The Eternal Question: How Much Is a Good Watch?

Just how much does a good watch cost? Let’s break down this large, vague umbrella of a question to give you some practical guidance.

So, you’re ready to buy a watch. And, naturally, you want a nice, quality one. The first thing you might ask yourself is how much is a good watch, actually? 

I think that it’s safe to say price is the most important thing to consider. It sounds dramatic. But really think about it. It’s the main constraint to work around. Fortunately, when it comes to truly good watches, the price range is pretty wide.

It’s just a matter of what you’re looking for. Everyone has different priorities, after all. Let’s dig into all of this, starting with asking: What makes a good watch?

What Makes a Good Watch? From All Perspectives

This is an easy answer, but what makes a watch “good” all depends on what you’re looking for. You’ll likely want a solidly built, stylish timepiece and a good timekeeper — or all of the above. 

To figure out what a good watch is for your specific priorities, first, ask yourself why you want a watch in the first place. 

Perhaps…

• You need a reliable timekeeper to keep you from doom scrolling your phone
• You want a good-looking watch that matches your everyday style
• You need a formal watch
• You’re looking for a beater that you can wear during high-impact, outdoor, or general sporty activities.
• You want an investment piece
• You’re horologically curious and enjoy the mechanics and technology
• You love the stories and lore that come with certain models and brands
• You’re looking to impress people (no judgment)
• You’ve worn cheap watches all along, and now you’re looking to buy your first “real watch”.

All of these reasons, of course, come with a different set of qualifications to look for.

If all you want is an accurate timepiece to wear so you don’t have to look at your phone, you don’t need a fancy automatic. In fact, a low-cost quartz would be a lot more reliable than even an upper-tier mechanical.

If you’re horologically curious, maybe you want all sorts of complications to entertain you.

Figure out what’s important to you. These priorities are what will decide what is or isn’t a good deal when it comes to watch price.

How Much Does a Good Watch Cost?

Based on popular opinion, a watch beyond the entry-level world can cost anywhere from $700 to several thousand. You can find some high-value options for as low as a grand. 

People tend to prefer automatics over quartz, but not always. Swiss-made pieces are on the top of the list, but not always. However, a solid construction is a must for most.

Let’s talk about how much a good watch costs within specific needs.

You Need a Simple, Honest Timekeeper

At its cheapest, you can find a non-fashion watch that tells reliable time for a good $100. Casio is a great brand to turn to for this. In fact, when people are looking for cheap timekeepers, I often recommend electronics brands that make watches.

Two others include Braun and Citizen, which is more of a watch company that also specializes in electronics.

If you only care about time, then quartz movements are generally more accurate than mechanicals. As mentioned, we don’t use watches to tell time anymore, but some of us want to avoid screens when we can.

Going back to Citizen, they have an excellent Eco-Drive movement that’s powered by light and reduces the need for battery changes. Even more, this technology is available in their sub-200 models, all the way up to limited editions in the thousands.

Military and gear-oriented brands are great options for hard-wearing watches. Think Victorinox, G-Shock, or even CWC, which can go up to $800.

For the record, you don’t have to forgo style if all you want is a good timekeeper. Casio does retro-cool aesthetics. Casio G-Shock offers brawny matte designs. Citizen has a range of straightforward and classic pieces. Victorinox is military sleek.

You Want Style and Details (Looks and Function)

It is tough to give even a general price range since different details matter to different people. But, at its cheapest, you can probably find decent, stylish, and well-applied watches from about $500 to a grand, more or less.

Of course, if you have an unlimited budget, the Pateks and Rolexes of the world don’t skimp on details.

Here are some details to consider:

• See if the applications are unique, well-detailed, cleanly applied
• The brushing and polishing throughout the body
• Are there brand-specific features that make it unique
• Do you like a matte or glossy dial
• What is the movement if there’s an exhibition case back, and to what extent is the movement decorated

Regarding that last point, style and details can be functional too. How a movement looks or how much you can engage with it might matter to you.

Seiko is an excellent brand for entry-level mechanicals. They can be as low-priced as $200, in fact. They aren’t the most decorated or detailed movements, but they’re excellent for the price.

I also highly recommend manual wind watches if you don’t care that much about actual timekeeping. The Timex Marlin is a great example, as it can easily be found in the $100 range.

If you’re using your watch actually to tell time, manual winds can be inconvenient. Otherwise, they’re a good way to engage with and get to know your watch.

And, of course, complications definitely add to a watch’s price. The more complex, say, a perpetual calendar for example, the more expensive it will be.

Clout Is Important to You

If you’re looking to impress others, I won’t judge. This is partly because perhaps some of the things that impress others also impress you. Find a healthy overlap between the two so you aren’t compromising your priorities for the sake of others.

That being the case, though, a good watch in this category can cost anywhere from $500 and go way up to the stratosphere from there.

Here are some qualities that many find impressive:

• Swiss -made
• Brand History
• Pop culture cache (which is partly why the Submariner is such a mainstay)
• Historical importance (like the space-faring Speedmaster)
• Innovative features and complications

If you’re on a budget, you can always go for alternatives to iconic models that are also historically important. Swatch has its own MoonSwatch, while the Bulova Lunar Pilot also went to the moon.

Sure, these alternatives aren’t always immediately recognizable as icons. But think of them as conversation pieces.
Meanwhile, highly-respected vintage watches can be found on secondary markets at a range of prices.

And when you’re done here, make sure to check out our round-up of affordable luxury watches.

Clout doesn’t always have to mean dropping a small fortune. Just do your homework.

Conclusion: It’s All About Your Preferences

Decide your budget, then make a list of your preferred watch features. Put them in order of most preferred to least.

From there, you’ll be able to find a “good” watch within reason.

At the end of the day, if you love the way a watch looks and works and you can afford it, then it’s totally worth it.

What makes a good watch in your mind? And in your opinion, how much is too much (or too little) to spend on a watch? Let us know in the comments!