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Looking for a watch under $5,000? My five top picks in 2024

Choosing a price cutoff point for your watch is important, as the sky is the limit, but we’ve found that watches under $5,000 are a sweet spot for your first luxury watch. If you’re in the median income bracket or above, this represents about a month’s or less than a month’s salary. With proper care and maintenance, a watch can last a lifetime, and make for a nice heirloom.

So, as you look these watches and consider this price band, keep the scale and context in mind as well as consider your own priorities. There’s nothing wrong with going with a popular watch instead, if you just want to live for the moment. If you’re ready to dive into watches under $5,000 keep reading. Otherwise, our watch primer dives into the matter of budgeting for a watch headfirst.

Tudor Black Bay GMT

A man wearing a Tudor Black Bay GMT with his hand in his pants.
Tudor

Tudor’s Black Bay GMT line features a series of men’s watches that all sit below the $5,000 line. Their most notable features are the numerals surrounding the dial going to 24, a split-color design around the ring, and an hour hand that takes “cathedral hands” to their logical extreme. The Black Bay GMT’s have straps that range from fabric to steel and nearly all feature a line that splits the watch down the center. And that, of course, is the overall theme of the watch — splits and doubles — that we see in so many parts of the watch. Tap the button below to find the watch that will highlight both halves of your personality.

Cartier Tank Solo XL

An image showing the face and band of the Cartier Tank Solo XL.
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With a silver dial and stretched boxy colors, this Cartier oozes style. Harsh black on pure white create a dazzling, almost dizzying effect that is only accentuated by small notes of blue in the hands and crown. The watch gives off a feeling of warpedness and gravitational attraction, pulling eyes to you. For example, we particularly love how the traditional “IIII” style four looks opposite the “VIII” eight, giving the impression of shadows running behind invisible columns, cast by a brilliant glowing center. Whether you’re a belated white rabbit or just want a subtle source of attention, the Cartier Tank Solo XL is worthy of a first (and second) look.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M

The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M's face and steel chain on clear display.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re the type to hit the best diving spots and get so excited about the journey that the watch stays on, you really need to check out this Omega Seamaster. It’s one of Omega’s best watches, it’s rated to weather up to 300 meters (1,000 feet) under the water, and has a Helium escape valve. This Helium escape valve is a unique mechanism that lets Helium out of the watch when the watch is exposed to high-pressure situations, such as when you’re doing underwater work on the long-term. Oh, and expect to be able to actually use the watch under the water as well, it sports a scratch-resistant sapphire covering that keeps the interior clearly visible.

Grand Seiko SBGA285

The Grand Seiko SBGA285's front, showing the dark black dial.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Grand Seiko SGBA285 is a small watch, which focuses on subtlety over power. It has a sub 40mm case and no crown guards (the things beside the exterior knob, or crown, that protect it) so that the watch can avoid the bulky shape you often find on men’s watches. Furthermore, while the dial is quite delightful to look at, it is rather reserved, with a deep black base coloring that keeps the eyes focused on the practical elements. Note that this is a Grand Seiko not Seiko watch, meaning it uses more premium components and a better timekeeping mechanism. Another thing to note about this watch is that you might find its price displayed in “SGD” or Singaporean Dollars, so the price may initially appear over $5,000, but this is solidly one of the best watches under $5,000.

IWC Schaffhausen Pilot’s Spitfire Watch

IWC Schaffhausen Pilot's Spitfire Watch
IWC

One of the best watches for men, this IWC Pilot is a plain-faced watch with an understated green cloth band. Featuring bold, thick Arabic numerals over a solidly black background, this watch is highly readable. Much of the watch’s glory comes from solid design, lightly textured stainless steel case, and glowing hands and primary dial graduation lines. And that’s not even to begin with it’s history; the watch was originally designed for the British Royal Airforce.

John Alexander

John Alexander is a former ESL teacher, current writer and internet addict, and lacks the wisdom to know what the future holds. His writing has appeared in PopSci, HeadPhonesty, WIRED, and Digital Trends. When not working, he can be found playing board games, drinking too much tea, taking long walks, and attempting to read foreign language books.

This Diesel Double Down watch is only $70 — $55 off
Diesel Watch Double Down early Prime Day deal on wrist

Are you looking to increase your watch collection? This super sleek, all-black wristwatch, the Diesel Double Down, is on sale for early Prime Day. It features signature details like oversized numbers, a larger time panel, and a 52mm diameter, which, as you might know, is slightly larger than comparable watches. All in, Amazon is asking for $70 for it, which is $55 off the regular price of $125. That's a great deal for any watch, let alone one that looks this good. Hey, what time is it? Time for you to get a watch.

 
Here's why you should shop the Diesel watch early Prime Day deal now
As you probably noticed, there are a ton of early deals to shop now ahead of the official Prime Day event, which runs from July 16 through July 17. Most people might consider waiting until then to make any purchases, but these early deals are often available only for a limited time. Even if other discounts are available later, there is no guarantee they'll be this good. If you see something you like, we recommend shopping early. But in the end, it's all up to you.

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This Citizen Eco-Drive watch is an invitation-only Prime Deal: $255 off
Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Brycen Chronograph Watch invite-only prime deal product image

As you likely know, Prime Day will officially run from July 16 to July 17, with some incredible deals available for Prime-only members. That's exactly what's happening with this next deal, which has us chomping at the bit. The Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Brycen Chronograph Watch -- try saying that three times fast -- is sleek, attractive, and will be available for a crazy good price on July 16 and July 17. Instead of $425, it will be only $170, saving you a whopping $255. You're probably wondering why we're sharing it early. Well, that's because it's an invitation-only Prime deal. What does that mean? You have to request an invite on the store page, and on the appropriate dates, you'll receive an email with an option to buy. If you like what you see, request that invite because not everyone will get one.

 
How does the "invite-only" Prime deal process work?
The deal in question will be available for a limited time, though we won't know how long until Amazon starts sending out the exclusive invites. You must be an active Prime Member to take advantage of this offer, so keep that in mind. We have the deal info, so we know how much the Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Brycen Chronograph watch will cost — it's $255 off down to $170 instead of the regular $425.

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Graduation watch sale: Up to 45% off Omega, Cartier, Tudor, and more
A man wearing a Tudor Black Bay GMT watch.

It's graduation time. You've put in the hard work for years, and you're finally about to see your academic career come to fruition. You deserve to celebrate, and what better way than to treat yourself with a brand-new watch? Wristwatches tell time, but they're also a traditional status symbol saying, "Hey, Mom, I made it!" Sure, today, there's no functional need for a watch unless you're an underwater diver. But that's not why we wear them. We wear them because they look incredible and show off your style and individuality.

Just in time for your graduation, Jomashop is having a massive sale on watches from Omega, Breitling, Rolex, Tudor, Cartier, and many other notable brands. Typically, we wouldn't bat an eyelash at something like this, but it's your chance to save up to 45% off. For example, Omega's Seamaster Railmaster Automatic Men's Watch is usually $5,700. Wow, right? During this sale, it's 47% off after the sale price and an on-page coupon. Many of the best deals are available in a limited quantity, so you don't want to wait around if you're interested.

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