Buying Guides - Top 10 watches under 1000 USD

Here at Extropian, we have handled a lot of watches in 2024 and we of course have our favourites, from technical to simple, in this guide, we are sure there is something for everyone. Using the imaginary budget of 1000 USD, we hope our thoughts serve as an inspiration for this hobby. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it, let’s begin.

The affordable diver

We will start with the category which can be seen as the most popular, why? Well divers just look cool and they make a great GADA watch. We quite enjoyed Fleux as a brand and their latest iteration, the FLX003 is one of a kind. A 38mm diver taking inspiration from the vintage Seamaster 300 with a twist. The Skindiver case is outstanding, and the dial just brings that nostalgia to another level. The FLX003 is currently in production and not only is rare but also outsourced from Canada. We recommend you check out this beauty if you want a good balance of quality and vintage cues, pure joy. More information 

Precision timing

We cannot have a list without having a chronograph, and yes, it is true, apart from watches using Seagull movements, there aren’t many affordable entries for this hobby. So, why do not we go with Meca- quartz watches? Afterall, it was a joint development from brands like JLC who brought this technology to the market, and to us Furlan Marri is at the forefront of quality when it comes to chronograph watches. With a great design and an outstanding execution, the Swiss brand has makes significant strides to join those brands that create  a ‘’fear of missing out‘’ and desirability. Furlan Marri models have sold more than double the price than their RRP. Their Nero Sabbia with one register on their permanent collection has been a breath of fresh air and at 555 CHF, it is a hard proposition to beat. More information 

Traveling in style

GMTs are on our sweet spot here at Extropian, and we are spoiled for choice when it comes to find a new GMT watch. This is mainly because the new Miyota 9032 movement gives similar capabilities to watches that cost at least 10x the price. We know that this category will go to the RZE Fortitude GMT-S. it is a refined watch with lots to offer. A Titanium grade 2 case and bracelet, a unique design language and a beautiful sunburst dial in grey or blue. We do not think it can get any better at this price and even 2x the price. The RZE Fortitude starts at 649 USD, and you can see why is so hard to beat. More information 

The best dial

There is nothing better than looking at your watch and smile, and to us that means that a good dial is a big chunk of the watch. How about a pink mother of pearl dial with a modern twist? Well, Monbrey just did that with their new MB2 collection and boy it looks good. There are several colours and finishings, but the Blossom Pink dial is something else. The right palette really makes a difference and with that MOP layer, well you can only guess is outstanding. We like that despite being pink which traditionally is a more feminine colour, the MB2 is the perfect wearer for both genders, it just looks cool. With a 38mm dimension and a sharp bracelet, the watch is ready to perform. If you feel a bit unsure, there are other versions available.

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Best original design

In watchmaking everything has been done and in terms of design language there is no difference,  but what if we can ping point you to a new fresh and unique design? Well Horizon Watches has just done that with their new Nemo collection. Well executed in terms of proportions with a unique flavour, Horizon is one of the coolest new kids on the block. Sapphire bezel, different colours and quality movements are the flags carried by the brand and not to mention their straps which are outstanding. If you want a quality diver to join your collection box, this is the one you should go for, make sure you pick the green variant, it is flawless. More information 

The field watch

Technically we all go to the field. We all enjoy the outdoors and being in the middle of nowhere, at least here at Extropian we do. Having a watch that can tell the time with no date, no interruption and completely focus is always pleasant. It does need to be the right size and have the right water resistance, enough not to be a thick boy. This bring us to Zealandic watches, their first attempt was a success which was mimicking frozen lakes and patterns on the dial, followed by the quality of their design. The way that they have approach the microbrand space is unique as now with their Iceborne collection they are ready to tackle new project, the brand lives on. By the way their collection is sold out, no wonder as they offered 3 colours and an unique proposition, get ready for the next badge. More information 

Flipping the dial

Cartier, JLC and even Vacheron Constantin have made reversible watches. The idea of having a 2 for 1 piece is something that has been on the hobby for a bit now and it is now going anywhere. Vario has surprised us with the Versa, a reversible watch that re-defines what a brand can do when quality and passion come together. Their new MOP iteration is something to celebrate. With 2 movements in one case the watch is unique and classy, it is a dress piece but surely a rare one and probably one of the best alternatives to a JLC reverso. Enamel dials, red, blue green, they cover everything, an icon it is own right. More information 

Robustness matters

If you want a robust watch with a unique design language plus an affordable price, well Formex should be right up your alley. The prices have been going upwards since they are no longer a hidden gem, but they have also improved their quality further and further. That said, there are some watches in the catalogue which are quite impressive and under our imaginary 1000 USD mark. Their Field Automatic comes in a variety of colours and to us is one of the best values propositions not only from the brand but from the price bracket. It includes a Swiss movement, bright lume and sandwich dial with a unique font made for this watch. We would go bold and choose the purple. More information 

Rarity matters

If you are more of a fan of independent watchmaking and are looking for something that cannot be found on an airport boutique, Selten is a brand that will surprise you. With a key passion on using different materials to achieve a different look, Selten brought quite a bit to the table with their latest M1 Moonphase. We closely follow the development of this particular watch and the end result is outstanding. Still well under our budget, the M1 comes in different finishes from mother of pearl, meteorite and deep glossy black. It is something to behold. More information  

The vintage quality 

Vintage is everywhere, so when adding a vintage inspired watch to this list, we must be careful not to add something ordinary. Our recommendation is to head over to Maen, a Dutch brand that in our opinion always gets the proportions right. Maen has been on the microbrand scene for a bit now and they keep surprising us with plenty innovative designs. Their Hudson 38mm is well under our budget and in the watch circles, it keeps being the perfect alternative to the all-mighty Black Bay 58. It is a robust diver with great specs and good looks. It brings nostalgia and quality to the table at an affordable price. More information  

Conclusion

10 watches that can be a perfect cohesive collection, maybe we have a different taste but surely this article could help you to shape your views. Head to Extropian to check alternatives, it is a fun exercise and surely you can find one or two things of your own.

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