The ten best watches under 2,000 EUR

A glance at the current collections of major watch manufacturers in the upper price segment is enough to realize that the price ceiling for luxury watches is wide open. However, that doesn't mean you necessarily have to invest €10,000 or more to acquire a high-quality, functional, and visually appealing timepiece. This article is all about luxury watches for a comparatively low price of €2,000 or less and what to look for when buying one.

The most important things in brief

This information is explained in more detail below:

• Price factors: How cheap or expensive a luxury watch is depends on several factors. Above all, the reputation and popularity of the manufacturer, the materials used, the complexity of the movement and design, and the balance between supply and demand all influence the purchase price.

• Watch manufacturers and models: High-quality watches for under €2,000 are available from Seiko, Tissot, Tudor, NOMOS, and Longines, for example. The PRX Powermatic 80 (Tissot), Ludwig 38 (NOMOS), and HydroConquest (Longines) stand out for their good quality at a comparatively low price.

• Buying tips: When purchasing a watch on the secondary market, watch enthusiasts should pay close attention to the seller's reliability, find out exactly what's included, and pay attention to certificates of authenticity.

Pricing for luxury watches - What factors determine the price?

For the layperson just entering the world of watches, it's often difficult to understand how the price of a watch is determined. So let's take a look at the factors that significantly determine the cost of a timepiece:

Manufacturer and brand

It's undeniable that, when it comes to watches, you sometimes pay for the reputation and prestige of the brand. For successful manufacturers like Rolex, IWC Schaffhausen, Patek Philippe, or Vacheron Constantin, it's the globally recognized names alone that lend a watch a certain value.

Materials and design

Of course, it also makes a difference in price whether a watch is made of comparatively inexpensive stainless steel or of outrageously expensive platinum and set with diamonds. Complex designs and elaborate finishes can also drive up costs.

Movement and functions

The more complicated and powerful the movement and the more complications a watch has, the more expensive it often is. Quartz watches tend to be cheaper than timepieces with mechanical calibers.

Popularity and availability

On the secondary market, the price of a watch is determined by supply and demand. The more sought-after and less available the watch is, the more expensive it can be sold for.

List of the ten best watches under 2,000 EUR

The good news for price-conscious watch lovers: You don't necessarily have to spend a fortune to own a functional, stylish, high-quality watch. The timepieces on our list of the ten best affordable luxury watches prove that even models under €2,000 can score points with their high quality, striking designs, and powerful features:

Longines HydroConquest: Affordable alternative to Rolex Submariner and Co.

In the luxury diving watch segment, the iconic Rolex Submariner, Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, and Omega Seamaster Professional are at the forefront. Of course, a model under €2,000 can't quite match these masterpieces, but there are more than satisfactory alternatives. The best example is the Longines HydroConquest, which is available in some versions starting at €1,500 and boasts the following features:

• 39 mm to 44 mm case diameter

• Stainless steel case water-resistant to 30 bar with stainless steel or synthetic fabric strap

• Automatic movement caliber L888

• Ceramic bezel reminiscent of the Rolex look

• Indices and hands with Swiss Super-LumiNova coating

• Date display

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 5: Automatic chronograph as a "bargain opportunity"

TAG Heuer's Formula 1 collection isn't one of the brand's most popular product lines. The reason: The majority of the timepieces feature quartz movements, which are less popular, especially among collectors who value traditional watchmaking. The Calibre 5 models are an exception. While these cost well over €2,000 according to the list price, they can often be found on the secondary market at truly bargain prices and offer the following qualities:

• 43 mm stainless steel case

• Rotating bezel made of ceramic material

• Date at 3 o'clock

• Luminescent indices and hands

• Bracelet with safety clasp

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80: Elegance for everyday life

With its simple yet thoroughly elegant look, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is the perfect everyday companion. The wide variety of models for men and women is particularly noteworthy, making this product line a diverse collage full of potential new favorites. The watches start at €725, representing excellent value for money. Interested parties should know these facts and figures about the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 before purchasing:

• Stainless steel case with diameters of 35 mm or 40 mm

• References with PVD coating available (e.g. the rose gold Ref. T137.407.33.041.00)

• Some stylishly structured dials (e.g. Ref. T137.207.33.021.00)

• Discreet display of the date

• Swiss Made automatic movement with 80 hours power reserve

Sinn 104: Charming pilot's watch classic

Anyone looking for a pilot's watch with a classic design shouldn't miss the Sinn 104. The watch, which the manufacturer charges €1,450 for, is available in six distinctive models and can be recognized by these features:

• Up to 20 bar pressure-resistant stainless steel case on a steel or leather strap

• Automatic mechanical movement caliber SW 220-1 with stop-seconds

• Date and weekday display

• Pilot's bezel with minute detent

• Sapphire crystal glass case back

Tudor Royal: Royal luxury for the wrist

The Tudor Royal collection from Rolex's Swiss sister company presents majestic luxury watches for men and women. The strikingly elegant design of the product line clearly stands out from the rest of the Tudor range, which focuses more on a functional, sporty look.

If you want to snag this statement watch for under €2,000, one of the most important tips for bargain hunters comes in handy: keep an eye out on the secondary market. Even though the Tudor Royal, even in its cheapest version, is listed for well over €2,000, you can often find it on the secondary market at a discounted price in good condition. These elements make the Tudor Royal what it is:

• Sizes from 28 mm to 41 mm

• Case and bracelet made of stainless steel or stainless steel and gold

• Roman numerals and date display

• T603 automatic movement

• Notched bezel with grooved finish

Nomos Ludwig 38: Symbiotic combination of modernity and traditional class

Anyone looking to enter the world of watches with simplicity, straightforwardness, and everyday practicality will definitely be thrilled with the Ludwig 38 from NOMOS Glashütte. This unfussy dress watch, priced at just under €1,900, is stylishly wearable for all occasions and boasts these features:

• Optional automatic movement or hand-wound movement

• Clean dial with slim Roman numerals

• Slightly curved, supple lugs

• Available with and without date and power reserve indicator

• Bracelet made of the finest leather

Seiko Prospex Divers: Tooly watches for divers and sports enthusiasts

Sporty, solid, and functional: The Seiko Prospex Divers is a luxury watch for those who want to experience reliable functionality on land and in the water. Available from approximately €1,100, these Divers Watches, which embrace the trend for wide bezels and large indices, are characterized by the following features:

• Solid stainless steel case with ceramic bezel

• Available as GMT version with date

• Water resistant to 200 m or 300 m depending on the reference

• Luminous hands and indices

• Partly modern structured dial (e.g. wave look on the Ref. SPB485J1 or slate grain on the Ref. SPB297J1)

Omega Speedmaster Date: Entry-level chronograph with a big name

When you think of watches under €2,000, the Omega Speedmaster Date Chronograph might not immediately spring to mind. Due to their immense popularity, these watches are often intuitively priced much higher. In fact, however, you can purchase these legendary chronographs starting at around €1,800. These features await the lucky buyer:

• Simple tachymeter scale and striking totalizers

• Comfortable handling of the stop function

• Classic date at the 3 o'clock point

• Various designs (e.g. "Reverse Panda" in Ref. 3511.50)

• In-house automatic caliber

Longines Heritage: Chronographs in authentic 1940s design

The Longines Heritage Chronographs invite you to dream of bygone times and rediscover the charm of earlier masterpieces of watchmaking. Particularly popular with watch enthusiasts, this revived Longines classic, available pre-owned for under €2,000, boasts the following features:

• Chronograph with column wheel mechanism

• Soft leather strap

• Polished stainless steel case with 38 mm or 40 mm diameter

• Available with and without date at the 12 o'clock point

• Large variety of models

Nomos Tangente: Bauhaus design meets color diversity

With the Tangente model, the NOMOS Glashütte brand has once again made our list of the ten best watches for under €2,000. And for good reason, because the Bauhaus-style watch, available starting at €1,400, offers these qualities:

• Slim, modern indices on a clear dial

• Optionally with automatic or manual winding

• Slim case with 33 mm to 42 mm diameter

• Simple and colorful models (e.g. Ref. 179.S30 in bright "Chili" or Ref. 120 / 127 in a subtle white-cream combination)

• Available with and without date and power reserve indicator

Tips for buying on the secondary market

Whether you're buying a high-end watch well over €2,000 as an investment or looking for a more affordable quality model, there are a few additional things to consider if you're not buying directly from the manufacturer but on the secondary market. We've summarized the five most important buying tips below:

• Experienced dealers with a certain reputation in the scene and good reviews prefer

• Pay attention not only to the purchase price, but above all to the price-performance ratio

• Obtain detailed information about the scope of delivery (e.g. with or without original box and papers)

• Ideally, only buy products with a certificate of authenticity

• Choose insured shipping for online purchases

Materials, technology and style in watch comparison

In the price range up to €2,000, you'll find sporty diving watches, elegant women's watches, and classic men's models. Many models feature scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, but some watch brands also use high-quality mineral glass—especially for everyday wristwatches. Those seeking clean lines and understated elegance will find what they're looking for at Seiko, Tissot, or NOMOS. Technology enthusiasts appreciate automatic watches with long power reserves, often over 80 hours. Those who prefer the classic route opt for a hand-wound movement, which plays a special role, especially in fine luxury watchmaking. Good style, precise technology, and the artistry of experienced watchmakers are combined in a small space here. Whether a robust diving watch or a stylish women's watch: the variety in this price range offers the right wristwatch for every style and requirement.

Conclusion: Great watches for "little" money

A luxury watch that serves as a sophisticated accessory for many occasions, excels in quality, and brings its owner joy not just in the short term but also in the long term, can be had for less than €2,000. Established brands such as Tissot, Seiko, and NOMOS offer a diverse selection of relatively affordable models for entry-level buyers, offering excellent value for money.