How Much Do Good Watches Cost?

How much do good watches cost? Let's dissect this large and vague question to provide you with some practical guidance.

So, you're ready to buy a watch. Naturally, you want to purchase a good quality watch. The first question you might ask yourself is: how much do good watches cost?

I think it's safe to say that price is the most important factor to consider. It sounds dramatic. But really think about it. It's the main limitation you have to work with. Fortunately, when it comes to truly good watches, the price range is quite broad.

It all depends on what you're looking for. After all, everyone has different priorities. Let's sort this all out by starting with the question: What makes a watch good?

This question is easy to answer, but what makes a watch "good" depends on what you're looking for. Most likely, you want a durable, stylish watch and a good timekeeper - or all of the above.

To understand what good watches mean for your specific priorities, first ask yourself why you need a watch at all.

Perhaps you need...

• A reliable timekeeper that keeps you from endlessly scrolling on your phone
• A beautiful watch that matches your everyday style
• A formal watch
• A watch that can withstand heavy impacts, outdoor conditions, or sports activities
• An investment piece
• You're curious about horology and love mechanics and technology
• You enjoy the stories and legends associated with certain models and brands
• You want to impress people (no judgment here)
• You've always worn cheap watches and now want to buy your first "real watch"

All these reasons, of course, are associated with different requirements to consider.

If you only need an accurate watch to wear without having to look at your phone, you don't need a fancy automatic. In fact, an inexpensive quartz watch will be much more reliable than even high-end mechanical watches.

If you're curious about horology, you might need all sorts of complications to entertain yourself.

Identify what's important to you. These priorities will determine what is or isn't a good deal when it comes to the price of watches.

How Much Do Good Watches Cost?

According to common opinion, entry-level watches can cost from $700 to several thousand dollars. Some expensive options can even be found for a thousand dollars.

Generally, people prefer automatics to quartz watches, but not always. Swiss-made watches are at the top of the list, but not always. However, robust construction is a must for most.

Let's talk about how much good watches cost depending on specific needs.

You Need a Simple, Honest Timekeeper

The cheapest unfashionable watches that keep accurate time can be found for $100. Casio is a great brand to turn to. In fact, when people look for inexpensive timekeepers, I often recommend electronic brands that produce watches.

Two other brands include Braun and Citizen, which is more like a watch company but also specializes in electronics.

If you're only concerned with the time, quartz movements are generally more accurate than mechanical ones. As mentioned, we no longer use watches to tell time, but some of us want to avoid screens when possible.

Returning to Citizen, note that they have an excellent Eco-Drive movement that is powered by light, reducing the need for battery replacement. Moreover, this technology is available in models costing up to $200, and even in limited editions costing several thousand.

Military brands and gear-oriented brands are great choices for durable watches. Consider Victorinox, G-Shock, or even CWC, which can cost up to $800.

Incidentally, if you just need a good timekeeper, you don't have to sacrifice style. Casio makes a retro-cool aesthetic. Casio G-Shock offers masculine matte designs. Citizen offers simple and classic models. Victorinox is military-elegant.

You Need Style and Details (Appearance and Functionality)

It's hard to even name a general price range as different people value different details. But at the cheapest, you can probably find decent, stylish, and well-working watches for around $500 to a thousand dollars, no more and no less.

Of course, if you have an unlimited budget, Pateks and Rolexes spare no expense on details.

Here are some details to look out for:

• Check if the appliqués are unique, well-detailed, and neatly applied
• Cleaning and polishing throughout the body
• Are there brand-specific features that make it unique
• Do you like a matte or glossy dial
• What is the mechanism, if there is an exhibition case back, and to what extent is it decorated

Regarding the last point, style and details can also be functional. It might matter to you how the mechanism looks or how much you can work with it.

Seiko is a great brand for entry-level mechanical watches. Their price can reach $200. They are not the most decorated or detailed mechanisms, but for their price, they are excellent.

I also highly recommend hand-wound watches if you don't care much about accurate timekeeping. The Timex Marlin is a great example, easily found in the $100 range.

If you use watches to tell time, hand-winding might be inconvenient. Otherwise, it's a good way to get closer to watches.

And, of course, complications certainly increase the price of watches. The more complicated, such as a perpetual calendar, the more expensive the watch.

You Care About Prestige

If you want to impress those around you, I don't judge you. Partly because maybe some things that impress others impress you too. Find a healthy intersection between them to not compromise your priorities for others.

That said, good watches in this category can cost from $500 and further into the stratosphere.

Here are some qualities many find impressive:

• Swiss-made
• Brand history
• Pop culture cachet (partly why the Submariner is so popular)
• Historical significance (e.g., Speedmaster space watches)
• Innovative features and complications

If you're limited in budget, you can always find alternatives to iconic models that also have historical significance. Swatch has its own MoonSwatch, and Bulova's Lunar Pilot also went to the moon.

Of course, these alternatives are not always immediately recognizable as icons. But think of them as conversation pieces.
Meanwhile, on secondary markets, you can find very respectable vintage watches at a variety of prices.

And when you're finished, be sure to check out our selection of affordable luxury watches.

You don't always need to spend a fortune. Just do your homework.

Conclusion: It All Depends on Your Preferences

Set a budget, then make a list of preferred watch features. Rank them from most to least preferred.

Based on this, you can find "good" watches within reason.

In the end, if you like how the watch looks and works, and you can afford it, then it's worth it.

What do you think makes a watch good? And how much do you think one should spend on a watch? Tell us about it on our Telegram channel!