Luxury on a budget: 20 timepieces that is sure to impress under $5000!
In the world of watches, you don’t have to spend a fortune to own a timepiece that offers quality, craftsmanship, and style. Whether you are a veteran collector or just starting your journey in the world of horology, there are plenty of timepeices available under $5,000 that offer great value for money. The watches on offer also vary in design and purpose, from robust dive timepieces that are designed to withstand the deep sea, dress watches that scream elegance or sports watches that get your heart racing; there is a watch out there for everyone!
This specially curated selection of 20 timepieces features a diverse collection of styles. For enthusiasts who prefer chronographs, there are watches that combine function and aesthetics. At the same time, those who have a keen eye for intricate details will enjoy the beautifully patterned dials. For those drawn to classic dress watches that exude elegance and luxury to those who want the rugged reliability of a diver’s watch, this list has been chosen to showcase design, functionality, and affordability!
Baume & Mercier Classima 10734
The Baume & Mercier Classima 10734 was released late last year as part of the brand’s unveiling of the Classima Capsule Edition collection. The collection included three different editions that stood out beautifully for their individual design. The Classima 10734 is a “technical”-“-looking timepiece with a sharp, elegant dial design. Different colours for the 24-hour scale stand out quite nicely against the dial’s standard twelve hour indices. The added GMT function adds to this watch’s elegant yet sophisticated look.
Model Reference: Classima 10734
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $4,750
For More Information: www.baume-et-mercier.com
Related Reading: Baume & Mercier Unveils Three New Timepieces As Part Of Classima Capsule Edition Collection.
Bell & Ross BR V2-92 AÉRONAVALE
Similar in design to the Baume & Mercier Classima 10734, this Bell & Ross timepiece takes advantage off the beautiful color combination of blue and gold. A mix of Arabic and baton-style hour indices stand out well against the rich sunburst blue dial. The rotating steel bezel with the anodized blue aluminium ring has its 60-minute markings done in gold as well to match nicely with the colours of the dial. To finish off the “blue” look, the watch is fitted on a blue-coloured calfskin leather strap. With its simple and easy-to-read dial and elegant styling, it’s a great choice for any lovers of blue-coloured timepieces!
Model Reference: BRV292-BU-G-ST/SCA
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $4,700
For More Information: www.bellross.com.au
Bell & Ross BR S Steel Heritage
Bell & Ross’s BR S Steel Heritage uses the brand’s signature style of large Arabic numerals for the 3,9, and 12 indices combined with baton-style markers. These dial elements are beige, which stands out exceptionally well against the black dial. This is an ideal candidate for a simple timepiece with clear readability. The timepiece is fitted on a black calfskin strap with beige stitching to match the colours of the dial.
Model Reference: BRS-HERI-ST/SCA
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $3,600
For More Information: www.bellross.com.au
Breitling Endurance Pro 44
Breitling’s Endurance Pro collection is designed to be lightweight for athletes and durable and easy to wear for those who prefer a timepiece when working out or going on outdoor adventures. If you have an active lifestyle but still want to rock a luxury timepiece, then the Breitling Endurance Pro 44 is the timepiece for you! The Endurance Pro perfectly blends innovative technology with a vibrant design to produce the ultimate athleisure watch. The timepiece features a case that is 3.3 times lighter than titanium and 5.8 times lighter than stainless steel, along with a host of other properties that make it extremely robust.
Model Reference: X823101G1C1S1
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $4,990
For More Information: www.breitling.com.au
Bremont Terra Nova 40.5 Date
Bremont’s Terra Nova 40.5 is a simple three-hander with a date complication. I like this timepiece for its styling and colour combination. Brown and green combinations always work well, and Bremont has used them to make this timepiece as aesthetic as possible. The large hour indices also stand out well against the green dial, making it easily legible. What I also like is the date window. It has been design to fit in with the hour indices, with the white date wheel background, it blends in seamleseely with the dial’s other elements.
Model Reference: Terra Nova 40.5 Date
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $4,700
For More Information: au.bremont.com
Citizen Series 8
When the Citizen Series 8 came out, it was a watch that watch enthusiasts and the world of horology very much loved. The timepiece features a luxurious design with a bi-coloured “Batman” bezel for the day and night indicator and a 24-hour time scale. The dial is also beautifully designed with a black checkered pattern to symbolise prosperity and a popular Tokyo design inspired by architectural windows. It is a luxury sports dress watch that offers great value for money!
Model Reference: NB6031-56E
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $2,250
For More Information: www.citizenwatches.com.au
Furlan Marri Disco Celeste
Furlan Marri is bringing disco back with a trio of watches. The brand has drawn design inspiration from vintage timepeices to create an elegant modern timepiece. The Disco Celeste is the standout piece for me in this collection, thanks to the blue and white colour combination. The timepiece comes in a 38mm case that has large polished surfaces, which, when under light, will shine beautifully. If you want a timepiece on the smaller side, then the 38mm sizing will be a great choice.
Model Reference: 20205
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $4,550
For More Information: www.furlanmarri.com
Related Reading: Furlan Marri Are Bringing Disco Back!
Longines Hydroconquest
The Longines Hydroconquest in this beautiful sunray grey dial is one of the standout pieces on this list for me. I feel that Longines has done the Hydroconquest justice with this colour combination. Pairing rose gold with grey works exceptionally well for this timepiece. It doesn’t hurt that the sunray grey dial plays well with light to create an attractive dial. As this is a divers watch, the model also comes with a water resistance of 300m, giving the timepiece versatility when it comes to wearability.
Model Reference: L3.781.3.78.9
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $3,325
For More Information: www.longines.com.au
Montblanc Star Legacy Automatic 39mm Limited Edition
Montblanc’s Star Legacy Automatic 39mm limited edition is another stand-out piece, thanks to its aesthetically pleasing dial. Firstly, we get the rich burgundy-coloured dial, which has a central glacier pattern (a reference to Montblanc’s heritage) and a sfumato effect around the outside. I also like how the brand has done away with the 6 o’clock hour indices to accommodate for the date window, which has a burgundy-toned date wheel to seamlessly fit in with the rest of the hour markers, offering an balanced look. This beautiful aesthetic is further enhanced with the filet sauté, rose gold-coated hands and numerals.
Model Reference: MB133243
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $3,920
For More Information: www.montblanc.com
Montblanc Tradition Automatic Date 40mm
Another aesthetically pleasing dial from Montblack is the brand’s Tradition Automatic Date 40mm. The timepiece comes in a 40mm stainless steel case with straight horns, giving it a more elegant and luxurious appeal. The stunning blue dial features a a pattern in the centre, which is the topography of Mont Blanc, where the brand is situated near. The sharp sword hands and the silver-coloured Roman numerals contrast nicely against the blue to give an easy-to-ready artistic dial.
Model Reference: MB131274
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $3,500
For More Information: www.montblanc.com
Oris Aquis Date
Oris’s Aquis Date is famous for being one of the more stylish affordable diving watches on the market today. The timepiece is offered in various colours and dial options. However, this green stands out due to its sunburst effect, which gives the dial a mix of dark green and rich, vibrant green colours. Oris’s designers have also reworked every single link on the bracelet to be more tapered so that it’ll be a comfortable fit on the wrist.
Model Reference: 01 733 7789 4157-07 8 23 04PEB
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $3,900
For More Information: www.oris.ch
RADO Captain Cook Automatic
Another affordable diver’s model that is hard to look past is Rado’s Captain Cook Automatic. Rado makes several versions of their Captain Cook in different material finishes or with skeletonised dials to suit the various tastes and budgets. This particular version stood out from the rest, particularly due to its gradient blue and white dial. You have the centre of the dial starting in white, and as it gradually gets to the edge of the dial, we are treated to a deep blue finish. This is then continued onto the polished stainless steel bezel with a polished blue high-tech ceramic bezel insert. The stainless steel bracelet also stands out well thanks to the central links being a vertical brushed finish, while the outer links are polished.
Model Reference: R32154208
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $4,450
For More Information: www.rado.com
Raymond Weil Freelancer Diver White
Raymond Weil’s Freelancer collection has a distinctive design, which is reflected in the sharp rectangular hands and hour indices, which provide a refined look on the dial. I especially like this Freelancer model due to its simplistic design and “pop” of colour. The white dial and blue bezel combination works well here, especially when paired with the five-link bracelet, which enhances the overall look of the watch to a much more luxurious finish.
Model Reference: 2755-ST3-30001
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $4,600
For More Information: www.raymond-weil.com
Raymond Weil Millesime
Timepieces from Raymond Weil’s Millesime collection have been featured in many of our lists due to the simple fact that it’s an outstanding watch that shouldn’t be overlooked. This particular Millesime timepiece is one of my favourites from the brand. It comes with a salmon dial that will have everyone talking about how beautiful it is! However, when you look deeper into this simple three-hander watch, the minute details come to life, such as the smooth hour track, the snailed minute track, and the vertical brushed finishing of the central area of the dial.
Model Reference: 2925-STC-80001
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $2,995
For More Information: www.raymond-weil.com
Seiko Prospex 4R Diver Black “Shog-Urai”
Seiko recently unveiled the latest in their Prospex Diver series. This timepiece combines the iconic Seiko Samurai model and the Seiko Shogun timepeices. Taking design elements from both watches, Seiko released the “Shog-Urai” a few short months ago, a timepiece combining the best of both worlds. The beige hour markers and hands have been designed in a samurai sword style and stand out beautifully against the deep black dial. For how much the watch is priced at and what you get in return, it’s an excellent value-for-money watch!
Model Reference: SRPL15K
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $875
For More Information: www.seikoboutique.com.au
Related Reading: REVIEW: Hands-On With Seiko’s Prospex 4R Diver Black “Shog-Urai”
Seiko King Seiko KS1969
Seiko recently unveiled its latest update to the King Seiko collection, which includes four new timepieces. Seiko’s King Seiko has quite a historical story, from the collection being famous when it was created in 1961 to the brand not producing models for some time and then being revived again. In 2024, Seiko has given the collection a massive boost, with four new coloured dials reflecting the traditional and contemporary elements of Tokyo, Japan. This particular model is the green dial, a reference to the natural greenery that has covered parts of Japan for centuries.
Model Reference: SJE113
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $4,650
For More Information: www.seikoboutique.com.au
Related Reading: Seiko Debuts New Series Of King Seiko Dress Watches
Squale 44mm LE MATICAUGR.HT
Squale is a brand purely focused on creating dive watches and “quintessential tool watches.” The philosophy behind the timepieces they create is simple and straightforward: to make a timepiece that is easy to use and can be read underwater with maximum legibility and functionality. But why not also do this while also being attractive to look at? That’s precisely what the Squale LE MATICAUGR.HT achieves. A dive watch with easy readability, easy functionality, and a colourful dial!
Model Reference: LE MATICAUGR.HT
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $2,595
For More Information: www.starbuy.com.au
Related Reading: REVIEW: Hands-On With The Squale MATIC Australian Limited Edition
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Date
TAG Heuer’s Aquaracer Professional collection is famous for the timepiece’s signature horizontal lined dial and meticulous finishing. The watch is designed to be versatile, with 200m of water resistance, making it a great timepiece for diving and outdoor adventures in general. The pleasing ruby-red dial is the icing on the cake, with its gradient finish making it stand out nicely.
Model Reference: WBP2114.BA0627
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $4,150
For More Information: www.tagheuer.com.au
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph X Red Bull Racing
This TAG Heuer timepiece is made for avid sports fans, particularly Formula 1 enthusiasts. The watch, released in 2022, is the result of the collaboration between TAG Heuer and Red Bull Racing, which is why you see the reference to Red Bull’s livery colours, such as navy blue, red and yellow. Offered on a stainless steel bracelet, it makes for a great luxury timepiece, with the bold colours being just the right ingredients to make racing enthusiasts fall in love!
Model Reference: CAZ101AL.BA0842
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $3,500
For More Information: www.tagheuer.com.au
Related Reading: TAG Heuer Formula 1 Red Bull Racing Special Edition Revealed
Tissot PRX Automatic Chronograph Green Dial
This list wouldn’t be complete without including Tissot’s iconic PRX timepiece. If you are new to the world of horology, when Tissot released the PRX a few years ago, it was the talk of the town for several months. The brand took their iconic 1970s Vintage Tissot Seastar Automatic men’s watch Cal.2481 and created a modern reference that does it justice. Over the years Tissot has been releasing variations of the PRX, with one of the latest models being this PRX Automatic Chronograph in green dial. The timepiece is a definite contender for the under $5000 category simply for its exceptional finishing, dial design and 80-hour power reserve movement!
