The watch market is as diverse as it is disorienting. Marketplaces like Chrono24 are no exception: With vintage, pre-owned, and new watches on offer, the choice is almost limitless. This can be particularly overwhelming for inexperienced watch lovers. But we have two pieces of good news for you: The first is that there is a watch on the market for every taste and budget. As a starting point, the generally very well known, “iconic” watch models provide an excellent orientation. However, you often have to dig a little deeper into your pockets to purchase one of those. This is where the second piece of good news comes in: Autumn ushers in the “Black Friday” shopping season, and with it an increase in special offers and discounts. So it’s a good time to discover luxury watches under $2,000 as an affordable alternative to iconic models. Watches for under $2,000 are by no means just for beginners. You’ll find watches in this price range that even experienced collectors will enjoy. Today, we’re looking at five affordable alternatives to the best-known classic watches under $2,000 – and they’re worth a look on more than just Black Friday!
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak vs. Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
Let’s start with a watch that’s currently receiving a great deal of praise and popularity across all communities. Tissot has pulled off a coup – and not just a financial one – with the PRX Series. This line put Tissot back on the map and in the minds of many watch enthusiasts. And no wonder – the PRX Powermatic 80 combines many features that are currently in vogue, including an integrated bracelet, angular design, and multi-colored dials. Its design and marketing as an (affordable) steel luxury sports watch is reminiscent of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, which was way ahead of its time and set new standards in the 1970s. Tissot picks up on that style and goes on the offensive with solid technology and a large selection of colors, sizes, and materials. If the similarity is too much for you, check out the new carbon version. The ref. T137.907.97.201.00, with its lightweight carbon construction, “all black” look, and integrated rubber strap, could hardly be more sporty.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms vs. Bulova Mil Ship 98A266
Realizing that the Bulova Mil Ship was probably inspired by Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms is a feat. The Fifty Fathoms is a popular watch with a great history. But unlike the Royal Oak, Submariner, and the like, the Fifty Fathoms gets less attention from the “masses.” The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is an iconic diver’s watch that was introduced in 1953 and is considered the first modern diver’s watch. Developed by Blancpain in collaboration with the French Navy, the Fifty Fathoms set the standard for water resistance, robustness, and underwater readability. It has a distinctive, easy-to-read dial, a rotating bezel to tell the time, and a robust case that can withstand high pressure. A distinguishing feature of the vintage “Mil Spec” models is not only the moisture indicator on the dial, but also the faded and patinated hour markers. A dream for every collector! Bulova also implements these features in the Mil Ship. The faux patina of the indices and the fabric strap give this watch its vintage charm. The built-in Sellita movement is robust and, with a water resistance of 200 m (656 ft, 20 bar), the model comes close to the 300 m (984 ft, 30 bar) of the Fifty Fathoms. The 41-mm case size is also identical to the size of most vintage Fifty Fathoms models. A charming detail is the aforementioned humidity indicator, which is rectangular instead of round on the Mil Ship dial. With the Mil Ship, the American brand Bulova has created a genuine and faithful Fifty Fathoms alternative for less than $2,000.
Rolex Explorer II vs. Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT
After a sporty watch for everyday use and a diver’s watch with a vintage feel, we now come to a GMT watch. The Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT is a modern timepiece with several features that make it desirable and “complete.” The 39-mm stainless steel case is compact and easy to wear on almost any wrist. The polar white dial is very trendy (think “white Speedmaster”) and makes the watch appear slightly larger. The date function is just as practical as the easy-to-read orange GMT hand. The second time zone is displayed on the non-rotating bezel – as we’re used to from other GMT models from the 1970s. The SW-330-2 movement also comes from Sellita and even has a 50-hour power reserve. This watch is clearly modeled on the Rolex Explorer II. Originally designed for adventurers and mountaineers, the Explorer II is known for its ruggedness and reliability in extreme conditions. This image drove Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay to the summit on May 29, 1953, when they were the first to reach the top of Mount Everest – an expedition on which they wore Rolex watches. With the Christopher Ward as a comparable alternative, you’re ideally equipped for the small and large challenges of everyday life!
Patek Philippe Grandes Complications vs. Baltic MR CLASSIC
All we need now is a chic dress watch – but of course not just any dress watch, because we want to combine the charisma of an icon with an affordable price point. Patek Philippe is the epitome of elegant watches with class and finesse. Of course, Patek Philippe is in a different league and the complexity of the movement, finish, etc., of the Baltic MR Classic cannot be compared to a Grandes Complications – but its design is reminiscent of it. The overall package that Baltic offers with this 36 mm watch on a leather strap is also a very good deal, even among affordable luxury watches. The dial color options are particularly eye-catching. The salmon-colored dial is particularly reminiscent of the dress watches of iconic brands such as Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. The micro-rotor and the 42-hour power reserve are also not exactly features you would expect to find in a watch costing far less than $1,000. The curved Hesalite glass also adds a certain vintage look and feel. So if you are looking for a solid dress watch with an elegant and graceful design, the Baltic MR Classic is a real alternative and an affordable luxury watch in the under $2,000 range.
Rolex Datejust vs. Seiko King Seiko SDKS019
When we talk about iconic watches, there’s one watch we can’t leave out: The Rolex Datejust is perhaps the most iconic of all watches. Since its introduction in 1945, the Datejust has been synonymous with elegance and precision. It was the first wristwatch with an automatic date mechanism that changes the date exactly at midnight – an innovation that had a lasting impact on the art of watchmaking. The fine-link bracelet, date display, and compact 36-mm case are representative of a chic yet sporty everyday watch. Quite a few brands have released watch models based precisely on these elements. The King Seiko SDKS019 is no exception. However, Seiko’s popular King line offers a much wider range of dial colors than Rolex will ever allow. From pine green to Bordeaux red, the new models released in mid-2024 offer everything your heart desires in terms of color. Although Seiko’s own marketing claims the collegiate look of the Ivy League as inspiration, the design is still strongly reminiscent of the Rolex Datejust. More specifically, the vintage models from the 60s and 70s. The look is paired with the usual Seiko quality, including the in-house automatic caliber 6R51. It features a high power reserve of 72 hours, a stop-seconds function, and bi-directional winding. For under $2,000, this watch is a real alternative to iconic Rolex models.
