5 Rules to Watch Collecting - Under $1,000

Note: This is the first of a series highlighting what to look for in a watch within a given price range. Our goal is to help you make a more informed purchase on StockX. 

The field of appealing watches priced under $1,000 is crowded, and finding the right one for you can be a daunting proposition. Watches in this price range can offer a range of complication and more importantly, quality. Parsing the good from the not so great can be tricky, but we’re here to help you make a more educated decision. Whether you’re in the market for your first watch, or your tenth, these 5 rules will help make the process a little easier.

1 – Don’t stress the movement. Let’s be honest here, you’re not getting a bespoke in-house caliber for under $1,000, and that’s just fine. ETA, Sellita, and even Miyota all build rock solid movements that come with the benefit of being well understood by nearly any watchmaker you’re likely to take your watch to. This is thanks to their robust history, the ETA 2824 for example, can trace its roots back to 1961 in the Eterna 1427 design. Don’t let the lack of an in-house movement be a sticking point for you, and if anything, look for a closed caseback. 

2 – Don’t let a bracelet or strap turn you away. Not all bracelets and straps are created equal, especially in this price range. Just as you wouldn’t let the shag carpet turn you off an otherwise solid house, a bracelet is easy to change. A strap change can alter the personality of the watch in wonderful ways, from exotic leathers to playful NATOs. So just because a bracelet isn’t exactly calling your name doesn’t mean the watch isn’t for you. 

Autodromo Group B on a NATO strap

3 – Small independents are worth a look. Household brand names aren’t everything in this game, and the sub $1,000 price bracket is flourishing with independent brands making amazing watches. Some of our favorites include the likes of Autodromo and Oris. Keep an eye out for new brands with a keen eye for the details (see rule #1) and you’ll be in good hands.  

4 – Case thickness and lug to lug measurements are more important than case diameter. The case diameter measurement is often the most cited in the specs, but there are two other measurements you’ll want to pay attention to that are a better indicator of how the watch will wear on your wrist. Those measurements are the thickness of the watch, and the lug to lug measurement. Keep an eye on our in-depth reviews for these important stats. 

The thickness of the watch is generally between 10mm and 15mm, and can indicate how well the watch will interact with your sleeve or just how top heavy it may be. The lug to lug measurement will account for abnormal lug shape or length, and give you a better idea of overall fit within the confines of your wrist. This applies to watches at every price range, but these are small details that can set apart watches on the lower end of the price range.

5 – Buy what you like. This one may sound obvious, but it’s easy to get caught up in community hype and instagram popularity. At the end of the day, you’re the one living with the watch, and how good it looks on your wrist often comes down to how well you own the look. Don’t be afraid to cut against the grain, and make it yours.

Halios Seaforth

Bonus – Wear your watch! By and large nothing in this price segment is going to outperform the market, so don’t buy in hopes of making a buck or two. Buy what you like and enjoy the mileage you put on it, embrace the dings and scratches and make it your own. Now that you’ve got a better idea of what to look for, here are a few of our favorite watches under $1,000 on StockX right now to get get you pointed in the right direction.