These Are Our Favorite Wristwatches Under $1,000

WIRED

2 days ago

Few would have expected the Omega x Swatch Moonswatch to create such a furor both in and out of watch fandom when it was released in 2022, yet in just a few years, it has become one of the most desirable watches today due to its initial scarcity, dual brand recognition, and attractive price. Thankfully, it's much easier to buy a Moonswatch than when it was first released, including online, and the days of needing to pay scalpers for one through eBay are happily over. The Moonswatch takes its name and design from the classic Omega Speedmaster, also known as the Moonwatch, due to it being the first watch on the moon. Unlike the Omega Speedmaster, it's made of bioceramic (which feels a lot like plastic), doesn't have a sapphire crystal, has a quartz movement, is only water resistant to 30 meters, and most definitely hasn't been to the moon. None of this matters, though, as there's so much to like about the Moonswatch, from how it bridges the divide between normal people and watch fans, how it's practically guaranteed to stir up some kind of emotion, and that there's almost certainly a color scheme or design feature that will appeal. Just don't expect it to have the best build quality, or for it to feel anywhere near as expensive as its price suggests. Some also complain about the Velcro strap, but the branding looks great, and it's perfect to throw on your wrist when you're in a hurry. Once it's on, it's so light you barely know it's there. A rubber alternative strap is available if you do hate the Velcro, though. Even if you haven't heard of any other brands and watches on our list, I bet you have heard of the Omega x Swatch Moonswatch, but don't pass it off as just clever marketing. It's a Swatch at heart, and that makes it a fun and affordable gateway into watch ownership. Specs Case and strap: 42 mm, 20-mm band Movement: Quartz (ETA G10.212) Glass: Hesalite Water resistance: 3 ATM Warranty: 2 years
Rotate North started out in 2019 with its Atlantic dive watch, but it has expanded its range to include several other models since then, and I love the Tempest aviation watch. Built in Germany and finished in the UK, the Tempest comes in a 40-mm case size with a choice of bright rubber straps, and I love the 12- and 24-hour markers on the dial, the date window, and the 300-meter water resistance rating.
Perhaps best of all, Rotate North gives you the choice of movements. You can choose the Tempest with a Seiko NH35A automatic movement, which the company says it chose due to its 'exceptional durability, reliability, and impressive accuracy (-20 to +40 seconds per day) rating.' The movement will turn up more than once on this list for these very reasons. Alternatively, you can choose a Ronda 715LI quartz movement if you want the watch to always be ready to go, and to save a little on the purchase price, too. Specs Case and strap: 40 mm, 20-mm band Movement: Automatic (Seiko NH35A) or Quartz (Ronda 715LI) Glass: Sapphire Water resistance: 30 ATM Warranty: 2 years