Category: Watch Reviews

We all love the look and feel of a luxury watch, but this isn’t always ideal for every environment. I also consider long-term value here, as you want to take proper care of any timepiece you have.

When it comes to beater watches, it doesn’t hurt to have a go-to you like to look at, but don’t really care too much if it gets banged up.

Part of this also includes cost efficiency, as most beater watches won’t require you to break the bank to find one you like. This article highlights 10 of the best beater watches I feel everyone should know about in 2025.

What is a Beater Watch, and Why Should You Own One?

It’s pretty easy to spot a beater watch if you ask me. For the most part, it comes down to materials and cost. Branding is an important factor as well, but thankfully, this variety of watches isn’t necessarily hard to come by.

These types of watches are great for everyday use, and you can even find many that are built with specific activities in mind. It never hurts to have one on hand, and you’d be surprised at how stylish they can get.

Regardless of their purpose or price tag, I always make a point to focus on reliability and practical value. Whether it’s for travel, daily outings, or your workout schedule, beater watches fit the bill.

Even for high-end watch enthusiasts, it’s nice to have something on your wrist that you don’t have to worry about too much.

Best Beater Watches for 2025

Considering there are many popular beater watches to choose from, you won’t have a hard time finding something you like.

You’ll find varying opinions on this particular topic but know that all of the watches mentioned below offer the variety you might need. The main point here is to find something affordable that can last you longer than you might expect. 

In the same vein, you don’t want to opt for pure low-quality just to save a few bucks. I don’t always like emptying my wallet for a high-end watch at every turn. Sometimes, it’s nice to enjoy a watch for what it is without having to worry about generational value.

If quality is a concern, then all that means is that you need to take a look at all of the physical details. The 10 watches listed below could last you for years or a lifetime, depending on how you take care of them.

1. Casio G-Shock 5600 Series (ref. DW5600E-1V)

You’re likely familiar with the G-Shock name, but it can be hard to find a personal favorite. Casio has been around for years, which means a long list of watches you could choose from. With this particular model from the 5600 series, you’re getting a rigid and durable buy.

It’s shock-resistant, which means it won’t break into pieces if you drop it or hit it on a wall. Part of what sells me about this watch is its compact and lightweight design. It only weighs 52 grams, and I really appreciate the long battery life with a battery that lasts up to 5 years.

You’ll never have an issue reading the time due to the bright LED, and there are several advanced time functions included as well. Some of my personal favorites are the 1/100-second stopwatch and the multi-function alarm.

There’s a lot to appreciate here. Even with smart features like flash alert, auto-calendar, and more, the watch still remains affordable.

If you’d like one for yourself, this G-Shock watch goes for $99.95

2. Timex Expedition Scout 40mm (ref. T49961)

Boasting a field-inspired design, the Expedition Scout from Timex is the perfect beater watch for the outdoorsman. It comes with a reliable fabric strap, date display, and arrow-style second-hand. The dial takes a classic approach without being too flashy, in contrast to the surroundings.

The watch’s build relies on brass and an LLB case, featuring a matte grey finish for neutrality. Due to the fabric strap, I found it to be extremely comfortable to wear throughout the day. I wouldn’t say this is a good option for water sports, but it does have a water resistance rating of 50 meters.

I was actually somewhat surprised by the inclusion of a quartz analog movement. For me, it seemed battery-powered at first, but at least the watch has some layers to it. One of my favorite features in this watch is the Timex backlight that’s used here. More specifically, it’s the signature INDIGLO Night-Light seen in many of Timex’s watches.

This watch also comes at a fair price of $91 if it aligns with your everyday needs.

3. Citizen Garrison Eco-Drive (ref. BM8180-03E)

I’d like to point out that this watch isn’t necessarily new to the market, but it’s one that shouldn’t be overlooked. With a military-inspired look, the watch comes with a rugged 37mm stainless steel case. This includes a black dial, full Arabic numerals, and luminous hands for consistent visibility.

What draws me to this watch is the eco-drive tech. Powered purely by light alone, you’ll never have to worry about a dying battery. The watch’s functionality is made possible thanks to the in-house E101 movement caliber.

It’s easy to wear all day long due to the comfortable strap, which features woven green nylon and patterned stitching. The material isn’t really my first choice, but I was surprised at how comfortable it was during all-day use.

I think most people would appreciate its compact size as well. You can’t forge the day-date indicator on the dial, making it a practical and affordable watch for most people.

The watch is also more than affordable for most people, as it’s currently retailing at $236.

4. Orient Kamasu (ref. RA-AA0001B39B)

With a diver-inspired design, I found this watch to be a decent outdoor and professional-looking watch. I’m personally a huge fan of the teeth-like hands, not to mention a consistent Caliber F6922 automatic movement.

This also includes hand winding on top of hacking capability. The power reserve is approximately 40 hours, and the overall build is tougher than it looks.

Other notable features include the day-date display, including luminous markers, and an impressive 200-meter water resistance. If you’re worried about hitting your wrist by accident, the durable sapphire crystal should do well to keep it protected.

There’s a standard 120-click unidirectional bezel, and the stainless steel look of the watch is great for the office. Considering the water resistance, I’d say it’s a fair option for the outdoors as well. Above all else, I’m a fan of the price tag, as this makes the features all the more worth the investment.

I suggest trying one for yourself, as this particular Kamasu goes for $350.

5. Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz 38mm (ref. H69401930)

This is another option that’s considered a decent field watch with a military-focused design. I initially see this in the easy-to-read typography, jet-black dial, and vintage-looking indexes.

While the sound of a quartz movement doesn’t necessarily excite me, it still delivers high accuracy and low maintenance in the long term. 

Compact and lightweight is always a winning combination, featuring a 38mm stainless steel case and 8.3mm thickness. The sapphire crystal is scratch-resistant, not to mention corrosion-resistant as well.

I initially thought the strap looked rather weak compared to the case, but that sentiment changed after I put it on. It’s a standard NATO strap on top of brown leather, which adds to the durability. Water resistance isn’t much at 50 meters, but you should be able to handle light swimming just fine.

A little pricier than other options on this list, it’s still in an affordable spot of $425.

6. Luminox Navy SEAL 3501 (ref. XS.3501.F)

A watch that’s definitely meant to be put to use, the Navy SEAL from Luminox hits a great middle ground. It features a modern standard 45mm case, including immense durability that you won’t ever have to question. At first glance, I thought it would be too bulky for my wrists, but it barely moved throughout the day.

It’s also highly comfortable due to the 24mm rubber strap, but I wouldn’t sleep with it on or anything. I personally got a bit of skin irritation from the strap when sleeping with the watch, but that’s primarily due to the rubber.

Aside from that, you get unwavering visibility thanks to the Luminox Light tech, which promises 25 years of service. I was honestly impressed by the RONDA 515 quartz movement, including a 50-month battery life. Overall, it’s an impressive timepiece that won’t break your bank.

This is another watch on the higher end, yet still very affordable for $575.

7. Momentum Atlas Eclipse Solar Steel 38mm (ref. 053BADANB-AM-B-B-AQK-AD-AA-A-A-B)

Even if you aren’t familiar with the brand, it won’t take long for Momentum to pique your interest. I find this especially true when it comes to their Atlas collection. There are numerous models to choose from, but this Eclipse Solar Steel is beautiful and functional.

For me, it definitely carries more of an office-ready vibe, but that doesn’t mean it can’t withstand the outdoors. After a little time with the watch, I can confidently say it’s adventure-ready, even if it doesn’t look like it.

Crafted from brushed and polished stainless steel, you get a classic look with a blend of material strength. Sapphire crystal ensures the watch is always legible, and the watch comes with an impressive water resistance of 100 meters. I also have to give them credit for the versatile strap options they bring to the table.

Regarding the price, you might be shocked to hear this excellent beater is only $235.

8. Tissot Everytime 40mm (ref. T143.410.11.091.00)

Part of what drew my eye to this watch is its overall minimalist design. Featuring a graded green to black dial, the watch honestly looks stunning from every angle. The index markers are easy to read, and it does well to portray elegance without being too pricey.

Regardless of the price, you’re getting the reliability of a Swiss quartz movement. It also comes with an end-of-life (EOL) battery indicator.

I love the surface-level simplicity of the watch, but that doesn’t mean the watch isn’t durable. It’s made of a 316L stainless steel case, with the necessary scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

Water resistance isn’t much with this watch, but it can handle up to 50 meters. More than suitable for everyday wear, Tissot is a name that’s synonymous with quality. It dons a 40mm case with a straightforward 20mm lug width.

Even if this watch isn’t for everyone’s collection, it isn’t hard to get hold of at $315.

9. Nodus Sector II Pilot – Blackbird (ref. N/A)

I had to focus on something different here, as we haven’t focused on an aviation-inspired design. There’s a lot to be said about pilot watches. For this particular model, you’re getting a day-date complication, legibility, and a commanding presence.

It isn’t the bulkiest watch on this list, but it’ll definitely stand out on your wrist, regardless of the angle. While the watch is relatively slim, it also carries a rather rugged look from every angle. After some time with the watch, I was pretty impressed with how comfortable the strap felt.

The bracelet is a 20mm -16mm tapered design, and it includes the proprietary NodeX clasp. This leads to quick-release spring bars that make it easy to take on and off.

Getting down to the specs, the proportions are more refined than you might expect in a more affordable watch. You’re getting a 40mm bezel, 38mm case, and 20mm lug width. I was shocked to learn how much ground there was to cover for this watch. Without a doubt, it’s an easy choice between style and function.

The watch goes for an even $500, and the quality will long outlive the cost.

10. Marathon Black GPQ 34mm (ref. 6645-01-318-9833)

For the last entry in this list, I had to mention the Black GPQ from Marathon. The short version is that the design is inspired by field watches issued back in 1941. With practicality in mind, the modern version is also a lot more stylish. I was impressed with the high-impact composite fibreshell case.

Outside of that, the watch is put in motion by a three-jewel ETA high-torque quartz movement. This gives you plenty of consistent results, and it also comes with an EOL battery indicator.

What I really like about this timepiece is its field-ready simplicity. Although there’s no calendar function, you will find dual 12/24-hour dial scale, and a sizeable 41mm lug to lug profile.

You won’t have any issue with nighttime visibility, and you also won’t need a charge to get this to work. Between durable, lightweight, and effective, this watch from Marathon is definitely built for everyday use.

The watch is also just $297.50, which is bound to eventually change with time.

The Bottom Line

I can talk all day about the many beater watches that you can come across on the market. For new buyers, it’s best to get the most for your buck. I highly suggest giving these a try before you buy, but there are plenty of other options on the market.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to find a reliable timepiece. Working with reputable retailers like Exquisite Timepiece will make sure you end up with the right watch.

I shall start by saying that this isn’t an easy guide to compile. Not by any stretch of the imagination. Why? Because perpetual calendars don’t come cheap.

So, if you happen to have an unshakable penchant for expensive things and a perpetual calendar is next on your list, you’re in trouble. Long-suffering wives can’t know about this guide. It’s strictly between you and me. You’re only browsing, anyway (clears throat).

The trouble is, what would you say when she finds a watch like this stashed in the back of your wardrobe? “What, this old thing? I’ve had it for yonks, darling”. Agreed, it’s a tactic that works better for a watch than it does trying to conceal a new sports car.

But for the majority of us, guilty pleasures as small as a watch can soon become harder to hide the better your other half becomes at using her special impulse buy-antenna. Perhaps the only way to go is a trade-off. You get a new watch, and she can order a new handbag.

Still, like everything, there are more affordable alternatives to even the most expensive lifestyle products. And that’s kind of what a perpetual calendar is. A lifestyle product. It’s no longer an essential tool.

But you can certainly imagine how groundbreaking and indispensable a tool like this was when it arrived, right? This thing could keep you punctual. Could keep you organised. It told the rest of the world you could afford expensive, sophisticated things.  

Not much has changed since then, even by today’s standards. These watches still convey a sense of wealth, good taste, and a degree of horological expertise. But just know this: there are reasonably priced perpetual watches available if you’re serious about owning one and you know where to look.

The History of the Perpetual Calendar Watch

Before we delve into what a perpetual calendar is, it’s essential to examine the calendar itself. Before the Gregorian calendar that we use today, we followed what was known as the Julian calendar (pre-1582).

It was divided into 365 days (each with 24 hours) and 12 months (each with 30 or 31 days), with February comprising just 28 days. There was a problem, however. It didn’t align with the solar year (the time it takes for the Earth to complete one full revolution).

The solar year comprises 365 days, 5 hours, 49 minutes, and 16 seconds. Therefore, Pope Gregory XIII added an extra day to February every four years, which led to the creation of the Gregorian calendar.

Oh, also – to balance the math out – this extra day is left out every 100 years but then added back every 400 years – confusing, I know!  

Hopefully, now you’re getting an idea of how complicated a watch like the perpetual calendar is, as this intricately engineered instrument accounts for all of this for you. The guy behind this revolutionary concept was Thomas Mudge.

He created the first perpetual calendar in pocket watch form in 1762, which was later acquired by the horological giant Patek Philippe, who obtained a patent for it in 1889.

The first Patek Philippe perpetual calendar pocket watch arrived soon after, followed by the first perpetual calendar watch in 1925. The brand also developed the first retrograde perpetual calendar 12 years later and the first series dedicated to the complication a further four years after that.

That same year, it launched a chronograph version. The brand also achieved another milestone in 1962 with the introduction of the first automatic-powered perpetual calendar.

Indeed, Patek Philippe was leaps and bounds ahead of its competition when it came to specialising in this complication. It smashed out several firsts that out-performed many other manufacturers of its time by a country mile!

What Is a Perpetual Calendar?

If you’re serious about owning an affordable perpetual calendar but unsure how it works, keep reading. I promise to keep it brief and to the point.

The Perpetual calendar watch is one of the most sophisticated timepieces out there. For a start, it has a mechanical memory that spans 1,461 days. The watch displays the days of the week, months of the year, and date without requiring manual adjustment.

It takes into account leap years and accounts for the days of the month, regardless of whether they’re 28, 30, or 31 days long. This highly complex mechanism won’t need adjusting as long as you keep it running, whether by a manual wound movement or a self-winding one (or even a quartz movement).

Because there are many different types of perpetual calendar watches on the market, their movements may vary in terms of how they operate. Most are engineered to track the time and date accurately to the year 2100.

These horological works of art comprise a date wheel, a day wheel, a date change lever, and a day-of-the-week lever, as well as month wheels and racks that ensure all parts work in harmony together. Additionally, those watches featuring a moon phase indicator will feature yet another disk.

The ticking machine inside the perpetual calendar, no larger than your big toenail, comprises hundreds of tiny parts all working synergistically together, their performance of which can be admired for a fleeting moment through an exhibition caseback in most designs.

The Difference Between a Perpetual Calendar and an Annual Calendar Watch

If you already own an annual calendar, you’ll know that it works similarly to a perpetual calendar by displaying the day, date, and month alongside the main minutes, hours, and seconds of the day.

However, an annual calendar watch requires adjustment once a year, typically at the end of February, depending on whether it features a 28- or 29-day cycle.

An annual calendar works via 12 teeth to account for the months and five teeth that are longer in size to account for those months with 30 days. These cause the mechanism to rotate an additional time during these months, to skip past the 31st day when not needed.

The perpetual calendar, as mentioned earlier, does all the hard work for you, requiring no adjustments until the year 2100; however, it does come with a higher price tag.

Why Do You Need a Perpetual Calendar Watch?

Despite the market for smartwatches becoming increasingly oversaturated, the allure and appeal of a watch like the perpetual calendar seem to be as prominent as ever.

Of course, you can access the day, date, leap year, and current time with the swipe of a screen on your mobile phone (or other digital device), but perpetual calendar watches look incredibly sophisticated, offering many practical applications in day-to-day life.

This complication is incredibly useful, as it saves you from all the unnecessary hassle of making adjustments like you would with an annual calendar. This is especially true if you own a watch that doesn’t already have the quick-set feature, which allows you to adjust the date without interfering with the hands.

For example, if you accidentally set the date one day too far on an annual calendar watch, you’d have to correct your mistake by winding your crown through an entire cycle until you reach the correct date again.

This can be a hassle if you’re in a hurry. A perpetual calendar takes care of this for you. Moreover, there are numerous designs and manufacturers to explore when shopping for one. Let’s take a look at some affordable perpetual calendar watches…

Some Affordable Perpetual Calendar Watches

Due to the extensive work involved in crafting a perpetual calendar watch, these beautiful instruments often command a higher price tag than most other complications.

Although no perpetual calendar watch can really be classified as “affordable”, we can at least look at some “relatively affordable” ones. Here they are, in no particular order.

IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar IW344203

Considering perpetual calendars by IWC can reach the $60k mark (and let’s not even mention the $180k ultra-precise Eternal Calendar, accurate to 45 million years!), the reference IW344203, for around the $30k mark, is a reasonably priced offering. For the materials, features and design that you get for its price, you can’t overlook this option.

The Portugieser is one of IWC Schaffhausen’s oldest collections, so it makes sense for the brand to cement something as classic as the perpetual calendar into a cornerstone collection like this.

If you prefer a more understated approach, this design is modest yet incorporates Kurt Klaus’ work on the perpetual calendar from the 1980s.

It recognises the different lengths of the months and leap years, presenting the information concisely and with clarity against a silver-plated dial. The 42mm model features the date at 3 o’clock, the month at 6 o’clock, and the days of the week at 9 o’clock.

This is all thanks to the IWC-manufactured 82650, which offers a 60-hour power reserve. Meanwhile, the gold-plated hands add a nice luxurious touch to this design, as does the classic black alligator leather strap.

Frederique Constant Manufacture Perpetual Calendar

If you’re starting your quest to find an affordable but solidly built perpetual calendar, you need to take a look at the Frederique Constant Manufacture ref. FC-776SAL3H6, priced at just under $10,000.

It’s the no-brainer option for those looking to enjoy the qualities of the sophisticated calendar complication alongside compact case proportions.

The Manufacture Perpetual Calendar is a special watch because it’s powered by Frederique Constant’s 34th in-house movement – the Calibre 776. It boasts a three-day power reserve and showcases its performance via a soft silvery sunray salmon dial.

As one of the most affordable perpetual calendar watches on the market today, this model even offers a glimpse into the performance of the movement via an exhibition caseback.

It’s not the most highly finished movement. Still, the basic perlage and circular Côtes de Genève decoration bring together the traditional elements of a Swiss-made movement, complete with a 72-hour power reserve for occasions where you may want to alternate it with another watch.

H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Black Edition

Here’s the thing with the H. Moser & Cie Endeavor watch. It makes something so incredibly complex look as simple as possible with a contemporary, minimalist display.

Those less familiar with this complication could easily underestimate the movement working away inside its 40.8mm titanium case. But don’t be fooled…

This lightweight H. Moser & Cie Endeavour watch features a dial colour that’s closer to anthracite than black. Elegant leaf-shaped hands help perpetuate the flowing curvature of the case and the smooth finish of the rose gold details.

Suffice to say, the brand transforms this highly complex wristwatch, giving it an entirely new platform to showcase its qualities.

Even better value for money, the Endeavour Perpetual Calendar is powered by an in-house manual-winding movement, which displays a date window at 3 o’clock, a small seconds counter at 9 o’clock, and a power reserve indicator on the west side of the dial.

A closer look at the dial reveals a much smaller arrow hand, which is the tell-tale sign of something much more complex happening in the background. The arrow hand points to the month in the same way as you would typically read the hours. So clever and so worth its sub-$30k price tag.

Glashutte Original Senator Excellence Perpetual Calendar

If you like Frederique Constant’s style of watch, the Glashutte Original Senator Excellence ref 1-36-02-01-02-71, priced at $23,800, may appeal to you for several apparent reasons. It features beautifully sculpted blue hands, needle-fine hour markers, and a legible railroad minute scale encircling the dial.

A moon phase display is located at 8 o’clock, represented in beautiful blue and silver tones, while on the opposite side of the display, you can access the month and a double-window date.

The Glashutte Original Senator Excellence Perpetual Calendar watch features classic Roman numeral hour markers at 12 and 6 o’clock and is powered by the Calibre 36-02 – a Glashutte Original manufactory in-house movement, complete with an impressive 100-hour power reserve.

Keeping track of the passing days of the month is made effortless thanks to the design of this perpetual calendar watch. The fact that Glashutte Original equips it with a robust stainless steel bracelet is another bonus since it can add a much-needed dressy finish to a suit or professional attire.

Breitling B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar

If you’re a fan of pilot watches, you’ll already be acquainted with the iconic Breitling Navitimer watch – the professional pilot’s wrist-worn computer from the 1940s and 1950s.

As is true with any revolutionary watch complication, the slide rule bezel has stood the test of time, and in this design, it combines the ability to calculate fuel consumption and average descent speeds with the ability to account for all days of the year, all for under $35,000.

The calendrical functions of the Breitling Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar are presented on an ice-blue canvas in a sunray effect.

The slide rule bezel is presented in a contrasting black hue, while the silver-coloured hour markers and hands have received a good dose of Super-LumiNova, allowing you to utilise the watch, even in light-limiting conditions.

The piston-style push pieces that control the chronograph functions, however, are what give this perpetual calendar a truly unique edge over anything else on the market.

Combined with that slide rule, this model, complete with a classic black alligator leather band, remains entirely unmatched thanks to its precision and subtly retro aesthetic.  

Tissot Tradition Perpetual Calendar

You can’t mention the name Tissot without thinking of its many affordable wristwatches. If you’re working on a strict budget, then the Tissot Tradition has to be your gateway into affordably luxury watch collecting, whether you’re looking for a perpetual calendar or not.

This is the perfect beginner’s timepiece, combining a robust 42mm stainless steel case, a clean white dial, and a quartz movement – yes, I said quartz! Only a few countries still stock this absolute steal, so your best bet is to find a preowned model in mint condition for around $500 or less.

To the left of the dial, you can track the months in a retrograde-style aperture. The same goes for the days of the week on the opposite side.

Meanwhile, the date is presented in a reversed arc, leaving a slender, faceted minutes hands to stretch right out to the edge of the dial, where an Arabic numeral sits at 12 o’clock.

Models from Tissot’s Tradition collection are all inspired by the brand’s earlier 1950s timepieces, which makes this perpetual calendar and its accompanying brown leather band a completely classic companion to pair with casual attire at the weekend or something more sophisticated by night.

Some of the most attractive details of this affordable perpetual calendar watch include a subtle guilloche decoration on the dial surface and a gently curved case with sculpted lugs.

Citizen Chronograph with Perpetual Calendar: BL5403-03X

The Citizen Perpetual Calendar reference BL5403-03X is not the simplest looking of watches. In fact, it could be too cluttered for some.

However, you can’t deny that Citizen makes some of the most functional and affordable tools on the market, and the brand is synonymous with accuracy, thanks to its solar-powered Eco-Drive technology.

The watch is designed by Citizen experts with one theory in mind – to obtain maximum information at a quick glance. A 100-meter water resistance makes this watch suitable for most outdoor activities, while the brown dial features splashes of red to aid legibility.

This watch is not just a perpetual calendar. It’s also a chronograph with a 1/20th of a second function and an alarm with a power reserve indicator displayed under its mineral glass.

Other features include a gold-coloured stainless steel case with a fluted bezel and an enduring brown leather strap featuring white contrast stitching along the edges. As one of the most affordable options on the list, it will cost you no more than $700.

Habring² Chrono Felix Perpetual

There must be a link between salmon-coloured dial watches and affordable perpetual calendars because this is another option that won’t break the bank.

The Habring² Chrono Felix Perpetual is a tribute to some of the horological world’s most remarkable feats, including the work of Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet.

The Austrian watchmaker has already achieved significant success with its Perpetual-Doppel, launched to commemorate the brand’s 15th anniversary, featuring a rattrapante movement.

The appeal of the Chrono Felix Perpetual watch, however, is the fact that it can house the complex calendrical features of the perpetual in compact dimensions of just 38.5mm.

Aside from a double-sealed crown to protect the movement, Harbing equips the watch with an exhibition caseback, allowing you to enjoy the engine in action. Even more enticing, the Habring² Chrono Felix Perpetual is a juxtaposition of two important elements.

One, the Dubois-Depraz-developed perpetual calendar module, and two, Habring’s hand-wound, mono-pusher chronograph movement, with components entirely sourced within Austria.

Conclusion

One would certainly hope that as your affluence grows, so too does your interest in more expensive watches and, thus, your thirst for horological knowledge. But things don’t always happen in the order you want them to. The heart wants what it wants.

If you’ve found yourself toying with the idea of a perpetual calendar but the price is holding you back, you at least have some of the most realistic and achievable options in this list to consider.

These high-end goodies of the watch world can become outrageously out of reach if you don’t hone in on your expectations a little. It’s the nature of the perpetual calendar’s complex design.

The intricate mechanisms inside these watches are nothing short of astounding, and many true horologists would argue that they are worth every penny.

But once you’ve bitten the bug, it becomes hard to ignore the urge to explore the perpetual calendar in different ways, shapes and…prices. My advice would be to set a budget of no more than $30k.

In doing so, you can enjoy all the wonder and allure of this complication along with a reputable brand name, but without overstretching yourself financially. If you find that the perpetual calendar is everything you need in a watch, there’s certainly a much higher level of craftsmanship to explore later down the line.

When it comes to luxury watches, people typically want to make sure they look the same for years, even decades. The most valuable are locked up in safe vaults, never again to see the light of day until they emerge half a century later to be put up for auction. 

After all, who wants to risk putting a scratch mark on their latest several-thousand-dollar acquisition? It’s something you almost always have running through the back of your mind as a luxury watch owner: keep your arms in, don’t risk hitting your watch on anything!

That manner of thinking is exactly why I find bronze watches so interesting. Unlike any other style of watch, bronze watches are encouraged to change, age, and patina over time. That’s almost the entire point of the watch. 

Every mark, every speck of patina, is a badge of honor for a bronze watch. If you’re looking for something unique and special, something clearly distinct from all the rest of the watches that can so easily seem to run together and all look the same, a bronze watch is just what the doctor ordered.

What to Know About Bronze Watches

Before we get into the listing, there are a few things you should know about how your future bronze watch will act and look in different conditions. First of all, there are two different types of bronze, which is a metal alloy of copper and one other metal. 

The first type is tin bronze, or CuSn (with different proportions of Sn, or tin, in the chemical formula depending on the specific type). The other is aluminum bronze, which uses aluminum in place of tin. The two are similar in most regards, but I do want to touch on a few of the differences briefly. 

Tin bronze has a little bit more of a warmer tone to it, and is the type of bronze that has been used historically (such as in the famous Bronze Age), while aluminum bronze is harder and more modern.

Tin bronze also oxidizes more quickly than the aluminum variant. As such, you can find watches in either type of bronze depending on your specific needs for the watch.

Each bronze watch will slowly but surely develop a unique and special patina, much like you’d see from any bronze sculpture or statue outside. This is typically in a black or dark brown color, which gradually overlays the bronze underneath to change its color. 

I called it “unique” just a moment ago because it actually is just that: no two bronze watches will look quite the same because of the different patina pattern that each acquires over time, which is a result of the environment it’s exposed to and the composition of the bronze alloy. However, this isn’t the only type of patina that bronze watches can develop. 

There’s also verdigris, which is the bright aquamarine discoloration that you see on the Statue of Liberty and bronze objects that are more exposed to water. Verdigris isn’t an oxide, so it doesn’t just develop when your watch is exposed to air. 

Rather, it’s produced by the chemical reaction of copper with other compounds like acids and chlorides. It creates an extremely striking effect, and works really well on dive watches to create the image of a watch that has been submerged underwater for a long time.

You do want to be a little careful with this one though, as verdigris can be toxic if you ingest it—although it should be fine on your skin. Just don’t start licking your patinated watch! 

If you’re into this look, however, the best thing you can do for it is go for a lovely salt-water swim (yes, this is me telling you to take a vacation), as the chlorides in salt will react splendidly to form the verdigris you’re looking for.

As a final note, I do want to talk about avoiding patina entirely, or “resetting” it. It’s actually possible to regularly clean your bronze watch without harming it, since the oxidation layer that forms is strictly on the surface level and no deeper. 

If you like the color of bronze and want to avoid patina on your watch, you can clean it using lemon juice or, better yet, a paste made of lemon juice and baking soda.

You’ll want to use a toothbrush, your fingers, or a cloth to apply it to the outside of the watch (don’t just submerge it!) and then gently rub over patinated areas to remove any marks on the bronze. 

This will return your watch back to a lovely bright and shiny state, which means it’s also a great technique to use if you’ve just bought a bronze watch secondhand and you want to “reset” its patina to be unique to you.

The 15 Best Bronze Watches

Now that you know what to look for and how to take care of your future bronze watch, let’s get right into the listing here! There’s something for every interest and budget here, so take your pick, because there’s no right or wrong in watches: only what interests you!

Zelos Aurora Field 38mm BR “Teal Mop” – $500

Zelos has kind of made bronze their thing, so I figured what better place to start off this list than with an affordable and yet striking Zelos field watch? This “Teal Mop” (your guess is as good as mine as to the name) features a tin bronze (CuSn₈) case and a particularly lovely mother-of-pearl dial with a teal fumé color applied to it. 

Even the buckle of the rubber strap it comes on will patina, and Zelos offers additional bronze bracelets for an extra $199. Considering that there are very few other bronze watches out there that also come with a bronze bracelet, I’d definitely give that option some serious thought.

Despite the reduced price, this Zelos runs on an automatic 9-series Miyota movement, the 9039, which is a strong workhorse option used by a lot of smaller brands. Nothing to write home about here, but it gets the job done and avoids falling into the temptation of quartz to save money. That’s all I could ask for.

IWC Schaffhausen Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire Bronze – $7,100

If you get your hands on this watch, I’ll promise you one thing: the patina is going to look incredible. Please don’t polish it! The pairing of dark brown patina, forest green sunray dial, and rich brown strap is just about as close to perfect for a bronze watch as you can get. This is one that was made, without a doubt, with patina in mind, and it shows to excellent effect.

I’m a huge fan of almost everything about this watch: those chronograph pushers, for example, are superbly proportioned; the dial is large and legible; the lozenge hands are perfectly executed and sumptuously lumed. If you’re looking for a textbook pilot’s watch, this is it.

Tucked safely behind the closed caseback, you’ll find ticking away inside the in-house IWC caliber 69380, a superb column-wheel chronograph with automatic winding and a 46-hour power reserve. 

If there was anything else you could possibly ask for, it’d be magnetic resistance—but IWC has you covered there too, with a soft-iron cage surrounding the movement to protect it.

Like the fighter jet it’s named for, the Spitfire will be both the workhorse and the most memorable member of your watch collection.

Tudor Black Bay Bronze – $4,800

Here we have our first bronze dive watch, which is in my personal opinion the best genre to allow bronze to shine. After all, if you allow the watch to live out its purpose as a companion on swims and dives, it’ll not only patina quickly but also develop those stunning pops of verdigris as well. 

Admittedly, however, as much as I am a supporter of allowing bronze to patina, I also love the pairing of the rich bronze color and the slate gray bezel and dial. You really can’t go wrong either way here—both just bring such a beautiful look to the watch. This is a beautiful timepiece no matter what you do to it.

Under the hood, you couldn’t really ask for anything better: Tudor’s in-house caliber MT5601 supplies you with the time with extreme precision since it’s chronometer-certified by COSC. It does one thing, and it does it well. 

You won’t be able to admire its steadfast ticking since the caseback is closed, but you’ll surely see the fruits of its labor every day. The MT5601 can run for about 70 hours straight, and will stay topped up anytime you wear it thanks to automatic winding.

Bremont Argonaut Bronze Blue Dial – $4,200

You don’t see a lot of internal-bezel dive watches these days. Actually, you don’t see a lot of Bremonts either, but that shouldn’t be taken as a reflection of their quality. These are some really solid British-made timepieces, and the Argonaut in particular is one of their finest. 

It’s made as a military watch, inspired in particular by the original Dirty Dozen watches made during WWII for the British military. Since bronze forms a strong oxidation layer on the outside of the metal, it’s actually great for use in naval applications as that layer serves as a protection for the rest of the metal. 

As such, the Argonaut Bronze remains not only strikingly beautiful but also particularly pertinent to its military heritage. The blue dial is extremely legible for any diving use, and both the hands and indices are treated with Super-LumiNova for that much-needed nighttime glow. 

Do note that to use the internal bezel, you’ll want to make use of the watch’s upper crown, while the lower is for setting the (very accurate and chronometer-certified) time. 

Inside, you’ll find the modified caliber BE-92AV, which has all the bells and whistles including a strong 38-hour power reserve, Nivaflex mainspring, Anachron hairspring, and Glucydur balance wheel—all three of which are alloys specifically designed to make each part of the movement run better in all sorts of conditions, especially temperature variations.

Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 300 Bronze – $1,300

Another bronze-and-blue diver! There’s just something about that color pairing that works so well for bronze watches, and looks absolutely spectacular here. I love the rich blue ombré lacquer paired with the rose gold indices and hands, which help to pull out the rich tones in the bronze. 

In particular, I can’t help but smile when I see the trident-shaped counterweight on the seconds hand, which could very easily have looked tacky but because of its craftsmanship and style actually is particularly striking.

In a rarity for bronze-cased watches, this one actually features an exhibition caseback, which provides a glimpse at the Sellita SW200 movement inside, which is also COSC-certified, automatic, and has a 38-hour power reserve.

The rest of the caseback that isn’t sapphire is also made from steel, so your skin doesn’t have to be much in contact with the patinated bronze.

Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Limited Edition – $7,100

Limited to 1858 pieces, this Montblanc is a beautifully classy timepiece dedicated to exploration, which you should be able to discern at a glance thanks to the fascinating and pioneering way that Montblanc has chosen to represent the world timezones, via two rotating globes at 12:00 and 6:00. 

I particularly love the cathedral-style hands, which are reminiscent of other exploration watches like the Hamilton Khaki Field, as well as the compass bezel—which yes, you can actually use to find north.

Another fine detail you’ll be sure to appreciate with this watch are the unobtrusive red dots marked on each of the world time indicators, which show the location of the seven mountains that make up the Seven Summit mountaineering challenge.

Flipping the watch over, you’ll be treated to an enameled depiction of the desert, which is the inspiration for the color palette of the watch. It’s framed by the engraved names of each of the Seven Summit mountains, as well as the typical hallmarks. 

If you had X-ray vision, you’d probably be able to see the caliber MB29.25 beating away behind that enameled painting, but since you don’t (or do you?), I’ll just have to tell you about it.

It’s based on the Sellita SW300, but of course has been upgraded with the complication that features both of the world time discs that was developed by Montblanc’s watchmakers. 

It also has automatic winding and a 42-hour power reserve, making for a quality ébauche worthy of the high-quality watch that frames it.

Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Bronze – $1,465

Fun fact about me that nobody asked for: my great-aunt used to work for Hamilton, so I have a particularly soft spot for the ex-American-turned-Swiss brand. That said, it doesn’t take a soft heart to be particularly fond of this exceptional watch. 

It’s extremely subtly done, from the glossy black dive bezel to the fine circular brushing on the case to the beautifully textured matte black dial at the center of it all.

Interestingly, to keep a monochromatic color palette, Hamilton opted to keep even the lume color in an aged yellow, a choice I find curious and yet appealing.

The movement, visible through the exhibition caseback, is rather surprisingly industrial, with its large broad bridges and even straight graining. In that sense, I guess it suits the rest of the watch: utilitarian and purpose-built, even though it still has touches of elegance.

If you’re looking to put a name to it, it’s actually the ETA 6498-1, with special finishing and engraving for Hamilton.

Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Bronze Green Dial on Bracelet- $3,200

There’s something both vintage and romantic about a pointer date, a watch that shows the date using a hand mounted at the center of the dial instead of a window on the side.

Oris has perfectly capitalized on that old-time charm with a gorgeous green dial and lovely large cathedral hands, as well as, of course, that beautiful bronze case. 

There’s something about the fluted bezel and domed crystal that captivates me: it completes the watch by adding something I can’t express.

But my favorite part? That gorgeous bronze bracelet, sure to acquire the finest patina imaginable since parts of it will be rubbed cleaner by friction and others allowed to develop that beautiful dark brown glow.

Oris’ curious pointer date complication is driven by their caliber 754, which is simple and straightforward but gets the job done perfectly. 38 hours of power reserve and automatic winding? Check. Instantaneous date changeover? Check. Hacking seconds? Check. The cal. 754 passes with flying colors!

Baltic Aquascaphe Bronze Brown – $720

Just one glance at this Baltic Aquascaphe, after the rest of the watches we’ve examined, should be enough to make you curious.

Yes, you’re right—the bronze case is more of a brassy color than the others! That’s because this one is made from aluminum bronze, the variant that patinates more slowly and is much harder and resistant to bumps and knocks. 

Rest assured, however, that it will patina, just with a delayed progression. My favorite part of this watch, though, is that gorgeous brown dial, which evokes vintage “tropical” dials to play off the antique appeal of bronze.

I know some people hate the look of the “fauxtina” in the hands here, but I think it just completes this vintage-style watch.

Just like the Zelos (#1) above, this Baltic makes use of the Miyota 9039 to power its hands. Nothing else to add here that I didn’t mention there, except that here the closed caseback is engraved with a lovely little depiction of a diver for the Aquascaphe line. Enough said!

Zelos Skyraider Bronze Meteorite – $1,099

Sometimes I get a craving for something fully and totally unique. In that mood, no amount of “bronze patina is unique, Marcus!” can get to me. It is, sure, but I need something a little more. If that’s ever you, this next Zelos is for you. 

Not only will its lovely reddish bronze case patinate, but its meteorite dial is also completely unique to you, since it’s cut from a real meteorite and will have unique patterns. Even the hands are in a unique style, thanks to the interesting way that they’re skeletonized. 

Inside, the ETA 6498 is beautifully finished with blued screws, Côtes de Genève, and an anthracite PVD coating to give it that blackened coloring. This one is manual-wind only, which allows you to admire the lovely finishing with nothing in the way as well as interact with your watch each day as you wind it up.

Panerai Submersible Bronzo Blu Abisso – $15,900

We’re now firmly in an entirely different price tier when it comes to bronze watches, but this Panerai Submersible is a spectacular timepiece that certainly merits its cost. 

Not only is it an original spin on one of the most iconic and recognizable watches of all time, but it’s a nearly perfectly executed dive watch that can accompany you all the way down to 300 meters underwater, if you choose to put it through its paces. 

In particular, that large and full cushion case will acquire a superb patina over its extended surface, which will really make this unique watch feel like an artifact from the deep.

Through the exhibition caseback, you’ll be treated to Panerai’s in-house caliber P.900, an automatic-winding movement with a power reserve of an astonishing 3 days without any need to rewind it.

It’s one of the best things about this already-spectacular watch, and shows why Panerai is world-renowned for their divers.

Venezianico Redentore Bronzo – $750

The price tag here has come crashing back down to earth after that Panerai, and yet for the price you still have an absolutely superb bronze timepiece. It was inspired, or so the brand says, by the Four Horses of St. Mark in Venice, the home of Italian microbrand Venezianico. 

If, like me, you’d have to resort to a Google search to picture what we’re talking about here, it’s a sculpture of four bronze horses originally created in ancient Greece which now adorns St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice—hence the name. The best part of this watch, though, isn’t the heritage. 

It’s that exceptional and unique dial, which is crafted from a brass disc that’s been bronzed and patinated, then slightly treated with abrasive material to reveal the underlying metal in places. This process creates a beautiful and unique texture which complements the bronze case, and its later patina, perfectly.

The caseback is adorned with a lovely engraved depiction of the Four Horses that I referred to above, and behind it, we have that trusty old Miyota 9039 that we’ve already seen make an appearance twice before in this article! Nothing more needs to be said about it here—it’s a great movement, and there’s a reason so many brands use it.

Longines Legend Diver Bronze Green Dial – $3,125

I get it. You’re looking for a brand name. Something with a little extra oomph behind it, as compared to a microbrand. An assurance of quality, really. But not with such a big price tag! Here’s just the one for you, my dear imaginary friend: the superb Swiss-made Legend Diver by Longines. 

It’s got all the class and charm you’re looking for, including a brilliantly-executed internal bezel. The dial is so rich and pairs perfectly both with the bronze of the natural case and the patina of a watch that’s been allowed to age gracefully with time.

Even the hands are quite lovely, and to my eyes the hour hand evokes a harpoon as if to further conjure up a bygone age of diving.

The caseback perhaps reinforces my harpoon theory, thanks to its charming little engraving of a diver holding a harpoon as he descends further into the murky depths of the sea. Behind the closed caseback, you’ll find Longines’ caliber L888, which is based on the ETA A31.L11. 

It’s perfect for all your diving and daily-wear needs thanks to its automatic winding and prodigious 72-hour power reserve. It’s a diver that deserves to be a staple in any collection!

Formex Reef Radiant Bronze COSC 300M – $2,065

You’re probably noticing by now that something looks a little different about this one. No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you, that really is a steel case. I wanted to change things up a little bit here by including a bronze dial watch. 

Unlike other bronze watches, however, this Formex has been treated with a lacquer to prevent it from oxidizing, so if you enjoy the natural luster of bronze, this is without a doubt the watch for you. It’s on full display in that gorgeous dial, which just pops in such a lovely and striking way against the black bezel.

The closed caseback, engraved with an interesting wavy pattern, conceals a Sellita SW300-1, another COSC-certified chronometer with automatic winding and a prodigious 56-hour power reserve.

If you could see it, you’d surely also appreciate the custom skeletonized rotor and heat-blued screws used on the movement, but you’ll just have to rest secure in the knowledge that inside your watch is something of real quality, whether you can see it or not.

Omega Seamaster 300 Bronze Gold – $14,300

As a final means of changing things up before we exit this list for good, I’d like to introduce you to this lovely Seamaster 300, crafted in Omega’s proprietary Bronze Gold alloy.

Bronze Gold, as the name suggests, is composed of 37.5% gold, which is around 9K in purity, and is also mixed with palladium and silver. This combination gives it a gently rosy tone and also ensures that it will never acquire a verdigris patina. 

It does patinate just like any other bronze, apart from the verdigris, except at a much slower rate, allowing you to easily clean this watch more frequently if you wish to keep its bronze color or alternatively watch a more gradual progression as it ages. The rest of the watch, let me hasten to add, is gorgeous, with a deeply vintage feel that isn’t too in-your-face. 

All of the indices and markers on the dial are made out of tin bronze, so they’ll acquire a patina more rapidly than the rest of the case and end up in a lovely rich brown color.

Inside, you’ve got probably the best movement you’ll see all day, Omega’s caliber 8912, which is a METAS-certified Master Chronometer with—get this—the Co-Axial escapement.

I’m a bit of a geek for the Co-Axial, as it was originally invented by the brilliant George Daniels and now finds its home in many Omega watches. 

It’s one of the best escapements invented in decades, if not centuries, and it’s part of what helps this caliber earn such a prestigious accuracy rating. It’s also automatic and has a solid 60-hour power reserve to boot. It doesn’t get better than that, trust me.

Conclusion

There you have it! 15 of the finest bronze watches ever made, each one of them as unique as you are. Whether you’re a diver looking for something that reminds you of the aquamarine sea or a lover of patina in watches, bronze is perfect for you. You can even keep it shiny if you want! The choice is yours.