The best watch under $1500 offers a lot of versatility and style in one. The robustness, reliability, and quality design make it the perfect timepiece for any man.
There are many options for the best watches under $1,500. The "best watches under $1500 pounds" is a great option for someone looking to spend less money on their watch.
In This Article...
Nothing in the world of wristwatches can replace a mechanical movement.
What are the greatest mechanical/automatic watches under X dollars? is a frequently asked topic on our Facebook and YouTube pages. The feeling expressed in the question does not alter, but the $X does. It's a legitimate question, too, considering the variety of mechanically driven timepieces available today is unlike anything else.
I've highlighted my best automatic and mechanical timepieces under $1,500 in this list. One important qualification: if the watch is automatic, the movement must be able to be manually wound, just as a mechanical movement that isn't automated.
Let's look at few watches now.
Criteria
Only wearable timepieces are mentioned here, and each one has undergone our in-person testing.
Affordability
$1,500 is the maximum grey market price. You may choose to purchase items off-label, but we're pointing out the difference between the street price and the MSRP.
Quality
No garbage, end of story. There are mainstream and microbrands on this list, but there are no random, rip-off, or poorly-performing brands.
Movement
Here, the emphasis is on an automated movement that can either be hand-wound or a purebred mechanical movement (hand-wind exclusively). Automatics that don't hack are not covered in this list.
1. T-Complication Squelette
- Featuring a Black Band, Silver-tone Case, Scratch Resistant...
- Mechanical ETA 6497 movement
- Waterproofing: 50 meters/165 feet
- T0704051641100 is the model number.
- Price: around $1,250
- 43 mm in size
- Sapphire crystal material
I fell in love with the Squelette's stunning industrial design, pure skeleton look (front and back), and quality of construction when Gem By Carati sent it to me to film and evaluate. Because it does such an amazing job presenting the movement while without making the watch entirely on the movement, I dubbed it a mechanical marvel.
The ETA 6497 mechanical movement, a durable Swiss-made movement that gives the T-Complication Squelette a 46-hour power reserve and its unmistakably stunning good looks, powers the watch.
The Squelette has all the standard features seen in entry-level luxury watches from the Swatch Group, including a leather band with a deployant clasp, sapphire front and back, and respectable water resistance.
The T-Complication Squelette is the mechanical device you should get if you want something that you and everyone else will spend a lot of time admiring.
2. Chemin Des Tourelles Squelette
- Featuring a Brown Band, Rose Gold PVD Case, Scratch Resistant...
- Mechanical ETA 6497 movement
- Waterproofing: 50 meters/165 feet
- T0704051641100 is the model number.
- Price: around $1,250
- 42mm in size
- Sapphire crystal material
The Chemin Des Tourelles Squelette is the T-Complication Squelette's sister watch and is an upmarket and posher version of the same. Both watches have the same skeleton-dial style that I like, as well as the ETA 6497 mechanical movement.
The Chemin des Tourelles is 1mm smaller (at 42mm) and more "conservatively" fashioned than the T-Complication, if one could use such a term to describe a skeleton watch. The T-Complication displays an aggressive, turbine-inspired dial, whilst the Chemin is more understated and uses more of the dial to grab attention rather than just the movement.
Both watches are great and deserving of a place on your wrist. In the event that you must choose between the two, I lean toward suggesting the Chemin of the T-Complication, if only for the reason that its somewhat smaller size makes it seem less pompous.
3. Bulova automatic pistol
- From the Classic Automatic Collection. Stainless steel case with...
- Movement: 3 Hand, Automatic, Hack Feature with Dress Strap Buckle
- Case Diameter: 39mm
- Water Resistant up to 30m (100ft)
- Moves automatically, Xiaomi 82S7
- 30m/99ft of water resistance
- the 97A121 model number
- Price: around $275
- 41 mm in size
- Mineral makes up the crystals.
This Bulova automatic pistol is a great value. In addition to being really stunning (I mean, just look at it), the Miyota 82S7 has a good size and movement. There are really other variations of this design offered by Bulova, so if all-gold isn't your style, you can also choose from steel, rose gold, or brown. The leather strap has a gilt deployant clasp and is of decent quality.
While it has an MSRP of just under $500, it can be bought on Amazon for around $280, making it a terrific deal at that cost.
After reviewing the 97A121, I ended up purchasing the matching rose gold model and gave the 97A121 to a close friend of mine for his wedding since I was so delighted with it. Of course, he enjoyed it, and you will as well.
Although the Miyota 82S7 movement's standard deviation ranges from -20 to +40 seconds every day, I wouldn't let it take away from it. It hand-winds, beats at 21,600 bph, and has a 42-hour power reserve, but it cannot hack. However, a good movement distinguishes this budget dress watch from its quartz-powered rivals.
4. Freelancer Chronograph
- Automatic RW Caliber 500 movement
- 100m/330ft of water resistance
- 7730-STC-60112 is the model number.
- Price: around $1,200
- 42mm in size
- Sapphire crystal material
When I evaluated the Freelancer Chronograph in January of this year, it was my first interaction with Raymond Weil. With the exception of the red accents utilized on the seconds hand and the 12 and 6 o'clock subdials, it has a racey appearance that I particularly enjoy. This pop of color complements the generally muted color palette effectively and benefits the Freelancer by giving it a subtle presence on the wrist.
The Freelancer is made fairly nicely, as you would expect from a Swiss company like Raymond Weil, and the movement—a modified Valjoux 7750 known as the RW Caliber 500—is accurate and packed with features. A 46-hour power reserve isn't very impressive, but it's plenty for one or two days of normal use without any problems.
Notably, the Freelancer I tested had a variance of only +0.8 seconds, which is quite precise. Although I'm not sure whether this figure is typical of all Freelancers, that was what the one I was testing showed. really impressive
5. Jazzmaster Open Heart
- Automatic, ETA 2824-2 movement
- Waterproofing: 50 meters/165 feet
- Identifier Model: H32565555
- Price: around $575
- 40 mm in size
- Sapphire crystal material
The original Jazzmaster Open Heart I evaluated was a good instrument, but I wasn't crazy with the black on silver color scheme. The watch pictured here looks far better than the cream-beige and rose gold variation, which is now part of my own collection.
An ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, which is nothing special but is unquestionably priced fairly considering the Open Heart's retail price of $575, powers the watch. Additionally, the movement is excellent, with a 38-hour power reserve and all the characteristics of a Swiss automatic watch.
Every time I have, I wear the Open Heart. I often save this Jazzmaster for more formal occasions when the Jazzmaster may slip inside a cuff when appropriate because of the dial's eye-catching open heart pattern.
6. Le Locle
- Case Size: 39.30 millimeter; Band Width: 19 millimeter; Case...
- Swiss automatic movement, 316L stainless steel case, Roman dial...
- Leather bracelet, butterfly clasp closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 3 bar (30 m / 100 ft):...
- Movement: Powermatic 80, automatic
- Waterproofing: 30 meters/165 feet
- T0064071105300 is the model number.
- Price: around $400
- 40 mm in size
- Sapphire crystal material
Okay, so although I haven't tried the Le Locle with the Powermatic 80, I have reviewed the previous model (with the ETA 2824-2) and found it to be very enjoyable. With the exception of the movement used, the revised model is known as the Powermatic 80.
Another improvement is the movement, which has an enormous 80-hour power reserve. This watch is now selling for around $400 on Amazon, which is a fantastic deal for a watch with a Swiss automatic movement and a sapphire crystal.
The Le Locle is a chic dress watch that is well-sized and constructed. I'm not hesitant to suggest it to others.
7. Seiko SARB065
- Case
- - Case Material: Stainless Steel (polished)
- - Case Shape: Round
- - Case Colour: Silver
- - Bezel made of: Stainless Steel (polished)
- Seiko 6R15 automatic movement.
- Waterproofing: 50 meters/165 feet
- Identifier: SARB065
- Price: around $500.
- 40 mm in size
- The crystal is made of hardlex.
One of the few timepieces on this list, or any "best of" list, actually, is the SARB065 version of the Cocktail Time, which is now discontinued. Cocktail Time is still alive, but the SARB065 model, which uses Seiko's 6R15 automatic, is no longer available. This is unfortunate since the newer model (SRPB43J1) has the 4R35 automatic, which has a reduced amount of power reserve.
As you can clearly see, the Cocktail Time is a gorgeous watch in both of its trims. The dial is really a piece of beauty, and the construction quality is superb as well. The photographs don't do it justice. I bought a SARB065 to evaluate, and I regret giving it back very much. With 51 items in the collection, I must make some difficult judgments.
The blue contrast stitching gives the leather strap an electrifying flair, and the strap is also quite comfortable. Soon after the first wear, it started to adapt to my wrist.
This watch is without a doubt my favorite on the list.
8. Seiko Alpinist
- Seiko 6R15 automatic movement.
- Waterproofing: 200 meters/660 feet
- Identifier: SARB017
- Price: around $500.
- 38.5 mm in size
- Sapphire crystal material
The Alpinist may be the only other watch on this list that will gain popularity. The Alpinist, which is now discontinued, is one of those exceptional timepieces that you will never see again. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend that you grab an alpinist. It's just a fantastic watch.
The Alpinist provides significant utility and is the watch on our list that is most suited to everyday use, with a 200m water resistant and a 50-hour battery reserve.
Although the green and gold dial is divisive, I truly like it. The watch's default leather strap is just fair at best, but it's simple to replace, and once you do, the watch is almost flawless. The Alpinist is one of my 51 collection's watches that I wear most often.
Both you and I adore it.
9. Orient Monarch
- Mineral Crystal
- Hand-wound Movement
- Mechanical-hand-wind Movement
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Water Resistant To 50m (165ft: in General, Suitable for Short...
- Mechanical, Orient 48C40 movement
- Waterproofing: 50 meters/165 feet
- FDD03003Y0 is the model number.
- Price: around $335
- 40 mm in size
- Mineral makes up the crystals.
The Orient Monarch is one of the most reasonably priced mechanical timepieces from a respected manufacturer, with an MSRP of just $335. In fact, the Monarch is probably your best choice if you want a watch with a completely mechanical (non-automatic) movement that isn't built by a shady Chinese company.
The Monarch is straightforward and depends on conventional dress design and size, with a power reserve indication at 12 o'clock. It fits most guys at 40mm and is nearly likely to look great on your wrist.
The dial stands out thanks to the blue hands and attached hour markers, albeit not everyone will like the hour markers' typeface.
The "best mens automatic watch under $2,000" is a popular category of watches. The best watches in this category are usually automatic and have a price tag that is under $2,000.
Related Tags
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- best automatic watches under 2000 pounds
- best watches under 1200
