Available at Wristcheck right now
Buying a new watch can be an incredibly exciting experience. You’ve spent the time researching your choices, deciding what you like, what you don’t like, what you want and what you don’t. Then, the time finally comes to seal the deal and begin your journey with your new timepiece. However, I’ve skipped over the tough part where you’ve to make that decision and finalize one watch among a limitless number of options. And if you’re not like me, you probably fixate on the smallest details. Personally, I’m most focussed on the best watches to buy within my budget, and that’s where this article comes in.
Here we've gathered some of our favorite brands and watches to highlight in this buyer’s guide on timepieces under USD 35K, now available at Wristcheck.
IWC Porsche Design Ocean 2000
Ref. 3504-001
One of the most unique watches out there, the IWC Porsche Design Ref. 3504-001 helped the brand bolster its sales and create new markets across the world in the early 1980s. IWC’s collaboration with Porsche has to go down as one of the most successful and iconic collaborations within watchmaking. Sure, collaborations are a dime a dozen these days, but back then such partnerships were quite rare.
Kicking off in 1978, this collab produced some really amazing watches like the Ref. 3504-001 that we have here. Featuring a 42mm titanium case, a simple black dial and an integrated bracelet, this timepiece is ageless in its design. Rated with an incredible 2000m of water resistance, the Ocean 2000 marries IWC’s stunning design and craftsmanship with the sense of adventure that runs through Porsche’s veins. A wonderfully robust and efficient timepiece that represents what watchmakers can achieve when they collaborate with other leading brands in the market, the Ref. 3504-001 is an iconic watch for reasons that not many modern watches can replicate today.
Asking price: USD 5,897
Available now on Wristcheck.
Franck Muller Long Island Mono Pusher Chronograph Platinum
Ref. 1100 MP
Next on our list is a timepiece from Franck Muller’s catalog. Recognized as one of the most important independent watchmakers, Franck Muller is a legendary brand within the industry thanks to the eponymous founder’s role in birthing the modern indie watchmaking space, which has allowed other brands like H. Moser, MB&F, F.P. Journe and Urwerk to flourish. Released in 2000 to celebrate the Art Deco legacy of the roaring 1920s, Franck Muller's Long Island collection features a slew of rectangular watches with curved cases that comfortably wrap around your wrist.
The Long Island Monopusher Chronograph Ref. 1100MP is crafted out of platinum and sports a beautiful gray sunburst dial with large Art Deco-inspired Arabic numerals and a symmetrical bi-compax chronograph subdial arrangement. Unique in design and super comfy on the wrist, this watch is the epitome of Franck Muller's distinct sense of watchmaking both in terms of aesthetics and incredible craftsmanship. Not to mention, its precious metal construction is hefty and feels impressive on the wrist.
Asking price: USD 12,821
Available now on Wristcheck.
A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase
Ref. 384.032
One of Germany’s finest watchmakers, A. Lange & Söhne’s history is incredibly rich, complex and noteworthy. From the first World War until World War II, Lange experienced a particularly turbulent few decades that resulted in their nationalization in 1948, alongside several other German brands. Eventually, in 1951, several more brands were rolled into this company, and the Lange brand fell into complete obsolescence until nearly four decades later. After their dormancy, Lange launched a slew of collections in 1994, one of which was the Saxonia – their prototypical dress watch. With an undeniable air of elegance, sophistication, and stunning design baked into its aesthetic, it has found its way onto collectors’ wrists for nearly three decades since its debut.
Over the years, the collection has evolved to include some of the most stunning dress watches on the market – one of which being the Saxonia Moon Phase that we have here. Launched in 2016, the Ref. 384.032 features an 18k pink gold case with a beautiful solid German silver dial with gold appliques and a beautiful moon phase display within its seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. Featuring Lange's signature outsize date at 12 o'clock, the Saxonia is linked to the brand’s other timepieces in subtle ways – enshrined with everything that makes A. Lange & Söhne so special for collectors.
Asking price: USD 29,487
Available now on Wristcheck.
Zenith Chronomaster Sport
Ref. 03.3100.3600
While Lange is known for its impeccable, and often unrivalled, craftsmanship, Zenith is recognised for its irresistible chronograph offerings. Famous for its iconic El Primero movement, Zenith has forged an identity as one of the best chronograph manufacturers in the world, with brands like Rolex using Zenith movements to grace their powerful watches.
Thanks to a strong heritage in the tool watch space, their new sports models are always held in high esteem and that’s true for the Chronomaster Ref. 03.3100.3600 as well. Featuring a ceramic bezel, tri-colour dial, pump pushers, date display and a robust 41mm case, this versatile sports watch has become one of Zenith’s most sought-after models in recent times, with its powerful El Primero movement accurately measuring up to 1/10th of a second. With practically nothing in this watch to not love, it’s quite understandable that something like this would become an instant classic.
Asking price: USD 9,615
Available now on Wristcheck.
H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Concept Blue Lagoon
Ref. 1200-0206
Widely recognised as one of watchmaking’s most important modern independent watchmakers, H. Moser & Cie. is famed for their incredible craftsmanship, often-whacky designs and unique commentary on the Swiss watchmaking industry. When they aren’t making Apple watch parodies or timepieces crafted out of cheese, they are innovating in ways that other brands can only dream of – creating some of the best-looking dials on the market, just like that on the Endeavour Concept Blue Lagoon Ref. 1200-0206.
Launched in 2019 as an expansion of Moser’s dress watch collection, the Endeavor Centre seconds, the Ref. 1200-0206 is limited to just 50 pieces. It features a beautifully polished white gold 40mm case and one of the best-looking dials we have ever seen. According to Moser, the Blue Lagoon’s face “evokes the waters of the tropics” – it looks a mesmerizing blue from one angle and green from another. Inside the watch is the Manufacture Calibre HMC 200, a self-winding movement that offers 72 hours of power reserve. With the idea of being less is more, the Endeavour Concept Blue lagoon ties the true idea of minimalism in its design.
Asking price: USD 22,436
Available now on Wristcheck.
Tudor Black Bay Harrods Edition
Ref. 79230G
The world of watchmaking is filled with a lot of household names but few of them are as well-known as Tudor. Rolex’s famous sibling, Tudor has established itself as one of the most prominent players in horology, especially since its relaunch in 2009. Many collectors have now started to take note of this historic Swiss watch manufacturer, which has finally stepped out of Rolex’s shadow and is even producing its own in-house movements. Tudor’s partnership with Harrods, the famed luxury department store in London, stands as a testament to the brand’s remarkable success in recent years. Seeking to build on the aesthetics of the early Submariner models, the Black Bay family is loved by Tudor collectors for its vintage-inspired design traits like the faux-rivet bracelet, gilt inscriptions, anodised aluminium bezel insert and large crown. However, of all the Black Bay variants, one reigns supreme in terms of its popularity – the Harrods Edition released in 2017.
This variant can only be purchased through the iconic Knightsbridge-based luxury goods retailer and it features a bezel insert sporting Harrods’ signature shade of green that separates it from the rest of Tudor’s regular Black Bay offerings.
Asking price: USD 5,385
Available now on Wristcheck.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M James Bond Limited Edition
Ref. 210.22.42.20.01.004
Moving from one partnership to another, we explore what is rightfully heralded as one of watchmaking’s best-known collaborations, Omega and James Bond. Following the arrival of Pierce Brosnan as the new James Bond in 1995, Omega’s Seamaster Diver 300M has emerged as one of the most trusted timepieces for the MI6 agent.
Launched in 2019 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of On Her Majesty's Secret Service, the Ref. 210.22.42.20.01.004 features a stunning black dial with a laser-engraved gun-barrel design, gold indices, the Bond family coat of arms at 12 o’clock and other subtle details inspired by the movie. Limited to 7,007 pieces, each watch is offered in a special 007 presentation box. Inside, you’ll find a travel pouch, as well as a strap-changing tool and an additional stainless steel bracelet for you to mix and match the look of your watch as per the occasion.
Asking price: USD 8,974
Available now on Wristcheck.
Hublot Big Bang Integral All Black Chronograph 42mm
Ref. 451.CX.1140.CX
Originally designed for a collaboration with Ferrari in 2005, Hublot's Big Bang collection charted the inimitable growth story for one of the world's most successful luxury watch brands. In the past decade, this collection has become the major driving force behind Hublot's experimentation with new materials and designs.
Entirely constructed of black ceramic, the Big Bang Integral was launched as a limited edition of just 500 pieces to celebrate the collection’s 15th anniversary in 2020. Equipped with Hublot’s in-house HUB1280 UNICO automatic movement offering 72 hours of power reserve, the Big Bang Integral comes with a tailored integrated bracelet. An infamously difficult material to work with, the ceramic case and bracelet on this watch feature some stunning polished and brushed surfaces, making this a truly amazing timepiece, especially in the given price range.
Asking price: USD 14,744
Available now on Wristcheck.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore
Ref. 26202AU 'Jarno Trulli'
Launched in 1993 as a means to diversify the legendary Royal Oak collection, the Offshore steps up to the plate with its laser-like focus on offering exceptional utility. Released as a limited edition of 500 pieces for the 2010 Japanese Grand Prix Featuring, the Royal Oak Offshore Ref. 26202AU celebrates Italian F1 racer Jarno Trulli.
Encased within a 42mm forged carbon case sits an anthracite Mega Tapisserie dial with stunning red hands, indices and white subdials. The watch features a scratch-resistant cermet bezel and sandblasted titanium crown and push pieces, the "Jarno Trulli" embraces the extreme, sporty and durable inspiration behind the Offshore collection and takes it to another level. The "Jarno Trulli" wears light on the wrist thanks to its rubber strap and modern construction, offering a comfortable experience that metal watches can never quite emulate.
Asking price: USD 30,513
Available now on Wristcheck.
Omega Speedmaster Professional Tokyo Olympics 2020
Ref. 522.304.230.03.t001
As the official timekeeper for the Olympics since 1932, Omega’s history with the iconic event is simply unrivaled. To celebrate this long-standing relationship, Omega releases a collection of limited edition timepieces every four years. One of these really special timepieces has been the Ref. 522.30.42.30.03.001, introduced to celebrate the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Offered as one of the variants from the Olympics collection, this watch sports a beautiful blue dial and matching blue bezel insert with white subdials, inscriptions and a uniquely engraved caseback and box. An iconic timepiece in its own right, the Speedmaster will always be a great pick-up, but with the incredible link to an event that nearly didn’t happen, the Ref. 522.30.42.30.03.001 is undoubtedly a little bit more special than the rest.
Asking price: USD 8,109
Available now on Wristcheck.
See also: 10 Watches We Love Under USD 65K and 10 Watches We Love Under USD 200K
