Credit for article.
In the watch world, there is no disputing that a few brands and models stand high above the rest. They are known to almost everyone and have become icons. I believe it would be challenging to find someone that does not wish to own at least one of these iconic models. It is also no secret that watches of this stature are not cheap. They are, in most cases, a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, even if you can justify spending that amount on a watch.
However, there are alternatives out there that are as compelling in their own right for a fraction of the price.
Before getting into the list, I want to emphasize that these are not cheaper alternatives necessarily look like their famous counterparts. Instead, they are a similar type of watch that will offer you a quality timepiece fitting into the same category, often with an equally strong heritage and brand recognition. And yes, ‘affordable’ has a different meaning for all of us, but the watches below are significantly less than their famous counterparts, and that is what I mean by affordable here.
All of the below should be on your radar when you are looking for your next purchase! Let me know if you think there are any I have missed out for next time!
Rolex Submariner | Seiko Prospex SPB143
In any list that includes iconic watches, you will find the Rolex Submariner. Diving watches are an extremely popular category thanks to their versatility and wearability. It’s no surprise that the affordable diving watch option comes from Seiko. Seiko is the king of affordable divers watches and has built a reputation for extremely capable pieces without the price tag. The specific model I want to call out is the Prospex SPB143. It is at the higher end of the Prospex lineup, but there is a reason for this choice.
What helps make the Rolex Submariner so popular is its modest size for a divers watch, clean dial and solid bracelet. This is something that the SPB143 offers in comparison to other Prospex models. The Seiko features a 40.5mm case diameter, a beautifully proportioned grey sunburst dial, and a “DiaShield” coating on the bracelet to help protect it from minor scuffs. If you get tired of the bracelet aesthetic, it comes with drilled lugs making strap changes easy. The finishing lives up to the standard we have come to expect from Seiko, with a nice mix of polished and brushed surfaces.
Finally, inside the SPB143, the Seiko Caliber 6R35 automatic movement powers the watch. It has an average accuracy rating of +25/-15 seconds a day, but a solid 70h power reserve and will be a reliable companion for your everyday. Seiko has put all the positive qualities from their Prospex lineup into a timeless design, which is unusual for Seiko when you consider their turtle cases and bold designs.
It really makes the SPB143 an extremely compelling package. And it’s all yours for around USD $1,350.
Market Price of a Rolex Submariner is about $9,611.00 Plus Tariff increase cost that will be passed along to you. Estimate 50% of tariff increase.
_________________________________________________________________________
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch | Bulova Lunar Pilot “Moonwatch”
The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch needs no introduction. It arguably has one of the coolest stories behind the watch, and knowing that the modern-day version is extremely close to the actual watch worn on the Moon makes it that much better.
But, there is another watch that ventured into space – the Bulova Lunar Pilot. The history of this watch is still not fully known, but in 1971 the crew members of Apollo 15 were allowed to take personal items with them into space. Dave Scott, a crew member, took a Bulova-provided backup watch and ended up wearing it on the Moon after his Speedmaster crystal popped off.
In 2015, after the auction of the actual Bulova from 1971, Bulova re-launched the model with the name Lunar Pilot.
The original Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph—the only
privately-owned watch to make space history—sold at auction
for an astronomical $1.625 million!
The Lunar Pilot is a faithful recreation of the watch worn on the Moon and has a very distinct aesthetic that looks similar to what Omega produced (they were going after the same NASA contract after all!). It has a deep black dial with white text, hands and indices. It is a slightly larger watch at 45mm diameter, and this did initially put some off, but thanks to its fluid design and nicely positioned chronograph pushers, it wears well. It is offered on a bracelet and strap.
There is even a black PVD version so you can find the look that suits you. Inside, it is equipped with a quartz movement, however, it is not just any quartz, it is a direct descendent of Bulova’s Accutron technology. It operates at 262Hz and is more accurate and reliable than a standard quartz movement. Let’s be honest though – you are buying this watch for the story.
You are buying a watch that was worn on the Moon.
RRP $675 with a bracelet, but it is cheaper on the strap and you can find offers from various retailers.
https://www.bulova.com/us/en/product/96B251.html
Further reading: 7 NASA Astronauts Wearing Their Gold Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI Limited Editions: Celebrating 50 Years Of Man On The Moon