2024's Best Watches Under $1500

Jump To

• TISSOT SEASTAR 1000 POWERMATIC 80 40MM

• SEIKO PROSPEX SSC813

• BALTIC MR01

• HAMILTON KHAKI FIELD MURPH

• CHRISTOPHER WARD C60 TRIDENT PRO 300

• TISSOT PRX POWERMATIC 80

• HALIOS SEAFORTH IV

• MIDO MULTIFORT PATRIMONY

Watches are integral to one’s outfit and can be easy to overlook sometimes. Depending on the occasion, it can be expensive and confusing to know what type of watch to wear. I wouldn’t blame you if you chose to wear nothing. I hope that when you finish reading, you will better understand some watches that will fit your style.

In this guide, we'll explore different types of watches, from casual to formal, and offer tips on choosing the perfect timepiece for any occasion. Whether you're attending a formal event or want to add a stylish accessory to your everyday look, we've got you covered with all the information you need to make the right choice.

TISSOT SEASTAR 1000 POWERMATIC 80 40MM

The Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 40mm combines reliable Swiss craftsmanship with features catering to professional divers and watch enthusiasts.

This timepiece is perfect for those in search of a sporty yet assertive accessory. It offers water resistance up to 1000 feet (300 meters) and improved visibility in dim conditions thanks to the Super-LumiNova® coated hands and hour markers.

Features

Movement

• Type: Swiss automatic

• Model: Powermatic 80

• Power Reserve: Up to 80 hours

Case

• Material: Stainless steel

• Diameter: 40mm

• Water Resistance: 300 meters (1000 feet)

• Bezel: Unidirectional rotating bezel

The Seastar 1000 has undergone several design updates to improve both its functionality and aesthetic appeal, making it suitable for both diving and everyday wear.

The Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 40mm combines reliable Swiss craftsmanship with features that cater to both professional divers and watch enthusiasts.

SEIKO PROSPEX SSC813

The Seiko Prospex SSC813 is a versatile and stylish chronograph that offers a blend of vintage-inspired design and modern functionality. Its solar-powered movement, durable construction, and attractive aesthetics make it a compelling choice for both collectors and casual wearers alike.

Inspired by Seiko’s first precision chronograph, developed for international sporting competitions in 1964, it provides chronograph measurement of up to 60 minutes of elapsed time in 1/5-second increments and includes a split time function.

Features 

Movement

• Type: Solar-powered quartz chronograph

• Model: Seiko Caliber V192

• Power Reserve: Approximately 6 months when fully charged

Case

• Material: Stainless steel

• Diameter: 39mm

• Thickness: 13.3mm

• Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)

The SSC813, also known as the "Speedtimer," draws inspiration from vintage Seiko chronographs from the 1960s and 1970s, combining retro aesthetics with modern technology.

The watch has also gained popularity among watch enthusiasts for its attractive “Panda” dial, robust build quality, and the convenience of solar-powered technology.

BALTIC MR01

Baltic is a relatively new microbrand, founded in 2016, that has quickly gained a following for its vintage-inspired designs and high-quality craftsmanship at accessible prices.

The MR01 was introduced as a part of Baltic's effort to offer a watch with a classical, elegant design featuring a mechanical movement. It stands out for its refined aesthetics and the use of a Hangzhou movement, which is uncommon in Western markets.

Features

Movement

• Type: Manual-winding mechanical

• Model: Hangzhou CAL5000A

• Power Reserve: Approximately 42 hours

Case

• Material: Stainless steel

• Diameter: 36mm

• Thickness: 9.9mm

• Water Resistance: 30 meters (100 feet)

Celebrated for its vintage charm, classic design, and the use of a unique mechanical movement. Its compact size, domed hesalite crystal, and elegantly simple dial make it a distinguished choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet affordable dress watch.

HAMILTON KHAKI FIELD MURPH

The "Murph" watch gained fame from its appearance in the 2014 film "Interstellar," where it played a significant role in the plot.

Named after the character Murph in the movie, the watch combines Hamilton's military heritage with a cinematic touch. It captures the essence of field watches with a rugged yet refined aesthetic.

Featuring ultra-readable black dial, beige vintage-style Super-LumiNova® finished hands and black leather strap, it reflects the key aesthetic codes of its 42mm predecessor.

Features

Movement

• Type: Swiss automatic

• Model: H-10

• Power Reserve: Up to 80 hours

Case

• Material: Stainless steel

• Diameter: 42mm

• Thickness: 11mm

• Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)

The Murph is a unique timepiece that blends Hamilton's legacy of crafting durable field watches with a special connection to popular culture. Its automatic movement, classic design, and cinematic significance make it a standout choice for collectors and film buffs alike.

CHRISTOPHER WARD C60 TRIDENT PRO 300

Christopher Ward, a British watchmaker founded in 2004, is known for producing high-quality watches with a strong emphasis on value and craftsmanship.

Introduced as an updated model within the Trident Pro line, the C60 Trident Pro 300 is designed to provide professional-grade diving capabilities while maintaining an elegant aesthetic suitable for everyday wear.

Features

Movement

• Type: Swiss automatic

• Model: Sellita SW200-1

• Power Reserve: Approximately 38 hours

Case

• Material: Stainless steel

• Diameter: Available in multiple sizes (38mm, 40mm, 42mm)

• Thickness: 11mm

• Water Resistance: 300 meters (1000 feet)

The C60 Trident Pro 300 is a versatile dive watch that combines Swiss precision, robust construction, and stylish design. Its multiple size options, high water resistance, and quality materials make it a popular choice among watch enthusiasts looking for a reliable and attractive timepiece at a reasonable price point.

TISSOT PRX POWERMATIC 80

The PRX collection is inspired by a Tissot model from 1978, reflecting a retro design with a modern twist. The "PRX" stands for "Precise" and "Robust," with "X" denoting the Roman numeral for 10, signifying the watch's water resistance.

The watch offers the vintage aesthetic of the late ‘70s with contemporary watchmaking technology, offering a stylish yet functional timepiece.

Features

Movement

• Type: Swiss automatic

• Model: Powermatic 80

• Power Reserve: Up to 80 hours

Case

• Material: Stainless steel

• Diameter: 40mm

• Thickness: 10.9mm

• Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)

This watch stands out for its seamless blend of retro style and modern functionality. Its eye-catching textures, dial, and sleek integrated bracelet make a bold statement, while the robust Powermatic 80 movement ensures precision and reliability. This watch is not just a nod to Tissot's rich history but also a versatile accessory that effortlessly transitions from day to night, making it a prized addition to any watch collection.

HALIOS SEAFORTH IV

Halios is a Canadian microbrand founded in 2009, known for producing high-quality, affordably priced dive watches with a focus on clean design and robust build quality.

The Seaforth series has been a cornerstone of Halios' lineup, offering versatile dive watches that combine vintage aesthetics with modern performance.

The fourth iteration of the Seaforth line (shown above) continues to build on the success of its predecessors with subtle design updates and improved specifications.

Features

Movement

• Type: Swiss automatic

• Model: Sellita SW200-1

• Power Reserve: Approximately 38 hours

Case

• Material: Stainless steel

• Diameter: 40mm

• Thickness: 12mm

• Water Resistance: 200 meters (660 feet)

The Seaforth IV is the perfect companion for both underwater adventures and daily wear due to its versatile size, robust construction, and stylish aesthetics. Dive watch enthusiasts and collectors appreciate the fine craftsmanship and unique design of this watch, as well as the variety of dial and bezel options, which allow for personal customisation.

MIDO MULTIFORT PATRIMONY

The Multifort collection dates back to 1934, known for its robust and innovative designs. It was one of the first antimagnetic watches with water resistance and shock absorption.

he Multifort Patrimony series pays homage to Mido's rich heritage by incorporating vintage design elements with modern watchmaking technology, offering a retro-inspired look with contemporary features.

Inspired by the elegance and simplicity of the mid-20th century watches, the Patrimony combines classic design cues with advanced mechanical features.

Features

Movement

• Type: Swiss automatic

• Model: Mido Caliber 80 (based on ETA C07.621)

• Power Reserve: Up to 80 hours

Case

• Material: Stainless steel

• Diameter: 40mm

• Thickness: 11.95mm

• Water Resistance: 50 meters (165 feet)

Its sleek design, highlighted by a box-shaped sapphire crystal and a variety of dial colours, makes it a versatile accessory for both formal and casual occasions. Powered by the reliable Mido Caliber 80, this watch offers impressive power reserve and dependable performance, making it a cherished addition to any watch collection. The Multifort Patrimony stands as a testament to Mido's commitment to quality, innovation, and timeless style.