7 of the best men’s watches under $5,000 right now
The very best watch picks right now for newcomers and enthusiasts alike
IT’S BEEN a big year for watches thus far. From milestone anniversaries to new trends and frenzy-inducing announcements, watch enthusiasts are quite simply having a field day.
But away from the high complications, the heavy hitters and the holy grails — and beyond all the deflating watch chat of wait lists — there’s an array of affordable, accessible everyday watches.
And we’ve compiled a list of the best new watches under $5,000 you can get your hands on today. No wait times and no sweet-talking your Authorised Dealer. The 5K mark is a sweet spot for newcomers and old timers alike, so we’ve highlighted exactly what you should get with $5000 in the watch world.
1
TUDOR Black Bay 54
When TUDOR first launched its now iconic Black Bay collection in 2012, watch fanatics went crazy for its clear delineation to TUDOR’s storied Submariner design. Yes, TUDOR is the baby brother of Rolex, but positioned at a much more affordable, accessible and approachable disposition.
Case in point: the new TUDOR Black Bay 54. Now we know this watch falls slightly over $5K, but it’s simply too good not to include on this list. Redefined in a new (and smaller) 37mm design, the 54 is everything an everyday timepiece should be: reliable, stylish, rugged and versatile. Taking clear inspiration from the 1954 reference 7922, this is one to keep on your radar.
2
TISSOT PRX Powermatic 80 35m
In 2020, Tissot re-launched its wildly popular PRX model from the 1970s to a crowd of vintage watch enthusiasts who simply couldn’t — and still can’t — get enough of the models at hand. Reborn in both a quartz and automatic offering, the new TISSOT PRX is everything you need in a daily beater and more. Of course, its praise is warranted, with the stylish re-design presenting a handsome waffle dial (the racing green dial is our pick), beautifully rounded bezel, integrated sports bracelet and ultra-slim profile that hugs the wrist. Now available in a smaller and more gender-friendly 35mm, the PRX really is a cracking everyday beater. Above all, the automatic movement boasts an impressive 80-hour power reserve, which very few watches provide today.
3
GRAND SEIKO SBGN027
Every watch list, no matter the category, should feature a GRAND SEIKO. That’s a pretty bold statement, we know, but hear us out; there’s simply no denying the sheer craftsmanship, technical excellence and quality of a GRAND SEIKO Timepiece. Take the SBGN027, for example. This GMT sports watch might feature a quartz-powered battery, but let us tell you GRAND SEIKO do them best. Calibre 9F is widely known to be one of the finest quartz calibres in the world, and for good reason. This highly accurate (+/- 10 seconds a year) quartz will serve the international traveller in mind, offering a GMT Hand to keep perfect time even when the crown is pulled out and the hour hand is moved to adjust the local time.
4
NOMOS Tangente Reference 101
The quintessential Nomos timepiece that really put this Bauhaus-inspired German watchmaker on the map, the NOMOS Tangente is a timeless piece that celebrates German watchmaking at its best. The NOMOS Tangente is extremely practical in nature, thus presenting as a great ‘first’ watch purchase – it’s sleek enough to act as a dedicated dress watch, but informal in a way that can subtly blend in with a daily casual outfit, too. It’s a watch that blends modern and classic elements together, with a splash of avant-garde.
5
LONGINES Ultra-Chron
Looking for a sporty watch with vintage aesthetics but modern attributes? Then the new LONGINES Ultra-Chron might just be the watch for you. Inspired by the original Ultra-Chron Diver of 1968, this new model presents as the perfect amalgamation of vintage aesthetics and modern technology. A new high-frequency calibre informs some of the best sports timing on the market, backed up by its certification as an “ultra chronometer” by TIMELAB, an independent testing laboratory in Geneva that ensures the highest level of accuracy.
6
TAG HEUER Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph
Unveiled at this year’s LVMH Watch Week trade show in Singapore, the new TAG Heuer Solargraph represents the brand’s second iteration of the future-forward Aquaracer that is powered by an in-house solar quartz battery. The new iteration Solargraph introduces a full titanium fitout, a welcomed update which affords a lightweight yet rugged timepiece made for adventure.
Oh, and the best part? You’ll find that just two-minutes of direct sunlight exposure will power the watch for an entire day, or 20 hours in the sun and get continual power for up to six months. You also won’t need to replace its battery for at least 15 years.
7
CARTIER Tank Must De Cartier
One of the most recognised (and celebrated) timepieces in existence, the CARTIER Tank is an absolute icon for good reason… It’s stylish, it’s dainty, it’s versatile, and over 100 years since it was first created, it’s as relevant as ever. Take this new CARTIER Tank Must De Cartier; paying homage to similar Must de Cartier watches of the 1980s, this model is powered by a quartz movement, steel case and a beautiful black lacquered dial.