Round-UpA Timeless Proposition: Ten Exceptional Watches Under INR 5 Lakh
When it comes to luxury timekeepers, the sky’s the limit. But what if one is bound by budget constraints and still wanting to get the best possible deal. Let’s take a look at some of the finest watches within the ₹5 lakh price bracket
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While picking out a luxury watch is probably not the easiest task, considering a plethora of options available on the market, it need not be the most cumbersome. Most people nowadays do their research well in advance, are highly informed about various brands, their history and notable collections, and mostly importantly—know why they want a particular model. However, when it comes to purchasing a high-end luxury timepiece one cannot overlook the fact that budget constraints are paramount, and serve as one of the most crucial riders for a lot of people. We have drawn up a list of 10 outstanding watches under Rs 5 lakh, where one can be rest assured that the money will be well spent.
Baume & Mercier Riviera
Launched in 1973, the Baume & Mercier Riviera collection has been at the forefront of technical innovation for Baume & Mercier, for its remarkable expertise in design and use of new materials. It was revamped in 2021 where a new decoration was introduced for the dials, and this has become the distinctive mark of these models, each of which is equipped with a Baumatic manufacture movement. The model featured here comes in a 42mm stainless-steel case with the signature dodecagonal bezel with twelve sides and four screws, and is presented on an interchangeable steel strap. The smoky grey sapphire dial looks cool and offers a glimpse of the gear trains of the automatic calibre, which offers a five-day power reserve, a daily precision of -4 s / +6 s, and a magnetic resistance of 1,500 Gauss, which provides solid protection against magnetic fields.
Corum Admiral 42 Automatic
There are few watches that are crafted with such attention to detail and horological finesse that they are instantly recognisable. And the watches in Corum Admiral’s Cup collection are part of that league. Launched in 1960, the collection has been making waves ever since its debut, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. With its distinct maritime markings and unique dodecagonal bezel; the collection has been continuously refreshed over the years. The version featured here is the Admiral 42 Bronze—a sporty timepiece seeped in rich burgundy hues, where the solid bronze framework is water-resistant to 100m. The brand have used bronze to pay homage to the strength of the alloy that was used in vessels navigating the choppy waters. The entire case, including the bezel, has been satin-brushed, and as is the case with bronze, it will obtain a vintage patina with time. Limited to 100 pieces only, the watch is fitted with the CO 395 automatic movement, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, and offers a power reserve of 42 hours.
Doxa SUB 300 Carbon Sharkhunter
Ever since its launch in 1967, the Doxa SUB 300 has become one of the most popular watches from Doxa’s stable. While the original featured an orange dial; over the years, this timepiece has evolved considerably, with various renditions being doled out. One such version is the all-black Doxa SUB 300, crafted in a forged carbon case that’s lightweight when compared with steel, and gives off a contemporary vibe as it alternates shades of charcoal grey and black. Even the texture is unique as it gives off a matte yet raw appearance that seems at once compact and irregular, and this non-homogeneous marbling is achieved with randomly worked fibres. With a diameter of 42.5mm, the SUB 300 Carbon Sharkhunter comes with a pressure-resistant titanium chamber and screw-down crown for maximum protection for the COSC-certified automatic movement, which provides a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. Water-resistant to 300m, the watch is presented on a black rubber strap that matches the colour of the case and the dial.
Junghans Meister fein Automatic
When it comes to haute horlogerie, it’s tough to beat the precision found in timepieces from German watchmakers. And one brand that definitely stands out is Junghans, established in 1861. With such a rich legacy, it comes as no surprise that the Meister fein Automatic watch is featured on our list. It stands out for its meticulousness—whether in terms of design or the movement beating inside. It is part of the Junghans Meister collection, launched in 2006, which has evolved into an important line for the brand, over the years. The watch features a distinct geometry with a convex case and sapphire crystal, and scores high on minimalistic aesthetic with its uncluttered dial that has a date window at three o’clock. It is powered by the brand’s automatic calibre J800.1 which keeps it ticking for at least 38 hours.
Le Régulateur Louis Erard X seconde/seconde/
Independent player Louis Erard have mastered the art of collaborations and the quirky Le Régulateur Louis Erard X seconde/seconde/ vouches for this fact. Here, the brand have ventured into a more experimental zone by collaborating with French firm, seconde/seconde/, which specialises in customisation of vintage watches. While the case design takes cues from classical timekeepers, the execution is what makes a difference; it merges mechanical watchmaking with the digital world by representing the dreaded ‘404 error’ through the minute hand, probably sending out a message that the digital and analogue world, need to coexist. The watch comes in a 42mm polished, stainless-steel case, water-resistant to 50m and is driven by an automatic Sellita movement, with a power reserve of 38 hours. It is presented on a brown nubuck leather strap, which complements the contemporary aesthetic of the timepiece.
Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic
Established in 1975, Maurice Lacroix have over the years, developed a fine reputation for their spirit of innovation and craftsmanship. Their best-known collection—Aikon—is inspired from their Calypso line, first launched in 1990. The watches stand out for their robust design, which feature a barrel-shaped case, an over-built bezel, and an integrated bracelet for an ultra-sporty look. The Aikon Automatic, featured here comes in a sophisticated, 42mm stainless-steel case and bezel with a distinctive design, where the bezel features double ‘claws’ instead of the usual screws found in several watches that come under the same segment. The dial looks rich in an anthracite hue and showcases rhodium-plated hour markers. It is driven by the ML 115 automatic movement, which beats at a frequency of 28,800vph to supply an energy reserve of at least 38 hours.
Nomos Club Automatic Date Siren Blue
One of the most versatile timepieces from the German watchmaker, the Nomos Glashutte Club is an ideal companion for your wrist. The model featured here is the Club Automatic Date Siren Blue, a vibrant timekeeper, measuring 41.5mm that will surely resonate with younger horology enthusiasts. It is equipped with the in-house DUW 5101 automatic movement, replete with the brand’s proprietary escapement—the Nomos Glashutte swing system—introduced in 2014. This tiny mechanism is lighter than a feather but high on precision. With a power reserve of 42 hours, the movement is housed in a round stainless-steel case, which is water-resistant to 200m. The blue dial here looks particularly good when offset by a navy-blue textile strap.
Omega Constellation Quartz 28mm
For those looking for slightly smaller timepieces to grace their wrists, the Constellation 28mm quartz models are a perfect choice. These slender timekeepers are crafted entirely in stainless steel—the case along with the signature mono-rang bracelet—and are available with dials in a choice of four pastel hues: Blush Rose, Patchouli Blossom, Celestial Blue and Green Matcha. These colours also make an appearance on the bezel where the engraved Roman numeral markings match the dial hues. The sun-brushed dials also feature skeletonised hands, indexes and applied elements in 18-karat white gold. Water-resistant to 30m, the watches are powered by Omega’s proprietary quartz movement that offers unwavering precision and promises a battery life of at least 48 months. All models have a Constellation Observatory medallion stamped on the solid steel caseback.
Raymond Weil Freelancer
Known for strongly advocating affordable luxury, Raymond Weil continue to expand the Raymond Weil Freelancer collection that was launched in 2007. Created for watch enthusiasts who prefer an understated classic aesthetic, this 42mm, stainless-steel version with a galvanic-green dial looks absolutely stunning. At the heart of the watch lies the self-winding RW1212 calibre—manufactured in partnership with Sellita. It is designed in a manner so as to showcase its escapement, thanks to a counter, positioned at six o’clock. One can see the balance wheel atop two bridges, the pulsating hairspring and the vibrating pallet lever—just enough to give a sneak peek of the inner workings. This two-hand model is presented on a matching green fabric strap, which elevates the overall refined aesthetic.
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
For those who prefer a sporty-yet-elegant watch that’s perfect for everyday wear, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is probably your best bet. It is created for those who value design along with precision— hallmarks of a reliable Swiss watch and comes in a Tissot case shape design, borrowed from 1978. The timekeeper comes in a 40mm stainless-steel case that’s water-resistant to 100m. But apart from the sophisticated details that include a deep blue dial, what really makes this watch attractive is the fact it’s driven by the self-winding Powermatic 80 movement, which delivers reliability and precision, thanks to the innovative Nivachron hairspring. Packed with this generous power reserve, this watch is designed to keep up with hectic lifestyles and is complemented by a matching steel bracelet.
Shop The Story
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Baume & Mercier Riviera
MOA10702
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Corum Admiral
395.201.53/0F41 DP60
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Doxa SUB 300 Carbon
822.70.101.20
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Junghans Meister
027415200
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Louis Erard Noirmont X
85237AA61.BVA31
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Maurice Lacroix Aikon
AI6008-SS002-331-2
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Nomos Glashutte Club
777
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Omega Constellation
131.10.28.60.03.001
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Omega Constellation
131.10.28.60.60.002
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Omega Constellation
131.10.28.60.11.001
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Raymond Weil Freelancer
2780-STC-52001
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Tissot T-Classic
T137.407.11.041.00
