The Very Best Watches Under $5,000 Right Now

The budget we get asked about the most when it comes to purchasing a watch is between $3,000 and $5,000. While you might think you need to spend tens of thousands of dollars, today there are plenty of excellent watches under $5000 that not only look great but are of great quality too.

Because at the end of the day, around AU$5,000 is a sensible amount to spend on a watch. It’s an amount you can comfortably tell your partner you spent, without signalling to your boss that they’re paying you too much.

Fortunately, there are also a lot of quality brands to be explored and enjoyed at this budget, so here’s our list of the 18 best men’s watches under $5,000 you can get today. If your wallet has wiggle room, here’s our comprehensive list of the best watches for men.

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Tissot PRX

There’s a very good reason that the Tissot PRX collection (including the new 35mm references) has been so successful around the world. It hits all the spots, from a sporty design with an integrated steel case and bracelet to its interesting dial pattern and rock-solid movement. We can’t recommend this Tissot highly enough.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 10.9mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Blue
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Powermatic 80
• Power Reserve: 80 hours

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TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph

One of the newest members of the TAG Heuer catalogue, the Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph is a super impressive watch with a dial that doubles as a solar cell and a case and bracelet made from titanium. Boasting a dark grey appearance and light blue highlights, it marks the beginning of a new era for TAG Heuer, and we’re all here for it.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 10.96mm
• Case Material: Titanium
• Bezel Material: Titanium
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Titanium
• Dial Colour: Grey
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Movement: TH50-00
• Power Reserve: 3yrs battery life

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Baltic MR01

As far as classically styled dress watches go, the Baltic MR01 is truly special when you consider how affordable it is (Baltic is one of the best affordable watch brands out there). Featuring a detailed dial design with polished Breguet numerals and an off-centre small seconds subdial, perfectly proportioned case and visually impressive movement, there’s just so much to love.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 36mm
• Case Thickness: 9.9mm
• Case Material: 316L Steel
• Bezel Material: 316L Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Leather strap
• Dial Colour: Salmon
• Water Resistance: 30m
• Movement: Automatic Hangzhou CAL5000a Micro-rotor
• Power Reserve: 42 hours

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NOMOS Glashütte Club Campus 38 Future Orange

For the most part, NOMOS Glashütte remains criminally underrated within the world of watch collecting. It’s both an independently owned watchmaker and is also Germany’s largest manufacturer of mechanical timepieces, meaning it’s got enough scale to be affordable, while its independence allows it to have a little more creativity than you might find in watchmakers owned by larger groups.

This Club Campus 38 Future Orange is a great example of what you can find within the brand’s catalogue, offering an easy-to-wear 38.5mm steel case, an eye-catching bright orange dial, and an in-house manually wound movement. It’s also got 100m of water resistance, meaning you can get it wet without a worry, cementing it as a properly compelling option, especially at its price point.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 38.5mm
• Case Thickness: 8.5mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Vegan velour rembourde
• Dial Colour: Orange
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Manually wound Alpha calibre
• Power Reserve: 43 hours

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Serica Ref. 8315-1 GMT

Just like Baltic, another relatively young watch brand doing affordable watchmaking the right way is Serica, which released the 8315 GMT Chronomètre in 2022 to critical and collector acclaim. Featuring a thoughtfully designed two-tone ceramic GMT bezel and a finely finished steel case, it could be the only travel watch you ever need.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 39mm
• Case Thickness: 12.3mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Ceramic
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Leather
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Movement: SOPROD C125 COSC
• Power Reserve: 42 hours

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Tudor Royal 41 Salmon

Launched at Watches & Wonders (alongside a host of other winners from Tudor), the Tudor Royal hasn’t received the praise it probably deserves, with dive watch highlights typically stealing the spotlight (we’re guilty of it too). However, with an extremely attractive salmon dial, an angular integrated case and bracelet that speaks to the charm of the 70s, and a reliable 100m of water resistance, there are plenty of reasons why it’s one of the best watches under 5k right now.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 41mm
• Case Thickness: 10.6mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Salmon
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Calibre T603
• Power Reserve: 38 hours

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Sinn U50

A classic from German watchmaker Sinn, the U50 is about as hard-wearing as dive watches come, thanks to its German submarine steel case and bracelet, which are highly resistant to saltwater corrosion. With a wearable 41mm case that’s as bulletproof as they come, and a reliable and easy-to-service movement, it’s a winning combination.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 41mm
• Case Thickness: 11.15mm
• Case Material: German Submarine steel
• Bezel Material: German Submarine steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: German Submarine steel
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 500m
• Movement: SW300-1
• Power Reserve: 42 hours

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Rado Captain Cook

A famous member of the Rado catalogue, the Captain Cook dive watch is based on a 1962 design with a legible dial, sloped bezel and comfortable beads-of-rice bracelet. It features a comfortable 42mm steel case and matching bracelet, a reliable automatic movement with a solid power reserve and a timeless look that will remain charming for decades to come.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 42mm
• Case Thickness: 12.1mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Ceramic
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Movement: Automatic
• Power Reserve: 80 hours

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Raymond Weil Millésime Automatic Small Seconds

In the 2023 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) awards, the team at Raymond Weil managed to claim first prize for the Challenge Watch Prize (Best Watch Under CHF 2,000) with this Millésime timepiece. Its approachable case proportions, attractive sector dial and solid mechanical movement combine into an award-winning watch, and if you’re after a solid everyday performer, the Raymond Weil Millésime might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 39.5mm
• Case Thickness: 10.25mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Anthracite sector dial
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Movement: Automatic mechanical
• Power Reserve: 38 Hours

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Mido Ocean Star Tribute

The Mido Ocean Star Tribute is another classic dive watch that won’t break the bank, featuring a very wearable case and comfortable bracelet, with plenty of details to get excited by on the dial. With 200m of water resistance, it’s an ideal everyday watch that can handle anything you throw at it.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40.5mm
• Case Thickness: 13.4mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Movement: Automatic Mido Calibre 80
• Power Reserve: 80 Hours

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Longines HydroConquest GMT

As a new addition to the Longines family in 2023, the HydroConquest GMT is a sensational collection that blends the best of the bulletproof dive watch collection we know and love, with the most functional wristwatch complication there is: the GMT. It arrives with several different dial colours and bracelet/strap options, and with its 41mm steel case, ceramic bezel and 72-hour movement, you can’t go wrong here.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 41mm
• Case Thickness: 12.9mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Green
• Water Resistance: 300m
• Movement: Automatic L844
• Power Reserve: 72 hours

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King Seiko SPB279J

In the history of Seiko as a watchmaker, King Seiko is a collection whose story deserves to be better known. Bringing back the range in recent years, the Seiko “King Seiko” SPB279J is a classic example of a Seiko dress watch design, with super sharp case lines and a clean dial appearance that gets better the closer you look at it.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 37mm
• Case Thickness: 12mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Silver
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: 6R31 automatic
• Power Reserve: 70 hours

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Bremont Terra Nova 38

The Bremont Terra Nova 38 was revealed at Watches & Wonders 2024, and while folks had plenty of thoughts on the new direction of the brand, it’s definitely a good thing to see Bremont launch a more affordable collection with this line-up. The cushion-shaped case of the Terra Nova keeps a slim profile on the wrist, the oversized crown is easy to manipulate, and the dial is ultra-legible.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 38mm
• Case Thickness: 10.7mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Leather
• Dial Colour: Gradient anthracite and black
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Calibre 11 1/2’’’ BE-36AL
• Power Reserve: 38 hours

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Furlan Marri Salmon Sector Ref. 2154-A

Furlan Marri is a brand we’ve covered at length before at Boss Hunting, thanks to its remarkable ability to gain a cult following and the hype that is sometimes associated with such a grassroots movement. While the brand began on Kickstarter with mecha-quartz chronographs, the middle of 2022 saw the debut of its first automatic watch and a similar frenzy of enthusiasm ensued, praising its strong design and high-quality movement.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 37.5mm
• Case Thickness: 10.5mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Leather
• Dial Colour: Salmon
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Movement: La Joux-Perret G100
• Power Reserve: 68 hours

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Grand Seiko SBGP009

While some folks turn their noses up at quartz watches, Grand Seiko produces the very best there are, and the SBGP009 is no exception. With remarkable accuracy of +/- 10 seconds a year (most quartz watches are +/- 15 seconds per month), you’re able to adjust the hour hand without stopping the movement, thus preserving the accuracy of the movement. If you’re not a snob about quartz watches, then you won’t be disappointed by the SBGP009.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 10.6mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Silver
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: 9F85
• Power Reserve: 3yrs battery life (accurate to +/- 10 seconds a year)

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Lorca Model No.1 GMT

Lorca is another of the younger brands on this list, but one that’s quickly made a name for itself as a meticulously designed, value-driven watchmaker, creating ideal everyday timepieces. So far, the GMT you see here is the only watch the Lorca has announced (available with either a black or silver dial), but the mid-century-inspired cleanliness of its design — without appearing as a pure homage — promises good things to come.

Specifications:

• Case Dimensions: 36mm
• Case Thickness: 11.2mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel or leather
• Dial Colour: Silver or black
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Movement: Soprod C125 R4 Automatic
• Power Reserve: 42 hours

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Baume & Mercier Riviera 10660

A classic sports watch design arriving on a comfortable rubber strap, the Baume & Mercier Riviera 10660 offers something interesting with its dark grey titanium bezel and intricately patterned dial. With a solid 100m of water resistance and a touch of warmth thanks to the rose gold-tone hour markers and hands, it’s an under-the-radar watch with plenty to love about it.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 42mm
• Case Thickness: 10.66mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Titanium
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Rubber
• Dial Colour: Grey
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Swiss-made automatic
• Power Reserve: 38 hours

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Longines Master Collection Small Seconds Salmon

The Master Collection Small Seconds with a salmon-tone dial is Longines at its very best (in my humble opinion), serving up a true heritage-inspired dress watch that doesn’t cut corners and gets all the details right. The dial is warm, without being flashy, thanks to its vertical brushing, and its laser-etched Arabic numerals are reminiscent of traditional hand-engraved dials.

It’s nicely sized at 38.5mm (though we wouldn’t be upset if it was a millimeter or two thinner), the small seconds at 6 o’clock is properly proportioned (so often a mistake brands can make), and the movement is Longines’ rock-solid L893 with no less than 72 hours of power reserve when it’s fully wound. From just about every angle, it’s truly superb.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 38.5mm
• Case Thickness: 10.2mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Alligator leather
• Dial Colour: Salmon
• Water Resistance: 30m
• Movement: Calibre L893
• Power Reserve: 72 hours

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NOMOS Glashütte Ludwig Neomatik 36 Champagne

This Ludwig Neomatik 36 Champagne is another treat from the team at NOMOS Glashütte, offering a nicely balanced dress watch with a warm, champagne-tone dial that pops with its orange accents. It’s cased in stainless steel, modestly proportioned and slim on the wrist (especially considering its automatic movement), and offers a fantastic view of the movement via a large sapphire crystal caseback. While it might be a single dollar over $5,000, it’s still one of our favourite watches in this price category.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 36mm
• Case Thickness: 7mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Cowhide leather
• Dial Colour: Champagne
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Movement: Automatic calibre DUW 3001
• Power Reserve: 43 hours

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If you enjoyed this list of the best watches under $5,000 in Australia, check out some of Boss Hunting’s other watch content here:

• The 33 Best Affordable Watches
• The 14 Best Dress Watches To Buy
• The 12 Best Dive Watches For The Ocean Depths Or Your Office Desk
• The 15 Best Square Watches Available Right Now
• The 12 Best Rolex Watches To Buy
• The 12 Best TAG Heuer Watches To Buy Right Now
• The 17 Best Grand Seiko Watches Right Now
• The 9 Best Panerai Watches For Lovers Of Italian Design
• The 11 Best Audemars Piguet Watches — And Not All Of Them Are Royal Oaks
• The 11 Best Patek Philippe Watches For Your Endgame Dreams
• The 12 Best Omega Watches To Own Today
• The 9 Best Vacheron Constantin Watches
• The 9 Best Hublot Watches For Your Collection
• The 11 Best IWC Watches Money Can Buy
• The 9 Best Longines Watches To Buy Right Now
• The 11 Best Tudor Watches To Buy Today
• The 12 Best Citizen Watches
• The 11 Best Jaeger-LeCoultre Watches To Buy
• The 14 Best Breitling Watches
• The 35 Best Seiko Watches Priced From $500 To $5,000
• The Best Vintage Cartier Watches On The Market Today (If You Can Find Them)