Embarking on a journey into the world of luxury watches may seem like a significant investment, given the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that has evolved over the past century.
However, fear not, as it is still possible to get access to the perfect balance of affordability and prestige associated with renowned watchmaking brands. Below, we present our list of the best starter watches from top brands. These watches allow you to become a part of the rich history of horology, even if you are just getting started.
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What is a “starter watch”? What qualities make a good starter watch?
A “starter watch” is an entry-level luxury timepiece, often the first significant acquisition for new collectors. These watches are accessible, combining quality craftsmanship with reasonable pricing, making luxury more attainable. They usually feature simpler designs and mechanics, focusing on essential functionalities like accurate timekeeping. They serve as an introduction to the world of fine horology, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate and learn about luxury watches without the commitment to higher-priced models. This makes them perfect for daily wear and as a stepping stone to more advanced collections.
The price of a starter watch will all depend on one’s budget, but for luxury watches, entry-level models will cost anywhere between $3,000 – $10,000.
The ideal starter watch combines quality craftsmanship, a reputable brand name, a classic and versatile design, and reliable functionality. These attributes ensure that the watch remains a practical choice for everyday wear and holds its value over time.
Starter watches often have fewer complications, focusing instead on essential features such as accurate timekeeping and sometimes a date display. This makes them less intimidating and more user-friendly for those new to watch collecting. They are a perfect way to experience the luxury watch market without the initial high investment. They allow enthusiasts to gradually explore more intricate and expensive models as their interests and budgets grow.
Qualities of a Good Starter Watch:
Affordability: While maintaining a degree of luxury, these watches are priced lower than their high-tier counterparts, making them accessible to newcomers.
Brand Recognition: They often come from reputable brands known for quality and craftsmanship, which helps maintain value.
Craftsmanship and Materials: Despite being entry-level, they are well-crafted with quality materials, ensuring durability and a pleasing aesthetic.
Timeless Design: These watches’ classic and versatile designs make them suitable for a variety of settings, from casual to formal.
Resale Value: Good starter watches hold their value well, making them a safe investment if one chooses to upgrade later.
Simplicity in Features: They typically feature simpler mechanics that emphasize essential functions like timekeeping, sometimes including a date function, but usually avoiding more complex complications.
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Best Starter Watches from Top Brands – Our Picks
Whether you are looking for a watch to kickstart your collection or seeking a gift for someone new to the watch game, we’ve carefully curated a selection of watches that combine style, quality, and affordability, from the world’s top brands.
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1. Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 ref 126000
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Coral Red Dial 126000
Case size: 36mm
Material: Oyster Steel
Movement: COSC-certified Rolex caliber 3230 with 70 hour power reserve
What makes this watch a good choice for new collectors? A watch on the edge of sporty while remaining dressy and stylish enough for all your needs.
Some would say that the development of the Oyster Perpetual was a defining moment for Rolex and this line has become a quintessential trademark of the company. Rolex introduced the Oyster Perpetual dress watch in the 1950s and the design itself hasn’t changed much since then.
Its simple time-only design in the waterproof Oyster case is accompanied by a self-winding movement. Despite being an entry-level model, you’re still getting the COSC-certified Rolex caliber 3230 offering over 70 hours of power reserve and their guaranteed accuracy to within 2 seconds. The 126000 is recognizable with time-only dial and baton hour markers.
The options in the Oyster Perpetual line are practically endless, especially after the complete refresh in 2020. Later that year they released bright new colors beyond the traditional blue, black, and silver, as well as additional sizes: 28, 31, 34, 36, and 41mm.
This is a watch that can start or end your collection with a sophistication that sits on the edge of sporty, while also remaining dressy and stylish to suit all of your needs.
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2. Omega Speedmaster MoonWatch Professional 3861
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Steel Mens Watch 310.30.42.50.01.001
Case size: 42mm
Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: 3861 caliber
What makes this watch a good choice for new collectors? Vintage style with an updated movement means this watch matches your style no matter what you’re doing.
A watch with a touch of history, the Omega Speedmaster MoonWatch is the line that first landed on the moon. A collector’s item for any watch aficionado, the Speedmaster holds that historic position while maintaining its nostalgic design.
Any luxury watch collector will recognize the black Tachymeter bezel with a matching dial. Throw in the stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, and the updated 3861 caliber and you have a watch that maintains its original appearance while sporting groundbreaking technology on the inside. The 3861 caliber maintains accuracy within 5 seconds and has magnetism resistance of up to 15,000 Gauss.
It’s a lovely nod to the vintage styles that made this watch famous in the 1960s while balancing new features under the hood that make it more than ready to sit on your wrist no matter where you go.
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3. Cartier Santos-Dumont
Cartier Santos-Dumont LargeCase size: 5mm
Material: Stainless steel
Movement: Quartz
What makes this watch a good choice for new collectors? Vintage style and historical value that slips under your dress shirt or daily wear with ease.
This is a striking men’s dress watch that very closely resembles the defining characteristics of Cartier watches of the early 20th century. The Santos line has been around for over a century (1904), the Dumont being a perfectly updated tribute to its sophisticated ancestor, still maintaining the famous Cartier square case.
Cartier manages the slender profile of the perfect dress watch with a quartz movement under a stunningly simple dial with Roman numerals and the iconic blue hands. Despite the slender proportions, the case still measures 43.5mm keeping up with today’s fashionable standards.
Place yet another piece of history on your wrist whether you’re tucking it under the cuff of your dress shirt or your daily wear, the Santos Dumont is still as relevant today as it was in 1904.
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4. Breitling Navitimer 38
Breitling Navitimer 1 38mm Black Dial and White Dial
Case size: 38mm
Material: Stainless steel
Movement: Automatic Caliber 17
What makes this watch a good choice for new collectors? It’s dressy without being overbearing and fits every occasion.
Designed for women, but tantalizing for men too, the Breitling Navitimer 38 follows closely to the vintage models of sports watches.
The styling and colors give a nod to their vintage inspirations with cases of steel or steel and gold over a dial in black, blue, or silver. The simplicity of this model is designed after the Navitimer of the 1950s (Reference 66).
A decorative beaded bezel compliments the slide rule and iconic red-tipped seconds hand. Their automatic caliber (Caliber 17) is COSC chronometer certified and the automatic movements can hold up to 40 hours of power. You can track the date with a small window located at 6 o’clock.
It’s a dressy watch without being overbearing. One that you can easily and comfortably wear every day and no matter what the occasion.
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5. Patek Philippe Calatrava ref 3919
Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919Case size: 33mm
Material: Rose Gold
Movement: Manual-winding caliber 215PS
What makes this watch a good choice for new collectors? Simple elegance and the style that set the standard for classic dress watches.
Over 80 years as a signature dress watch should speak for itself. The Calatrava model dates back to 1932 and the ref 3919 is one of the most iconic iterations of the style, and has set the standard for a classic dress watch.
Its elegance is in its simplicity. The 3919 reference was introduced in 1985 with a stark white dial and crisp black Roman numerals. The styling that’s most unique is the tiny adjacent pyramid decoration on the bezel also known as a hobnail or “Clou de Paris”. While the first Calatrava to sport this particular design was the ref. 3520, the 3919 is most known for it now. Inside you have the manual-winding caliber 215PS operating at 28,800 beats per hour and providing around 44 hours of power reserve.
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6. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Self-Winding
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 15400ST
Case size: 41mm
Material: Stainless steel
Movement: Automatic Caliber 4302
What makes this watch a good choice for new collectors? Incredible luxury in an everyday sports watch. Minimal supply and incredible demand makes this watch highly sought after.
While “affordable” and Audemars Piguet have never been synonymous, they do have an entry-level watch within their Royal Oak line. While still starting at $26,000 in retail, the Royal Oak Self-Winding 41mm is one of this brand’s least expensive watches.
Designed by the late Gérald Genta, it’s become not just a luxury watch, but a statement piece for the brand. Gérald Genta was a talented watch designer that cornered the market in luxury sports watches, changing the styles and lines across all brands. Like many luxury watch brands, Audemars Piguet has been around since the late 19th century, but didn’t rise to fame until the 1970s and after stars like Lebron James, Jay-Z, and Arnold Schwarzenegger began to wear their watches.
This sports watch is designed to cater to everyone with a stainless steel case and the famous integrated bracelet. In 2019, they updated the model to include one of their newer movements, the 4302 caliber which holds a 70-hour power reserve behind a larger dial.
Despite being an all-around everyday sports watch, the minimal supply has increased demand, even with the higher price tag as an entry-level luxury watch. This watch is perfect for those that want nothing but incredible luxury sitting perfectly on their wrist.
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7. Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight ref 79030B
Tudor Heritage Black Bay 79030B
Case size: 39mm
Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Automatic MT5402 Tudor caliber
What makes this watch a good choice for new collectors? Great for smaller wrists and everyday use, with a touch of history among dive watches.
Even as an entry-level watch, the Tudor Black Bay has topped the sales charts for the last few years, and for good reason. The original Black Bay watch launched in 2012 as a modern incarnation of Tudor’s iconic dive watches, while being a quintessential example of modern toolwatch design.
While it did extremely well for Tudor, many found its 41mm case on the bulkier side. So in 2018 they decided to tap into the growing market of watches that sported a classic, vintage style. Enter the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight: with a smaller 39mm case that’s 12mm thick, it was not only more in line with diver’s watches from the 1950s, it also provided an alternative Black Bay for smaller wrists.
Matching dials and bezels in black, blue, gray, green, and brown are contrasted with light colored hour markers to increase legibility and offer easy, everyday use. It’s still a chronometer with incredible accuracy fueled by the MT5402 Tudor caliber and the highly desired 70+ hour power reserve.
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8. IWC Pilot Automatic
Case size: 40mm
Material: Stainless steel
Movement: Automatic Sellita Caliber
What makes this watch a good choice for new collectors? A simple, time-only watch that holds vintage style with a calf strap. It’s luxuriously simple.
IWC adapted the Pilot watches to add stunning style to the pure functionality of ages past. Settling on a 40mm case size, the IWC Pilot Automatic has returned to a style with simplicity and functionality in mind.
Whether you want a silvered dial with sharp black numerals or a stunning black dial with bright, white numerals, the Pilot’s Watch Automatic will give you clearly legible and easy-to-read faces no longer cluttered with the older altimeter style. A simple date set at 3 o’clock blends seamlessly into the rest of the face in matching tones.
These time-only watches are powered by a Sellita caliber that is prominent in these style watches. The soft iron case easily fights any magnetism issues and holds considerable water resistance. In place of links bracelets is a stunningly simple calf strap with vintage style stitching. It’s luxurious in its simplicity.
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9. A.Lange & Sohne Lange 1
A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 (photo: A Lange & Sohne)
Case size: 5mm
Material: Rose Gold or White Gold
Movement: 1 manual movement
What makes this watch a good choice for new collectors? A classic and traditional style that makes a remarkable statement on your wrist.
The Lange 1 is stunningly classic and traditional while still making a remarkable statement on your wrist. If you want something out of the ordinary, this entry-level watch with a large face to accommodate the offset hour is sure to please. The Lange 1 collection re-established the ranking of A. Lange & Sohne in 1994 with 4 different models that still ring true today with only minor changes.
With a movement finished in German Silver, the style really defines this watch and is an excellent choice as a first introduction to the A. Lange & Sohne luxury watch line. The manual wind caliber alongside the stunning look is definitely a throwback to the early pocket watch designs. The improvements brought about by the L121.1 movement in 2015 features a balance spring rather than screws to set the movement.
The replacement of the L901.0 caliber after 20 years of solid use really distinguishes the new from the old not only in function, but with an impressive 72-hour power reserve that’s sure to please.
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10. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface Quartz
Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface Quartz (photo: Jaeger LeCoultre)
Case size: 78 x 21mm
Material: Stainless steel
Movement: Quartz
What makes this watch a good choice for new collectors? Simple and effortless design slides effortlessly under any sleeve and the reversible watch head is perfect for engraving.
Many brands place quartz movements (Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 657) in their entry-level watches, but that doesn’t make them any less of a timepiece. Jaeger LeCoultre is no different. The Classic Monoface Quartz may have a Quartz movement, but as the least expensive Reverso in their catalog still stuns at all levels.
While other, more expensive, Reverso models are powered by a mechanical movement, this smaller watch is still as much a classic Reverso as any other model. The simple and elegant strap sits flush on your wrist and the slim design will slide effortlessly under any sleeve.
The watch head is reversible within its stainless steel case and is perfect for engraving and personalization for gifts to that special someone.
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Tips for choosing the best starter watch
Choosing the best starter watch involves several key considerations to ensure satisfaction and value from your first luxury timepiece. Here are some essential tips:
Establish Your Budget: Decide how much you are willing to spend. This helps narrow down your options to those within your financial reach without compromising quality.
Research Brands: Invest time in understanding which brands offer the best quality and service within your budget. Reputable brands often provide better resale value and durability.
Consider the Style: Think about your personal style and how the watch will fit into your wardrobe. A versatile design that matches both casual and formal wear is typically a good choice.
Watch Functionality: Identify what features are important to you. A good starter watch should have reliable basic functions, but you may also want to consider additional features like water resistance or a date display.
Seek Recommendations: Consult with more experienced watch enthusiasts, read reviews, and participate in forums. Community insights can be invaluable in making an informed choice.
Try Before You Buy: If possible, visit stores to try on different watches. Seeing a watch in person and wearing it can make a significant difference in your decision.
Think Long-Term: Consider whether the watch you choose is something you can see yourself wearing for many years. Starter watches are often kept as sentimental pieces even as collections grow.
Authenticity and Warranty: Ensure that you buy from authorized dealers to guarantee the authenticity of your watch and to secure a manufacturer’s warranty.
These steps will help guide you in selecting a starter watch that not only meets your aesthetic and functional desires but also offers a sound introduction to the world of luxury watches.
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Best Starter Watches: Final Thoughts
While each brand has their own idea as to the price point of an entry-level wristwatch, there’s no denying the appeal and the value of any of these amazing starter watches.
Explore your own favorites available from SwissWatchExpo.com and take your first step into the luxury watch market. You never know what you’ll find to be your new favorite piece to adorn your own wrist.
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