Pretty much what the title says…I’ve been researching dozens of watches in the sub $1k budget and have found many “popular” watches that have super positive reviews, but when I go to a store to handle and experience the watch, it’s very underwhelming. It’s gotten to the point now that I’m questioning anyone’s advice on watches in this budget.
For example, many reviewers and people love the Tissot PRX line, but after seeing those in person and holding those pieces, I think they feel cheap and overpriced for what you’re getting. FYI - I’m only interested in automatic watches, so I’m not considering quartz for this discussion.
I’m mainly here to chat about whether others have or are currently experiencing this too or I’m alone in feeling this way? Also, does it get significantly better at $2k, $3k, etc.?
Watches sub $1k that I didn’t like…
- Tissot PRXs
- Seiko SSKs
- Seiko SRPFs
- Orient Kamasu and Mako
- Nezumi Aviera
- Swatches
- Citizen
- Victorinox
Note: I own a couple other watches in this price range, but they are at the tippy top of $1k budget and I wouldn’t say they’re the go-to popular brands, i.e., Mido, Doxa, Hamilton, Jack Mason GMT.
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IMO one of the best brands for $1k budget is Certina.
Have a lot of positive experience from their watches. Both quartz and automatic.
I have yet to see any Certinas in person. They are definitely on my list to check out though.
You could check out Zeppelin. They start at about $300 and some models are absolutely gorgeous. Mostly quartz in the lower price range, but some automatics around the 1k range as well. I own two, you can check them out in my post history.
Thanks for sharing! I’ve looked at Zeppelin briefly, but not much
It depends on what you like and what expectations you have. I’ve handled $500 watches that were very impressive and $20,000 watches that were disappointing.