Best First Luxury Watch $500-$3,000: Cartier, TAG Heuer, Seiko

[@DollarDude]

2:30 It's crazy how desensitized to price us watch enthusiasts get. Just starting out, I'd freeze at the $425 price of a Seiko, but now that I have a few higher end pieces like a Speedmaster Pro White Dial and a Grand Seiko White Birch, I take a look at the Tudor BB58 GMT and think "hey, $4,600 ain't that bad." Send help 😅

[@etebol]

No kidding, I hesitate to spend $500 on a good pair of boots. But watches start at $1500.🤷‍♂

[@learndesignwithdev]

The trick is to spend once and spend wisely. 😊 A good watch will always hold its value with 'time' 🤣 So no need to worry about buying that 4000$ watch if you enjoy it, rather than spending 1000$ on 4 watches. 😊

[@etebol]

@@learndesignwithdev I think that may be part of the conundrum, one watch for all occasions is kind of a high bar for most watch addicts 🤷‍♂😅

[@learndesignwithdev]

@@etebol Understandable 🫡. But also some watches like Cartier can be paired with formals as well as party clothes. I believe I watched the video on Britt's channel or somewhere else, that you can never go wrong with a Cartier Tank whatever may be the occasion. Just need confidence and some pizzazz to pull it off. 🤣

[@DollarDude]

@@etebol Ah yes, the mythical "one watch collection" I've heard so much about. What a nice dream 🤣

[@PhantomObserver]

Actually, for a first dress watch, the phrase "Orient Bambino" immediately pops to mind. And Hamilton's American Classic Boulton or the Ventura are nothing to be sneezed at.

[@the.Aruarian]

Another one jumps to mind: the Bambino trap 😅

[@kms08711]

Title:'luxery' 😂 i don't think orient bambino is a luxury

[@wristopia4101]

How is that a 'Phrase' exactly? Do you own a Bambino?

[@pokie6087]

​@@wristopia4101 I agree the Bambino is a great watch for ladies, or the gay man

[@nautica1504]

cant wait to hand this Bambino down to my grandkids

[@RichardKoppinger]

I was surprised that Tissot didn't make it into the video. They are one of the best in entry-level luxury (in my opinion) and have a lot to offer, especially the Gentleman and the Chemin des Tourelles. Thanks for the video. Hope you and the baby are doing well. ❤

[@CyberSammael]

One of my first recommendations for a first luxury is always Oris. What you can get for the cost is really hard to beat.

[@beetlefang]

I agree - Oris is awesome, and so is Guinand.

[@kaiwilliams141]

I feel like "value proposition" is way more of a watch influencer thing to say than "bang for buck".

[@tugboathk]

"a lot of watch for the money"

[@EiferBrennan]

​@@tugboathkI read that in Jody from Just One More Watch's voice.

[@EiferBrennan]

If I never hear the words "value proposition" in a watch video ever again, it'll be too soon. . .

[@doug5030]

Could also do without hearing "French kiss" ever again.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

@@doug5030Don’t you mean “chef’s kiss?”

[@jakealexander6046]

I think Citizen should be mentioned as a good starter watch because of the solar eco movement that is less hassle to maintain plus has some great looking designs. But yeah its glaring weakness is lack of brand power. So I kind of understand why its not here. But does Tissot not have enough recognition?

[@speedracer2please]

I think the catch is "first luxury watch." I love Citizen as a watch in general, but it's more associated with malls here. Tissot, though, is pretty luxurious to me, there's some serious diminishing returns in the watch industry after the Powermatic 80

[@lovinglife419]

Citizen has a great lineup. I have two and they're lovely.

[@BaddogSports]

This is a solid list. I’d add an Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 in there as well. A great watch at an affordable price

[@BeedeoJunkie]

What about a Sinn 556? Wearable size for most wrists, 200m water resistance, go anywhere do anything watch.

[@uncles2000]

If you friend is looking for value and brand recognition, your friend needs to go used/excellent condition. The market’s price drops, brings Omega Aqua Terra into the mix.

[@maitrehg]

The Aqua Terra is fantastic.

[@learndesignwithdev]

Absolutely!!! Pre-owned is better if someone is looking for brand recognition. But for the love of God, don't buy a 5000$ pre-owned Rolex.

[@ianforber]

@@learndesignwithdev That makes sense but I suspect most people wanting a luxury watch also want it new and the buying experience that goes with that. Pre-owned for the second watch!

[@christopherseivard8925]

I have that exact TAG Heuer. It was my first watch, I wanted a Rolex,pre-owned, but the jeweler clued me in on the cost of a “clean& service??!” I bought the TaG.

[@RafaelV6]

If I were to Start all over again, I’d start with Cartier and Seiko.

[@JamesDuncan1]

Great list! I think Tissot is very comparable to Seiko for best watches under $1000

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

Interesting Tissot wasn’t mentioned

[@lamentate07]

Kudos for mentioning the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series. I own the black lacquer one, and it's far more interesting to look at than the white one (i.e. more detailed), but both are value for money. You won't find a lacquer or enamel dial for that price. You probably also won't find those watches under 1000 pounds either. They look more premium than most Longines watches in your stated range too unless you want the Flagship Heritage throwbacks. re: Tag. The 36mm Carrera dates are cute and smart looking watches. I have the blue with rose gold, and it's a lovely watch for the money. Good recommendations overall!👏

[@speedracer2please]

Within Tudor, the 1926 and Royal are firmly in budget, and way more unique! Also I hope you're having a great maternity leave, and congratulations!

[@barryvercueil2346]

Good list!! But i would include Oris in the $1000+ range.

[@flo12325]

I would add the Junghans Max Bill Automatic

[@bjornrosenzweig8535]

I bought an Frederique Constant Classic Index Automatic in February, it's an amazing watch for the price as well.

[@marcelitau]

I have been learning about watches for the past week because I was to give one to my partner as a wedding present (will be his first nice watch). I’m bewildered by this world, it is that much that I actually had choose my dream watch (of course out of my budget) 😂😂😂

[@LBenn302]

Recently, I picked up a Nomos Club Campus in red and it’s absolutely awesome. Nomos makes amazing pieces for the money and they’re super unique. They’re also German which isn’t super common- even within watch enthusiasts collections. Highly recommend Nomos as an option

[@chriscon8463]

I’d recommend any pre-owned watch with an ETA 2824 or Sellita SW200 movement in it. They’re inexpensive to get serviced (& you should probably consider this right after purchasing a used watch). As I write this, I have my old TAG Heuer 2000 auto on my wrist & it’s worth about $400 on the used market. An older Hamilton Khaki Field would be about the same.

[@TG-vg3qe]

Tissot Gentleman with silicium spring keeps incredible time and looks great for not much money.

[@BonDijon]

for dressier options tbh i know they are not luxury household names, but lorca, lorrier and baltic make some excellent models that are of good quality. More mainstream i'd say the mido baroncelli line (surprisingly thin auto movement), or seiko dolce series (houses a high accuracy quartz movement).

[@Steven-of5qq]

The conquest 38 in your video is the old model. The new one is much nicer.

[@bubbles13244]

Frederique Constant is a fun brand around that. Same with Oris

[@wristopia4101]

Tissot Gentleman is a stunning Starter. Longines is pretty good at that budget too, but I would get the Tissot and bank the money to put towards watch 2..... which might still be a Longines.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

Agreed about the Gentleman

[@rashmit]

See, now that is how an actual starter think. Gentleman and La Locle all the way!

[@wristopia4101]

Hold a Tissot Gentleman in one hand and a TAG Carrera in the other lol. The Aquaracer is a great ladies and boys watch, but they have lost their way in the mens market unfortunately IMO.

[@wristopia4101]

@@rashmit Thanks, I give my advice freely (based on owning or working with every watch mentioned)......Not for profit ; )

[@wristopia4101]

Love Tudor too, but my funny Tudor story is receiving a Tudor LHD back from Tudor, and they put it in the box upside down 😂

[@kyleashdown518]

I’d like to add Casio Oceanus to the list. In particular the T200S. Not only do you get a respectable amount of features (solar quartz, radio sync, Bluetooth sync w/phone finding capability), but the quality of the case finishing is outstanding for a $400 watch. The AR sapphire crystal also has a lovely blue tint that kind of reminds me of a Rolex Milgauss. Insane value

[@ahha6304]

If Citizen listed here I think BX1008-12E would qualify, perpetual calendar, awesome dial, has some lume and looks good enough under 500 Dollars

[@halfsourlizard9319]

If someone's budget-constrained and rational, it seems like buying vintage or pre-owned would at least be worth considering.

[@Chrisb8s]

Great stuff. I think that it depends on if it is an everyday watch. I think your friend needs 3 watches :). Tudor ,Seiko, Cartier I just ordered my birthday present. A JDM solar quartz, radio controlled Seiko. I want a ho to, grab and go daily watch.

[@luiso29]

Like the list, I'll add Oris

[@AMAMBT]

for under 1k , i would pick tissot le locle or gentleman over seiko or hamilton .

[@rwolfhaus1234]

Tudor Ranger paired with a Rubber B in Espresso Brown.

[@seanhickling7340]

Longines Spirit. Better than anything else below 5k. It truly is awesome.

[@maitrehg]

Tudor BB41 Monochrome is way better.

[@seanhickling7340]

@@maitrehg You're joking, right? Absolutely no way! 😂 The BB just doesn't feel as good in the hand, has those awful ugly hands that look like they belong on a kiddies 'My First Watch and and is over 1k more than the Spirit!

[@ArjitMehra]

No Tissot, Frederique Constant, Baume Mercier 😮 I know there are like a billion options, but these brands really are worth mentioning IMO.

[@EiferBrennan]

I agree with the other two, but Tissot isn't on the same tier as Seiko on the low end and definitely not on the high end, like Cartier. Tissot is what you get when you want a Tudor, but have Citizen money. Like me. As long as it's not a Powermatic movement. I've never heard anything good about them.

[@maitrehg]

So many options.

[@maitrehg]

@@EiferBrennan Tissot is okay but Seiko is way better. And looks better too.

[@lamentate07]

@@maitrehg I have the black Craftsmanship Series watch mentioned here, and it blows every Tissot I've seen away at a similar price point. It just looks more distinctive and premium. The only downside is the ordinary movement that often runs a bit fast, but that's Seiko.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

@@EiferBrennan Depends on what you are going for. Their heritage series has been really good which mostly feature solid ETA movements with only cosmetic changes. As for the powermatics, a lot of people like them. Including those who work on watches. The only things people don't like is the 3.5hz instead of 4hz and some models like the PRX use the lesser Powermatic version with plastics for the escapement. But if you go up in price like the Gentleman (900 euro and up), you get the highest end powermatic which is more like your classic ETA movement and are fairly easy to service. In terms of dial finishing, the details on the Gentleman and LeLoc are really good with not that many competing on that level and I really tried looking for them. The only thing I have against Tissot is that they can sometimes feel a bit basic. But that can also be a plus if you aren't into busy Seiko Presage style dials.

[@Z-u-m-a]

You really should try a Scurfa - Diver One model - if haven't already. Great quality for the value. Steel case black with optional bracelet (and ceramic bezel) is my favourite daily. Standard rubber strap nice too. Not in stock at moment, but worth waiting, or getting a good used one.

[@andrykesuma4448]

Great choice!! If I may add, My recommendation would be - TUDOR 1926 or Royal series, great watch for half the price of BlackBay - Baume et Mercier Riviera series is elegant and sporty - Breitling Endurance Pro for something very sporty & athelete looking

[@nottusleinad]

I'd highlly recommend a pre-loved model for a first luxury watch... you get more for your money, avoid the inevitable depreciation, and there are some real bargains to be had. A mint £2k used Breitling / Omega is going to get you a lot more watch than £2k on a Tag or similar

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Bang for Buck Influencer…….. Yeah you brainwashed me to consider the Santos de Cartier large Green ❤

[@learndesignwithdev]

Cartier 😍

[@Aaron-dt9pu]

My first big watch purchase was a Ball Engineer Pioneer. Almost two years ago. Love this watch

[@pr33tu_]

It's crazy to me that the Cartier solarbeat has seen a ≈26% price increase in less than 2 years.

[@Andy-ys8sj]

They put a selita movement in a £9000 watch, totally overated and over priced, watches for people who know nothing about watches 😂

[@learndesignwithdev]

​@@Andy-ys8sj Always look inside the watch. 👍 Cheap movement is not worth more than brand value.

[@garyboyle695]

​@@learndesignwithdevIf it's a chronometer grade movement I have no issues with that as it's tried and tested, unlike a lot of dubious so called in house movements.

[@ianforber]

@@Andy-ys8sj But it’s the quartz solarbeat priced at circa £3K. Who cares if it is a ETA or Sellitta based movement? That’s not the point of this particular Cartier.

[@AlexanderB.]

How about Oris? 🤔

[@garyboyle695]

Exactly, better than Tag or Hamilton.

[@Jj-uw8mw]

One watch collection: I am still undecided between Cartier Tank Must (normal quartz) and Tudor Black Bay 36. These 2 really caught my eyes!! I am unsure about the longevity of both watches, as well as the servicing experience and cost for them.

[@Justin6477]

As a cocktail time owner, the one thing that I think is missing from the recommendations for it is to mention how important/valuable it is to go get an aftermarket strap. Yes, the dials are beyond gorgeous for the price, but the bracelets and leather are on the bleh side.

[@matthewcoupeofficial]

There is only one answer here a late 2000’s Seamaster, get a service and your set.

[@adrianvladmladin1005]

I always wondered why no one mentions the Record when talking about Longines. For me, it's their most versatile watch. You can dress it up and down, it has timeless looks, simple and elegant.

[@cameronbuckner254]

Fantastic video Britt! And i hope you and the new baby are soing grear, your lovely husband as well! Also, for this range i would add anything from Zodiac watches! I just bought a Super Sea Wolf and i adore it! Its about 1500 dollars, and even at 40mm its weara closer to a 39mm and looks like a million bucks! Amazing watches for the price, and a ton of history! But again great video!

[@jackburtonstwin]

Possibly a little too close to the NOMOS but I would have included Junghans. Both Max Bill and Meister are comfortably within the budget. You achieve the full Bauhaus experience with robust and easily maintained ETA-based movements.

[@rashmit]

Precisely! If you want german, Junghans >> NOMOS.

[@mohamednayad]

We need a part 2 of the video !!! 🎉 with other brands like Frédérique Constant & Tissot 👍

[@chrislyall6251]

Great review Britt,4 me it has 2 b the Tudor 1926 39mm 4 my frist Luxury Watch,(Still Saving up 4 it).

[@kevineccles7766]

I really like my 39mm 1926 on the bracelet with the opaline dial with blue hands and indices. It wears much better than I thought it would on my 7.25 inch wrist it looks great and at slightly over 9mm, it’s comfortably thin

[@E-jit]

The watch I wear the most is definitely the Longines Conquest, the older version that was recently updated. I know it’s knit picky but the S is silent.

[@User70451]

Curious if you will review an Accutron watch 👀. Great video!

[@user-kn6he6bm4m]

I bet you would say " and yes i have non watch nerd friends" instead of " and yes i have friends"😂😂😂 Really dont be too hard to yourself, you're really cool and pleasant company.❤

[@deanodell-magicianmindreader]

Enough doesn’t get said about what you can get ‘used’ within these budgets. I was recently able to get hold of an Omega Seamaster 2254.50 Box and papers in incredible condition for £1995 from The Fine Watch Club shop.

[@hermeshein-yahav7247]

My first dress watch was Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB121J1.

[@BetamaxBabe]

The Tudor 1926 is another good choice for that budget!

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

2:59 pokes fun at herself for saying “bang for the buck” but immediately follows it with “value proposition” 😂😂😂 love you Britt

[@Voyagerss77]

Just buy Casio Duro the one with the Marlin.....they are beautiful and excellent quality, not ridiculously expensive either!

[@silverfish764]

I was just looking for an entry point Luxury watch and you just came out with this. Going to enjoy this video now, I find your Voice so calming.

[@nattylo18]

The conquest got a whole redo a few months ago. It looks a lot better now

[@octaviansilaghi-pm4ll]

Citizen tsuyosa small seconds, some Orient Star models, Tissot Gentleman, Mido Baroncelli., Frederique Constant, Baume et Mercier Hampton.

[@drnick40]

Pre-owned Tudor. That’s the best first luxury watch.

[@richardbaldwin9502]

Good list Tudor royal 41 blue would be a good pick

[@William-0415]

I'd add Citizen and Nivada Grenchen to the list:)

[@GeniusInventor-dj5zc]

Gold Tissot PRX automatic is a nice first luxury watch

[@pi17835]

I like how Nomos looks. But I think with their lug to lug, they wear rather big… something to keep in mind

[@Swiss_Army_Knife1780]

The Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series ⌚ with an enamel and urushi dial you referenced are actually close to $1500, on the grey market.

[@Zetaliao]

Excellent video. Your recommendations are very good. I would add the Mido Multifort TV Big Date, which here in Europe is about 1100 Euros. Thank you also for discovering a brand that I didn't know yet, greetings from Malaga, Spain.

[@dukes70]

Tissot, Citizen, Oris, Junghans. Micros like Monta, Farer, Varer, Baltic

[@AlbertusMagnus_44]

I agree with you Gringa about Quartz. I think we should make Quartz not only respectable, but desired. As much as I love a good mechanical watch, the simple truth is that Quartz is more accurate, more reliable, and requires less servicing than mechanical. It’s like enjoying a supercharged 1934 Duesenberg SJ but also enjoying a new Mustang with a computer controlled fuel injected V-8. Both are to be admired.

[@thomasstratford6227]

GS and Bulova make high end Quartz watches, another reason the “luxury” label means nothing, it is marketing nonsense!

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

Love both autos and quartz movement's. There's really soo much to enjoy when your into both. Also quartz analog movement's have plenty of mechanical parts

[@barathroy5607]

I think folks should look more at Rado. It doesn’t get too much recognition in North America and Europe. Congrats on the pregnancy 🎉

[@jaybee1196]

Another excellent video.

[@m-faccin]

I would have mentioned also the Tissot Gentleman that has a lot of options in colors and bracelets that can basically make everyone happy and being dress both up or down (and it has the better version of powermatic 80, the Si movement), and citizen with both qartz-solar and automatic movements can fit every style and budget.

[@EiferBrennan]

Definitely saving my pennies for one of the funky Cartier tanks.

[@steelwhisper9019]

I just acquired an Accutron Legacy automatic. It's awesome as an introduction watch. The new vintage look is spot on and made well. I like your choices..just can't afford the other ones I want..yet! Lol Let us know what your friend "winds up" getting 😊(had to)

[@dcm703]

The Seiko Sarb 033 was my gateway drug to watches years ago. And as I’ve added/subtracted from my collection, I will never sell it.

[@Ben-ml6cv]

I would recommend a Longines Spirit… perhaps the 37mm.

[@ragavansuresh5035]

There's also the Tudor 1926 that's under budget and is quite the looker!

[@rashmit]

Let me walk you through an actual starter mentality: I'd scrape off CW Twelve and add PRX instead or any other Tissot for a lesser price. And I'd scrape off NOMOS and add Junghans instead which is also for a lesser price. And I'd add Orient and Fredrique Constant to the list.

[@jamesblonde2271]

Hello Mumsie! How is Hans?

[@milqn4o]

Man, do those "Fears" watches look like expensive crap!

[@peterau9]

I love the Tudor recommendation. Got a black bay with a leather strap when visiting the EU and with vat refunds it came out under 2800

[@MrAndy76101]

I agree for the budget and proposition the CW twelve is a great shout, it can pass for a more luxury choice imho

[@DanyzinhoPT]

I am thinking to buy a Frédérique constant highlife or a longines conquest 38mm and I really don’t know which one to pick. Which holds more value, history and would be a better purchase?

[@asimahmed6227]

aren't almost all seikos using in-house movements?

[@benlila]

Would like to see your picks for the Old Money Aesthetic trend.

[@chaingangritesh]

I bought citizen tsuyosa last year it's pantone colour edition for dress category. Then i wanted a value for money dive watch and i ended up buying tissot seastar 1000 300M. I think it's the best buy yet thanks to its exchangeable straps. The only watch i with now to own is a Cartier. But are quartz Cartier even worth for long term keep? Or shell extra on automatic and larger models?

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

The problem with the Seiko Presage is that I want all of the dial colors hahaha.

[@EdwardViaTomato]

I'm a staunch proponent of Tag Heuer. Good first luxury watch, or eighth. I didn't like the brand until I sold them, and handled service for them and brands from the rest of LVMH, Richemont, and Swatch Group. I kinda live in fear of luxury watch servicing because of Cartier. Maybe it's gotten better over the years. Hopefully. I'm still interested in a quartz model, and the dream is a solarbeat Santos.

[@113uineo]

Seiko 5 snxs 79k, Tissot le locle, Hamilton ventura are best

[@learndesignwithdev]

Although I'm a noob when it comes to watches, but my choice will be as follow I'll recommend readers in comments to also consider watches MADE IN GERMANY. I'm a sucker for Alexander Shorokhoff and Glasshutte Original. 😍 Also worthy mention Nomos and MeisterSinger. 😊

[@user-PaSaMeFe]

If I were spending money on the Tudor I'd recommend the BB54 (M79000N-0001) at £3,360. Word of warning to your 'virgin' buyer is to pay close attention to the lug-to-log and not just the case diameter - Nomos is a case in point...

[@MrHav1k]

Solid list. Nothing to really whine about too much.

[@pi17835]

You can also get some Grand Seiko Quartz models for just under 3k

[@jorgsofi]

Oris!

[@samzam4496]

so many great micro brands ,, Like Baltic !

[@Jonathan-f1h]

Wonderful list,The longines spirit Zulu time would've also been a great addition!

[@diydad7704]

Certina, Fortis, Sinn and , of course, Squale. All worth a look but it's great you mentioned ChrisWard and Nomos. Maybe put some independents in your list next time: Marloe, Studi0 Underdog, Baltic. How about Yema? There's so much to discover...

[@rashmit]

Good one. I'd anytime prefer Studio Underd0g over NOMOS.

[@diydad7704]

@@rashmit As a cool brand, yes. I just received my Watermelon and it looks tiny on my 7,3" wrist. So atm i'd prefer a NOMOS.

[@bavarianwolf3806]

my first watch was tissot powermatic gentleman. Great watch. btw you look supercute with your freckles :P :D

[@thomasstratford6227]

More proof of how these watches are overpriced. Purchased a now discontinued Tissot Couturier powermatic 80 white dial on Amazon for $250.00 And they still made money on it!

[@salty5402]

Great "Evergreen" content! Solid editing, transitions, and flow - appreciate this format quite a bit.