In the realm of watch collection, finding the perfect watch can feel like a lost adventure for a first-timer. Here are three standout choices that promise to elevate your wrist game without breaking the bank. If you are looking for affordable, entry level watches with great value for money, you've come to the right place.
- Seiko Presage Cocktail Time: Shaken, Not Stirred
If you had to compare between the dollar spent vs quality of dials, there probably isn't a better option than the Seiko Presage lineup. Inspired by the intricacy of stems of cocktail glasses, this dial will certainly spark conversations for a staggering price of $675 AUD. This price point makes this a contender for best automatic watches under $1000 (as most automatic mechanical watches range from $1000+). If you ask anyone, it's great value for money if you are even simply wanting to add a mechanical watch into your collection.
Source: Seiko
I strongly suggest you to see this in a store. Online digital images and videos do not do it justice. Find this in any large department stores (e.g. Myer or David Jones in Australia), and I can bet you will be suprised at the knife-cutting details of the dial.
- Tissot PRX / PRX Powermatic 80: Maximum Swiss Heritage
If you're looking for a genuine Swiss heritage timepiece for your collection, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 50 is a must see.
This is a modern revision of the 1970's original Tissot Seastar - which took the market by storm during the luxury-sports watch era, released closely next to many defining Swiss watch models at the time such as Audemars Piguet, and Patek Phillippe.
Source: Tissot
It carries similar design elements as the notorious Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus. See below for the similarities - key takeaways being the integrated bracelet (where body casing and bracelet appear as a single, continuous piece) and the waffle dial.
Photos not to scale. From left to right: Patek Philippe Nautilus, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
And to no surprise, the PRX is currently one of the most popular watches in the market under $1,500. It is well recongnised in the watch world - see Teddy Baldassare's review on the PRX here.
There are two options for the PRX series - either with the automatic movement (Powermatic 80) or the quartz. Visually, the Powermatic 80 includes a waffle pattern on the dial and a sapphire crystal back casing - so you can see through the case and marvel at Tissot's signature Powermatic 80 movement. On the other hand, the quartz version, as it is battery operated, does not offer the clear back casing and unfortunately no waffle dial either. The quartz version begins at $610 AUD and the Powermatic 80 version begins at $1,150 AUD.
The combination of its heritage background and beautifully executed integrated bracelet, makes this is our No.1 contender if you want to get a piece of Swiss watch heritage without breaking the bank.
- Omega x Swatch Moonswatch: For Space Explorers Alike
Our final cosmic contender is the Omega x Swatch Moonswatch, a collaboration so out-of-this-world, it's practically on the moon. Replicating the dial of the original Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional (AKA watch brought on the moon by NASA astronauts on the Apollo 11), this watch lets you carry a piece of space wherever you go. Released early 2022, this is one of the most talked-about watches in the past year. It was so sought after by fans of Omega Speedmaster series that it is officially sold out online as of 2023.
Source: Reddit (FN9_)
Priced at only $415 AUD, this is the closest thing you can get to a Speedmaster without the hefty price tag. It features a quartz movement and a bio-ceramic (lightweight matte feel) casing, as well as the full chronograph functions like the Speedmaster.
Limited edition and glow-in-the-dark luminescent, the Moonswatch is perfect for those moments when you want your wrist to do the talking.
Conclusion
In the grand scheme of time-telling accessories, these watches prove that you can have style and substance without the hefty price tag. Whether you lean towards the icy dials of the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time, the depth of Swiss heritage in the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80, or the cosmic journey with the Omega x Swatch Moonswatch, each of these timepieces is a testament to the fact that you don't need to break the bank to own a watch that reflects style and personality.