Best First Luxury Watches
Those of you who are new to the world of high-end timepieces and are wanting to make your first purchase has found the proper place. This article will discuss what constitutes an entry-level luxury watch, and what features are essential for such a watch, and will conclude with a list of the top 10 such timepieces currently available on the market. With this information in hand, you’ll be prepared to begin your collection of fine timepieces.
Definition of the Word “Luxury Watch”
Even if you consult a skilled watchmaker or a knowledgeable watch collector, you won’t get a concrete answer as to what constitutes a luxury timepiece. A luxury watch, however, is typically one that has been hand-made from the finest materials, is meticulously designed, and is sold for a substantial premium over its cost.
Watches of this caliber are often produced by well-respected Swiss watchmakers that have built their names and reputations on decades of experience and a deep understanding of the industry. Some of the most famous and admired luxury watch manufacturers include Rolex, TAG Heuer, and Omega. However, other names, such as Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe, also provide a large selection of luxury watches, albeit they may be less familiar to newcomers in the watch community.
What is Entry Level Luxury Watch?
Comparatively, there is no agreed-upon standard for what constitutes a “budget” luxury watch. Luxury timepieces that are considered “entry-level” tend to be the most basic and inexpensive options available from a certain brand. The Datejust, Rolex’s cheapest and most basic watch, retails for between $6,000 and $7,000, making it an affordable option for those just starting out. In order to define what we mean when we say “entry-level luxury watch,” we have compiled a list of some of the essential features that every such timepiece should have. However, some of these specifics may not apply to all entry-level luxury watches due to the ongoing controversy and volatility of this phrase.
4 Best Entry-Level Luxury Watches
We understand that it can be challenging to choose your first high-end wristwatch from the numerous available selections. Because of this, we have compiled a list of the top 4 affordable luxury watches on the market right now.
1. TAG Heuer Carrera Ref. WAR201B.FC6291
The TAG Heuer Carrera Ref. WAR201B.FC6291 is first on the list. TAG Heuer is a high-end watchmaker known for producing sleek sports watches and precise chronographs like the one you see here. Timepieces from TAG Heuer may be trusted because the company has been around for over 150 years and has a flawless reputation.
For instance, the TAG Heuer Carrera Ref. WAR201B.FC6291 is the epitome of a high-end dress watch. The 41mm case is made of brushed stainless steel, and it is combined with a dark brown crocodile leather strap. It has a silver dial with silver-tipped hands and hour markers and a day/date window framed in silver, making for a strikingly simple yet eye-catching timepiece. The bezel is made of stainless steel. The sapphire crystal covering the dial prevents damage from scratches. The in-house Calibre 05 movement powers this timepiece for up to 38 hours on a single charge.
This TAG Heuer Carrera watch is one of the best entry-level luxury watches because of its understated sophistication. The price is only $2,299 US Dollars.
2. Omega Speedmaster Ref. 321.10.42.50.01.001
Next, the Omega Speedmaster Reference 321.10.42.50.01.001 is a must-have for any watch aficionado’s collection. This Omega Speedmaster is a versatile chronograph watch that ranks highly among the best affordable high-end options available today.
Its polished stainless steel case and matching three-link stainless steel band displays a tough and macho design. The grey chronograph display features a short seconds sub-dial, a 30-minute counter, and a 12-hour counter, which look great against the grandiose black dial with silver-tone hour indices and prominent luminous arrow-shaped hands. The watch has a stainless steel rotating bezel with a black tachymeter scale for your convenience.
The watch’s owner can admire the high-quality Omega Calibre 3133 movement through the see-through skeleton case back. As a result of this mechanism, the watch is resistant to water for up to 100 meters and can run for up to 52 hours on a single wind.
For about $4,559.01, you can get yourself an Omega Speedmaster with the reference number 321.10.42.50.01.001.
3. Breitling Chronomat Ref. AB014012/BA52
The Breitling Chronomat Ref. AB014012/BA52 is, like its predecessor, a sturdy, versatile chronograph watch loaded to the gills with practical extras. Breitling is renowned for producing high-quality, expensive aviation watches that are popular among pilots.
The 44mm case of this Breitling Chronomat watch is made of stainless steel, and it is attached to a sporty five-link bracelet of the same material. The watch’s smooth, shiny surface is the result of careful polishing of the case, bracelet, and substantial lugs. The chronograph display includes three white sub-dials for the tiny seconds, 12-hour, and 30-minute counters, and the stunning black dial is filled with thick luminous hour indices and sword-shaped hands. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a stainless steel bezel with big indicators for the tachymeter scale complete the watch’s top.
The watch is powered by the excellent in-house Calibre 01 movement, which has a power reserve of 70 hours. For only $4,489 USD, you may own this fantastic entry-level luxury watch.
4. Rolex Datejust Ref. 178240-BKRJ
A Rolex timepiece is essential to this list of the finest affordable luxury watches for men and women. This Swiss watchmaker is so well-known that its name is recognized even by those with no prior knowledge of watches. Its watches consistently sell out because of their class, lavishness, and rising value.
One of the most elegant, adaptable, and reasonably priced Rolex watches is the Datejust Ref. 178240-BKRJ. This watch has a classic, understated aesthetic with its compact 31mm Oystersteel body and matching five-link Oystersteel band. Glowing stick hands, large Roman numeral hour indices, and a magnified date display at 3 o’clock embellish the watch’s stark black bezel. In addition to the date display behind the domed sapphire crystal, the case features a fixed Oystersteel bezel and a cyclops lens. The excellent Calibre 2235 movement, with a power reserve of 48 hours, is hidden beneath the dial.
There is a suggested retail price of $6,679 USD for this Rolex Datejust.
Final Thoughts
It’s a point of pride for many people to show off a Rolex, TAG Heuer, or Longines on their wrists. It’s a fact, though, that many individuals can’t afford the high price tags attached to the sophisticated luxury items from these well-known labels. For this reason, some shoppers settle for an “entry-level luxury” timepiece. In the catalog of a high-end watchmaker, these timepieces represent entry-level, budget options.
But don’t let the price fool you into believing these starter luxury watches are low-quality. They are still made from high-quality materials and skillfully created by renowned luxury watchmakers, so you can rest assured that they will be both dependable and aesthetically pleasing. One of the best options you can make is to purchase one of the entry-level luxury watches mentioned above, especially if you are new to the sector or do not have a large budget.
