Top 10 Automatic Watches Under $5,000

In this post, I’ll walk through some of my favorite watch models between $3,000 to $5,000. I have a couple of other posts with watches between the $1,000 and $3,000 range and under $1,000. The selection of watches in this category is very high quality and in my opinion, can be compared with watches much more expensive. Outside of this category, in many cases, you start to pay a lot more for brand than actual build quality and materials. The exception being some of the unique builds like Constant Force Tourbillon and moonphase watches.

Pretty much anything in this category will be well-respected amongst most watch enthusiasts.

Below is a list of our favorite automatic movement watches under $5,000:

10. Omega Seamaster 300M Co-Axial Master Chronometer – $4,200

Watch Details
Power Reserve	55 Hours
Jewel Count	35 Jewels
Hacking	Yes
Case Size	42 mm
Where to Buy	eBay

The Omega Seamaster 300M Co-Axial Master Chronometer is a very popular dive watch that combines professional diving capabilities with classic style. The movement is powered by Omega’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement, which offers exceptional precision and magnetic resistance. The 42mm stainless steel case features a distinctive wave-pattern dial and ceramic bezel, while the helium escape valve ensures safe decompression during saturation diving. With 300 meters of water resistance and a transparent caseback showcasing the movement, this piece represents the perfect blend of functionality and luxury.

9. Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight – $4,300

Watch Details
Power Reserve	70 Hours
Jewel Count	31 Jewels
Hacking	Yes
Case Size	39 mm
Where to Buy	eBay

The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight is a modern take of Tudor’s first diving watch from 1958. This watch along with many other Tudors are compared to Rolex since Rolex is the parent company. This model has a very well sized 39mm case size that pays homage to vintage proportions while maintaining contemporary build quality. The in-house MT5402 movement provides an impressive 70-hour power reserve, while the domed dial and gilt details create a perfect balance of vintage aesthetics and modern reliability. The Black Bay Fifty-Eight is particularly notable for its excellent wearability and versatile design that works well in both casual and formal settings.

8. IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII – $4,500

Watch Details
Power Reserve	41 Hours
Jewel Count	25 Jewels
Hacking	Yes
Case Size	40 mm
Where to Buy	eBay

The IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII is a classic pilot’s watch that combines military styling with modern refinement. The 40mm stainless steel case houses the reliable 35111 automatic movement, while the clean, legible dial features the distinctive triangle marker at 12 o’clock. The soft-iron inner case provides protection against magnetic fields, and the date window at 3 o’clock adds practical functionality. This is a great daily-driver watch that focuses on just the time with no complications for quick, easy usage.

7. Grand Seiko SBGA211 “Snowflake” – $4,600

Watch Details
Power Reserve	72 Hours
Jewel Count	37 Jewels
Hacking	Yes
Case Size	41 mm
Where to Buy	eBay

The Grand Seiko SBGA211 “Snowflake” is a masterpiece of Japanese watchmaking that features the signature Spring Drive movement. The dial’s unique texture, inspired by fresh snow, is created through a complex manufacturing process that results in a beautiful visual effect. The titanium case provides exceptional lightness and durability, while the Spring Drive movement offers remarkable accuracy and a 72-hour power reserve. One of the coolest things about this watch is the power reserve indicator that shows you how much power is remaining. It’s the capstone of this gorgeous dial.

6. Breitling Superocean Heritage 57 – $4,700

Watch Details
Power Reserve	38 Hours
Jewel Count	25 Jewels
Hacking	Yes
Case Size	42 mm
Where to Buy	eBay

The Breitling Superocean Heritage 57 is a modern version of Breitling’s classic diving watch from 1957. The 42mm stainless steel case features a distinctive bezel with raised markers and a clean, vintage-inspired dial. The B20 movement, based on the Tudor MT5612, provides reliable performance with a 38-hour power reserve. The bracelet on this watch is unique to the Heritage models of Brietling and is beautiful and unique in appearance and very comfortable to wear.

5. Cartier Santos de Cartier – $4,800

Watch Details
Power Reserve	42 Hours
Jewel Count	23 Jewels
Hacking	Yes
Case Size	40 mm
Where to Buy	eBay

The Cartier Santos de Cartier is an iconic timepiece that combines Art Deco elegance with modern styling. I personally have one of these watches, and it’s one of my favorite in the under $10k price category. The distinctive square case with rounded corners and exposed screws creates a unique aesthetic that’s instantly recognizable. The 1847 MC movement provides reliable performance, while the QuickSwitch system allows for easy strap changes. I take this watch and additional straps with me when I travel and it’s equivalent to carrying multiple watches. The Santos represents a perfect blend of Cartier’s design heritage and contemporary watchmaking excellence.

4. Panerai Luminor Marina – $4,900

Watch Details
Power Reserve	72 Hours
Jewel Count	31 Jewels
Hacking	Yes
Case Size	44 mm
Where to Buy	eBay

The Panerai Luminor Marina is a very unique watch that combines Italian design with Swiss precision. The 44mm case features Panerai’s signature crown-protector and the iconic sandwich dial construction. The P.9010 movement provides an impressive 72-hour power reserve, while the water resistance of 300 meters ensures reliability in any environment. Panerai watches were originally designed for military usage and contained Rolex movements. These watches are top notch in terms of build quality, robustness, and reliability. We have a more detailed post on this brand here.

3. Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Date – $4,950

Watch Details
Power Reserve	70 Hours
Jewel Count	32 Jewels
Hacking	Yes
Case Size	39 mm
Where to Buy	eBay

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Date is pretty much the ideal classic dress watch design. The 39mm case has a reliable Calibre 899 movement, which offers a 70-hour power reserve and exceptional precision. The clean, elegant dial features applied markers and a subtle date window at 3 o’clock. This timepiece showcases Jaeger-LeCoultre’s commitment to traditional watchmaking excellence and understated luxury.

2. Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 – $5,000

Watch Details
Power Reserve	70 Hours
Jewel Count	31 Jewels
Hacking	Yes
Case Size	36 mm
Where to Buy	eBay

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 is a classic entry-level Rolex that’s very recognizable, great looking and reliable. The 36mm case houses the robust 3230 movement, which provides an impressive 70-hour power reserve. The clean, minimalist dial features Rolex’s signature Chromalight display, ensuring excellent visibility in any lighting conditions. This piece offers the perfect balance of traditional Rolex styling and modern technical excellence. More of a dress watch when compared to the daily-driving sports models, but also at a much more affordable price, and actually available unlike many of the sports models.

1. Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch – $5,000

Watch Details
Power Reserve	50 Hours
Jewel Count	27 Jewels
Hacking	Yes
Case Size	42 mm
Where to Buy	eBay

The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is an iconic timepiece that’s very well known for being the first watch worn on the moon. This watch was submitted to NASA along with a few others (even Rolex) and this was selected – that should tell you something about the build quality. The 42mm stainless steel case houses the legendary manual-wind Calibre 3861 movement, which offers exceptional precision and reliability. The distinctive black dial with white sub-dials and the tachymeter bezel create a timeless aesthetic that has remained largely unchanged since the 1960s. This timepiece represents the perfect combination of historical significance and technical excellence.

Have any other watches you recommend between $3,000 to $5,000? Drop a comment below!