Best mechanical watches for the price of Apple's new Watch Ultra 2
Discover exquisite craftsmanship and enduring style that rival Apple’s newest Watch Ultra in elegance and value.
While Apple's new Watch Ultra offers impressive tech features for $800 USD, there’s an entirely different world of craftsmanship and timeless elegance in mechanical watches that you can explore for the same price. If you appreciate the artistry of traditional watchmaking and the enduring appeal of a mechanical timepiece, here are five outstanding watches you can buy within the same budget.
Seiko Prospex "Turtle" SRP777
Type: Dive Watch
Movement: Seiko 4R36 automatic movement
Water Resistance: 200m
Case Size: 45mm
Why it’s great: The Seiko Prospex "Turtle" is an iconic dive watch known for its robustness and reliability. It features a classic design, with its large cushion-shaped case that offers a distinct tool-watch look. Its in-house automatic movement is highly accurate for the price, making it a go-to for dive enthusiasts who want a blend of performance and style without breaking the bank.
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
Type: Field Watch
Movement: H-50 hand-wound movement
Water Resistance: 50m
Case Size: 38mm
Why it’s great: The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical is a military-inspired timepiece with a clean and utilitarian design. Its hand-wound movement provides a vintage charm that appeals to watch enthusiasts who appreciate a more interactive connection with their watches. Its understated style is perfect for everyday wear, particularly for those who love minimalist yet rugged aesthetics.
Orient Star Retro-Future
Type: Dress Watch with a Twist
Movement: Orient F6F44 automatic movement
Water Resistance: 100m
Case Size: 40.8mm
Why it’s great: The Orient Star Retro-Future stands out with its unique and intriguing retro-futuristic design. As part of the premium Orient Star line, it offers excellent craftsmanship for the price. One of its standout features is the power reserve indicator, a rare find in watches at this price level. It’s ideal for those who want a distinctive dress watch that blends modern and classic elements.
Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80
Type: Dress Watch
Movement: ETA Powermatic 80 automatic
Water Resistance: 30m
Case Size: 39.3mm
Why it’s great: Tissot's Le Locle Powermatic 80 is a timeless and elegant dress watch. Its sophisticated design pairs beautifully with formal attire, while its Powermatic 80 movement delivers an impressive 80-hour power reserve—allowing you to set it aside for the weekend and still have it ticking when you return. Its Swiss pedigree and refined aesthetics make it a top choice for those seeking an affordable luxury dress watch.
Glycine Combat Sub
Type: Dive Watch
Movement: Glycine GL224 automatic (based on ETA 2824-2)
Water Resistance: 200m
Case Size: 42mm
Why it’s great: The Glycine Combat Sub offers a blend of style and rugged functionality, boasting a slimmer profile than many dive watches. It’s equally suitable for underwater adventures or daily wear. With its Swiss automatic movement and solid build quality, the Combat Sub provides excellent value and is a worthy competitor in the sub-$800 dive watch category.
These five watches are just a small glimpse into the world of mechanical timepieces, offering a perfect balance of heritage, craftsmanship, and mechanical performance—all within the $800 range. Do share if you liked and, if you didn’t, do share it to your enemies. See you on the next one.