The 10 Best Watches Under $3,000 (I'm Buying 2 Of Them!)

[@TheoandHarris]

Head to squarespace.com/theoharris to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code THEOHARRIS

[@JC-ni8ph]

Is it just me or does Michael’s comedy level up when Christian is on vacation? It’s like the toys in Toy Story, he comes to life. Great video as always

[@torqueofthedevil8145]

I think it's because Christian is an egotistical overbearing dickhead who doesn't let Michael get a word in

[@johnswick7108]

I wish I considered something under 3000 a cheap watch lol my threshold is more like 300 for cheap.

[@philspencelayh5464]

I've got a cheap watch, it was £17.

[@bradnorris3811]

Sorry bro

[@misterfluffywiggins8652]

Seiko’s!!! Nice reliable watches :)

[@johnswick7108]

@@misterfluffywiggins8652 hell yea.

[@Mr-Safology]

Most watches on this list are under £1000.

[@crowlern]

Longines Spirit is the perfect watch, I'm so glad to see it being featured here. Tried it on and fell in love immediately. It's a one-and-done candidate for sure

[@dellwright1407]

I've worn Rolex, Omega, Grand Seiko, Tudor... and the watch I wear daily is an old style Tissot PR100 - perfect 38mm, lovely blue dial. Its not a dive watch, a field watch, a heritage or homage watch, its not a chrono or a pilot watch. Its a watch. If you get the right Tissot they offer a lot of bang for your buck.

[@MrFenris75]

Personally I would have added the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical in Bronze and also the new Tudor Ranger on a strap.

[@justoli4866]

3000 is by no means cheap for most people, but sometimes our perspective gets warped when looking at all the crazy expensive pieces. There are a lot of amazing options in the price segment. I got a Longines Flagship Heritage, and absolutely love it, it's incredible for the price.

[@ProtomanZ]

I really dont understand why people dont talk about the flagship. It seems like a pretty great deal.

[@justoli4866]

@@ProtomanZ It really is! Maybe it just gets overshadowed a bit by the Spirit collection even though it's a completely different style.

[@burnttoast9890]

Is it the black dial?

[@justoli4866]

@@burnttoast9890 I personally liked the white dial better so that's what I went with

[@kurtp5379]

I am interested in the Heritage Flagship as well, but without the date window. Apparently they only offered this model without the date window as an anniversary model. Too bad, because I would have bought the Flagship without the date window in a heartbeat!

[@justinhollingworth941]

One day $3000 will feel cheap to me, but right now that diaper budget is much larger than the hobby budget. A Seiko 5 felt like a splurge for me and I’ve been wearing it every day since I bought it. Love it!

[@bambammartin1556]

Fantastic watch. Congrats

[@174024]

Great video! It’s hard to choose a watch in this category but the Nomos is stunning definitely going to need to try one on.

[@m.e.p.r]

Nomos California Dials are fire 🔥

[@crossbones8956]

I bought a Club back in ‘18 and barely ever wore it. Something about the dial color set me off, so I sold it. But I still really liked the watch and the company. So I bought an Absolute Grey 36, put it on a grey silicone strap and pretty much wore it every day this summer. I love this watch. And now I also want to get another, similar one from them.

[@pwally2714]

I really really tried with the PRX. I really did. But I returned it a day later. I figured I wouldn't wear it. I figured I barely wear my Vacheron Constantin, my Tudor Black Bay Steel, 39mm 1926 and my 18k Universal Geneve Polerouter Date since I bought the Datejust 41 Mother of Pearl. I would def do the Nomos.

[@avip671]

My cheapest watch is my timex q and Todd Snyder collab, a really fun design with a quartz movement so I can throw it on every couple of weeks, trust it's the right time and bang it around with no worry

[@elizabethsampat3267]

Before I ever got truly into watches, the first watch that ever caught my eye on someone's wrist was a Tissot. I thought it was so much higher end than it actually was! I think sometimes we can get "watch guy brain poisoning" that makes it harder to see a watch for exactly what it is.

[@StoneyGaming]

100% agree I had the exact same experience with Tissot watches.

[@julienfroidevaux1143]

​@@StoneyGamingMe as well ! I will always love Tissot , good quality at a fair price . Vintage Tissot is next level .

[@carminuccio05]

I was able to find the PRX powermatic Bucherer edition for retail and jumped on it. All the benefits of the gold bezel (minus the fluting) with the price of a regular PRX. Such a gorgeous piece

[@HenryPerez_royal_hp]

That’s a beautiful watch. Thinking of getting one myself 👍

[@GG727]

Nice topic and well covered! Can you guys give us the lug to lug measurements on this type of videos. I use that to better determine how it might fit. Keep up the good work!

[@AKhan.28]

Love that Nomos! But if anyone is looking under 3k you can get a Black Bay 58 blue dial for well under 3k nowadays! That would be my choice For Longines I'd pick the Heritage Chrono, Heritage sector dial, or the GMT Zulu time. Although the chrono and gmt are right at about 3k I'd add Sinn watches to this list.. 556, 104, 105... GADA! Oris Diver 65, Aquis, Big Crown pointer date (I believe you have one of these)

[@low42g]

I like the Tissot & Hamilton chronographs featured (esp. the Hamy), but another chronograph worth considering in this price range is the echo/neutra Cortina 1956. Beautiful design & box sapphire, Sellita SW510M movement, great dial choices.

[@dannyg6592]

Congrats on your Nomos purchase, I am a fan of the Club series. Great looking watches and good values. I also like the 37mm Longines Spirit - it is a solid choice for an entry level luxury watch Both are impressive watches at their respective price points.

[@WH93]

Michael! That was a great assortment of watches. I love the content. Keep it up!

[@areebsyed3662]

Ngl, I'm a fan of watches, but as a college student, I don't have the means to get the watches I love. I love that you gave great alternatives, but I'm sticking with my timex till I get my first watch watch!

[@texex9251]

Great content Michael. You'll love the Nomos Club Neomatik is an amazing watch, I have it in siren blue. It does have a depth rating of 200Ms but it does not have a screw down crown. Only the Ahoi does. Keep up the great work.

[@nosky_]

LMAO tony the tugger is inevitable 12:40 you just can't escape him

[@EsanJr]

That Seiko Alpinist made by Tissot watches (10:20)..... I can hear Christian's voice: "Michael, c'mon!!!"

[@johnrobinson1217]

Didn’t notice the imbalance on that Hamilton until you pointed it out and now that’s all I look at on it. Looks like the entire watch is off center

[@rileymullins6585]

I have been going back and forth on purchasing a Nomos for months now and this video has just pushed me that bit closer. Now I just need to figure out which one.

[@BJ-md8es]

I have a Rolex in my collection and still very much wear and love my Nomos. I have the metro gangreserve which wears great.

[@watchreviews4k]

Interesting content. Keep up the good work on your channel. Regards, WR4K.

[@jplaysguitar]

Yeah, it's a balance of delayed gratification and realising you don't need to OWN every watch to appreciate it and enjoy it. Sadly it's the safety aspect of wearing more expensive watches in bigger cities that push me further towards owning relatively more but cheaper watches.

[@topsycrets5288]

Instead of having the same brand on there more than once, I think it would have been more beneficial to put more brands. Where is the max bill, sin, zelos? There are so much great value watches that aren't tisso...

[@jurepog]

What you said about the club campus in the end is exactly what I did. Bought it in May and am supposedly getting it in March 2023. The Club Campus 737 with the sport bracelet and the suede strap as well in gray, that is. Manual winding, seetrough caseback, tkose orange/red accents.. I can't wait to get it!

[@NoName-bb2pu]

I'm part of the Nomos Club club too now, the name is rather long so bear with me, its a Nomos Glashutte Club Campus Atlantik Datum Automat

[@geoffhamby9384]

Your breakdown of your collecting strategy into the 3 "categories" on the podcast was brilliant. Helped me clarify my own thoughts and strategy immensely.

[@Nomosglashuette_official]

Thanks for the feature!

[@HenryPerez_royal_hp]

Omega has done the same thing as that Hamilton watch where one side of the case is used in this sort of quirky way that makes one side of the case look bigger as they use the actual case as lug guards instead of adding eagle beaks like most manufacturers do to guard the crown. It’s quirky but I think it’s cool in a way.

[@PersonaN007Grata]

I’ve got one of those Nomos Club Onyx with their in house DUW 5001 movements and it’s a terrific watch. The lug to lug is kinda wonky but I grew to like that too.

[@uhrologe2596]

Really great selection. Actually there are even much more great watches sub 3K. Just as an example: •Frederique Constant Highlife •Mont Blanc Star Legacy (or Iced Sea) •Tag Heuer Carrera (or Aquaracer) •Junghans Meister collection •Rado True / True Square (even the open heart) or Captain Cook

[@samsullivan9701]

The Hamilton has an asymmetrical case lugs just like the vintage Speedmasters from like 1966-on with the 105.012 reference. that side of the case was enlarged to provide support and guarding for the pushers and crown that the 105.003 reference lacked. It IS odd though.

[@Chris-mm5gi]

I bought a Tissot 1948 and the watch was gorgeous, but the movement I got was a dud. The chrono seconds hand advanced away from zero every time you used it. Kidna soured me to the 2892 modular chrono movement (and has kept me away from the Tudor Heritage Chrono). But I love the list otherwise. Great video

[@jpdemer5]

I share your enthusiasm for both Hamilton and Tissot: tremendous quality for the price, with both brands. Not a fan of the Hamilton aviation design - those "turtle" cases just don't do it for me - but I have their Khaki Field and absolutely love it. (Paid half of the MSRP, which only adds to the love.) I think Longines is the ideal "next level" brand, when you're ready to spend four figures on a watch - their Legend diver is on my short list. (Unless I win the lottery, in which case I can spring for Tudor's Pelagos 39.)

[@Juanjo191]

Definitely gonna keep an eye on that Tissot Chronograph 🤨

[@notenoughtime7274]

Great video, message and theme How much of what we both crave , and also ignore, is driven by great marketing, brand messaging, and perception. If you took an unfamiliar audience and used a Tissot PRX in a ‘blind’ test, or one with the logo replaced with a brand marketed and perceived as a more high end luxury brand, how much more would we pay. How much is great brand marketing of just a few brands, fuelling desirability and in turn distorted out of proportion pricing. I know I succumb to this !! Great to distill real quality and value and where marketing mark up kicks in. Longines Heritage diver is fav of theirs for me

[@xJan008x]

Tissot really hit it out of the park with the PRX, I'm going to get one soon

[@SoobinOh]

I’ve got a tissot prx powermatic in the mail to me. The blue was most def my favorite

[@OdysseyZZGaming]

I find it kind of funny that for the Squarespace ad, it seems like Christian showed up just for it even though Michael says he is on vacation. Like in reality Christian being 'on vacation' is just being off camera and making Michael do the video himself.

[@pabs3065]

Started listening to your podcast. The length is perfect. Listen while is drive. Keep it up.

[@benjovic7498]

THEO and Harris did you forget to mention this video was sponsored by the SWATCH GROUP?

[@Da_dctr78]

Throw an internal dive bezel on the ahoi and it would be one of the best entry level luxury divers on the market

[@cofrane4899]

The Speedmaster also has a "bigger" right side, just like the hamilton aviator. It's meant because of the pushers so that, to the eyes, the case does not look disproportionate.

[@smalough]

Good video Michael. Some additional brand variety would be better, although I really liked the Tissot Heritage 1948. Congrats on the Nomos....

[@maartenk4327]

I do like that lower market brands are taking some design inspiration from more unattainable brands. It prevents as many consumers buying knock offs while stile getting a watch that they can be proud of wearing

[@AKhan.28]

Thoughts on the new 39mm Pelly? Think I might go for it if I can find one

[@mcnuonuo]

Watches I love from me that were not in the videos: 1. Cartier Tank Must 2. Longines Legend diver 36mm/42mm 3. ORIS Big Crown Pointer Date (( The new one with Calibre 403 can certainly be bought from AD for less than 3000)) 4. Many many Nomos watches and blah blah

[@jacobbwalters8133]

The Tissot chronograph has me intrigued, How Send does it wear in person? Does it feel small, or is it chunky and slab-sided like a lot of the Hamilton models?

[@miguelvictoria-boca573]

The 741 is just amazing. And has got by far the best looking movement around that price. Congrats!

[@albinf40]

I love the nomos campus. I'm buying the blue purple one when I'm graduating in the winter as a present to myself

[@julienfroidevaux1143]

Tissot is pretty awsome , your getting a Longines type watch at a fraction of the cost . Nomos is pretty awesome to , though clones , homages , fakes makes me not so keen to obtain one .

[@TheCdM1981]

The Longines Spirit is also made in 40mm size and it’s best looking in that size. Especially the titanium.

[@galahad9853]

Honestly if Hamilton even sent me that chronograph to borrow I’m sure I can make an better ad. There is so much potential for a great add with that watch

[@PlanI8skate]

I love videos like this. I’m in college so I can’t just throw around rolex money on my watch hobby. But if I save for a year or two I could reasonably afford a mechanical chronograph like that Hamilton. I like how it’s lopsided too, watches with weird quirks are what I am drawn to. That Longines spirit is also great for putting the date wheel at the 6o clock. Great selection

[@jazzman5598]

1st, Fine vid Michael. That said, twice you say “any watchmaker can service the PowerMatic 80”. Well….here is a posted comment I made on another fan of removing the regulator arm which leads us nowhere on service: I NOTICE the sweep. I would gladly pay extra to have 4 hrtz 2824-2’s running my watch any day. To castrate a beautiful movement for “80 HOUR POWER RESERVE!!!!” Oh sure, that’s why they (Swatch/ETA) cut them off. Look through that gorgeous display back and find the balance spring. Notice anything? Nope…..no regulator arm so YOU CAN NOT regulate your watch. Your watchmaker can not either. Send it back to Switzerland and NO WATCHMAKER will touch it. Just change out components…silicone hair springs eventually just disintegrate ….. yeah, that “PowerMatic 80” got it going on. Smh…..

[@UltraDoug]

The problem with that Tissot Heritage 1948 is that the second hand NEVER lines up with the center when it’s locked up with the XII marker. Otherwise awesome watch

[@robshrader9124]

The asymmetrical case of that Hamilton is really growing on me. Funky and functional.

[@1RunnerDad]

My idea of cheap is a lot lower, but these do seem like reasonably good prices for the offering.

[@MrChippinator]

I bought an Alpinist half price recently. It’s an amazing watch.

[@henrycollins2478]

First minute was incredible, shout out to Christian

[@phildupuis1084]

Great to see a video in a price world I live in. I agree with all your recommendations. I am seriously looking at the Tissot PRX 35mm, the Hamilton Boulton and an Oris Cervo Volante (surprised that one didn't make your list). Thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@justMakss]

Found your channel recently, subbed!

[@Anchor7]

good topic for next video. Whos gonna step up and fill the market gap. I think Longines has a unique opportunity. Tudor is already doing it now

[@bravececil4147]

That last Hamilton is cool, 100m WR does it for me since that’s what their field watches that I like seem to be missing. Their watches always seem to be missing something. I am personally waiting for the Nomos watch club 36 to be delivered. Will be the 6th time I purchase a Nomos and have to agree with what you’re saying. They never disappointed me.

[@jackmcclary2136]

Michael flying solo is akin to a timepiece that still retains 90% of it’s functionality after a 50% reduction in resource allocation. Now that’s a value proposition!😁

[@innocentdj10]

Hamilton and Seiko offer great value, looking to add a Hamilton to the collection for a trip to the UK and France, can’t take anything else in the collection there with all of the crime I’ve heard about

[@patrickjeter7928]

Had the Longines on wrist this weekend... Almost bought it! Great feeling watch.

[@subsilkdj]

Spot on with tissot, they have really created such a strong selection in the last few years and come a long way in desirability as a result

[@TheBigWrist]

I always love to love hear your perspective on different price points.

[@draakisback]

I like nomos but only a few of them can be on a bracelet; I may have to get a climb campus or one of the world timers. I own the Seiko alpinist and it's a fantastic watch for sure. My favorite "cheap" watch, is my blancpain leman dual timer which I got for 1k back in 2002. This thing is a beast and I've barely had to service it. It's my beater watch and has been since I bought the thing. Still looks bueatiful too.

[@nicolew1316]

I am really thinking about finally getting that Longines Spirit 37 and you convinced me, Michael, to spend the money after to listening to your story on the podcast. It truly is a beautiful watch.

[@jdupuis4829]

I love Nomos and would get one too, but the wait time for them these days turns me off from ordering.

[@nickolas9874]

Watching all the way from Hobart, Australia! My favourite watch is my 1960s Tudor prince Oyster Date!!

[@reetjeems]

Excited to listen to your podcast

[@johnswick7108]

The first thing I do when a video drops is watch the video then look for the follow up pod. But if you’re gonna be showing us things like your new watch…maybe add a video element?

[@TheoandHarris]

Coming very soon!

[@johnswick7108]

@@TheoandHarris awesome!

[@gori277]

Great selection, really surprised with the Hamilton Boulton and also a great fan of the Tissot Visodate, just wish it was a bit smaller and I wish they did away with the powermatic 80 and went back to 4Hz

[@karl-emilelnegaard7373]

The Hamilton American Classic is just so beautiful how have I never seen that one before?

[@BAF605]

Hand wound with a screw down crown is a no-no Michael. You wind your watch fully and then screw down the crown,,,,,,,,,,, Craaanggg!! You have a date with your watchmaker. 😂😂Nomos are wonderful though. The Seiko Alpinist range is their best kept secret.

[@charliefabrikant398]

I’ve really liked a lot of the new Breitlings. Thanks for showcasing this!

[@grounddu]

I have been looking at the Tissot 1948 chrono for awhile, but I thought it was discontinued as it no longer is on the Tissot website, however might be an local market problem🤞

[@petrokersta5293]

Looking at watches not as alternatives to other, ofter a lot more expensive watches, but as what they are just hit home. Watches are meant to be worn and enjoyed. There are many good options at any price point both new and vintage one just has to be open-minded and look past the marketing. If we're talking under $3k I'd definitely mention the Cartier Tank Must in quartz. A true icon. I'd be right there at $3k but definitely worth it. Another watch I've been eyeballing for a while now is Hanhart 417 ES 1954. A very true throwback to the original model. Steve McQueen wore one. How cool is that?

[@Chaoticshadow818]

I’ll take that date with you and Christian… my girls gonna be mad but we can just get lunch 😂

[@omarlatif1339]

Love the channel, former SHU alum here!

[@tuckshop]

Great selection and thought provoking to consider a more affordable selection.

[@mauricehontz3508]

I really like the tissot prx chronograph. 42mm, perfect size for me

[@joshuakaplan5726]

How can you not cover the Longines Master Collection Moonphase? The 40mm is $2525 USD.

[@ky1le750]

Got that Nomos Club in Pink and i had to buy a new wardrobe in pink to match. That watch cost me more than expected lol.

[@vricardo917k]

The orange Nomos looks stunning!!!❤❤❤Love the mix or roman+arabic numerals!

[@alexpeters7145]

The Alpinist SBP117 is so underrated.

[@jacobbwalters8133]

It is worth noting that the PRX two-tone is steel and solid gold, not gold plate. For $1900 it is a pretty good deal.

[@stephentaylor6320]

That Tissot Oak is very nice!!

[@dedecacu1126]

Hi, i tried to get the Bucherer Prx but like you i was struggling with the lower price watches. And know i realy regret it. Should have jump on it :/.

[@scottmartin7174]

The tissot prx and the seiko alpinist are definitely on my list to buy when I have some spare cash. That nomos club with the orange dial is stunning. My list is getting that big now I have to write it on a toilet roll. Haha.

[@GEB98]

You keep saying explorer alternative. But I feel like those are OP alternatives.

[@unimatrix888]

The green background on the Alpinist says “Tissot Watches.”

[@sylversyrfer6894]

Nice episode! Like these lower cost watch alternatives videos.