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The best men’s watches under $1000 don’t just fall onto your wrist. You have to do a little work to find the perfect men’s watch that delivers on reliability and good looks. It should embody all the key features you desire in a timepiece you could potentially want to wear every day of the week.
One way of finding the best watches under $1000 is to search watches by brand, and then take a look at what each manufacturer offers within that price point. However, if you generally tend to put a lot of emphasis on the quality and performance before you buy it, you’ll want to do your research before adding another one to your collection.
There’s no doubt that you already have a favorite watch brand that resonates with you as a wearer. But, if you want to stumble across some of the best men’s watches under $1000 on the market, you’ll need to consider a few different manufacturers, rather than have your heart set on just one.
So, what qualities make for the best men’s watch? Are you in search of a sports watch under $1000? Do you prefer a watch with a quartz movement or an automatic? Is a dive watch next on your list? One person’s opinion of the best men’s watch for under $1000 will differ from someone else’s, and that all depends on what watch brands are offering in the industry right now.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best men’s watches under $1000, complete with a break-down of features, advantages, and reasons why you might choose one of these as the ultimate timekeeping tool.
View The Best Men’s Watches Under $1000 Below
1. Tissot Seastar 1000 Automatic
Tissot Seastar watches appeal to the diving enthusiasts of the watch-collecting world. These high-performance automatic dive watches combine impressive water-resistant capabilities with a legible dial, for quick and easy time-checking when underwater. That said, a dive watch like this Tissot Seastar model is perfectly suited for use on dry land too.
The stainless steel case, which spans a confident 43mm in diameter, creates a statement when paired with formal or professional attire. Its stainless steel bracelet is equipped with a foldable clasp and features perfectly tailored links to mold to the contours of your wrist for maximum comfort.
Pros:
+ 300-meter water-resistant stainless steel case
+ Diver-friendly steel bracelet with diving extension facility
+ Unidirectional rotating black ceramic bezel for measuring remaining dive time
+ Automatic POWERMATIC 80.111 – 80-hour power reserve
+ Screw-down crown and case back for improved water resistance
Why We Like It – The Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic watch combines a long and reliable power reserve with innovative water-resistant features for diving, snorkeling, and various water sports.
2. TAG Heuer Formula 1 Watch
The dynamic black, stainless steel TAG Heuer Formula 1 watch combines the accuracy of a reliable Swiss-made quartz movement with racing-inspired elements taken from the race track. TAG Heuer’s prestigious relationship with the Formula 1 industry is unparalleled within the watchmaking world.
This TAG Heuer’s fine-brushed stainless steel case is capable of withstanding depths of up to 200 meters underwater. It creates a statement when strapped to the wrist. The stylish perforated black leather strap and pin buckle clasp only add to the style of this Tag Heuer. A black PVD unidirectional rotating bezel features legible indexes that fit with the sporty aesthetics of this TAG Heuer Formula 1 watch under $1000.
Pros:
+ Legible three-handed dial with luminous hands and indexes
+ Practical date feature at 3 o’clock
+ 200-meter water-resistant fine-brushed steel case with PVD coated bezel
+ The Formula 1 has a reliable Swiss-built quartz movement
+ Versatile and comfortable leather strap for styling with any attire
Why We Like It – The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Quartz watch is sturdy and robust enough to be worn by professional racing drivers, but comfortable and practical enough to be appreciated by those looking to invest in a luxury watch in a specific budget.
3. Seiko SKX007J1 Automatic Diver’s Watch
Seiko’s Japanese automatic movement is certainly worth investing in. This manufacturer has made some of the world’s most reliable automatic watches. The 7S26 21 movement powering this Seiko dive watch features a balance wheel and a mainspring to regulate the time and produce energy.
It has a screw-down case back, and a 200-meter water-resistant steel case. The unidirectional rotating bezel, surrounding a dial adorned with Lumibrite hands and markers, will appeal to you if you’re searching for the best men’s’ watches under $1000.
Pros:
+ Japanese movement with a timekeeping Accuracy of +/- 15s/day
+ In-house made Seiko diver’s strap for optimum comfort
+ Legible day date and luminous dial features
+ dial protected by Sapphire Hardlex crystal with scratch resistance
+ crown positioned at 4 o’clock for easy dive access
Why We Like It – For its price point, this dive watch promises a reliable automatic movement, combined with dive-friendly features, and a practical design.
4. Junghans Max Bill Automatic
If you’re looking for a men’s dress watch with timeless style credentials, this automatic watch under $1000 is sure to impress you with its elegant anthracite-colored dial nestled underneath a refined scratch-resistant convex hard plexiglass lens.
The Junghans Max Bill watch features a slimline bezel surrounding a simple minute track, and a clear, yet unimposing set of Arabic numerals. The Self-winding caliber J800.1 is an in-house built movement that powers a set of precision-carved hands.
These are featured on a dial dressed with environmentally friendly luminous detailing. Its classic leather strap and stainless steel buckle constitute the perfect wristwatch for interviews, a romantic dinner date for two, or even your travels.
Pros:
+ Elegant anthracite dial with luminous coated indexes and hands
+ Robust scratch-resistant convex hard plexiglass lens
+ A classic and simple three-handed dial
+ Supple brown leather strap for wearing hour after hour
+ Powered by an in-house developed movement with 38-hour power reserve
Why We Like It – We love this sophisticated Junghans Max Bill watch. You can own an in-house developed self-winding movement with an impressive 38-hour power reserve for an affordable price.
5. Longines Conquest Blue Dial Automatic
Longines watches are renowned for creating classic and elegant timepieces. This automatic watch from the Conquest collection is a wristwatch for business, leisure, or travel. Its legible blue dial, with luminous coated hours and hands, is accompanied by a practical date feature, dressed against a striking white background for enhanced readability.
Their oversized Arabic numerals define models from this collection. This men’s Longines Conquest watch for under $1000 is completed on a stainless steel case with a polished, fine-brushed surface, and 300-meter water resistance. The model’s anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire glass lens will provide you with a clear view of the dial, free from any undesirable glare.
Pros:
+ Unimposing 39mm steel case for slender wrists
+ 200-meter water resistance for water sports and swimming
+ Anti-glare sapphire glass lens for clear referencing of the time
+ Simple and practical three-handed dial design with date feature
+ Automatic movement equipped with 42-hour power supply
Why We Like It – This classic and understated men’s luxury watch, developed on a rugged stainless steel bracelet, is the go-to timepiece for wearing for an interview, a party, or on vacation.
6. Victorinox Swiss Army INOX. Mechanical
If you’re a fan of the mechanical Swiss Army watches from Victorinox, this INOX Mechanical model will appeal to you. It offers the accuracy and reliability of a genuine, Swiss-made automatic, paired with an unusual case design inspired by a Swiss Army knife. A guilloche textured blue dial is home to chunky central hands, filled with a luminescent treatment and a spacious dial layout.
The sculpted lines of this Victorinox watch case meld comfortably to the wrist, enhanced, of course, by a highly durable wooden strap, crafted onto a supple leather base. If you want to do your bit for the planet, this brand’s commitment to making their timepieces more environmentally-friendly will enable you to enjoy precision timekeeping without the guilt!
Pros:
+ Robust 200m water resistant stainless steel case design
+ legible dial with luminous hands and markers
+ Innovative Swiss Army inspired design
+ Ergonomic wooden and leather strap design
+ Powered by a mechanical movement
Why We Like It – This confident 43mm steel Victorinox INOX watch delivers on comfort, functionality, and reliability. At the same time, its unique design harkens back to Victorinox’s military-inspired heritage.
7. Rado Hyperchrome Quartz Watch
Rado released their Hyperchrome watch collection in 2012. The best watches from this line are considered models for every occasion, thanks to their monobloc ceramic case. This case does away with the need for a steel core. Despite the fact that these men’s watch costs less than $1000, it still feels incredibly luxurious.
This is courtesy of a bi-color case design; it blends a high-tech ceramic and metal composite, with a rose gold color on the bezel. The Swiss quartz battery powers a set of rose gold hands around a guilloche textured silver dial, equipped with a date window at three o’clock. As well as a 50-meter water-resistant case, you also get the benefit of a Rado-patented Ceramos bracelet and a scratch-resistant sapphire glass lens.
Pros:
+ 47mm hi-tech Ceramic and metal Composite case
+ Silver guilloche dial with luxurious rose gold-colored appliques
+ Practical date window at 3
+ Anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire glass lens
+ ultra-accurate quartz watch
Why We Like It – This elegant-looking men’s watch promises reliability with Rado’s cutting edge technology.
8. Certina DS Action GMT Automatic
The Powermatic 80 movement, built into the heart of this men’s Certina watch from the DS Action collection, provides an 80-hour power reserve and a GMT hand for traveling in style. Its eye-catching red and black dial, equipped with a date window at three, and luminous coated hands, makes time easy to reference.
The Certina DS Action GMT watch provides incredible value for money. The robust steel case and bracelet are ideal for attending business overseas or pairing with both smart and casual attire.
Pros:
+ 24-hour track around the outer edge of the dial
+ 43.10mm steel case equipped with 200m water resistance
+ Powermatic 80 movement
+ Screw down case and crown for improved water resistance
+ Legible dial for timekeeping in the dark
Why We Like It – Any watch with additional features under the $1000 price point is worth investing in. This bold black dial and chunky GMT men watch is a reliable companion for an on-the-go lifestyle.
9. Citizen Eco-Drive Satellite
With in-built satellite technology, this innovative Citizen Satellite Wave-World watch comes with a worldwide reception area, along with a world time feature for 27 separate countries. A perpetual calendar, a daylight saving time indicator, day and date feature, light level power indicator, and a power reserve display are also included.
If you consider yourself a gadget-loving tech geek, then this watch is certainly worth you parting with your money. Its sleek, black dial is punctuated by luminous hands that make reading the time at night easy. Plus, it’s fitted on a stainless steel bracelet, combining comfort with a sophisticated edge.
Pros:
+ World time feature for the avid traveling enthusiast
+ Equipped with reliable Japanese-quartz Movement
+ 43.5mm steel case with 100-meter water resistance
+ Stainless steel bracelet for traveling in comfort
+ Power reserve indicator
Why We Like It – The Citizen EcoDrive Satellite watch is packed full to the brim with innovative technological features that will make you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth every single day. The black dial is stylish and sophisticated.
10. Hamilton Khaki Field Auto Original
Exclusive to the brand’s Khaki Field collection, this Hamilton men’s 42mm watch houses the H-10 automatic movement inside its robust stainless steel case. Completed on a vintage-inspired brown leather strap, this classic-looking Hamilton watch is certainly geared towards your tastes if you like a traditional wristwatch.
Albeit, with a military-inspired twist. The black Arabic dial is accompanied by an additional 24-hour track for keeping track of a second-time zone while traveling. Plus, its date aperture, and smoothly sculpted case, which flows into integrated lugs, ensures that functionality is equally met with refined aesthetics.
Pros:
+ H-10 movement with 80-hour power reserve
+ Anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass lens
+ 24-hour display
+ Legible Arabic numeral hour track with date feature
+ Stylish brown leather strap with cream contrast stitching
Why We Like It – This luxury men’s watch is affordable, practical, and stylish. The military-inspired timepiece offers the reliability of a beautifully crafted automatic movement, paired with a second-time zone feature.
Men’s Watches Under $1000 Buyer’s Guide
Different styles of men’s watches under $1000
Now that you’ve had a full run-down of our top 10 picks for the best men’s watches under $1000, you may want to start thinking about which one appeals to you the most, and not just from a style point-of-view either. While your taste in watches is important, think of the values that a timepiece within this price bracket can offer.
It needs to last – so the materials used in the watch need to be durable. It also needs to offer all the key features you’re likely to use on a daily basis, whether that’s recording a personal best at the gym, for checking the time while on a diving expedition on vacation, or for displaying the local time for your next business appointment.
Your chosen watch should be able to keep time regularly and accurately. Are you likely to wear it every day? That way, the movement of your wrist will power an automatic movement efficiently. Or is a quartz watch a better option for you?
Pick a reputable brand that you know
While the best watches under $1000 are certainly out there, buying a watch within a set budget can, in some cases, come with a compromise or two. The phrase “you get what you pay for” often applies within the watch industry. This is because if you’ve set your sights on in-house developed features, then the price will go up. If you’re looking at a watch with an appealing price tag and an endless list of features, the chances are it’s too good to be true.
Truth be told, the best watch is the one right for you, whatever that may be. But before you exhaust the internet for options, take a little time to determine what qualities in a men’s watch are important to you.
Accuracy
If you’re checking your watch often to ensure you turn up to appointments on time, or if your day relies solely on meeting after meeting, a watch that doesn’t deviate on a daily basis is a key feature for you. Models, like our number 3 Seiko Automatic Diver’s Watch, is powered by a Japanese movement. Its design, as well as being easy on the eye, is centered solely around reliability and unbeatable performance. Likewise, the best watches quartz watches will offer supreme accuracy.
While some watch collectors go in search of a sporty chronograph that records a 10th of a second, others prefer a quartz watch, since it requires no winding. It will provide accurate timekeeping throughout the day and night.
Durability
If you have the desire to explore, or if your line of work requires you to be outdoors for much of the day in all weathers, then a robust watch should be your primary focus when going in search of the best watch. It can withstand the harshest conditions and extreme external environments.
Whether you’re exploring unchartered depths of the sea, sailing on rough waters, mountain ranging, automobile racing, or playing extreme sports. you’ll need to consider a watch that’s been developed from corrosion-resistant materials, Also opt for one that promises a scratch-resistant glass lens.
Sapphire glass
Sapphire crystal glass is used frequently within the watch industry today, mainly because it’s so tough; only a diamond can scratch it. Add to that the anti-reflective qualities, and you might find that opting for an affordable watch, sealed with a glass lens crafted from sapphire crystal, is a good choice.
Water resistance
A watch with superior water resistance is worth its weight in gold if you spend a large amount of time in the water. A combination of robust stainless steel and ceramic will make for the perfect diver’s watch. Screwed-in case backs and screw-down crowns are also worth considering if you’re looking for improved water resistance technology.
Functionality
What features will assist in your daily routine? Do you like to record the time when taking a morning jog? Are you often switching from one country to the next on business? Watches with multiple features come in various styles.
While the Citizen Eco-Drive Satellite watch has built-in satellite technology, and an accurate quartz movement for keeping track of time, other brands, such as Hamilton, Seiko, and Certina, provide an additional second-time zone. This is along with features such as a day and date, with a simple dial format.
Style
When looking for the best men watch brands, are a number of different watch styles to choose from. A classic dress watch is a good choice if you want a timepiece that you can wear both in the office and to formal events. A black dial will go with everything. If you’re looking for a watch to wear just for those special occasions in life, Longines, Hamilton, and Junghans watches are excellent choices.
They will dress up a smart outfit or elevate evening attire. If you’re the sporty type, and you’re looking for a watch that exudes a bold and ultra-masculine look, TAG Heuer (such as the Formula 1) and Tissot watches are a great starting point.
To summarise
The best watches under $1000 are certainly out there. In order to find your perfect fit, weigh up whether it’s style, materials, features, or accuracy that you simply aren’t prepared to compromise on. Do you require a classic everyday watch? An elegant dress watch? Do a sports watch? Or a dive watch? Be prepared to compromise on one or two aspects during the investment process.
That’s not to say settle for anything. Take a little time to consider whether it’s more worthwhile to invest in a timepiece that can transform from a work watch to an elegant piece of jewelry by night, or a sporty diver’s watch that donates something dynamic and modern to a formal business suit. A two-in-one watch is better than a watch that can only be worn for one purpose.
Then, when you’re 90% sure you’ve found the right watch that ticks all the boxes and feels right, read up on the history of the manufacturer. A company that specializes in quality movements, for example, will seal the deal for you if accuracy is paramount. Likewise, cutting edge technology in material development is a winner if robustness and durability are key features that define the best watch for you.