17 Best Affordable Swiss Watches & Brands
Welcome to the world of horology, where luxury and affordability can indeed converge in the form of Swiss watches. Have you ever found yourself captivated by the intricate craftsmanship of Swiss timepieces, yet deterred by their seemingly unreachable price tags? Well, it’s time to discard those inhibitions. We’ve crafted this exclusive guide to shine a spotlight on the 17 best affordable Swiss watch brands. These brands blend the unrivaled precision and elegance of Swiss watchmaking with a price tag that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re looking for a trendy Swatch, a robust Victorinox, or stepping into the realm of affordable luxury watches with an Oris or Frédérique Constant, we’ve got you covered. Don’t forget to also check our comprehensive watches buying guide to make the most informed decision. The clock is ticking, and your journey into the world of affordable Swiss luxury begins right now!
1. Tissot
Tissot is one of the best affordable Swiss watch brands. It was founded in 1853 by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son, Charles-Émile Tissot. Their base was the Swiss city of Le Locle. The brand is known for its innovative ‘firsts.’ This includes the first mass-produced pocket watch. They also introduced a watch made of stone. Today, Tissot offers affordable luxury. Yet, they still uphold the high standards of Swiss watchmaking.
Highlighted Model: Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
Specs & Highlights:
- Movement: Swiss automatic
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Material: Stainless steel case and bracelet
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Notable Features: Date window at 3 o’clock
Our favorite affordable Swiss watch, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80, is a masterful combination of style and function. Its stainless steel casing boasts a retro-inspired design. A black dial creates a striking contrast with silver accents. There’s a handy date window at 3 o’clock. Powered by Swiss automatic movement, it offers an impressive 80-hour power reserve. The sapphire crystal enhances its durability. Offering great value, it combines a fashionable design with Swiss reliability. Its long power reserve, paired with an attractive price, makes it an ideal choice for those desiring a dependable Swiss automatic watch.
2. Victorinox
Victorinox was founded in 1884 and is known worldwide as the original Swiss Army Knife creator. The venture into watchmaking led to producing robust, versatile watches, bearing the Swiss Army Knife’s core principles of durability, functionality, and quality.
Highlighted Model: Victorinox Swiss Army I.N.O.X
Specs & Highlights:
- Movement: Swiss quartz
- Material: Stainless steel case with rubber strap
- Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire
- Water Resistance: 200 meters
- Notable Features: Shockproof, scratch-resistant, corrosion-resistant
The I.N.O.X exemplifies Victorinox’s focus on rugged durability. This watch features a stainless steel case, a comfortable rubber strap, and a black dial with white numerals. The I.N.O.X is powered by a reliable Swiss quartz movement and features that include being shockproof, scratch-resistant, and corrosion-resistant, and it boasts a water resistance of 200 meters. Offering excellent value, this rugged watch is ideal for anyone looking for a watch that can withstand extreme conditions.
3. Hamilton
Hamilton, established in 1892, is known for its innovative designs and close ties with Hollywood and aviation. The brand, relocated to Switzerland in 2003, has artfully blended Swiss precision with the classic American spirit.
Highlighted Model: Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
Specs & Highlights:
- Movement: Swiss manual-winding
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Material: Stainless steel case with leather strap
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
- Notable Features: Military-inspired design
A great value Swiss watch, the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical stands out with its vintage flair. Its stainless steel case, combined with a durable leather strap and a black dial featuring bold white numerals, takes inspiration from classic military designs. Driven by a Swiss manual-winding movement, it boasts a notable 80-hour power reserve. The harmonious blend of timeless design, trustworthy Swiss movement, and extended power reserve delivers remarkable value. This makes it a top pick for aficionados of vintage aesthetics and those who appreciate traditional mechanical watches
4. Swatch
Swatch was founded in 1983, bringing a revolution to the watch industry by offering affordable, high-quality Swiss watches. This helped Swiss watchmaking regain global prominence.
Highlighted Model: Swatch Sistem51 Irony
Specs & Highlights:
- Movement: Swiss automatic (51 parts)
- Material: Stainless steel case with silicone strap
- Crystal: Plastic
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
- Notable Features: Transparent case back
The Sistem51 Irony embodies Swatch’s innovative approach to watchmaking. It features a stainless steel case, silicone strap, and a black dial with white numerals. A unique automatic movement made of just 51 parts powers this watch, visible through the transparent case back. Offering an innovative design, reliable Swiss automatic movement, and unique transparency, it provides exceptional value, perfect for anyone looking for a fun and innovative watch.
5. Alpina
A standout among affordable Swiss watch brands, Alpina, established in 1883, holds a steadfast mission. This esteemed brand focuses on crafting luxury sports watches that guarantee accuracy and dependability, even under the most challenging athletic conditions. Over the years, Alpina has consistently delivered top-notch timepieces that blend premium quality with accessible pricing, making them a favorite among watch enthusiasts who seek both performance and value.
Highlighted Model: Alpina Startimer Pilot Chronograph
Specs & Highlights:
- Movement: Swiss automatic
- Material: Stainless steel case with leather strap
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Notable Features: Chronograph function, pilot watch design
The Alpina Startimer Pilot Chronograph exemplifies the brand’s sporty yet elegant design. With a stainless steel case, leather strap, black dial with white numerals, and chronograph subdials, this watch is a classic pilot watch. Its Swiss automatic movement and chronograph function underpin its functionality beyond mere timekeeping. It offers excellent value with its stylish and versatile design and is perfect for those seeking a stylish and functional pilot’s watch.
6. Certina
Certina, founded in 1888, is a Swiss watchmaker known for its blend of sportiness and elegance. The brand’s “DS” concept, which stands for Double Security, emphasizes robustness and reliability in watchmaking. Certina has had a longstanding relationship with the world of sports, further testifying to the durability and precision of its watches.
Highlighted Model: Certina DS Action Diver
Specs & Highlights:
- Swiss automatic movement
- Stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel
- Water resistance of up to 300 meters
- Black dial with white numerals, luminous dial, and hands
- Reliable, durable design with a long list of features
The Certina DS Action Diver is a testament to the brand’s commitment to durable, reliable watches. Its construction is robust, making it a faithful companion for deep-sea explorers while still maintaining a sense of elegance and sophistication. The DS Action Diver features a Swiss automatic movement, ceramic bezel, and 300m water resistance, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a sturdy and stylish dive watch.
7. Mondaine
Mondaine recognized worldwide for transforming the iconic Swiss railway clock into wristwatch form, is the epitome of minimalist design combined with Swiss precision. The brand, established in 1951, is known for its instantly recognizable timepieces.
Highlighted Model: Mondaine Classic
Specs & Highlights:
- Quartz movement
- Stainless steel case with a white dial and black numerals
- Black strap made from recycled PET
- Water resistance up to 30 meters
- 90% of the watch is made from recycled materials
The Mondaine Classic upholds the brand’s tradition of minimalist design while embracing an eco-friendly ethos. The watch features a quartz movement and a strap made from recycled PET, making it an excellent choice for environmentally-conscious watch enthusiasts.
8. Glycine
Since 1914, Glycine has been creating precise, reliable timepieces. The brand has a rich history, and its watches, such as the Glycine Combat Sub, reflect this heritage with a unique vintage-inspired design.
Highlighted Model: Glycine Combat Sub
Specs & Highlights:
- Swiss automatic movement
- Stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel
- Water resistance up to 200 meters
- Domed sapphire crystal, a variety of dial and bezel colors
- Unique vintage-inspired design
The Glycine Combat Sub is a blend of the past and present, featuring a vintage-inspired design coupled with a modern Swiss automatic movement. With its unique selection of dial and bezel colors, each piece feels personalized, making it a wonderful choice for watch enthusiasts looking for something unique.
9. Mido
Founded in 1918, Mido is a Swiss watchmaking company known for creating timepieces that exemplify a fusion of aesthetics, authenticity, and functionality. Mido’s name originates from the Spanish phrase “Yo mido,” meaning “I measure,” reflecting the brand’s commitment to precision and reliability.
Mido’s philosophy of creating timepieces that embody timeless design has led to its close association with architectural elegance. This inspiration is seen in some of their popular collections, such as the Baroncelli, inspired by the timeless elegance of the Rennes Opera House, and the Multifort, which mirrors the robustness of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Highlighted Model: Mido Ocean Star Tribute
Specs & Highlights:
- Swiss automatic movement
- Stainless steel case with a gradient blue dial and white numerals
- Milanese mesh bracelet
- Water resistance up to 200 meters
- Homage to the 1960s dive watches with a classic design
Paying homage to 1960s dive watches, the Mido Ocean Star Tribute is a contemporary classic that mirrors the underwater world. With its Swiss automatic movement, gradient dial, and Milanese mesh bracelet, it’s a modern masterpiece that carries the spirit of the past.
10. Oris
Oris, known for producing only mechanical watches, stands out with its dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail. Established in 1904, Oris boasts a history of creating high-quality timepieces that are as beautiful as they are functional.
Highlighted Model: Oris Big Crown Pointer Date
Specs & Highlights:
- Swiss automatic movement
- Stainless steel case with a green dial and white numerals
- Pointer date complication
- Water resistance up to 50 meters
- Coin-edge bezel for an extra level of sophistication
The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date is a testament to Oris’ dedication to creating mechanical watches. Its Swiss automatic movement, pointer date complication, and coin-edge bezel fuse to create a watch that is not just functional, but also aesthetically pleasing.
11. Longines
Longines is a Swiss luxury watchmaker that was founded in 1832. Known for its ‘elegance is an attitude’ motto, Longines is renowned for the classic aesthetics, precision, and performance of its timepieces.
Highlighted Model: Longines HydroConquest
Specs & Highlights:
- Movement: Automatic
- Material: Stainless steel case
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Notable Features: Date window at 3 o’clock, Sporty design
The Longines Conquest, a sporty yet elegant timepiece, embodies the brand’s commitment to blend performance with elegance. With its automatic movement, stainless steel case, blue dial, and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, this watch is a perfect companion for those who value sportiness without sacrificing elegance
12. Frederique Constant
Frederique Constant is a relatively young brand, established in 1988 by Aletta and Peter Stas in Geneva. Despite its youth, the brand rapidly gained recognition for its classical and refined timepieces, often featuring unique complications typically found in much pricier watches. The brand’s philosophy of ‘Accessible Luxury’ is well reflected in its collections, making high-end Swiss watchmaking more accessible to a broader audience.
Highlighted Model: Frederique Constant Classics Index
Specs & Highlights:
- Movement: Automatic
- Material: Stainless steel case
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 165 feet
- Notable Features: Date window at 3 o’clock, Art Deco design
The Frederique Constant Classics Index is a perfect representation of the brand’s vision of accessible luxury. Its Art Deco-influenced design harks back to a time when elegance and intricate detail were paramount in watchmaking. This watch, with its automatic movement, stainless steel case, silver dial with black Roman numerals, and blued steel hands, offers a dash of luxury without being overly extravagant.
13. Maurice Lacroix
Maurice Lacroix, established in 1975, is a Swiss luxury brand that has developed a reputation for its innovative watch designs. The brand is known for its mastery of traditional Swiss watchmaking and its incorporation of modern elements into its designs.
Highlighted Model: AIKON Quartz
Specs & Highlights:
- Movement: Quartz
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: Water resistance to 10 ATM
- Notable Features: Date window at 3 o’clock, Art Deco design
The AIKON Quartz impresses with its automatic movement, stainless steel case, and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Its dark blue sun-brushed dial adds an air of elegance, while the date window at 3 o’clock offers practicality. With water resistance up to 10 ATM and an easy strap exchange system, the AIKON Quartz combines functionality with style.
14. Raymond Weil
Raymond Weil is a Swiss watchmaker, founded in 1976 during a period of crisis for the Swiss watch industry. The brand stands out with its innovative, music-inspired collections and the balance it strikes between luxury and affordability.
Highlighted Model: Maestro Automatic Watch
Specs & Highlights:
- Movement: Automatic
- Material: Stainless steel case
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
- Notable Features: Date window at 3 o’clock, Classic dress watch design, Snapped Case back, with sapphire crystal
The Raymond Weil Maestro, with its classic design, stainless steel case, white dial, and Roman numerals, provides an elegant and affordable entry into the world of luxury watches. With its automatic movement and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, this dress watch represents a perfect blend of tradition and durability.
15. Baume & Mercier
Founded in 1830 by the Baume brothers, Louis-Victor and Célestin, Baume & Mercier is a Swiss luxury watchmaker celebrated for precision timepieces that blend elegance with superior craftsmanship. The brand’s motto, “Accept only perfection; only manufacture watches of the highest quality,” is a testament to their commitment to excellence, showcased in every watch they produce. Baume & Mercier timepieces strike a balance between tradition and innovation, mirroring the brand’s rich heritage and constant pursuit of perfection.
Highlighted Model: Baume & Mercier Classima 10324
Specs & Highlights:
- Movement: Swiss-made Quartz Material: Stainless steel case with a black leather strap Crystal: Scratch-resistant Sapphire Water Resistance: 50 meters Notable Features: Date function at 3 o’clock, Roman numerals, rhodium-plated hands and indexes, sunray-finished blue dial, and a deployant clasp
A hidden gem in the realm of luxury yet affordable Swiss watches, the Baume & Mercier Classima 10324 beautifully embodies the brand’s commitment to offering opulence at a sensible price. Driven by a Swiss quartz movement, it promises both accuracy and dependability. Its design, boasting a 40mm stainless steel case, black leather strap, and a sunray-finished blue dial adorned with rhodium-plated hands and indexes, radiates a refined charm. Durability is reinforced by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, while a date window at 3 o’clock adds a touch of utility. Further enhancing wearability is the deployant clasp, ensuring a snug fit for daily use. Overall, for those in pursuit of a quality, elegant watch without a hefty price tag, the Classima 10324 stands out as a compelling choice.
16. Marathon
While not Swiss in origin, Marathon is a Canadian-based watchmaker whose timepieces proudly bear the “Swiss Made” label. This is a testament to the brand’s commitment to the highest standards of watchmaking quality and precision, hallmarks of Swiss horology. Established in 1939, Marathon has an illustrious history of producing durable, reliable, and military-grade watches that meet the rigorous demands of military personnel worldwide. Their watches are designed for endurance and optimal readability in any environment. Despite the harshest conditions, Marathon watches maintain a sleek and professional appearance, offering the perfect balance of rugged sophistication and refined craftsmanship.
Highlighted Model: Marathon Pilots Navigator
Specs & Highlights:
- Movement: ETA F04 High Torque Quartz
- Case size: 41mm Stainless Steel Case
- Water Resistance: 200 meters
- Notable Features: Black dial with luminous hands and markers, unidirectional rotating bezel
The Marathon Pilots Navigator is a shining example of the brand’s commitment to producing timepieces that are as reliable as they are resilient. At its heart is an ETA F04 High Torque quartz movement, guaranteeing precise timekeeping. Encased in a robust 41mm stainless steel frame, the watch features a black dial with luminous hands and markers for enhanced visibility, even in low light conditions. The unidirectional rotating bezel adds a functional touch to the rugged design, and with a water resistance of up to 200 meters, this watch is equally at home on land or at sea.
17. Ball
Ball is an iconic American watch company with Swiss headquarters, founded in 1891 by Webb C. Ball. The brand has historic ties to American railroad development, as Webb C. Ball was the first jeweler to employ Standard Time time signals in 1883 and held significant positions within the railroad industry. Following a fatal train collision in 1891, attributed to a conductor’s faulty watch, Ball established the “RR Standard” to ensure high accuracy and legibility for all railroad employees. Ball’s rigorous standards for precision and reliability were so stringent that they later inspired other organizations, including the Swiss Official Testing Institute (COSC). Today, Ball watches are known for their use of tritium gas tubes, ensuring constant visibility in low-light conditions without external power, and they are designed for adventurers and professionals who face challenging environments.
Highlighted Model: Ball Fireman Enterprise Automatic
Specs & Highlights:
- Movement: Swiss automatic Power Reserve: 38 hours Material: Stainless steel case, available with either a stainless steel bracelet or a leather strap Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating Water Resistance: 100 meters Notable Features: Date window at 3 o’clock, 15 micro gas tubes for luminosity Check Price
The Ball Fireman Enterprise Automatic is a testament to the brand’s commitment to creating timepieces that embody resilience, precision, and heroism. Inspired by the heroes who risk their lives in the line of duty, this watch features a robust stainless steel case, available in 40mm or 43mm, depending on the model. The Swiss-made automatic movement ensures reliable timekeeping and a 38-hour power reserve. Its dial, available in black or blue, is adorned with white Arabic numerals and hands, illuminated by 15 micro gas tubes for constant visibility in low-light conditions without requiring an external power source. The watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters, and the sapphire crystal features an anti-reflective coating, ensuring optimal legibility. The Fireman Enterprise Automatic is a powerful representation of Ball’s dedication to precision, functionality, and valor, making it a fitting choice for those in search of a timepiece that combines heritage, quality, and adventure in its design.
Conclusion
Swiss watchmaking has always been at the forefront of timekeeping technology, marrying precision, aesthetics, and innovation. The brands highlighted in this guide stand out for their remarkable offerings that strike a balance between affordability and luxury, without compromising the quality associated with Swiss watchmaking.
When choosing your Swiss watch, it’s essential to consider your individual preferences and needs. Whether it’s a classic design from Frederique Constant, a modern aesthetic from Rado, or a sporty elegance from Longines, there’s a Swiss watch out there to suit your style and budget. Remember, a watch is not just a timekeeping tool but an extension of your personality and a statement of your taste. Choose wisely, and enjoy the journey of owning a Swiss timepiece.
