The segment of beautiful watches for less than 1000 euros has seen a certain enthusiasm in recent years. At this price, it is possible to find attractive timepieces, quality automatic watches, combining style and precision.
And since we have already suggested a selection of French timepieces for less than 1000 euros, we have decided to cross Lake Geneva for you: discover a selection of 7 Swiss Made watches with a price range between 700 and 1000 euros.
Swiss watch vs Swiss made watch, what’s the difference?
Just because a Swiss brand launches a new watch does not necessarily mean that it is Swiss made.
To have the right to affix this prestigious label on their production, watchmaking houses must adhere to a very precise set of specifications… but ultimately quite simple. Thus, the Federation of Watchmaking reminds us that the Swiss Made certification was redefined through an ordinance enacted in 2017.
A Swiss Made watch must adhere to 4 major conditions:
- its movement is Swiss;
- its movement is encased in Switzerland;
- the manufacturer performs the final control in Switzerland ;
- at least 60% of the production cost is generated in Switzerland (taking into account manufacturing and R&D costs).
And to be complete, a movement is considered Swiss from the moment when:
- it is assembled in Switzerland;
- it is controlled by the manufacturer in Switzerland;
- at least 60% of its production cost is generated in Switzerland;
- at least half the value of its component parts is manufactured in Switzerland (excluding the cost of assembly).
If you really want to wear a Swiss watch on your wrist, favor a model that meets all these criteria (rather than one with movement and parts from China or Japan for example). It so happens, the 7 models presented in this article proudly (but discreetly) display the mention Swiss Made on their dial!
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
We have already discussed it on multiple occasions on Masculin.com. It has been awarded several prizes, including that of watch of the year in 2023. It is the PRX Powermatic 80 by Tissot.
Elegant, sporty, timeless, this model has become (re)essential since it was relaunched at the beginning of the 2020s. Available in versions of 35 and 40 mm, quartz or automatic, and in a multitude of colors, it charms us here with its light green dial and its Powermatic 80 movement, which gives it an 80-hour power reserve.
At this price, this PRX is a must for watch enthusiasts and men who would like to start a collection!
Certina DS Pilot
We remain within the Swatch Group with a brand that is probably one of the least known: Certina. It must be said that, despite being created in 1888, it only re-established itself in France in the summer of 2023!
While she has communicated a lot about her DS-7 and DS Action Diver, the Swiss house also declines its “double security” concept on this pilot’s watch. Here, the 43mm gold PVD steel case highlights a beautiful smoked green dial punctuated by oversized Arabic numerals. Offering optimal readability, it also hosts two thin golden hands to indicate the elapsed time over 60 seconds and 60 minutes.
On the other hand, one will have to settle for a quartz movement on this watch costing less than 1000€, specifically a Swiss ETA 251.264 caliber.
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba
If there’s one criticism that cannot be made about Hamilton, it’s that they only make watches that look alike. From the unusual Ventura to the iconic Khaki Field, and the chic Jazzmaster, they truly cater to every taste.
As summer approaches, the brand further explores a new range with its Scuba Auto dive watch, now available in new vibrant colors. Pink, orange or (our favorite version) yellow, which graces the rubber strap as well as the edge of the dial and the tip of the second hand.
Equipped with a screw-down crown, this Khaki Navy Scuba boasts a water resistance up to 100 meters, and is also powered by the famous H-10 movement (which also has an 80-hour power reserve).
Alpina Startimer Pilot
When looking for a beautiful watch around 1000€, Alpina is one of the brands that you definitely should not overlook. Especially if you like sporty models and toolwatches of all kinds!
As its name suggests, this Startimer Pilot is inspired by aviator watches, with its ultra-readable dial, its large luminescent indexes as well as its second hand punctuated by the iconic red Alpina triangle. On the 40 mm diameter case, a prominent screw-down crown contributes to the vintage aesthetic of this model, which remains a great classic of the brand.
The AL-525 caliber that powers it allows it to benefit from a small power reserve of 38h.
Edox Les Bémonts
Edox is truly one of the brands that does not benefit from the recognition it should have, according to us. Founded by Christian Ruefli-Flury in 1884, it boasts 140 years of history on the clock and offers a wide variety of collections, certainly classic but always very qualitative.
Female divers are often highlighted at Edox, but the hourglass logo brand also knows how to evolve into a more chic register, as demonstrated by its Les Bémonts collection. This particular model, stands out with its “rose gold” look, with its 40 mm case (only 6.2 mm thick) and its golden strap, contrasting with the superb midnight blue dial.
Purists may perhaps regret the use of a simple Ronda 714 quartz movement on this model, but its reliability and accuracy are beyond doubt.
Squale 1545 Steel Blue
Founded in the late 1950s, the Squale brand has built its reputation around its diving watches, particularly popular with freedivers Enzo Maiorca and Jacques Mayol.
For those who want to replay The Big Blue today, the Squale collection is a reference. We have already tested the 1521, but this 1545 has not much to envy it, with its 40 mm steel case topped by a notched bezel. The dial (blue, of course!) offers great readability, even in low light conditions, while the watch can be dressed, at choice, with a steel or perforated rubber … blue bracelet!
Waterproof up to 300 meters, this Squale 1545 can also rely on a sure value of Swiss watchmaking: the omnipresent Sellita SW 200-1 movement with its 38-hour power reserve.
Nivada Grenchen Antarctic
We conclude this quick overview with a model that is somewhat our favorite, within a brand we particularly appreciate. Relaunched by Guillaume Laidet, Nivada regularly delves into its archives to honor its most iconic watches.
Among them, the Antarctic is an essential model, with its design straight from the 1950’s. If the collection is a perfect example of neo-vintage style, Nivada manages to infuse a good dose of modernity in this variation dressed with a black racing leather strap.
At the heart of the 35mm case topped by a double dome sapphire glass, the “eggshell” dial brings its retro touch, accompanied by the Art Deco-inspired Arabic numeral indexes. More unusual than it appears, this watch is powered by the Landeron 21 caliber, with 36 hours of power reserve.
The Swiss watchmaking landscape is not limited to the most prestigious houses. Among the most underestimated brands (or under the radar), it is not uncommon to find real gems for less than 1000 euros… or just a little more. Frederique Constant, Victorinox, Mido, Vulcain, or even Delma, Davosa or Zodiac (with its Olympos) have in their collections real beautiful affordable luxury watches that you can buy with your eyes closed or almost!
💡These other selections might interest you:
These 10 watches for less than 1500 euros are perfect to start a collection (or just for pleasure)
These 10 luxury watches between 1000 and 3000 euros are well worth a little splurge