Dress watches under 1000$ that is not a Bambino ?
The Orient Bambino is probably one of first watches that comes to my mind when thinking about a dress watch under 500$ since you get pretty good specs for the price.
On my side, I have a Tissot Tradition for almost 10 years now. It's a pretty watch, quartz movement, sapphire crystal, slim case and a simple but beautiful dial IMO.
It's my only dress watch, as I almost only have chronographs or military watches, but I'd like to add or maybe replace my Tissot with another dress watch. I was thinking maybe the Tissot Le Locle, with the textured dial, it's looking pretty good with a fine leather strap.
Other than that, what would make a fine dress watch under 1000$ ? I feel the Bambino is a great choice, but I've wonder what else could be different. My only restriction is not a black dial, as 70% of my watches have black dial 🙄
Hamilton American Classic?
Hamilton American Classic?
that's an interresting watch, when I see Hamilton I always think Khaki. that's a nice one, I'll put it in my list
https://www.jomashop.com/mido-baroncelli-automatic-chronometer-white-dial-mens-watch-m0376081101200.html
What about something by Mido?
Glycine?
https://www.gnomonwatches.com/collections/glycine/products/combat-classic-40-moonphase-black-ref-gl0386
Easy challenge!
To give you a few choices outside the typical brands, but all Swiss: a Fromanteel automatic, and Edox or an A.B.Art, good luck!
https://www.jomashop.com/mido-baroncelli-automatic-chronometer-white-dial-mens-watch-m0376081101200.html
What about something by Mido?
Mido is always overlooked, for the price that's a pretty good one
Glycine?
https://www.gnomonwatches.com/collections/glycine/products/combat-classic-40-moonphase-black-ref-gl0386
a moonphase, quite interresting!
I think you have a ton of really good choices from Seiko in the cocktail time series. They mostly sit around $500
https://www.seikowatches.com/us-en/products/presage/cocktailtime
You can also find some of the Seiko enamel dials below $1k on Gnomon watches
Sarx051 and sarx047
And there are a ton of really good microbrand options
The first pitzmann is a standout with the cold enamel dial. $970
I think you have a ton of really good choices from Seiko in the cocktail time series. They mostly sit around $500
https://www.seikowatches.com/us-en/products/presage/cocktailtime
You can also find some of the Seiko enamel dials below $1k on Gnomon watches
Sarx051 and sarx047
And there are a ton of really good microbrand options
The first pitzmann is a standout with the cold enamel dial. $970
+1 for the Seiko Cocktail Time. Here's my Blue Moon variant.
It was $250 USD and looks miles better than anything else in its price range, and definitely better than any Tissot dress watch I've ever seen. It's also why I could never imagine buying an Aqua Terra because it looks most of the way there in design for a fraction of the price.
Certina, love this one but they also have other models like the big date etc
Seiko Tanks are always a safe choice.
Vintage Omega
🤔
My first and not last Orient. Been great but, if I had to go for one other than Orient it would be a Tissot.
I will add for around 700 USD, any of these two Citizen with the silver and lacquer dial:
I have a Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 with green dial and really enjoy it. It's sorta dressy I guess, but also sporty.
There's something about the le locle that exudes elegance, and the case back is beautiful.
Had my eye on this “attainable” Swiss option. 2023 offering at 39mm case diameter.
You know, I have heard people describe it as plain, or uninspired, but I have always liked the look of my Tissot PR100 for a dress watch.
Hamilton Intramatic
Some really fine suggestions from other crunchers here! So I’ll throw in an oddball suggestion: If you’re looking for something a little interesting, that’s not the usual minimalist dress style, the MIDO Belluna II Heures & Minutes Decentrees is really cool imho.
Have you looked at Baume et Mercier? They have some very nice looking quartz dress watches for under $1K
Don't forget Hamilton's Jazzmaster Viewmatic. Had my eye on it for a while. https://www.hamiltonwatch.com/en-us/h32515555-jazzmaster-day-date-auto.html
Easy challenge!
I want to check this Citizen in person, I love the dial.
Regarding OP question, I had this presage, but I wasn't a fan, the dial was a bit bland.
Orient Curator - 270$
Furlan Marri sector dial. Retails about $1400 but I found mine new for under $1000.
The Orient Bambino is great, but if it's not quite what you want, consider looking at some of the other watches in Orient's range. For 500 USD, you could get one of the very nice Orient Star watches, which are Orient's "premier" range of watches, with very stringent QC and excellent finishing.
I've got this RE-AT0202E and I absolutely love it:
https://orient-watch.com/Collections/ORIENT-STAR/Classic/ORIENT-STAR%3A-Mechanical-Classic-Watch/p/RE-AT0202E
...but if you're not keen on the open heart style, take a browse around their website and you'll see plenty of alternatives with different styles.
there's a lot of really nice watches in this post, it might get difficult to choose only one...
150usd