20 ICONIC Watches + 20 Affordable Alternatives

[@neillewi9576]

My friend. I think you have won the crown of best watch reviewer. You embody the knowledge and genuine passion with approach which draws me in and is not overly theatrical or over the top. Breezy, well paced and thorough delivery of information.

[@TopTierTicker]

Wow! What do I even say to that? Thank you so much my friend. Your words are too kind! Thank you for watching. Stay well!

[@miguelvaldes208]

If you ask, your viewers will probably tell you they were glued until the end - those are 20 well considered and well argued icon alternatives. Bravo!

[@TopTierTicker]

Too kind! Appreciate you 🙏

[@Lusitano-2goodtbtru]

Ive seen a lot of videos with this format, but these alternative choices are the best! Well done.

[@212Hasse]

Kudos in Producing this Segment. This is an Eye Opening and Education Options for those who are on the Budget, yet still want Quality, Functional and Table Discussion. Much Appreciate It.

[@thomaswelcomer8443]

ALWAYS love hearing about some less-known brands, for those of us who will NEVER consider a Rolex....

[@TopTierTicker]

Rolex too cliché for you too? 🤣 I'd rather have a Baltic any day of the week 💪

[@aaronzhu]

I think it's the price point 🤣

[@dragonpundit.6443]

I pay more for tech, not reputation. Sure, if I had lots of disposable income...I'd own a green Sub. In the end, they are time pieces and 2000 is prolly the most I'd spend. I own a lot of sub grand watches.

[@Nel33147]

I’m so glad I can’t afford a Rolex. I’m sure it’s a great watch , but so bland.

[@ribhavgupta6148]

Even if I had the money to buy a Rolex, there's so many good brands to consider which are doing amazing innovations at a fraction of the price. Thanks to this and few other channels which focus on brands like those

[@hoppysport2872]

Loved this video, from the content to production to presentation. I've had an Omega Speedmaster Professional since 1988...bought pre-owned from a jeweler in Lower Manhattan for $375. In 2015 I bought a Bulova Lunar Pilot bracelet model pre-owned for $285. For the better part of 10 years, it's been my daily. The build quality of the Lunar Pilot is top-notch. It's a big watch, but fits my wrist well. And let's remember, the cushion case takes up space, and the dial is pretty normal. That Bulova 262 kHz movement is a tremendous piece of timekeeping technology. The accuracy is amazing. I also love the smooth sweep of the chronograph hand, as well as the sweep of the second hand.

[@SIMARJEETMEHTA]

Thanks for sharing.

[@jimmcmellen986]

Absolutely outstanding video. I can see myself wearing and actually affording these alternatives. you took some time to pick some real winners here. Thank you very much! You really nailed it.

[@pfjb9122]

The Dan Henry chronograph is no substitute for the Breitling Navitimer. It has no circular slide rule. A better substitute is a Citizen Promaster Sky.

[@slapi2006]

For Rolex Explorer alternative I would choose Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic.

[@SammySixtoes]

Nivada Grenchen does not have the best track record on delivery and quality control. I never recieved my pre-ordered Antarctic 35mm and finally had to settle for a full refund after a bit of back and forth with failed promises on delivery timeline. Upon digging deeper, I found that the QC is not up to snuff as well. Dig deep into the reviews and buyer beware.

[@exsill]

wow this is the review i been wsiting for , thank you

[@bdhaliwal24]

.Great video. I really appreciate the thoughtfulness behind each of the suggestions.

[@cyberjoe77]

Nice alternatives! That Benjamin James..😮. Honestly a great list.👍🏻

[@craiggreeson2614]

I'd never heard of Benjamin James before. Really interesting watch.

[@SimonAdams-s5c]

Mate, absolutely brilliant video! fast paced and some really original picks that were bang on! Subscribed!

[@alex-5577]

I agree with Tudor - Seiko. But other alternatives are completely different.

[@theurbangentry]

Outstanding choices, also not overly predictable but still worthy alternatives. A capolavoro! Best, T. P.s. The value of those Vario watches, impressive!

[@TopTierTicker]

Thank you, T 🙏 Have you not yet tried a Vario? They're unbelievably good for the money. Classical sizing, great dials and they come on top quality straps (that's how they started out). I think you'd really dig one of their trench watches! Appreciate you!

[@mustafasahin8768]

hiç keşfedemediğim saatleri sayende keşfettim..çok yararlı bir video oldu benim için teşekkürler

[@richardpeters4086]

Brilliant editing & research. Your alternatives are all really good.

[@garyoffenberger1836]

You have a great - and efficient - presentation style; now a sub of yours. And this list introduced me to a lot of new brands (of course I could’ve just asked my fellow-but-superior-watch- geek nephew and saved myself some time, but it was a fun view) that have now made me rethink my collection and supplanted many pieces I had on my wish list. Well well done, @toptierticker !

[@nelsonc6173]

Great list! That Benjamin James Cartier alternative is a looker! The Cartier isn't my style..not my shape or design preference..but I actually prefer the James over the Cartier LOL The James just look so my much more premium and less over the top than the Cartier! Love the Vario Pilot watch! Might actually consider that for a future purchase!

[@johanvandersandt8904]

Great selection man! These are all on point! Take care bud!

[@TopTierTicker]

Appreciate that my man 🙏

[@stephen566]

That Royal Oak alternative from Italy is stunning!

[@edm3751]

Mate, I am often disappointed with the alternatives that some YT's present as they seem to not pay attention to enough microbrands. But you have knocked it out of the park. Great combo of known and not so well known brands. Fantastic work.

[@dragonpundit.6443]

A really superb informative video! Great job. Brisk, well edited, decent sound, great facts.

[@EEE_MMM]

If I may suggest another alternative for the VC 1921: The Arpiem Ride & Drive. The watch features a rotating dial that makes it so you can have a traditional watch, or one that's rotated like the 1921, both in the same watch! I know you like a quirky watch, I guess this one will be right up your alley. Sizewise it may not entirely be for you but I think you'll like it nonetheless-- I know I love mine!

[@nelsonc6173]

Just looked at their website and their watches are very cool! Priced affordably as well! I think I might get one in the future!

[@TopTierTicker]

Wow, hadn't seen that watch before. But correct, what a great fit for this video. Thanks for sharing. I'll have to keep my eye on that one

[@samgrant83]

Very well researched, and good to see the non-homage alternatives. The only other tipped dial alternative that I can think of like the VC1921 is actually the A-7 chronographs from Longines that were again based on old pilot watches. Not current models, but still a heck of a lot cheaper than the VC.

[@iainmacadam2119]

Some good alternatives here, and I appreciate that they were kept mostly pretty affordable, rather than just a bit less ludicrous than the original. Although, a $900 Seiko as alternative to Tudor's Sub, when there are Swiss Subs for less than half that.... Overall, this is really one of the best alternatives lists I've seen, so I can tell you put a lot of good thought into it. But, speaking as someone with a knockoff Explorer 1016 on the wrist right now: what the Explorer offers is practical and effective dial design that is clean and spacious without being minimal to the point of compromising legibility, with unmistakeable orientation markings, lume on all the main elements, and absolutely distinct hands. In other words, the Explorer is an archetypal expedition watch, attractive and versatile but prioritizing legibility above all else, and no unlumed art deco sector dial dress watch with polished hands and rotated numbering begins to "offer what the Explorer does." Completely different genres, intentions, experiences, roles, and degrees of emphasis on form following practical function. An Explorer is a quintessential tool watch that can also be dressed up, while that Baltic is a dress watch. Put another way, plain black sneakers with a very clean design might be versatile enough to go unnoticed if worn with nice clothes to a restaurant, but their purpose is still athletic use, and a black leather loafer does not offer the same experience just because it can also be worn to a restaurant. It's replacing an item that can do something but isn't intended for it, with something that is intended specifically for that thing but limited beyond that, which is a horse before the cart method of finding alternatives. Baltic totally gets it: they describe the Hermétique you mentioned as "cut out for exploration," and embodying "the essence of our toolwatch design, combining timeless elegance with functionality. Every detail has been carefully thought out to make it easy to read time, even in the dark." When they set out to make their take on an Explorer alternative, they didn't disguise their intention, and they did it with a clear understanding of the required features. The result was the Hermétique, not the HMS, which is something else.

[@MP-wj5so]

With the exception of 2 watches, I'd prefer to own your 18 affordable alternatives over the iconic selections. Great variety, amazing design, fresh additions to replace ho-hum overexposed, overpriced standards. Thanks for putting in the extra effort - this video rocks!

[@TopTierTicker]

Appreciate that my friend. Thank you for watching and your kind words 🙏

[@peterlengyeltoti8353]

Good video. I'm happy at any time when I look back at any watch from my small collection. I have a Laco Aachen 42mm and absolutely love it. I like that on the dial "outside" ring with minutes inside on a smaller ring with hours.Automatic watch (not the best and strongest Japanese movement, but still...) for around 300€. Lovely!

[@thejamesferguson]

Dude! Great and thorough video with alternatives that I didn't know existed. Many thanks for this. Keep on ticking!

[@frenstcht]

I've got a love-at-first-sight thing going with that Wise Adamascus.

[@nizarmurar]

Many thanks Karen. Beautiful Alternatives. I like the Arsenale to be Alternative to Parmigiani Tonda . If you insist on the Royal Oake , I do accept with joy . Many thanks NIZAR

[@TopTierTicker]

Lol, yes, it is also an alternative to the Tonda. But the Parmigiani is far from an icon! Cheers Nizar, always good to hear from you. Stay well

[@HoroHigh369]

Another amazing video with excellent finds!!! Thank you!😊 I love the Lorier, what a great find.

[@UGA.D]

Great Job! You nailed a lot of these... especially #7. I own the Black Bay in black and the SRPE in blue and gray. 😄

[@TopTierTicker]

Nice choices! Two great GADA pieces you have 👌

[@Lensman3333]

I thoroughly enjoy your videos and thank you for your amazing efforts. Between 1977 and 1995 I bought just shy of 100 Rolex Watches, all stainless steel models. I have sold them all save for two. As you can imagine I am fortunate to have made a mint which funded our property business, a far better investment than watches. I recognise the fascination with all things collectable, however I question the longevity and profitability of the investments. We have a Submariner/Daytona never worn and one IWC Gold Dress Watch (some 60 years old). I recently bought a TIMEX Q GMT, a Casio MDV106 which TBH are pretty amazing, the Casio a little oversized and to compliment the Casio, we are buying a Stainless Steel Bracelet from Long Island Watch company and also a lightweight silicone strap. We had a PHOIBOS watch, unreliable and useless customer service. I look forward to your review of the NEW TIMEX Expedition GMT Titanium Automatic 41mm Silicone Strap Watch. Wishing everyone well in the Horology world.

[@dmbiscuit]

Just picked up a Tudor Ranger after seeing it in person a couple weeks ago while browsing around. It never really caught my eye online but it was fantastic in person.

[@maxinahunt8652]

Wow! Fantastic video! Vario score 2! Lol on the Moonswatch reference! That Dickworth Prestex such a great choice. Such a great selection of great non-copies. Great job!

[@TopTierTicker]

Oh and they absolutely deserve it too! Ivan does an incredible job with Vario. Top quality design, materials and straps 👌 Glad you liked my picks!

[@maxinahunt8652]

@@TopTierTicker the video as a whole - you knocked it out of the park!

[@mustafaozgul513]

Wow I've never heard before that the Speedmaster Moonwatch was on the moon 😱 Thanks mate 😅

[@TopTierTicker]

The watch world's best kept secret 🤐

[@rikdriscoll2160]

Fantastic list Kieron! You're alternatives are all great picks, its hard to mention just one because I like them all! But I do like that Seiko as the Tudor alternative, it looks perfect. Yes it's a bit over priced but most Seikos are! Thanks for another great video mate 👍

[@TopTierTicker]

Good pick mate. One of my favourites too. It's a bit hard to get hold of that model. I'm really wanting to get one of those baby alpinists very soon. Hope all is well mate!

[@j1d7s]

Thanks, that has been very entertaining! I knew about most of the models other than some from Baltic, which I will check go and take a look at. I was happy that you included a watch from Wise since I think they make very nice and original watches that exude much more luxury than one pays for.

[@TopTierTicker]

Thank you sir! I'm glad you like my picks. As you say, Wise delivers incredible quality for the price!

[@larrycross4114]

I own two AD8s including the model in black shown here, largely on the review by Kieron and have a AD7 on order. Obviously I agree with you on the value one gets with Wise .

[@j1d7s]

@@larrycross4114 I have an AD8 with a bronze case and green dial. I never tried out bronze, but I really like this model and how the metal developed. I am also interested in the AD7, but still a bit undecided, in particular between the 904L steel and the damascus steel variant. I find the latter really interesting, but maybe I would like the "cleaner" look of the 904L better over time.

[@Mainbusfail]

I really like the Wise Collections. These are some absolute gems at a decent price point for what you get.

[@360MadMex]

DUDE. You’re not helping me in restraining myself from buying more watches. Hehe Always enjoy good content on this watch journey. Stay Awesome bro

[@porkadobo5035]

Absolute banger of a vid, my friend! Keep it up!

[@TopTierTicker]

Too kind. Thank you for watching & stay well!

[@SwipeSide19]

please keep making this type of video. My parents gave me passed down work ethic instead of a good inheritance so I need all the cheaper alternatives I can get

[@TopTierTicker]

Don't worry mate... My parents passed down neither xD

[@alex2207]

The Tudor Ranger is already the affordable alternative to the Explorer 😅 For the Royal Oak better take a PRX. For the Daytona better take a Seiko Speedtimer

[@TopTierTicker]

Captain obvious called... He wants his suggestions back 😴🤣 The Tudor ranger is not an affordable watch. It's a luxury watch. Not personally a fan of the PRX! I think you can do better for the money. Speedtimer is great!

[@simonm.1122]

Great choices! I’d go with Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic or Christopher Ward C63 Sealander instead of the Baltic as an Explorer alternative.

[@pacovl46]

The best alternative to a Speedmaster in my opinion is the Junkers Jumo chronograph.

[@ajcallaway123]

Great video. You could do a whole video on explorer alternatives, traska summiter, rze resolute pro, zelos aurora, smiths Everest. Submariner alternative, have a look at Scurfa

[@TopTierTicker]

Is that something you'd want to see? I'm also interested in explorer alternatives so that would make for a cool video!

[@ajcallaway123]

@@TopTierTicker I would. Three categories, established brands, micros, Ali exp

[@nickythrailkill3268]

I’ve been looking at Laco for a little bit now so I guess I’ll just have to jump on it and get one

[@TopTierTicker]

Same here! I was looking at one for almost two years. I did have the 42mm Augsburg at one point (the one shown in the video) but it was too big for my wrist. So going with the 39mm blue on the bracelet. I'm super excited to get it! I'll report back with my verdict

[@ericdudley4169]

He got the Bulova Lunar Pilot as the Alternative to the Omega Speedmaster correct this time. On another video, he chose something else. The Lunar Pilot, as he said, is the obvious choice because it also went to the moon to replace a broken Omega Speedmaster. Their histories are forever linked. Great video! Thank you!

[@jb678901]

Great content! Watched it start to finish, no breaks.

[@ifionlyhadaboat]

I'm sorry but THE affordable alternative to the Rolex Datejust is the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80. Awesome swiss watch. Original design, LONGER power reserve and well under $500. It's an absolute unit.

[@ribhavgupta6148]

Under 500$? Where? I'll buy

[@ifionlyhadaboat]

@@ribhavgupta6148 Ebay all day, my friend

[@EnJeiBee]

Great video and suggestions. For comparison's sake, it would be really great to show them side by side as you're walking through the details.

[@TopTierTicker]

Noted. If I do something like this again, I'll make sure that happens. Cheers

[@eshwarrao7358]

I have the the same Bulova Lunar Pilot (One with Nato)-:) . I do really like the Citizen watch, i think they are also calling it Forca (In US i believe).. Sanda stands for Tank.. but i believe you are right about Prestex (How about Seiko Tank?) - Great video Kieren!! - So Much work to put this together - great work and video again Mate!! - Kudos

[@uramalakia]

Quite a few of the alternatives are more appealing than their pricier counterparts. Well done.

[@uramalakia]

That Vario 1918 looks great.

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

I like your choices and staying away from Chinese homage watches. My Datejust alternative is a 1980s Citizen Eagle 7 with a fluted bezel. I like that is real rolled Gold instead of the contemporary Gold tone PVD.

[@sweetcorn1968]

The Boderry looks great.

[@ribhavgupta6148]

Great video!! I feel you could've mentioned Kuoe somewhere as well. Otherwise, awesome suggestions.

[@draakisback]

I like most of your picks but for the Nautilus and for the Royal oak, I feel like you've kind of picked a couple watches that don't really follow the same vibe. The nivada grenchen f77 is more of a royal oak alternative than the arsenale. The arsenale looks almost like a parmigaini tonda homage rather than a royal oak inspired piece. Hell the tonga also doesnt have a second hand and has that same bezel. Both are still cool watches but not having a second hand would bug the hell out of me. As for the patek Nautilus, the mido multifort or The Bulova super Seville are fairly comparable alternatives. I really like those citizens but it's not square / rectangular like the nautilus is but these others are. I'd love to get my hands on that Benjamin James, it's a shame it's still on waitlist. They are also releasing a set of automatic versions with slightly thicker cases but definitely something I'm interested in. They're really aren't too many Santos inspired watches out there.

[@johnpoulter]

Well done matey, that was a marathon :) Enjoyed it, cheers 👍👍

[@TopTierTicker]

Haha appreciate that mate! Proper slogga!

[@BroAriq]

Amazing list until i realized my country import duty is 125%, I'm stuck with major brands that have AD or boutique 😅

[@j1d7s]

Do you really mean 125% of the value on top or rather 25% (which would be bad enough and about the same as for me)?

[@CHWatches]

I really like the Laco! I'm going to look into that thanks for the suggestion.

[@TopTierTicker]

I'll have a full review on mine once I've had it for a couple of weeks! But you should anyway. Join the party 🎉👌

[@S-Ltd1000]

I had one of those Laco type Bs a couple of years ago. Got it brand new from Amazon for £150 but it was the older non hacking version. Very well made watch but the movement was pretty basic. Recently got a 43mm Lunar Pilot having had my eye on them for a few years. Quality is excellent and claimed accuracy of +/- 10 seconds a year seems to be holding up well with practically zero drift over a month set against a multiband Gshock.

[@88johnbarnes]

This is a brilliantly made video, very helpful and informative. As it happens i'm on the lookout for a new watch. Got around £700 to spend so this helps me out a lot! 🙌🏾

[@TopTierTicker]

Hold tight for this weekends video! 10 red hot affordable watches coming your way!

[@AmitKulkarni-z3r]

Kudos for this Breathtaking Video Keep up the Good work. Love your choices of alternative watches

[@TopTierTicker]

Thank you, Amit! appreciate you watching

[@craiglibby1224]

Outstanding video! You really did your homework and it shows! Well done!

[@shambhoosinghdeora2931]

Congratulations, great work done by you. Enlightened us all , thank you. Keep it up.

[@TopTierTicker]

My pleasure!

[@spex7503]

Good selection, I don't agree with every pick but c'est la vie. That said, I'm surprised not to see the Phoibos Eagle Ray for the Seamaster spot since it definitely gives 300M vibes (even past the bracelet).

[@AdAce21]

Eagerly waiting for the Astra to come back in stock. And wow, that Benjamin James is striking!! Nice find

[@DanielSantos-jm9zk]

Tough research work for sure. Many of them I don’t think is a real alternative but valid suggestions, anyway! Great job, take my like 😊

[@Philip_Taylor]

Luxury look, bargain price? Nah I bought a CWC G10 for £290 haha. And I'm glad I did since I never take it off, and it is pretty much bombproof. Even the glass just polishes free of scratches with a touch of polywatch. I can't bring myself to buy new watches any more because I feel like I've found the best one. My collecting ended at 4, this being the last.

[@xVeganTonyx]

better alternative to the royal oak is the tissot prx powermatic 80, it also have the date window and you can have from 35 to 40 mm quartz or automatic, and many colors

[@greggusan]

Very fun list with some great choices. I personally had never heard of the Benjamin James until this vid. A lovely piece! Just subbed! Looking forward to more of your content!

[@TheBearCave]

This was a great video. Really nice alternatives that could normally be forgotten about.

[@KunSupoj]

Oh my god I'm so excited !! The number one alternative is WISE from Thailand 😁 N yes I'm Thai 😁😁 Your vdo will make Wise sold out soon 😅😅

[@TopTierTicker]

Haha I don't think I quite have that much sway! Power to them though. Great watches

[@HackTheWrist]

Great video mate! That Lorier is such a beauty.

[@makermark67]

Great list, really diggin that Dan Henry and several others on here. Thanks!!

[@gezaszemok7942]

Wow! Fantastic video, congratulations!

[@TopTierTicker]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@gamer-yt3257]

Try pagani design homage for speed master…. I’m sure people will love it with quality movement😊

[@rubenvantonder9830]

This video is crazy good💥, I almost bought a watch 7 times during this video 🤦‍♂

[@TopTierTicker]

😂😂😂 7 times? That might be a record

[@cyrankowski22]

For the Navy timer if you need the best hommage you have the rotary and also a swiss Brand the model dan henry is Closer to a Breitling from 60's

[@simonbarrington5200]

An exciting overview for autumn 2024. Thank you Kieron 😊

[@TopTierTicker]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@eduardosturla]

The Alternative to the Rolex Submariner should've gone to the Squale 20 ATMOS Maxi Ceramic.

[@TopTierTicker]

Great shout. Over the budget I set for the video though! But that ones definitely the 'next level' up!

[@BenjaminJamesWatches]

Thank you for including us!

[@TopTierTicker]

My pleasure. Apologies for saying the model name wrong. Slight bit of dyslexia! Keep up the great work.

[@wisamal-hakim5531]

Solid video. Really good alternatives. I’d disagree with perhaps just one comment. You said the yema looks just as good as the Daytona. Come on. It looks waaay better. Other than that. Amazing options listed well done.

[@TopTierTicker]

Haha love that from you. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@paulweaver9183]

Outstanding work. Well done and thank you!

[@machoadan]

I would have personally chosen the 2024 Bulova Marine star as a good seamster alternative but I'm a Bulova fanboy and the boderry is a killer watch for the price 😅

[@lordshin73]

I absolutely enjoyed this video. Thank you.

[@TopTierTicker]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to watch

[@ОстапБендер-ч5б]

It's a head crushing video,Kieron. Great work, thanks a lot 👍!:)

[@TopTierTicker]

Head crushing!? Well, I hope that's a good thing 😂

[@ОстапБендер-ч5б]

@@TopTierTicker Yeahh, of course good! I mean it...

[@typodont4870]

Damn all the alt watches you mentioned are bangers

[@pastorelfstrom]

For the breitling navitimer, the Sinn 910 SRS would be a better choice

[@matheus.bfr1894]

Very nice video Suggestion for the Omega Seamaster: Seiko SRPD71

[@phykios]

love affordable watch videos

[@twitchyjambo]

Great video mate, love wise watches, really need to pull the trigger on one😀👍

[@ChristyOFaghan]

some excellent alternatives here, that are solid watches in their own right

[@LeatherMiasma]

Such a great solid list. Great content!

[@cathydaly3436]

What a great video but you must be exhausted. Next time consider part and two. Thanks for all the alternatives. Many of them were beautiful. Glad you sent Love Baltic’s way. Fantastic designers willing to change each model year

[@alekbane6048]

Thanks for a hint with PHOBOS. Definately will by them. Looks dicent and octopus logo is insane..

[@enzogorlam1149]

LACO < AVI 8

[@MichaelEngel55]

Another great video. I love Yema and Stratton

[@jefferys9593]

Fabulous list, some really great alternatives.