Cheap luxury watches: 5 Seiko, Tudor and Oris models for young collectors

You dream of luxury watches, but your budget is still hesitant. Good news: solid references offer real pleasure without excess.

The entry-level market has matured in recent years. As a result, we can move step by step towards more demanding parts.

First steps towards a reliable collection

Casio – G-Shock GA-2100: this “CasiOak” shows how to get started before luxury watches. What’s more, its slim case, controlled shocks and black or white options make it a safe choice at €99.

Seiko – 5 Sports SRPD55K1: a reliable automatic with day-date and sporty styling. So, for €280, you get a transparent back and a real school of regularity.

“You build a collection when each purchase makes sense, not when it follows the crowd.”

Affordable watches that lay the foundations

Timex – Marlin Automatic: a retro look and an easy-to-live-with automatic caliber. In short, at €219, it’s a suit watch ready for decisive moments.

Orient – Bambino version 2: classic dial, domed crystal and discreet charm. So, for €180, you get a smart watch with convincing value for money.

• Set a budget and leave room for maintenance.
• Check horn-to-horn diameter and length.
• Choose a seal that’s right for your application.
• Check parts availability and warranty.
• Try it on your wrist: comfort and legibility come first.

Increase quality without blowing your budget

Citizen – Eco-Drive BM8180-03E: solar eliminates battery anxiety and prepares for the demands of luxury watches. At €140, this simple, easy-to-read field watch goes everywhere.

From now on, the choice of diameter remains decisive for wrist comfort. What’s more, aiming for transparent marks on the service is reassuring for the long term.

Tissot – PRX Powermatic 80: integrated bracelet and 80-hour battery life, a seventies spirit for everyday wear. So, for €675, you get to touch the design that has shaped modern luxury watches.

Iconic styles and solid values

Hamilton – Khaki Field Mechanical: manual winding, clear reading, military heritage that speaks to luxury watches. On the other hand, at €525, it reminds us that well-made simplicity has a lasting appeal.

Think about bracelets: NATO, brushed steel or leather change everything. Alternating materials prolongs the aesthetic life of the same piece.

Small prices, big watchmaking lesson

Certina – DS Action Powermatic 80: the solidity of the DS concept and an 80-hour power reserve. At €945, this is a serious diver’s watch, the natural gateway to luxury watches.

Lidl – Silvercrest: at €9.99, this is a fun curiosity that measures time without pretension. What’s more, it reminds us that passion is sometimes born from a simple, spontaneous purchase.

Casio – F-91W: for less than €20, alarm, chrono and backlight form a pocket classic. This little rectangle shows that attachment isn’t limited to luxury watches.

Now you know which watch you’ll like best. And don’t hesitate to ask your partner for one this Valentine’s Day. The sales are still on for a few days, so now’s the time to take advantage.

• luxury watches