If you’re looking to live the high life but need to do it on a budget, you’re in the right place. Here’s our list of the 5 best luxury watches that ring in under $5,000. What makes a watch “luxury”? It’s got to be versatile enough to work with a suit and tie, have some respectable internals (ie. a quality mechanical movement), and a brand that’s got some cache labeled on the dial. The watches below should cover all those bases. Best of all, they can all be had for south of $5,000.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Date
Jaeger-LeCoultre is a brand that makes watches for watchmakers. Their prolific history as caliber manufacture means many of their movements can be found in use across a wide range of other watch brands. With the release of the Master Control Date earlier this year, JLC places their movement know-how into a beautifully designed and better yet, accessible dress watch. This is a watch that hits all the right notes, from the subtle but complex dial, the dimensions (39mm X 8.5mm) and of course, the lovely view of the movement through the back. All of this in a package that comes in under $5,000. Bid now right here.
Cartier Tank Americaine
Another new releaser from Cartier is the Tank Americaine, which updates a model first released in the late 80ās. The new models are stainless steel, and offered in three sizes, small, medium, and large. The curvature of the case is distinctive but doesnāt inhibit wear. This is a watch that exudes luxury in a way that begs a closer look, rather than calling unwanted attention to itself. Signature Cartier details remain, such as the emerald in the crown, and the spelled out āCartierā in the Roman numeral VII. This is one youāll want to save for special occasions. Find it right here.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual
If you thought that owning a Rolex watch was out of reach, you may be surprised to find the Oyster Perpetual (OP for short) is more accessible than ever on StockX. Not only is the watch get-able (the last sale was $4,400), it comes with all the legendary Rolex durability and build quality youād expect from their high-end models. The OP here has a beautiful grey dial with subtle blue accent outside each of the hour markers. Size is perfect at 39mm, the bracelet is built like a tank, and it wears how all watches should. Makes for the perfect first Rolex, and one to keep. Get your Bid in right here.
Tudor Black Bay
Alright, this isnāt the first time weāve talked about this watch. Itās even been in The Cultivated Wrist in weeks past. But, when it comes to luxury watches under $5,000 with in-house movements, this is a watch that has to be on the list. You may think of Tudor as a baby brother to Rolex, but theyāve grown way the hell up in recent years, and this watch shows it. Inside this Black Bay beats Tudorās own caliber MT5612, and youāll appreciate it the first time you wind it. Thereās currently an Ask listed at just $2,900 on this example.
Bell & Ross Vintage Officer
Bell & Ross are generally known for their instrument panel style watches featuring square cases. But their vintage line of watches makes use of more traditional rounded cases and seemingly simple dial designs. The Vintage Officer seen here has a silver dial with radial sunburst finishing, oversized 3, 9, and 12 numerals, and a nested date window inside a small seconds subdial, all located neatly at 6 oāclock on the dial. These small details pay big dividends to the look of the watch as a whole, creating a beautiful formal wear look that wonāt break the bank. Get your Bid in right here.
