10 Entry Level Swiss Watches for Under $1,000

[@watchfinder]

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[@alwayspooh1588]

As an owner of the green dial auto HydroConquest, I can say they are a fantastic watch for the money. Older than Rolex, and not a bad point about them!

[@GadgetyMV]

The Tissot Gentleman is really a great watch, silicium, anti magnetic, 10 atm, sapphire. It used to be 5 ATM so this is a great improvement. It does what the image of what a Rolex watch was back in the 1970s, rugged, dependable, no nonsense, stainless steel, but of course much better in all respects than those watches were.

[@benh715]

And surprisingly big and heavy. I can’t wear mine on the bracelet, but I’m so happy with it now I’ve got a nice brown leather strap (vintage highley from watchgecko).

[@davidcoleman2796]

Yes . Its just a bit to big for me .

[@afraza5946]

Thank you for saying what I had in mind! For me, Gentleman is far better than the PRX.

[@chrisx1138]

Gave one to my brother for his university graduation. Despite having an OP41, I still felt a pang giving it away. Amazing watch for the price

[@moneymikz]

I just got one in the lovely Green dial for only $530, what a steal

[@iLeetjeeh]

Try a Certina DS Action Diver instead of the Hamilton. Everyone always talks about the Hamilton but the Certina is much better imo. ISO certified, 300m, ceramic bezel and the bracelet is miles better.

[@rugbywatchesgaming4048]

Hamilton way too over hyped

[@thomashrubecky1663]

I agree… WAY too overhyped. But beyond the hype, it's a pretty damn good watch.

[@PETERJOHN101]

My Hamilton field was only $100 due to model close out back in 2009, hardly more than the cost of a good steak. I did, however, like the Certina presented here and started to pull the trigger on one years ago.

[@rugbywatchesgaming4048]

@@thomashrubecky1663 I've fallen out of love with every Hamilton watch ive owned and ended up selling them and moved up a tier with longines I can't ever in every category pick a Hamilton over a longines except field and especially not diver

[@dean9722]

Glad I am not the only one who doesn't get the Hamilton hype. I actually prefer Tissot!! Certina is very nice though

[@josephkelly1909]

I’m fairly certain you could pick the Tissot and Longines for the 2 watch collection and be set..so there’s the winner. I have half of that combo.

[@ciresolstice]

Cool take. I could see that.

[@stasg4558]

FINALLY you mentioned a BALL watch! I think its a very underrated company! I have Trainmaster Endeavour Chronometer Limited Edition and i love it!

[@grumpyoldman2380]

Winner! COSC certified and radioactive lume and a watch company that possibly was the great grandfather of watch accuracy standards.

[@pistonburner6448]

Nope, fail: it is a Chinese company now.

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

Here, Here! I love my 40mm M Marvelight.

[@woozertoo]

I'm a fan of Certina, value-oriented Swiss brand, with Swatch Group backing e.g., Powermatic 80. Pity they're not popular or widely available in North America

[@danspencer4235]

I like Certina, also. They make a 38mm Diver that I lust for. They are even less available in South America.

[@kart182]

Their modular watches are incredible

[@jaysterling26]

​@Dan Spencer This watch also need to be smaller & in black (& lume?) & then Certina can just watch the cash registers.

[@nilsgunnarsson3537]

I have two certina DS-1 they are great. Luckily I live in Sweden where you can find certina literally in every watch store.

[@B.Persson]

OH yes, one of the most underrated watch!

[@Zion-18]

Of brands that weren't mentioned, I'd add the Mido Ocean Star. They get overlooked a lot, and they're honestly one of the best brands for the money under $1000 or so.

[@pgricar]

Especially MIDO Ocean Start GMT, where you get Swiss watch, 80h power reserve, +/- 2-3 s/day, sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel, ...... and true 'travelers' GMT mechanical complication. Not many companies can beat this for the money you will be paying here.

[@CrossEyedMary1967]

All these watches are really great value for the price. From the list I own the Longines HC and it is really lovely watch. But I think only Tissot, Hamilton and Certina are under $1000 range. B&M, ML, Ball, Longines,FC are between $1500-$2000.

[@thomashrubecky1663]

I think that I'll opt for the Tissot Gentleman Celisium (or whatever it's called). Love the exhibition case back!

[@AshishChourasia1996]

Love it!

[@TheWitchfinderGenral]

Yep, it's the pick of the bunch for me, although that orange Doxa looks pretty good too

[@benh715]

Do try it on before you buy. I ordered online after seeing so many good reviews and it’s a bit big for me on the bracelet (male end links). Bloody heavy too. But I really like it in a strap.

[@juancarloshernandez9149]

I love your content. I have been a big fan of your channel for a while. However, I have one question: where the hell can you find that Ball Fireman for $1,000 Dollars?

[@baandoptager]

Just bought the silver dial Tissot Gentleman automatic (cross line version w leather strap) for $383 on sale. Unbeatable price.

[@HashU69]

Wow... That real cool mate. From where did you buy it?

[@firemanlazz]

Thanks guys for your choices. I bought the same Longines watch last week and it arrived yesterday. I’m very impressed with the quality for the price and how refined all the detail to finish is on the dial. It really is great value for the price and excellent quality.

[@alexgrabarskoy3731]

what is a model of it? write please

[@whywecollectwatches]

Great selection! I really like the Hamilton and the Doxa. I own a Tissot Gentleman and its a great watch!

[@benh715]

The Tissot and a doxa would be a great 2 watch collection.

[@legacywatchguy8333]

I was kinda hoping Andrew was going to give us 10 $1000 watches...and Tom was going to give us 10 watches for $1000. 😀

[@jon0328]

I really like the Tissot and the Longines. I've been debating which one to get. It feels like you can't go wrong with either one.

[@balesjo]

I really liked the Baume & Mercier as a dress watch. The Longines was a hands down favorite. But those are not the only two, you guys both presented an incredible selection of watches at or below $1000.

[@saphna2095]

gotta give it to Andrew this time, the Tissot and the Longines are THE choices imo:) would make a great 2 watch collection actually

[@JoeMenjivar]

I'm a big Zodiac fan, currently wearing a Grandrally that I got for a song a few months back. The Olympos looks great, hope to get one in the near future. Wish they would put out more non Sea Wolf watches,

[@sidleparesseux6337]

Wearing my Zodiac Olympos W&W blue on the wrist, I can only tell how nice looking and good working this watch is for the price. And it looks even better on a Tudor Bb58 blue strap. ;)

[@swilkobarfingtoniii1642]

I recently found out that Zodiac is owned by Invicta. That's not a deal breaker for me at all, I have a couple Glycine's that are quite good. I've always liked Zodiac too. The hyper macho dive watches they have been doing since the 60's are tres cool.

[@suavewolf1994]

Wearing my Hamilton Khaki field auto, my first purchase when I got into watches and I love it so much! Now just saving up till one day I can get a speedy sapphire sandwich 👍

[@B506Basstards]

i recently got a certina 38mm diver. absolutely class watch. ticked all the boxes for me. great size, waterproof, very clean look, not too shiny

[@Zotrax1946]

I own the Gentleman- one of my pieces I wear the most. Exquisite swiss watch!!

[@siebebroidioi9565]

#1 Ball fireman entreprise #2 Baume & Mercier classima 10324 #3 Frederique Constant classics index automatic #4 Certina ds powermatic 80 #5 Hamilton khaki navy scuba auto #6 Doxa sub 200 pro #7 Maurice Lacroix aikon quartz #8 Tissot gentleman powermatic 80 silicium #9 Zodiac olympos stp111 #10 Longines hydroconquest

[@pzwolski]

Your comment should be sticky! Well done!

[@pistonburner6448]

A Chinese watch as your #1? You need to improve your basic research and then rework your list a bit…

[@pzwolski]

@@pistonburner6448 You have not watched the video, have you?

[@pistonburner6448]

@@pzwolski Do you have something to actually say? Try to gather up the courage, I'm waiting with abated breath to hear what you have to say!

[@pzwolski]

@@pistonburner6448 He gave a list of watches featured in the clip. Order of appearance. Oh, boy... Watch first, then comment.

[@jjpark10]

Never heard of the Zodiac Olympos. Very interesting design, especially after finding the vintage mystery dial version online.

[@mikeloshak6772]

Nice to see Baume & Mercier for once, they never seem to get a mention on all the usual watch channels. I've got the Clifton and it's a beautiful watch.

[@chrishoyt7548]

Zodiac green dial all the way, then the Longines. You are both funny but Tom moreso. I like his dry wit. Great vid. Thank you. What would you both chose? Chris from bloody cold Canada

[@Sirleopard666]

Finally some different, go Zodiac!! I also like the Tissot but the Powermatic 80 movement closed to maintenance is not an option for the long term. No one of the options offers titanium? I keep looking for Japan, even some Chinese options

[@tommyrabearivelo7498]

Frederique Constant is my pick out of the 10.

[@ismaelbonal6537]

Longines shouldn't be amongst those brands. It has more heritage history and has patents in the watchmaking world. I would also mention Glycine. They are Swiss Made with ETA/Sellita movements and represent very good value for the money. Their bronze collections are really nice. They are also amongst the first to present GMT movements with 24 hours in the dial.

[@Pasta1nc]

The most popular watch channels never mention Glycine, and they're so good. I got an Airman chief GMT, bronze Combat sub, and Combat 6 field.

[@billybenson3834]

They're afraid of Glycine because of Invicta

[@ismaelbonal6537]

@@billybenson3834 To be fair, Invicta is known for mass production and low quality, so they did not do Glycine any favor in buying them. But credit to Glycine for not lowering their quality, especially in recent times.

[@paulhiggins8774]

Certina and Zodiac are my favourites, love the classic style watches with a twist

[@ricardorusso1462]

"The Longines Hydroconquest - For the man who can't decide if he preffers his markers as dots, bars or big numerals! The Hydroconquest has them all" That's just gold 🤣

[@jpdemer5]

Tissot's "Chemin des Tourelles" is a slimmer-looking alternative to the "Gentleman". Nice, thin bezel, on top of the Powermatic 80, sapphire, etc. etc.

[@denisdaly1708]

Also Glycine Epos and Titoni

[@louisdehner595]

Mido, another Swatch group company, has some interesting pieces in the Multifort, Commander, and Ocean Star product lines that come in around the US $1000 price point. What are your thoughts on Mido as an entry level Swiss watch option?

[@TheRealDoctorBreezy]

Once again…no love for MIDO :(

[@SuperCern]

Then you should definitely check Swiss new watch brand H992. Sellita SW260-1 COSC certified, very appealing and minimal design, sapphire crystal sandwich, quality of construction on a very high level and Swiss made!

[@hullabamoo]

Some great options there and not all unheard of brands either! Thanks very much!

[@alexgrabarskoy3731]

Longines at 16.15 -what is a model ,how to find?

[@thegorn]

Never realised that the Longines Hydroconquest was such a clusterpluck of dots, bars and numerals. I knew there was something I was repelled by and I always though it was the odd crown guards alone, but now I realise it's multiple things.

[@GoTerpsGoBlue]

The watch presented is the steel bezel/older version. The newer ceramic bezel automatic version ($1700 usd...can be had for less) is cleaner with much less business on the bezel and dial. I recently purchased the 39mm version and love it

[@stevetrotter6584]

I have the Baume & Mercier Classima, a Longines Conquest a Tissot Gentleman and the Hamilton American Classic. No mention of Alpina though.

[@Angry_Gnome]

Gotta add the CWC Mellor 72 for those looking for the vintage military pilot/field watch look, Swiss build and Sellita SW-215 hand wind movement. It’s a steal for the $$

[@dylangardner4539]

I just preordered the Bel Canto. Unbelievable watch that I could not help but getting

[@Meatbalzz]

This video was just posted yesterday? The Longines Hydro Quest caught my eye, so I looked it up. The exact one you featured was around $1700. The cheapest I found (different band and color) was $1300. You boys are a bit off. What others have you mismarked?

[@ArmaniStrok]

MIDO, CERTINA and LONGINES are great brands that hit hard far above than their weight class

[@perrinjulien4195]

Team Hydroconquest, first watch I paid over 1k and after more than 10 years I still wearing this one almost everyday 🥰 zero problem

[@OffOfTheCuff]

What about Glycine? I think one can make the case that they are a better value than all but the Logines and maybe the certina

[@automaticdial1]

That Doxa is nice! But how was making the cases for them at one point?

[@danielmcbriar1672]

I really like the look of Mido at present. Very underrated.

[@thepa1]

Love the Futurerama reference in there!

[@cagataycakmak2280]

I have the Ball Fireman, fantastic watch. It has a really lovely train engraving on the back and the tritium lume is very bright. I highly recommend it.

[@thomashrubecky1663]

@Cagatay Cakmak… how long does the tritium hold its lume? I tend to wear my watches to bed and my wife is VERY sensitive to light. Does this lume hold its light for about the same time as superluminova or will this be a beacon at 3:30 am?

[@NomadicPhoton]

@@thomashrubecky1663 Tritium glows constantly, it's a decaying radioactive isotope. If I remember correctly, the gas tubes will glow constantly, for 10-15 years with no external charging.

[@pistonburner6448]

Chinese company.

[@cagataycakmak2280]

@@NomadicPhoton exactly, I think it will constantly glow for at least a decade.

[@cagataycakmak2280]

@@pistonburner6448 owned by a chinese company, made in switzerland. Not sure what your point is.

[@OhMyStrap]

Great selection of watches, especially the Baume&Mercier caught my attention

[@alexk8599]

The dial of the orange Doxa is suspiciously similar to the Certina DS Super PH500M.

[@drmpac]

It’s a dead heat b/w Andrew and Tom. But watch-wise the Longines with an automatic movement please!! Lovely dressy diver that can deliver the goods where needed - daily beater, dressier for work or social events, versatility ++

[@Zotrax1946]

Never noticed it on the Longines 😅. Now I can’t unsee it 🤷🏼‍♂️. That saved me a grand ☝🏻😉

[@stephenclark6492]

Where would you find the Longine for $1000,

[@pistonburner6448]

Victorinox I.N.O.X. mechanical is absolutely beautiful and incredible value!

[@carlvoxvires]

Were they watch batteries? @01:20

[@theshadowman1398]

The single watch that stood out and actually caught my interest was that zodiac one. All the others are dull or quartz.

[@PETERJOHN101]

It's a bit eclectic, as Zodiac tends to be.

[@relosapulso]

Wearing my certina ds 38mm for 2 years straight and my one watch collection built like a tank

[@alexabney7913]

I deeply desire a ball watch and even more deeply desire the new rainbow lume one they just came out with.

[@pintailpoint8634]

I wish Swiss independent Raymond Weil would get more coverage.

[@richardmcginnis5344]

have one seiko automatic and a couple of old timex manual watches, the rest are all quartz none of them except the work watch are digital, i like the ecodrive watches and the edifice watches i plan on buying an oceanus but i will never buy another automatic, not because they're expensive but because the repair and service is expensive and i would be bringing an automatic in to be fixed on a monthly if not weekly basis, i am rough on everything i own and i just can't afford the constant upkeep that would figure into wearing an automatic

[@MrAntipathiQue]

Maurice is amazing daily watch. I have this one new edition 40 mm with quartz movement and black dial - it's perfect.

[@Melee-Mike-P]

Tom took the W in this one for sure. The Ball and Hamilton duo were particularly strong.

[@avoeeeee]

Got brand new Hydroconquest 39mm automatic for 600$:)

[@HashU69]

Wow that's real cool mate. Pls let me from where did u buy it?

[@Mr_Paw_revised]

I have a black Hydroconquest in automatic and it is a good watch. Pretty universal, works with every outfit or occasion, even in a black tie situation. While my hype after five years is down a bit, it’s still my most worn watch. Not my last diver for sure, but maybe my last dress diver? 🤔 Who knows…

[@jakerobertson8675]

I'm going to give this one to Tom. Big fan of what FC offers, and the Ball was a solid choice.

[@syniekos]

I have the Zodiac Olympos: the 'Word & Wound' blue edition & I love it !

[@BAF605]

Some Phoenix brands mentioned there. Worth pointing out when the originally founding date is mentioned. Often there's little actual connection beyond the name. Like the Zodiac best.

[@Pasta1nc]

Honestly, Tom completely owned this one. Hands down.

[@micksumo]

I've got a few from squale, zodiac and they're fantastic watches

[@wisamal-hakim5531]

The Longines hydro conquest is great. The sporty Hamilton is great. The shield zodiac is nice. The tissot is nice. I’ve already forgotten the rest I’m afraid

[@josephj7387]

'1880 ???' 'Nope...the good ol 1980's'... '... ... ... oh okay...' that cracked me up so hard!! Amazing list !! Points to both !! Amazing episode and with sharp wit on point !! Cheers from a fan in Bengaluru India !!

[@24934637]

Isn't the Doxa Sub 200 powered by an ETA 2824-2?

[@mamr-wf8xl]

Nice selection! Mido might be added to the list as well.

[@karlsenula9495]

Christopher Ward ... I believe some of their models start at under $1k.

[@jasonchaney5382]

Those are definitely not "arms". They are scratch magnets. Nice selection gents. I love the shape of the Zodiac.

[@SW-by9ob]

Disappointed not to have seen Alpina crop up in the list. I've bought a couple of preowned example recently (Seastrong GMT, Alpiner) and the build/finishing is exceptional for the price and superior to any Tissot/Certina I've had my hands on.

[@elyorganiev513]

Guys, who can tell me if Doxa Sub 200 movement is Sellita or ETA nowadays? I would be appreciated.

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

My understanding of horological history is that Swiss neutrality gave them the edge in watch making because they did not keep on having to adapt their industry to making weapons whenever their was a world war and so kept their expertise in timepieces. The Zodiac is my fave.

[@elgatto3133]

That's correct, they actually sold watches to both sides, iwc being the most prominent example. Everywhere else in europe was reduced to ashes from the war, and America couldn't change back from war production fast enough and so the American watchmakers either went out of business or went Swiss. Keep in mind the post war boom in America basically carried the entire industry in this time, no one else had money until the 60s.

[@warrenbrenner4972]

Hydroconquest quartz has aluminum bezel while more costly automatic has a ceramic bezel.

[@alansen]

That Longines below 1k? can't find any infos about it.

[@LIONTAMER3D]

Victorinox has some compelling offerings

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

In 1971 I bought a new in the box Omega Seamaster 120 on beads of rice bracelet in a jewelry store in Geneva Switzerland for $67.

[@TripleDDDD]

Love the retro Design of the Certina! Would go with a classic leather strap though.

[@jainilsave9446]

What do you think of Wenger watch?

[@isaacc154]

Scirocco is a vw sold in Europe isn’t it?

[@HarrisLoops]

I’m gutted it’s still big, I’ve wanted a Luna pilot for a long time but alas I must wait for longer… hopefully

[@richardnedbalek1968]

12:24 “Silicium” sounds like Elysium where, ahem, Greek and Roman soldiers went at death while Vikings went to… Valhalla.

[@BarnOwl61]

They are all great watches. Now pick just one, I would have the Ball please, with the Tritium tubes.

[@rosstinelli]

I'm swiss and Irish and I approve this message ! Cheers

[@jaysterling26]

Is your Guinness O'clock always accurate? Not envious at all...

[@Angry_Gnome]

The Victorinox Alliance can be picked up on Jomashop for $365 right now. 40mm case, 8.5!!!! mm thick with an ETA 2892! I can’t imagine another watch packing those specs for anywhere near that price.

[@pistonburner6448]

And Victorinox I.N.O.X. mechanical is under 1000$/£/€ too! Absolutely beautiful watch and incredible value!

[@LTC_Tiger]

You both missed Glycine’s offerings, which can often be found for under $1K and are great value for money pieces.

[@pdmotors5027]

I would have gone with the Longines until you said it’s a quartz, nothing wrong with that, but now I would go with the Hamilton Diver.

[@Ian-bq7gp]

If money was no barrier I do love Vacherin Constantin Everest overseas. What a great watch that is and it could well be a great investment as they are limited in production numbers.

[@mikeuk4130]

I used to like Eternamatic watches. They were always a good size and had a cool logo which comprised five stars arranged in a circle. Subtlety defined.

[@pistonburner6448]

I used to also…until the Chinese bought the company.

[@zhicaofang2354]

Great selection. I would recommend looking at Mido Ocean Star as an alternative to Longines Hydroconquest.

[@lucianfinestra]

Just don't look into where the cases and bracelets are made.

[@PETERJOHN101]

Increasingly, the watch world is known for its attraction to the CCP.

[@BAF605]

Or even the parts that are assembled into the movements, the dials, hands, and crystals. Did I mention the packaging?? 😂😂😂

[@mrmagoo.3678]

meh?

[@SuperMrgentleman]

Oh no they won't have magic Switzerland fairy dust on them!!!! Oh no that makes them WORSE!!!

[@tinuzjorge]

Not worst, just not worth the Swiss-watch price increase anymore

[@med-3000]

You are both inseparable, you are the yin and yang of great watch reviews and banter. 2 ❤s for you both

[@modmod392]

Some great Swiss daily beaters on a budget 👍

[@PETERJOHN101]

A beater on my budget is under $100.

[@modmod392]

@@PETERJOHN101 I love Casio too. I have the calculator watch, F-91w. They really are great value pieces 👍