Best Luxury Watches Under 10000 € [List & Guide]
The watch market is full of options. There are endless watches you can choose from in all types of price ranges, so how can you possibly decide which you should get?
There are dress watches, sports watches, dive watches, and so on… If you’re looking to buy a luxury watch under 10,000, you’re in the right place.
With that type of budget for a watch, there’s a small problem, and that is that you can afford a large number of different watches, so narrowing down the spectrum can be hard.
Therefore, to help you in your hunt for luxury watches under 10000, we’ll share some of the most iconic, highest-quality, most popular, and most reliable watches in this price range. These are watches that really cannot go wrong and which are great watches and pieces of craftsmanship. This article has also been updated to include more affordable timepieces since the spectrum of 10000 is so large. Maybe you are looking for a watch in the lower spectrum of 10000, and if so, we also have some great watches for you.
Now, do note that there are so many great watches under 10000, so it is impossible to list all of them, however, we’ll list the most iconic and well-known watches that, dare we say it, you should have owned at least a few of. At the same time, “the best” can always be debated, but these are just some of the most popular
What is a luxury watch?
Before we begin, what is a luxury watch? This term is obviously rather wide and loose. What defines a luxury watch? Wordnet defines the word with the following “something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity”.
In a sense, you could see that definition as everything that is above a functional watch. For example, why buy a 100-dollar watch when you can get a watch that also tells the time for 20 USD? But every watch enthusiast knows that when it comes to wristwatches, it is not the price itself that matters, but rather the quality, finish, quality, craftsmanship, and sense of occasion of wearing a (high-quality) watch. And this comes at a price when we talk about watches.
With that said, you could say that a watch for a few hundred dollars is also a luxury watch in a sense.
Rolex Submariner
Is there a more iconic sport and diver watch than the Rolex Submariner?
Probably not.
The Submariner is available in a number of different colors and metal variations, and as of now, with a budget of 10000, you can afford a few variants when buying them pre-owned. The Rolex Submariner in steel is available both with or without a date function, but at retail price, they both meet your budget.
The Rolex Submariner is a watch that all watch enthusiasts need to have in their collection. It has proven the test of time, it has a reliable movement that keeps on ticking year after year, and it has carved the way for what people think of when they think of a diver’s watch.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra
In the Omega Seamaster range, you’ll find countless watches, and the majority of these will meet the criteria since most of them have a price tag of less than 10000.
The Omega Seamaster, in particular, is a watch that offers great bang for your buck, and it is also a great alternative because it is available in a number of different iterations and with different dials which means you can be sure to find one that you’ll like.
With a case diameter of 38mm, its size makes it quite a universal watch that can be worn by many people.
The watch is simplistic yet elegant, with a sporty appeal, which makes it a watch that works just as well with a suit as with more casual clothing. If you’re looking to have just one watch, this is a great candidate.
The date window at 6 o’clock also makes it handier for everyday use.
The watch is powered by the Omega Master Chronometer caliber 8800 which is a reliable piece of craftsmanship, which you can also admire through the watch’s see-through case back.
IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Automatic
The IWC Portugieser is a very iconic dress watch.
It is also a luxury watch under 10000 unless you want to opt for gold of course – but in this case, you can always get a pre-owned Portugieser in gold for your budget.
The Portugieser was developed in the late 1930s which means that it is a watch that has truly proven the test of time. Being made by IWC, the watch has a reliable and great movement. It is powered by the 79350 Calibre which is an Automatic, self-winding movement with a 44 hours Power Reserve, beating at a frequency of 28800.0 vph (4.0 Hz). The Portugieser is more of a dress watch in its design, and so this watch is if you don’t really want a robust sports watch, but instead something slimmer and neater that looks more elegant. The Portugieser is also available with a number of dial/case/strap combinations, so you can be sure to find one you like.
The IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser is truly a classic that will never go out of style.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
The most iconic watch from the manufacturer Jaeger LeCoultre is the Reverso. Now, there is a whole array of Reverso watches, many of which meet the criteria of having a price tag of 10000 – especially if you’re planning to buy them on the secondhand market, so deciding on the one you like can be a bit tricky.
Best of all is that the Reverso is available in different sizes which means anyone can wear them.
What’s most interesting about the Reverso is, of course, the fact that you can flip the case of the watch, and if you have a duo face version, change the dial of the watch. The story behind the Reverso is equally interesting since the watch was developed for polo players who didn’t want to break their watch glass whilst playing, and so JLC developed a watch which allowed the wearer to rotate the watch and ”hide” the glass”.
Today, the Reverso is an iconic watch that you cannot go wrong wearing. It’s a watch that doesn’t stand out very much, but at the same time, a watch that is appreciated by watch enthusiasts for its great movement and for the iconic role it has played. Now, there’s no denying that the watch is more of a dress watch, so if you’re looking for a luxury watch under 10000 that is more suitable for a suit and dressed-up occasion, the Reverso is a great choice.
Omega Speedmaster
Now, we could list the most iconic Speedmaster – the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch .005, but since its price is so far from the initial budget of 10000, we’ll say that the Speedmaster range overall is a model range that you cannot go wrong with.
Today, the Speedmaster range consists of an array of watches with different complications, designs, sizes, and so on, but the vast majority of these watches are actually within the budget of 10000 which means you have a lot to choose from.
The Speedmaster is a chronograph timepiece that is a sport watch, but, depending on which you choose, can be a universal watch similar to the Submariner. The Speedmaster movements used are high-quality and reliable. They’ve been developed for many decades, if not centuries, and so they offer a great piece of craftsmanship that can last a lifetime.
IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch
Another luxury watch under 10000 from IWC is the Big Pilot. The Big Pilot is also an iconic and popular watch, and was, as the name suggests, developed for pilots. As such, if you’re appealed by the looks of pilot watches, this may be a watch for you.
It is especially relevant to buy a pilot’s watch from IWC since the brand has a long and rich tradition of developing pilot’s watches, Fliegeruhren. The Big Pilot is also available with a number of different designs and dial layouts, so you really have a lot to choose from within your budget.
The movement in the watch is reliable and durable.
But have in mind though, that the Big Pilot is a hefty watch – for the obvious reason to offer maximum legibility for pilots – so it may not be the most ideal watch if you have small wrists. Either way, it is a true iconic classic that you can’t go wrong with.
Breitling Navitimer
The Breitling Navitimer is yet another pilot watch that has been manufactured for many decades.
The Breitling Navitimer is available in countless design variations, sizes, and iterations, so finding the perfect Navitimer can be a challenge. However, most of these watches are within the budget of 10000, at least if you buy them on the secondhand market.
In Breitling’s own words: ”For more than 65 years, the Breitling Navitimer has been one of the world’s most beloved mechanical chronographs. The Navitimer 1 family introduces a watchmaking legend to a whole new generation.”
If you’re a watch collector, you need to have owned a Breathing Navitimer at least once because of the iconic and important role it has played in pilot watch history and development.
Rolex GMT-Master II
The prices of Rolex GMT-Master watches are heading north, including the retail prices, so while it is very much possible to buy a GMT-Master II for under 10000, who knows how long that will be the case?
Right now, however, you can get a Rolex GMT-Master II for less than 10000 so let’s enjoy it while it lasts. Most of the GMT-Mater II models already cost more than 10.000. In order to find a GMT under 10.000, you need to look for older and more well-known watches. The GMT-Master II is available with a few bezel variations, so you have a few options here to find one that you like.
The Rolex GMT-Master has a long and rich history, and this adds to the appeal of the watch. The first GMT watch was the Rolex 6542, and this watch was developed upon the request of Pan American Airways which needed a way to keep track of multiple time zones simultaneously when starting to fly longer flights across time zones.
And with prices increasing, buying a Rolex GMT-Master II will most likely be a great investment as well.
Zenith El Primero
”It was in 1962 that the basics of the El Primero movement first took shape on the drawing board. The idea was simple: to create an iconic watch that would be launched in time for the centenary of the Manufacture in 1965. The idea was simple, but the technical specifications were not. It was to be the first automatic chronograph ever.”
The Zenith El Primero range covers many watches, but it is, in particular, the El Primero movement that makes these watches so special.
”Over 40 years on, El Primero is still the most precise series-made chronograph, the only one capable of measuring short times to the nearest tenth of a second. It is also one of the most titled, having been honored by numerous distinctions.”
Because of the important role, the El Primero has played in watchmaking innovation, the El Primero is extremely well respected and still considered among the best chronograph movements in the world.
The Zenith El Primer is the watch for the connoisseur who really enjoys fine craftsmanship.
Rolex Explorer
Rolex makes both the Explorer and the Explorer II.
Both of these watches are considered highly underrated sports watches from Rolex, that don’t really get the recognition they deserve. The Explorer watches offer great bang for your buck.
They’re timeless, they’re sporty, yet still, they’re universal and can be worn on most occasions. They also have great and reliable movements that can take a beating and manage harsh climates. If you want a Rolex, but want something a bit more discreet, the Explorer is slimmed and toned down. If you want something more discreet yet more sporty, the Explorer II is the one to opt for. It also features a GMT function which allows you to keep track of two time zones simultaneously.
Affordable watch options under 10000
The span of watches under 10000 is rather big and fits everything from watches in the price range of thousands, but also watches that are more affordable, around the hundreds.
It’s worth having in mind that affordable doesn’t necessarily have to mean bad. Naturally, the finish will be a bit lower and the craftsmanship and attention to detail will be lower, but they can still be great and qualitative watches.
Therefore, if you are looking for some affordable options, let’s have a look at some of the best affordable options below:
Orient Men’s ‘2nd Gen. Bambino Ver. 2’ Automatic Dress Watch
The Orient Bambino generation 2 version 2 is a highly popular affordable dress watch. It is simple, clean, and refined.
The watch has an elegant domed mineral crystal and dial and is presented with a 40.5mm. It is powered by the mechanical automatic F6722 movement which is sturdy, robust, and long-lasting.
This is a great alternative if you want a minimalistic and elegant dress watch at an affordable price.
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Watch H69439931
The Hamilton Khaki Field H69439931 is a watch that is inspired by classic military watches. It has a nice field watch and military inspiration from vintage Hamilton watches with its classic case design, matte black dial, and white painted markers. The case measures 38mm and is made of stainless steel. For legibility, it has silver-tone luminescent hands and Arabic hour markers. It is also equipped with military time and mechanical movement.
On top of the case is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The watch is water resistant to 50 meters.
If you want a casual and sporty watch with a vintage military-inspired design, this is definitely a great alternative.
Seiko Automatic SARB017
The Seiko SARB017 is one of the most popular watches from Seiko. It is presented with a striking green sunburst dial with beautiful gold accents. It has a stainless steel case with a scratch-resistant case. The watch also has an inner rotating compass ring, a date calendar, and LumiBrite hands and markers.
It is powered by an automatic movement that operates at a frequency of 21600 BPH and has a power reserve of 50 hours. It has a water resistance of 200M.
This watch is elegant and classy with a classic design. It works great on formal occasions as well as for everyday wear. And thanks to its unique choice of colors, it also stands out from the crowd.
Seiko SNN241 Chronograph
This is a simple and classic chronograph timepiece that is affordable yet durable.
It features a 42.6mm stainless steel case, contrasted by a brown dial with large markers for optimum legibility. It is powered by a Japanese quartz movement.
The water resistance is 100 m (330 ft). It’s easy to see why this watch is so immensely popular because, at this price point, there are few chronographs that can compete.
Tissot Powermatic 80 Silicum Automatic T1274071104100
Tissot is a Swiss watch brand that is known for making high-quality timepieces at affordable prices.
This watch is one of Tissot’s latest creations, and apart from its elegant and classy design, what makes it stand out is its Powermatic 80 movement which uses ”Silicum” which improves its performance and resistance against magnetism.
The watch has an elegant design which makes it very versatile, both for everyday wear as well as formal occasions. It has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 40mm and a thickness of 11.5mm.
The watch is presented with a striking blue sunburst dial which looks beautiful and shifts in appearance depending on how the light its it. It has a sapphire crystal on top. It is water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 m/330 Feet).
Tissot PRS 516 Quartz Chronograph T100.417.11.031.00
The Tissot PRS 516 is a highly popular chronograph from Tissot. It has a sporty, racing-inspired design and features a 42mm case with a water resistance of 100 meters. It has a beautiful silver dial with luminous silver-tone hands. With its sporty nature, it is suitable for everyday wear and if you prefer a more sporty timepiece. On top, it uses a sapphire crystal.
Seiko 5 SNK805 Automatic
This is undoubtedly one of Seiko’s most popular timepieces. This also has to do with its very affordable price.
At around 100 USD, you get an automatic military watch that punches well above its own weight in terms of quality and performance.
The watch features a 37mm stainless steel case, a Hardlex crystal, and a long-lasting automatic movement.
The watch has a military-inspired design with a military green dial and military time printed on the dial. For a casual everyday watch, there are few watches that can offer as great value for money as this one.
Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Field Watch BM8180-03E
Citizen’s field Eco-Drive watch is a solar-powered quartz watch, meaning that you do not have to replace the battery since it is charged by ambient and solar light.
It has a sporty, military-inspired design with a stainless steel case, a matte black dial, and a military green canvas strap. It is water resistant to 100m. The watch is suitable if you want an affordable beater watch that is tough and can handle shocks and bangs.
Hamilton H64455533 Khaki King Automatic
Last but not least, we have the popular Khaki King H64455533. This is a military, vintage-inspired watch with a stainless steel 40mm case with anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
It is powered by automatic movement which has proven to be a durable workhorse. The watch is water resistant to 50 m (165 ft).
If you want a high-quality automatic watch with a military-inspired design at an affordable price, it is a great option.
How about the S.U.F Helsinki “Vetehinen” dive watch from Finnish watchmaker Stepan Sarpaneva?
That is indeed a great watch with a unique design!
Kind regards,
Millenary Watches