Luxury watches not Rolex

As Rolex raises prices every year, buyers can seek affordable watch replacements.

Rolex is one of the first names people think about luxury watches, but experts say there are plenty of other brands with high quality options to start or build a collection.

Entry-level Rolex watches start at around $6,000. Swiss-made watches have an automatic dial that allows your hands to sweep instead of mites, as there are official websites for Bob’s watches, a true sign that it’s a used watch market.

The Rolex historical pattern of increasing prices at the beginning of each year allows those looking for similar features and quality to see cheaper or equal alternatives in some brands, watch and style experts told Business Insider.

Whether you’re looking for a “modern”, “classic”, or “sporty” look, it’s more important to consider your personal style than buying from a recognizable name.

According to wristwear experts, there are five brands to help you see if you are looking for your first luxury watch.

Longin

Longines has a history dating back to the 19th century. Like many Swiss-based watch manufacturers, it is known for its craftsmanship and innovation. It is believed that Longines created its first wristwatch with a rotatable bezel.

Longines’ entry-level price range is under the Swiss brand Rolex and Omega teammates, starting at $825 as of March 14th. The “Excellent” Master Collection, which cried out from Ferguson, starts at $1,975.

“With nearly two centuries of heritage, Longines has the perfect balance between timeless elegance and everyday wearability. It’s a sensible entry point for Swiss luxury,” Paul Altieri, founder and CEO of Bob’s Watches, told Bi.

Tissot

With over 160 years of business, Tissot offers Swiss-made quality and style at a fraction of the cost of an ultra-luxury brand, Bob’s Watches said.

Many high-end brands require second-hand shopping to get a contract of less than four digits, but Tissot stocks are wide, with watches under $500.

“Tissot proves that you don’t need to use five numbers to get a cleverly crafted Swiss watch. In particular, the PRX has redefine affordable luxury with its sophisticated, integrated design,” says Altieri.

Related Stories

omega

Based in Switzerland, Omega has been making luxury watches since 1848. They have been involved in historical moments like the 1970 Apollo 13 mission, when astronauts relied on the Omega Speedmaster Watch to help them leave Earth and return to safety.

Ferguson recommends the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra. This starts at around $3,000 for smaller models, but the most expensive options can cost over $73,000. However, there are many watches that cost under $10,000.

He described Omega as “a classic brand that can go to the toes and toes with Rolex.” It was seen on the wrists of several prominent people, including Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and the fictional spy James Bond.

Oris

Oris, an independent Swiss luxury watch brand, sells watches made only by machinery built for durability.

The brand’s watches feel “ambitious yet practical for a bonus budget.” According to Bob’s watches. Oris has a low watch on its website as low as $2,200.

“Oris is one of the best secrets in Switzerland’s watchmaking. It’s an independent brand that offers exceptional mechanical watches at just a small fraction of the cost of the gorgeous giant,” said Altieri.

Tudor

The Rolex sister brand “offers Swiss craftsmanship at a discounted price,” Ferguson said. You can expect similar toughness from that brother at a low price.

“On the modern side, Tudor and its famous Black Bayline are easy,” said Linden Lazarus, co-founder of Watch Service Brand WatchCheck.

Tudor’s Black Bay models start with brand new Rolex, with prices ranging from $3,950 to $6,300, with roughly the same price. Lazarus adds that it is difficult to get wrong in Tudor surveillance as there are many people’s style models, but his go-to choice is “a small Black Bay 54 or 58 size.”