11 Mechanical Watches for First-Time Buyers and Advanced Collectors

The IWC Big Pilot's Watch is among the most iconic aviation-inspired timepieces money can buy. It has a large 46-millimeter case with a large crown, an easy-to-read dial with excellent lume, and an in-house automatic movement with a whopping 7-day power reserve.

The price is for a stainless steel model. More upmarket materials and variations are also available, including this stunning all-black option with a ceramic case.

You need well below $100 to put an automatic watch from a big-name manufacturer on your wrist. The Seiko 5 has a 37-millimeter case, which is rather small by today's standards, and a basic day/date automatic movement with a display back. 

The dial and the fabric band of the watch are military-inspired. There are several color options you can pick from, ranging from eye-grabbing beige, all the way to stealthy black.

This Tag Heuer Formula 1 variant can simultaneously display the time in a duo of time zones, so it's perfect for frequent travelers. The watch features the Swiss giant's own Calibre 7 in-house movement with date complication, tucked into an elegant 41-millimeter stainless steel case with a matching bracelet.

The Seiko Prospex Diver SRP777 has large 45-millimeter cushion case. The latter is great a nod to the Japanese manufacturer's long history of making high-quality dive watches with an affordable price tag. 

The automatic movement displays day and date and comes with a solid 41-hour power reserve. The black dial has superb lume for easy low-light readability.

Inspired by the analog airplane instruments, the Bell & Ross BR 03-92 automatic watch has eye-grabbing looks and an easy-to-read dial. This particular variant has basic in-house movement with a date indicator, though more complicated options and case finishes are also available.

The Swiss Army AirBoss Mach 9 chronograph watch has been designed to meet the needs of professional pilots. The defining features of the timepiece are the unconventionally placed chronograph controls on the left side of its case. The setup allows you to start the chrono with your thumb.

The watch is equipped with the Valjoux 7750 automatic movement, which is known for its accuracy and reliability. It has a a large 45-millimeter case, and it comes on a stylish leather strap.

If your search for a mechanical watch has no budgetary restrictions, consider the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 by Zenith. Crafted from rose gold, the timepiece has an in-house mechanical movement, whose intricate details you can marvel at via a dial opening.

The watch has a reasonably sized 42-millimeter case, and it comes on a high-quality leather strap with a rose gold buckle. A more subtle variant of the watch with a stainless steel case is also available.

The Oris Divers Sixty-Five automatic watch is defined by its refreshingly compact 40-millimeter case and domed sapphire crystal. Both elements harken back to the days when diving watches were not big and clunky, but subtle and functional. There are multiple styles to choose from.

The Chemin Des Tourelles automatic watch by Tissot has a Powermatic 80 movement, developed in-house by the Swiss manufacturer. Its 80-hour power reserve is unmatched in this price range. 

This particular variant has an elegant 42-millimeter stainless steel case with a silver dial and a matching bracelet, though more options are also available. You can even order a version of the watch with a chronometer-certified movement.