While watch enthusiasts and collectors often end up with more than one timepiece in their collection, we all look for that one watch that can be our go-to choice in almost all situations. And more often than not, we also have a budget in mind. With that in mind, we set out to collect the highest quality watches with reliable movements and versatile design. The price point we’re looking at is around $1,000.
So let’s take a look at different options for a one watch collection for $1,000.
The Best GADA (Go Anywhere Do Anything) Watches for $1,000
*By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.
Victorinox Alliance Mechanical
If you are a fan of classic watch designs and good movements, you’ll love the Victorinox Alliance Mechanical. The true timeless look is paired with the ETA 2892 automatic movement, providing a 42 hour power reserve. The exhibition case back provides a sneak peek into the inner workings of the movement, and the calendar window is placed at the 6 o’clock position on the dial–giving it a well balanced look that is very pleasing to the eye. It’s quite simply the whole package, a choice you will not come to regret.
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Quartz
Usually the Khaki Field gets recommended, however, we think a field watch has its limitations when it comes to “dressing up”. So our recommendation is the Khaki Navy Scuba from Hamilton. The quartz movement ensures accurate timekeeping and since we have a beautiful classic dive watch design, most watch straps will work perfectly: are you facing an active day? NATO strap! Meeting coming up with a client? Stainless steel bracelet will support your professional outfit! The 37 mm case size is a great for all wrist sizes and will be a comfortable wear in all situations.
Read more about the Hamilton brand or the Khaki Navy Collection.
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto
Movement: Automatic (H10)
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Diameter: 43 mm
Water Resistance: 300 M
Staying within Hamilton’s Khaki Navy Scuba collection, the automatic movement version is also an excellent choice. Luxury meets sport in this Hamilton diver watch. Designed to be equally functional during a vacation near the beach or during deep sea exploring. The ceramic bezel protects it from corrosive elements such as sand and saltwater. With a larger 43 mm case, increased water resistance to 300 meters (30 bars), this high performance watch is ready for all your adventures! For more information, read our in-depth Khaki Navy Scuba review.
Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium
The Tissot Gentleman is a versatile watch that is always stylish and practical. It is appropriate to wear both during the workweek, when formal dress requirements apply, and on the weekend, when leisure activities may be readily accommodated. The Tissot Gentleman becomes the ideal companion for every day, every event, and every style as it becomes a part of the life of a contemporary, busy man.
Tissot PRX Powermatic
Similar to the Gentleman Powermatic, the PRX is a recent release by Tissot (from 2021) and it leans towards a more sporty look with the integrated bracelet.
PRX is an acronym for Precise, Robust, X for water resistant up to 10 bars (100 meters). The bezel is lifted from the core case, and let’s face it: it’s a cool looking watch.
Longines HydroConquest
Movement: Automatic (L888)
Power Reserve: 64 hours
Diameter: 43 mm
Water Resistance: 300 M
One word: classy. The Longines HydroConquest strikes a perfect balance between elegance and active lifestyle. The 41 mm case diameter makes it a great size for all wrists, and you can wear this classic design to a wide range of occasions, from a date night at a restaurant to a diving expedition. All around a great pick that will last you a lifetime.
Shinola The Runwell Chrono 41 mm
Shinola watches are hand-assembled in Detroit, and the 41 mm Runwell Chrono brings us a classic looking watch with a modern twist: the signature Arabic numerals and 2 sub-dials. The stainless steel case, blue dial and brown leather strap combination adds visual appeal and the result is a reliable, comfortable, and stylish timepiece that can be your new best friend for almost all occasions.
Raymond Weil Freelancer
Movement: Swiss Automatic
Power Reserve: 38 hours
Diameter: 42.5 mm
Water Resistance: 300 M
The Freelancer collection by Raymond Weil is one of the most well known collections, and rightly so. Our pick here is a perfectly sized 42.5 mm case diameter, making it a great fit for all wrist sizes. The classic design ensures an evergreen appearance for virtually all situations. Can’t go wrong with this one!
Read our in-depth Raymond Weil brand review.
Junghans Meister Classic Automatic
The Junghans Messier Classic Automatic is a perfect watch for people who love minimalism. The design is beautifully focused on the essentials, and it has everything you need, no more, no less. The 38.4 mm case width will make it a very comfortable size for wearing the timepiece everyday, but due to the thin bezel, the case will look bigger than what you’d expect from a 38.4 mm size.
Nomos Tetra Neomatik 39 Midnight Blue
The square NOMOS Tetra Neomatik 39 has an ultra-thin and very accurate automatic caliber. The movement itself is only 3.2 millimeters in height, and case is 7.2 millimeters, which allows the watch to fit very elegantly beneath the cuff.
The vibrant orange seconds hand and green minute marks look stunning against the midnight blue dial.