8 of the Best Watches Under $1500 You Should Buy in 2022

Finding the best watches under $1500 that are highly functional and rare in design are a little bit tricky. If you are currently losing an idea on considering which watch is best to buy without wasting much money, below I give you some recommendations of worldwide watch brands that have specific features like chronograph, GMT complication, and strong construction.

Needless to say, these watches serve you high-end quality together with their modest price. Make sure you get one of these best watches under $1500 before it is out of stock on Gnomon Store.

Alpina Seastrong Diver GYRE Gents Automatic Smoke Blue Ref. AL-525LNSB4VG6

Swiss has been known as one of the world’s best watch craftsmanship for many years. The list of best watches under $1500 to buy would be incomplete without the Swiss brand. Here Alpina, partnering with Gyre Watch, are making a more eco-friendly watch called Seastrong Diver GYRE Gents Automatic Smoke Blue Ref. AL-525LNSB4VG6.

You may not notice, but the matte black case is made by combining 30% of recycled fibreglass and 70% of plastic waste which is taken from fishing nets in the Indian Ocean. Such an alternative way to reduce waste on our planet, isn’t it?

Besides having an astonishing case, it measures 44 mm diameter and 12.5 mm thickness. It is the right size to make the smoked blue dial at the centre more eye-catching. The hands are driven by AL-525 automatic movement which is based on Sellita SW200-1. It has been renowned to improve its performance with 38-hour power reserve and beats at 28.800 bph.

The bracelet, a 22mm two tone NATO strap, also offers you a unique element where it is made from recycled plastic bottles (rPET). It does prove that this one of the best watches under $1500 from Alpina truly delivers a deep message to save our earth. So, let’s put Alpina Seastrong Diver GYRE Gents Automatic Smoke Blue Ref. AL-525LNSB4VG6 on your top list of watches to buy.

Le Jour Le Mans Chronograph Black Ref. LJ-LM-002

Jumps to the one of France watch companies, Le Jour, which in French terms means ‘the day’. Originally founded in the 1960’s, the brand did an improvement by partnering with Heuer to create iconic chronograph pieces. So, looking back to those glory times, Le Jour reintroduced Le Jour Le Mans Chronograph Black Ref. LJ-LM-002 that is inspired by the classic chronograph design.

Maintaining wearability, the case measures 42mm length, a thickness of 17mm, and 51mm lug to lug distance. All around the case shows you a clear visibility with a good finish in satin brushed, while the side of the case gives you transition in a slight polished.

As a sports chronograph, ETA 7750 is responsible for running the automatic movement. This new movement is equipped with 25 jewels which vibrate at 28,800 beats per hour. The technology allows you to read date/day time and measure an elapsed time. Also surprising, this wristwatch is held in a screw down crown, giving you protection up to 200 meter water resistance.

At the end, Le Jour Le Mans Chronograph Black Ref. LJ-LM-002 delivers multiple features for your everyday tasks in a vintage package. Put on this timepiece on your wrist whenever you want, either in a race area or at the beach.

Steinhart Ocean 1 Vintage Chronograph Two-tone

From France to our neighborhood, Germany. Steinhart Ocean 1 Vintage Chronograph Two-tone, one of the best watches under $1500, is totally worth buying. It has luxury visuals and high quality standards.

Lavish design for a sports watch, why not? The two-tone color on the bracelet, case, and crown completely attracts my attention. I am not sure why, but the color does bring a happy vibe to my days. 

This is another option for you who are currently seeking a chronograph watch. The chronograph itself is powered by Swiss automatic movement Dubois Dépraz DD 2020 which is based on modified ETA 2824-2. The screw-down crowns provide 100 meters water resistance, supporting your lower water activities.

Those important elements inside are protected by sapphire crystal with two layers anti-reflective coating to avoid accidental bump. You can take Steinhart Ocean 1 Vintage Chronograph Two-tone home as a gift for your special one or for yourself with an affordable price $1,080 USD here.

Ball Fireman Victory Clous de Paris Silver Ref. NM2098C-S5J-SL

Fireman line-up is admired because of its simple design with a touch of American railroad standards. If you don’t want to blow your budget for a fantastic timepiece, you should try Fireman Victory Clous de Paris Silver Ref. NM2098C-S5J-SL that takes a dressier approach.

Considered as one of the best watches under $1500, this classic watch is run by the Ball RR1103 automatic movement which is based on ETA 2824-2 with hand winding and hacking capabilities, plus up to 5,000g of shock resistance.

According to its name, this is the first time for Ball to draw a silver “Clous de Paris” textured dial, a kind of tiny pyramidal shape that does give the impression of sophisticated look. The brand also put tritium gas tubes on each marker and hand, glow perfectly in both yellow and green in lower light conditions.

The wristwatch is truly made for your everyday activities with a 100 meter water resistance which is safe for any water splash. Fireman Victory Clous de Paris Silver Ref. NM2098C-S5J-SL combines the philosophy of three countries on its craftsmanship: US, Swiss, and France, and this timepiece suits both men and women, grab fast yours for $1,499 USD here.

Seiko Prospex 200M Automatic Titanium Shogun Black Ref. SBDC129

Welcome to Japan, Seiko Prospex 200M Automatic Titanium Shogun Black Ref. SBDC129 is here as one of the best watches under $1500. Capturing a bold personality, it measures a 43.5mm diameter case and 13.3mm thickness with a 51mm lug to lug distance. 

Same as the predecessor, the construction of the case is covered with DiaShield super-hard coating as an anti scratch and corrosion features. Finished in brushed throughout the 22 mm titanium strap, the timepiece is looking as cool as you.

The movement is supported by the latest upgrade from the Seiko 6R15 to the 6R35. This 24-jewel vibrates at 21,600 beats per hour and has a power reserve of 70-hour. With all of these, the movement also lets you read a calendar that is situated at 3 o’clock position.

My favorite part takes place in the 120-click unidirectional dive bezel that comes in two tones. As you can see, the 1 to 15 markers are colored in black while the 15 to 60 markers are painted in bronze. This is such a creative way to deliver a message of your modern taste.

Having a strong interior yet impressive exterior is all I can say about this Japanese watch. Prospex 200M Automatic Titanium Shogun Black Ref. SBDC129 is undoubtedly amazing for every professional. It only costs $1,468 USD. Check further details here.

Yema Speedgraf

Flying back again to France where Yema was founded. Yema Speedgraf took inspiration from the 1960’s classic chronographs. This model comes in a traditional vintage look as a celebration of racing with tachymeter.

It is easy to see the main attraction that lies on the matte black dial featuring the contrasting white sub-dials. The hands are dancing wonderfully in a classy way. All of the stick markers and hands are treated with SuperLuminova C5 that shines bright in a brilliant green in the periods of darkness.

Yema Speedgraf is also equipped with screw-down crown to help you from accidental watersplash. The watch is operated by the Seiko NE86 which has a long power reserve of up to 45 hours and vibrates at 28,800 beats per hour.

As a vintage watch, the bracelet uses leather material that comes in brown, blending with a midsize 39 mm diameter stainless steel case. Win your game with Yema Speedgraf with a competitive price ($1,349 USD) here.

Marathon GSAR NGM Diver Automatic Arctic Edition - Rubber Ref. WW194006-WD

Best watches under $1500 for military specifications? Marathon GSAR NGM Diver Automatic Arctic Edition - Rubber Ref. WW194006-WD it is. Designed in Canada, the brand has a good reputation in making strong construction timepieces for every military activity.

GSAR itself stands for Government Search and Rescue. From that name, you can easily know that the wristwatch is categorized as a dive watch. For under $1500, it’s hard to believe that this timepiece serves you some high features of 300 m (30 ATM) water resistance, anti-magnetic, anti-diashock system, and also resistance to any extreme temperatures.

Another thing that should not be forgotten is the 26 jewel Marathon M2 automatic for the movement. It operates at 28,800 beats per hour and has a power reserve of around 42 hours. Well, with all of that, the accuracy must not be questioned. Go get this powerful watch for your better sea experience here, cost only $1,300 USD.

Squale Sub-39 GMT Vintage

The last option for best watches under $1500 is coming from Squale Sub-39 GMT Vintage. This dive watch is powered by ETA 2893-2 GMT Automatic that won’t disappoint you because it runs at 28,800 beats per hour and has a long power reserve of 40 hours. Well-adjusted with a screw-down diamond crown at 3 o’clock position, this wristwatch offers you a 300 meter water resistance.

Surprisingly, this series has an essential feature of GMT complication at the fourth hand. The whole theme presents vintage colors in a black, cream, silver, and a hint of red. Legible at every condition, day and night, because Squale has put old radium Super-Luminova on each marker and hand that will constantly glow green when there is no light around. Discover your world by using this timepiece with only $1,290 USD here.

Well, which timepieces do you think are the best watches under $1500?

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