Affordable Swiss Watches: Best Value for Your Money

Swiss watches have long been synonymous with prestige, precision, and craftsmanship. While high-end brands like Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet dominate the luxury segment, many Swiss watchmakers focus on providing exceptional quality at affordable prices. These value-driven brands maintain the country’s renowned watchmaking standards, offering timepieces that combine durability, design, and functionality without breaking the bank.

Identifying Value-Oriented Swiss Watches

Not all Swiss watches come with exorbitant price tags. Brands like Tissot, Hamilton, Certina, and Swatch deliver Swiss engineering at a fraction of the cost of ultra-luxury manufacturers. They achieve this balance by optimising production, using high-quality yet cost-effective materials, and using innovative movements. Whether designed for sports, aviation, or everyday wear, these watches maintain the precision and heritage that define Swiss horology.

Tissot PRX

Price: $375–$700 (32,257 - 60,213 INR)
Case Size: 40mm (Quartz) / 39.5mm (Automatic)
Thickness: 10.4mm (Quartz) / 11.3mm (Automatic)
Lug to Lug: 44mm
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Quartz or Automatic (Powermatic 80)

Originally launched in the late 1970s, the Tissot PRX was revived in 2021, bringing back its signature integrated bracelet and sleek, minimalist design. The PRX collection pays homage to Tissot’s rich heritage while offering modern reliability at an accessible price. With its angular lines and polished bezel, the stainless steel case gives the watch a distinctly retro-futuristic aesthetic. 

The dial, featuring baton-style indexes and a date window at 3 o’clock, is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The automatic version is powered by the Powermatic 80, a self-winding movement with an 80-hour power reserve, while the quartz model offers ultra-precise timekeeping with minimal maintenance. Whether you opt for brushed steel or various dial colours, the PRX delivers Swiss quality and timeless style at an unbeatable value.

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical

Price: $500–$700 (43,009 - 60,213 INR)
Case Size: 38mm
Thickness: 9.5mm
Lug to Lug: 47mm
Water Resistance: 50m
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Hand-Wound H-50

A direct descendant of the military-issued field watches Hamilton supplied to soldiers, the Khaki Field Mechanical stays true to its utilitarian roots. With a no-nonsense 38mm stainless steel case and a slim profile, this watch is lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear. 

The dial is classic and highly legible, featuring a 24-hour military time scale, bold Arabic numerals, and vintage-inspired lume. Under the solid caseback beats the manually wound H-50 movement, offering an extended 80-hour power reserve. The Khaki Field Mechanical is built for those who appreciate history, durability, and the charm of winding their watch each morning.

Certina DS Action Diver

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Price: $700–$900 (60,213 - 77,417 INR)
Case Size: 43mm
Thickness: 13.1mm
Lug to Lug: 51mm
Water Resistance: 300m
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Automatic Powermatic 80

A true ISO 6425-certified dive watch, the Certina DS Action Diver delivers strong performance at a competitive price. The stainless steel case is built for adventure, with a screw-down crown and caseback ensuring 300 meters of water resistance. A unidirectional rotating bezel with a luminous pip provides crucial dive timing functions, while the sunburst dial features bold indices and Super-LumiNova-coated hands for visibility in low light. The Powermatic 80 movement is powering the watch, a Swiss automatic calibre with an impressive 80-hour power reserve. Whether worn in the ocean or at the office, the DS Action Diver is a rugged yet refined timepiece that offers outstanding value.

Mido Ocean Star

Price: $850–$1,100 (73,116 - 94,621 INR)
Case Size: 42.5mm
Thickness: 11.8mm
Lug to Lug: 49mm
Water Resistance: 200m
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Automatic Powermatic 80

Blending Swiss craftsmanship with a sleek, maritime-inspired design, the Mido Ocean Star stands out in the world of affordable Swiss dive watches. The 42.5mm stainless steel case features smooth curves and a unidirectional ceramic bezel for a touch of luxury. The dial is clean and elegant, with applied markers and a date window at 3 o’clock, all illuminated by Super-LumiNova for easy reading in the dark. The automatic Powermatic 80 movement ensures precision and reliability, boasting an 80-hour power reserve. With its versatile aesthetic and durable construction, the Ocean Star transitions smoothly from underwater exploration to everyday wear.

Longines Conquest

Price: $1,000–$1,500 (86,019 - 1,29,029 INR)
Case Size: 41mm
Thickness: 11.8mm
Lug to Lug: 49mm
Water Resistance: 300m
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Automatic L888

Longines, one of the most prestigious names in Swiss watchmaking, delivers timeless sophistication with the Conquest collection. This sports-luxury timepiece features a refined stainless steel case, a polished bezel, and a dial that exudes understated elegance. The sunburst finish on the dial is complemented by applied indices, sleek sword hands, and a discreet date window at 3 o’clock. 

Under the hood, the Longines L888 automatic movement beats at a steady 25,200 vph and offers a strong 72-hour power reserve. With 300 meters of water resistance and a screw-down crown, the Conquest is just as capable as it is stylish, making it an ideal choice for professionals who appreciate Swiss heritage and reliability.

Exploring Swiss Made Watches Under $2,000

A strong lineup of Swiss watches exists under the $2,000 mark, proving that heritage and affordability can coexist. Many models within this range feature automatic movements, sapphire crystals, and stainless steel construction. These watches retain the meticulous craftsmanship expected from Swiss horology while appealing to a broader audience.

Oris Big Crown Pointer Date

Price: $1,600–$1,900 (1,37,631 - 1,63,437 INR)
Case Size: 40mm
Thickness: 11.8mm
Lug to Lug: 48mm
Water Resistance: 50m
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Automatic Oris 754 (Sellita SW200-1 base)

First introduced in 1938, the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date remains one of the brand’s most recognisable models. Designed with pilots in mind, the watch features an oversized crown for easy adjustment and a distinctive pointer date function, where a central hand indicates the date along an outer track. 

The stainless steel case is paired with a domed sapphire crystal, giving it a vintage-inspired look, while the fluted bezel adds a touch of refinement. Inside, the Oris 754 automatic movement offers reliable timekeeping with a 38-hour power reserve. Whether worn on a leather strap or stainless steel bracelet, the Big Crown Pointer Date is a charming blend of aviation heritage and modern craftsmanship.

Rado Captain Cook Automatic

Price: $1,800–$2,000 (1,54,835 - 1,72,039 INR)
Case Size: 42mm
Thickness: 12.1mm
Lug to Lug: 49mm
Water Resistance: 300m
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Automatic ETA C07.611 (Powermatic 80 base)

A tribute to Rado’s 1962 dive watch, the Captain Cook Automatic smoothly blends vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge materials. The watch features a polished ceramic bezel, a signature element of Rado’s innovative approach to design. The stainless steel case is strong yet refined, with a domed sapphire crystal enhancing its retro appeal. 

On the dial, bold markers and a distinctive arrow-shaped hour hand provide excellent legibility, while Super-LumiNova ensures visibility in low-light conditions. Under the hood, the automatic ETA C07.611 movement delivers an impressive 80-hour power reserve. With 300 meters of water resistance and a distinctive look, the Captain Cook is a stylish, high-performance diver’s watch that stands out from the crowd.

Victorinox I.N.O.X. Mechanical

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Price: $1,000–$1,300 (86,019 - 1,11,825 INR)
Case Size: 43mm
Thickness: 12.7mm
Lug to Lug: 53mm
Water Resistance: 200m
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Automatic Sellita SW200-1

Built to withstand extreme conditions, the Victorinox I.N.O.X. Mechanical is one of the toughest Swiss watches on the market. Designed for durability, the stainless steel case is forged from a single block and can endure everything from extreme temperatures to shock and vibration tests. The dial features bold Arabic numerals and a rugged aesthetic, complemented by a textured finish and a date window at 4:30. A screw-down crown and 200 meters of water resistance ensure excellent functionality in challenging environments. The Swiss-made Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement is powering the watch, providing reliable timekeeping and a 38-hour power reserve. Whether worn on a rubber strap or a stainless steel bracelet, the I.N.O.X. Mechanical is ideal for those who demand resilience and Swiss precision in a single package.

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Automatic

Price: $1,500–$1,900 (1,29,029 - 1,63,437 INR)
Case Size: 41mm
Thickness: 12mm
Lug to Lug: 47mm
Water Resistance: 200m
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Automatic Calibre 5 (Sellita SW200-1 base)

Inspired by the adrenaline-fueled world of motorsports, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Automatic is a bold and sporty timepiece. The stainless steel case is paired with a tachymeter bezel, giving the watch a dynamic and performance-driven look. The dial features applied indices, luminescent hands, and a date window at 3 o’clock, ensuring excellent readability. 

Designed for everyday wear and racing enthusiasts alike, the Formula 1 boasts a screw-down crown, 200 meters of water resistance, and a strong sapphire crystal. The TAG Heuer Calibre 5 automatic movement provides precise timekeeping and a 38-hour power reserve. Whether paired with a rubber strap or stainless steel bracelet, the Formula 1 is a stylish and durable watch for those who appreciate speed and Swiss engineering.

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic

Price: $1,600–$2,000 (1,37,631 - 1,72,039 INR)
Case Size: 39mm / 42mm
Thickness: 11mm
Lug to Lug: 45mm (39mm) / 47mm (42mm)
Water Resistance: 200m
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Automatic ML115 (Sellita SW200-1 base)

Inspired by integrated bracelet sports watches from the 1970s, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic delivers luxury aesthetics at a fraction of the price. The stainless steel case features a distinctive six-arm bezel and a combination of polished and brushed finishes, giving it a refined yet bold presence. 

The dial boasts a Clous de Paris texture, applied indices, and a date window at 3 o’clock. The ML115 automatic movement underneath ensures reliable performance with a 38-hour power reserve. Available in multiple dial colours and strap options, the Aikon is a stylish and versatile timepiece that punches well above its price point. It is available in multiple dial colours and strap options.

Glycine Airman No. 1

Price: $1,300–$1,800 (1,11,825 - 1,54,835 INR)
Case Size: 36mm / 40mm / 42mm
Thickness: 12mm
Lug to Lug: 46mm (40mm)
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Automatic GL293 (ETA 2893-2 base)

A favourite among pilots and world travellers, the Glycine Airman No. 1 stays true to the original 1953 design, which introduced the world’s first 24-hour GMT watch. Its slim stainless steel case houses a dual-time bezel and a unique 24-hour dial, making it an excellent tool for tracking multiple time zones. 

The Airman is powered by the GL293 automatic movement, which features an independently adjustable GMT hand and a 42-hour power reserve. With its rich aviation heritage, distinctive styling, and practical functionality, the Airman remains a top choice for frequent travellers and vintage watch enthusiasts alike.

Raymond Weil Freelancer Automatic

Price: $1,500–$2,000 (1,29,029 - 1,72,039 INR)
Case Size: 42mm
Thickness: 10.5mm
Lug to Lug: 50mm
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Automatic RW4200 (Sellita SW200-1 base)

Blending classic Swiss watchmaking with modern refinement, the Raymond Weil Freelancer offers a perfect balance of style and performance. The stainless steel case features a mix of brushed and polished finishes, while the dial showcases applied indices, luminescent hands, and a date window at 3 o’clock. 

The RW4200 automatic movement inside ensures precise timekeeping and a 38-hour power reserve. Available in multiple colourways and configurations—including versions with open-heart dials and chronographs—the Freelancer is a sophisticated everyday watch that works just as well in the office as on a night out.

Formex Essence Automatic

Price: $1,400–$1,800 (1,20,427 - 1,54,835 INR)
Case Size: 39mm / 43mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug to Lug: 45mm (39mm) / 49mm (43mm)
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Automatic SW200-1 (COSC Certified)

A hidden gem in the Swiss watch world, the Formex Essence is a high-precision timepiece with exceptional finishing and a COSC-certified movement at a surprisingly affordable price. Its stainless steel case features a patented suspension system that improves shock resistance and comfort. 

The sunburst dial, available in various colours, features applied indices and a date window at 6 o’clock. The movement inside is a chronometer-grade Sellita SW200-1, ensuring daily accuracy within -4/+6 seconds. The Essence is an impressive Swiss-made alternative to more expensive luxury sports watches, whether on a steel bracelet, leather strap, or rubber band.

Ball Engineer III Marvelight Chronometer

Price: $1,800–$2,000 (1,54,835 - 1,72,039 INR)
Case Size: 40mm / 43mm
Thickness: 13mm
Lug to Lug: 48mm (40mm) / 50mm (43mm)
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Automatic Ball RR1103-C (COSC Certified)

Designed for durability and high-precision timekeeping, the Ball Engineer III Marvelight Chronometer is built with extreme reliability in mind. The stainless steel case is sleek yet rugged, housing a dial with 14 micro gas tubes for superior low-light visibility. Unlike traditional lume, these gas tubes glow continuously without requiring exposure to light.

Inside, the COSC-certified Ball RR1103-C movement offers excellent accuracy and a 38-hour power reserve. With a screw-down crown, anti-magnetic resistance up to 80,000 A/m, and shock resistance up to 5,000 Gs, the Marvelight Chronometer is an outstanding everyday watch for those who demand both function and precision.