The 10 Best Triathlon Watches in 2025

Multi-sport athletes are in a class of their own. As such, without smartwatches with functions that are dedicated to tracking full triathlons, it’s almost impossible to train and track your progress properly. 

Unfortunately, it can easily get overwhelming trying to sift through the hundreds of smartwatch options out there to look for ones with the right suite of features to support you in your training and come at reasonable prices for the options they supply. 

This list is for you! This is both a springboard to get you started in your search for a training companion and a comprehensive list that you could easily select your next watch from. So without further ado, let’s get right into making your life a little easier!

A Brief Guide to Triathlon Watches

As a dedicated athlete, choosing the right smartwatch for you can mean the difference between unlocking the next stage of your physical ability and ending up with a little contraption on your wrist that is more of a burden than a help. It’s important to know what you’re looking for and what will help you most as a competitor!

The most important option for any triathlon athlete is, of course, a multisport tracker built into your watch. Ideally, this should just be activated once, at the start of each training or competition, and then should automatically detect whenever you switch from one leg of the race to the next.

This will let you “set it and forget it” when you’re training or competing, keeping your watch present but hassle-free so that you get all the helpful analytics at the end and none of the fuss during the race. This is a must-have for any triathlon athlete!

Other key features that you should keep an eye out for aren’t quite as obvious (I promise). You’ll want to make sure the screen is bright enough, ideally an AMOLED, to be viewed while underwater if need be.

Along the same lines, the buttons should be leakproof and, as such, safe to use underwater. If you’re an ultratriathlon runner, you’ll need a long battery life, especially when using GPS to track your progress on the course.

The 10 Best Triathlon Watches

Whether you’re an ultra runner or not, whether you’re worried about having a full suite of customized training features or are ready with your own training plans, there’s something on this list for you! 

I’ve curated a comprehensive list of the 10 best triathlon watches across all these considerations, which can either lead you to find your next dream watch or serve as a great springboard into your own research to find something that speaks to you even more. Let’s get right into it!

Garmin Enduro 3 – $800

The Enduro 3 is far from a cheap watch, but it’s also one of the best there is on the market at what it does. If you’re an ultra-triathlon or Ironman runner, this is without a doubt one of the first watches that you should be considering for training and for tracking your races.

In terms of training, you’ve got access to one of the best feature suites on the market today through Garmin, such as Garmin Coach and many built-in sports apps. 

Energy monitoring, sleep coach, pulse oxygen, and heart rate are just a few more of the features that will really round out a comprehensive picture of your training and performance status.

Plus, perhaps most importantly for long-term racers, you get solar charging and up to 320 hours of battery life even with continuous GPS usage, or almost 3 months without GPS. 

This watch will be a little difficult to wear at a 51mm diameter, but if you have the wrist for it, it will be a faithful and diligent companion through whatever endurance races you face.

Suunto Race S – $350

The Race S is a great option for shorter-distance runners who are looking for a more affordable tracker. It’s mostly limited to its battery life, which is 30 hours in performance mode with optimal GPS precision and 120 hours in tour mode, with active GPS but slightly lower accuracy. 

With just normal daily use and the heart rate on, you get 9 days straight of use, so it’ll be a consistent help if you’re not wandering off the beaten path. Suunto also offers a great selection of training features, with AI workout supervision and feedback on training and recovery. 

The S in the name simply refers to the smaller model, which is relatively wearable while maintaining a prominent screen size at 45mm. It’s a great affordable option that will definitely keep you at the top of your game for shorter-term races.

Garmin Forerunner 970 – $750

We’re back into the realm of more expensive top-of-the-line triathlon watches with this one, but every dollar here will be well spent. Like the name suggests, this watch is mostly targeted towards runners, but its massive suite of endurance features integrates perfectly with the triathlon suite too. 

It automatically switches between each mode as you go through the race, making for easy hands-off tracking during the event. Like the Race S, ultratriathlon runners will be a little limited by the battery life of this watch, which is 26 hours in continuous GPS usage. 

That said, its dozens of training features and analytics geared towards long-term activity will be a tremendous support for any runner. There are far too many of them to list here, so if this watch interests you, I’d take a look at the Garmin website for more information.

COROS PACE Pro – $350

From start to finish, COROS made their PACE Pro for multi-sport athletes, and it shows. With GPS active, you’ve got a considerable 31 hours of battery life, and that extends to 20 days in everyday use.

The training features aren’t quite as good as some of the others, as they’re mostly focused on building your own workouts or using a library of pre-made plans. 

For professionals, this can be a major boon, but amateurs may struggle to develop a training program that leads to serious personal growth.

That said, the multiple features for pacing and training status monitoring, such as overall wellness and sleep quality, make for a great daily companion for the dedicated athlete.

Garmin Fenix 8 43mm – $900

When Garmin finally brought a brilliantly-lit AMOLED display to their Fenix series in the new 8 model, it immediately made for one of the greatest fitness smartwatches on the market today.

For example, while other watches can struggle with the swimming leg of a triathlon, the Fenix 8 was carefully built to be dive-rated thanks to its sealed buttons, which means you can even work it underwater. 

The bright AMOLED screen, as well, will ensure you can see the watch while swimming. Automatic transitions between each sport in the triathlon mean that all you have to do is remember to start the race on your watch, and the Fenix 8 will run with you the whole way. 

Once again, ultratriathlon runners may struggle with the battery life at 28 hours if the GPS is needed, but if that’s enough, the preloaded topographical maps will be a tremendously useful companion for your journeys. 

Outside of just training, I’m also impressed by the watch’s recreational features, such as full dive capabilities (rated to 40m), golf tracking, ski resort maps, and boating info with tidal indication.

If you’re the type of athlete who loves to both train hard and take your rest time outside, staying active, the Fenix 8 is a great option for your wrist.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 – $799

There’s a reason that the Ultra 2 has found its way onto almost every list I do about smartwatches, no matter the specific criteria. It’s a watch that does almost everything exceptionally well, including triathlon training and performance. 

However, you will struggle with the battery life for this one, as it’s only 36 hours in smartwatch mode and a weaker 17 hours of continuous GPS use. As such, the watch named Ultra actually makes for a poor companion for ultra athletes. 

That said, its automatic detection of switching between each leg of the race is a really useful feature for shorter-race athletes, as is the bright screen and rapid processing power. More than the triathlon features, the Ultra 2 is also a great do-it-all watch. 

It integrates perfectly with an iPhone and includes features for pretty much everything under the sun (as you’ll see in any number of my other smartwatch articles).

If you like to dabble in a bit of everything and are also looking for a smartwatch that does more than just fitness, the Ultra 2 is probably your best option.

COROS VERTIX 2S – $700

You know how I’ve been saying for most of these past watches, “be careful of this one if you’re an ultratriathlon runner”? Well, at long last, we have another true competitor for the Enduro 3, as the VERTIX 2S clocks in with a lovely 36 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and a whopping 118 hours of continuous GPS use. 

If you’re out running or swimming in the middle of nowhere, you’ve got global offline maps to use with that GPS to ensure that you never get lost. It’s a watch built above all for adventure and traveling off the beaten path, thanks to its lightweight durable case and easy-access buttons. 

Training features are some of the best available for intense endurance activity, as options like nutrition alerts and notifications about incoming storms keep you safe and protected as well as on top of your health.

It’s built for those who push themselves to the limits in terms of distance, but that means it’s also a great overengineered option for those who stay a little closer to home.

Polar Vantage M3 – $410

The Vantage M3 is a clean, elegant smartwatch designed to accompany multi-sport athletes who need a fusion of both outdoor and high-end sports functionality.

Or so, Polar is sure to tell you in their first few written lines about the watch—but I wouldn’t be paraphrasing that here if the watch didn’t have the functionality to back it up. 

First, its 30 hours of battery life in performance training mode may not be the best on the market, but it is highly competitive for its price.

After examining that, the list of features is where you really start to see the watch shine: maps and dual-frequency GPS (using every GPS satellite system), skin temperature tracking, running power, swimming metrics, and specialized recovery programs are just a few of the most significant that caught my eye on Polar’s description. 

Overall, the Vantage M3 is a mid-priced watch with top-of-the-line functionality. It may not seem at first glance like anything to write home about, until you realize that it offers almost as much as a $1,000 Garmin with about half the price.

COROS PACE 3 – $230

The PACE 3 is the immediate predecessor of the PACE Pro, but remains a powerhouse option in its own right. As the most affordable option on this list, you’d expect it to have the most limited suite of features, but you’d be wrong.

Its battery life already crushes the competition, even at higher price points, at 38 hours of continuous GPS and 15 days in smartwatch mode. 

It’s designed for comfort, almost above all, as it weighs just 30g and strap options in silicone and nylon are perfect for exercise and won’t be abrasive or harmful to your skin.

It’s safe for swimming, and its list of sensors checks all the boxes: heart rate, pulse oxygen, compass, thermometer, gyroscope, and altimeter. 

To be fair, it’s never going to be quite the daily companion that an Apple Watch would be, as most of its features are limited to fitness, but it does what it’s meant to do exceptionally well for an exceptional price.

Garmin Forerunner 265 – $350

Last but not least, the Forerunner 265 is another spectacular budget option that manages to not pull any punches in terms of training features.

Garmin Coach is still present, as well as analytics about each training session and indicators of your readiness for physical activity, like bodily energy monitoring. For triathlon competitors, it even still has the ability to switch between each leg of the race, so you can set it and forget it. 

The battery life is acceptable for a watch of this price at 20 hours of GPS use, and the sensor array goes above and beyond by following pulse oxygen, stress levels, and VO2 Max, among others.

If you don’t need a several-page list of features to go with your smartwatch and are looking for something a little more affordable, the Forerunner 265 should be top of your list.

Conclusion

A smartwatch is a must-have these days for any dedicated athlete, and triathlon competitors are no different. A great watch can accompany you from training day to competitions and open up a whole world of analytics and training programs that would have been completely out of reach without this companion. 

Yes, some options are expensive—but on this list, there’s an option for every budget and every training need. It’s time to unlock the maximum from your performance and be the best you can be.

I’ve done a number of these “the cheapest” articles now, and Jacob & Co just might be the biggest oxymoron of all of them.

It’s almost impossible to find anything that even looks close to a standard watch in their catalog—almost everything is exceptionally hyperengineered and made to dazzle and amaze. 

As such, you must not come into a list like this expecting anything to actually be truly cheap. Any real Jacob & Co will come with a weighty price tag attached to its weighty brand name.

That said, it is possible to have a Jacob & Co piece that comes for much less than some of its highest-end models (looking at you, Bugatti Tourbillon). 

On that note, Jacob & Co has been increasingly narrowing their focus towards the field of extremely high luxury, so many of their watches on the secondhand market will be far cheaper than what you can find on their website today. 

As such, we’ll break the Exquisite Timepieces tradition and include a few more secondhand watches on this list, so that you can find a few truly affordable pieces along with the other expensive ones. Now, enough introduction: let’s hop right into the list!

A Brief History of Jacob & Co Watches

From its creation in 1986, Jacob & Co has been making watches that astound and amaze—and I’m not just talking about their price tags.

Founder Jacob Arabo was first trained as a watchmaker and then as a jeweler, and this double expertise allows him to design magnificent timepieces that glimmer like well-cut gemstones.

When the brand was founded, they made only jewelry, but Mr. Arabo always had it in mind to create a watch. So it was that the Five Timezone was born, a watch that came to symbolize hip-hop and attain perhaps the highest-ever fame given to a fashion watch.

It had interchangeable bezels and tracked the time in five different cities around the world thanks to a simple quartz movement.

From here, Jacob & Co could easily have settled into making fashion watches—but their very next project was the Quenttin, a vertical tourbillon with a power reserve of 31 days, a stunning mechanical timepiece that pushed the bounds of possibility in watchmaking. 

From there, it would only go further and further. Their most notorious collection today was developed in collaboration with esteemed watchmaker Luca Soprana, the Astronomia, a superb movement that all rotates around the dial once per minute.

It’s a brand that wants nothing more than to make some people uncomfortable and to leave others in awe. They’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, making watchmakers and collectors around the world see what a watch can be in new ways. 

Admittedly, all that expertise and craftsmanship sure doesn’t come for cheap—but if you can afford it, you can be sure of the worth of every Jacob & Co you buy.

The 10 Best Affordable Jacob & Co Watches

Admittedly, “affordable” may be a bit of a misnomer here (although I guarantee you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the price of at least two models on the list!). Jacob & Co doesn’t really do things cheap. 

That said, each one of these watches is far more affordable than Jacob & Co’s higher-end offerings, so we’ll use the term in a relative sense. With that disclaimer out of the way, let’s get right into the list!

Epic X Skeleton Mint – $24,000

I’m feeling in the summer mood today, and for me, there’s nothing more evocative of some lovely warm-weather days than a refreshing shade of mint green. For the Epic X Skeleton Mint, this makes for a superb combination with the black-finished bridges and gold-colored gears. 

It’s a large, sporty watch, often harsh on the eyes and large on the wrist, but I find that the mint chapter ring and strap help to soften the appearance of the watch, all while making it no less eye-catching.

At 44mm and large lugs, this isn’t an easy watch to wear, but if you can pull it off, you’ve got a whole lot of watch to admire. 

In particular, the skeletonized movement is executed to perfection, with an exceptional amount of the movement stripped away to leave it all seemingly free-floating.

The large barrel you see at 12:00 supplies an admirable 48-hour power reserve to the movement, caliber JCAM45. For a time-only sporty watch, this is without a doubt one of the finest and most eye-catching. 

You can pick one of these up at Exquisite Timepieces for around $24,000, which is definitely a bit of sticker shock for many of us, but compared to many of Jacob & Co’s more famous offerings, this is relatively cheap.

Epic X CR7 Heart of CR7 Stainless Steel Green – $29,000

You’ll be seeing a lot more Epic X on this list, as it forms the strong backbone of Jacob & Co’s available collections and tends to be much more affordable than their other options, since these are time-only watches. 

I find it very hard to imagine a more suitable partner for collaboration with Jacob & Co than Cristiano Ronaldo, and in this case, it has produced a truly magnificent watch that fans of CR7 will just have to have.

Like the other Epic X watches, this one features the distinctively faceted case with prominent X-shaped lugs. 

Unlike the others, it makes use of its iconic bridges to include depictions of the famous soccer star: an image of him in different positions based on the model on the left bridge, and his signature and logo on the right.

You’ll also find other winks to the theme of the watch in the soccer ball barrel cover and a larger printed depiction of Ronaldo on the back. 

Aside from the Ronaldo paraphernalia, the watch remains Jacob & Co’s superb Epic X, making this piece the best choice for the well-heeled CR7 fan among us at $29,000 at Exquisite Timepieces.

Salman Khan Dual Time Zone – $34,000

It’s easy to tell, even just by reading the description of the standard Dual Time Zone on Jacob & Co’s website, how important this watch is to founder Jacob Arabo.

It’s inspired by a watch with deep personal meaning to Mr. Arabo: a twin time zone watch given to him at age 13 by his father, which was a family heirloom, and which ignited his passion for watchmaking. 

Indian movie star Salman Khan was so inspired by this moving story that he collaborated with Mr. Arabo to produce this watch in memory of his own father.

It features the same distinctive details from the original The World is Yours Dual Time Zone piece, such as the drastically domed world map dial with carefully engraved continents and the center seconds in the shape of a compass rose. 

As such, the details that are changed are subtle and thoughtful, such as the rendering of each time dial in one of the colors of the Indian flag.

At its price of $34,000 via Exquisite Timepieces, it’s also significantly more affordable than the original collection, making this a thoughtful and practical watch that would make a superb addition to any collection.

Epic X Skeleton Khabib Titanium Green – $22,000

Jacob & Co has been crushing it with collaborations so far on this list, and they just keep the ball rolling with this watch created in partnership with MMA superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov, also known as “The Eagle”. 

This is a watch that can be enjoyed and admired equally by MMA fans and those who are ignorant of the sport alike, as references to The Eagle are present but subtle.

In this case, the most prominent one is the 29-0 on the right bridge, which is a reference to Khabib’s record as a fighter. It’s a simple and classy sports watch with a lovely pairing of bright green on black that may be large at 44mm but remains stunningly eye-catching. 

At $22,000 on Exquisite Timepieces, this is another superb option from Jacob & Co worth looking into.

Epic X Bridges White – $26,000

Here we have yet another Epic X on the list, but I do hope you’re not getting tired of them because this one, like the others, manages to be refreshingly distinct.

The Bridges collection separates itself from the Skeleton in that it keeps the bridges of the movement full and decorated with a lovely Clous de Paris guilloché pattern. 

In its all-white outfit here, the rose gold gears and bridges pop out stunningly, which will surely draw your attention inward towards the fascinating inner workings of your watch.

It’s an exceptional watch that takes away the “look at me, I’m a Jacob & Co” factor found in some of the brighter Epic X watches and leaves behind only the exceptional watchmaking and design. 

For $26,000 at Exquisite Timepieces, you won’t want to miss this one if you’re looking for something just a little more subtle.

Palatial Classic Steel Lapis Lazuli on Strap – $16,500

But wait! I hear you cry. What if I just want a normal-looking watch with Jacob & Co’s name on it? Allow me to present the Palatial Classic, their only watch that takes inspiration from traditional watchmaking. 

Even for that, it remains a distinctive and captivating Jacob & Co watch thanks to the strong, prominent curved lugs and large crown guards.

The lapis lazuli dial is exquisite, carefully chosen for the best color. Above it float the applied indices, which are beautifully shaped and finished, and the strong dauphine hands. 

You’ll also of course note the date at 12:00, which is a two-window or “big date” affair here, as well as the power reserve at 6:00.

Even this latter detail is a wink to classic watchmaking that remains fresh and new, as most dress watches with a subdial at 6:00 would use it as a seconds indicator. For something elegant and simple, the Palatial Classic at $16,500 is the way to go.

Epic 2 EPIC2PVDGRBW – $7,959 Preowned

Here’s our first preowned timepiece of the list, in superb unworn condition at Exquisite Timepieces. Before the Epic X, there was the Epic 2, an equally striking sports watch that has lost none of its appeal today.

This particular piece retailed for a whopping $35,800, so not only is it significantly cheaper than almost anything else you can find at Jacob & Co today, it’s also tremendously marked down from its original price. 

I actually had quite a bit of trouble finding more information to share with you about this watch, but it looks like the Epic 2 collection was introduced in 2010, so finding one of these watches in unworn condition is truly exceptional.

As a matter of fact, very few other Epic 2 watches are available for sale today, so if you’re taken with this style, you really can’t wait on this one. 

This watch is a chronograph with a DLC-treated case to give it that striking blacked-out look. The dial is carbon fiber, and of course, much of its busy space is taken up by the chronograph counters and curiously positioned date window.

Lastly, you get a little extra bit of Jacob & Co bling with the fully tsavorite-set bezel, a lovely green variant of garnet that makes for a lovely addition to this piece. 

It’s a watch that, like everything else Jacob & Co has to offer, isn’t afraid to be striking and loud. It sure makes an impression!

Epic X Chrono 47mm Titanium Summer Edition Blue – $30,000

Many of the Epic X Chrono watches bring the additional chronograph complication along with a massive price tag, so I was pleasantly surprised to find this perfectly-timed Summer Edition on Exquisite Timepiece’s catalog for a relatively affordable price. This is a gorgeous, bold summer watch, a companion for all your beach trips and sunny travels. 

The white titanium case assures you of a lightweight and cool wearing experience. Perhaps most striking of all is the transparent blue sapphire dial, which allows you to see the mechanism beneath while preventing it from becoming overbearing. It’s certainly not a watch for the faint of heart… but no Jacob & Co watch really is anyway.

Epic X Chrono 44mm Rose Gold & Ceramic – $44,000

Back-to-back chronographs! This is a significantly more expensive watch than the last one, but considering it’s crafted from precious rose gold and high-quality ceramic, I’d say the increase in price is merited.

Like the last one, this is a bicompax (or two-register) chronograph, which leaves the dial a little more open and reduces any feeling of constriction or busyness in the dial. 

The red seconds hand and red tips for the minutes and hour hands introduce a pop of color that doesn’t stand out too much, thanks to the rosy hue of the gold. Unlike the last, this Epic X Chrono also masks the underlying movement entirely, making for a significantly dressier piece.

Five Time Zone – $2,000 Preowned

This is the one I know you’ve all been waiting for. The first actually cheap option here! (at least, for a watch) Jacob & Co’s Five Time Zone is one of their most well-known watches, but they actually don’t produce it anymore.

It’s a simple but striking quartz watch that more than doubles the functionality of their Dual Time Zone, as it follows time in four labeled cities (which depend on the model) as well as home time. 

After its release, this watch became an icon of hip-hop culture and one of the first true rappers’ watches. More than that, thanks to its long-lasting production run, there are all sorts of options in different styles, from smaller ladies’ watches to iced-out icons of hip-hop bling.

Most models you can find today on the secondhand market go for around $2,000, although of course the price will fluctuate based on the option. 

If you’re looking for the Jacob & Co name on your wrist and don’t care quite as much for mechanical watchmaking, this is a great option!

Conclusion

Jacob & Co and “cheap” rarely coexist in the same sentence. Aside from the very few budget options that do exist on the secondhand market, like diamonds in the rough! 

But it’s not for nothing that these watches are known for their quality and class. Thankfully, whether you’re following this list for the $2,000 or the $30,000 options, there is something out there for you!

As the younger and more affordable sister to Rolex, Tudor is in a unique position to offer expertly-made watches at remarkably accessible prices. There’s really nothing like it for what it has to offer, which has really made it the darling of watch collectors worldwide. 

Whether you have an expansive budget and are able to pick up Tudors without batting an eye, or are pinching your pennies and saving to buy watches like these, Tudor fits perfectly for every price range. 

So here, we’re going to be breaking down the very finest of Tudor’s affordable watches, shying away from anything that strays into the $10,000+ range and focusing here on the best of their collections available for less.

History of Tudor Watches

Like Rolex, Tudor was founded by the brilliant Hans Wilsdorf, and from the beginning was intended to be a more affordable alternative to Rolex while carrying the same air of dependability. Tudor was founded in Geneva in 1926, 21 years after Rolex. 

At the start, Rolex served as a helping hand to its younger sister, and the two brand names occasionally shared the dial so the customer could be reassured that Tudor was made just as well as Rolex.

Tudor truly began to come into its own by its 10th birthday in 1936, when Hans Wilsdorf took firmer control over the company and began to adorn watches with their first logo, along with the Tudor name, a rose, which is the symbol of the Tudor dynasty of monarchs. 

Another decade later, Tudor was registered as its own company, independent of Rolex, though Rolex continued to play an important role in the development and formation of its watches.

Tudor’s first famous watch, the Oyster Prince, came in 1952, so-named for its use of Rolex’s Oyster case, which had been developed a number of years earlier. 

At this point, Wilsdorf showed his marketing genius: Tudor watches were sent through a number of difficult trials, such as a British expedition to Greenland or adorning the wrist of a construction worker operating a jackhammer.

These proofs of Tudor’s versatility and strength only served to continue to establish the brand as a powerhouse in its own right, even independent of Rolex.

The brand only continued to grow and mature throughout the remaining decades to the modern day, notably exchanging their rose for a shield in 1969 and introducing still more of the collections that continue to be offered on their website to this day. 

I have no hesitation in saying today that Tudor has fully come into its own, and is finally recognized on its own terms by the watch community at large.

The 15 Best Cheap Tudor Watches

Like I said above, whether you have a large budget and are a dedicated watch collector or are looking to save for your first luxury mechanical wristwatch, Tudor has excellent options for you.

This list isn’t just the 15 cheapest watches Tudor has listed on their website, but a carefully curated selection of affordable options from each of Tudor’s best collections. 

It’s a list that I’m sure will speak to you, whether it serves as a launchpad for your own research into Tudor’s offerings or whether you find your next dream watch right here. So, enough bandying words; let’s dive right into the list!

Tudor 1926 ref. M91450-0010 – $2,050

Tudor’s 1926 collection is their most traditional in terms of the design and watchmaking offered, which leads to some very striking watches that play with the constraints of classical watchmaking in a way that manages to stay refreshing. In this case, the textured center section of the dial contrasts gently with the smooth outside minutes track, and the blue tone of the numerals and hands is a superb addition to the opaline base dial. 

Thanks to the way colors and textures play together here, it effortlessly manages to put a modern spin on a very traditional-feeling watch. Automatic caliber T601 powers this little beauty, and I do mean little, as the case is also traditional in its sizing at just 36mm. At just a hair over $2,000, this is a superb value proposition from the brand that does value best.

Tudor 1926 ref. M91350-0002 – $2,100

With this model, the 1926 collection shows its versatility with a petite 28mm ladies’ watch. Typically, ladies’ watches in such a small size are susceptible to distorted proportions. So many brands choose to have separate ladies’ collections instead of just trying to shrink a larger watch down. 

In this case, however, Tudor does a spectacular job at keeping the same proportions as the other 1926 models, along with the same design language to create a watch that feels perfectly at home in the 1926 collection while also providing an entirely new style thanks to the updated size. 

The black patterned dial here keeps the watch from feeling overly feminine (in a sort of all-pink or mother-of-pearl dial way) and yet solidly elegant and classy. It’s a simple and clean watch and pairs admirably well with its thin bracelet, which is just 15mm wide.

Tudor Royal ref. M28500-0007 – $2,675

I find the Royal collection to be a vastly underrated offering from Tudor, and one that, for such a spectacular price, deserves far more consideration. The bezel is absolutely stunning, with alternating fluting and smooth patterns that move your eye around the circular frame of the dial. 

The case is well crafted and flows smoothly into the bracelet thanks to a facet near where the lugs would be. Additionally, a common complaint you’ll hear with many Tudor Royals is the disproportionate dial. I’ve heard a ton of arguments that the numerals are far too small, leaving too much negative space in the dial. 

In this case, I actually find that that works in the watch’s favor. All that open space leaves all the more appreciation for the stunning salmon dial with sunray finishing, and though the numerals are small, they are lovely and well-polished. This is without doubt a peerless integrated sports watch for its price.

Tudor Clair de Rose ref. M35200-0009 – $2,725

The Clair de Rose collection is Tudor’s ladies-first offering, and the simple elegance of their designs makes it one of their finest. At just 26mm, it’s even smaller than the 1926 I discussed above, but it still manages to pack a considerable amount of complexity and depth into its dial. 

For easy use, the crown is slightly extended but not to the point where it feels awkward, and it’s surmounted by a blue cabochon as if Tudor’s taking a leaf out of Cartier’s playbook.

The bracelet is beautiful and highly polished, and its engraved clasp is a reference, like the name, to Tudor’s old rose logo. 

Overall, I find it to be a thoughtful watch that goes much further in considerate design than most ladies’ watches from brands today.

Tudor Clair de Rose ref. M35500-0001 – $2,825

Due to its slightly larger size, this 30mm model commands a slightly higher price than #4 above, but this particular model also has an elegant and almost completely inverted look compared to the 26mm version. 

Most of the features I discussed from #4 still hold true here, but the opaline dial with blue numerals and hands takes on an even classier appearance. The radial patterning in the center, like the ref. M35200-0009 guides the eye outward towards the numerals framed by two patterned rims.

The slightly larger size makes this watch both more legible and slightly more conspicuous—but with its tiny 8mm thick bracelet, it’ll still wear like an elegant bangle.

Tudor Ranger ref. M79950-0002 – $3,225

The Ranger is Tudor’s version of the Rolex Explorer, which is a comparison that’s nothing but favorable for the Ranger.

Like the Explorer, it’s hyper-legible with large lume plots and broad hands, and the bright red tip on the seconds hand ensures that you’ll even be able to track time down to its smallest interval with ease. 

The Ranger sits at a perfect 39mm diameter on the wrist, neatly walking the line between too large and overbearing while maintaining strong legibility thanks to its large dial.

Perhaps the best part of this watch, however, is the caliber MT5402 inside, which is COSC-certified as an extremely accurate chronometer. After all, what good is easily legible time if it’s not pinpoint accurate, down to a deviation of just a few seconds per day? 

Tudor 1926 ref. M91551-0003 – $3,725

Another 1926! Hello again, old friend—and yet, compared to both of its predecessors, this watch should now appear both familiar and refreshingly new. Honestly, I often struggle with two-tone watches. They’re hit or miss for me, but when they do hit, I fall head over heels in love.

The latter case is definitely true for me with this watch: I can’t get enough of the pairing of dark gray case and bracelet with rose gold accents on the bezel and center bracelet links. 

The same patterned dial is present here, but it’s elevated by the presence of rose gold numerals atop the black dial. My only complaint is the non-color-matched date window at 3:00, which does stick out a little more than I’d like it to for a watch that’s so reserved and classy.

That said, it’s without a doubt one of the finest dress watches available on the market today for its price point.

Tudor Black Bay 54 ref. M79000N-0002 – $3,950

Ah, at last, we make our introduction to Tudor’s flagship collection, the Black Bay. Their 54 model is slightly more recent and is a smaller watch at 37mm than the 58. The two were named, perhaps unsurprisingly, for their inspiration: Tudor Submariner models from 1954 and 1958, respectively. 

History lesson aside, this is an absolutely incredible dive watch. It’s so clean and simple, especially in this reference on a rubber strap, but it checks all the boxes. My particular favorite is that dial, which evokes vintage gilt dials even though it’s not made in quite the same true-to-vintage way. I’m a sucker for gold. 

The hands are large and legible, Tudor’s “snowflake” pattern, and on top of all those good looks, it also runs on the COSC chronometer-certified caliber MT5400. It’s the flagship for a reason.

Tudor Black Bay 58 ref. M79030B-0002 – $3,950

Tudor has been killing it with blue dive watches ever since their Submariner model in the 50s, and this watch is certainly not one to break the trend. Like I discussed for the Black Bay 54, the 58 is the slightly larger (yet still extremely wearable at 39mm) and slightly older (but still rather recent) model. 

This particular model throws all the vintage styling of the last one out the window and goes for pure modern class with its monochromatic blue look. It’s clean, it’s simple, it goes great with your favorite pair of blue jeans, and who doesn’t love a blue dial anyway? It’s the Black Bay at its best. Enough said.

Tudor Pelagos FXD ref. M25707KN-0001 – $4,100

To return to Rolex terms, the Pelagos is to the Black Bay as the Sea-Dweller is to the Rolex Submariner. That is to say, it’s Tudor’s much more serious dive option.

This particular model, for example, was created in collaboration with the Alinghi Red Bull yacht racing team, whose logo is engraved on its caseback. 

You don’t have to be a fan of yacht racing, however, to recognize a dang good watch when you see one, and this is it right here.

Its carbon composite case is the first headliner for this watch, making it lightweight and wearable on top of its sleek blacked-out design. Its blue dial pops thanks to the juxtaposition with the black case, making for easy legibility as well as a striking look. 

And it only takes a glance at the bezel to recognize this watch as the diving tool watch it’s meant to be, as the time scale on the bezel is far more pronounced than that of the Black Bay.

Thanks to its waterproofing of 200m, this is a watch you can take as a companion on any dive and be perfectly comfortable that it will keep running both underwater and after you return to land with the same precision accuracy of its COSC-certified caliber MT5602.

Tudor Black Bay Pro ref. M79470-0005- $4,175

This Black Bay Pro is Tudor’s take on the Rolex Explorer II, and honestly, that alone says enough about this watch that I should be able to stop writing this section there and move on to the next piece. It’s a GMT done in the Tudor way, which is almost the Rolex way. 

The accent color is yellow instead of orange, the hands are snowflake instead of Mercedes, and the price tag is $4,000 instead of $10,000. Like the Black Bay and Pelagos, Tudor’s caliber MT5652 is COSC-certified for accuracy. 

Interestingly, the Black Bay Pro even blows the Explorer II out of the water in terms of water resistance: 200m instead of 100m, double the original’s resistance. Plus, at 39mm it’s a wonderfully wearable watch and a great companion for every situation.

Tudor Black Bay One 36 ref. M79640-0003 – $4,175

The Black Bay One collection differs from its siblings mostly in the complete absence of a dive bezel, which makes it a considerably dressier model. This watch in particular plays that role perfectly, thanks to its elegant five-link Jubilee bracelet and svelte 36mm size.

None of the characteristic Black Bay quality is sacrificed for this piece, which continues to feature a COSC-certified movement (cal. MT5400) and 100m of water resistance.

Most of all, though, you’ll be buying this watch for that lovely dial, which Tudor describes as a light champagne but which I also find to take on a charming light green hue in certain lighting.

Tudor Royal ref. M28503-0007 – $4,250

The return of the king! Here’s another Royal for your consideration, this time in a beautiful two-tone color with an absolutely stunning chocolate brown dial.

I’m in love with the two-tone color here, as the gold really makes that complex bezel pop beautifully. But for me, even that is outclassed by the chocolate brown dial. 

It’s a color that I’m convinced is tragically underrated in watchmaking, to the point where I even chose it as the base color for the dial of the first watch I ever made. There’s nothing quite like the stunning pairing of that brown dial framed by the patterned gold bezel. It almost looks good enough to eat!

Tudor Black Bay GMT ref. M79830RB-0012 – $4,325

Introducing… Tudor’s GMT-Master! The Black Bay GMT is a slightly larger watch than most of its siblings (41mm diameter), and its inspiration in the Rolex GMT-Master is clear at first sight, but none of those factors take away in the slightest from the fact that this is an exceptional daily wear GMT. 

Once again, you’ve got an automatic COSC-certified in-house movement, the caliber MT5652, as well as another surprising water resistance rating of 200m.

I love the way the off-white opaline dial pairs with the “Pepsi” colors of the bezel. It feels both vintage and modern at the same time in a way that I’m struggling to put into better words. 

I also really love the hue of the GMT hand, which is a vibrant lacquered red that just pops so well. If you find yourself dreaming of a Rolex GMT-Master without a deep enough wallet to get one, the Black Bay GMT is not only a great substitute but a beautiful watch in its own right.

Tudor Black Bay Bronze ref. M79250BA-0001- $4,800

I know we’re pushing the limits of our budget here a little with a rather more expensive watch than what we started with, but I couldn’t resist including this exceptionally beautiful bronze Black Bay. 

If you’re not aware, bronze slowly takes on a lovely green patina over time, which can be polished away regularly if you prefer the golden lustre of the bronze, but is perhaps best allowed to patinate.

This creates a unique and beautiful pattern over the surface of the watch, as no two bronze watches will look quite the same. 

The rich greenish slate gray of the dial and bezel here work beautifully with the bronze and will surely blend even more splendidly with the green of a patinated case.

Two other noticeable factors distinguish this watch from its Black Bay siblings: first, the presence of Arabic numerals at 3/6/9; second, its larger size at 43mm. 

If you’re cursed with small wrists like me, this might not be the best option for you, but as a whole, it’s a beautiful and unique timepiece that would be a tragedy to miss.

Bonus: Vintage Tudor Oyster ref. 7804 – $636

If you’re a vintage fan or just looking for the Tudor name and quality for the most affordable possible price, look no further than the ref. 7804, a stunning vintage watch with a current going price of just around $636. 

Full disclosure: you’ll need to be able to handle a small watch, as this one is just 34mm in diameter (which is actually a solid midrange size for vintage watches!). However, if you’re up for it, this is one of the loveliest vintage watches you can find anywhere for its price.

Its stainless steel case means even if you find one in slightly worse condition, you can easily polish it back into a glowing finish. 

Plus, it uses Rolex’s Oyster case, which was one of the first water-resistant watch cases and, when the watch is properly serviced, will keep this watch safely protected from the elements.

Conclusion

Tudor is one of, if not the, best value proposition brands on the market today. Rolex-level quality offered at almost half the Rolex prices is a deal impossible to pass up for any collector. And yet they’re so much more than just the bargain Rolex brand. 

Tudor has been making exceptional, unique, and charming watches for years now, and all their dedication is bearing fruit. Tudor is known and loved for itself, not just for its associations with Rolex, and it’s high time to explore what they have to offer.

Hublot has an immediately recognizable look that you really just can’t get anywhere else. It’s a look that many will malign, but if you’re in love with it, you have nowhere to go but the brand itself, more than many other specific interests. 

If you’re a Patek Philippe lover on a budget, for example, you can turn to more inexpensive brands like Frédérique Constant for a similar—not the same, of course, don’t @ me watch fans—look at a reduced price. 

But those who love Hublot can easily find themselves in a far more difficult position to satisfy that itch and find a beautiful watch that they love.

Thankfully, you no longer have to struggle in silence. I understand your pain, and I’m here to provide an article breaking down the 12 best and cheapest Hublot watches! Now, to be clear, none of these will be cheap per se (though do stick around for the bonus pick at the end—I promise it’ll be worth your time!). 

After all, Hublot is a luxury brand, and making their watches well takes a certain investment on their part. To make them cheap would make them not Hublots at all.

But there are many pieces that Hublot has to offer that are far more attainable than most of their others, making them great options for those of us watching our budgets a little more! 

So without further ado, let’s get right into the list and discover Hublot’s best bang for the buck!

A Brief Guide to Hublot Watches

The first Hublot was created way back in 1980 (say happy 45th birthday!) and interestingly that original watch actually remains one of Hublot’s most popular today: it’s the Classic Original, which with just a few small changes developed into the modern Classic Fusion collection. 

Designed by Carlo Crocco, the founder of the brand, the first Classic Original established much of what we love about Hublot today, such as the “porthole” aesthetic with a round bezel and screws (Hublot is actually French for porthole) and the fusion of a precious metal with a rubber strap. 

At its inception, Hublot was far from as popular as it is today, but it was groundbreaking and a strong conversation starter, as the combination of precious metal and rubber had never before been done in watchmaking and was seen as nearly sacrilegious.

Hublot’s flagship collection, the Big Bang Original series, was introduced in 2005. Here, many of the key elements of the Classic Original were fully refined into the Hublot design language of today, such as the six H-shaped bezel screws, “ears” on either side of the case, and textured rubber strap. 

The model was named Big Bang as both a reference to the origin of the universe (the original fusion, in Hublot’s eyes) and for the tremendous stir it caused in the watchmaking community at its release. 

Hublot was finally coming into its own, and the enduring appeal of this watch is clearly shown by the vast number of collections centered around the core Big Bang model that Hublot has to offer today.

The Classic Fusion soon followed in 2008, shortly followed by the in-house chronograph Big Bang Unico (2013), tonneau-shaped Spirit of Big Bang (2014), and many more. 

Many love to write Hublot off as a one-trick pony that just continues to play with the same old Big Bang design, but it’s clear that even though they’ve been primarily working within the constraints of a popular model, Hublot has been strongly pushing at the boundaries of what’s possible and accepted in watchmaking for a long time. 

Each and every one of their collections is eye-catching and avant-garde. It’s a brand that usually doesn’t come cheap, but always gives you a whole lot of watch for every dollar you spend.

The 12 Cheapest Hublot Watches

Now, “cheap” really may not be the best word to apply to Hublot, as many of their watches are made to be high luxury and are well-crafted. We’ll be using the term in a relative sense for this article. 

However, I promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised by at least one watch on this list! With all that said, let’s get right into the top 12 affordable Hublot watches!

Big Bang Original Steel Blue – $13,500

I mean, it’s in the name, isn’t it? The Original. The Big Bang of Big Bangs. If I’m being honest, it’s hard to find too much to say about this one, because this is the defining watch for almost everything else you’ll see on this list. 

It’s a beautiful piece and puts on clear display all of the most recognizable Hublot design elements—the round “porthole” bezel with H screws and fusion of steel with rubber in particular.

The muted navy blue colorway is so perfectly integrated with the steel that it almost feels anti-Hublot: something not bold, flashy, and eye-catching for once! 

It’s just a lovely watch that all works together so well, from the contrasting brushed bezel against mirrored lugs and flanks to the thoughtfully textured pushers. This is a core Hublot available for almost $3,000 less than a competing chronograph icon: the Rolex Daytona.

Big Bang Steel Diamonds – $11,300

When in doubt, add diamonds! Astonishingly, the Big Bang Steel Diamonds is actually available for less than the Original Steel Blue, without a doubt due to the absence of a chronograph complication and a quartz movement instead of a mechanical one. Instead, the Steel Diamonds focuses on offering a dressier option for classier wardrobes. 

I’m particularly taken with the way this watch plays into Hublot’s identity as a watchmaker. They’re all about “the art of fusion,” combining materials that you would never expect to see together.

Most famously, at their founding, they released gold watches on rubber straps, which was groundbreaking enough to create a serious stir. 

The combination of steel, rubber, and diamonds is perhaps one of the most striking fusions in Hublot’s catalog.

Though the watch is far from a watchmaker’s pick with its quartz movement, it’s exactly the type of luxury that works perfectly with some sprezzatura elegance.

Big Bang Integrated Time Only Blue Ceramic – $15,300

Remember what I just said about Hublot’s love of pioneering materials? That’s put on full display here with the Integrated Blue Ceramic, for which every part of the case and bracelet—except for the steel screws—is crafted from high-grade ceramic. 

Aside from the fact that it’s nearly scratch-proof and allows Hublot to make the whole case from a very striking and beautiful color, I also want to highlight the finishing on this case and bracelet, which is truly exceptional. 

Most other brands that are doing work in ceramic resort to doing the whole thing in a matte finish; it’s extremely difficult to polish ceramic, so it’s much easier to leave it smooth matte.

Hublot wasn’t satisfied with that and introduced some beautifully polished facets to the case and bracelet despite the difficulty of such work. 

That’s exactly the type of attention to detail that separates a high luxury watch from the rest, and Hublot puts it on full display here. Oh, and you also get Hublot’s lovely HUB1115 automatic movement, which is based on the classic Sellita SW300, so this little beauty is all mechanical.

Big Bang One Click Joyful Steel Apple Green – $14,200

Continuing with the theme of bright and beautiful colors, allow me to introduce you to this petite 33mm sparkler.

This collection is targeted towards women and is named for Hublot’s clean strap exchange system, which can be done with just one click. 

Like your outfits, Hublot says, your watch can have its own wardrobe with many easily interchangeable straps. It’s easy to see where the Joyful part of the name comes in. This is an exuberant watch that practically glows with color without being overwhelming, thanks to the more sober steel case. 

The bezel features 36 brilliant-cut tsavorites, which pair splendidly with the apple green strap that accompanies the watch. To get your wardrobe underway, Hublot also throws in an all-white rubber strap.

If you’re looking to expand, try clicking in black rubber or, if you’re feeling bold, maybe even something bright yellow. This one is also mechanical, featuring the HUB1120 automatic movement.

Big Bang Integrated Time Only Titanium Black Dial – $13,100

At first blush, this watch is a lot like its sibling in blue ceramic (see #3 above), but the material change honestly makes a world of difference here.

Not only does it significantly lower the price due to the much easier-to-handle material, but it also takes this watch from an extreme statement piece to a relatively restrained sports watch. 

Like the ceramic, titanium will allow for an extremely light wearing experience, along with durability to accompany you through your daily routine. The black dial and accents on the case make for a quietly confident Hublot, which stands in marked contrast to many of their other offerings. 

It’s a watch that should be considered in the same breath as the Royal Oak, Nautilus, and Ingénieur, especially since it shares many similarities with the latter. And at $13,100, the change in material to titanium lets this watch become not insignificantly more affordable than the ceramic.

Classic Fusion Original Titanium – $8,600

As the Original Steel Blue (#1 above) is to the Big Bang, so too the Original Titanium is to the Classic Fusion. It’s simple, pure, and classy, a quintessential Hublot design distilled down to its essence. For a watch introduced in 1980, it’s still looking pretty good, too. 

It’s exactly the watch that a bold dandy would love to pair with a fine suit. It’s a dress watch that shattered the concept of what a dress watch could be when it came out, and remains audacious today.

The dial is serene, austere, a solid black above which three simple hands float and uninterrupted save for the small date window at 3:00. 

It’s Hublot that doesn’t need to look like a unicorn sneezed rainbows all over it to be a standout watch, in no small part thanks as well to its automatic movement, the HUB1110. Even more than the Big Bang, this is perhaps the ultimate Hublot, at one of the most affordable prices on this list.

Classic Fusion Ceramic King Gold – $13,100

Betcha didn’t think you’d be seeing any precious metals on this list, did you? I managed to squeeze one in just because this watch is another amazing example of Hublot’s mastery of the art of fusion. 

It pairs a stunning black ceramic case with Hublot’s proprietary King Gold, an 18K gold alloy with a lovely warm hue that surpasses normal 5N rose gold thanks to a mixture of platinum with the gold.

Honestly, it’s truly exceptional that I’m even able to include a watch like this on this list—black ceramic with a bezel crafted from gold and platinum? 

That’s a combination that looks absolutely incredible, both on the wrist and with the watch in hand, just thanks to the beautiful interplay of colors. Allow me to also draw your attention to the beautiful finishing on the black ceramic case, which features partially polished and partially brushed surfaces. 

If you remember what I said about our earlier ceramic watches, that is a remarkable feat in and of itself. I’m also exceptionally fond of the pairing of rose gold indices and print on the inky black dial. Combined with the HUB1110 automatic movement, it truly is, as Hublot claims, Elegance reinvented.

Classic Fusion Chronograph Titanium – $11,200

Take the Classic Fusion and throw a chronograph in it. It’s that simple, and yet it works so well to create a new feel for the Classic Fusion that’s fresh and stylish.

Where the Big Bang shines as a sporty chronograph option, the Classic Fusion Chronograph is beautifully elegant, thanks in large part to the mirrored case and chronograph pushers. 

At 42mm and with that titanium case, you’ll barely even notice it on your wrist most of the time, at least if your wrist isn’t as small as mine. It’s a lightweight beauty that’s there when you want it and fades into the background when you don’t, thanks to the monochromatic color palette and simple, clean design. 

At the heart of it all, you’ve got an automatic chronograph movement, the HUB1153, with a solid power reserve of 42 hours. An elegant, understated beauty rendered in the finest Hublot style. What more could you ask for?

Classic Fusion Essential Gray – $8,500

Here, we’re shifting away from the black-on-steel color palette we’ve been seeing a lot and going full monochrome. This is a watch that feels exceptionally modern on the wrist thanks to its light gray tone, which almost evokes brutalist architecture in my mind.

The strap is pure class—it’s Hublot’s standard rubber, but finished in a pattern that clearly calls back to fine Milanese mesh. 

This one is also an online exclusive, which I find to be an interesting concept for an industry where the in-person experience is prioritized so highly.

However, this does mean that this watch is going to be consistently available for you as a great budget option, no matter where you are in the world. For such a classy mechanical timepiece as this, that’s something to rejoice about.

Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski Black Magic

Confession time. I hate modern art. It’s one of those full-blown “I will die on this hill” things for me. My apologies if that alienates me a little from you, but it’s true. Richard Orlinski, however, is a modern artist I can really get behind. 

I was first exposed to his eye-catching, multi-faceted work while traveling in France (where there are multiple lovely sculptures exhibited in Nice), and frankly, those exhibits continue to be a core part of my memories of that trip.

I was very surprised and pleased when I was first introduced to the lovely Classic Fusion Orlinski pieces that Hublot had crafted in collaboration with this superb artist. 

Hublot’s Black Magic ceramic case, coupled with their mastery of faceting and polishing ceramic, lends itself beautifully to the angled craftsmanship of an Orlinski sculpture.

It’s shockingly wearable too, at just 41mm in diameter, which is really quite considerable if you take into account the complex and rather imposing case structure. 

From pushers to bezel, the entire case is subject to Orlinski’s craft, while the dial remains essentially Hublot, a clear injection of brand identity into this collaboration. It may be a little more on the expensive side compared to the other watches here, but this is truly a watch well worth the price. 

Classic Fusion Ceramic Blue – $9,800

Back in Blue, as the famous song almost goes. This is another lovely ceramic timepiece that stands out for its relatively affordable price and exquisite color matching of the dark gray case and bezel against the sunray-finished navy blue dial and strap. It’s an absolutely stunning mixture, far from overbearing yet captivatingly crafted. 

More than a fusion of materials (although Hublot’s signature ceramic is on full display here), it’s a simple fusion of color that produces a simple, classy watch for someone who is not quite as moved by similar pieces in monochrome.

Honestly, there’s not much more I can say about this watch that hasn’t been said about the other Classic Fusions. If you’re in it for color, then this is the pick for you!

Classic Fusion Orlinski Blue Ceramic – $14,800

For me, this is the ultimate, more affordable Hublot-Orlinski. It’s cheaper than the chronograph since it’s time-only, and even more wearable at 40mm in diameter. But just look at the rich blue color of that faceted case! For me, that’s even more stunning than the sober Black Magic ceramic. 

This is a watch that gleams and shines in every lighting, and the dial is one of my favorite parts, as it continues Orlinski’s signature faceting.

The applied indices on the dial also stand out with remarkable beauty as they float above the facets, adding another dimension of color and shine to the watch. This is peak Hublot. 

Material innovation on full display, an exceptional collaboration with a talented artist, and all of the classic Hublot design cues like the bezel screws and H on the seconds hand. I apologize if all of that sounds like effusive gushing, but this is a work of art, and I am in total admiration of it at this point. 

Ask me to find any flaws in a longer article, and I wouldn’t fail to find not a few, but instead of nitpicking, let’s just enjoy such an artistic representation of time.

Bonus: Classic Fusion Berluti Scritto – $5,130

Normally, in these articles, we only focus on watches that are available directly from retailers. But coming into this, I knew that Hublot watches tend to experience some pretty drastic market price swings since it’s such a polarizing brand. 

As such, I couldn’t resist one more option: an exceptionally affordable Hublot (at least, compared to retail!) which you can pick up on the secondhand market for around $5,130 according to WatchCharts.

The Berluti Scritto Blue (ref. 511.NX.050B.VR.BER16, in case you’re looking for the exact edition) is an exceptional limited-edition collab Hublot created with Berluti, the luxury house best known for their superb leather shoes. 

The “Scritto” comes from one of Berluti’s collections, which involves beautifully scrawled cursive engraved into the leather. Here, this has led Hublot to abandon their traditional rubber straps in favor of Berluti leather in a magnificent blue hue covered with their Scritto motif.

It is by every standard a beautiful watch and one that bears the name of not one but two superb luxury brands, and if you can find one at or around this price, it is definitely worth a buy.

Conclusion

Love them or hate them, Hublot is a brand that knows how to do what they do best. From their exceptional collaborations with artists like Orlinski and luxury maisons like Berluti to even just their classic pieces, they’re darn good at sticking to their guns, and that deserves respect. 

If you’re looking at picking up a Hublot watch for cheap, this watch is a great starting point, but do some of your own exploring if you didn’t find your dream watch here! The world of watches is wide and wonderful, and there is a certain joy even in just exploring it.

Regardless, I hope this list has helped in some way to give you a leg up or even to bring that next dream watch into sight.

If I’m being honest, Italy is not the first country that comes to mind when I think of the best watchmaking brands. Switzerland, of course, is certainly number one. 

Japan, Germany, and France all quickly follow suit, with brands like Seiko, A. Lange & Söhne, and historical French watchmakers like Abraham-Louis Breguet. Even England has a storied history in watchmaking, with old makers like Thomas Mudge, John Harrison, and even the famous George Daniels.

Italy has some superb watchmakers, don’t get me wrong. Panerai has been killing it with some unique and stylish watches for a long time.

Unimatic and U-BOAT are lesser-known but enjoy serious cult followings. Even BVLGARI, which makes Swiss watches but is of Italian origin. But there are relatively few well-known brands.

It should come as no surprise, then, that when I started to research this article, I was absolutely blown away by what I found. There are dozens of superb Italian watch brands out there, all of which deserve far more attention than they now receive. 

As such, I’m certain that this article will surprise and thrill you, just as researching it did me. So let’s not wait any longer—here are the 15 best Italian brands on the market today!

1. Officine Panerai

Could we start anywhere with anyone other than the definitive Italian luxury watch brand? Panerai was founded all the way back in 1860, making it significantly older than many old Swiss brands today. 

Their most iconic watch, the Radiomir, was created in 1935—its name references the radium used to create its glowing dial, which made this dive watch highly legible and, as such, perfect for use by the Italian Royal Navy. 

It’s a testament to the power of Panerai’s designs and watchmaking skill that they’ve been making pieces that look basically like how they did in the 1930s for almost a century now and they continue to be popular—if you think about it, that’s an accomplishment only really enjoyed by the highest of watchmaking brands, like Rolex.

But another characteristic of another advanced watch brand is that they continue to push the bounds of mechanical watchmaking forward, and Panerai has done just that with exceptional watches like the eLux LAB-ID, which uses a mechanical generator to power LED lights to illuminate the watch. 

Panerai is making exceptional watches in a unique style—large, rounded cases, with sandwich dials and prominent numerals—just as they have been for decades, and all at shockingly acceptable prices considering the history of watchmaking prowess of this maison.

2. Gagà Laboratorio and Gagà Milano

Gagà Laboratorio is a new and smaller brand, but it’s one that I’ve had my eyes on for quite some time now. Their design, the Labormatic, is fresh and unique, with a remarkable fluidity and harmony in its dial and case. It comes in just two colorways, the Cinquania (a lovely jade green) and Bauhaus (monochromatic grayscale). 

However, I do have to admit that I haven’t been following as well with the elder sister brand of Laboratorio, Gagà Milano. Milano was founded by Ruben Tomella as an independent brand all the way back in 2004, so by now, Tomella has some serious experience in the market. 

You’d think, based on the names, that Laboratorio is more of a chance for Tomella to unleash his full creativity with concept pieces, but in actuality Gagà Milano has been making exceptionally eye-catching and stand-out watches for years now that continue to go wildly underappreciated, though they do hold slightly more to a classic styling.

Gagà, Tomella tells us, is an Italian word for a dandy. For me, that’s the exact right word to use to describe Tomella’s creations across both Gagà Milano and Gagà Laboratorio. Their watches are big, bold, bright, and beautiful. 

And to be honest, they could very easily have fallen into the unfortunate trap of trying to do too much and ending up looking like a novelty watch.

Yet such is the genius of Tomella’s design that the watches manage to present a coherent, attractive whole, which pushes the boundaries of elegance and charm, just like any dandy.

3. Unimatic

Unimatic should be a familiar name to patrons of this blog and Exquisite Timepieces, as they’ve been making exceptional, minimalistic tool watches that are far from unnoticed by the watch experts here. And for good reason! 

Their watches are affordable but stylish and with solid watchmaking chops, making for excellent entry-level pieces for the collector just getting started in the watch world as well as superb lightweight additions for the more experienced collector.

Many microbrands, I’ve found, struggle intensely with establishing a clear and unique design language. Most of their initial watches clearly reference some of the bigger players in the space—be it the Rolex Submariner for dive watches or the Omega Speedmaster for chronographs, there are usually clear cues you can find at a glance. 

With Unimatic, you really get a taste of clear, fresh, and original design that exudes power and durability. Sure, it’s not always the most useful—the rotating “dive bezel” on their U1 Classic has almost no markings at all—but it is becoming an icon in its own right. Definitely a brand to keep your eye on, and worth snapping up one of their pieces if it speaks to you!

4. Giuliano Mazzuoli

Watchmaking runs deep in the Mazzuoli family—his ancestors, all the way back in 1833 (that beats out Panerai, but who’s counting?), were making tower clocks, and Giuliano Mazzuoli started his own journey 20 years ago in 2005 with the creation of his Manometro. 

Like Unimatic, Signore Mazzuoli has established a clear and unique design language faintly reminiscent of vintage Disco Volante watches. In this case, it was an old air pressure gauge that inspired him to this act of creation.

Among his collections, many of Mazzuoli’s pieces exude Italian charm, such as his Trasmissione Meccanica, which has a case that references Italian racing, and even more so his Carrara, crafted from the Carrara marble used to such acclaim by the finest of Italian sculptors. 

In particular, I’m quite in love with his Carrara Chronograph, which couples the smoothly polished marble with an elegant vintage-style chronograph. Let me be the first to assure you that these are unique and startling watches that deserve far more acclaim than that which they have received so far.

5. Venezianico

I’m gonna be honest with you guys. I think out of all the brands on this list that I’ve discovered while researching this article, I’m most excited about Venezianico. It’s hard not to be, honestly. Something about their design—I can’t put it into words, I’m afraid—is just… chef’s kiss.

You’ll have to excuse the slight fanboy moment I just had, but it’s been a while since I’ve had a watch inspire that level of excitement and admiration in me.

Pieces like their Nereide Aureo, Arsenale Ultrablack, and Nereide Acquaforte are just absolutely stunning. Now, to be fair, it’s clear that Venezianico is a design-first brand. 

Their watches are exceptional, but most run on a simple Miyota 9-series movement. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, as it’s a solid movement that is used by a lot of microbrands.

That said, they do have something quite exceptional in the works: the caliber V5000, the first Italian-made caliber. This is the kind of brand that’s aiming for nothing short of bringing Italian watchmaking into the limelight, and I’m here for it.

6. echo/neutra

echo/neutra is another one of those design-first brands that absolutely crushes it at making unique, eye-catching watches with their own strong and admirable style.

Like BVLGARI (more on them later!), they put Swiss Made on their dials, but that shouldn’t be seen as taking away from their Italian heart. Rather, echo/neutra couples Swiss watchmaking prowess with Italian design, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. 

Take, for example, their Rivanera Gray, a watch so good even Hodinkee said it was one of the best microbrand watches.

It riffs on a very clear and iconic watch style, the Cartier Tank, in a way that’s completely new and really only conjures up associations with Cartier under prolonged examination. It’s architectural in its facets, but astonishingly simple and clear in every other way. 

It’s ultra-light and ultra-thin. What does that mean for the watch? It creates a clear, coherently designed whole where every single part of it remains unobtrusive and yet beautifully crafted upon examination.

A quick search through their catalog, I guarantee, will produce nothing but many more pieces in this same style.

7. Breil

Breil is not like many of the other brands on this list. They’re not the most design-forward or the most serious watchmakers. What they are is perhaps the most fully-formed, top-of-the-line maison out of everything else here, barring only BVLGARI (they don’t count, they’re Swiss-made). 

Breil has everything, and does it all quite well to boot: men’s and women’s watches (most other brands here focus on men’s or unisex creations), jewelry, and even smartwatches. As they’re sure to tell you straight off in their History page, Breil is an avant-garde brand that’s not afraid to push the limits. 

In this case, there’s no need to question their claims: everything they offer is crafted exclusively from steel when it would be an easy and tempting matter for a jewelry house to make precious-metal watches to increase their appeal.

Their watches aren’t boundary-breaking or genre-defining, but they are darn good-looking, and it’s just about impossible to argue with the appeal of that.

8. D1 Milano

Say it with me this time, folks: here we’ve got yet another design-focused brand! I’m a huge fan of what D1 Milano brings to the table. I’ve had my eye on their iconic Polycarbon Sketch for a looooong time, and any day now I’ll pull the trigger. 

In any case, D1 Milano has a huge variety of designs, both entirely different models and a wide selection of colorways for each one. Thus, like Breil, they have one of the most comprehensive catalogs on this list, making it very easy to find something that appeals to you.

D1 Milano will also be the first to tell you they are not a watch retailer in the traditional sense of the term. Rather, they focus on materials and designs, and especially the interplay of colors. They’re here to break the rules, and I have nothing but respect for the way that they do it. 

Some brands, like Hublot, aim to push the boundaries with extremely expensive, ultra-high-end watches. Others, like D1 Milano, make that avant-garde watchmaking available to anyone at affordable prices. What’s not to love?

9. BVLGARI

The only Italian brand that could possibly compete with Panerai has to be, without a doubt, BVLGARI. In terms of their offerings, they even far surpass Panerai, showing expertise in jewelry and even in hospitality. 

BVLGARI was founded way back in 1884 in Rome as a jewelry house, and their first watches came as highly-jeweled dainty ladies’ watches.

One of BVLGARI’s most famous watch collections today, the Tubogas and its derivative the Serpenti, first appeared in the 1940s. It wasn’t until 1980, however, that they would establish a watchmaking department in its own right.

Masterpieces of watchmaking craft and design flesh out the modern BVLGARI catalog. The Octo Finissimo and Octo Roma, Bvlgari Bvlgari, and more are recognizable at a glance by anyone even mildly introduced to the world of watchmaking. 

Their work in jewelry and other métiers d’art is without doubt a tremendous fuel for their watchmaking, and the final product is truly a work of art, no matter the model or style of the piece.

10. Orologi Calamai

There are not a few brands out there that do one thing, and do it exceptionally well. Breitling does adventuring and pilot’s watches. A. Lange & Söhne does classy, “old-money” pieces. Calamai does plane turbine watches.

You heard that right. Every one of their watches is forged from the turbine of an F104 fighter jet that once flew in the Italian Air Force, just like the owner’s father, Giosuè Calamai. 

The founder and owner, Francesco, was inspired by his father’s life and sought to build something that will last. He’s done exactly that here, by imparting a history to each of the watches he crafts that goes beyond what most other normal watches have. 

And it’s not as if the appeal of these watches ends there. Calami offers a wide variety of options, with different complications and each with a striking sporty look.

But front and center for each one is its gorgeously finished case, crafted from the fine steel of an F104 Starfighter jet. Each watch is offered at a quite affordable mid-range price to boot. For history and military provenance, this is your go-to.

11. U-Boat

You can spot a U-Boat from a mile away. They feel about as big as the eponymous submarine on the wrist, and every part of the design serves only to accentuate that, thanks to the oversized dial relative to the rest of the body of the watch. 

Like Ressence, many of their watches are filled with oil to further emphasize the dial and make it legible from any angle. Interestingly, U-Boat takes this innovation a step further by also bathing the movement in oil, which supposedly helps with its lubrication as well. 

Say what you will about the enormous cases and pronounced dials of U-Boat’s creations, they are striking and recognizable at a glance, and not a few celebrities swear by them.

If you’re craving something countercultural to swim against the tide of modern watchmaking trends, look no further than U-Boat.

12. Gucci

Like many other fashion brands, Gucci has recently made such a concerted effort to improve its watchmaking division that it would be hard for me not to include it on this list.

They’ve got a huge catalog of well-designed watches for men and for women, all of which are clean and trendy without slipping into the domain of “Walmart watch” infamy. 

Perhaps most of note, however, is Gucci’s High Watchmaking collection, which cleanly surpasses all but Panerai and BVLGARI on the rest of this list.

This specialty department has constructed some absolutely spectacular timepieces, several of which have received a GPHG nomination—equivalent to an Oscar nomination in watchmaking. 

Their Gucci 25H Minute Repeater and G-Timeless Planetarium dazzle and amaze with superb clean design and watchmaking prowess that simply cannot be overlooked.

And even if you’re not in the market for a several-hundred-thousand-dollar timepiece, look no further than Gucci’s G-Flat collection, which is exquisitely designed and a well-respected watch in any collector’s eyes.

13. Officina del Tempo

Few other brands walk so perfectly the line between maximalism and minimalism. Indeed, many brands will structure their entire identity on one side or the other of the line: Jacob & Co is (in)famous for its maximalism, and NOMOS Glashütte excels at Bauhausian minimalism. Officina del Tempo does both, and does it spectacularly well. 

Almost every other collection they offer is one and then the other, seesawing from unobtrusive dress watches to spectacularly overengineered racing behemoths. 

This is completely Made-in-Italy watchmaking at perhaps its apogee, where almost every concept in horology finds expression in one of many watches that have been offered by the brand celebrating its 25th birthday this year.

Here, heritage is married to limitless contemporary design, and the product is nothing short of exceptional.

14. Anonimo

As I was exploring Anonimo a little more to prepare for this article, one thought kept coming back to my mind: this is the Italian Jacques Bianchi! Rest assured, I mean that in every way as a compliment, because I’m a huge fan of the French diving-focused microbrand and what they do. 

Anonimo has a very similar origin story and makes watches that are similar in concept, but certainly quite distinct in style, which lets these two brands marvelously coexist in the market today.

While Jacques Bianchi makes more classical watches, Anonimo loves to play with design in typical Italian fashion, making striking professional divers that are also just as comfortable out of the water as in it. 

You’ll want to take a particular look at their bronze pieces, which especially when diving will take on a lovely patina and age to a unique and tasteful sea green. Anonimo’s lovely and striking watches are anything but anonymous: their style and design will be recognized at a glance by those in the know.

15. Zannetti

For large watchmaking brands, a certain amount of the quality and price associated with their pieces comes from the name on the dial.

If we’re being honest, a Patek Philippe would be significantly cheaper under many other names—part of it is the heritage, doubtless, but the name carries a significant weight to it. Others make their way through sheer craftsmanship. 

Zannetti is a member of the latter camp, a name that carries little weight with most enthusiasts but whose craftsmanship can be easily appreciated by expert collectors at a glance.

Each piece, Zannetti proudly declares, is unique, and a dizzying array of métiers d’art are brought to bear across all their offerings for such a small independent brand. 

Zannetti is nothing short of one of the most exceptional producers of watches in the world and deserves infinitely more attention than it now receives.

Conclusion

Italy may not be the best-known country for horological advancement, but it’s clear that its true skill has gone completely unrecognized. 

From independent craftsmen like Zannetti to watchmaking powerhouses like BVLGARI, Italy provides something for even the most discerning collector, or beautiful watches that serve well as entry pieces for those just getting into the watch world. 

Each of these brands deserves your attention and appreciation—what are you waiting for?