Want to find yourself a new statement timepiece without breaking the bank? At Slingo, we’ve put together a list of the best affordable luxury watch brands you can shop from today as part of our luxury lifestyle series. In this guide, you can find a sleek, long-lasting, and functional watch that doesn't cost the world.
There's a watch out there to suit you and your tastes, which is why we've rounded up the best of the bunch, so you don't have to. Elevate your watch collection with one of the best affordable luxury watch brands listed below.
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So, What Are the Best Affordable Luxury Watch Brands?
1. Alpina
Since the company was founded way back in 1883, Alpina has been known for its high quality craftsmanship, durability, precision, and design. The technologocial innovations of Alpina have revolutionised the sports watch and crafted a timepiece that’s ready for any adventure.
Entry-level models
One of Alpina's most popular designs for men is the Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic, which is limited to just 888 pieces and costs £1,895. The Apliner Extreme was a flagship model back in 2005 and is making a comeback in a whole new light. As the name indicates, the model is able to withstand the most extreme conditions thanks to its heavy duty case. However, this doesn't mean it's bulky - it now comes in an ultra-compact 41mm size case with a finely-sculpted dial.
Although most of Alpina’s collections are geared towards men, they do have a women's collection called Comtesse. When it comes to women's watches, you can't go wrong with the Alpiner Comtesse Sport Quartz Blue Bracelet. Made of stainless steel and sapphire crystal, this watch comes in a petite 36.5mm and costs £595, making it the perfect balance of sportiness and elegance.
2. Baume & Mercier
Baume & Mercier is a Swiss watchmaking brand known for producing classic, sophisticated and refined watches for both men and women. The brand is part of the Richemont Group - a luxury conglomerate with names like Cartier and Jaeger-LeCoultre, some of the most expensive and luxurious watch brands in the world. If you’re eager to step into the world of luxury without spending Cartier prices, then this brand may be for you.
Entry-level models
With scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass and an expertly-stitched black alligator strap, the Clifton Baumatic 10467 is the perfect men's entry-level luxury watch. It costs £2,990 and comes with free engraving if you want to give someone special a thoughtful future heirloom.
For women, the Classima 10665 model is sure to turn heads with its alluring moon phase design, complete with diamonds and a blue mother-of-pearl dial. The £2,200 model is an enduring classic and timeless piece that manages to exude elegance without coming across as pretentious.
3. Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein has become an increasingly iconic brand in the world of fashion, so it makes sense that their watches would also reflect this. Calvin Klein's watches offer up more minimalist and contemporary designs, which you can easily use to accessorise any outfit.
Entry-level models
Calvin Klein watches are among the most affordable luxury watches on this list, but they still exude class. The Gents Calvin Klein Watch 25200074 goes to show you don't have to fork out thousands to look expensive. With an attractive black dial and stainless steel case, this model is an instant classic at £289.
The Ladies Calvin Klein Watch 25200123 acts as the perfect women's counterpart to the above men's model. It has an exposed cog element with the classic colour combination of black and gold that will make you feel rich regardless of its £239 price tag.
4. Certina
For over 130 years, Certina has been making a series of affordable watches of classic Swiss design paired with cutting-edge technology. Today, their timepieces - for both men and women - are best known for their precision, reliability, and sporty character.
Entry-level models
There's nothing better than a watch with a great story behind it. The DS-2 Chronograph Automatic is a descendant of the famous Certina model that proved its resilience on Mt. Everest back in 1970, as Yuichiro Miura reached the summit with the watch on his wrist. The revamped watch pays homage to the 1970s with a funky tonneau-shaped case, while also transporting the spirit of adventure into the 21st century. It's priced at £1,885.
The DS-6 collection for women has a variety of timepieces that allow you to express your own style with a touch of elegance. The DS-6 Lady Quartz, which retails at £495, is a prime example. Its yellow gold-plated design is sure to catch some eyes and is for anyone who's a fan of understated glamour.
5. Citizen
For just a fraction of the cost of high-end designer watches, you can still get one of the most accurate watches ever made. Citizen offers affordable luxury watches for men and women, in a range of styles from classic to modern.
Entry-level models
The men's Perpetual Chrono A.T is the definition of sporting elegance, with its two-tone stainless steel case and bracelet, with a black bezel, dial, and perpetual calendar. This watch relies on light (any light) to keep powered, meaning you’ll never need a battery to keep it working. How much is it? Currently £549.
Add some elegance to your everyday life with the Arezzo Diamond watch for women. Like the men's Citizen model example, Arezzo Diamond watches are powered by light and never require a battery. The watch has a mother-of-pearl design to complement the sparkle of the diamonds, and it uses Roman numerals for an extra elegant touch. It's truly an affordable luxury at £595. If you’re more drawn to the gold version of the Arezzo Diamond, you will be expected to pay slightly more, however, at £650.
6. Daniel Wellington
On the hunt for something minimalistic yet eye-catching? Then Daniel Wellington is the brand for you. Inspired by the quintessential British gentleman, Daniel Wellington watches are versatile and designed to suit just about any outfit and occasion.
Not only does the brand cater to men, but Daniel Wellington also has a varied and meticulously-crafted range of women's watches.
Entry-level models
Make a statement with the Iconic Link Emerald - a watch for men that's available with your choice of gold, rose gold, or silver finish. It'll bring a pop of colour to your collection without sacrificing the refined feel of a high-end watch. This 40mm Japanese Quartz timepiece will cost around £208.
If you like your watch to have a retro nod, why not go for the square-dial women's Quadro Studio? This delicate yet durable watch has white and silver colouring accompanied by the sleek piano strap, and costs around £155.
7. Hamilton
Hamilton watches have a distinct and rich American heritage. Their collections are inspired by the US military and railways, so you can be sure they're accurate and durable. Whether you're a man or a woman, they have a style to suit your personal style and reflect your individuality.
Entry-level models
Where better to start with Hamilton watches than with the men's American Classic Intra-Matic Auto Chrono? It's a modern take on their signature watch, featuring a distinctive black and white 'panda' dial and brilliantly-engineered stainless steel mesh bracelet. The perfect combination of classic and sporty, and it could be yours for £2,140.
If you're looking for the ideal Hamilton women's watch, take a closer look at the Jazzmaster Open Heart Lady Auto. This contemporary and creative piece has precise cutouts so you can see the movement behind the scenes. You can choose from a variety of dial and strap combinations to suit your style for £965.
8. MVMT
MVMT is a relatively new company, founded in 2013. The founders set it up to disrupt the often overpriced and outdated models, so that anyone can own a piece of luxury for a fair price. MVMT offers premium, on-trend watches for men and women.
Entry-level models
The Blacktop II Ceramic is a men's watch inspired by the founders' home state of California, with its black hot desert skies and Pacific nighttime waves. It's both highly functional and inventive in design, created using one of the rarest and most difficult materials to work with in watch form - ceramic. It's lighter, harder, and glossier than steel, and only costs £309.
The Coronada Ceramic women's watch was created to capture the beautiful pink hues of Californian nature, from the state's native flowers to their Pacific sunsets. It's a medium-size 36mm and, like the men's ceramic model, is lighter and glossier than steel while maintaining its durability. The Coronada comes in a variety of colours so you can choose your favourite, and will set you back £179.
9. Oris
Oris has been a manufacturer of luxury Swiss watches since 1904. Today, the brand focuses on innovative and stylish mechanical watches, with collections available for both men and women. But if you’re looking for something a little old school, there are still vintage quartz movement Oris watches available for you to purchase.
Entry-level models
One of the most unique and striking watches on our list is the Oris ProPilot Coulson Limited Edition 41mm Men's Watch. It's also one of the more expensive at £3,750. Limited to just 1,000 pieces, this statement piece uses a 3D printing process never before used in watchmaking to create its carbon fibre case, and features a fiery ombre dial you can't take your eyes off.
The Artelier Date Ladies Watch is the epitome of elegance and sophistication. It features understated diamonds that dazzle without being too much. It's a model that elevates any outfit, with its domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal, 25 jewels and an exhibition case back. At full price, it's £1,550.
10. Stuhrling
If you really want to stand out from the crowd, then a Stuhrling watch is for you. Known for their groundbreaking and distinctive designs delivered for equally groundbreaking prices, any Stuhrling timepiece you choose is bound to turn some heads. Stuhrling is a brand for the authentic man or woman who wants their watch to tell a story (as well as the time).
Entry-level models
Break the mould with Stuhrling's Modena Dual Time Automatic 46mm Skeleton for men. This watch comes in 3 colours and has a completely 'skeletonised' face that shows the intricacies of Stuhrling's fine watchmaking. The Modena is a watch for the modern man on the go, with a unique day/night indicator and mesmerising cogs. It costs $350 (£277) direct from their website.
Stuhrling also offer their picturesque skeletonised dials to women, and the 3991M Automatic 36mm Skeleton Watch is a prime example. It features the signature exposed inner workings of the watch, a silver crystal-studded bezel, and a black leather strap. This model is currently $175 (£139).
11. Timex
Timex were pioneers in the watch movement when they were established in 1854, and they've been ahead of the curve ever since. Timex watches are known for their first-class functionality and aesthetic, while remaining one of the most reasonably-priced watch brands on the market.
Timex caters to both men and women - they’ve been a symbol for the independent woman since the early 20th century.
Entry-level models
Dive deep with Timex's Waterbury Dive Automatic 40mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch for just £275. The Waterbury Dive can accompany you on adventures by land or sea - it's water resistant up to 100m. The rotating top ring, traditionally used to track elapsed time beneath the waves, brings practicality and a vintage feel to a refined timepiece.
For a women's watch that's out of this world, try the Transcend Celestial 31mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch. It's a classically feminine piece available with a rich purple, deep black, or midnight blue dial. It takes its (quite literal) inspiration from the galaxy's constellations, using crystal indices to really shine like the stars. You can grab it directly from Timex's website for just £100.
12. Tudor
Launched by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf, Tudor has the same build quality as the founder's more luxury brand, but at a much lower price. Tudor's shield logo is a testament to the watches' solidity and unfailing reliability. Their designs aren't flashy, just quietly confident. You won't find a bad design in the collection, whether you're after a man's watch or a woman's.
Entry-level models
One of the more affordable timepieces by this brand is the Tudor 1926 Stainless Steel Brown Leather Men’s Watch, at £1,530. Like the rest of the 1926 range, the brown leather model has classic and bold detailing, along with unparalleled movement synonymous with the brand. It features scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass, 100m water resistance, and a black dial with embossed decoration.
If you're a fan of the saying 'less is more', the Tudor Clair De Rose Automatic Ladies Watch will be perfect for you. The Claire De Rose features refined and timeless detailing without going overboard, and still has the dead-on precision and functionality that Tudor is known for. This particular model costs £1,950.
Buy Your Dream Affordable Luxury Watch
There you have it. If you're on the hunt for an expensive-looking watch without breaking the bank, you can't do any better than these brands. Whether you need a timepiece that can keep up with your fast-paced lifestyle, a classic watch you can pair with any outfit, or you want to be the talking point of any room you're in, you won't regret making a small investment. Since all of these brands are known for their incredible durability, you're likely to pick out a future family heirloom.
For more luxury lifestyle inspiration, discover Slingo lifestyle news or our recommended blogs:
Top 14 Luxury Women's Watch Brands
12 Most Expensive Watch Brands in the World
18 Best Designer Brands For Jewellery
12 of the Best Luxury Sunglasses Brands
12 Best Affordable Luxury Clothing Brands
FAQs
What is considered an entry-level luxury watch?
An entry-level luxury watch is considered to be any high-end, brand-name item that's lower on the price and prestige scale than brands like Patek Philippe. These watches are slightly less expensive, but still considered a luxury purchase. An entry-level luxury watch will be the simpler and more affordable timepiece within a luxury brand's collection.
Is Tissot an entry-level luxury watch?
Tissot is often described as an entry-level Swiss luxury watch brand. This means they're priced above most high-street brands, but below other Swiss brands like Longines and Omega.
Is TAG Heuer a luxury brand?
In-house movement is a prerequisite for a watch to be a luxury watch and, since TAG Heuer didn't create their own movement, the brand isn't considered an official luxury one. It's classed as an entry-level luxury watch brand.
