Entry-level luxury watches allow you to experience opulence while providing the best value. However, researching, picking and purchasing your first all-important luxury timepiece is undoubtedly daunting. The whirlwind of brands, terms, models and features can baffle anyone. Not all watches are made equal; some are worth the money, while others aren’t.
Considering all that, The Luxury Hut recommends some of the best entry-level luxury watches for every budget and taste.
Rolex Air-King 5500
The Rolex Air-King is one of the brand’s oldest collections, and the reference 5500 is one of its longest-running iterations. This Air-King watch that will never go out of style or fashion. With its simplistic silver time-only dial, stainless steel case, and matching bracelet, the Air-King Ref. 5500 is a timepiece that can be worn on various occasions, including business meetings or a casual day out. It is one of the best vintage Rolex watches out there.
Tag Heuer Aquaracer WAY201A.FT6069
Tag Heuer is a popular luxury watch brand which enjoys popularity amongst celebrities like Steve McQueen, Mick Jagger, and many others. The brand is renowned for being a technological pioneer, and the Aquaracer is one of its most distinctive models. Robust and water-resistant to 300 metres, the Tag Heuer WAY201A.FT6069 is a solid dive watch combining avant-garde technology and stellar looks. This aesthetic timepiece features a steel case with a black dial, black ceramic bezel and matching black rubber strap. It is an impressive model for stepping into the world of Tag Heuer.
Breitling SuperOcean A17366
The Breitling SuperOcean Ref. A17366 is one of the biggest hits of the watch world – thanks to its substantial wrist presence and bold legibility. This dive model from Breitling is sporty and robust and easily qualifies as a rugged luxury sports watch that is versatile enough for daily wear as well as formal occasions. It offers an impressive water resistance of 500 metres, and the dial remains the highlight with large raised Arabic numerals and indices, accompanied by turquoise accents that enhance its aesthetic appeal. This is an affordable option for those seeking a straightforward, modern diver’s watch.
Omega DeVille 424.13.40.21.02.003
The DeVille is one of Omega’s longest-running favourite creations which house some of the brand’s finest pieces. Categorised as a dress watch category, the DeVille has attracted a large and loyal following for its elegant watch design. The Omega De Ville Ref. 424.13.40.21.02.003 exudes class with its steel case and textured grey dial, featuring Roman numerals, date display, and power reserve indicator. While some say the watch has a robust and simple style, others mention the watch has a vintage-looking profile. Overall, it is versatile and suitable for multiple occasions.
Tudor Black Bay 58 M79030N-0001
As a beginner, you must know that the Tudor is Rolex’s sister brand, and the Black Bay is one of its most standout collections. From the day it was launched, the Black Bay has only received praise, and the Black Bay 58 Ref. M79030N-0001 reassures why it garners such attention. It is a retro-looking dive watch that takes a lot of design inspiration from vintage Rolex Submariner models but embraces a tougher and more modern built quality. Set within a steel case is the black dial that hosts the brand’s signature snowflake hands. If you prefer smaller vintage models, this Black Bay 58 Ref. M79030N is your fit.
Cartier Santos 100 ‘Large’ W20073X8
The Cartier Santos 100 is a true classic with a bold appearance that is greatly appreciated by a lot of watch lovers. The Ref. W20073X8 is a jumbo-looking Cartier with huge wrist appeal and embraces all-steel attire on a black strap. The bezel is easily the most distinctive element with screws around it. The classic silver dial decorates Roman numerals that exemplify the timelessness of the Cartier Santos as you’d expect. As a first-time buyer, please note that rectangular watch cases sit larger than round ones. Whether you’re dressing up for a special event or simply want to turn heads, this Cartier Santos Cartier Santos 100 ‘Large’ W20073X8 is the perfect accessory.
Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days GMT PAM 321
Panerai has had a longstanding history as a supplier of military equipment, but today, it is dedicated to producing luxury watches with large cushion-shaped cases. The Panerai Luminor 1950 Ref. PAM 321 is an excellent entry-level watch where sporty elegance meets top performance. It flaunts the iconic sandwich dial, with a two-layered design and luminous material set into the lower layer. Additionally, the dial has a GMT function and a power reserve indicator. It sits quite large on the wrist and can be worn on any occasion. One of the perks of wearing a Panerai is that they’re created to allow for a quick change of straps.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
So, that’s a wrap-up for the top entry-level luxury watch list from some of the world’s most iconic watch manufacturers. Each of these watches exemplify the respective brand’s rich history while being accessible at a reasonable price range.
You will always need a place to start when hunting luxury timepieces, and even though we’ve narrowed your choices, it’s still not easy to choose just one of the models from here. Good luck!
