8 Swiss Timepieces, Chill Price Tags

To put “Swiss Made” on a watch, it has to meet some rules. For example, at least 60% of the manufacturing cost must come from Switzerland.

There’s a lot of debate over whether those two little words really matter anymore, but getting that label isn’t cheap—especially when you think of big brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Audemars Piguet.

But we’re not trying to break the bank here. Let’s keep things affordable—under $1,000 (or 1k for the Gen Z crowd).

Tissot PRX

The Tissot PRX has taken the watch world by storm. It was so popular at one point that it was selling for more than its retail price.

You can get it in 42mm, 40mm, 35mm, and even 25mm sizes—great for all wrist sizes. It also comes in different materials like stainless steel or carbon, and there’s even a version with diamonds on the dial.

With over 60 different variations, the PRX could take up this whole list by itself. You can also choose between an automatic or quartz movement.

Personally, I’d go with quartz—you can buy two for the price of one automatic. This is a great entry-level Swiss watch that still looks expensive. My wife even confused it with an AP Royal Oak once! The 40mm automatic version sells for $775 USD.

Hamilton Khaki Murph

The Hamilton Khaki line already has a big fan base, and the Murph model made it even more popular. It comes in just under 1k, with an MSRP of $995.

The case is 38mm wide and 11.1mm thick, which makes it super wearable and great for everyday use. The dial has a retro look, with big hour numbers and minute markers every 5 minutes.

What’s cool is that Hamilton actually listened to fans when designing this watch—it’s the kind of piece real collectors wanted. Right now, it’s even sold out on Hamilton’s website. Who knows—maybe you’ll be the one to inspire their next design.

Formex Field Automatic 

I’m a big fan of salmon-colored dials—they just make a watch look more expensive. The Formex Field is a 40mm watch made from Grade 2 titanium, which makes it super light and tough.

It even boasts a 900 Vickers hardness, which basically means it can take a beating. The watch also comes in Ice Blue and Balast Gray, but let’s be honest—salmon wins.

All Exquisite Brands Under 1 Roof!

60+ more brands

Shop Now

It has a quick-adjust clasp and a quick-change strap system—both features you usually find on watches that cost way more. With 150 meters of water resistance, this thing is ready for daily wear. It’s made to order and priced at $870 USD.

Mondaine STOP2GO 

If you’ve ever been to Switzerland and used their trains, you’ve probably seen those iconic clocks on the platforms. Well, now you can wear one on your wrist.

The Mondaine STOP2GO has a 41mm case and 30 meters of water resistance. There’s no crown—instead, you use a special pen to set the time. That alone makes it pretty unique.

Another cool detail: the lume is applied under the hour markers, creating a nice shadow effect when it lights up.

Longines Conquest 

When I first got into watches, YouTubers were all over the Longines Conquest, calling it the best value out there. I seriously thought about getting one, but I ended up choosing a TAG Heuer Formula 1 instead.

(Don’t judge—it’s a solid watch.) Still, the Conquest was a close second. It comes in 29mm, 34mm, 41mm, and 43mm sizes.

I loved the sunray blue dial. It also has a date function and 30 meters of water resistance. It’s the most affordable way to get into Longines, a well-known Swiss brand.

MIDO Multifort Patrimony

Let’s add a little vintage style to the list. The Mido Multifort Patrimony in Anthracite gives off Code 11.59 vibes from AP. That might be a stretch, but the design has that kind of elegance.

It’s a 40mm watch with a 12mm thickness, and the dial is the star here. It’s a deep gray-brown color with bold 3, 6, 9, and 12 numerals.

There’s a date function and a pulsimeter scale—handy for checking your pulse after staring at how good it looks. It also features an 80-hour power reserve and Mido’s vintage logo. It’s my personal favorite from this list. Retail price? $980 USD.

Zodiac Olympos

Most watches are round. The Zodiac Olympos says, “Let’s be different.” Its manta ray–shaped case almost looks like a spaceship on your wrist. It’s a 37mm watch with 50 meters of water resistance, and it only comes on a leather strap.

There’s a version with a green dial and orange seconds hand that really stands out. The dial is split into four parts, giving it a bold, unusual look. It’s hard to explain—but once you see it, you’ll get it. You can check it out at Exquisite Timepieces. MSRP is $995 USD.

Moonswatch

When the MoonSwatch first dropped, it was a huge deal. You had to buy them in person, and people waited in long lines just to get one.

Explore the

Biggest Pre-Owned Collection of Luxury Watches

Shop Now

Under $2,500

$2,500-$5,000

$5,000-$10,000

New Arrivals

Shop By Brand

Shop All

Shop Now

The hype cooled down for a bit, but every time Swatch releases a new version, the buzz comes right back. I got one about a year after launch.

The only one available was Jupiter, and honestly—it’s really nice. The design is based on the Omega Speedmaster, with a 42mm case, 30 meters of water resistance, and a velcro strap.

It’s fine, but I’d recommend swapping it for a NATO strap. If I had to pick one model, it would be the 1965 edition—white dial, gray strap, black text. The MoonSwatch costs just $270 USD, and only four versions are available to buy online.

Conclusion

Finding a great Swiss-made watch under $1,000 isn’t always easy. When I was putting this list together, I found a lot of options that were either just over 1k or twice the price. But here’s the thing—you don’t need to spend a ton to wear something you love.

My favorite on this list is the Mido, but I still wear my MoonSwatch all the time. At the end of the day, it’s all about what you like. You’re the one wearing it, and you’re the one who gets to smile every time you check your wrist.