4 Best Entry Level Luxury Watches 2024

Whether you are new to the world of luxury watches or wish to refine your collection, you may have asked yourself: 'What are the best entry-level luxury watches?'.

With an endless array of luxury watches on the market as well as continuous innovations and refinements, determining the best entry-level luxury watches is not an easy task.

We asked our expert horologists to share their picks for the best entry-level high-end watches, which watch brands they would recommend and why they are must-haves for any collection.

Take a look at our top picks below to see how to start your luxury watch collection.

What Are The Best Entry-Level Luxury Watches?

1. Tag Heuer Monaco

We’re starting our list of the best entry-level watches with Tag Heuer’s Monaco Calibre 12. This automatic chronograph leaves quite an impression with its square case, blue dial and blue alligator leather strap.

The Monaco features two square sub-dials: a 30-minute counter and a sub-second hand dial. In the 6 o’clock position sits a small date window with rapid date correction.

This makes changing the date easy with a quick adjustment to the crown. The timepiece’s red seconds hands and red small hands make for a brilliant contrast against the blue dial.

The hands and hour markers are also luminescent, perfect for always having the time accessible. 

Monaco timepieces became famous after Steve McQueen wore one in his racing film Le Mans in 1971. Instantly, the Monaco became 'a symbol of his self-assurance, defiance of authority and laid-back vibes'.

The Monaco Calibre 12 is the modern-day incarnation of Steve McQueen’s iconic watch with several alterations. For example, the hour markers are now vertical instead of horizontal, allowing for an easier read.

Today’s Monaco is also made with the calibre 12, which is more precise and durable than the calibre 11 of the 1969 watch. You can enjoy this movement thanks to the watch’s transparent case back.

2. Rolex DateJust

The Datejust was first released in 1945 and continues to be one of Rolex’s most celebrated collections. A certified Swiss chronometer, the watch is so accurate that it surpassed the strict regulations of the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute, at a mere deviation of +2/-2 seconds a day. 

Next up on our list of the best entry-level watches is the Rolex Datejust. The Datejust comes in various sizes, metals, bezels, dials, bracelets and hour marker styles, allowing the wearer to find a combination that perfectly suits them.

We’ll be looking at the Datejusts with the automatic calibre 3135, the latest movement in the Datejust series.

Watch Features:

• A date aperture at the 3 o’clock position which swiftly changes the date at midnight, an amazing feat when it was first released.
• A cyclops lens that sits above the date aperture to magnify the date making it easy to read.
• Hour markers coated in a Chromalight display which creates a blue luminescence in the dark.
• An impressive 70-hour power reserve thanks to the new calibre 3135.
• Its movement is constructed with a parachrom hairspring that provides exceptional shock resistance.

3. Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch

When it comes to covering the best entry level luxury watches, Omega's Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is a must-have. The Speedster was introduced in 1957 as a sports and racing chronograph and remains as a symbol of adventure to this day.

In 1964, NASA’s astronauts were requesting backup timing devices for space missions. This led NASA to test commercial choreographs to find one that could endure harsh conditions while retaining optimal performance.

Omega’s Speedmaster emerged as the clear choice and was declared to be 'flight qualified for all manned space missions'. Shortly after Buzz Aldrin wore the Speedmaster when he stepped onto the moon, it became known as the 'Moonwatch'.

Watch Features:

• Sleek stick hour markers coated in Super-Luminova to ensure that you can see the time in dark settings.
• 3 sub-dials: a small seconds, 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder.
• The dial also features a central choreograph hand and the bezel has a tachymetric scale, which allows the wearer to measure elapsed times and speed.
• The Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch comes with a special presentation box that contains two additional straps, a tool to change the straps, loupe, metal plate, instructions and book detailing the Speedmaster’s illustrious history.

4. IWC Portofino Automatic

Wrapping up our list of the best entry level luxury watches is the IWC Portofino Automatic. This minimalist dress watch’s name comes from a town of the same name on the Italian Riviera, a favorite spot for the affluent and famous.

The watch’s dial is exceptionally clean with thin stick hour markers as well as roman numerals at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock.

Additionally, a small date window sits at the 3 o’clock position. Select Portofino Automatic models have a charming additional detail: an intricate engraving on the case back of the town of Portofino.

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