Top 5 Watches Under £5000

Increasing your budget expands your options for watch purchases. Previously, we discussed our Top 5 Under £1000 and Top 5 Under £2000. Now, we’re diving deeper into our savings to explore the top 5 watches under £5000.00. Stepping into this higher price range means widening your perspective and exploring what a few thousand more can offer.

With a wide array of choices available, it’s essential to conduct thorough research, visit boutiques, and try on watches before spending your hard-earned money. Experience the watch in person, as photos can only reveal so much. Avoid purchasing on your first visit; instead, return a week later to try it on again to ensure it’s the right choice.

Often compared to the Rolex Daytona, the Tudor Black Bay Chronograph (M79360N-0002) stands out as a stunning timepiece and offers exceptional value. It boasts 200m of water resistance, a date display at 6 o’clock, screw-down pushers, a faux riveted bracelet (sigh), and a splash of red on the tip of the seconds hand as well as the depth rating on the dial.

Powered by a Breitling B01 base movement with minor refinements, this watch is COSC-certified and offers a 70-hour power reserve. The 41mm case is expertly finished and sits comfortably on the wrist. Its 14.4mm thickness feels more compact when worn, and the shorter 49.9mm lug-to-lug measurement ensures a snug, comfortable fit, giving it a slightly smaller appearance on the wrist.

One of the best parts is there’s no hassle in purchasing one of these; you can walk into a boutique, make your purchase, and leave with your new watch. Have you ever heard of something so straightforward (looking at you, Rolex)? This is a watch you should try out, and at £4,790.00 you won’t be disappointed.

Photo Credit – Tudor

Photo Credit – Tudor

Photo Credit – Bell & Ross

You know the brand, the “sqround” or round square Bell & Ross GMT with that cool blue dial (BR05G-PB-ST/SRB). It certainly is an impressive watch, a blend of elegance and vibrancy, that has its distinctive look. Across the room, you know a Bell & Ross, by its form as there are not many watches that are equal to the brand.

The 41mm soft square case has a simple uncomplicated dial, with just the 3 hands we are used to, with the addition of the GMT hand. The Sky Blue sunray dial in the sunlight is stunning, as the starkness of the white numerals, indices and hands complement the dial perfectly.

The satin-finished case oozes elegance and the stepped bezel with its polished edges adds to the overall allure of it. With the familiar screws in each corner, the symmetrical case feels balanced and well-proportioned. The display case back displays the 360′ skeletonised winding rotor, and the BR05 also has a fully integrated rubber strap which is colour-coded perfectly and at £4,500.00 is just under budget.

Photo Credit – Bell & Ross

Photo Credit –  Panerai

Photo Credit – Panerai

I’ve long been a fan of Panerai, although, for years, not tried on that many. This year, that’s changed, as I have tried on so many models, and they all look and feel slightly different. This 45mm Radiomir Officine (PAM01383) has a blue sunburst dial and is paired with cream Arabic numerals, which is a great combination.

Its 45mm polished cushion case offers a sophisticated and modern take on Panerai’s classic design. The iconic sandwich dial, with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers, ensures excellent readability, while the matching blue alligator leather strap adds a touch of refined luxury.

Powered by the reliable P.6000 calibre movement with a three-day power reserve, the Radiomir Officine in blue is a testament to Panerai’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, making it a standout piece in any watch collection. At £4,300.00 embodies a perfect fusion of tradition and contemporary elegance. The Radiomir Officine’s wire lugs and onion-shaped crown pay homage to Panerai’s early dive watches, while its contemporary colour scheme and impeccable craftsmanship make it a modern classic, poised to captivate both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts alike.

Photo Credit – Nomos Glashütte

Nomos, constantly seem to be doing everything right. Their unique style is evident in almost all they do. Bauhaus-inspired, or functional-design, either way, this Club Sport (Ref.761) is a serious contender, for the ideal sports watch. A super clean 39.5mm perfectly proportioned case has a highly polished rounded bezel, giving it a classy vibe.

The warm ember sunburst dial is exquisite, with a recessed seconds sub-dial, with radial grooves running within it. The even hours are marked with Arabic numerals, whilst the odd hours, have stick batons. The hands are rhodium plated and those as well as the hour markers and coated in a white Super LumiNova, giving a real crisp feel to the dial.

The multi-link bracelet articulates well and has quick-release spring bars to aid strap changing. There is also a display case back, showing off the DUW 3001 automatic movement which offers 43 hours of power reserve. Add the 200m of water resistance and with a price of £2,820.00, you get exceptional value for money with this watch.

Photo Credit –  Nomos Glashütte

I have never thought I could pull off a classic dress watch, as the style doesn’t resonate with me. However, after a recent trip to a London boutique, the Cartier Santos-Dumont (Ref.WSSA0022) did strike a chord with me.

The 43.5mm x 31.4mm steel case houses a silver satin-brushed dial with a sunray effect. The contrast of the black Roman numerals with the blue steel sword-shaped hands works perfectly with the matching blue alligator strap.

The beaded crown set with a blue synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel, gives this an elegant and classic look to the watch. Powering this is Cartier’s “high-autonomy” quartz movement, offering up to 6 years of battery life. This is a real set-and-forget watch for those less fussed with an automatic movement.

Priced at £4,000.00 is several thousand less than the Santos automatic, although some purists may baulk at the thought of a quartz, its worth considering that not everyone appreciates an automatic movement and this Cartier will be ideal for many, especially as they have 3 sizes, small, large (this one) and XL.

Photo Credit –  Cartier

Photo Credit – Cartier

As our budgets grow and watches offer more enticing features, it’s easy to get caught up in the allure of expensive timepieces. However, it’s crucial to remember that the true value of a watch lies in its craftsmanship, design, and the intricate movements that power it, rather than just its price tag. Even if you don’t plan to invest heavily in a watch, appreciating the skill and artistry behind each piece can be immensely rewarding.

Diving into the world of watches is about more than just ownership; it’s about the experience and the stories that each watch tells. Take a day off to visit a boutique where you can immerse yourself in the world of horology without feeling obligated to make a purchase. Explore various models, try them on, and discover the subtle details that make each piece unique. You might find something that resonates with you, igniting a passion that could grow over time.

Most Importantly, Have Fun

The joy of trying on different watches lies in the unexpected connections you might make. A particular watch might captivate your interest with its perfect balance of style, functionality, and history. You may even find yourself daydreaming about owning that watch one day. Who knows? The watch that once caught your eye might eventually find its way into your collection, turning a casual visit into a meaningful milestone in your horological journey.

Remember, it’s all about having fun and enjoying the exploration. Watches are more than just instruments for telling time; they are expressions of personality, reflections of taste, and symbols of achievement. So, take your time, explore without pressure, and let the world of watches unfold before you. One day, you might find that the watch you admired during your boutique visit has become a cherished part of your own collection, representing a journey of discovery and appreciation.

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