For Men

Affordable Swiss Made Watches in 2023

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Written by:

Jacky Chou

It's hard to imagine a time in the future where people will not be able to find an affordable Swiss made watch. However, with many brands shifting their production from Switzerland, we may see a shift in the market that could make this completely impossible by 2022.

In 2022, Swiss watch manufacturers will be producing watches that are much cheaper than today's models. The benefits of these new lower priced products is twofold: they can be made with more affordable materials and produce a greater profit margin for the company to reinvest in research and development.

The "best value for money swiss watches" is a company that will be releasing affordable Swiss Made Watches in 2022. The company promises to offer great quality at an affordable price.

Cheap & Affordable Swiss Watch Brands in 2022

The quality, durability, and elegance of Swiss-made watch brands like Rolex, Omega, and Philippe Patek are well-known worldwide. But the majority of us can't afford the tens of thousands needed to get one, right?

At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Cheap & Affordable Swiss Watch Brands

  • Cheap Swatch Men's Quartz Watch in Navy Blue
  • Swiss Army Maverick watch by Victorinox
  • Mid Range Black Tissot Couturier (T035.617.16.051.00)
  • DS Diver Certina with Blue Dial
  • Khaki Hamilton Field

What are the best cheap Swiss-made watches available on the market right now, then, for folks like you and me who are less wealthy?

The good news is that there are quite a few choices. From very affordable and replaceable to more opulent but not extravagant Swiss watch manufacturers.

So, I'll outline your alternatives in this thorough assessment, beginning with the least expensive.

1. Swatch

Swatch as a brand has barely been since the 1980s, yet they have already had a significant impact on the watch manufacturing sector. Watches that are very economical, dependable, and tough for daily usage. Typically, these timepieces cost between $50 and $100.

I gave my mother one for a present a number of years ago. It was a watch intended to be used when she goes Dragon Boat racing (so it gets wet & not well treated). She showed it to me a few weeks ago and said it just “keeps on going”. It also looked like new.

Although the majority of these watches are composed of plastic and rubber, the quartz movement within functions almost without fail. It operates for years and could even outlive you, keeping good time.

Swatches are ideal for casual and athletic use and available in a wide variety of forms and colors.

Navy Blue Swatch Men’s Quartz

Sale
Swatch Men's Quartz Watch with Silicone Strap, Purple, 20 (Model: SUOK712)
  • Material watchband: silicone purple
  • Dial Color: purple/green, with green hands and indices / Dial...
  • Case Diameter: 41mm
  • Case Material: plastic
  • water Resistance: 3 bars

One of their most well-liked models, you can clearly notice the Swatch's simplicity and distinctive elegance in this piece. Bright colors, distinct hour markings, and a straightforward day/date window at three o'clock.

  • Swiss Quartz mechanism
  • crystal glass
  • Day and date capabilities
  • plastic strap and case
  • Can only get wet; water resistant to 30 meters (99 feet)
  • Size of case: 41 x 7.2 mm

2. Victorinox watches, second

Victorinox, once known for making Swiss Army Knives, which many of us have stashed away in a drawer at home, has changed its image over the last ten years to become a manufacturer of reliable, high-quality timepieces and travel accessories. You can view the vast array of things they currently offer by visiting one of their branded shops as you exit the arrivals area at Zurich Airport.

They provide a variety of timepieces, from the extremely straightforward and minimalistic to the more traditional diving and dress watches. They also produce a line of almost bulletproof timepieces under the INOX brand. They were put through so many bizarre testing that Victorinox included it in their watch advertisements. Some of the videos are available here.

Victorinox also produces high-quality quartz watches and some reasonably priced Swiss automatic watches. And they offer a number of distinctive, well-proven models in their INOX line, including their distinctive diving watch with a white face.

Swiss Army Maverick watch by Victorinox

Sale
Victorinox Maverick Chrono Watch with Black Dial and Black Stainless Steel Bracelet
  • TIMELESS LUXURY: Form, funtionality, and precision with style....
  • DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Our timepieces are designed and...
  • SWISS MADE: Mechanical excellence, on-point aesthetics and...
  • PREMIUM GIFT: The perfect item for those hard-to-shop-for people...
  • TRUSTED QUALITY: Made in Switzerland; Victorinox watches...

Perhaps the most popular model they have sold, the Maverick is a unique diver’s watch that you can wear almost anywhere. It has some great features including an inner 24 hour time marker ring, a date window at 6 o’clock and a battery life indicator, which is a lifesaver I find. Plus, they have top it off with a stunning Sapphire stone.

Victorinox may not have started out as a watch manufacturer, but they soon caught up with the leaders and are now providing high-quality timepieces you can wear proudly for years to come.

  • Swiss Quartz mechanism
  • Triple-coated, anti-reflective, scratch-resistant Sapphire stone
  • unidirectional diving bezel with day function
  • 3 piece stainless steel bracelet with safety clasp
  • 100m (330ft) of water resistance is not enough for diving
  • 43 x 10.9 mm for the case

3. Tissot

Tissot has been in business since 1853 and is just dripping with Swiss Watch history (the date is even on their watches). They were established in Le Locle, which is the epitome of a "Swiss Watch" town. In the Jura highlands, it serves as the hub for Swiss watch production.

Famous for its stylish but reasonably priced Swiss watches, Tissot produces a wide variety of designs, from the straightforward white display with silver markings to the more intricate and athletic with chronograph. No matter whatever model you choose, these watches have a luxurious appearance without being too expensive.

Black Tissot Couturier (T035.617.16.051.00)

This model, which focuses on a well-known Tissot Chronograph, combines the brand's ability to design beautiful, elegant timepieces with a contemporary brushed steel/leather combination and a chronograph.

This watch has a subdued tachymeter on the bezel in addition to the customary three sub-dial (hour, minute, and second) chornograph that dominates the dial. Its all-black and steely appearance fits with practically any style, whether it be casual, professional, or out on the town. 

  • Swiss Quartz mechanism
  • Sapphire stone
  • Chronometer with three dials, a tachymeter on the bezel, and a date window at four o'clock
  • Push-button closure on black leather
  • 100m (330ft) of water resistance is not enough for diving
  • 41 x 10.9 mm for the case

4. Certina

Although Certina is not a household brand outside of Europe, the company has been creating watches since 1888, when it founded its first factory in Grenchen to produce watch movements. Since then, they have grown into a complete watch manufacturer, and in 1983 they joined the Swatch family.

From quartz to automatic, athletic to formal watches, Certina manufactures a vast assortment of timepieces. Since the launch of the DS line, they have shifted their attention to sports watches (extreme shock and 200m water resistance). Although not all of their timepieces have this grade or are meant for sports, they are renowned for it.

Blue Dial Certina DS Action Diver

Certina Men's DS Action Diver 43mm Powermatic 80 Swiss Automatic Watch
  • Case Size: 43.00 mm, Band Width: 21, Case Thickness: 13.10 mm
  • Automatic movement, Powermatic 80, Nivachron, Index dial type,...
  • Stainless steel bracelet, Double Locking Foldover Clasp
  • Water-resistant up to 300 m / 990 ft: suitable for diving and/or...
  • 2 Year International Warranty

The Action Blue won't let you down with its timeless combination of design and Certina's DS grade. While the strikingly dazzling blue face will stand out in a crowd, the classic diver design ensures that you can also wear this watch to work or out on the town. 

It comes built to last with a stainless steel bracelet and case are of course made of medical grade stainless steel, a quartz movement that will run for years, and a face that is protected by Sapphire stone.

  • Movement: Swiss Powermatic 80
  • Sapphire stone
  • 3 o'clock date function
  • stainless steel bracelet with butterfly clasp
  • 300-meter water resistance (990ft)
  • Size of case: 43 x 12 mm

5. Hamilton

Hamilton, once a Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based American-owned business, is now a component of the enormous Swatch watch industry. Additionally, it implies that their timepieces are now made in Switzerland and are eligible to display the "Swiss Made" label.

Over the years, Hamilton has established strong ties with both Hollywood and aviation celebrities, and they have produced a number of timepieces that have become instantly recognizable. You would be pleased to add the Jazzmaster and Khaki Field watches to your collection of timepieces.

Khaki Hamilton Field

Sale
Hamilton Men's H70555533 Khaki Field Stainless Steel Automatic Watch with Brown Leather Band
  • Round watch featuring black dial with GMT scale on inner ring,...
  • Automatic self-wind movement with analog display
  • Leather band with contrast stitching and buckle closure
  • Water resistant to 100 m (330 ft): In general, suitable for...

In the watch industry, the Hamilton's Khaki Field watch is one that is often discussed. It is a well-built watch that uses premium components. What more is there to ask?

It is the sort of watch that is dependable, inexpensive, and will last the test of time and may be worn every day. It may be compared to the Timex Expedition, which is a far more affordable alternative, but let's be honest: this watch is Swiss-made.

Featuring a Swiss Automatic mechanism (on a sub-500 dollar watch!), scratch resistant sapphire glass,  100m water-resistance and a comfy brown leather band, this is a keeper for sure! And if you want to take it up a notch, you can even check out their Khaki Field King Auto which I recently reviewed, which is an affordable Swiss automatic watch almost anyone can afford.

  • Self-winding Swiss Automatic mechanism
  • Sapphire stone
  • Six o'clock date function with inner 24-hour time indicators
  • steel buckle on a calfskin band.
  • 100m water resistance (330 ft)
  • Size of case: 42 x 10 mm

6. Torgoen

Despite being a relative newcomer to the market and without the legacy and heritage of companies like Tissot and Hamilton, Torgoen is nonetheless a name to pay attention to. Actually, they are a US-based business that was started by two pilots with 20 years of watchmaking expertise. They chose to produce their timepieces there as well as employ Swiss movements in them. They are hence "Swiss Made."

Their primary concentration is on watches in the Aviator style, which have simple, stylish faces that are uncommon in modern timepieces. So, Torgeon's fashion sense evidently makes them stick out for a lot of people, including Richard Branson.

Swiss Chronograph Pilot Watch Torgoen T16

Torgoen T16 Cream Night Pro Chronograph Pilot Watch for Men, Swiss Quartz, K1 Crystal with Blue...
  • MODERN DESIGN: Torgoen’s T16 men's pilot watch was created in...
  • HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS: The T16 watch casing is high grade solid...
  • SWISS CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT: This analog watch has a sophisticated...
  • WATER RESISTANCE: Our quality control team performs various...
  • WARRANTY: At Torgoen, we believe in mastering our craft and feel...

This watch has the classic Torgeon appearance with the enormous arabic hour markers every three hours, and it looks extremely lovely and different. If your wrist is little, look at some of the other alternatives from Torgeon because it is also a touch on the big side for some at 44mm.

It has a ton of features, including a date window between 4 and 5 o'clock and a three-dial chronograph. 

  • Quartz Swiss Rhonda movement
  • Sapphire stone
  • Chronograph, Date function from 4-5 p.m.
  • steel buckle on an Italian leather bracelet
  • 100m water resistance (330 ft)
  • Size of case: 44 x 14 mm

7. TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer watches are one of the most opulent brands in our assessment as we go into the somewhat more pricey brands. These watches are indeed worth their weight in gold, as shown by the fact that a few well-known celebrities, like Brad Pitt and Leonardo Di Caprio, have been seen sporting them. Even Adam Savage from Myth Busters has a TAG Heuer (sorry, a replica), and Walt in Breaking Bad received the Monaco as a present.

Another company that has historically and present-day continued to push the boundaries of watchmaking is TAG Heuer. Their most popular watch is shown below, which is a clear indication of their fervent devotion for the Formula 1 sport.

Formula 1 Tag Heuer Stainless Steel

Even though Tag Heuer watches are more expensive than some of the other Swiss watches in our review, they are still excellent luxury watches that are reasonably priced. The majority of watches, like this well-liked Formula 1 model, cost slightly over $1,000. In contrast, the starting price of a Rolex is $7,000.

This watch includes a 200m water resistant, a 3-dial chronograph, a date window, and a tachymeter; the only thing it lacks is an automatic mechanism. With the matching wide buttons and covered crown, the black and silver combo also emanates flair. The finishing touch is the brushed steel band.

  • Swiss Quartz mechanism
  • Anti-reflective Sapphire stone
  • Chronograph, Date function and tachymeter bezel at 4 o'clock.
  • stainless steel bracelet
  • 200-meter water resistance (660 ft)
  • Size of case: 43 x 12 mm

8. Oris

Oris, a genuine Swiss watch maker, was established in the early 1900s in the little town of Holstein, close to Basel. 

Oris tends to constantly develop their own concepts, components, and technologies since they are isolated from the other major watch manufacturing centers in the French portion of Switzerland. In the early days of watches, it led them into some problems, but in modern times, it enables them to push the limits of mechanical watches with designs like the Aviator with mechanical altimeter and the diving watch with patented depth gauge, among many others.

Oris offers several impressive timepieces that would be an excellent, and reasonably priced, addition to your watch collection even if they are not as well-known as Rolex.

Date of Oris Aquis

This gorgeous, basic, but beautiful diving watch from Oris is one of their most well-known models. Although it may be "simply another diving watch," Oris has added their own touches to the timepiece. For starters, the watch has a date window at 6 o'clock and is water resistant to 300 meters, which is a nice standard to see for a diving watch (read more about water resistance here). Additionally, the face is quite tidy and simple to read.

For this model, there are a lot of alternatives, including different bands (made of steel and rubber) and subtle color variants (blue, black, black with red).

  • Swiss Automatic mechanism
  • Anti reflective Sapphire stone
  • 3 o'clock date function, unidirectional bezel
  • stainless steel bracelet, double locking
  • 300-meter water resistance (990 ft)
  • Size of case: 43 x 13 mm

9. Longines

Another firm in the Swatch group with a long history in watchmaking, starting in the Jura area of Switzerland in 1832. Longines focuses on luxury, therefore their watches are not inexpensive, but like TAG Heuer, many of their models cost between $1,000 and $2,000, making them reasonably priced for Swiss-made timepieces.

As a result of this brand's reputation for beauty and high-quality engineering, there are several timepieces available for thousands of dollars. On the other hand, several of these watches nearly appear like a steal at the lower end of the price range. One of their vintage diving watches, which is seen below, is one such instance. It's not the only one, however. You may see more of their reasonably priced timepieces further down.

Hydroconquest Longines Sport Collection

The Hydroconquest is an extremely capable diving watch with a 300m water resistance, something you won't encounter very often. It has a striking resemblance to the Rolex Submariner.

The dial is traditional black with well-lumined silver and white hands and markings that are noticeable at night. It is propelled by a 38-hour power reserve automatic movement manufactured in Switzerland. Additionally, the crown is screw-down, made of the traditional diving watch material, and is effectively guarded from unintentional opening.

This masterpiece from Longines is completed with the all-stainless steel body and largely brushed band.

  • Swiss Quartz mechanism
  • Sapphire stone
  • 3 o'clock date function, unidirectional bezel
  • stainless steel bracelet, double locking
  • 300-meter water resistance (990 ft)
  • Size of case: 39 x 11.8 mm

The "affordable swiss watches under $200" is a product that will be released in 2022. It is Swiss made and has an affordable price tag.

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  • mid range swiss watch brands
  • best swiss watches to buy now
  • affordable swiss watch brands women's
About
Jacky Chou

Jacky Chou is the co-founder of Uberwrists and has gotten into watches from his father from a young age. His first watch was a black G Shock that was comedically large for his wrist. He appreciates watches from Seiko to a Patek Philippe.

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