30 Best Watches Under $5000 for 2023
We’ve discussed our favorites under $500 and under $1,000. To be sure, there are a lot of great options in both of these price-points. However, the under $5,000 price-point offers something of a step up in terms of quality and luxury, and indeed quite a bit more flexibility and choice. This price range balances luxury and affordability, and the available selection is flooded with a plethora of choices. This selection of 30 watches has the perfect combination of style, quality, and value, as well as a whole range of brands, looks and functions. Let’s dive right into the world of watches under $5000 and our favorite timepieces in that price range.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic Spitfire IW326803
Price: $4,900 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 39mm; Water Resistance: 60m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The IWC Automatic Spitfire is a modern update to the pilot’s watches issued to the British Royal Air Force in the 1950s. It pays tribute to the legendary Supermarine Spitfire which was the RAF’s primary fighter plane during WW2. The watch’s design reflects the cockpit design of this aircraft, with a black dial, brown leather strap and hands with patinated lume. The vintage look comes finished with IWC’s latest 32000 calibre and anti-magnetic casing which make this a tool watch that remains true to its heritage. IWC's pilots are among the most sought after pilot watches. It can be found for $4,900 USD .
Bremont MBII
Price: $4,995 USD; Case: Hardened or DLC Steel, 43mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Bremont MBII is another watch that pays tribute to its British flying heritage. This piece is a functional pilot’s watch through and through the three dial colors available (black, white, or navy) offer exceptional legibility. Foregoing a traditional bezel, the timepiece has an internal rotating bezel that is controlled by a crown at the four o’clock position. The hardened stainless steel case is extremely rugged and scratch resistant making it a great tool watch. One of the coolest details of this watch is the seconds hand, which has been designed to resemble the handle of an ejector seat, paying tribute the Martin-Baker company, major players in the aerospace industry. The MBII is available for $4,995 USD.
Oris ProPilot X Kermit Edition
Price: $4,600 USD; Case: Titanium, 39mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Oris ProPilot X Kermit is one of Oris’ latest releases in 2023. This watch pairs the bold and modern design of the ProPilot with a fun and unique collaboration with The Muppets’ Kermit. The lime green dial stands out against the slim Titanium case, bringing a burst of color to the wrist. The date is displayed at the six o’clock position, which balances out the layout. The centrepiece of this watch is the Kermit logo that is displayed on the first day of the month, signalling ‘Kermit Day’ and bringing a but of fun and silliness. The Oris ProPilot X Kermit can be purchased at retail for $4,600 USD and makes a brilliant addition to any collection.
Longines Spirit Flyback
Price: $4,550 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 42mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Longines Spirit Flyback is a modern interpretation of a pilot’s chronograph. The new in-house and COSC certified movement on this piece comes with a flyback chronograph mechanism - which means that the wearer does not need to reset the chronograph before restarting it. The open sapphire caseback displays a beautifully finished movement with blue screws and engraved rotor, a tribute to aviation. The bidirectional black ceramic bezel and sunray black dial give an elegant and sleek look to this very functional watch. The Longines Spirit Flyback is priced at $4,550 USD.
Tissot Heritage 1973
Price: $2,175 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 43mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Tissot Heritage 1973 is one of the most reasonably priced and reliable self-winding automatic chronographs available on the market. This piece is a handsome tribute to the racing chronographs of the 1970s. This can be seen in the bold colorways on the dial and subdials, which breathe a breath of fresh air into the classic design of the case. The orange accents on the seconds and subdial hands contrast well against the dial, and make them incredibly legible at a glance. The sapphire caseback exhibits a skeletonized rotor machined into the shape of a wheel. The leather strap has holes, making it lighter and saving weight saving (which is important in racing). The Heritage 1973 can be picked up for $2,175 USD.
Breitling SuperOcean Heritage 57
Price: $4,750 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 42mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Breitling SuperOcean Heritage ’57 is a great modernized reinterpretation of the original SuperOcean, released in 1957. This tribute is powered by a COSC certified in-house movement. While the design of the piece is almost identical to the original, it comes with an updated and crisper finish. The dial is classy hue of blue and the sunburst polishing brings a brilliant shine to the piece. The worn-in leather strap gives the watch a great retro look but can be changed for a NATO or mesh bracelet. This piece is an excellently executed tribute to an important piece of watch history. It can be purchased for $4,750 USD.
Panerai Radiomir Base Logo PAM00753
Price: $4,700 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 45mm; Water Resistance:100m; Movement: Mechanical; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Panerai Radiomir Base is the latest update to the brands original and now instantly recognisable design from 1935. The simple but effective layout and function has aged extremely well and remains classy and elegant, especially with its modern touches. The dial is a matte black that contrasts nicely with the appliqué SuperLuminova filled sandwich dial (something Panerai is known for). This gives the watch great legibility, which is essential for a field watch. The retro look is completed by a calfskin leather strap and classic onion crown. This Radiomir can be purchased for $4,700 USD.
Cartier Santos-Dumont Large
Price: $4,200 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 43mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Quartz; Crystal: Sapphire.
There are few watch brands that have such a distinct design language as Cartier, and the Santos-Dumont is no exception. The polished bezel is slightly slimmer than on the automatic versions, but still frames the satin polished silver dial perfectly. The silver sunray dial draws attention, especially since we don’t see this color in sunray all too often. The blued hands bring the vintage looking ensemble together, whilst pairing nicely with the alligator strap and jewel set on the iconic crown. The Cartier Santos-Dumont Large retails for $4,200 USD
Doxa Sub 300 Carbon
*Price: $3,890 USD; Case: Forged Carbon, 42.5mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire. *
The Doxa Sub 300 Carbon is a unique take on a classic dive watch. While the brand continues to make their classic Sub 300, they have also started to work with new materials, as is the case here. The Sub 300 Carbon’s case is constructed from a blend of forged carbon and titanium, giving the watch incredible resistance and ruggedness, as well as making it extremely light. As with many of Doxa’s watches, it comes in a multitude of color options, including a bold orange or a yellow, that really stands out. But the watch isn’t entirely modern. The block-like indexes and hands are characteristic of the Doxa Sub design language, paying homage to their vintage pieces. The Doxa Sub 300 Carbon is quite the conversation starter and is available on numerous different color straps. It retails for $3,890 USD.
Ollech & Wajs Astrochron S
Price: $2,975 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 39.5mm; Water Resistance: 500m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Ollech and Wajs Astrochron S is a great watch for exploration. OW was founded over six decades ago, but has recently been revived. The Astrochron S chronograph comes packed with lots of high-spec functions, all essential for navigating the challenges of the world. The watch sports an impressive 500 meters of water resistance, which is paired with a rotating dual purpose compass and dive bezel. It also includes a regatta counter, helpful for more than just sailing. This watch is an impressively competent and good-looking piece, that offers quite a lot of features for just over $2,000 USD. It can be purchased for $2,175 USD.
M.A.D. 1 Red by Max Büsser
Price: 2,900 CHF; Case: Stainless Steel, 42mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The M.A.D 1 Red by Max Büsser is an incredible watch and a real showstopper. The crazy design hails from the heritage of its sister brand MB&F - and indeed they share a designer and founder. This watch was created to bring unique and other-worldly designs to watch-enthusiasts at a much friendlier and accessible price point, and it achieves this goal spectacularly well. The eye-catching triple bladed tungsten rotor powers the inverted movement, which in turn drives the two rotating barrels that display the time at the six o’clock position on the side of the case. The red accents of the piece give it a sporty and modern look. The M.A.D 1 Red retailes for 2,900 CHF.
Maurice Lacroix AIKON Automatic
Price: $1,990 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 39mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic Crystal: Sapphire.
The Maurice Lacroix AIKON was designed with quality, modernity, and value in mind. This sports watch from the Swiss Maison pairs functionality and wearability in fantastic modern piece. Despite its contemporary and utilitarian brief, the watch is an assembly of brilliant aesthetics. The Pavé dial, unique bezel, and integrated bracelt remind us of the much more expensive Royal Oak without looking like a copy. Because of this, it is one of our favorite stainless steel sport watches in the under $5,000 category. The AIKON can be found for $1,990 USD at retail.
Omega Speedmaster 38
Price: $5,000 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 38mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Omega Speedmaster 38 isn’t just a smaller version of the Professional Moonwatch, this watch offers a new perspective of the famous chronograph. Despite retaining the classic steel case, the 38 has completely broken from tradition with its design. The white, grey, and rose gold dial creates clear and light dial that is easy to read. The bezel, too, has had a facelift. Slightly thinner and now in grey, the tachymetric scale is reminiscent of this chronograph’s heritage. 38mm is the perfect size for this watch- a good compromise between wearability and functionality. Available only a leather strap, the Omega Speedmaster 38 comes in at $5,000 USD. But if you're looking for moon watch at a lower price, this is the piece for you.
Tudor Black Bay 54
Price: $3,850 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 37mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Considered by some to be the star of Tudor’s Watches & Wonders line-up, the new Black Bay 54 is a sublime tribute to the original Rolex and Tudor dive watches from the 1950s. For the initial model Tudor decided to only make the watch available in black. While the watch looks very similar to other Black Bay models, the main difference is the smaller, 37mm, case size. The name Black Bay 54 references the inspiration of the piece, the diver released by Tudor back in 1954. The Black Bay 54 is available on a stainless steel bracelet or rubber strap, and retails for $3,850 USD.
Brellum Pilot Power Reserve
Price: 3,150 CHF; Case: Stainless Steel, 41.8mm; Water Resistance:100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Brellum Pilot Power Reserve is an automatic pilot’s chronometer and a perfect example of fine Swiss craftsmanship at a reasonable price. This watch is built on the reliable and accurate base of a Valjoux movement but brings to it a fantastic finish and a great dial layout. The blue sunray finished dial creates a wonderful shine that doesn’t overwhelm the piece. The domed crystal adds just a little bit of vintage flare that sets it apart from other pilot chronographs. Overall, it is a great piece from a brand that has always provided a lot of watch for your money. The Brellum Pilot Power Reserve comes on a steel bracelet or leather strap, and can be purchased online for 3,150 CHF.
Rado Captain Cook Automatic Chronograph
Price: $4,000 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 43mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Rado Captain Cook Automatic is the perfect cross-over between a diving watch and chronograph, making it a sophisticated, functional, and multi-usage piece. At a first glance, the impressive water resistance and graduated divers timing bezel give the watch its submarine feel. However, as a chronograph, the watch is much more than that. We particularly love the ombré dial that can be seen on many of the Captain Cook models. The Rado Captain Cook Automatic Chronograph can be found for $4,000 USD.
Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date
Price: $3,350 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 41mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date is the first diver’s watch from the brand. Its name pays tribute to the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) glacier in the French Alps - where the brand’s namesake, Montblanc, is situated. The color scheme on the dial and bezel is a disruptive motif of angular blue streaks, which echoes the striations of the glacial ice cores. The artistic dial is is paired with an in-house movement and a very capable 300m of water resistance. We think the Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea provides a lot of value for $3,350 USD.
Baume & Mercier Riviera 10701
Price: $4,150 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 42mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Baume & Mercier Riviera is a fantastic watch that has it all: durability, functionality, craftsmanship, elegance, and a wow-factor. The watch is packaged in a decagonal stainless-steel case, echoing Gerald Genta designed pieces, without imitating them. The dial is a simple yet effective affair- numerals at the twelve and six o’clock positions, and indexes at three and nine o’clock. The seconds hand elegantly integrates their logo into the face, and the skeletonised hands bring the watch into the modern era. However, the piece de resistance of the watch is the in-house Baumatic movement that is beautifully displayed by a blue sapphire dial. This watch can be found for $4,150 USD.
Tag Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Date
Price: $2,850 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 40mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Tag Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 date is one of the most recognizable dive watches available in this price range. The latest version of the Aquaracer is a cool update of the original released in 2004. Sharper edges, an updated bracelet, and new dial are all in the mix. The steel dive bezel incorporates itself subtly into the stainless-steel case. The dial is a very nice gradient that changes from black on the outside to blue in the middle. The hour hand and indexes are fully filled with Green Super-Luminova, whilst the seconds and minutes hand are blue - giving the watch an interesting visual aesthetic in the dark. This Aquaracer retails for $2,850 USD.
Bulgari Bulgari
Price: $4,400 USD; Case: DLC Steel, 41mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Bulgari Bulgari is the product of 40 years of watchmaking and design expertise. The brand has written the rule book on futuristic pieces. The DLC coating dulls the usually discernible shine of steel but pairs well with the deep blue dial and gold indices. The watch comes on navy blue rubber strap that gives it a more casual look. The Bulgari Bulgari retails for $4,400 USD.
Norqain Independence Skeleton 42mm
Price: $3,990 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 42mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Norqain Independence Skeleton is a bold and impressive display of watch making from a young but fast-growing brand. The dial, or lack of, draws attention to the beautifully skeletonized movement powering the piece. The indices frame the inner, openworked dial. The winged case has become a staple in many of Norqain’s models. The Norqain Independence Skeleton comes on a steel bracelet or rubber strap, and retails from $3,990 USD.
Frederique Constant Manufacture Highlife Worldtimer
Price: $4,495 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 42mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Fredérique Constant Highlife Worldtimer does its name justice. The watch is a fantastic assembly of many functions, the most important of which is the world timer. The world timer is split into two wheels - the outer one displays time zone and the inner wheel displays that time on a 24-hour wheel, split into a white day and a navy night segment. The whole ensemble is brought together by the polished and brushed steel bracelet, which can be changed out for a leather or rubber strap, both of which are supplied. This Worldtimer can be found for $4,495 USD.
Massena Lab Uni-Racer, Cruise
Price: $3,495 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 39mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Mechanical; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Uni-Racer Cruise from Massena Lab is a retro-looking chronograph that incorporates a modern take on 50s design. The sunray blue dial is broken up by the asymmetrical, big-eye configuration of the subdials . The brushed silver minute track is paired with sky-blue indexes to stand out against the dial as well as the wrist for increased legibility. The 39cmm polished steel case is reminiscent of the smaller watches of the past, but the tan leather strap brings this classic size back into the 21st century. The Massena Lab Uni-Racer Cruise, if available, retails for $3,495 USD.
Grand Seiko SBGN021
Price: $4,550 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 40mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Quartz; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Grand Seiko SBGNN021 is Grand Seiko’s take on the classic GMT watch. Powered by GS’s 9F quartz movement, the superior accuracy and reliability of quartz is met with impeccable and crisp finishing. The case pairs sharp and angular chamfering with a soft rounded edge for comfortable wearing and elegance. The fixed bezel and dial are a matte deep blue, and the Lumibrite GMT hand is a brilliant sky blue, that catches the wearers eye. The seconds, minutes and hours hands are classic Grand Seiko design, retaining elegance without compromising modernity - the centre of the Grand Seiko design language. This GMT can be found at retail for $4,550 USD.
YEMA Wristmaster Traveller Micro-Rotor
Price: $2,998 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 39mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Yema Wristmater Traveller Micro-Rotor is the French brand’s first foray into the micro-rotor complication, and at a pretty affordable price. This sports watch is a fantastic showcase of watchmaking at a great price point. The micro-rotor mechanism enables the watch to be extremely slim without compromising accuracy. This micro-rotor and the rest of the movement is displayed through a display caseback. YEMA also went the extra mile and colored the bridge of the movement to match the color of the dial, a nice touch. Speaking of the dial, the layout is simple but effective- no fuss rounded indexes filled with Lumibrite and a ripple-like pattern of striations that cross the dial give it depth. The watch is a nice ultra-thing steel sport watch, that reminds us of more expensive pieces like the Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. The YEMA Wristmaster Traveller Micro-Rotor is available for pre-order from $2,998 USD.
Monta Skyquest
Price: $2,435 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 40.7mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Mont is a microbrand that we have been following for quite some time. And the Monta Skyquest GMT does not disappoint. This watch offers an accurate and reliable GMT movement and takes a classic design and reinterprets it admirably. The classic blue/red 24-hour rotating bezel is complemented by gilt numerals and graduations on the dial and indexes. This hints at the very first GMT watches from Rolex. The hands are a contemporary and sharp affair. The boxy indexes make the piece extremely legible, which is important for travellers and everyday wearers alike. The steel case and bracelet offer a comfortable ensemble that doesn’t compromise style. Overall, the Monta Skyquest is a solid Pepsi GMT at a much more affordable price point than that from Rolex. It retails for an accessible $2,435 USD.
Oak & Oscar Humboldt GMT
Price: $2,175 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 40mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Oak & Oscar Humboldt GMT is another GMT from a microbrand we really like. Like any GMT, the watch can track up to 3 separate time zones at once. The seemingly classic design is given a pop of color with the orange on the seconds hand and GMT hand. The steel bezel is a nice touch, something you don’t often see on a GMT. The Humboldt GMT is available online for purchase at the reasonable price of $2,175 USD.
Nomos Orion Neomatik 39 Midnight Blue
Price: $4,020 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 39mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Nomos Orion Neomatic 39 is the embodiment of ‘Less is more’. The slim 39mm case fits comfortably on the wrist, but it made bigger by the large dial that is left un-restricted by the lack of bezel. Beyond the contemporary hands and hour markers, the small seconds draws the most attention, especially with the orange seconds hand. The watch also showcases the movement with its display caseback. This watch is the epitome of a modern Nomos timepiece. The Orion Neomatic 39 retails for $4,020 USD.
Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Steel Heritage
Price: $4,220 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 41mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Steel Heritage is a flattering tribute to its heritage in the aviation industry. The design cues are lifted from their professional-grade instruments. All aspects of the watch, including the faux-patinaed indices and hands speak to a vintage inspired chronograph. While it is only water resistant to 100 meters, the watch does come with a dive bezel and screw down chronograph pushers (for added security when in the water). Price for the Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Steel Heritage is $4,220 USD.
Minase Divido Rubber
Price: $4,300 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 40.5mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Minase Divido Rubber is a very unique piece to finish off this watch guide with. It pairs form with function brilliantly. The design emulates the complex structure of 3D Japanese puzzles - the case is an assembly of several components, which is somewhat rare in watchmaking. The angular bull-horn lugs completely change the look of otherwise would be a traditional case. The dial is a masterpiece of Japanese hand painting technique- it changes under every angle, and new aspects become visible throughout time. This artistic timepiece is available for purchased for $4,300 USD.
And if your budget is a little higher, be sure to check out our Best Watches Under $10,000 Guide here.