It's time for another round of WatchTested's editorial favorites in a specific segment.
This time, we are looking at the best watches under 2,500 euros, and I have the honor of starting this review. Although €2.5K is a considerable sum by any standard, it starts to feel quite limited in the watch world. Of course, there are many great options, but compiling my list confirmed how many watches have recently surged ahead.
Nonetheless, I believe we should be very critical at this price. I think you can buy watches for 2,500 euros that don't feel like a compromise. Many mainstream brands dismiss this segment as if it's trivial. But it's not, so let's look at some of the best watches under €2,500.
My Selection Criteria
I want to clarify right away: I don't prioritize technical specifications; I prioritize enjoyment. I know that for this price, you can get absolute beasts from Formex, Sinn, and Christopher Ward. As you might know, I don't view watches that way.
Watches need to speak to me in terms of design. Additionally, the build and finish of the watch are more important to me than its technical specs. So these are the best watches in my opinion, not by any precise standards. Your mileage may vary.
Finally, I will try to pick a broad range of watches - some mainstream, others from microbrands, some dressy, others sporty. So without further ado, let's look at my favorite contenders for the best watches under 2,500 euros.
Best Watches Under 2,500 Euros - Choice #1: Longines Spirit 37mm
My first choice for the best watch under €2,500 belongs to the prestigious brand Longines. I immediately limit my budget, as the watch-only version on a leather strap costs 2,450 euros. The Spirit has its design flaws, primarily on the dial. The word "Automatic" gets lost under the logo at 12 o'clock, and the five stars seem excessive and slightly dramatic.
But the magic of these watches lies in the execution. The case is far better made than most competitors in this segment. The lines are razor-sharp (visually, not tactilely), and the surfaces are magnificent. The matte finish is deep and tactilely pleasing, reminiscent of watches costing several times more.
Aside from the finish, these are fairly simple watches that meet many requirements without making unnecessary noise. The 37mm x 44.8mm x 11.7mm case is made of stainless steel. Inside, it houses a proprietary ETA caliber developed by Longines, with a 72-hour power reserve and chronometric precision. Overall, these are excellent everyday watches that will rarely, if ever, look out of place.
Choice #2: Lorca Model No. 1 GMT
My second position in the list of best watches under 2,500 euros goes to the microbrand Lorca. I've included Lorca in similar lists before because I genuinely admire what this young company offers. These are another set of 37mm (by bezel) watches with GADA (go anywhere, do anything) potential. The watches are powered by the Soprod C125 R4 movement and come on a steel bracelet. The water resistance is an impressive 200 meters, and the case thickness is 11.2mm.
These are excellent specs, but what attracts me most is the design of the Lorca. Admittedly, the numbers on the bezel were supposed to appeal to me. Initially, I didn't like the classic serif font. But sometimes great designs require a slight adjustment of taste. If I look at these watches now, I like what I see.
The magic lies in the purity of the design. These are all familiar mid-century design elements, but they come together in a natural, harmonious way. The word that comes to mind is "tasteful." I can't imagine a person with impeccable style not wearing these watches. The watches are available with silver and black dials, both priced at 1,654.95 euros excluding VAT.
Choice #3: Nomos Tangente 38 Date Schlossgrün
My third choice for the best watches under 2,500 euros comes from Germany. This is one of the 31(!) unique colorways of the Nomos Tangente, debuting at Watches and Wonders 2024. I would probably choose the Schlossgrün model. Or… maybe the Stop. No… perhaps the Kanari! In short, you get the idea that there's a lot to choose from here. But for now, I'll settle on Schlossgrün.
When I saw the announcement of these watches, my initial impression was somewhat ridiculous. Thirty-one color options? Come on, just pick three and be done with it. But I was wrong. Now that I've seen all the options in person, they're just fantastic! Color, as you know, is hard to get right. Nomos managed to release many unexpected and very original combinations that harmonize so well with each other. Of course, not all of them will be to your taste, but they're worth a closer look. You can see that people who know color worked on creating them. The specific shades and tones often surprise, sometimes contradict each other, but are always interesting.
You almost forgot that these are also good watches. You get 37.5mm x 47.7mm x 6.8mm(!) hand-wound watches made of stainless steel. The caliber inside is entirely made by Nomos and has a 42-hour power reserve. You can see it through the sapphire window on the case back, and it looks significantly nicer than most calibers in this segment. All these models, limited to 175 pieces in each color, come on a neat grey nylon strap at a price of 1,925 euros.
Best Watches Under 2,500 Euros – Choice #4: Seiko SPB453
In my final list of best watches under 2,500 euros, we have a watch from Seiko. I love dive watches and slim, functional tool watches. The recently released Seiko SPB453 meets all these requirements. It is an updated version of the popular SPB143 model. Of course, few thought it deserved an update, but Seiko managed nonetheless.
The case has been reduced to ensure an optimal wrist fit. The dial has changed from grey to black, which I like, and the date has moved to a pleasant, unobtrusive spot between 4 and 5 o'clock. Overall, I think Seiko did an excellent job with this modest update, bringing the watch in line with my preferences. Did the SPB143 become worse because of this? Not in the slightest! I know many prefer the grey dial, and the 4:30 date on the new version is controversial too. It's great that they now sit side by side in Seiko's catalog! The SPB453 model still costs no more than 2,500 euros - 1,400 euros.
Concluding Thoughts
That's it - my four picks for the best watches under 2,500 euros. These are four models that I highly recommend to everyone. As stated in the introduction, this isn't the easiest segment. There are many watches that, in my opinion, don't justify their price. Some watches gracefully carry their inflated 2024 price, while others struggle.
At the same time, many watches that come to mind when thinking of the under 2,500 euro segment simply no longer fit into the budget. Many of these watches have broken the €3K barrier or even surpassed €4K.
Nevertheless, I am quite satisfied with my selection. I believe these watches are worthy of ownership and care. And what do you think? Write to us about it in the Telegram channel and add your suggestions!