zach blas
The segment of affordable two-tone watches is a bit of a contradiction in terms, considering that prices skyrocket when gold enters the market. Precious metal bezel rings alone can add thousands of dollars in price. However, two-tone colors do not require solid precious metals, and it is debatable whether two-tone colors require gold in the first place. That being said, we know that most people looking for a two-tone watch are looking for a combination of steel and gold, and these five affordable watches offer a bimetallic look. , all under $3,000, the entry-level luxury benchmark.
citizen corso
With an Oyster Quartz Datejust vibe, the Citizen Corso offers rugged elegance at a very attractive price. Like the other watches on this list, no actual precious metals are used. In the case of the Corso, the entire watch is stainless steel, but the crown, bezel, and Jubilee-style bracelet incorporate gold tones. Measuring 40mm in diameter, the Corso is water resistant to 100 meters and features Citizen’s EcoDrive technology, which uses the power of light to keep the watch running continuously. If you’re buying your first analog watch, you should definitely start with a Corso. Price: $300
Seiko 5 Sports SRE004
So it’s easy to see that you’re unlikely to be looking for a 28mm diameter watch. But I think it’s worth highlighting that Seiko offers a two-tone automatic of this size for just $350. Watches of this size very often have quartz movements. There’s nothing wrong with quartz, but for those who prefer tiny little watches on their wrists, it’s nice to know there’s romance in mechanical movements. The stainless steel SRE004 measures 28 mm in diameter, 11.2 mm in thickness, and 33.1 mm in lug-to-lug width, which is basically the same width and length as the Cartier Tank Normal. Inside is an in-house 40-hour automatic 2R06 movement with both day and date complications. If this is a little too small, that’s perfectly fine. We recommend the larger SRPK22. But know that despite its size, the SRE004 is water resistant to 100 meters, living up to the Seiko 5 Sport name. Price: $350
midocean star 200
If you prefer rose gold tones over yellow gold tones, Mido Ocean Star 200 is a great option to consider. The strength of the Swatch Group is its shared expertise in upgrading base calibers within the group to deliver high specifications at lower costs. The Ocean Star 200 is a 11.8 mm thick, 42.5 mm steel diving watch with a screw-down crown that ensures water resistance to 200 meters. Inside is an 80-hour automatic movement that is more durable than those offered by Wilsdorf family watches, and this caliber 80 features a black dial with color-matched day and date displays. adds even more charm. Price: $1,100 USD, available from Time+Tide Shop
Longines Hydro Conquest
Longines is a prestigious Swiss brand with a rich heritage. But in modern times, the brand is best known for being able to live comfortably just above or below the entry-luxury price point. The Hydro Conquest is an example of a Longines product that costs well below the entry-luxury benchmark of $3,000 USD, but has many of the features offered by more expensive dive watches. Measuring 41mm in diameter, 11.9mm thick, and measuring 51.1mm lug-to-lug, this watch certainly wears large (ideal for average to above-average sized wrists). It’s water resistant to 300 meters with a screw-down crown and features a ceramic bezel insert to match the dial, something you don’t often see in this price range. Inside is the L888 automatic, which has a power reserve of 72 hours, even on weekends. Price: $1,550
Frederique Constant Highlife COSC Automatic
The most expensive watch on this list offers two distinct value-adds. First, the Frederique Constant Highlife COSC Automatic is COSC certified to operate within +6/-4 seconds per day. It’s worth noting that this COSC-certified automatic movement is also an in-house movement, but its 38-hour power reserve is by no means a record-breaker. Second, it’s the only watch on this affordable two-tone list that comes with two integrated straps that are interchangeable. Stainless steel bracelet with rose gold-tone center links and brown rubber strap. Measuring 41mm in diameter and 10.84mm thick, the Highlife COSC Automatic has a compact lug-to-lug length and is water resistant to 50 meters for swimming. Price: $2,595
