Watches that look expensive, but aren't?

Orient Bambino

I've always thought the Seiko SBDC159 and the Tissot Le Locle both look far better than their price would suggest.

As another example, but on the complete other side of the pricing spectrum, I can't believe that Benzinger charges "Rolex" rates for what is probably the best watch finishing currently available, full stop.  You would swear those watches would easily cost six figures, but they actually start in the high 4-figure range.  It's incredible.

So I guess it all depends on what your budget is. 

Agreed! And if you go for Jaeger & Benzinger, you'll be getting hand finished dials and movements by Jochen Benzinger for 4-5k!

 I'm probably going to get some flak for this but i had to find out for myself. The pagani design moonwatch homage is a complete surprise. Seiko vk63, sapphire crystal, ceramic insert, milled clasp and solid end links. The bracelet, not a big fan, is a 5 link rattler but fits perfectly after adjustment. Besides the case and screw down crown being a little sharp I'm pretty impresse with the $89 spent. All that being said i dont know anything about the other homages they do. Seestern is another brand that puts out solid quality at a low prices. 

Two great pieces that look far more expensive than they are are the Tissot Le Locle and the Seiko Presage. 

A few Pagani watches rolex homage watches.

Consider an homage. I saw a post where someone was wearing an Invicta Prodiver and got a compliment from someone else who mistook it for a Rolex. If there is an expensive watch you are lusting after but can't afford, consider getting an homage. There are homages in all sorts of price ranges. I own several homages and enjoy wearing them. I bought a Seiko SBTR0027 which is a Daytona homage and yet has a unique looking light blue dial. So you can get a full blown copy or a watch that invokes the design elements of an expensive/famous looking watch.

Consider buying used. Most watch afficianados own multiple watches, with each watch receiving limited wrist time, so they are well taken care of and frequently replaced. I have purchased several used watches and have not been disappointed. I bought the SBTR0027 (with tags and box) used for $99.

I find I am gravitating towards higher end JDM watches. I currently have a Casio Oceanus OCW-T2600 and a Citizen Atessa AT8181 (limited edition of 2700 pieces). Both are used and I paid $400 for each one. They look very expensive because they have solar powered movements, titanium case/bracelet, gorgeous dials, and AR coating (that makes the crystal disappear).

Be a bargain hunter. It would be great if we could buy something right after we decide we want it but there is something to be said for watching and waiting. Wait for a sale, look at the "for sale" sections of watch forums, set up a search bot on e*ay. Patience grasshopper!

Seiko SRPB77 with the blue hands 

The Tissot PRX. If you don't know better you'd thought it would be in the 4 digits range, not under 700.

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

$650 MSRP but have seen them for sale brand new for $500. 
 

Glycine makes some really phenomenal Swiss Made pieces at reasonable prices that look and feel far nicer than they have any right to for what they charge.  Check out Ashford.com.

Expensive is subjective, but here are some at different price points:

Tissot Luxury Powermatic 80 (often found less than $300)

Seiko Arita Porcelain. A porcelain dial that can be had for under $1200.

Tudor 1926. The sleeper of the Tudor lineup. Beautiful dial, nice bracelet and plenty of deals under $1600.

Atelier Wen Perception. Hand made with a beautiful integrated bracelet for less than a third of the price of the new Bremont? Bargain.

Last, the Sartory Billard SB04. Bespoke watches starting at $3300, yes please.

glycine airman dc4

Lots of good suggestions here already, but if you want something a little unusual that looks more expensive than it is, I suggest you look at an Orient Sun and Moon.

Glycine comabt is $300 at Costco.

SARV001 (or 003 if you want a black dial), JDM day/date.

Expect to pay sub US$200. It's ridiculously cheap, but looks the goods.

I think the king of watches looking more expensive than it is , has to be the Tissot PRX.

Invicta Pro Diver. I can't believe how much I enjoy mine. 

almost any Seiko presage!

I’ve just snagged the Sarv003

looks way more expensive than the price.

its hard to get JDM stuff in the U.K. (when I say hard I mean expensive with the rip off import and tax we get hammered with)

Any Orient these are about £250

if this were a Swiss name, add a thousand to the price.

The new Citizen looks like million bucks 👌

I think the Baby Alpinist looks fancy for the price, especially with a semi-polished president bracelet from Uncle Seiko. Looks more expensive than the Black Bay 36 I replaced it with, but that costs three times as much (bracelet included).

Got to be the Orient Kamasu? Often receive complements on it from friends who aren't much into watches.

Also I would say some vintage seiko 5s or Citizen Eagle 7s look like a lot more money than they actually cost to the uninitiated?

Lastly I would venture any of the Steinhart homages? I don't own one yet but I'm after an Ocean Vintage Military which offers tremendous specs for the price and has a strong following amongst warch fans?

Totally agree about the Steinharts. Those are gorgeous watches.

Tissot definitely comes to mind - specifically the Visodate and the Auto PRX:

Orient Kamasu & Seiko DressKX SRPE51

This watch is a monster for 160 bucks new from Japan:

Titanium, solar powered, sapphire crystal, radio controlled, long lasting lume, orange LED light (easy on the eyes), perfect sizing (around 38mm without the button guards), ultra lightweight (28g), digital timers/alarms, sunburst dial and really nice case finishing. 

Also it comes in dressier versions but I wanted the more "field watch" look with the numbers rather than indices. And there's a version with a more standard case design (no guards and no Omega-style lugs).

The included titanium bracelet only has two micro adjustment holes but it's easy to replace. 

Very well said! I have both of these in my small collection!

Everyone budgets are different. So a watch that looks expensive but isn’t begs the question to each individual as to what they each consider to be “expensive“. I compiled a all list of some options that stand out to me off the top of my head. That being said, the following all seem to punch above their weight class and appear to be more expensive than they really are (in no particular order):

1. Seiko Presage line - Most Seikos in general will have an exquisite dial that elevates it to a seemingly higher level than it actually is. 
   2. Steinhart - This is probably controversial as they are regarded by some as copies or homages. That being said, their quality is excellent and they make proper watches. I have their Ocean 39 904L premium model. It is fantastic. 
   3. Tissot PRX - This has already been mentioned but it can’t be understated at how amazing this watch is. I’ve handled it in person and I will be purchasing one eventually. 
   4. Orient Bambino - their newest 38mm version is quite appealing. Exposed caseback and classic elegance should turn heads. 
   5. Baltic - yes, they’re a micro but their newer versions of the MR01 look way more expensive than they actually are. 
    

I think my Revelot Hexmariner definitely looks more expensive than it is (Kickstarter special £204 now retails for about £290).  Easily looks as good as my Tag Aquaracer and as some review have said, easily should be a £/$/€1000 watch.