Buying a luxury watch like a Rolex or Cartier is a major goal for many people, but they are a major investment. If you’re familiar with the luxury watch industry, then you know that these watches are just as complex as they are precise.

If you’ve decided to upgrade to an outstanding timepiece in a fiscally responsible way, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss affordable, high-quality watch brands, what makes them unique, and their entry-level price points.

(Remember: Everyone has a different definition of what’s affordable — which is why we’ll also break down the best way to save for a high-quality watch!)

If you’re being introduced to luxury watches, Seiko is an appropriate choice since they introduced the world to quartz watches. Plus, they’re one of the best affordable watch brands on the market.

Seiko is a Japanese brand that has been making high-quality clocks since 1881. During all this time, they’ve been interwoven with Japanese history. For example, Seiko created the stopwatches for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and made dive watches for the 8th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition.

Price ranges

Today, Seiko’s reputation is as strong as ever, but that doesn’t mean their impressive items are unaffordable. While they may be primarily known for their dive watches, the Seiko 5 is a popular introductory Japanese luxury watch. It begins at $300 to $500 and comes in plenty of styles and functions.

Swiss watchmaking is known for detailed precision, and Oris has been providing just that since 1904.

Oris has a long history of making excellent timepieces based on their own design philosophy. For example, they’re one of the few companies in the industry that only makes mechanical watches.

They also provide a wide variety of timepieces, from classic dress watches to sporty dive watches. In fact, the Oris Diver Sixty-Five is one of their most popular items, offering a classic look with a wide variety of features and designs to make your watch truly unique.

Price ranges

Oris’s affordable luxury watches start just under $2,000 and go up to $2,500 and beyond.

Longines is another Swiss watchmaker with over a century in the industry. In fact, Longines has been making watches for so long that they were one of the first Swiss companies to trademark their watches to prevent counterfeiting.

Today, Longines combines all the craftsmanship of Swiss-made watches with a global perspective. For example, their Master Collection combines function with fashion through a sleek vintage design with day, date, and chronograph features. 

Price ranges

Longines’s entry-level watches begin around $800 to $1,000, making them one of the more affordable luxury brands out there.

Omega is a name that resonates with watch enthusiasts — in fact, you’ve likely seen their watches on the wrist of cinema’s most famous spy! 

That doesn’t mean Omega is out of reach, though.

Omega’s Swiss watches come in styles to match any taste, whether you’re interested in a timeless classic like 007’s Seamaster or something more attention-grabbing like their Omega X Swatch MoonSwatch Speedmaster.

Price ranges

Omega’s prices start at $2,500 and go to $3,000 for their top-tier affordable luxury watches.

Having been founded in 1990, NOMOS is a youngster on this list. However, their fresh perspective has allowed them to become the largest watch manufacturer in Germany.

NOMOS specifically excels at making dress watches that combine minimalist style with complex internal designs and precision timekeeping. Look no further than their Tangente to see exactly how stylish a minimalist design can look.

Price ranges

NOMOS are also affordable thanks to their starting price of $1,400.

Tudor was founded by the same man who started Rolex, with the intention of making a more affordable version with the same reliability. 

Today, Tudor is a favorite among watch enthusiasts, as they create sport, dive, and high-end dress watches. Their most popular piece may be the 1926, which reflects the classic style and precision timekeeping we’ve come to expect from Swiss-made watches.

Price ranges

To make things even better, the 1926 is an excellent entry-level watch valued from $1,850 to $2,300.

IWC was founded in Switzerland by an American businessman. Since then, IWC has used its entrepreneurial roots to push itself to the top, making a name for itself using innovative materials in their luxury watches. While most watchmakers use stainless steel, IWC pioneered the use of titanium since it was lighter and friendlier to wear on your skin for long periods of time.

IWC is also pushing the envelope by making some of their items from ceramics. Still, IWC’s most famous watches come from their classic Pilot Watch collection, which combines innovative features with classic style. 

Price ranges

IWC’s Pilot Watch starts at $4,350, with many customizable features (some of which increase the price, however).

Bell & Ross adds expert Swiss craftsmanship to functional designs meant to withstand extreme environments. In fact, their Hydromax Diving Watch is water resistant up to 11,000 meters.

But Bell & Ross watches aren’t only designed for function. Their Urban line combines all the features of their pilot and dive watches with sleek designs perfect for everyday and formal wear. The BR 05 is the perfect example, since it mixes useful features and precision timekeeping with a retro look.

Price ranges

Bell & Ross entry-level watches start at $2,400 with several different design and function options within that price point. 

Breitling has been making Swiss chronographs since 1884 and hasn’t slowed down since.

Its Premier line launched in 1943, just when military pilots were in need of precision time-tracking. Thanks to its stunning success up in the skies, the Premier is still one of Brietling’s most iconic watches. 

Brietling’s Top Time line also has a famous reputation for a sleek look that can be heavily customized to match the wearer.

Price ranges

Brietling’s watches start at $3,400 with their Endurance Pro and Superocean II. 

In both racing and watchmaking, every second counts. That’s why Tag Heuer’s belief in the power of precision timekeeping perfectly aligns them with some of the most extreme races in the world.

For example, their famous Carrera line was inspired by the notorious 3,000-kilometer race through Mexico that first took place in 1950. Although Tag Heuer still makes pilot and diving watches to support those who pursue extreme sports, they also push the boundaries of what’s possible with their avant-garde designs.

They even offer digital and smartwatches, making them one of the most innovative brands on this list.

Price ranges

Tag Heuer starts at an affordable price point of $1,450, but has several different customization options ranging up to $2,000.

How to save on the best watch brands

Found your perfect luxury watch but it’s out of your price range? Don’t worry, Accrue Savings is here to reward those who are dedicated to saving up — and don’t mind looking for creative ways to do it. 

Accrue Savings provides a platform for people to create savings goals. You can contribute to your savings at regular intervals, or share your wallet with friends and family who can gift contributions. But what really sets us apart is our partnerships with top brands — like Bezel, Vincero, myGemma, and Kiefer — which will reward you with up to $200 toward your savings goal.

Save up to 15% off your watch with Accrue Savings

If you want to invest in a high-quality watch without breaking the bank, there are plenty of options on the market that may fit your taste, preferences, and budget. But getting a nice watch doesn’t need to send you into debt — Accrue helps you save for the things you want, debt free.

Start saving for the watch of your dreams today with help from Accrue and our partners!  

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