Our Top Ten Entry-Level Luxury Watches
Watch lovers, it’s time for something really special. Luxury watches are the perfect sustainable gift or self-gift to last a lifetime. If you or your loved one is a newbie when it comes to the Swiss watch world, then we’re here to help with the best entry-level luxury watches for those who don’t just mean something, they mean everything.
“When you’re looking to buy a timepiece, there are a number of things to consider including personal preference, budget, and the occasion. Whether you're looking for a watch to wear every day, formally or for a particular sport, then you have to consider the different features.” – Bruce, Head of Luxury Brands.
Whether you’re trying to find your first luxury watch or you just need a little refresh, then keep reading as we talk you through what is a luxury watch, the key features to look for, the best entry-level luxury watch brands, price ranges and our favourite timepieces curated by our experts. From Swiss watches under £1,000, to the best entry-level TAG Heuer watches, we’ll help you find the perfect luxury watch.
What is a luxury watch?
Meticulously crafted to a high quality, luxury watches are designed to last a lifetime thanks to their impeccable movements, manufacturing and the most innovative materials. Most luxury watches are put through their paces with intensive tests based on strict criteria with Swiss-made watches in particular boasting a COSC chronometer certification.
“A luxury watch is truly a special purchase, as the craftsmanship that goes into making them can’t be replicated in standard watches.” - Bruce, Head of Luxury Brands.
So, what are the key features to look for in your first luxury watch? Most luxury watch brands have features that give their timepieces longevity and accuracy, making them good investment watches:
Durable materials such as scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass, higher grade metals or precious metals like gold.
In-house movements or automatic movements with a longer-lasting power reserve. Usually tested by COSC chronometer certification.
Screw-down crown which helps to keep water and dust out of the movement.
Sought-after diamonds, gemstones and mother of pearl embellishments.
Special and limited editions help to uphold their superiority too.
For more information about what makes a Swiss watch so prestigious, discover our Swiss Watch Buying Guide.
What budget should you set for your entry-level luxury watch?
Now you know the key features, it’s all about choosing the details that matter to you or your loved one. Think about what its purpose is - will it need additional functions? What type of bracelet is needed? Will it be an heirloom or something just for every day? Then, set the budget for your first luxury watch – it’s probably best to decide the highest amount you’re willing to spend before looking. We’re confident you can find a perfect entry-level luxury watch that has the high quality features you’re looking for, for around £500 - £2,000.
Best entry-level luxury watch brands
We’d say the best starter luxury watch brands are Gucci, Tissot, Raymond Weil, Longines, Oris, and Rado. For an extra special first luxury watch, TAG Heuer has a longstanding history of manufacturing the highest quality timepieces for professionals, sportspeople, and adventurers alike. With each brand boasting a long history of luxury craftsmanship, innovative designs and mainstays in the world of sports, they’re definitely entry-level investment watches that you can treasure.
Wondering if should you buy pre-owned? The pre-owned watch world is full of amazing timepieces from high-end luxury brands, so if you’re looking for the likes of OMEGA and Breitling at a slightly lower price point, then it’s certainly a choice.
Our pre-owned watches start at £1,040 and have undergone a thorough health check to ensure they are in perfect working order. With quality and authenticity guaranteed, discover more about these investment watches in our Five Reasons To Buy A Pre-Owned Watch blog. If new is for you, here’s our favourites…
1. TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Ladies Watch - £1,850
Boasting a luxurious mother-of-pearl dial, this TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Mother of Pearl Quartz Ladies Watch is one that will make the perfect investment entry-level luxury watch. Perfect for someone who loves a timepiece with classic elegance, the refined style is one we can’t help but fall in love with. With a water resistance of up to 200m and powered by a quartz movement, you’re covered with this watch’s uncompromising accuracy, durability and precision.
Like this watch? It comes with an extra WOW! When you spend between £1,000 - £1,999 on a luxury watch, you’ll receive a free £150 gift card. Just consider it the gift that keeps on giving. T&C’s apply.
2. Rado HyperChrome Classic Men’s Watch - £1,255
A first luxury watch that’s perfect for the sophisticated type, this Rado HyperChrome Classic Stainless Steel Blue Automatic Men’s Watch showcases a classic design with its navy blue dial and stainless steel case with a matching bracelet. This Swiss-made timepiece features an automatic movement with a power reserve of up to 80 hours, so it’s the perfect entry-level luxury watch that you can rely on.
A watch for you, and an extra special something to gift to a loved one. When you buy this watch, receive a free £150 gift card to spend on anything you’d like. T&C’s apply.
3. Gucci G-Timeless Snake Men's Watch - £950
For a timeless watch that will never go out of fashion, this Gucci G-Timeless Snake Men's Watch makes a statement with its bold, sleek design. Boasting an eye-catching and instantly recognisable red snake motif, this timepiece captures the essence of style and simplicity, with its stainless steel case and matching bracelet. With all the features of a Swiss-watch, and iconic Gucci detailing that the brand is known and loved for, it’s definitely an exceptional entry-level watch to last a lifetime.
4. Rado Florence Diamond Ladies Watch - £1,300
Providing elegance for any occasion, this Rado Florence Diamond Ladies Watch is a stunning first luxury watch. For those who’d like to mix and match both stainless steel and rose gold tones, this watch is a beautiful blend of both, making a modern statement. The diamond dot how markers are the perfect sparkling finishing touch to this expertly crafted Swiss watch, what more could you ask for?
A watch to make her present a truly special one, and you can get an extra WOW with a free £150 gift card to treat yourself to that necklace you’ve always wanted. Just consider it the gift that keeps on giving. T&C’s apply.
5. Tissot T-Classic PRX Automatic Men’s Watch- £640
For the lovers of a watch with a retro, 70s style, this handsome Tissot T-Classic PRX Stainless Steel Automatic Men’s Watch has an innovative and contemporary sense of style. Ideal for those who have an eye for on-trend timepieces, the light blue coloured dial is one we’re loving at the minute. An entry-level watch to love forever, the openwork case back will let you take a glimpse at the meticulously crafted Swiss-made automatic movement live in action.
“For a present that will stand the test of time, a Swiss watch is perfect if you’re looking to really brighten up someone’s special occasions this year. We’ve got brands that offer the very best in watchmaking, so you can find the ultimate timepiece to treasure.” – Bruce, Head of Luxury Brands.
6. Longines Conquest Classic Ladies Watch - £900
True to Longines values of elegance, tradition and performance, this Longines Conquest Classic Ladies Watch features a beautiful blue dial and rose gold finishing touches for a watch that is both contemporary and perfectly timeless. With an E.O.L function (end of life) that displays when the quartz movement is ready for changing, this watch revels in Swiss craftsmanship and stunning design.
7. DOXA Sub 200 Sharkhunter Men’s Watch - £950
An icon in the world of diving watches, DOXA is a brand renowned for its craftsmanship that travels to new depths. The all-black aesthetic of this DOXA Sub 200 Sharkhunter Automatic Men’s Watch is one that we know will look sleek anywhere, including beneath the waves. Complete with Super-LumiNova coated hands and dial markers, and a water resistance of up to 200m, this is the ultimate entry-level watch for diving enthusiasts, or those who appreciate a sophisticated looking watch to enhance their day-to-day style.
Pay £0 deposit on your first luxury watch and spread the cost with up to 4 years interest free credit. T&Cs apply.
8. Baume & Mercier Classima Ladies Watch - £1,000
Luxury Swiss watch brand Baume & Mercier are renowned for their elegant, timeless watches. Epitomising the it-girl watch trend with its dainty design, this Baume & Mercier Classima Leather Quartz Ladies Watch is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a timeless design that captures that quiet luxury aesthetic. The stainless steel case and rich blue alligator leather strap make this timepiece a first luxury watch that will never go out of style. Powered by a quartz movement, it also boasts utmost precision and accuracy.
Fallen in love with this watch? It comes with an extra WOW! Get a free £150 gift card when you spend between £1,000 - £1,999 on a luxury watch, so you can get the earrings on your wish list, too. Just consider it the gift that keeps on giving. T&C’s apply.
9. Longines HydroConquest Men's Watch - £1,300
With a stylish, daring navy blue appearance that we’re certain will win you over, this Longines HydroConquest Stainless Steel Automatic Men's Watch boasts classic elegance with its stainless steel case with a matching bracelet. Business-ready and reliable, this timepiece’s timeless aesthetic comes equipped with a quartz movement and a water resistance of up to 300m. One of the best entry-level luxury watches, you can have the best of both worlds when it comes to style and performance with this watch.
Like this watch? It comes with an extra WOW! When you spend between £1,000 - £1,999 on a luxury watch, you’ll receive a free £150 gift card. Just consider it the gift that keeps on giving. T&C’s apply.
10. Oris Big Crown Pointer Men's Watch - £1,600
Championing vintage style and modern versatility, this Oris Big Crown Pointer Men's Watch is one that will make the perfect entry-level luxury watch if you’re looking for a timepiece with a retro aesthetic. Love a watch with a colourful dial? We think the beautiful navy blue complements the brown leather strap perfectly. If you’re looking for an entry-level luxury watch inspired by aviation principles, this timepiece is one to add to your wish list. You can even see the Swiss automatic movement through the sapphire crystal case back, for a captivating finishing touch.
Found the perfect watch for him? Pay £0 today and spread the cost with interest free credit.
Our Head of Luxury Brands, Bruce, answers more of your most Googled luxury watch questions here. Looking to learn more about watches? Our Swiss Watch Buying Guide has everything you need to know, whilst our Luxury Edit has our top gifts to treasure.
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