17 Best Watches for $1,500 in 2025 (Seiko, Longines, and More!)

There are many watches out there that cover all kinds of crazy functions, designs, heritage, and, most certainly, price. Not everyone can afford luxury brands such as Rolex, Omega, and so on and not everyone wants to spend that kind of money on a watch.

There are no objectively right answers to this and that is why watches are such a fun hobby, or rabbit hole, to go deep into because there is always a right watch at the right price for anyone out there. 

Some people might be confused with quality and price, and think that you would have to spend a huge chunk of cash to only be able to obtain a quality watch. That is far from the truth. 

Whether you are just a student getting ready to venture out into the scary and intimidating adult world or you’re just someone who just wants a nice watch to impress your first date, we’ve got you covered. 

In this article, we are going to cover the 17 best watches for around $1,500 (prices might not be exactly $1,500, but we will do our best to include watches close to that price point) and will cover several different brands and also different styles. 

Things to know before you buy

There are several brands from several countries, such as Switzerland, Germany, and Japan. There are no objectively “better” quality watches from where the watch is made, it is purely up to the buyer’s preference of whether they prefer a Swiss or a Japanese watch by the design and movement. 

There are also different types of movement in this article, predominantly quartz and automatic watches. The main difference between the two is that quartz uses a battery to power the watch and requires a change of battery every two years or so. 

On the flip side, the watch will always run and will be much more accurate as compared to the automatic movement. However, for an automatic watch, everything is mechanical, and as long as you wear it on your wrist, the watch will run. There is a charm to that, especially for watch enthusiasts. 

Thus, it depends on the occasion that you’re planning to wear it. If you are wearing it during special occasions, quartz movements are more preferred as it will always run, and you do not have to worry about adjusting the time when it stops. Also, usually quartz watches are thinner and hide under your sleek cuffs on your special night out. 

If you want an everyday watch, automatic movements are preferred because as long as you wear it, the watch will always run, making it more reliable, and there is no headache of changing the battery every few years. 

Obviously, this is just a guide and not something that you have to follow. Be your own and choose whatever you wish, and I am sure you will enjoy the watch regardless. 

In this article, we will be separating into two sections: automatic watches and quartz watches.

Best Automatic Watches

In this section, Seiko arguably dominates this category because of its affordable price and in-house movements, made entirely in Japan since 1881. 

They also have one of the best price points with an automatic movement, as most automatic watches are usually slightly more expensive because of their complex nature of movement. There are also different “tiers” for Seiko, such as Seiko 5, Seiko, and Grand Seiko (which we will not cover in this topic due to the lack of budget). 

There are also other brands from Switzerland and Germany. They are also a great price for value as Swiss watches (especially) are always viewed as a more reputable and more expensive counterpart due to their long horology history and also strong heritage that Swiss watch brands have cemented.

Seiko Prospex SPB143

The SPB143 is well-known among the Seiko enthusiasts and is very well-loved around the world. It is reminiscent of the legendary 62MAS, the first dive watch ever released by Seiko, and it still maintains that similar look with stick markers and a flat cushion-styled stainless steel case. 

Powering this watch is the reliable and in-house automatic 6R35 movement with a power reserve of 70 hours. It is part of the Seiko Prospex line, which is more professional and aimed at divers. It has a water resistance of 200m, which is perfect for everyday wear or swimming. 

With a case size of 40.5mm and a lug-to-lug distance of 47.6mm made from entirely stainless steel, this watch would fit a medium to large sized wrist, suitable for most people out there. You can find the watch for $1,200 at authorized Seiko retailers such as Exquisite Timepieces.

Seiko Presage SPB495

The Presage collection from Seiko is part of their dressy line, which exudes class and elegance. The SPB495 pays homage to the first-ever pocket watch made by Seiko themselves back in 1895.

It has an extremely unique enamel dial which gives this porcelain-white look, giving it a high contrast with the deep blue hands and black Roman numerals. The entire dial is not only easy to read with the contrast but also very timeless looking. 

The watch is powered by the Caliber 6R5H, an automatic movement with 3 days power reserve. It also features a classy black cowhide strap made from leather, adding more dressy points to the watch.

The SPB495 features a 40mm stainless steel case and also an open case back where the wearers can enjoy the movement of the watch.

Usually, watches with an enamel dial come at an exorbitant price due to the highly complex process of creating the dial. But the SPB495 only comes in at $1,400, making it one of the most affordable watches with an enamel dial. 

Seiko Prospex SPB379

This is recently released by Seiko to introduce an extra GMT function to their very famous Alpinist line of watches. The original Alpinist was very popular among watch collectors as it features a quirky crown at 4 o’clock that is actually a crown that rotates the inner bezel, which is a compass. 

The SPB379 has a matte black dial with a striking and contrasting red second hour hand to show the second time zone. This makes the watch incredibly legible and has that field watch look to it. Powering the watch is the Caliber 6R54, a mechanical automatic movement that has an approximate power reserve of 72 hours.

Sizing of the watch is not too huge either with a case diameter of 39.5mm and a thickness of 13.6mm, suitable for most wrists out there. The SPB379 also has a 200m water resistance, perfect for everyday wear. 

As with most Seikos, it is very well priced at just $1,150.

King Seiko SPB283

The King Seiko was discontinued for a while but recently, Seiko has brought it back to life. The King Seiko fills the gap between Seiko and Grand Seiko, offering a good balance between luxury and relatively affordable prices. The SPB283 is no exception.

The SPB283 is one of the most versatile-looking watches that offer exceptional finishing on the sunburst black dial and a comfortable bracelet that is suitable for everyday wear and also dressier occasions. 

It also features one of the smallest dials in this list with a 37mm stainless case and 12.1mm thick. What makes it more unique than the others is the box-shaped sapphire crystal, offering an extra vintage look to improve legibility under direct sunlight. 

The movement of the watch is King Seiko’s mechanical automatic caliber 6R31 with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The retail price is slightly more than the price suggested in this list at $1,700.

Seiko Prospex SPB257 1970 Mechanical Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation

The list deserves something slightly more special and does not have that standard stainless steel-look case, and the SPB257 is perfect for that. The SPB257 uses an iconic cushion case shape that watch enthusiasts call this series of Seiko dive watches the Seiko Turtle. 

What makes the SPB257 unique is the black hard coating on the 42.7mm stainless steel case, giving that extra cool factor. The case size might look big, but it wears smaller than that due to its extremely short lug-to-lug distance of just 41.6mm.

The orange accents on the bezel and the minute hand give it a fascinating contrast and improve legibility, especially at night or under the sea. Completing the watch is the fabric strap that is made in Japan which is extra resistant to sunlight and prevents degradation over time. 

Powering the watch is the automatic Caliber 6R35 with a power reserve of 70 hours. The retail price for the SPB257 is $1,300. 

Seiko Presage SPB219

So far, we have mostly black dials and white dials, and I think a bit of color would not do any harm. Green is the new hyped-up color recently and it seems like every brand out there is introducing their own versions of green dials. 

Luckily, the SPB219 has one of the most striking and beautiful green dials on the market, especially at just $1,400. It has a striking deep emerald green along with sharp-edged patterns on the dial, also known as “Tokima” or evergreen trees.

As this is part of the Presage lineup, it looks slightly more to the dressy side but also has extra features such as a GMT function that has a 24-hour GMT painted in yellow, a power reserve indicator, and a date window. It also has an open case back where you can see the beautiful Caliber 6R64 29-jewel automatic movement and a power reserve of approximately 45 hours.

Longines Hydroconquest Black Dial Automatic

Our first Swiss watch entry is this list and it has to be a Longines. They offer amazing products at a very good price point, especially for Swiss-made watches. 

This Hydroconquest on this list is the older version of the current Hydroconquest line, but it is still an amazing watch, especially at just $1,375 (the newer ones are about $700 more). The Hydroconquest is Longines’ take on modern-style dive watches that feature bold numerals and very legible indices. 

It features a very distinctive black dial that improves legibility and also maintains its timeless looking design. It is powered by the Caliber L888, an automatic movement that has a power reserve of approximately 72 hours and a water resistance of up to 300m.

Longines Hydroconquest Black Dial Steel PVD Automatic

Although it’s 99% the same watch as the above, we thought it would be a great addition to the list as this features a yellow PVD coating on the stainless steel bracelet and also on the bezel, crown, indices, and hands. 

This is a great addition for someone who wants more of that vintage look and looks a bit more expensive and luxurious, offering that two-tone look. This is essentially a two-tone watch at a bargain, as most watches would include gold plated/solid gold to give that look. And it only costs a bit more than the standard Hydroconquest at $1,550.

Ball NM9050C-S1-BE Roadmaster Perseverer 40mm Blue Dial

Ball watches are often under the radar and are one of the most underrated Swiss watches in the current market. The Roadmaster is one of their entry-level watches that is perfect for everyday wear, but the finishing on the bracelet and the 40mm case is seamless. What I really like is the deep dark blue dial with contrasting white indices and just a pop of red that writes “Automatic” and the seconds hand. 

It has an integrated 904L stainless bracelet type of look that can easily be dressed up or down, offering lots of versatility for the wearer. Not only that, the 904L stainless steel is a unique alloy that offers exceptional corrosion resistance. Powering the watch is the automatic Caliber Ball RR1103, which features a date function. The watch comes in at a very respectable price of around $1,550.

Junghans Max Bill Automatic 027/3500.02

Our first German brand on this list and Junghans is the perfect brand at this price range. The Junghans Max Bill is one of the most minimalist looking watches but looks modern at the same time with its Arabic numerals. The Max Bill is mostly known for its Bauhaus design offering incredible legibility with an extremely clean white dial. 

The Junghans Max Bill is also extremely wearable, with a 38mm stainless steel case and a thickness of just 38mm. The watch also comes in a black calfskin strap that offers better comfort and extra casual points. 

Powering the Max Bill is the automatic Caliber J800.1 with a power reserve of 38 hours, and the price tag is $1,460.

Raymond Weil 2925-STC-80001 Millesime

Another new brand added to this list is the Swiss brand Raymond Weil. They have been manufacturing watches since the 70s and have always been making solid watches ever since. The Millesime collection offers a very simple design and has a sector dial look. It is made to pay homage to the heritage and the traditions of horology of this brand. 

We particularly picked this configuration that features a salmon dial, as it really brightens up the watch and gives it much more character. It also has two types of finishes on the bezel and case, offering an extra level of finishing. The watch comes in a case diameter of 39.5mm and just 9.25mm with a glassbox-type sapphire crystal. 

The watch has an open case back, and you can enjoy the RW4200 automatic movement from behind and you can see the unique and signature W-shaped oscillating weight. It is priced at $1,650.

Frederique Constant FC-303NB5B6 Index Automatic 40mm

Frederique Constant has slowly been on the rise for Swiss-made watches and is continuing to creep up the ranks. The classic index collection is Frederique Constant’s entry-level watches for men, featuring a simple black dial with contrasting black indices. 

This watch has a matte finish and provides a timeless aesthetic, making it perfect for everyday wear. Giving an extra bit of character is the calf leather with nubuck finishing and crocodile pattern for the strap to ensure great comfort and classiness.

The watch has a 40mm case and is powered by the automatic FC-303 with a power reserve of 38 hours. The Classic Index is priced at $1,195.

Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Automatic Blue Rubber ZO9270

If you’re after a super fun watch with bright colors and fun contrasted dials, Zodiac is the brand for you. Zodiac goes a long way back in 1882 and is also Swiss made. The Super Sea Wolf is one of their most popular and iconic dive watch collections, as it really stands out from the crowd.

The current selection features a super bright white dial and bezel with contrasting orange minute hand and minute track. This watch is perfect for those summer times at the beach or just taking a stroll in the city. It also features a wearable 40mm stainless steel case paired with a high-quality rubber strap and with a 200m water resistance. 

The Super Sea Wolf is powered by an automatic movement STP 1-11 and is priced at $1,295.

Squale 1521 Classic Blue Sand Blasted on Strap

Another bright and fun watch brand with a rich heritage and history that goes back to the 50s for making reliable dive watches is Squale. They have been creating and testing to manufacture the best of the best dive watch cases for a lot of big Swiss brands back in the day and now have created their own. 

The 1521 features a bright blue dial and bezel with a contrasting orange minute hand to improve legibility, especially under water. It also has the best water resistance on this list, with 500m, and is perfect for hardcore divers out there. 

The case diameter is 42mm, and uses the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement with a power reserve of 38 hours. Price of this watch is $1,040.

DOXA SUB 200T 804.10.351.10 Professional Iconic Dial

Continuing the list of fun looking dive watches, the Doxa Sub 200T is no doubt one of the most iconic Swiss dive watches out there at this price range. The striking orange dial, the sophisticated beaded bracelet, the stainless steel cushion case are what makes the Sub 200T, the Sub 200T. 

It is one of the most wearable dive watches on this list with a 39mm diameter and just at a thickness of 10.7mm. The unidirectional rotating bezel is also super unique with its integrated US Navy no-decompression limit table that describes the benchmark for a diver’s safety. 

It is equipped with a Swiss automatic movement that is decorated exclusively by Doxa with a power reserve of around 38 hours. It is priced at $1,590.

Best Quartz Watches

Longines L4.330.4.11.0 Elegant Collection Moonphase White Dial on Strap

Ladies watches should deserve some love too, and for all the ladies reading this blog, we got you covered.

The Longines Elegant collection is, as the name suggests, a super elegant looking dress watch that has a simple white dial and a moonphase at the 6 o’clock. This offers a bit of character with Roman numerals with some extra functionality such as the date as well. The watch comes in different strap colors too but in this example, we went for the light green colored strap to make the watch slightly more unique. 

The watch features a Quartz Caliber L296 in a 30mm case diameter and a thickness of just 8.5mm. And at its price point of $1,350, it’s the perfect date night watch!

Longines Dolcevita L5.255.4.71.6

Second entry to the ladies watches in this list is the ever-so classic Dolcevita. This watch is the first rectangular shaped stainless steel case, a case dimension of 20.8mm x 32mm, on this list as it was inspired by a model from the 1920s that offers better proportions and exudes class and elegance without losing its original identity. 

This classy watch features a Quartz Caliber L178 with roman numerals and a small seconds hand at 6 o’clock. What makes this watch super classy is its blue hands and silver, textual dial color that really shows off the elegance of the watch. The Dolce Vita also features a 5 link style bracelet for maximum comfort and versatility. 

As the name suggests Dolce Vita, also means “sweet life” in Italian, can be true for you at just $1,425.

Conclusion

As you can see on this list, you do not have to break the bank to buy a solid and reliable watch. Doesn’t matter if it’s Japanese or Swiss or German, every watch is different in their own way.

There is no perfect watch out there, only a watch that is perfect for you.