Best Entry Level Swiss Watches - For Every Budget

The Swiss made name carries more weight than any other in the watchmaking industry. For over a century, Switzerland has been the hub for excellence and innovation in horology. Now the Swiss watch industry is worth over CHF 26 billion a year making it the largest in the world. Many of the most famous and revered brands are produced here, for example Rolex, Omega, Tag Heuer, and Cartier to name a few.

Anyone looking to buy a watch, enthusiast or not will be grateful to see the Swiss made emblem on the dial. But with such a large choice of watches and rapidly increasing retail prices exceeding many brands from other countries, which are the best entry level Swiss watches?

In this list I’ll be picking my 5 best entry-level Swiss watches for anyone starting out, no matter your budget.

Let’s get into it.

It may seem obvious, but Swatches are truly Swiss made watches. Every single watch has the insignia on the dial. While these might not represent the watchmaking and material quality that Swiss watches are normally associated with, they are still probably the best entry into the world of Swiss.

I could have picked the Moonswatch but for over £250 you’re really not getting your money’s worth. I still wanted to showcase Swatch’s fun flair and unique design language. The What If range is a recent addition to the lineup and asked the question what if it was square? Well, I think I like it. The art deco design language is housed in a square bio-ceramic case and powered by a quartz day and date movement. It’s a cool retro piece that is practical for everyday wear but also doesn’t take itself too seriously.

I like the black colourway as it very much could be a dress watch as well as an everyday watch. The other colours are also great but definitely make I more of a statement piece.

Swatch is for many people the first Swiss made watch they buy and therefore this list would not be complete without it.

Despite originally being founded in America, Hamilton is now part of the Swatch group and manufacture their watches in Switzerland. This automatic version of Hamilton’s incredible Khaki Field mechanical, which is another great option if you’d like to save a bit of extra money.

I picked the automatic as the design language and finishes make this watch a bit more versatile than the mechanical. The glossy black dial, more modern font and polished versus bead blasted case mean that you could wear this just as easily with a suit as you could a pair of Bear Grylls' camo trousers.

The calibre H-10 that powers this watch was developed by ETA and has an 80-hour power reserve. The stainless-steel case has brushed sides and a polished bezel that adds a touch of class and shine.

This watch is supplied on a leather strap, not ideal for Bear Grylls type adventures. But with a 20mm lug width you wouldn’t find it difficult to get a suitable water resistant strap that looks awesome on this watch.

Price: £640

Cartier have seen a resurgence in popularity in the last five years. They are now the second largest watch company in terms of revenue after Rolex. But it’s not just new watches that have become more popular. The vintage market for Cartier has taken off thanks to experts on social media and stars of stage and screen sporting models from the Maison.

Despite this popularity, there are still excellent pieces of value to be had. The Tank being one of Cartier’s longest standing and most popular models had to be on this list. Specifically, the ‘Must de Cartier’ a variation that offered a more accessible price point, but still a watch that had the quality and design of Cartier.

Models in this range featured a Swiss made quartz movement making them more cost effective at the time. The name itself loosely translates to ‘must haves’ showing that this watch includes only the essentials of a Cartier watch. But that’s also what makes them brilliant and attainable in the Cartier lineup.

These can be found in good condition for far less than a modern Tank. But always remember when buying vintage to always use a reputable dealer and have the condition of the watch as your highest priority.

Price: £1,000-£1,800

Oris are a brand that has been around for a surprisingly long time. Originally founded in 1904, I feel they are often missed on lists like this. They are true Swiss brand producing fine watches for relatively affordable prices. While the likes of Tudor, Omega and Rolex continue to rise in price without any real increase in quality or innovation; Oris have remained with their feet firmly on the Swiss soil.

The Aquis is arguably their flagship model, being a diver with classic design language, modern specifications and the base for many of their fun colours and experimental dials. This 43.5mm beast is powered by calibre 733-1 with a date window at 6 o’clock and is water resistant to 300m. Impressive regardless of the price. And having been hands on with similar Aquis models, I can attest to their finishing quality and impressive wrist presence.

This is a great option for someone looking to stay on a reasonable budget but also want a great looking and high-spec watch.

Price: £1,850

You may be thinking I have lost my mind putting a Rolex on a list of entry level Swiss watches. But I truly believe that the Oyster Perpetual 36 is a brilliant entry to the Rolex brand, the most iconic of all Swiss watch brands. The 36mm Oyster case has been the standard for Rolex since the 1920s and has been the base for its most successful models.

The modern Oyster Perpetual 36 is all the watch that anyone could ever need. High quality but not overly flashy; dressy but sporty and flawlessly accurate. Available in a range of dial colours, this versatile watch can also be playful. The 36mm case size may not be for people with larger wrists, but fortunately a 41mm is also available.

The 3230 calibre is a brilliant movement. Superlative Chronometer certified and with a power reserve of 70 hours. Able to withstand shocks, impacts and magnetism this is a watch that will last a lifetime and then long after.

If you have the budget, this is absolutely the best entry to the greatest of all Swiss brands.

Price: £5,400

Any of these five watches would be a brilliant starting point for anyone looking to get their first Swiss made timepiece. Some are affordable and others are aspirational, but the same is true for any watch market.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and whether you are looking at getting your first Swiss watch or are a seasoned collector.