Watch buying guide: the best brands per price range

At Wallace Allan, we know you can find a high-quality, durable watch at any price point. This guide will help you choose a luxury timepiece in several price ranges so you can pick a watch that speaks to the quality and needs you seek.

 

What influences the quality and the price of a watch?

 

 

Several factors will influence the price of any watch. These include the following:

• Case material/finishing - A well-crafted case enhances durability. Case materials and finishes in stainless steel, titanium, or precious metals will enhance a watch’s longevity.
• Dial - If the dial has a design and finish crafted from premium materials and features complications, it will propel the beauty, function, and price of the timepiece.
• Movement/accuracy - The quality of the movement, particularly mechanical or automatic ones, ensures the watch’s precision and long-term accuracy.
• Reliability/longevity - A luxury watch is built to last, and high-quality materials like stainless steel and titanium, alongside exceptional craftsmanship, will ensure it remains reliable over time.
• Water resistance - Luxury timepieces often feature enhanced water resistance, making them suitable for various environments and outdoor activities, while showcasing high-quality craftsmanship.
• Heritage - Brands with a rich history, such as Rolex or Patek Philippe, carry a legacy of superior craftsmanship that contributes to the watch’s value.
• Lume - Quality lume, often made from Super-LumiNova, aids the watch in remaining legible in low-light conditions.
• Appeal –A luxury watch’s appeal lies in how it makes you feel. The timepiece you buy should combine prestige, craftsmanship and personal style.

 

The price of a luxury watch depends on more than just the brand. Key factors include the quality of materials, the movement's complexity, the craftsmanship, and any unique features or complications. Together with the brand's prestige, these elements determine the watch's value and help set expectations. Keep this in mind when choosing your watch, or get in touch with us for a free consultation.

 

Watches under £300

 

 

For watches under £300, you can find great pieces that offer style, reliability and great craftsmanship. While they may not have the intricate movements of higher-priced timepieces, these watches will still provide excellent design and value for money.

Below are some brands that tailor to this price range:

• Armani - Sleek and modern, Armani offers fashion-forward designs and a budget-friendly price.
• Tissot - Known for their Swiss precision, Tissot delivers quality timepieces at an accessible price, especially seen in their Dream collection.
• Citizen - Citizen remains a great brand for those seeking durability and innovative technology for everyday wear. The Eco-Drive collection offers great, practical styles for everyday wear.
• Casio G-Shock - Casio G-Shock Bluetooth Solar watches are perfect for active lifestyles thanks to their rugged designs and advanced features.
• Michael Kors - Stylish, statement-making designs embody Michael Kors watches. They craft a luxury feel at affordable prices.
• Olivia Burton - Olivia Burton watches lead with elegance and femininity, offering delicate designs for a refined look.

 

Watches under £500

 

 

At £500 or less, you can expect a higher level of craftsmanship, improved accuracy and enhanced design. These timepieces strike a great balance between affordability and luxury, with many Swiss or Japanese-made options.

Below are some of the best watches under £500:

• Tissot –An incredibly versatile brand that offers Swiss-made quality with a variety of designs. The Ballade has an incredible range of designs in this price range.
• Casio G-Shock –Casio G-Shock continues to be a leader in durable, sport-focused timepieces. From the MR-G and MR-T to the Metal and Master of G lines, you’ll have lots to choose from.
• Citizen –Citizen features a great range of innovative solar-powered movements that increase its convenience and desirability. We recommend the Eco-Drive line for men and women.
• Raymond Weil –A Swiss brand that offers sophisticated designs and reliable performance for timepieces that last.

 

Watches between £500 and £1000

 

 

The £500-£1,000 range brings you closer to premium timepieces with Swiss craftsmanship, enhanced durability and accurate movements. You can expect to find watches that prioritise a more luxurious design, materials and advanced features.

Below are some brands that come in at £500-£1,000:

• Seiko - The Seiko range is known for their precision and high-quality craftsmanship, which is ultimately reasonable for what they deliver.
• Tissot - Tissot continues to offer Swiss-made watches with robust movements. Browse the T-Classic and the T-Sport collections for Tissot watches in this price range.
• Hamilton - Famous for their classic military-inspired designs and dependable mechanics, Hamilton are a great investment at this price.
• Garmin - Garmin Fenix 8 watches are ideal for those seeking an advanced smartwatch that features a traditional design.
• DOXA - Known for its distinctive dive watches, DOXA provides functional watches with bold design and high performance, as seen in their SUB 200 collection.
• OMEGA - A luxury brand that needs no introduction. They offer precision and iconic design at a rather accessible price point given their heritage and exclusivity.
• GUCCI - A symbol of style, GUCCI blends sophistication with quality for the fashion-conscious. The G-Timeless collection is perfect for exactly that.

 

Watches between £1000 and £5000

 

 

When heading into the £1,000-£5,000 price point, you allow for luxury options, with watches that offer exceptional craftsmanship, high-end materials, and sophisticated movements. You'll find both established, luxury collector brands, and more niche, high-performance watches.

Below are some brands that come in at £1,000-£5,000:

• Oris - A renowned Swiss brand known for its high-quality mechanical watches at a mid-range price. The Oris Aquis Pro collection is a demonstration of their master craftsmanship.
• Tudor - Tudor are like your Rolex at a lower price point, with premium designs and reliability.
• Garmin - Garmin MARQ 2 watches in particular are a testament to high-performance watches with integrated technology. Ideal for the adventurer and sports fanatic.
• Grand Seiko - Grand Seiko are renowned for precision and attention to detail in their expertly handcrafted watches. You can choose the Heritage collection for impeccable Grand Seiko artistry.
• TAG Heuer - TAG Heuer define Swiss luxury, offering timepieces that speak to a reputation for high-performance and stylish designs. The Carrera and Aquaracer timepieces excel in this price range, offering a mix of classic design and modern craftsmanship.
• Longines - Longines continue to be a testament of elegant design and Swiss-made quality.
• Breitling - Breitling provide prestige and exceptional quality with a focus on aviation-inspired watches.

If you’re considering a higher-end watch similar to the ones above, many retailers, including Wallace Allan, offer financing options. These allow you to pay a portion of the cost upfront, with the remainder covered through affordable monthly.

 

Watches over £5000

 

 

For watches over £5,000, you’re entering into the world of high-end luxury, where craftsmanship is unparalleled, and heritage and exclusivity are key. These timepieces often feature rare materials, intricate movements, and high-end finishing.

In this price point, you can expect to see the following brands:

• Rolex - Synonymous with luxury, Rolex timepieces offer unmatched prestige and quality, with many becoming collector pieces that will appreciate in value over time.
• Patek Philippe - Patek Philippe offers high-end Swiss precision known for its complicated movements and refined designs.
• Tudor - A more affordable sibling of Rolex but still a spokesman of luxury, Tudor offers exceptional quality and precision in their watches.
• Grand Seiko - A symbol of Japanese luxury, the Evolution 9 collection is known for its fine craftsmanship and stunning dial work.
• TAG Heuer - TAG Heuer remains a prestigious brand, ideal for those seeking both luxury and incredible sports functionality. The Carrera and Monaco lines showcase TAG Heuer’s artistry in abundance.

Wallace Allan offers finance plans on timepieces £1,000 and over to help spread the cost of your luxury purchase, making these watches more accessible without compromising on quality.

 

Conclusion

 

We hope we’ve proved that price doesn’t have to determine the quality of watch you choose, and luxury can span every budget. At Wallace Allan, we want to demystify the world of watches and help you find a brand that is perfectly tailored to your needs.

If you need further advice, feel free to visit our shop or reach out to our team for a personalised consultation – we're always happy to assist you in selecting a timepiece that meets your style needs and expectations.