If you’ve already got your first automatic watch at under $1k, now you’re ready to upgrade to another automatic at a slightly higher price range of $3k. Here you’ll notice an improvement in build quality, attention to details (like logo placement), and better hardware like more rare metals used.
This typically translates to longer power reserves, a tangibly nicer look, and sometimes heavier in weight. Many of these brands will also be more broadly recognizable.
Below is a list of our favorite automatic movement watches under $3000:
10. Longines Hydro Conquest Ceramic – $1,375
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
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Power Reserve |
64 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
21 Jewels |
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|
Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
41mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Longines HydroConquest is a blend of Swiss precision and sporty elegance, making it a top choice for dive enthusiasts or anyone who is a fan of dive watches. It features a robust stainless steel build, water resistance of up to 300 meters, and a smooth ceramic bezel. Its 64-hour power reserve and dependable hacking feature ensure precision, while luminous markers enhance readability in low-light conditions. Overall, this is a versatile watch that suits outdoor use or stylish wear.
9. Oris Aquis – $1,485
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Power Reserve |
120 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
24 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
41mm – 43mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Oris Aquis is the second dive watch on the list. It’s a durable, stylish timepiece built for adventure or style. Oris is known for high-quality Swiss engineering, and the Aquis offers significant water resistance (up to 300 meters) and a smooth, uni-directional ceramic bezel for optimal underwater performance. This model is powered by the in-house Caliber 400 movement boast an exceptional 120-hour power reserve, making it a standout in the under $3k price category.
8. Raymond Weil Maestro Moonphase – $1,895
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Power Reserve |
38 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
26 Jewels |
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Hacking |
No |
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Case Size |
38mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Raymond Weil Maestro Moonphase is a sophisticated dress watch that has a moonphase functionality, and is the only watch on our list under $3k with moonphase. With a case size of approximately 40mm, it’s designed to sit comfortably on the wrist without overwhelming it. This watch is #8 on our list because the style is much more dressy than many of our others, which can be used in a variety of ways.
7. Bell & Ross BR V2-94 – $2,965
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Power Reserve |
42 Hours |
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Jewel Count |
37 Jewels |
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Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
41mm |
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Where to Buy |
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The Bell & Ross BR V2-94 chronograph, also known as the BRV294, is a stylish watch with vintage flare. It’s also one of the few Bell & Ross models available at this price point. It’s made of stainless steel and has 100 meter water resistance, which is relatively standard for this category. The movement is an in-house Bell & Ross caliber BR-CAL.301 – automatic chronograph movement based on the ETA 2894-2. The design incorporates a fixed bezel with a 60-minute scale on an aluminum insert, ideal for additional timing functions.
This model is popular because it’s very functional. Looks good on dress attire and also for everyday wear.
6. TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre – $2,950
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Power Reserve |
38 Hours |
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|
Jewel Count |
25 Jewels |
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|
Hacking |
Yes |
|
|
Case Size |
41mm |
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Where to Buy |
||
The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 is another dress watch on our list with vintage style and a very modest appearance. This model is powered by the Calibre 5 automatic movement, with a 38-hour power reserve and 100 meter water resistance. This watch also has brushed aluminum batons that look very nice and illuminate. Its sturdy case and anti-reflective sapphire crystal make it a versatile choice for daily wear especially if you’re outside like someone who travels for work. The Tag Heuer brand is also very highly regarded amongst Swiss manufacturers for build quality.
5. Tudor Black Bay 36 – $2,950
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Power Reserve |
70 Hours |
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|
Jewel Count |
27 Jewels |
|
|
Hacking |
Yes |
|
|
Case Size |
36mm |
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Where to Buy |
||
The Tudor Black Bay 36 is a minimalist version of the Black Bay series that has most of the Black Bay benefits but a smaller case size and simpler design. This model features a compact 36mm case that works well for various wrist sizes, balancing elegance with sportiness. The dial is available in different shades, including a champagne option with diamond markers, which enhances its dress-watch appeal. Its self-winding movement is certified for accuracy, complemented by a sturdy stainless steel case and bracelet that uphold Tudor’s reputation for durability.
Tudor also shares a lot of components and designs for working mechanisms with Rolex, so this is a really reliable, good purchase at under $3k.
4. Omega Constellation – $2,849
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Power Reserve |
60 Hours |
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|
Jewel Count |
39 Jewels |
|
|
Hacking |
Yes |
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Case Size |
41mm |
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Where to Buy |
||
The Omega Constellation stands out with its historic pedigree, known since the 1950s for precise, reliable movements and unique design features like the four “claws” that secure the bezel. This new Constellation 41mm model brings together contemporary styling with features like a polished ceramic bezel and a display case back that showcases the in-house Caliber 8900 automatic movement. Chronometer certification ensures high accuracy, while also featuring a unique meteorite dial, making each watch unique due to the natural patterns of the material. This model is very unique and with the Omega name, will likely retain most of it’s value.
3. Breitling Avenger Automatic GMT – $2,995
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Power Reserve |
70 Hours |
|
|
Jewel Count |
45 Jewels |
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|
Hacking |
Yes |
|
|
Case Size |
42mm – 44mm |
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Where to Buy |
||
The Breitling Avenger is one of two Breitlings in our list under $3k. The construction of the Avenger is robust, featuring options in materials like stainless steel or ceramic, depending on the variant. This watch has a water resistance of 300 meters, and is well suited for daily use during activities, or to be dressed up. This watch looks good with both a stainless steel bracelet or a leather strap. The Breitling brand also has a high brand recognition and this piece will surely be noticed.
2. Omega DeVille Prestige – $2,995
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Power Reserve |
48 Hours |
|
|
Jewel Count |
27 Jewels |
|
|
Hacking |
Yes |
|
|
Case Size |
40mm |
|
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Where to Buy |
||
The Omega DeVille Prestige is another sophisticated dress watch on this list. Omega has included a precise Co-Axial movement, it ensures durability and outstanding accuracy. The design is understated and classy, with a streamlined stainless-steel case, domed crystal, and options for dials that provide a luxurious and classy look. The Prestige series is perfect for both daily wear and formal occasions, adding a touch of class to any attire. As most Omega’s, this one will be reliable and more durable than it appears to the surface.
At this price point if you want an Omega to be dressy, get the DeVille, and if you want a more every day watch, go with the Constellation.
1. Breitling Navitimer – $2,995
| Watch Details | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Power Reserve |
70 Hours |
|
|
Jewel Count |
47 Jewels |
|
|
Hacking |
Yes |
|
|
Case Size |
43mm |
|
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Where to Buy |
||
The Breitling Navitimer is an another Breitling on this list, also with a more aviation-style look to pay homage to Breitling roots. The Navitimer blends vintage aesthetics with modern precision, with Breitling’s in-house robust B01 movement. The dial is typically busy, filled with detailed markings to enhance functionality, yet it maintains legibility, making it practical for those who value both heritage and utility. This watch is especially popular for its build quality and sophisticated appearance, appealing to those who appreciate a technical tool in a stylish package.
This is our list of watches under $3,000. If you have any others you’d like to see features, drop them in a comment below!
