Sometimes the hunt for a new watch is even better than the purchase. Especially when you have options, a lot of options. With a budget of 10,000 € the sky is the limit when it comes to finding a great watch from a reputable brand that will be with you for the rest of your life. We have selected 10 options for you based on what we think are the ten best-in-class picks currently available. Those picks are based on a combination of the brand, the style, the functionality, and whether they are able to serve you a lifetime. On top of that, we have selected both new and pre-owned options.
- Rolex Submariner
- Rolex GMT-Master
- Rolex Explorer II
- Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch
- Omega Seamaster Professional Diver 300M
- Tudor Submariner
- Cartier Tank Louis Cartier
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds
- Grand Seiko Evolution 9 GMT
- Zenith Chronomaster Sport
So, without further ado, let’s jump in.
1. Rolex Submariner
Let’s start this list of with the most popular dive watch out there. The Rolex Submariner is a no-brainer as the first option. The watch was introduced in 1954 and defined how we look at dive watches today. Over the course of seven decades, the Submariner has always visually connected to that first generation Submariner. The iconic looks are a great part of its magic.
And the great thing is that you can still buy the current generation Submariner ref. 124060 under 10K €.
With a list price of 9,100 €, it is definitely a brilliant option. While the Submariner Date is not available under 10K €, it will be if you look for a pre-owned version. Overall, there are plenty of Submariner options under 10,000 € that all make for a great choice.
2. Rolex GMT-Master
A watch that until recently was not really available in stainless steel under 10K € is the iconic Rolex GMT-Master. The brand’s Pan Am-inspired ultimate travel watch has seen a rise in prices thanks to its iconic looks and practical GMT complication that has the ability to show two time zones. A new GMT-Master II would set you back just more than 10K €.
But now the prices for pre-owned Rolex watches have come down, the GMT-Master could be the perfect pre-owned option. While you have to search for a piece in good condition, the references 16710 and 16750 are available for well under 10,000 € in pretty large numbers, making this a second great Rolex pick.
3. Rolex Explorer II
Our third choice is the Rolex Explorer II. Just like the Submariner, the list price of the Explorer II is also just under the 10K € mark. The watch was introduced as a watch for cave explorers in 1971. A rather niche target audience, but Rolex did not want the watch to compete with the GMT-Master despite being able to show the time in a second time zone.
But over the years, the watch found its own spot based on its stand out design and GMT functionality. Over time, Rolex also increased the size from 40mm to 42mm to set it apart even further from the GMT-Master. With a 10K € budget you will be able to buy both current and previous generations as prices have come down quite drastically. So, you will be able to find your favorite Explorer II with either a white or black dial without any trouble.
4. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch
One of the standout new watches under 10,000 € is without a doubt the current Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. The latest generation of the watch is a great modern take on the watch that landed on the Moon in 1969. You can choose either the Hesalite version for the most historically accurate or the sapphire model that also shows the beautiful movement through the sapphire display case back.
When it comes to pre-owned watches, the world is your oyster. There are so many great choices out there.
We suggest you to check out the vintage Speedy with the legendary 321 movement (reference numbers 105.012 and 145.012), or one of the many limited editions of Moonwatches. As said, the history and the large number of great picks make the Speedmaster Moonwatch a go-to watch.
5. Omega Seamaster Professional Diver 300M
From the Speedmaster to the Seamaster is only a small step. But it’s a world of difference. The Seamaster Professional Diver 300M is also known as the Bond watch amongst watch fans. Omega’s modern diver made its debut in 1993 but rose to fame with Pierce Brosnan. The modern version of that watch has a list price well under 10K € and is available in a string of different colors and configurations.
Even some of the special editions are great options like the James Bond 60th Anniversary and you can get the special No Time To Die pre-owned within the same budget. The Seamaster Diver 300M offers plenty of great options under 10K €.
6. Tudor Submariner
Our next pick is specifically a vintage one. The Tudor Submariner hasn’t been part of the Tudor collection since 1999 but has a rich heritage that laid the foundation for the brand’s Black Bay line. There has been a great rise in popularity of the Tudor Submariners. Prices for them have even surpassed those of the Rolex Submariner, which is bonkers! The watches feature off the shelf movements and were always perceived as lesser Rolexes.
But Tudor’s Submariner is hot property. And they are pretty scarce too compared to its bigger brother from Rolex. That’s why the prices for the Tudor Submariner are high. Expect to see prices starting at roughly 4,5K € but moving up to 25K €- 30K € for the rare models. With a budget of 10K € you are able to buy several beautiful vintage models including those with Tudor’s iconic Snowflake hands.
7. Cartier Tank Louis
Cartier can obviously not be left out on a list of this caliber. But which Cartier to choose? Because the budget gives you plenty of models to choose from, your best bet – in my opinion – is the classic Tank Louis Cartier. The Tank was launched in 1917 and shortly after we saw the introduction of the rectangular Tank Louis Cartier in 1922. As some of you may know, that model grew to be the brand’s biggest icon.
Another detail is that you can only buy it in precious metals. As such, you can buy an iconic Cartier for well under 10,000 € with the characteristic case shape modeled after the WWI Renault FT-17 tank combined with a silver dial with black Roman numerals. It’s as stylish as it gets for 10,000 €.
8. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds
Let’s dive into the stylish statements of our next pick. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is another one of the industry’s biggest icons. The watch was introduced in 1931 and developed as a sports watch for playing polo. The unique design allows the wearer to flip the case of the watch to the front is protected during play. But over time, the watch became one of the most stylish and recognized dress watches with its Art Deco style.
The Reverso Tribute Small Seconds goes back to those early days of the Reverso and looks as stylish as ever. You won’t be able to buy the watch new for the set budget, but you will be able to get your hands on one pre-owned for well under 10,000 €. Additionally, you have plenty of other Reverso models to choose from, but this is the most stylish that comes in a set of beautiful colors.
9. Grand Seiko Evolution 9 GMT
Another name that cannot be left out is Grand Seiko. The Japanese brand has become really popular over the last couple of years among the true watch fans. Grand Seiko offers a wide array of options for under 10,000 € in its current collection. The stand out for me is the Evolution 9 collection that the brand introduced in 2021. The collection is focused on modern case designs combined with brilliant movements.
An exclusive model that really stands out is the Grand Seiko SBGE285, also known as “Mist Flake.” This modern GMT is not only a stunning watch to see with a GMT complication, but it is powered by one of Grand Seiko’s signature Spring Drive movements and comes with a stunning dial. These movements combine the magic of a mechanical movement with the accuracy of a quartz movement. And the “Mist Flake” is the perfect representation of the new Grand Seiko style with a unique movement that is available just under 9K €.
10. Zenith Chronomaster Sport
The last watch on this list is a hugely popular chronograph from. When the Zenith Chronomaster Sport was first introduced, fans were jokingly calling it the “Zaytona” as it takes after the Rolex Daytona. But in reality, there is a very real connection between the two. The first-generation automatic Daytona’s were powered by Zenith El Primero movements. So, Zenith definitely played a big part in the history of the Rolex Daytona.
The Chronomaster Sport looks a lot like the Daytona. However, it has enough charm of its own to make it stand out. The beautiful dials with their typical Zenith sub-dials in grey and blue are unique to Zenith. And the brilliant modern El Primero chronograph movement lets the central chronograph hand make a full round in ten seconds. As a result, you can time events up to 1.10th of a second. It’s a wonderful pick that new is over the 10,000 € mark. But pre-owned you will be able to get your hands on one for less, making it the perfect closer of this list.
Conclusion
There you have it, ten great options that you could buy for 10,000 €. Obviously, there are plenty more options out there from a wide array of brands. It’s why I would urge you to search for your personal favorite. As I mentioned, the hunt can be as exciting as owning a watch.
