Best Value Swiss Watch: The Epitome of Craftsmanship!

Swiss watches are the holy grails of the watch world. Nothing even comes close to the precision, craftsmanship, and elegance of a true Swiss watch.

However, there’s a catch!

The very best Swiss watches are so expensive that an average joe can only dream of owning one.

But where there’s a will, there’s a way!

If you can save up a bit, you too can enjoy the elegance of a genuine Swiss watch. If you search hard enough, you can find some premium Swiss watches at a somewhat affordable price point.

Now, let me make one thing clear. By the term ‘affordable’, I certainly don’t point out the $500 price range. To get your hands on a good Swiss watch, you need to have a budget from $1000 to $10,000! Most of the Swiss watches on my list today fall into that price category.

However, I’ve included a few value Swiss watches under $500 to keep the options open.

Are excited to see the complete list of best value Swiss watch?

Let’s jump in!

10 Best Value Swiss Watch In 2021

Rolex Milgauss – Best Overall

Rolex is a brand that doesn’t need an introduction. There are hundreds of movies and TV shows telling the world that rich people wear a Rolex.

It’s a status symbol!

As you can guess, every aspect of a Rolex watch screams elegance and premiumness. Rolex Milgauss is one of Rolex’s finest options, and I think it’s one of the best value Swiss watch.

Just like every other Rolex watch, you’re getting the complete Oystersteel finish. Oystersteel is a proprietary material from Rolex based on the 904L steel. Corrosion resistance and the ability to maintain clean polished looks even in the harshest environment are the two primary features of Oystersteel.    

And yes, it comes with the iconic Oyster bracelet too.

But these are only the common and basic features of Rolex. What’s so special about Rolex Milgauss?

The Z-Blue dial and the special green sapphire crystal are the most recognizable features of Milgauss.

What about the movement?

Milgauss comes with the standard 3131 caliber that is quite common in all Oyster watches. It’s a COSC certified chronograph movement. Also, Rolex uses a magnetic field resistant ferromagnetic alloy shield that helps the movement to be precise and accurate.

Overall, if you don’t have a budget issue, Rolex Milgauss is hands down the best value Swiss watch.

Product Specifications – Rolex Milgauss

• Movement: Automatic
• Caliber Number: Rolex 3131
• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 13mm
• Band Width: 20-15mm
• Case Material: Oystersteel (Modified 904L Steel)
• Band Material: Oystersteel (Modified 904L Steel)
• Weight (Approximate): 157 g
• Water-Resistance: 10 ATM (330 feet)
• Clasp Type: Folding Oysterclasp with Easylink
• Crystal: Green Sapphire (Scratchproof and Fade-proof)

Oris Divers Sixty-Five – The Runner-Up

Oris might not have the same level of brand value as Rolex or Patek Phillippe. But this 100-year-old Swiss brand has some extremely high-value watches in its collection.

When it comes to quality, you can compare Oris to the likes of Tag Heuer or Longines. In fact, I think Oris has some of the best bang-for-the-buck Swiss watches.

Among all the Oris watches, Oris Divers Sixty-Five certainly stands apart.

Oris uses a modified variant of the Sellita SW200-1 in the Divers Sixty-Five. They denote this caliber number as Oris 733. This movement is quite popular as it’s one of the most reliable workhorse Swiss automatic movements.

To complement the diver-style, Oris included a midnight-blue dial with Superluminova coated hands and markers. Also, Oris used the sixty-five tag to celebrate the retro design aesthetics of the 1960s.

The clean diver-style looks and nylon strap grabs the attention instantly.

Product Specifications – Oris Divers Sixty-Five

• Movement: Automatic
• Caliber Number: Oris 733 (Base Sellita SW200-1)
• Case Diameter: 42mm
• Case Thickness: 12mm
• Band Width: 21mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Nylon (NATO-Style)
• Weight (Approximate): 78.9 g
• Water-Resistance: 10 ATM (330 feet)
• Clasp Type: Deployant with Push Button
• Crystal: Sapphire (Scratchproof and Domed)

Tag Heuer Formula 1 – Best Swiss Ladies Watch

Tag Heuer is one of the most common names, especially in the mid range Swiss watch category. While the famous Formula 1 line-up has over 10 model variants, this specific Tag Heuer Formula 1 is a ladies’ watch.

Tag Heuer cuts down the price with the use of an in-house quartz movement and a smaller 32mm form factor. You might get a bit disappointed, but I think an aggressive sporty, polished finish and smaller size make the watch even more desirable.

It’s chic, striking, and fiery!

Also, you can always depend on the craftsmanship and build quality of a Tag Heuer. Brushed midnight-blue dial, mirror-polish case, and matte calfskin leather are the biggest appeals of this masterpiece.

Plus, the exciting price makes Tag Heuer Formula 1 a very interesting option.

Product Specifications – Tag Heuer Formula 1

• Movement: Quartz
• Case Diameter: 32mm
• Case Thickness: 11mm
• Band Width: 7mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Calfskin Leather
• Weight (Approximate): 41 g
• Water-Resistance: 10 ATM (330 feet)
• Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
• Crystal: Sapphire (Curved)

Baume Et Mercier Classima, 10385

If you’re looking for a top-tier quartz watch with the highest level of build quality, Baume Et Mercier Classima, 10385 might be a great option.

This watch celebrates minimalism and elegance together.

From the gradient-finish blue dial to the rhodium-plated leaf-style hands — everything feels sophisticated. Also, the affordable price tag is quite desirable.

Although it’s a quartz watch, you can always rely on the ETA F06.111 included in this watch. This quartz movement is one of the best in the world.

Overall, Baume Et Mercier Classima, 10385 clearly is the best quartz Swiss watch!

Product Specifications – Baume Et Mercier Classima, 10385

• Movement: Quartz
• Caliber Number: ETA F06.111
• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 6mm
• Band Width: 22mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Genuine Leather
• Weight (Approximate): 44 g
• Water-Resistance: 5 ATM (165 feet)
• Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
• Crystal: Sapphire

Longines Spirit, L3.820.4.53.0

Longines is one of the oldest Swiss brands out there. This prestigious watch brand has a collection of watches in every price category.

Among all of those watches, Longines Spirit, L3.820.4.53.0 is a great option for our list of best value Swiss watches today.

This watch comes with all the standard features of a true Swiss watch at an exciting price point. The choice of movement and functions are the strongest appeals of Longines Spirit, L3.820.4.53.0.

Longines used their in-house Longines L688.4 caliber that is based on ETA A08.L01. It’s a top-tier chronograph movement with COSC certification. Another great part of the watch is the monocrystalline silicon balance-spring. This balance spring ensures better accuracy. Plus, you’ll get a 60-hour power reserve with this watch.

The craftsmanship and the choice of material are exceptionally great.

However, this stunning watch is comparatively expensive, compared to some other watches on the list.   

Product Specifications – Longines Spirit, L3.820.4.53.0

• Movement: Automatic
• Caliber Number: Longines L688.4 (Based on ETA A08.L01)
• Case Diameter: 42mm
• Case Thickness: 16.3mm
• Band Width: 22mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Leather
• Water-Resistance: 10 ATM (330 feet)
• Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
• Crystal: Sapphire (Scratch-Resistant and Multi-Level Anti-Reflective Coating)

Rolex Datejust 41

None can deny the appeal of a Rolex watch, and I’m not an exception either! So, let’s talk about another masterpiece from Rolex — Datejust 41.

Datejust 41 is very similar to the Milgauss that I’ve mentioned in the first place. Especially, both of the watches share some fundamental design principles.

For example, the form factors of these two watches are quite similar. Also, you’ll find the same Oystersteel body and Oyster bracelet in both of the watches.

Moreover, the Azzurro Blue dial is very similar to the Z-Blue dial.

However, you’re getting a Cyclops lens with a date-window in the Datejust 41. Also, it has a different choice of caliber too — Rolex 3235.

The good news is that Rolex Datejust 41 comes at a lower price point.

Product Specifications – Rolex Datejust 41

• Movement: Automatic
• Caliber Number: Rolex 3235
• Case Diameter: 41mm
• Case Thickness: 11.7mm
• Band Width: 20mm
• Case Material: Oystersteel (Modified 904L Steel)
• Band Material: Oystersteel (Modified 904L Steel)
• Weight (Approximate): 145 g
• Water-Resistance: 10 ATM (330 feet)
• Clasp Type: Folding Oysterclasp with Easylink
• Crystal: Green Sapphire (Scratchproof)

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra

The list would’ve incomplete without the mention of an Omega watch. Just like Rolex and Patek Phillippe, Omega is also a big premium Swiss brand.

That’s why I’ve added the most popular Omega watch here — Seamaster Aqua Terra.

Obviously, the premium build and the astounding craftsmanship are the biggest features of Seamaster Aqua Terra. Also, both the watch face and the case-back will amaze you with beauty.

Seamaster Aqua Terra has a horizontal “teak” pattern that you can see in the wooden luxury sailboats.

Omega used their signature Co-Axial escapement in Seamaster Aqua Terra. You can peak through the beauty of this engineering marvel through the transparent case-back.

The rhodium-plated hands and indexes are coated with Swiss Super-LumiNova.

As you can guess, this watch screams premiumness!

Product Specifications – Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra

• Movement: Automatic
• Caliber Number: OMEGA Master Chronometer Calibre 8900
• Case Diameter: 41mm
• Case Thickness: 13mm
• Band Width: 20mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Stainless Steel
• Weight (Approximate): 110 g
• Water-Resistance: 15 ATM (500 feet)
• Clasp Type: Deployant
• Crystal: Domed Scratch‑Resistant Sapphire

Mido Ocean Star Captain V

I understand that brands like Rolex or Omega might be a bit too much for a lot of users. That shouldn’t stop you from owning a good Swiss watch.

If you’re looking for something budget-friendly, Mido Ocean Star Captain V might be a great option. It follows the design principles of the 1960s’ dive watches. That means you’ll find a lot of similarity with the Rolex Submariner and the Oris Diver Sixty-Five from this list.

Mido might not have the same level of brand appeal as big brands. But you can compare it to the likes of Tissot, Glycine, and Rado. Swatch, the biggest watch company in the world, is the owner of the Mido brand. You should know that Mido is the fourth biggest Swiss brand in terms of chronometer production!

Mido Ocean Star Captain V or the Ocean Star 200 is one of the best from this brand. It’s a superb dive watch with hints of Swiss craftsmanship all over the body.

First of all, it has a COSC certified movement based on the ETA C07.621. The Mido Caliber 80 also boasts of a long 80-hour power reserve time.

The inclusion of 316L stainless steel and the sapphire crystal makes the watch very durable and premium. Being a dive watch, Mido Ocean Star Captain V comes with rubber straps.

Overall, Mido Ocean Star Captain V is an exceptionally high-value Swiss dive watch.

Product Specifications – Mido Ocean Star Captain V

• Movement: Automatic
• Caliber Number: Mido Caliber 80 (Base ETA C07.621)
• Case Diameter: 42.5mm
• Case Thickness: 11.8mm
• Band Width: 22mm
• Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Rubber
• Weight (Approximate): 132 g
• Water-Resistance: 20 ATM (660 feet)
• Clasp Type: Deployant
• Crystal: Sapphire (Double-Sided Anti-Reflection)

Tissot Le Locle, T0064071603300

In the Swiss budget segment, Tissot is the biggest name! Tissot offers unbeatable value in the budget Swiss watch category.

Tissot Le Locle, T0064071603300 belongs to their Le Locle collection to celebrate their heritage and legacy. Tissot uses their custom Powermatic 80 calibers in this automatic watch. The name of the base caliber is ETA C07.111 which is again a custom variant of the common ETA 2824-2.

Tissot just changed the power reserve element and replaced it with their proprietary Powermatic 80 feature.  Overall, this is a reliable movement that will serve you for a long time.

The round 39.30mm case is made of 316L surgical-grade stainless steel. As for those who don’t know, 316L stainless steel is one of the best choices of material for the case.

The matte silver-tone bezel and vertical brushed finish on the side look very premium.

Tissot has kept the dial very simple and elegant — there’s nothing too fancy here. There are two special features of the dial – Tapisserie patterns on the middle of the dial and Roman numerals at the hour markers.

I loved the fact that Tissot included a butterfly clasp. Butterfly clasps are a variant of the deployant clasps the folds inside and kept hidden.

More: Vincero Watches Review: The Italian Masterpiece

Product Specifications – Tissot Le Locle, T0064071603300

• Movement: Automatic
• Caliber Number: Powermatic 80.111 (Base ETA C07.111)
• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 10mm
• Band Width: 18mm
• Case Material: 316L Surgical-Grade Stainless Steel
• Band Material: Genuine Leather
• Weight (Approximate): 67 g
• Water-Resistance: 3 ATM (99 feet)
• Clasp Type: Butterfly Clasp
• Crystal: Scratch-Resistant Sapphire

Victorinox I.N.O.X. Titanium

Let’s finish the list with an ultra-durable and budget-friendly watch — Victorinox I.N.O.X. Titanium. Victorinox I.N.O.X. Titanium is not a premium watch but showcases the strength of a true Swiss watch.

It’s the tank of the watch world!

Do you think comparing this watch with a tank is a bit too much?

Well, Victorinox I.N.O.X. Titanium survived after being driven over by a 64-ton tank! Thanks to the Grade II titanium case. Then, the leather strap can withstand fire, water, salt spray, and acidic substances.

Yes, it’s that tough!

The scratch-resistant, triple-coated anti-reflective sapphire crystal makes sure that the watch doesn’t shatter under extreme pressure.

Before leaving the facility, each watch undergoes at least 130 tests and get a certification. Among the most important tests are water resistance, temperature, corrosion, UV, traction and torsion, vibration and shock resistance, aging and wear.

More: Check our guide to Seiko SNZH55 Review Here

Product Specifications – Victorinox I.N.O.X. Titanium

• Movement: Quartz
• Caliber Number: Ronda 715
• Case Diameter: 43mm
• Case Thickness: 13.5mm
• Band Width: 21mm
• Case Material: Grade II Titanium
• Band Material: Special-Treated Leather
• Weight (Approximate): 92.5 g
• Water-Resistance: 20 ATM (660 feet)
• Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
• Crystal: Special-Treated Sapphire

Buying Guide: How to Find the Best Value Swiss Watch?

Watch Movement

Swiss watches are all about precision and accuracy. So, a good Swiss watch MUST come with a high-quality movement.

Now, remember, only the top-level brands like Rolex or Omega use a true in-house caliber.

For example, the Rolex 3131 in Milgauss or the OMEGA Master Chronometer Calibre 8900 in Seamaster Aqua Terra are designed and developed by Rolex and Omega, respectively.

As you can guess, these watches with homegrown calibers are very expensive.

Most of the mid range Swiss watches use a modified version of the third-party movement manufacturers.

For example, Oris, Longines, Mido, Tissot — all use third-party movements from ETA or Sellita. Also, you should note that, in most cases, you’re getting a modified version of ETA 2428-2 or Sellita SW200-1 calibers.

Different manufacturers then tweak these base calibers to add more functionalities or change materials to cut the cost.

On the other hand, a huge portion of the Swiss quartz watches uses third-party movements too. Here, Ronda has the biggest market share, followed by ETA and Sellita.

However, you shouldn’t look down upon these third-party movement manufacturers. Their movements are extremely accurate and of high-quality. In fact, we should thank them as only because of their mass production techniques, we’re seeing these budget-friendly Swiss watches.

More: Ferrari Watch Review: Fancy Getting That Ferrari Logo?

Size

You should definitely consider the size and form factor as a crucial buying consideration. A good-looking watch will only look good if it matches the shape and girth of your wrist.

If you have a thinner wrist, the case diameter should be around 38mm. On the other hand, on a thicker wrist, even watches with 50mm diameter look beautiful.

An average joe should get a watch with 42mm diameter.

The good news is that most Swiss watches have a case diameter ranging between 40mm to 46mm. Also, the premium brands offer multiple size options and some even make custom watches!

More: Tissot Le Locle Review: The Best Entry-Level Swiss Automatic Watch

Case

You certainly don’t want a plastic case with your Swiss watch, do you?

Don’t worry, no Swiss watch comes with a plastic case, except maybe a couple of cheap Swatch watches.

Swiss watch brands often show-case their craftsmanship with stunning-looking cases. In most cases, your watch would come in a stainless-steel case — some have brushed finish, while some polished finish.

Even some brands offer titanium cases (Victorinox I.N.O.X. Titanium) too!  

If you’re looking for a dive watch, make sure to pay extra attention to the case. Check for design features that make the watch durable enough under high atmospheric pressure.

More: Hamilton Khaki King Review: The Best-in-Class Quality Watch

Watch Strap

Currently, watches tend to go for one of the three types of straps — metal, leather, nylon. Some dive watches come with rubber straps too.

Each of these strap materials has different use cases.

For example, leather straps are great for dress watches. The same can be said about metal bracelets.

However, these two options are not that great daily drivers. Metal bracelets are prone to scratches and leather tends to scuff.

Nylon and rubber become great alternatives in these cases.  

More: Charles Hubert Pocket Watch Review: Should You Buy One?

Conclusion

 So that was our take on the best value Swiss watch. Before we conclude the article, let’s talk about the three best Swiss value watches.

Rolex Milgauss clearly stands on top as none can question the quality of a Rolex watch. Then, Oris Divers Sixty-Five comes in second place with its mesmerizing beauty.

Lastly, Tag Heuer Formula 1 grabs third place with sporty looks and chic design.

What do you think about our picks?

Let me know in the comments below.