It's time to discuss the best watches priced under €2,500.
This is a challenging topic for several reasons. Firstly, many of my colleagues have already shared their opinions and used several excellent options. Secondly, this price level currently feels like no man's land because most brands prefer to play above or below it. Nevertheless, I found some stellar watches that I already have or wouldn't mind adding to my collection.
For most people, €2,500 is an unforgettable sum. It's much higher than everyday expenses, yet still below the level considered luxury by most brands. Forget about them, because we have many valuable and good options. Some brands, particularly Seiko, offer watches priced below €2,500 or significantly above this amount. This is interesting because the €5,000 mark is significant, so it's quite logical that many buyers would split it in half to determine their budget. By asking this question, did I find the best watches within our magic number? No doubt, and these are great options.
Best Watches Under €2,500 – Choice #1: Seiko SPB411 Navigator Timer Reissue
It's surprising how quickly we forget some of the best watches just a few months after their release. The Seiko SPB411 Navigator Timer was a long-awaited reissue and finally saw the light of day in October 2023. My colleague published a wrist review just a month later and stated that they fully met his expectations. The SPB411 is a retro model inspired by the collectible 6117-8000 model. It features an external 24-hour bezel and an internal 24-hour hand. The model is equipped with an automatic 6R54 movement with a 72-hour power reserve. Additionally, the model features one of the best modern Seiko bracelets.
I chose the SPB411 as one of the best watches under €2,500 because it is a fantastically looking piece with GMT and water-resistance functionalities. Moreover, at a width of 38.5 mm, a length of 45.2 mm, and a thickness of just 12.6 mm, they fit many wrists perfectly. Seiko released 4,000 of these watches, and this model is still available in most markets. In Europe, the retail price is €1,700. It's not exactly cheap compared to lower-end Seiko models, but the SPB411 is a high-quality watch in metal.
Choice #2: Ming 17.09
The Ming 17.09 model was released in 2021, which means it is now only available on the secondary market. About three years have passed, and these watches still charm me just as when I received them by mail. The watches come in a polished steel case measuring 38 mm × 43.9 mm, and Ming released an unknown number of watches depending on the volume of orders at a given time. However, the dial is where these watches work their magic. Blue or burgundy, the Clous de Paris pattern dances before your eyes.
On the secondary market in 2023, I was able to purchase them for significantly less than the €2,500 mark. It was reported that the modified Sellita SW330-2 model by Schwarz Etienne with an independently adjustable hour hand caused some initial problems, but none of us encountered this. I enjoyed the beautiful case finishing and watches that wear wonderfully on a variety of straps. Currently, on the secondary market, several examples range from €2,000 to €2,500. I believe the Ming 17.09 is one of the best watches in this price range.
Choice #3: Oak & Oscar Atwood Chronograph
My next choice for the best watches under €2,500 is hot news. Last week, Oak & Oscar unveiled their new Atwood model, and I'm a big fan. The watches come in three classic color variants and are equipped with a manually wound flyback chronograph by Sellita with a column wheel. Additionally, the watch width is 39 mm, the length is 46 mm, and the thickness is just 12.9 mm, including the crystal. Moreover, the beautiful bracelet is one of the best of its kind.
Oak & Oscar doesn't flood the market with releases, instead taking enough time to develop watches that should age well. I also think that the attention to detail and quality of this brand is better than others that are much more expensive. A typical drawback is that Oak & Oscar prices are often higher than others. But the Atwood breaks this theory: their price is $2,650 (approximately €2,440), including the bracelet. That's enough to enjoy cocktails at your favorite local spot.
Choice #4: Longines Heritage Classic
In my last list of the best watches under €2,500, I draw your attention to one of my favorite watches of the last five years. The Longines Heritage Classic debuted in 2019 with a silver sector dial. At some point, Longines added a black version. Both dials are available with straps or on a rice-grain bracelet with a matching design. At a width of 38.5 mm, a length of 47.6 mm, and a thickness of just 11 mm, the Heritage Classic watches are excellently sized. Unfortunately, these 40s-style watches use an automatic movement, but at least Longines had the good sense to remove any indications of this from the dial. On the positive side, the L893 caliber provides a 72-hour power reserve.
A quick visit to the Longines website shows that the Heritage Classic price exceeds our threshold. Don't worry, because less than a minute of online searching will reveal that these watches can be purchased on the secondary market for much less than the listed price. Also, contact your local authorized dealer. In London, I've seen these watches advertised with a nice discount. Some might think these watches are no longer in production, but classics are classics. I would recommend using the long production period to your advantage because these remain some of the best watches on the market in this price range.
That's all for now.
Thank you for reading my selections of the best watches under €2,500. I hope you found them diverse and somewhat creative. Now that you've had the opportunity to read several articles, which ones have become your favorites, and have you discovered any new or forgotten watches?