The luxury watch category is one that spans an extremely broad price range, with the entry level of the realm usually beginning around $1,000 and its higher end sometimes extending upwards of the millions of dollars. With such an expansive range, there is pretty much a watch for everyone at every price point. For those watches falling around a $5,000 retail price, there is a huge opportunity to explore functionality, supporting horological craftsmanship as well as dipping into the realm of refined design possibilities. Today, we’re taking a look at some of the watches that are considered on the lower to mid-range of the luxury spectrum, with each model falling between $4,000-$5,000.
Tudor Black Bay Pro – Retail Price $4,150
Tudor’s Black Bay Pro celebrates its first birthday this year after its initial launch at the 2022 meeting of Watches and Wonders in Geneva. As the latest new design introduced to the brand’s catalog, the moderately-sized GMT quickly became one of the most sought-after models from Tudor. The 39mm steel case features a fixed bezel with 24-hour indices engraved on it and a screw-down crown with the Tudor rose in relief. Standing out against the sleek black dial is a yellow “Snowflake” hand that indicates home time via the bezel. The local time is indicated by the shorter, white “Snowflake” hand, which can be conveniently moved either backwards or forwards to adjust the time. Otherwise the dial sports cream-colored geometric indices with a luminous coating and an easily legible date window at 3 o’clock.
Powering the watch is the caliber MT5652, a C.O.S.C. chronometer certified mechanism developed specifically for the Black Bay Pro. The bi-directional rotor system makes the movement especially favorable, as the GMT feature encourages frequent time zone changes. As expected from a Tudor genuine caliber, the Black Bay Pro has a weekend-proof power reserve of 70 hours. Securing the watch on the wrist is a riveted steel bracelet with a polished and satin finish, and a Tudor “T-fit” clasp with rapid adjustment system, making it easy to use on the go.
Tudor’s Black Bay Pro retails with a price tag of $4,150.
To learn more, visit Tudor here.
TAG Heuer Carrera – Retail Price $4,750
TAG Heuer has an indisputable tough identity, often taking inspiration from the likes of motorsport legends and other extreme sports ventures. The brand’s Carrera collection is especially automotive-centric, taking practical design notes from car racing and combining them with the underpinnings of luxury aesthetics and craftsmanship. The ref. CBN2A1AA.FT6228 sports the distinctive 44mm steel case with chronograph pushers and an easy-grip crown. Referencing its racing roots, the sleek black ceramic bezel is complete with a tachymeter scale. For the dial, TAG Heuer forgoes traditional hour markers, instead opting for minute indicators in five minute increments. There are three sub-dials, one each at 12, 6, and 9 o’clock, with symmetry created by a bold date window at 3 o’clock. Throughout the case and dial are vivid red accents, creating a dramatic contrast against the otherwise black and silver-tone design.
To achieve this fusion of aesthetics and functionality, the watch relies on the caliber 16 automatic chronograph movement. It has a moderate power reserve of 42 hours and is capable of displaying hours and minutes, with the chronograph displaying a 1/4 second indicator, a 30 minutes counter, a 12 hours counter, and the date.
The TAG Heuer Carrera ref. CBN2A1AA.FT6228 retails via the brand’s website for $4,750.
To learn more, visit TAG Heuer here.
Cartier Tank Must – Retail Price $4,200
The Cartier Tank Must has become somewhat of an iconic timepiece for the brand since its initial release in 1917. Its design is simple, yet unusual, elegant, yet minimalistic. On the exterior, its rectangular case measures 41mm by 31mm, the present example taking shape in steel. Characteristic of Cartier, the crown is beaded and set with a synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel. The watch sits 8.4mm high on the wrist, and the case offers a water resistance to 30 meters, though this is perhaps not the watch meant for water sports. Instead, the sophisticated design comes to life on the silvered dial, complete with Roman numeral indices, a geometric minute track, and two blued-steel sword-shaped hands.
The watch depends on a quartz movement, ensuring precise timekeeping without frills. The standard strap option for the Tank Must is a black grained calfskin strap with a steel ardillon buckle closure. Though the black strap is a classic look, Cartier utilizes an interchangeable design that allows the wearer to use the strap or bracelet of their choice.
The present Cartier Tank Must is the extra-large edition, which retails for $4,200. Alternatively, the watch is available in a small size with downsized dimensions of 29.5mm x 22mm x 6.6mm with a price tag of $2,790, or in a large size measuring 33.7mm x 25.5mm x 6.6mm retailing for $2,930.
To learn more, visit Cartier here.
