In the world of horology, luxury often comes with a hefty price tag. However, that doesn't mean you have to break the bank if you're looking to own a reliable, stylish, mechanical watch.
Here are five watches under $1,000 that do not compromise on the cool factor, and to earn you some street cred, the watches we're recommending here are fitted with either an automatic or manual movement.
1. Baltic Aquascaphe Classic SB01
Let's dive right in with our first watch under $1,000: the Baltic Aquascaphe Classic SB01. The Aquascaphe has all of that vintage dive watch vibe you crave, featuring a 316L stainless steel 39mm case fitted with a unidirectional bezel. It can take a beating with a screw-down crown and 200m water resistance. Paired with a comfy blue tropic strap and reliability of a modern Miyota movement, it's the perfect GADA watch.
2. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm Nato
The Khaki Field Mechanical is a faithful recreation of its original 1960s forebear and is true to Hamilton’s military heritage. With its military-inspired rugged stainless steel case and hand-wound mechanical movement, it's like wearing a piece of history on your wrist. Sporting a 38mm matte stainless steel and manual movement with 80 hours power reserve, this field watch is ready for adventure.
Admittedly due to a recent price increase, this watch is now slightly above our $1,000 budget but we reckon it's still worth mentioning.
3. Furlan Marri Mechaquartz Castagna Ref. 1009-A
Next up is a beautifully-crafted Furlan Marri chronograph with carefully engraved pushers, 38mm stainless steel case with elegantly brushed and polished finishes, with a Seiko VK64 mechaquartz movement as its beating heart. To complete the look, this stunning Castagna is paired with vegetable-tanned Italian brown leather with brown stitchings. At $1,000, you're getting serious value for money with this Furlan Marri Mechaquartz Castanga.
4. Baltic HMS 003 Salmon - Stitched Saffiano Black
Salmon dials are such a statement piece, and this Baltic HMS 003 takes it up a notch with its 36.5mm stepped case with multiple finishes. The stunning dial features a railway track surrounding a brushed sector with polished appliques that gives the watch so much character. The HMS is powered by a Miyota 8315 automatic movement with 60 hours power reserve and is water resistant up to 50m.
5. Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80
The last watch to make our list of mechanical watches under $1,000 is the Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80. Named after Tissot's home town in Switzerland and introduced in celebration of Tissot's 150th anniversary, the Tissot Le Locle is full of heritage. A beautiful piece with roman numerals, polished 39.5mm case, and leather strap; it's hard to believe this watch costs less than $1,000.
If you're looking for a mechanical watch under $1,000, any of these watches will serve you well. They're all available from our online store with free shipping within Australia. You'll also be able to try them on in our Studio on Collins St. apart from the Tissot, which is online-exclusive.
