Entry Level Luxury Watches for Your Collection

Nothing says “I’ve arrived” more than a luxury watch on your wrist. In today’s world of mass produced items, a luxury timepiece shows your appreciation for craftsmanship, quality and tradition to everyone around you.

Now that your wrist has earned its first luxury timepiece, you most likely have the big names like Rolex, Omega or Cartier in mind. Or maybe a Breitling or Tag Heuer has caught your eye. And in choosing your first watch, you’re right about choosing a solid, reliable brand.

One thing’s for sure: If you choose your first timepiece right, it definitely won’t be your last.

Here are some great pieces to start your collection with:

ROLEX AIR KING

from left: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air King Black Dial Domed Bezel Watch | Rolex Air King Blue Dial Steel Mens Watch

The Rolex Air King is what can be called the purist’s Rolex – with a stainless steel case, Oyster bracelet and no date, it has everything that makes a Rolex a Rolex, but at an affordable price (at least within the Rolex portfolio).

Especially made for the British Royal Air Force, you can expect it to be battle tough, but with a clean, classic look that can be worn with a range of activities: at work, with a tux, or during weekend errands.

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TAG HEUER GRAND CARRERA

from left: Tag Heuer Grand Carrera Brown Leather Strap Mens Watch | Tag Heuer Grand Carrera GMT Chrono Mens Watch

If you’re into a range of activities and need a watch that can be worn with a wider range of ensembles, the Grand Carrera is a great choice. As the name suggests, the watch was inspired by car racing, but the polished stainless steel case, and luminous hands and hour markers, make it classy enough to wear to a suit and tie event. Automatic movement, time and date functions all come in the discreet yet sporty package.

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OMEGA SPEEDMASTER

from left: Omega Speedmaster Day Date Blue Dial Steel Mens Watch | Omega Speedmaster Chronograph Black Dial Mens Watch

The durability of the Speedmaster should be unquestionable by now. Launched in 1957, it was the first watch on the moon and has since been present in every manned moon mission in NASA’s history.

Design-wise, it has also stood the test of time, undergoing only slight modifications throughout its history. It looks good with most any wardrobe, and with its history, it also makes for a storied heirloom watch.

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CARTIER RONDE SOLO

from left: Cartier Ronde Solo Large Stainless Steel Silver Dial Watch | Cartier Ronde Solo XL Silver Dial Steel Watch

Cartier, with its centuries of jewelry and watchmaking history, is as luxury as watches can get. With the Ronde, you can get the same craftsmanship and prestige on your wrist without the five-figure price tag, and all the elements that are distinctly Cartier – the Roman numerals, rail-track minute circle, and blue sword-shaped hands.

If you’re mostly in business attire or attend formal events, the Ronde comes in both a leather and stainless steel bracelet, and makes a great dress watch.

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BREITLING COLT AUTOMATIC

from left: Breitling Colt Automatic Stainless Steel Mens Watch
| B reitling Colt GMT Automatic Stainless Steel Watch

If a rugged, military-style watch is more your type, then the Colt Automatic can be your everyday go-to watch. Originally made for and used by armed forces, the models come in a polished steel case that is water-resistant up to 200m, aviator-style dial, and a very distinct unidirectional rotating bezel.

Robust, functional, masculine and with excellent durability, you’re getting a lot from the Colt Automatic as your first luxury watch.

SEE MORE BREITLING COLT AUTOMATIC WATCHES >

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SEE MORE OF THE WATCHES IN OUR VIDEO:

Showcase Review - Rolex Air-King Watches, Vintage to Modern | SwissWatchExpo [1 Minute Watch Review]