9 luxury watches under 5000 francs

The Cartier “Tank Must XL” is one of the latest additions to the long history of the “Tank” models. It remains true to the classic rectangular design with Roman numerals and square minute track. What sets the “Tank Must” apart, however, is its movement, or more precisely, its caliber. While many entry-level models in the “Tank” series run on quartz, the “Must” is equipped with an in-house automatic movement. Remarkable for a Cartier that serves as an entry-level model.

The “XL” in the model name stands for 41 mm diameter and 8.31 mm case height. Compared to the ever-popular Cartier “Santos”, the “Tank Must” offers an aesthetically similar but more affordable alternative – a “Santos” costs more than twice as much.

With the “Classic Worldtimer”, Frederique Constant has once again presented a bold design. Its highlight is the world time display – a function that allows you to see the time in different cities around the world at the same time. Especially for people who work internationally – or simply like to know what time it is in Puerto Rico – the watch offers added value that is rarely found in this segment.

Despite its diameter of 42 mm, it looked a bit disgusting at first glance, but it is comfortable to wear. This is thanks to the rounded lugs, the so-called horns. With a thickness of 12.1 mm, the Classic “Worldtimer” is more suitable for wider wrists.

The “Railmaster” is one of the most underrated watches in Omega’s catalog. It is somewhat overshadowed by well-known models such as the “Seamaster” or the “Speedmaster”. It was originally developed in 1957 as a robust watch for professionals exposed to strong magnetic fields – such as engineers or scientists. Today’s version takes up this history and combines it with modern technology.

With a case diameter of 40 mm and water resistance of up to 150 meters, the “Railmaster” combines functionality with classic design. Thanks to its balanced proportions, it can be worn on many wrist sizes and is suitable as an everyday watch.

The “Navitimer Automatic 41” impresses with a successful mix of classic watchmaking and modern design. It refers to its roots in aviation, but is equally suitable as a choice for everyday use.

The “Carrera Chronograph” continues the history of the series of the same name, which was originally inspired by the “Carrera Panamericana”. The version modernizes the classic design with contemporary details such as a ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale – this shows the reciprocal of the hours that have passed since the start of timekeeping. It is designed for precise timekeeping at high speeds. With 100 meters of water resistance and a tidy dial design, the “Carrera Chronograph” combines tradition with functionality. The clear lines of the dial and the robust workmanship make it wearable in everyday life despite its clearly recognizable racing heritage.

The “Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36” offers a compact alternative in the otherwise rather large genre of pilot’s watches. With a case diameter of 36 mm, it is particularly suitable for wearers with narrower wrists. Despite its small size, the watch retains the proportions and design of larger IWC pilot’s watches. The blue dial and the classic pilot elements make it a piece with a high recognition value.

The “SBGA285” from Grand Seiko is just one of many watches from the Japanese brand that could find a place on this list. The “SBGA285” is also considered high watchmaking art at affordable prices thanks to its technical finesse. It uses a Spring Drive caliber, a rather unusual combination of mechanical and electronic components. The watch measures 39 mm in diameter and 12.3 mm in thickness.

Visually, the “SBGA285” remains understated. The dial is clearly structured and equipped with a power reserve indicator, which stands out somewhat from the otherwise minimalist design. Anyone who values ​​precision and unobtrusive luxury will find a solid option here.

The “Aquis Date 41.5” is a notable luxury diving watch at an affordable price. It is water resistant to up to 300 meters. The watch is immediately recognizable as an Oris model and visually offers a rather rare mix of robust tool watch character and the look you would expect from a high-quality dress watch. Another interesting detail is the date window at six o’clock – a subtle deviation from the usual location at three o’clock. A small downside is the integrated bracelet, which rounds off the overall design but makes it difficult to change to other straps.

The “Trainmaster Manufacture 80 Hours” may not have the iconic status of brands like Omega or Breitling, but it still offers an interesting option for anyone looking for a watch outside the big names. The Ball Watch Company, founded in the late 19th century in the USA, originally made a name for itself as a manufacturer of precise train station clocks. Today, the brand stands for functional timepieces with an emphasis on robustness and readability, which is guaranteed thanks to the tritium-filled fluorescent tubes that glow even without an external light source and ensure clear readability even at night.

With a caliber that is developed and produced in-house and a power reserve of 80 hours, the “Trainmaster” offers a technical quality that is not a given in this price range.

The “Master Collection L2.909.4.92.0” is a classic dress watch that stands out with its blue sunray dial and a discreetly integrated moon phase display. A detail that is rare in this price range. With a diameter of 29, 40 and 42 mm, it offers several sizes for different wrists. Inside is the “Caliber L899”, a modified ETA movement with a power reserve of around 64 hours.