The Best Watches For $1,500
Tissot
“You’ll come across name brands like TAG Heuer, Oris and Limes, as well as expanded offerings from brands like Hamilton, Tissot and Raymond Weil.“
By the time you have $1,500 to spend on a watch, it may not be your first one. In fact, you may already be sliding down the slippery slope of watch collecting.
Here’s the information you need to get the coveted second timepiece that may become your new No. 1. Remember to check out last week’s article on watches in the $1,000 range and our previous editions on the $500 and $250 watch, if you have more plebeian tastes.
Here’s what you should expect for $1,500
The two main distinctions at this level are fit and finish and extra features. Day and date displays are common, but look for unique features like a power-reserve indication (it indicates how long until a self-winding mechanical watch has until it runs out of energy while at rest), alarm or chronometer certification (a chronometer is an extremely accurate mechanical watch, certified by the COSC or Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute).
You’ll come across name brands like TAG Heuer, Oris and Limes, as well as expanded offerings from brands like Hamilton, Tissot and Raymond Weil.
You’ll still find quartz movements from the nicer brands like TAG Heuer and Raymond Weil. But look for mechanical movements — usually made by ETA and modestly decorated and installed by the brand.
Stainless-steel cases dominate, although titanium or synthetic cases will appear in some specialty watches. The cases will sport a mix of push-pull and screw-down crowns (the knob on the side that’s used to set and, at times, wind the watch) depending on their intended use. A screw-down crown will do a better job of keeping out dirt and moisture.
An anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the ”front window,” is standard at this level. The anti-reflective coating may be applied only on the inner surface of the crystal or, alternatively, both surfaces may be treated.
Choose a caseback that either screws on or is securely held in place by four to six screws. Skip the so-called “snap backs” (backs that pop in with pressure and pop off with the use of a prying tool). That’s the mark of a watch made for lower price points.
If the watch has a mechanical movement and is intended for casual or dressy occasions, a display back (see description here) is nice. You can check out your piece’s nicely finished inner workings (modest at this price point — don’t look for beveled edges, blued screws or fancy engraving). Go for a solid back if the watch will see action, especially in water. A display back offers an additional potential entry path for water. The odds of this happening are low if the watch has been properly tested, but there’s no sense in introducing such a weak point.
Look for bracelets with solid components, a hefty feel and no rattles. Straps should be high-quality leather or rubber, with heavy gauge deployant clasps or buckles. Push buttons and safety latches are a plus on clasps.
A two-year warranty should be the minimum, but some brands have stepped up to a three-year or longer warranty period.