it is versatile. $1,000 well spent, I say.


Seiko Presage "Sky Diving" Cocktail Time






  • Brand: Seiko

  • Model: Presage "Sky Diving" Cocktail Time

  • Reference: SRPE19

  • Case: 40.50mm x 11.80mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 50m

  • Movement: Calibre 4R35

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 41 hours


The Seiko Presage "Sky Diving" Cocktail Time is a standout timepiece in the under $1,000 category, offering exceptional craftsmanship and style at an accessible price. Inspired by the elegance of cocktail bars, this model features a striking blue sunburst dial that mimics the swirling effect of a fine cocktail. Its refined design, with polished stainless steel and a leather strap, gives it a luxurious feel, making it a perfect choice for those seeking affordable luxury without sacrificing quality.


Longines Conquest V.H.P.






  • Brand: Longines

  • Model: Conquest V.H.P.

  • Reference: L3.716.4.76.6

  • Case: 41mm x 12mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 50m

  • Movement: Quartz

  • Frequency: -

  • Power Reserve: -


The Longines Conquest V.H.P. (Very High Precision) is a remarkable timepiece that combines Swiss engineering with cutting-edge quartz technology, making it one of the best watches under $1,000. Renowned for its incredible accuracy, the V.H.P. movement is precise to within ±5 seconds per year, far surpassing standard quartz watches. Its durable construction, including a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and 50m water resistance, ensures longevity. With a sleek, sporty design that suits both casual and formal occasions, the Longines Conquest V.H.P. offers exceptional value for those seeking a reliable, high-performance watch at a reasonable price.


Seiko Prospex P.A.D.I Special Edition






  • Brand: Seiko

  • Model: Prospex P.A.D.I Special Edition

  • Reference: SBDC179

  • Case: 45mm x 13.40mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 200m

  • Movement: Calibre 6R35

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 70 hours


The Seiko Prospex P.A.D.I. Special Edition is a standout dive watch that offers professional-grade features at an affordable price, making it a great choice under $1,000. Designed in collaboration with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (P.A.D.I.), this watch boasts a robust stainless steel case, 200m water resistance, and Seiko’s reliable 6R35 automatic movement. Its signature blue and black bezel, along with the bold luminescent markers, provides excellent visibility underwater. With a durable, sporty design and solid diving credentials, it's an ideal timepiece for enthusiasts seeking a quality dive watch without breaking the bank.












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