Our Top 10 Starter Luxury Watches
Watch lovers, it’s time for something really special. Luxury watches are the perfect Christmas gift or self-gift to last a lifetime. If you or your loved one is a newbie when it comes to the Swiss watch world, then we’re here to help with the best entry-level luxury watches for Christmas. These watches are the ultimate present for those who don’t just mean something, they mean everything.
“When you’re looking to buy a timepiece, there are a number of things to consider including personal preference, budget, and the occasion. Whether you're looking for a watch to wear every day, formally or for a particular sport, then you have to consider the different features.” – Bruce, Head of Luxury Brands.
Whether you’re trying to find your first luxury watch or wow the one you love with one of our exceptional watches for Christmas, then keep reading as we talk you through what is a luxury watch, the key features to look for, the best entry-level luxury watch brands, price ranges and our favourite timepieces curated by our experts. From Swiss watches under £1,000, to the best entry-level TAG Heuer watches, these selections are perfect if you’re looking for Christmas watches to sweep someone off their feet this festive season.
For more Christmas watches and gift inspiration, discover our Christmas Gift Guide and Luxury Gifts To Last A Lifetime.
What is a luxury watch?
Meticulously crafted to a high quality, luxury watches are designed to last a lifetime thanks to their impeccable movements, manufacturing and the most innovative materials. Most luxury watches are put through their paces with intensive tests based on strict criteria with Swiss-made watches in particular boasting a COSC chronometer certification. Luxury watches are crafted to be highly precise even in extreme conditions, and their accuracy is not deterred by external factors such as magnetism and temperature. This is why they make the ultimate Christmas gift to treasure for years to come.
So, what are the key features that define a luxury watch? Luxury watch brands have features that give their timepieces longevity and accuracy:
Durable materials such as scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass, higher grade metals or precious metals like gold.
In-house movements or automatic movements with a longer-lasting power reserve. Usually tested by COSC chronometer certification.
Screw-down crown which helps to keep water and dust out of the movement.
Luxurious materials such as gold, diamonds, gemstones and mother of pearl embellishments.
Special and limited editions help to uphold their superiority too.
“A luxury watch is truly a special purchase, as the craftsmanship that goes into making them can’t be replicated in standard watches.” - Bruce, Head of Watches.
For more information about what makes a Swiss watch so prestigious, discover our Swiss Watch Buying Guide.
What budget should you set for your entry-level luxury watch?
Now you know the key features, it’s all about choosing the details that matter to you or your loved one. Think about what its purpose is - will it need additional functions? What type of bracelet is needed? Will it be an heirloom or something just for every day? Then, set the budget for your first luxury watch – it’s probably best to decide the highest amount you’re willing to spend on a Christmas gift before looking. We’re confident you can find a perfect entry-level luxury watch that has the high quality features you’re looking for, for around £500.
Best entry-level luxury watch brands
We’d say the best starter luxury watch brands are Gucci, Tissot, Raymond Weil, Longines, Oris, and Rado. For an extra special first luxury watch, TAG Heuer has a longstanding history of manufacturing the highest quality timepieces for professionals, sportspeople, and adventurers alike. With each brand boasting a long history of luxury craftsmanship, innovative designs and mainstays in the world of sports, they’re definitely entry-level watches that you can treasure.
Wondering if should you buy pre-owned? The pre-owned watch world is full of amazing timepieces from high-end luxury brands, so if you’re looking for the likes of OMEGA and Breitling at a slightly lower price point, then it’s certainly a choice.
Our pre-owned watches start at £1,450 and have undergone a thorough health check to ensure they are in perfect working order. With quality and authenticity guaranteed, discover more about these investment watches in our Five Reasons To Buy A Pre-Owned Watch blog. If new is for you, here’s our favourites…
Men’s watches for Christmas
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 40mm Automatic Men’s Watch - £640
For the lovers of a watch with a retro, 70s style, this handsome Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 40mm Automatic Men’s Watch has an innovative and contemporary sense of style. An ideal Christmas gift for those who have an eye for on-trend timepieces, the green coloured dial is a luxury watch trend we’re loving at the minute. An entry-level watch to love forever, the openwork case back will let you take a glimpse at the meticulously crafted Swiss-made automatic movement live in action.
If you’ve got your heart set on Christmas watches to make gifting extra special this year, discover our Watch Care Guide for all the aftercare tips and advice you’re looking for.
Rado HyperChrome Chronograph Men’s Watch - £1,650
A first luxury watch gift that’s perfect for the sophisticated type, this Rado HyperChrome 44.9mm Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold PVD Chronograph Men’s Watch showcases a contemporary design with its dark green dial and stainless steel case with a two-tone bracelet. This Swiss-made timepiece features an automatic movement with a power reserve of up to 80 hours, so it’s the perfect entry-level luxury watch that you can rely on.
A watch for you, and an extra special something to gift to a loved one. When you buy this watch, receive a free £150 gift card to spend on anything you’d like. T&C’s apply.
Longines HydroConquest GMT Automatic Men's Watch - £2,600
With a stylish, daring dark monochrome that we’re certain will win you (or a lucky recipient) over, this Longines HydroConquest GMT 43mm Automatic Men’s Watch boasts classic elegance with its stainless steel case with a a sleek rubber strap. Business-ready and reliable, this timepiece’s timeless aesthetic comes equipped with an automatic movement, GMT function to track multiple time zones at once, and a water resistance of up to 300m. One of the best entry-level luxury watches, you can have the best of both worlds when it comes to style and performance with this watch - a Christmas gift he’s guaranteed to love.
Like this watch? It comes with an extra WOW! When you spend between £1,000 - £1,999 on a luxury watch, you’ll receive a free £250 gift card. Just consider it the gift that keeps on giving. T&C’s apply.
Oris Big Crown Pointer Men's Watch - £1,600
Championing vintage style and modern versatility, this Oris Big Crown Pointer Men's Watch is one that will make the perfect entry-level luxury watch if you’re looking for a Christmas timepiece gift with a retro aesthetic. Love a watch with a colourful dial? We think the beautiful navy blue complements the on-trend brown leather strap perfectly. If you’re looking for an entry-level luxury watch inspired by aviation principles, this timepiece is one to add to your wish list. You can even see the Swiss automatic movement through the sapphire crystal case back, for a captivating finishing touch.
Found the perfect Christmas watch for him? Pay £0 today and spread the cost with interest free credit.
Frederique Constant Highlife Heart Beat Automatic 41mm Men’s Watch - £1,995
For a timeless Christmas watch gift that will never go out of fashion, this Frederique Constant Highlife Heart Beat Automatic 41mm Men’s Watch makes a statement with its bold, sleek design. Boasting an eye-catching and instantly recognisable Frederique Constant ‘Heart Beat’ aperture at 12 o’clock, this timepiece captures the essence of style and simplicity, with its stainless steel case and matching bracelet. With all the features of a Swiss-watch, and iconic detailing that the brand is known and loved for, it’s definitely an exceptional entry-level watch to last a lifetime.
“For a present that will stand the test of time, a Swiss watch is perfect if you’re looking to really brighten up someone’s Christmas this year. We’ve got brands that offer the very best in watchmaking, so you can find the ultimate timepiece to treasure.” – Bruce, Head of Luxury Brands.
Ladies watches for Christmas
Longines La Grande Classique 24mm Yellow Gold PVD Diamond Ladies Watch - £1,600
Providing elegance for any occasion, this Longines La Grande Classique 24mm Yellow Gold PVD Diamond Ladies Watch is a stunning first luxury watch. For those who’d like to radiate with glowing gold tones, this watch is crafted in yellow gold PVD stainless steel, making a glamorous modern statement. The diamond dot how markers are the perfect sparkling finishing touch to this expertly crafted Swiss watch, what more could you ask for in a Christmas present?
A watch to make her present a truly special one, and you can get an extra WOW with a free £150 gift card to treat yourself to that necklace you’ve always wanted. Just consider it the gift that keeps on giving. T&C’s apply.
Gucci G-Timeless 29mm Mother of Pearl Diamond Ladies Watch - £1,560
Gucci are renowned for their elegant, timeless watches. Epitomising the it-girl watch trend with its chic design, this Gucci G-Timeless 29mm Mother of Pearl Diamond Ladies Watch is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a Christmas watch gift that captures that quiet luxury aesthetic. The stainless steel case and diamond hour markers make this timepiece a first luxury watch that will never go out of style. Powered by a quartz movement, it also boasts utmost precision and accuracy.
Think she’ll love this luxury watch for Christmas? Pay £0 today and spread the cost with interest free credit.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Ladies Watch - £1,900
Boasting a luxurious mother-of-pearl dial, this TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Mother of Pearl Quartz Ladies Watch is one that will make the perfect investment entry-level luxury watch. A perfect Christmas gift for someone who loves a timepiece with classic elegance, the refined style is one we can’t help but fall in love with. With a water resistance of up to 200m and powered by a quartz movement, you’re covered with this watch’s uncompromising accuracy, durability and precision.
Like this watch? It comes with an extra WOW! When you spend between £1,000 - £1,999 on a luxury watch, you’ll receive a free £150 gift card. T&C’s apply.
Raymond Weil Tango 30mm Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold PVD Ladies Watch - £1,495
True to Raymond Weil values of elegance, tradition and performance, this Raymond Weil Tango 30mm Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold PVD Ladies Watch features a beautiful blue dial and yellow gold finishing touches for a watch that is both contemporary and perfectly timeless. With a stylish bi-metal look and highly precise quartz movement, this watch revels in Swiss craftsmanship and stunning design. It’s bound to be their favourite Christmas gift of all time.
Fallen in love with this watch? It comes with an extra WOW! Get a free £150 gift card when you spend between £1,000 - £1,999 on a luxury watch, so you can get the earrings on your wish list, too. Just consider it the gift that keeps on giving. T&C’s apply.
Tissot PRX 35mm Ladies Watch - £335
An icon in the world of sports-chic watches, this Tissot PRX 35mm Ladies Watch is one that we know will look sleek anywhere, including beneath the waves. Complete with a statement pink dial, and a water resistance of up to 100m, this is the ultimate entry-level watch for lovers of vibrant colour, or those who’d appreciate a pretty watch Christmas gift to enhance their day-to-day style.
Our Head of Luxury Brands, Bruce, answers more of your most Googled luxury watch questions here. Looking to learn more about watches? Our Swiss Watch Buying Guide has everything you need to know, whilst our Luxury Edit has our top Christmas gifts to treasure.
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