A good watch doesn’t need to cost as much as a small car. Nor a big one for that matter. There are plenty of options that tick all the right boxes – heritage, craftsmanship, and that all-important wrist presence – without plunging you into the depths of financial ruin. Whether you’re after a practical everyday beater from one of the best watch microbrands, a sleek dress watch, or a vintage-inspired classic, these are the ten best watches under 1000 dollars to buy right now.
Heron Marinor
Heron might not have the history of the Swiss greats, but it more than makes up for it with strong design and proper mechanical chops. The Marinor takes inspiration from the great dive watches of the 1950s as well as the mythology, tales, literature, and imagery associated with the sea. Featuring a compact 39mm case and finished with a solid-link bracelet, it’s a sharp, everyday-ready timepiece that doesn’t try too hard – which is exactly why it works. One of the best watches under 1000 and no doubt about it.
Vaer D5 Tropic
California-based Vaer is all about functional, outdoor-ready watches that don’t sacrifice good looks. The D5 Tropic is a prime example – a no-nonsense diver with 200m water resistance, an automatic Miyota 9039 movement, and a domed sapphire crystal for extra durability. Assembled in the USA, it comes with a choice of straps, but the rubber option is the best fit if you actually plan to take it near water.
Wolbrook Skindiver Automatic
A proper retro-inspired dive watch, the Wolbrook Skindiver Automatic channels the style of 1960s tool watches but upgrades the specs for modern wear. With its 150m water resistance, screw-down crown, and sturdy steel case, it’s built for adventure, whether that’s in the sea or just at the bar. And at 40mm, it’s compact enough to work with just about anything you throw on.
Void V03D
Minimalist but far from boring, the Void V03D takes a stripped-back, Scandi-inspired approach to watch design. The 38mm stainless steel case and simple dial layout give it an almost architectural quality, while a reliable Japanese quartz movement keeps it ticking without fuss. If you want a timepiece that sidesteps the usual heritage-heavy aesthetic, this is a strong alternative.
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
Tissot’s PRX is proof that heritage brands can do hype just as well as the newcomers. With its integrated bracelet, 1970s-inspired case, and a movement that keeps ticking for 80 hours straight, this is a serious contender for the best value Swiss automatic on the market. It’s the kind of watch that makes you question why you’d ever need to spend more.
Seiko Prospex SPB143J1
Seiko’s affordable divers have long been a gateway drug for collectors, and the Japanese brand still makes some of the best watches under 1000. The SPB143J1 is a case in point. A modern reinterpretation of the brand’s first dive watch from 1965, it delivers 200m water resistance, a perfectly sized 40.5mm case, and Seiko’s ever-reliable 6R35 movement. A tool watch in the truest sense, but one that won’t look out of place with a blazer, either.
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
Military watches are supposed to be simple, rugged, and readable. The Khaki Field Mechanical nails all three. Inspired by the watches Hamilton supplied to the US Army in the mid-20th century, it runs on a hand-wound movement (which, let’s be honest, makes it cooler) and has just enough vintage charm without looking like a museum piece.
Citizen Promaster Diver BN0150-28E
An all-action diver that never needs a battery? That’s the magic of Citizen’s Eco-Drive tech, which converts light into energy, keeping this thing running indefinitely. With its ISO-certified 200m water resistance, bold legible dial, and unidirectional bezel, it’s a no-fuss alternative to a Swiss diver – and all for well under four figures.
Baltic Aquascaphe
Baltic is one of the brands leading the charge in the new wave of microbrands, and the Aquascaphe is, in our humble opinion, one of the best watches under 1000. Vintage styling? Check. A perfectly sized 39mm case? Check. A well-built automatic movement that won’t let you down? Check. If you’re after something that nails the heritage look without the accompanying price tag, this is the one.
Certina DS Action Diver
Certina doesn’t get the attention of some of its Swiss peers, but that’s not for lack of quality. The DS Action Diver is a proper dive watch, certified to ISO 6425 standards, with a Powermatic 80 movement and 300m water resistance. Built like a tank, but with a price tag that won’t destroy your savings.
Junghans Max Bill Automatic
If you like your watches clean, minimalist, and rooted in design history, Junghans is the brand to know. The Max Bill Automatic, designed by the Swiss architect and Bauhaus disciple of the same name, is a masterclass in simplicity. Slim case, crisp typography, no excess. Just good design, done properly.
Longines Conquest V.H.P.
Quartz movements don’t get the love they deserve, but Longines’ V.H.P. (Very High Precision) makes a strong case. This thing is absurdly accurate, losing just a few seconds per year, and comes with a perpetual calendar, so you’ll never need to worry about adjusting the date. Plus, it looks great – no small detail.
Next up: The best microbrand watches in 2025.
