I love a good list! So, when I was asked to write an article about my favorite ten picks under 6,000 EUR, the wheels in my head immediately started turning. Do you go all-new, or do you also include pre-owned watches? In today’s world, with the range of pre-owned and vintage market options available, it would be a big miss not to include them. So, without further ado, here are my ten new and pre-owned picks.
1. Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch ref. 310.30.42.50.01.001
My first pick is the current Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. There are two versions of the standard model: The first comes with a sapphire crystal, and the second, which I picked, comes with a Hesalite crystal. While the sapphire crystal version would be the logical, modern choice, the Hesalite is the purist’s choice because it’s the same crystal used on the Speedmaster that landed on the Moon. In my opinion, that’s the one you want. On top of that, it fits the budget, with great examples available between 5,300 EUR and 6,000 EUR.
2. Rolex Explorer ref. 114270
Another watch that immediately came to mind is the Rolex Explorer. This iconic classic, with its characteristic 3-6-9 dial layout, is the perfect daily watch. The current references in 36mm and 40mm do not fit the budget, but the previous-generation Explorer ref. 114270 is a great pre-owned pick that you can buy starting at roughly 4,500 EUR. That gives you room to find one in excellent condition under 6,000 EUR.
3. Tudor Black Bay METAS ‘Monochrome’
Last year, Tudor introduced a slimmer and better version of its popular Black Bay. This burgundy Black Bay METAS was followed up by this year’s black version, nicknamed ‘Monochrome’ by fans. I prefer this new version because it removes the faux gilt details and presents a clean, modern take on the vintage-inspired Black Bay with a Master Chronometer movement. I would get this new on the Oyster-style bracelet with faux rivets for extra charm at €4,510. This is as close as Tudor will ever get to making a modern version of the classic Submariners, and it is brilliant.
4. Breitling Chronomat B01 42
Another great pick that you can only buy pre-owned within the set budget is the current Breitling Chronomat B01 42. With prices starting at roughly 5,000 EUR compared to almost 9,000 EUR for a new one, getting a pre-owned version is a no-brainer. This modern version of the legendary Chronomat comes with Breitling’s much-praised in-house B01 chronograph caliber. It features all the famous elements dating back to the 1980s Chronomat, including the four rider tabs on the bezel and the Rouleaux bracelet.
5. Cartier Santos Galbée XL ref. 2823
If you want a stylish daily wearer that will turn heads, look no further than the Cartier Santos Galbée XL. The watch is modest in its dimensions but grand in its appearance. With its long lugs and square bezel, the characteristic case is slightly curved to sit comfortably on your wrist. Add the comfortable stainless-steel bracelet and you have one of the most comfortable Cartier options available. On top of that, the white dial with the characteristic Roman numerals and blued hands hovering over it makes for a super stylish design. While prices have gone up over the past few years, you will still be able to find one well under 6,000 EUR.
6. Sinn T50 GBDR
Another new pick comes courtesy of German brand Sinn. The brand from Frankfurt is known to watch fans for their brilliant tool watches. That it can lead to stylish watches is proven with the Sinn T50 GBDR. This modern dive watch combines a titanium case with a Goldbronze bezel that hints back to the old days of diving. However, as this is a Sinn watch, it has a purpose because the material is extremely corrosion-resistant. The combination of materials creates a nice contrast and is matched with a super clean black dial with white markings. Add the light grey silicone strap and you have one of the most capable and handsome modern dive watches, priced at 4,140 EUR.
7. Rolex Datejust
Nothing beats the classic Rolex Datejust in style and daily comfort. The 36mm Rolex classic is widely available under 6,000 EUR, and you can choose from various generations of Datejust models to find your perfect daily wearer. You will find some amazing pieces, especially if you dive into the vintage references. My preferred version is the Datejust ref. 1601 with a classic silver pie-pan dial, white gold fluted bezel, and a Jubilee bracelet. Asking prices for this specific reference start at roughly 4,000 EUR, lower than a couple of years ago. This enables you to find one in great condition within the set budget.
8. Tudor Black Bay Pro
The great Tudor Black Bay Pro is a watch you can pick up both new and pre-owned, well under 6,000 EUR. The watch takes after the classic Rolex Explorer II ref. 1655 from the 1970s. But the Black Bay Pro takes the looks of the first-generation Explorer II and injects it with a good dose of Tudor ingredients. You end up with the perfect modern version of this classic that features a fixed stainless-steel bezel with a 24-hour scale and an extra yellow GMT hand to make this a great traveler’s watch. The new Black Bay Pro is 4,290 EUR on the bracelet. But if you search on Chrono24 Marketplace, you will be able to find one well under 3,000 EUR.
9. Grand Seiko SBGW305
Grand Seiko is another brand you should check out if you plan to spend 6,000 EUR. The Japanese brand is widely known for its brilliant movements and meticulous finishing of its watches. I picked the stylish SBGW305 from the brand’s Elegance line, the perfect classic daily wearer. It is in that same category of watches as the Rolex Datejust. But the big advantage of the Grand Seiko is that you will buy a perfectly executed modern watch produced with the highest quality standards in mind. This stunning beauty is exactly 6,000 EUR, but on Chrono24 Marketplace, you might find one starting at 4,500 EUR.
10. Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Diver ref. 210.30.42.20.10.001
My last pick is part of the current Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Diver line. The line was first introduced in the early 90s and quickly became known as the Bond watch after Pierce Brosnan wore it in 1995’s GoldenEye. The current generation is the modern version that has evolved from that classic Bond watch without losing its characteristic looks. The design gets even better with a beautiful dark green dial and bezel, so I picked this version specifically. The Seamaster 300M Diver retails at 6,600 EUR, but you can find one pre-owned starting at roughly 4,500 EUR. That makes it a great last pick for ten watches under 6,000 EUR.
