Top 10 Affordable Swiss Watch Brands in 2025

Swiss watches aren’t respected because of hype, they’re trusted because of engineering. Affordable Swiss watch brands still follow the same manufacturing standards that built Switzerland’s reputation: regulated movements, durable case construction, and long-term serviceability. The difference isn’t quality, it’s positioning, materials, and finishing.

Swiss watchmakers follow strict standards, ensuring each watch is accurate, reliable, and built to last. Some use automatic movements, powered by the motion of your wrist, which watch enthusiasts love for their craftsmanship. Others use quartz movements, which are battery-powered, precise, and easy to maintain. Most Swiss watches feature high-quality materials like stainless steel, sapphire crystal, and leather or metal straps, giving them a refined look and feel.

Heritage also plays a big role. Many brands have been around for decades or even centuries, carrying a legacy of innovation and iconic design. Some, like Tissot, have even appeared in James Bond films, while Swatch became a cultural icon in the 1980s.

Here’s a list of affordable Swiss watch brands offering quality and value, perfect for first-time buyers or collectors looking to expand their collection.

1. Swatch

Swatch transformed the Swiss watch industry in 1983 by offering reliable, colorful, and affordable watches. Lightweight and often water-resistant, Swatch models are practical for everyday wear while reflecting playful, contemporary designs. Both quartz and automatic options are available, making it an easy choice for first-time buyers.

I actually saw this firsthand: a friend gave a Swatch to his mother several years ago. She wore it boating, got it wet, and didn’t really take care of it. A few weeks ago, she showed it to me and it was still working perfectly and looked almost brand-new. That’s the kind of durability you can expect, even though many Swatch watches are made of rubber and plastic.

Notable Collections

Sistem51: Swatch’s Sistem51 is a fully automated Swiss-made mechanical movement consisting of only 51 parts, laser-regulated for accuracy. While it’s not serviceable in the traditional sense, it represents one of the most radical industrial innovations in modern Swiss watchmaking.

Who Should Buy
First-time buyers, casual wearers, and collectors looking for a fun, stylish Swiss watch without a high price tag. Swatch is perfect for those who want a fashion-forward piece that still carries Swiss quality.

2. Victorinox

Victorinox, known for Swiss Army knives, applies the same focus on durability and precision to its watches. It has rebranded itself as a manufacturer of durable, high-quality travel accessories. They have been manufacturing watches for the past ten years. Their watches come in a variety of styles. From the very basic and minimalist to the more traditional dress and diver watches. Designed to withstand tough conditions, they offer strong water resistance and robust construction. Quartz and automatic options make Victorinox reliable and versatile.

Notable Collections

I.N.O.X.: Built for extreme durability, these watches have passed 130 rigorous tests, including being run over by a tank. They feature solid stainless steel cases, scratch-resistant sapphire crystals, and 200m water resistance.
Maverick: Sporty dive watches that combine everyday functionality with a bold, professional look. They are versatile enough to wear at work or during water activities, and their design balances ruggedness with refined style.
FieldForce: Military-inspired watches with clear, easy-to-read dials, combining practicality and Swiss reliability for everyday wear.

Who Should Buy
Adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and professionals who want a watch that is both rugged and stylish. Victorinox is ideal for anyone seeking a versatile timepiece that won’t fail under demanding conditions.

3. Tissot

Founded in 1853, Tissot is renowned for accessible luxury, blending tradition with modern design. With Swiss automatic and quartz movements, Tissot watches offer reliability, elegant styling, and durable materials like sapphire crystal and stainless steel. Tissot is known for making elegant Swiss watches at a reasonable price. From sporty models with a chronograph to beautiful automatic watches. These are the kind of watches that look amazing but don’t break the bank, no matter which one you choose.

Notable Collections

PRX Powermatic 80: Inspired by a 1978 design, the PRX features a slim, integrated bracelet and timeless styling. The PRX Powermatic 80 stands out with its automatic movement and 80-hour power reserve, making it a practical yet stylish choice for both casual and professional settings. Its sleek finishing and approachable price have made it a fan favorite.
Seastar Collection: Designed for diving enthusiasts, the Seastar offers strong water resistance and professional-grade features without sacrificing Tissot’s signature affordability. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a sporty, reliable watch that can handle water activities while still looking polished.
Le Locle: Classic dress watches with automatic movement and refined details, perfect for formal occasions or professional settings.

Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for their best first Swiss watch. Tissot appeals to buyers seeking a mix of style, heritage, and dependable Swiss engineering for both everyday and special occasions.

4. Certina

Since 1888, Certina has focused on precision and durability, especially for sports enthusiasts. Its Double Security (DS) system enhances water and shock resistance, making it a practical choice for active lifestyles.

Notable Collections

DS Action: This watch is a classic combination of Certina’s DS style and performance. Its bright blue face makes it stand out, while the timeless diver design works equally well at work or going out. It features a stainless steel band, a quartz movement built to last for years, and a sapphire crystal face to resist scratches. The case is made of medical-grade stainless steel, ensuring both durability and style.
DS Podium: An elegant sport watch suitable for both office and casual wear, combining refined design with Swiss reliability.
DS-1: DS-1 Powermatic 80: A modern reinterpretation of Certina’s 1960s classic, featuring a sleek design, domed sapphire crystal, and reliable automatic movement with an 80-hour power reserve.

Who Should Buy
Divers, sports lovers, and anyone wanting Swiss watches under $1000 that combine engineering and style. Certina is ideal for those who need a tough, dependable watch that still looks refined.

5. Hamilton

Hamilton is now a part of the Swatch brand. Earlier the ownership of Hamilton was with Americans. The headquarters of this company is in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Hamilton blends American heritage with Swiss craftsmanship, known for aviation and military-inspired watches. With stainless steel cases and both automatic and quartz movements, Hamilton offers durable and stylish timepieces suitable for various occasions.

Notable Collections

Khaki Field: A daily-wear Swiss automatic under $500. Scratch-proof glass, 100m water resistance, and a comfortable brown leather strap make it practical and long-lasting. Comparable in ruggedness to the Timex Expedition, but with true Swiss quality.
Jazzmaster: Offers refined, formal designs with contemporary touches. The Jazzmaster Performer, introduced in 2023, adds elegance for both work and weekend wear.
Ventura: Iconic, futuristic designs with a triangular case that stands out—perfect for collectors or anyone wanting a bold, statement Swiss watch.

Who Should Buy
Watch enthusiasts who value history, aviation, or field-style watches. Hamilton suits those who want a versatile Swiss watch with both heritage and contemporary appeal.

6. Torgoen

Despite being a relative newcomer to the market. Lacking the history and tradition of Tissot and Hamilton. Torgoen is still a brand that is worth looking at. This company was started by two pilots who had 20 years of watchmaking experience. Torgoen specializes in pilot-inspired watches focused on legibility and practicality. Large dials and robust construction make them functional and reliable for everyday use.

Notable Collections

T16: Features large Arabic hour markers every three hours, a chronograph with three sub-dials, and a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock. At 44mm, it may be too big for smaller wrists, but it stands out with its unique style. Powered by a Swiss Rhonda quartz movement and protected by sapphire crystal, this watch is both stylish and reliable.
T32: The T32 is a pilot-inspired watch with a slightly smaller, more versatile design than the T16. It features clear, easy-to-read dials and robust construction, making it suitable for everyday wear while maintaining Torgoen’s bold, functional style.

Who Should Buy
Aviation enthusiasts or anyone who prefers functional watches with a bold, readable design. Torgoen is for buyers who prioritize practicality and strong styling.

7. TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer, founded in 1860, is known for luxury sports watches and motorsport timing. Its entry-level models provide Swiss precision and sporty design at a more approachable price. These watches have been worn by a few well-known celebrities. So you can be sure that they are worth their weight in gold. Besides, TAG Heuer is one of those brands that has advanced watchmaking in many ways. It advanced in the past and continues to do so today.

Notable Collections

Formula 1: TAG Heuer’s entry-level Formula 1 offers a taste of luxury. It features a chronograph with three sub-dials, a date window, tachymeter, 200m water resistance, and automatic movement. The brushed steel band and black-and-silver design add sporty style. For a deeper breakdown, read our TAG Heuer Formula 1 full review to see how it compares with other entry-level Swiss sports watches.

Who Should Buy
First-time collectors who want the prestige of a luxury brand without overspending. TAG Heuer suits buyers seeking a stylish sports watch with heritage and Swiss quality.

8. Oris

It was established in the small town of Holstein near Basel in the early 1900s, focusing on quality and innovation. Its entry-level models feature automatic movements and robust construction for both dive and pilot watches.

Oris seems to always come up with their ideas, parts, and inventions. As they are away from the other major watchmaking regions in the French part of Switzerland. In the early days of watches, it caused them some problems. But today it allows them to push the boundaries of mechanical watches with models like a dive watch. An Aviator with a mechanical altimeter, and many others.

Notable Collections

Big Crown: Aviation-inspired with a distinctive oversized crown and unique pointer date, blending classic design with precise Swiss mechanics.
Aquis: A diver’s dream with 300m water resistance, unidirectional bezel, and optional in-house Calibre 400 automatic movement. Combines performance and Swiss quality.

Who Should Buy
Enthusiasts who appreciate mechanical engineering and reliable dive watch functionality. Oris is for those seeking a classic Swiss watch that is both durable and well-crafted.

9. Longines

Founded in 1832, Longines is known for elegance and Swiss precision. Longines is a brand that is all about luxury. Its watches combine automatic movements with versatile designs suitable for both dress and sports occasions.

Notable Collections

HydroConquest: A capable diver’s watch with 300m water resistance, similar in style to the Rolex Submariner. Features a brushed stainless steel case and band, combining durability with classic Swiss design.
Conquest: The Conquest offers a sporty yet elegant design, combining Swiss precision with versatility for daily and casual wear.
Master Collection: The Master Collection features refined automatic watches with classic styling, perfect for formal occasions or professional settings.

Who Should Buy
Stylish buyers seeking a versatile Swiss watch for both casual and formal occasions. Longines suits anyone who wants reliability, elegance, and Swiss heritage in one package.

10. Mido

Mido, founded in 1918, offers timeless Swiss watches with a focus on reliability and elegant design. Entry-level models provide strong automatic movements and durable construction at reasonable prices.

Notable Collections

Ocean Star: Perfect for diving enthusiasts, the Ocean Star offers water resistance up to 200 meters, a unidirectional bezel, and luminous markers for easy reading underwater. Durable, reliable, and stylish, it delivers Swiss quality at an accessible price.
Commander: A classic, elegant Swiss automatic watch with a timeless design, durable construction, and reliable performance, suitable for both daily wear and formal occasions.

Who Should Buy
Those looking for a balance of style, heritage, and modern reliability. Mido is ideal for buyers who want an elegant, long-lasting Swiss watch without spending a fortune.

FAQ

Q1. What is the best first Swiss watch?
A: Brands like Tissot, Hamilton, and Swatch are perfect for beginners. Look for Swiss automatic watches or quartz models under $1,000.

Q2. Are Swiss automatic watches better than quartz?
A: Automatic watches showcase traditional craftsmanship and don’t require batteries, while quartz watches are highly accurate and low-maintenance. Your choice depends on preference and lifestyle.

Q3. Can I buy a Swiss watch under $1,000?
A: Absolutely! Brands like Certina, Victorinox, Tissot, and Mido offer excellent Swiss quality within this budget.

Q4. How do I verify if a Swiss watch is authentic?
A: Buy from authorized dealers, check serial numbers, and request certificates. Avoid deals that seem “too good to be true.”

Q5. Should I consider refurbished Swiss watches?
A: Yes, certified pre-owned watches are a smart way to get higher-end models at an affordable price.

Conclusion

Owning a Swiss watch doesn’t have to drain your wallet. From Swatch to Longines, 2025 offers a variety of affordable Swiss watch brands that combine precision, style, and heritage. By understanding movements, materials, and brand history, you can confidently choose your best first Swiss watch and enjoy a piece of horological artistry.

Start exploring these collections, compare models, and invest in a Swiss watch that not only tells time but tells your story. Remember, Swiss watches are not just attainable, they’re smart investments in style and craftsmanship.

Best Swiss Watches in 2025: Real Swiss Quality Without Breaking the Bank