£1000 to £5000

The main factors that determine a watch’s value include:

• The case material: In this price segment, it is unlikely that a watch case will be made of precious metal; however, accessible alternatives include gold PVD treated cases or gold-plated cases. Steel watches will usually be made from 316L stainless steel. Other options include ceramic or Grade 2 titanium.
• The complexity of the watch’s movement: Luxury watches equipped with complications, including complete calendars, alarms and chronographs will often cost more than a simple ‘two-hander’. However, don’t despair, some brands do offer complications within this price segment. 
• Artisanal techniques: Artisanal techniques such as hand-guilloché, hand-engraving, marquetry and Grand Feu enamelling are usually the preserve of Haute Horlogerie; however, there are some ‘disruptive brands’ who have produced such pieces and delivered them for comparatively keen prices eg Louis Erard.

• Longines: Part of the Swatch Group, the brand produces large volumes of watches, granting economies of scale. The Swiss marque delivers an impressive quality-price ratio, sometimes offering models equipped with ultra-precise silicium escapements. Notable Longines products that offer excellent value include the HydroConquest GMT and the Spirit Zulu Time models.
  
• TAG Heuer: Most brands seek to create an iconic model. Unusually, TAG Heuer, a specialist producer of chronographs since 1877, has two iconic models within its product portfolio: the Carrera and the Monaco. The company is known for crafting highly precise watches with remarkably legible dials. The quality of the ‘habillage’ (dials, cases and bracelets), coupled with some impressive in-house movements, make this brand worthy of consideration. 
• Omega: Iconic collections with a rich history include the Omega Speedmaster and the Omega Seamaster, with pre-owned examples available for less than £5,000. However, buyers must remember that provenance is key and exercise caution when purchasing a pre-owned watch.
  
• Maurice Lacroix: Based in the Swiss Jura, Maurice Lacroix offers an extensive collection of models, including its best-selling sports watch, the AIKON. Some of the brand’s models are fitted with Swiss calibres, while its models feature in-house or Manufacture movements.
• NOMOS: Crafted in Glashütte, Germany, NOMOS produces watches imbued with elegant styling that is heavily influenced by Bauhaus, Deutsche Werkbund and the Ulm School. Each model is equipped with an in-house movement and the brand’s own proprietary ‘Swing-System’ (escapement and regulating organ).