- Quartz or mechanics. Undoed solar or automatic. There are many $ 500 options for each wrist and used.
- Timex, Citizen and Tissot are all heavy strikers in the category at a price relatively price.
- You can even take an omega with changes to lose.
The collection of registers is a slippery slope. Of course, this lasting passion can be an intrinsically enriching experience; A timely reminder of where we were, either financially, emotionally or even stylistically, at the time of each purchase. But let's face it, this is not exactly the observation of birds. It is a potentially expensive obsession once the first purchase of gateway has been made.
One minute, you buy a seiko for sale; The next one, you justify a five -digit chrono24 offer as a long -term investment game that will report dividends in the future. Forget the simple fact that you can also take advantage of swinging it on the wrist while you are humbly waiting for your investment to arrive …
However, despite what Instagram could suggest, the collection of watches is not only to bend precious metals and complicated movements. Even the most experienced collectors, those who spawn a lyrical outcome on their Lange chronographs or their SIP espresso while wearing a 222 cow, often have a weakness for something much more humble.
We are talking about watches at around $ 500. Not a reflection afterwards, but a deliberately chosen daily driver, a travel watch or even hidden jewels that strike well above his humble prize. And in 2025, this ideal point of a reliable, elegant and versatile watch is more competitive than ever.
Quartz or mechanics. Undoed solar or automatic. There are options for each wrist and used. So we asked some experts to share the entry -level watches they would recommend … Even when there is a Swiss heaviness that awaits behind the scenes.
Citizen Promaster Diver Eco-Drive
“For around $ 500, I think the Citizen Promaster Diver Eco-Drive (ref. BN0150-28e) is a big cry, because it is the whole watch you would need”, ” Jamie WeissTime + Tide editor told Dmarge.
“A difficult diver, this watch has an eco-resolving movement with solar energy which will take place for decades without battery replacement; It is water resistant at 200 meters, and offers conventional and beautiful tool watch looks. ”
Jamie is not wrong. In full charge, the Promaster can take place up to six months in the full darkness – one of these “defined and forgotten” pieces that have gained ground in recent years.
“For the average bettor, solar monitoring is obvious: the mechanical watches are great, but the solar watches are so weak. Above all, it does not look like a solar watch – it's a bit stealthy,” continued Jamie.
Add to these enviable features such as a resistance to massive water, a unidirectional rotary bezel and bright hands and markers, and you have a chic self-starter without breaking the bank … something that the expert in surveillance Andy Green too often sees with watches at the first time.
Q TIMEX GMT 38 mm
“$ 500 is not what it was, but you can still find excellent budget watches.”
Andy Green, Ot the podcast host
“The easy answer is” any seiko “, but if you want more personality, look at Timex”, ” Andy Green said to Dmarge. “This American Watch brand has pumped the solids lately, from Noah to New Yorker. But it is difficult to be wrong with a Q timex gmt Or one of their legitimately cool collaboration watches. »»
We examined the time before and for a good reason. Timex is one of the most emblematic names of affordable watchmaking: a brand of American origin with a rich story of manufacturing reliable and unanswered watches that strike well above their weight.
Since the brand started relying on quartz technology in the 80s, it quickly became a must in the middle class; One of these courageous marks at the lower end of the scale which is always worthy of a head sign of the head of experienced collectors.
“Another excellent alternative is the brand based in Glasgow, Paulin“Continued Andy.” They are Anordain's little brother and make killer drawings. I suggest stretching the budget a little and entering a quartz modul. There are a bunch of designs and fun colors offered. »»
“Do not let the quartz dissuade you. Since then, through a sapphire housing file has been the” set and forget “quartz movement ETA 955.112 (a very reliable Swiss movement), which presents enough decoration to make it pleasant. I have one of the largest mechanical moduls, but if I still had my time, I would take the option of quartz 35 mm.”
Tissot PRX 40
At $ 610 Aud, Luc pushes the upper limits of the game, but we are happy that he did. THE Tissot PRX 40 mm Quartz is a Swiss entry -level watch that does not compromise on quality or design, with the retro flair of the brand's 70s, a reliable quartz movement and a net integrated bracelet. It is obvious for anyone who begins his collection.
“In the end, he carries like a luxury sports watch, without any financial guilt,” said Luc. “One of its greatest forces is versatility: thanks to the rapid liberation system, you can effortlessly exchange the bracelet for a strap that is suitable for mood, outfit or occasion.”
Swatch X Omega Moonswatch Mission in Mars
Personally, it is difficult for me to look beyond the Moonswatch collectionOmega response to the market less than $ 1,000. Installed in biocéric, these parts are just as impressive as their Swiss luxury namesake, but for a fraction of the price.
At this price, you have the right to take some risks. Of course, you can play safely with the mission on the moon or mercury. Classic designs that would work with most outfits. But if you are going to wear an Omega watch that is not a Souamaster or a quick, why not have fun with it?
With its ardent red case and its hands chronographs in the shape of a spaceship, an intelligent wink at the Omega Speedmaster Alaska II, the mission in Mars is a piece of conversation attached around your wrist (yes, attached: it's velcro).
The white dial and the matching strap offer a shiny and clean appearance, while the hands and super-Luminova® markers give it this brilliant in the dark. Coupled with contrasting red accents everywhere, it is daring, fun and does not take itself too seriously. In a world of steel sports watches of the same name, the TO Mars mission is a solid choice for only $ 435 AUD.
