At the Swiss watch fairs, the attention-grabbing releases are often the most astronomically priced timepieces with the most complex movements. But what about those who are seeking a more “entry-level” timepiece without compromising on the mechanical movement? We’ve compiled a list of affordable watches (all under $2,000) with automatic movements, released in the past few years, that might have flown under your radar.
The Ball Trainmaster Roman, which runs on the automatic ETA 2836-2 caliber, retails for $1,799. Encased in stainless steel, the watch is shock-resistant to 5,000 Gs. The Ball Trainmaster Roman also features 15 micro gas tubes on the hands and dial for night reading capability.
Ball Trainmaster Roman; $1,799
The Fortis Spacematic White-Red, priced at $1,875 on a steel bracelet or silicone strap ($1,575 on leather or nylon), features a day and date indicator on two revolving disks at the center of the dial, and red hour and minute hands contrasting against the white dial. The Fortis Spacematic has an automatic Swiss movement, the ETA 2836-2.
Fortis Spacematic White-Red; $1,875
The Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Aluminum is inspired by the watches Hamilton made for the British Royal Air Force in the 1970s, updated with contemporary touches — chief among them its case made from aluminum, a material used in the aerospace industry for everything from airplanes to space shuttles to rocket fuel. The watch is available in four military-inspired color schemes and is priced at $1,145. Click here for more on the Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Aluminum.
Hamilton Khaki Pioneer Aluminum ($1,145)
The Raymond Weil Maestro Trois Aiguilles Or Rose, encased in stainless steel with rose-gold (in French, “Or Rose”) PVD treatment, is powered by an automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve. The hands and indices are rose-gold-plated, while the silver dial features a “clou de Paris” design. The Raymond Weil Maestro Trois Aiguilles Or Rose has a price of $1,495.
Raymond Weil Maestro Trois Aiguilles Or Rose; $1,395
The Tissot Luxury Automatic COSC collection, which includes the first Swiss watches to contain the new caliber nicknamed Powermatic 80, an automatic movement with COSC chronometer certification and an 80-hour power reserve. The Powermatic 80 is the product of a collaboration between Tissot and the movement manufacturer ETA, Tissot’s sister company within the Swatch Group. The Gents models (pictured) range in price from $1,075 to $1,550. Click here for more on Tissot’s Luxury Automatic watches.
Tissot Luxury Automatic COSC Gent T086 ($1,075)
TW Steel‘s Canteen TWA200, priced at $559, is powered by a Japanese Miyota movement with a power reserve of 40 hours. The steel case measures 45 mm in diameter, and features TW Steel’s signature crown clasp. the rotor is engraved with the TW Steel logo.
TW Steel TWA200; $559
Launched at Baselworld 2013, the Victorinox Swiss Army AirBoss Automatic Titanium Limited Edition carries a retail of $1,195. This timepieces from the purveyors of Swiss Army watches features a sandblasted matte titanium dial and a dark brown brushed leather strap inspired by pilot jacket from the 1930s. The watch also displays military time, printed on the inside of the crystal.
Victorinox Swiss Army AirBoss Automatic Titanium Limited Edition; $1,195
This article was originally published in 2014 and has been updated.