When people think about luxury watches, they often assume you need to spend thousands to get something that feels premium. But honestly, some of the best value watches on the market sit comfortably under the £700 mark.
This is where watch brands are really stepping up. You can now get automatic movements, sapphire crystal glass, impressive finishing, and iconic designs without completely emptying your bank account. Whether you’re buying your first “proper” watch or adding something versatile to your collection, there are some incredible options available right now.
Here are some of the best watches under £700 that genuinely feel far more expensive than they are.
Tissot PRX
The Tissot PRX has become one of the most talked-about watches in recent years — and once you see one in person, it’s easy to understand why.
Inspired by 1970s sports watches, the PRX combines a slim case, integrated bracelet, and clean dial design. Which gives it a seriously premium feel on the wrist. It has that luxury sports watch aesthetic people love, but at a fraction of the price.
What makes the PRX so popular is how versatile it is. You can wear it casually, dressed up, to work, or every day, and it never feels out of place. For many people, this is the perfect entry into Swiss watches.
Seiko 5 Sports GMT
If you want a watch that feels sporty, reliable, and genuinely fun to wear, the Seiko 5 Sports GMT is hard to beat.
Seiko has built a huge following over the years for producing watches that massively outperform their price point, and the 5 Sports range is probably the best example of that.
The GMT function adds another level of practicality, especially for travel. There are many colourful dial options and it has that classic dive watch style, that make these watches feel youthful and exciting.
They’re also incredibly easy to wear daily — comfortable, durable, and full of personality.
Citizen Automatic Watches
Citizen has quietly become one of the best brands for value in the entire watch industry
While they’re well known for Eco-Drive technology, their automatic watches deserve just as much attention. A lot of Citizen models offer clean, minimal styling that looks incredibly premium without trying too hard.
If you want a watch that feels modern, wearable, and expensive-looking without shouting for attention, Citizen is a fantastic option.
They’re also known for reliability, making them ideal everyday watches.
Tissot Seastar 1000
For anyone looking for a proper dive watch under £700, the Tissot Seastar 1000 deserves a serious look.
It offers 300 metres of water resistance, solid build quality, and a sporty design that feels much more expensive than the price suggests.
Dive watches have become one of the most popular watch styles overall because they’re just so wearable. Even if you never go near the ocean, a good diver works with almost everything, and the Seastar balances sporty looks with Swiss refinement really well.
It’s one of those watches that instantly feels substantial when you put it on.
Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80
If your style leans more classic or dressy, the Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 is one of the strongest options available at this price point.
Named after the Swiss town where Tissot was founded, the Le Locle feels timeless. Roman numerals, elegant detailing, and the Powermatic 80 movement gives the watch a much more luxurious feel.
One of the standout features is the impressive 80-hour power reserve, meaning you can leave the watch off for a couple of days and it’ll still be running when you come back to it.
It’s the type of watch that works perfectly for weddings, formal occasions, or simply anyone who prefers a more refined style.
Final Thoughts…
The biggest surprise about watches under £700 today is just how good they’ve become.
You’re no longer sacrificing quality to stay within budget. Brands are offering strong movements, premium materials, and genuinely beautiful designs at prices that feel far more accessible.
Whether you prefer sporty, dressy, or modern styles, there’s never been a better time to buy a watch in this price range.
And honestly, some of these watches don’t just compete with other affordable models — they compete with watches costing far more.
