Watches You Buy As You Get Richer

As you get richer, things change. Including how you spend your time, but also how you look at the time. Ever wonder what your watch says about your bank account?

From the first Casio you buy with your allowance to the Rolex you flaunt after your big promotion, your timepiece is a tell-all. 

This is a list of watches you buy, as you get richer.

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1

Casio

Casio is a Japanese brand known for producing functional and affordable watches.

 They range from simple analog timepieces to digital watches loaded with features like alarms, calculators, and even world maps. 

Casio’s G-Shock line is particularly famous for its durability and ruggedness. It is designed to withstand extreme conditions.

The cost of a Casio watch can vary significantly depending on the model and features. However, they are generally very affordable. 

Basic models can start as low as $20-$30. While more feature-rich versions like the G-Shock can range from $50 to upwards of $1,000 for special editions.

Casio watches aim at a broad audience, from students and young professionals. Additionally, adventurers and military personnel also love their products. 

They’re a popular choice for people looking for a reliable, no-frills watch that gets the job done without breaking the bank. 

Celebrities like Eminem and outdoor enthusiasts like Bear Grylls sport Casio watches specifically the G-Shock line.

Casio watches are accessible to almost anyone, regardless of their financial situation. 

Furthermore, even someone working a minimum wage job can save up for a basic Casio watch within a short period of time. 

This accessibility is one of the brand’s major selling points. 

It’s a beginner’s entry into the world of wristwatches, offering reliability and some stylish options without requiring a substantial investment.

2

Apple Watch

This is the first watch you buy when you make a bit more money and want to look cool. 

They are not great, but they are not terrible either. That’s why they’re in second on our list of watches you buy as you get richer.

A good mix of getting the job done while looking like you are at least middle class. Apple Watches vary in price depending on the series and model.

Prices range from around $279 for the basic Apple Watch SE to $1,400 or more for the high-end Edition models.

Some customized or limited-edition models may cost even more.

The Apple Watch is popular among tech-savvy individuals, professionals, and fitness enthusiasts. Given its integration with iPhones, it is especially popular among existing Apple product users. 

Celebrities like Tim Cook, Oprah Winfrey, and Serena Williams wear Apple Watches. By comparison, this highlights their appeal to a diverse audience, including the high-profile and wealthy.

To own an Apple Watch, you would typically need to have a moderate level of disposable income. Especially considering that the watch is most functional when paired with an iPhone. 

For those in middle-income brackets, an Apple Watch might be considered a manageable luxury.  or a useful tool that justifies its price. 

For higher-income individuals, the watch can serve as both a functional device and a status symbol.

3

Tissot

This is the first “luxury” watch you buy when you step up from a device telling the time to a timepiece. 

Tissot is a Swiss watchmaker that was founded in 1853 and is known for producing a wide range of high-quality watches. 

The brand combines Swiss craftsmanship with a variety of styles, from classic and vintage to contemporary and sporty. 

Tissot is part of the Swatch Group. Moreover, its watches often feature Swiss-made movements, sapphire crystal, and a level of detail that elevates them above entry-level brands.

Tissot watches generally occupy a mid-range price point in the world of luxury watches. They’re one of the watches you buy as you get richer.

Prices can start at around $200 for basic models, going up to $1,000 or more for their high-end, specialized, or automatic watches. 

Limited editions or models with precious metals and gemstones can cost significantly more.

Tissot watches aim at individuals who appreciate Swiss quality and craftsmanship. However, they’re not looking to spend the kind of money associated with high-end luxury brands. 

They are popular among working professionals and watch enthusiasts who are just starting their collection. Even athletes wear them (Tissot has a history of sports sponsorships). 

Celebrities like Tony Parker and Danica Patrick endorse Tissot, giving the brand a sporty, adventurous image.

Owning a Tissot watch typically indicates a moderate level of wealth or at least a willingness to invest in a quality timepiece. 

While not prohibitively expensive, Tissot watches are often purchased by those who have a stable income. That’s why it’s one of the watches you buy as you get richer.

It’s a common choice for people who are climbing the corporate ladder or who have achieved some level of career stability.

4

Tudor

Tudor is the watch you go for when you’re ready to step into the realm of luxury without shouting about it. 

Founded as a sister brand to Rolex in 1926, Tudor is a Swiss-made watch brand that offers a more subdued, yet equally robust alternative to its more flamboyant sibling. 

With a focus on craftsmanship, quality, and heritage, Tudor watches often borrow elements from Rolex designs, including Oyster cases and other technical features, but come at a more accessible price point.

In terms of cost, Tudor watches usually range from around $2,000 to $5,000, although some limited editions or models featuring precious metals can go much higher.

 When you’re wearing a Tudor, you’re signaling that you appreciate quality and history, but you’re not trying to be ostentatious about it. 

You might find these watches on the wrists of discerning professionals, style-conscious creatives, or emerging entrepreneurs who want a high-quality timepiece without diving deep into the high-luxury category.

Some well-known faces like David Beckham and Lady Gaga have been spotted with Tudor watches, adding to its prestige while keeping it grounded.

Financially, you’d probably need to have a stable career and a decent amount of disposable income to comfortably afford a Tudor. 

It’s a watch that fits well with those who have achieved some measure of success and are looking for a timepiece that reflects both their achievements and their taste.

5

Seiko

Seiko is the watch you wear when you’re a detail-oriented person who appreciates value and quality in harmony. 

Originating in Japan, Seiko has a reputation for precision, innovation, and reliability. 

The brand is famous for producing everything from affordable quartz watches to high-end mechanical timepieces. These include the prestigious Grand Seiko line, which rivals many Swiss-made watches in terms of craftsmanship and accuracy.

Seiko watches can start as low as $50 for basic quartz models, but they also offer a wide range of mid-tier options in the $200-$800 range. 

Grand Seiko models can range from around $4,000 to well over $10,000, showcasing the brand’s versatility and wide appeal. 

When you sport a Seiko, you’re often signaling a nuanced appreciation for watchmaking.  without necessarily adhering to the ‘Swiss is best’ mentality. 

This brand is popular among engineers, hobbyists, and even watch collectors. In brief, these are people who respect Seiko’s technological contributions to the world of horology. 

Prominent figures in various fields, like Novak Djokovic and adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, endorse Seiko watches. That’s adding a layer of prestige to this highly respected brand.

You’re looking at an investment that would typically require a stable career and a good amount of disposable income, similar to Tudor. That puts them number five on our list of watches you buy as you get richer.

6

Hublot

You’re with the big boys now.

Hublot is the audacious choice for those who have not only climbed the ladder of success but are also keen to let the world know about it. 

It was founded in 1980 by Italian Carlo Crocco. The Swiss luxury watchmaker made waves in the industry by being the first to combine a natural rubber strap with a gold case, a daring fusion of the unconventional with the opulent.

The brand encapsulates the essence of the “Art of Fusion,” which is its core philosophy. It mixes traditional horology with modern innovation.

From its flagship Big Bang collection to the elegant Classic Fusion line, Hublot watches are nothing short of eye-catching. 

The brand is renowned for employing a range of novel materials. They range from ceramic to carbon fiber and even “magic gold,” a scratch-resistant gold alloy developed by Hublot. 

The watches are known for their intricate complications, like tourbillons and minute repeaters, and are often available in limited editions that make them even more coveted.

Price-wise, Hublot’s offerings are decidedly in the luxury segment. The most “affordable” models start around $4,000 to $5,000, but it’s not uncommon to find watches priced at $50,000 or more. 

Some of the ultra-luxe, limited-edition timepieces can easily cross the half-million-dollar mark. 

When you wear a Hublot, you’re not just wearing a timepiece; you’re making a statement.

It says you have arrived, and you don’t mind who knows it.

The brand has also made significant forays into sports sponsorships, partnering with FIFA World Cup, Formula 1, and various basketball and football teams, among others. 

Financially, Hublot caters to a demographic with substantial disposable income and a penchant for conspicuous consumption. 

To comfortably purchase a Hublot, you’re likely well-established in your career, own a thriving business, or have substantial investments. 

It’s a brand for those who not only have deep pockets but also have the confidence to showcase their success in a distinctly flashy manner.

7

Rolex

Rolex is the watch you wear when you’ve not only achieved success but also want a universally recognizable symbol to prove it. 

Founded in London in 1905 and later relocated to Switzerland, Rolex is arguably the most famous watch brand in the world. 

They define timeless designs, robust quality, and unimpeachable craftsmanship. Rolex has become synonymous with prestige, luxury, and a certain kind of “old money” elegance.

The brand offers a wide variety of models that have become icons in their own right, from:

• The Oyster Perpetual, which boasts a pioneering waterproof case, to the Submariner, a favorite among divers and watch enthusiasts alike. 
• The Daytona, a racing-inspired chronograph, often has waitlists that stretch for years, and vintage models can fetch astronomical prices at auctions. 
• Rolex’s GMT-Master II allows for tracking multiple time zones and has become a staple for international travelers and businessmen.

Pricing for a new Rolex generally starts at around $5,000 for basic models like the Oyster Perpetual, with prices soaring to $20,000 or more for the more coveted models like the Daytona or the Day-Date President.

The brand’s rare or vintage pieces go for hundreds of thousands, even millions, at auction.

Wearing a Rolex is equal to a public declaration of success. 

From Wall Street traders to Hollywood celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and global icons like Roger Federer, Rolex has graced the wrists of those who’ve reached the pinnacle of their respective professions. 

The watch has also found favor among U.S. Presidents, earning the Rolex Day-Date the nickname “The President’s Watch.”

Financially speaking, Rolex is a brand that implies a high level of economic comfort. Everyone wants one so it’s only logical they’re on the list of watches you buy as you get richer.

Owners are often well into their careers, have significant investments, or may even be semi-retired with a well-padded financial portfolio. 

The brand targets those who are affluent but also appreciate the heritage, craftsmanship, and timeless value Rolex offers.

However, unlike most brands, a Rolex speaks to a quiet, assured kind of wealth. One that doesn’t need to loudly declare anything.

8

Audemars Piguet

Audemars Piguet is the watch you select when you’ve ascended beyond conventional success and are now in a league where rarity and craftsmanship are the truest markers of wealth.

Founded in 1875 in the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland, Audemars Piguet is one of the most prestigious watchmakers in the world. 

The brand is part of the “Holy Trinity” of Swiss watches, alongside Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. 

In fact, their exemplary craftsmanship makes them the epitome of watch-making

Perhaps the most iconic offering from Audemars Piguet is the Royal Oak, designed by Gerald Genta in 1972. 

With its octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, the Royal Oak challenged traditional watch aesthetics and was initially met with skepticism. 

However, it quickly became a symbol of modern luxury. 

Other notable collections include the more classic Jules Audemars and the high-complication Royal Oak Offshore models.

These push the boundaries of watchmaking with features like tourbillons, minute repeaters, and split chronographs.

Price tags for Audemars Piguet watches start high and go stratospheric. 

Entry-level models can start around $20,000, with the cost rising exponentially for their more intricate and limited-edition timepieces, which can exceed $1 million. 

Owning an Audemars Piguet is a conspicuous indicator of elite status. 

In terms of financial standing, only the upper levels of wealth comfortably afford an Audemars Piguet. 

We’re talking seven or even eight-figure net worth, substantial financial assets, and a luxurious lifestyle that extends beyond just wristwear. 

This isn’t a watch for the up-and-comer; it’s for the individual who has already arrived.

9

Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe is the watch you choose when you’ve reached a point in your life where you’re not just collecting timepieces but also investing in heirlooms. 

Founded in 1839, this Swiss brand is the epitome of luxury watchmaking and is often considered the pinnacle of the “Holy Trinity,” alongside Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin. 

Known for its impeccable craftsmanship, unrivaled precision, and intricate complications, a Patek Philippe is more than just a status symbol; it’s a piece of art and history combined.

One of Patek Philippe’s most famous lines is the Calatrava, which has become an iconic representation of what a simple, elegant dress watch should be.

On the other end of the spectrum, the brand produces some of the most complicated mechanical watches ever made, like the Sky Moon Tourbillon, which boasts 12 complications, including a tourbillon, perpetual calendar, and minute repeater. 

The brand’s Grand Complications collection includes watches that can have up to 20 different functions and require years of craftsmanship to complete.

When it comes to price, Patek Philippe is in a realm of its own. Of course, that’s one of the reasons it’s number two on our list of watches you buy as you get richer.

The starting range for simpler models like the Calatrava can be around $20,000, but prices for their more complex and rare pieces can reach into the millions. 

These watches are often seen on the wrists of CEOs, successful artists, and even royalty. 

High-profile collectors include Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, and numerous titans of industry.

In fact, owning a Patek Philippe is usually the domain of the extremely rich.

We’re talking multi-millionaires and billionaires who view these watches not just as luxurious accessories but also as valuable assets that can be appreciated over time. 

Many Patek owners don’t speak of purchasing a watch but rather of “taking custody.” That’s because these timepieces are often passed down through generations.

It’s an object of legacy and timeless value for those who have both the resources and the refined taste to appreciate it.

10

Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin is the watch you acquire when you’re a connoisseur of the finer things in life, someone for whom the name alone evokes a rich history of horological excellence. 

Established in 1755 in Geneva, Switzerland, Vacheron Constantin is the oldest continuously operating watch manufacturer in the world. 

As one of the members of the “Holy Trinity” of Swiss watches, alongside Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin is a paragon of technical mastery and artistic elegance.

Collections like the Patrimony and the Traditionnelle are classical designs.

For the adventurous, there’s the Overseas collection, which offers a sportier look without compromising on luxury.

Needless to say, they’re the top-level watches you buy as you get richer.

For those who appreciate watchmaking, Vacheron Constantin offers complex watches. Some of these are entirely unique and made to order, featuring astronomical complications, perpetual calendars, and multiple time zones.

Pricing for Vacheron Constantin watches is just as you’d expect for a brand of this stature. The simpler, time-only models can start at around $15,000 to $20,000. 

However, their high-complication timepieces come in the range of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some pieces command even higher sums. 

In fact, you can often see the brand on the wrists of global leaders and icons like Marlon Brando and King Farouk of Egypt. 

Owning a Vacheron Constantin implies considerable wealth. However, it’s also about an appreciation for history, craftsmanship, and technology. 

These are watches for the ultra-wealthy, the sort of people who have private art collections, multiple real estate holdings, and access to exclusive social circles. 

Wearing a Vacheron Constantin shows an appreciation for the exceptional, timeless, and unquestionably beautiful. It symbolizes not only reaching the top but also valuing the rarefied atmosphere there.

Our choice of watches in life goes beyond showing time; they represent our personal and financial achievements.

Be it a Casio or a Vacheron Constantin, each brand tells our journey from where we are to where we aspire to be.

And what better way to end this list than with a deep dive into what all levels of wealth actually look like? You can check out the article here.

These are the watches you’re going to buy as you get rich. We hope you’ve enjoyed this insightful look into your future collection. See you next time!