A Guide to Buying Your First Watch from Switzerland, Including Higher Quality & Affordable Swiss-Made Watch Brands To Consider
So you’ve been reading around the forums, and you’re just discombobulated by all the possible selections you can get,
Which brand is best? What works well for me? Am I a ‘Tissot’ person, or a ‘Bulova’-ite?
While there are many brands to choose from, each with their own personal delivery of aesthetics, the Gracious Watch crew may be of assistance to you and your dilemma.
Hopefully our guide below will steer you in the right direction. Let’s take a dive, shall we?
Content
Affordable Swiss Watch Brands
Buying Your First Swiss-Made Watch Tips
Top Swiss-Made Watches (by Price Range)
Top Swiss Watches Under $500
To Swiss Watches $500 – $1000
Top Swiss Watches $1,000 – $2,000
If you are looking at buying your first Swiss watch we’d recommend you check out our Buying Your First Watch From Switzerland Guide. For those at the higher end of the budget range, the Most Prestigious Swiss Watch Brands For Men is always a good read.
While those posts all focus on the most affordable Swiss watch brands or the most famous Swiss watch brands, most people don’t realize that there are many Swiss watchmakers that are really great. We pulled together our full list below, it includes every Swiss watch maker we could find.
Also Read: 7 Most Affordable Swiss Made Watch Brands
Affordable Swiss Watch Brands
Under $500
Bulova
Timex
Victorinox
Movado
Swatch
Wenger
Tissot
Ruse Du Rhone
Mondaine
$500 to $1,000
Alpina Watches
Gucci
Edox
Raymond Weil
Hamilton
Certina
Eterna
Frederique Constant
Mido
$1,000 to $2,000
Tag Heuer
Oris Swiss Watches
Scuderia
Meister Singer
Longlines
Fortis
Jean Richard
Maurice Lacroix
JungHans
Tips for Buying Your First Affordable Swiss-Made Watch
Swiss watches are among the top choices of many watch enthusiasts when it comes to superior quality timepieces. Swiss watches are must-haves when building a much coveted watch collection. They come in different forms and sizes. A pool of Swiss watches offers you better options so you will surely find the right one. Whatever your reasons may be in getting your first Swiss made watch, it is important to mark this important milestone with a magnificent piece. Your first is the most special and it will serve as a benchmark for future addition in the empire. To make sure that every cent you spend for that gorgeous watch, here are some factors you do not want to miss.
Budget Considerations
Before you embark on your search for that very first Swiss watch, it is highly advantageous for you to set a budget. This is to narrow down your options. Setting a budget for your first Swiss watch is important especially when you are really planning to make an investment out of it.
Watch Movement Options
Generally, there are two ways for a Swiss watch to work, either battery-powered or mechanical. They have their own features and capabilities. Since purchasing a perfect piece is more of a preference, you have to consider the probable use or your need for this particular watch. Battery-powered quartz watch is relatively less inexpensive than a mechanical watch, because the latter contains more parts and are constructed by hand. Battery-powered Swiss watches are more accurate, because it adjusts automatically. Mechanical watches, on the other hand, is more complicated, which complication is sometime used as an ornament in some cases. Since they are assembled by hand, it is also expensive to maintain. While it has to be adjusted manually, this makes a great collectible piece.
Watch Face & Size Options
As in movement, the size of the watch is also a preference. And Swiss watches come in different shape, sizes, and design, so there is absolutely one (at least) that matches your style or taste in fashion. Just remember that you don’t want a too big or too small watch to wrap around the wrist. Moreover, you have to pay attention to the overall look of your watch. This is where use or purpose and lifestyle come in. If you are still undecided, go for classic! It never gets old.
Water Resistance
Water resistance is considered as the most misunderstood feature of a watch. Take a closer look at the numbers on the dial or case back, because not all watches are water resistant. If you love spontaneous trips to the pool or beach, go for watches with at least 50 meters water resistance.
Added Complications
Go straight to the point. Identify the complication that you actually need. Features like chronograph, calendar and time zone require the watch to be more hard working. And additional complication means additional cost. While they are interesting, being part of the art and craft of the watch, they make the watch more expensive. Don’t forget your budget.
Watch Maintenance
For a watch to keep its form and performance, you have to research ahead on the pros and cons of the watches you are opting to buy. For example, batter-powered watches have to be replaced with new batteries after some years so as to ensure accurate timekeeping. Mechanical watches, meanwhile, are sensitive and should not be over-wind. Furthermore, you have to shell out your own money for the maintenance of the watch, because not all stores off the same free of charge.
Try it on
Lastly, but very important, try the Swiss watch on. Make sure that the size of the case perfectly sits on your wrist, neither too big nor too small. Also ensure that the band or bracelet is a perfect fit for the wrist. This should not be a problem since metal bracelets for example are equipped with more links. If you are purchasing online, better read through the terms and conditions of store or site selling the same in case the bracelet does not fit. Don’t worry because most online stores provide sufficient information as to the dimension of the watch particularly the length of the bracelet. But to be sure, do not hesitate to visit their showroom or any of their stores in case there is one near you.
Also read: Watch Buying Guide: The Best Watch Brands for Men
Top Swiss-Made Watches (Sorted by Price Range)
Swiss movement watches are world renounced in terms of quality and design. The watch making industry is never as solid without the existence of timepieces from Switzerland. Because of the reputation that Swiss watches hold, buyers are always vying on Switzerland encased pieces. These watches are controlled by the Manufacture d’horlogerie before selling in the market to assure that the watches are of superior quality and designed to satisfy the diversity of customers’ taste. This quality control procedure made Swiss watches the industry’s best.
Owning a Swiss Made watch is a decision you won’t regret. They possess distinct aura that set them from watches made from other countries. Most of interested buyers, especially first timers, find difficulty in choosing which Swiss made watch is most suited for them and their budget. If you are eyeing on watches to purchase, this article will guide you in finding the timepiece that you can keep for a lifetime. You will surely find the item that will tickle your fancy without compromising your budget.
Best Affordable Swiss Watches Under $500
Top Swiss Watches Under $500 (In Detail)
Tissot Men’s Tradition Analog Display Brown Watch
Tissot Men’s Tradition Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
Tissot is very generous with this tradition analog display Swiss made watch. Aside from its price, this one has a very catchy dial and case. It exudes elegance through its simplicity.
Its hour markers and indexes are embossed which made it look very regal. It has three sub-dials; 1/10th seconds, 60 seconds, and 30 minutes.
The plain white dial is more emphasized with the rose gold hands, markers, and case. And the case is touched up with scratch resistant sapphire crystal.
Lastly, this stunning watch is also water resistant up to 99 feet.
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Bulova Men’s “Precisionist†Watch
Bulova Men’s “Precisionist Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
If what you seek is a multi-functional watch that you can use indoors and outdoors, this timepiece by Bulova is very reliable.
Just by the looks of it, this one is heavy duty. It has both the quality and the looks. Buyers of “Precisionist†by Bulova attest to the accuracy of its data. Its 12-hour chronograph function with tachymeter will surely impress you especially if you are the outdoorsy type.
It hands and markers are luminescent which is so convenient to its users.
It is also 300 meters water resistant which is perfect for water activities.
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Movado Men’s Museum Watch
Movado Men’s Museum Watch Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
With its laidback one-of-a-kind look, this one will catch your attention.
This masterpiece by Movado is very unique looking at the same time of superior quality. This once is designed to last for years. It is the true manifestation of elegant minimalist. Its blue backdrop is designed with a Museum dot which perfected the fashion at the same time sporty façade. Its dial window is made of synthetic sapphire crystal. Its strap is also made of durable genuine leather with buckle closure.
You will not need to worry with this getting wet because it is water resistant up to 30 meters.
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Timex Men’s SL Series Fly-Back Watch
Timex Men’s SL Series Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
This item by Timex is ultimately made to satisfy the needs of those who are looking for an all-day timepiece. It has the rustic look that will wrap up your casual to formal outfits. For its price, this is an absolute steal.
Aside from its looks, it is also multifunctional. It is a chronograph watch with tachymeter function, date window, and two subdials featuring 10 minutes and 24 hours. Its hands and markers are also illuminated with a technology called INDIGLO night light.
Its tan leather strap made of genuine oiled leather complements its outdoor sporty look. Being made for the outdoors, it is also water resistant up to 100 meters.
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Wenger Men’s Commando Patagonian Expedition Race Watch
Wenger Men’s Commando Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
If you are dredging over casual everyday watches that has the quality expected from a Swiss made watch, this Wenger expedition race watch will impress you.
This one got the sporty look and functions. It has a tachymeter bezel and mineral crystal dial window. This is the ultimate timepiece for the outdoors because it is shock and water resistant. This chronograph watch features a date window at 4o’clock, a 60 seconds sub-dial at the right side, 30 seconds sub-dial at the left side, and 12 hour sub-dial at 6o’clock.
It comes with a comfy and high quality rubber band that doesn’t sting in prolonged usage.
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Swatch Men’s Windfall Watch
Swatch Men’s Windfall Watch Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
This dress watch by Swatch is one of the best in the market. It possesses the wow factor that buyers are seeking for in a timepiece.
Not only in terms of style, this watch is remarkable when it comes to precision, accuracy, and performance. It has a tachymeter bezel and three chronographs sub-dials featuring 60 seconds, 60 minutes, and 1/10th of a second.
It also has a date window at 4o’clock. Despite its very classy structure, it can withstand up to 99 feet water submersion.
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Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
Victorinox Swiss Army Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
Victorinox is one of the most reputable Swiss watchmakers.
Their timepieces possess not only the superior quality but also the creativity. This is another dress watch that you will surely fall in love with. It looks very simple with its tranquil dial and simple plain leather strap. It also has a date window at 6 o’clock.
Its case is stainless steel plus it is also water resistant up to 100 meters.
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Best Affordable Swiss Watches from $500 to $1000
Top Swiss Watches Under $500 – $1,000 (In Detail)
Raymond Weil Men’s Watch
Raymond Weil Men’s Watch Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
This Raymond Weil masterwork is worth every dollar it costs.
Just by how it looks, this one makes a very regal impression. Its two-toned stainless steel case and strap is perfectly thought of to complement the dial. Hour markers are in Roman Numerals and are also luminescent together with the hands and the indexes.
It has a date window at 12 o’clock and features three functional 30 minute, 60 second, and 1 of 10th of the second sub dials.
Last but not the least it is water resistant up to 330 feet.
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Hamilton Men’s Jazzmaster Seaview
Hamilton Men’s Jazzmaster Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
This timepiece by Hamilton hit the market like a storm. Many buyers sought after this release by one of the most guaranteed watch makers in the industry.
This watch would make an excellent everyday watch considering its design and its functions. It is multifunctional made to satisfy its users’ expectations. Its grey and black color combination achieved a very manly look. It also has illuminating hands and markers.
Its three chronograph sub-dials and date window are accessibly placed. It has a 30 minute sub-dial, 1/10th of a second sub-dial, and a 60 second sub-dial.
You can also use this one while swimming up to 100 meters water deep.
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Gucci Men’s Timeless Watch
Gucci Men’s Timeless Watch Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
Gucci is well known for its distinct and timelessly classic designed accessories.
This timepiece will surely tickle your fancy. It is a fact that Gucci hold a divine reputation in the accessory industry. You will not regret spending your money with this one because it is not only stunning and in good quality, it is a status symbol.
This timepiece is encased with stainless steel with sapphire crystal anti-reflective coating on the side. The stainless steel bracelet comes with safety deployment clasp.
Despite its very dressy structure, you can also rock this one in the outdoors given that it s water resistance up to 50 meters.
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Mido Multifort Men’s Watch
Mido Multifort Men’s Watch Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
Mido always values quality and affordability.
This one got the looks of a luxurious watch but is not very expensive considering its functions, durability, and style. It has a fixed rose gold tone bezel that gave it a very strong and manly look. The markers and hands are also in rose gold to emphasize its plain black dial.
It has a date window and three useful sub-dials featuring 30 minutes, 1/10th of a second, and 60 seconds. Its band is in black made of genuine leather.
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Alpina Startimer Pilot Watch
Alpina Startimer Pilot Watch Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
If you are looking for a pilot watch, this creation by Alpina is one of the customers’ top picks.
Its round case and bezel are brushed with stainless steel and wrapped up with anti-reflective sapphire crystal. It has three chronograph displays; 9 hours, 60 seconds, and 1/10 of a second.
Its color black dial comes in green fluorescent markers, hands, and indexes. The strap of this watch is made of nylon which is far more comfortable than leather and rubber.
This one is designed for long hour usability.
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Edox Grand Ocean Men’s Watch
Edox Grand Ocean Men’s Watch Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
Powered by automatic chronometer movement, this is every watch lover’s dream. It has the solid and sturdy look which transcends to the reality of its quality.
Its analog dial features a date window at 3o’clock. Its hands, markers, and indexes are silver toned that gave it a very simple yet striking look. It comes in a stainless steel case and rubber strap.
This timepiece by Edox aims to suit the liking of buyers who are looking for a watch that is simple, functional, dressy and comfortable at the same time.
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Frederique Constant Men’s Watch
Frederique Constant Men’s Watch Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
This item is a best seller by Frederique Constant not only because of its undeniably beautiful and trendy look but also because this one is a hit in terms of precision and accuracy.
It is powered by Swiss automatic movement which is needless to mention very reliable. It comes with a date window at 3o’clock. Its hands, markers, and indexes are also luminous which also benefit the users relevantly.
Its case’s material is stainless steel while the band is leather. This one is also water resistant up to 165 feet thus can be used while swimming.
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Best Affordable Swiss Watches from $1,000 to $2,000
Top Swiss Watches Under $1,000 – $2,000 (In Detail)
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Men’s Watch
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Men’s Watch Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
TAG Heuer delivers some of the best watches in the market and this release is one of its top selling pieces.
It possesses all the qualities that avid watch buyers are looking for. In terms of performance, you will not get disappointed with this one in any way. Its price is very reasonable for its quality.
Its case and strap is made of stainless steel. It is shock and scratch resistant which will make it look anew even after years of ownership. It features tachymeter bezel and also has a date window and textured chronograph sub-dials.
This one can be used in any water activity like swimming and even scuba diving up to 200 meters. This is the ultimate watch for the outdoors.
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Maurice Lacroix Pontos Men’s Watch
Maurice Lacroix Pontos Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
Maurice Lacroix is well known for their deluxe dress watches.
This is the perfect timepiece for the indoors because it just doesn’t look grand but is also multi-functional. It has three sub-dials aside from its 12 hour main dial. It features chronograph 30 minute, 60 seconds, and 12 hour watch reserve measurement. It also has a date window at 3o’clock.
This one comes in a rectangular shaped stainless steel case and alligator leather band. It is also water resistant up to 50 meters.
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Oris Men’s Divers Watch
Oris Men’s Divers Watch Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
This Oris watch is every diver’s best friend. If you enjoy water activities, you must highly consider buying this 984 feet water resistant watch. Despite the fact that this is made for the divers, you can also rock this one every day. It has a trendy and hip look that will suit your casual to formal outfits. In terms of durability, this one is also trustworthy. Its case and strap is brushed with stainless steel and its hands and markers are luminescent. It also has a date display window at 6 o’clock.
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Meistersinger Perigraph Watch
Meistersinger Perigraph Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
If what you are looking for is a watch that is mannish and audacious, this is the perfect fit for you. Just by the looks of it, you will have the notion that this is a watch for keeps.
It has the style, precision, accuracy, and the durability. It has ETA 2824-2 caliber with 25 jewels. It is settled with 38 hours power reserve. This one features an anti-shock system using the latest technology in watch making called Incablock.
Purchasing this timepiece by Meistersinger is one of the decisions you will never regret in life.
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CT Scuderia Men’s Watch
CT Scuderia Men’s Watch Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
If you want to make an impression, this is exactly the watch for you. It has a very bold façade with very functional features. this wristwatch by CT Scuderia has a main 60 minute dial with two sub-dials displaying 12 hours and 60 seconds.
It is encased with rose gold plated case. Its markers are luminous which is convenient for its users. Its strap is in rubber material which is a plus for sporty men. Being manufactured for sporty types of men, this timepiece is on top when it comes to performance and accuracy.
It is also water resistant up to 33 feet.
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Longines Flagship Heritage Automatic Men’s Watch
Longines Flagship Heritage Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
This dress watch by Longines ideally represents nothing but grandeur.
Its case is made of scratch resistant stainless steel. Its markers are embossed which adds to its elegance. Its hands as well as markers are plated with gold. It also has a date display window at 6 o’clock.
The brown strap is made of leather which guarantees the quality. This can withstand water splashing and submersion up to 99 feet.
All in all, this Longines Flagship series watch is a great buy.
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Fortis Flieger Men’s Watch
Fortis Flieger Men’s Watch Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
If functionality is your main goal in buying a swiss watch, this is the one you should significantly consider.
It is precise, accurate, and an absolute performance-wise timekeeping device. Aside from its main dial, it got three sub-dials featuring 30 minute, 60 seconds, and 12 hour power reserve. It is also powered by the shock absorber technology Incablock.
This is the watch by Fortis that every outdoorsy type of men is searching for.
It is also water resistant up to 100 meters very suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
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Also read: Watch Buying Guide: The Best Watch Brands for Men
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