Last Updated on May 18, 2023 by swisswatchreview
Swiss wristwatches are among the world’s most dependable, precise, and quality-focused timepieces. But it’s no news that Swiss timepieces can be pricey.
However, there are also inexpensive Swiss watch companies offering excellent wristwatches for people wanting to purchase a high-quality Swiss wristwatch on a small budget. Here is our selection of the top 6 budget-friendly Swiss watch brands.
Viktorinox
Victorinox, formerly known for making Swiss Army Knives, which a lot of us keep stashed in our drawers at home, has changed its image over the past ten years to become a manufacturer of reliable, high-quality wristwatches and travel accessories.
You can view the vast array of things they now offer by visiting one of their retail locations as you exit the arrivals area of Zurich Airport.
They provide a variety of timepieces, ranging from the most straightforward and utilitarian to the more traditional diving and dress watches. They also produce a line of nearly bulletproof watches under the INOX brand. They were put through so many bizarre tests that Victorinox used it in their watch advertisements.
Victorinox also produces high-quality quartz wristwatches and some reasonably priced Swiss mechanical wristwatches. And they also offer a lot of distinctive, well-proven designs in their INOX line, like their distinctive dive watch with a white face.
Wenger
Wenger (That was acquired by Victorinox in 2005) is a well-rounded and diverse brand. Its beginnings date back as long as 120 years ago and come from being the company that created the famous Swiss Army Knife. They only started creating watches 21 years ago, but their artistry was of the same high caliber.
Presently, Wenger exclusively produces inexpensive wristwatches and travel accessories. Victorinox timepieces tend to be more expensive than their Wenger counterparts. Wenger offers reasonably priced high-quality Swiss-made wrist watches. It continues to manufacture its cost-effective watches in the Delmont district of Switzerland.
Since then, the watch company has expanded and now offers a wide range of timepieces, from traditional dress watches to chic sports watches with prices starting at $60.
The men’s watches have remarkable features that make up for their occasionally bigger size. And all of the women’s timepieces radiate elegance thanks to their carefully chosen, delicate features. The Urban Classic watch is a prime illustration of how Wenger’s talented designers keep the brand trendy.
It’s crucial to remember that Swiss created doesn’t automatically equal entirely Swiss manufactured. However, Wenger’s watch movement is wholly trustworthy, and you’ll have a hard time finding anything subpar in their collection.
Mondaine
Since 1951, Mondaine has been a reputable, family-owned Swiss watch manufacturer.
A legendary symbol of Swiss style is the Official Swiss Railways Clock, created by Hans Hilfiker in 1944. And this clock served as the model for Mondaine timepieces.
The watch manufacturer was motivated by the design of the copyrighted distinctive clock to develop their line under a formal contract with Federal Switzerland Railways.
Mondaine produces unique and reasonably priced Swiss watches in addition. Among many Swiss watch brands, Mondaine is a trailblazer in environmentalism.
Their timepieces are produced in a solar-powered manufacturing facility in Switzerland. In other words, Mondaine is currently utilizing 80% less fossil fuel-based power than they were. setting a positive precedent for the whole of the watchmaking industry.
Most of their reasonably priced timepieces are equipped with Swiss quartz movement. The cheapest quartz models can sometimes be found on jomashop for under $100.
They do, however, also offer a variety of automatic timepieces. Although these are more expensive, they are still a fantastic value for a Swiss-made automatic wristwatch.
Tissot
Tissot has been in business since 1853 and is just dripping with Swiss Watch history (they even print the date on their timepieces).
Their Swiss-made watches strike the perfect balance between high quality and low cost.
They were established in the Le Locle municipality in Switzerland, which is as representative of the “Swiss Watch” culture as you can find. In the Jura highlands, it serves as the hub of Swiss watch manufacturing.
Being a member of The Swatch Group lowers manufacturing costs and guarantees that purchasing a high-quality wristwatch won’t mean losing your respect for artisanship.
The cost of the top-of-the-line automated movements is a little higher, but if you’re searching for something more reasonably priced, the less expensive movements are still dependable.
A wide variety of styles, from the straightforward white dial with silver indicators to the more intricate and outdoorsy chronograph, are produced by Tissot, which is known for its exquisite yet reasonably priced watches. Whichever you pick, they are the kinds of timepieces that look gorgeous without being prohibitively expensive.
The design team appears to be experimenting with a variety of various designs, although it is not entirely clear where they draw their inspiration from.
They also serve as the authorized timekeeper for the NBA and MotoGP, and their timepieces reflect these ties with other sports leagues. With Tissot’s introduction of NBA-inspired chronographs. The T-Race line from Tissot is a fantastic collection of chronographs designed specifically for race car drivers.
Additionally, they have fantastic automated diving watches. with a lot of their automatic wristwatches having an 80-hour battery backup! Three days’ worth of power.
There are countless styles of watches available because the company has been in business for so long and is a well-known one; however, you will almost certainly find one that you love.
Swatch
Swatch is among the best-known Swiss watch companies in the world. The Swatch Group, one of the largest watch conglomerates in Switzerland and owner of multiple renowned Swiss watch companies including Blancpain, Hamilton, and Omega among others, is best known for producing inexpensive watches with prices starting at roughly several hundred dollars.
Swatch was established in 1983 and unquestionably possesses Swiss watch
manufacturing expertise. They are credited with rescuing the Swiss timepiece manufacturing sector in the 1980s and 1970s during the Quartz Crisis.
They make watches that are incredibly economical, dependable, and tough for daily usage. You can also find these timepieces between $50 and $100.
Although the majority of these timepieces are manufactured from rubber and plastic the quartz movement within functions practically without fail. It works for ages and could even outlive you, keeping good time. Swatch is still very accessible and enjoyable today.
They have a large selection of quartz timepieces made in Switzerland. Now, Swatch offers a range of reasonably priced mechanical timepieces as well. A Swiss-made Swatch wristwatch is durable and can be purchased for an incredibly low cost.
Certina
Although Certina is not a household name beyond the European Union, the company has been manufacturing watches since 1888, when it founded its first manufacturing plant in Grenchen to produce watch movements. They later grew into a complete watchmaker, and in 1983 they joined the Swatch clan.
From quartz to automatic, athletic to dress wristwatches, Certina manufactures a vast assortment of timepieces. Since the launch of the DS line, they have shifted their attention to sports watches (up to 200m water and highest shock resistance). Although not all of their timepieces have this grade or are meant for athletics, they are renowned for it.
Through alliances, they have become more athletic. Particularly in motorsports. Additionally, they have a large selection of racing timepieces and also cater to those on a limited budget.
Are Swiss watches worth the investment?
Yes, it is believed that Swiss watches are worth the investment. Swiss timepieces are not known for being high-quality by chance. They are renowned for being high-caliber, durable, and trustworthy. They also pay special attention to the components and specifics.
Having said that, you can generally anticipate receiving a high-end, expertly made timepiece when you purchase a Swiss watch. You can say that the Swiss-manufactured label is a guarantee of excellence, skill, and tradition.
Generally speaking, you spend a little bit more on Swiss-made watches because of their name and grandeur, but this is additionally supported by the idea that you’re buying a high-quality item.
Swiss-manufactured timepieces are produced for individuals who appreciate high quality, expert engineering, and artistry.
In addition to the manufacture, assembly, encasing, and inspection costs, the legal definition stipulates that at minimum 60% of the watch’s materials must have originated in Switzerland. Additionally, Switzerland must build and test any movements or parts utilized in its production.
The case-up of the watch’s movement must also be done in Switzerland. The final examination must be carried out by the maker in Switzerland as well.
In principle, there are a few characteristics that distinguish Swiss timepieces from other types of watches.
- They utilize numerous sapphire crystals
- They are usually handmade.
- They generally have 316L steel of the highest quality.
- The mechanical movements typically include metal gears
All of the aforementioned factors, but especially the use of premium materials and thorough inspections, lead to the creation of watches that are capable of lasting many years, and in some cases, even for centuries.
Conclusion
In this article, we looked at some of the most affordable Swiss watch brands on the market today, as well as whether Swiss watches are worth the investment or not.
Switzerland continues to remain the world’s largest watch manufacturing hub. An abundance of both elite Swiss timepieces as well as inexpensive Swiss watch brands is available on the market.
