8 most affordable luxury watches for men in 2024

Rolex, Bulgari, and Cartier are some of the biggest luxury watch brands for men (Image via Tranmautritam/Pexels)
Rolex, Bulgari, and Cartier are some of the biggest luxury watch brands for men (Image via Tranmautritam/Pexels)

Men's luxury watches have been rising in popularity this year as premium timepieces have become the symbols of heritage and affluence.

High-value watches are in a league of their own and often feature high-end components made of silver, gold, titanium, crystal, and even diamonds. They offer a perfect fusion of elegance and functionality with innovative features like calendars, time zone systems, and chronographs.

Although luxury and affordability don't always go together, famed watchmakers like Rolex and Bulgari have made premium timepieces more accessible. From Explorer 36 to Air King and more, some of the best affordable luxury watches can now be available for as low as $3,700.

Disclaimer: The article may be influenced by the writer's opinion. Comment below to inform us about other premium options that should make it to the list.


A look at the 8 most affordable luxury watches for men in 2024

When buying luxury watches, one should always go for brands committed to longevity and functionality. While buying brand-new is always favorable for after-sale support, select brands offer pre-used premium timepieces with similar terms and services.

Some of the best affordable luxury watches in 2024 for different budgets are:

1) Rolex Explorer 36 Ref. 14270

The Explorer 36 is one of Rolex's best entry-level luxury watches. The sporty model features a charcoal black dial with the brand's signature hour markers of 3-6-9.

The Explorer 36 is water resistant up to 100 meters and comes with an 11 mm-thick stainless steel case paired with an Oyster bracelet. It can be purchased from Chrono24 for over $5,000.


2) Blancpain Villeret Ultra Plate

Blancpain's Villeret Ultra Plate is one of the most sold premium dress watches. It comes with sail white enamel dials, glossy silver detailing of the hours in Roman numerals, and a minimal date window.

The Villeret Ultra Plate has an extremely thin case measuring only 8.35 mm, showcasing the intricately beautiful golden gears on the back. It is water resistant up to 30 meters and can be found on the Ashford web store for over $8,990.


3) Bulgari Octo Solotempo Ultranero

Bulgari's Octo is a unique luxury watch with an octagonal casing measuring 11 mm in thickness. It features a sporty design and a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating, which gives it a premium black finish.

The Solotempo Ultraneo comes in gold and red accents and is water-resistant up to 100 meters. It can be found at Jomashop for over $4,400.


4) Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 3570.50

Omega's Moonwatch 3570.50 is a versatile timepiece featuring premium looks and functionalities. It is water resistant up to 100 meters and has a case thickness of 14.55 mm.

The Moonwatch 3570.50 features high-end Hesalite crystal glass, a polished stainless steel body, and a night-black dial with white accents. It is available on Amazon for over $6,300.


5) Norqain Wild One

Norqain Wild One (Image via reeds.com)
Norqain Wild One (Image via reeds.com)

Norqain's Wild One is made with carbon fiber composite, which makes it over 3.5 times lighter than titanium. It is water resistant up to 200 meters and has a case thickness of over 12.33 mm.

The Wild One has multiple dial color choices and can withstand up to 5,000 Gs of acceleration. It has a premium grey rubber strap and can be purchased for over $5,900 from the Reeds website or stores.


6) Rolex Air King 40mm

The Air King 40 mm is one of Rolex's most affordable luxury watches. Its black dial features bold Arabic numerals for the 3, 6, and 9-hour markers.

It features a stainless steel Oyster case and a matching polished bracelet. Water resistant up to 100 meters, it can be purchased brand-new from Chrono24 for over $10,000.


7) Bell and Ross BR 01-92

The Bell and Ross BR 01-92 is a Swiss timepiece inspired by the aviation industry. The timeless classic has a square face featuring relatively larger Arabic numerals representing 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock.

The BR 01-92 features Sapphire crystal glass and a charcoal-black stainless steel body. It is water resistant to over 100 meters and has premium leather straps that can be swapped. The BR 01-92 can be purchased from the JomaShop for $3,700.


8) Breitling Superocean 42

Beitling's Superocean 42 is an elegant luxury watch in complementary shades of white and ocean blue. It has a round watch face and intricate markings for the hours in double digits.

Boasting water resistance of a whopping 300 meters, the Superocean 42 can be availed in 36mm, 42 mm, and 44 mm sizes. It can be purchased from the Ben Bridge store for over $5,400.


People looking forward to getting their first luxury watch should be cautious against counterfeits and repaired items. While pre-used timepieces for premium brands are still good for long usage, it is essential to ensure they are in good condition before buying.

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Edited by Priscillah Mueni