Old money watches: these vintage timepieces represent a luxurious accessory for sophisticated gentlemen, serving as the male counterpart to the costly jewelry often favored by women. Nevertheless, women can also wear unique old money watches which will also be included in this list.
This article will show you what a watch needs to have to be seen as old money. Furthermore, we will explore some prominent examples and their cheap alternatives so everyone can look classic and elegant.
Features of an old money watch
A couple of features, a watch needs to fulfill in order to be recognized as an old money watch, are:
- Renowned brand name/heritage
- Minimalist designs
- Neutral colors
- High-quality materials
- Mechanical movements/no digital features
- Swiss or European origin
- Exclusivity
- Timeless and elegant designs
These criteria will be an important factor old money follows to complement their style with old money watches. For your affordable alternatives, most of these rules still apply, except for the exclusivity or renowned brand names of course.
Now, let’s explore a list of 8 old money watches and their budget-friendly counterparts, evoking luxury and timeless style.
To check out other accessories, visit this article about old money accessories for men and women.
Cartier Tank
Maybe the most famous watch out of any on this list is the Cartier Tank. This renowned piece of craftsmanship, introduced in 1917, has been inspired by the design of military tanks. It comes with a metal or leather wristband and its crown is made out of 18K gold or platinum and a variety of dials to choose from.
This extraordinary timepiece offers a minimalist design, worn by old money icons like Princess Diana or John F. Kennedy. At a whopping price ranging from $10,000 to more than $100,000, you will need some substantial wealth to afford one of these.
One great affordable option, still from a rather famous brand with a high-quality standard is the Seiko Recraft Series. This watch will cost you about $250-300 and will not imitate the famous Cartier Tank, but will give off a similar aesthetic.
Breguet Classique
The history of this unique Frenctimepiece dates back to the 18th century when Abraham-Louis Breguet founded the brand. While most watches of today may not originate from that era, the essence of bygone decades still resonates in this timepiece. This timeless old money accessory comes with an 18K to 24K gold crown and a leather bracelet. One trademark of the newer Breguet Classique is its silicon mechanic, marking a breakthrough in horological technology.
At a price of $20,000 up to multiple 6 figures, this elegant and graceful piece of old money accessories will not come cheap at all.
Therefore, the Tissot Tradition Collection offers multiple high-quality timepieces starting at $325 to resemble a similar style as its much more expensive brother.
Rolex Perpetual 1908
As an Hommage to the origins of Rolex in 1908 Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex created the Perpetual 1908 as a modern interpretation of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual from 1931. Fitted with brown or black Alligator leather and an 18K yellow or white gold crown, this watch is truly unique and rare.
Coming with a black or white dial and scratch-resistant sapphire glass, this watch embodies the elegance and sophistication of a classic Rolex watch. This unique timepiece is listed at $22,000-$23,000 If you can get your hands on one, I would very much recommend buying it as an investment. At 160 € the Jacques Lemans Chronograph offers a great affordable alternative to this old money watch.
A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1
This unique timepiece was first introduced in 1994 as one of the most iconic and distinctive pieces of the German watchmaker Lange & Söhne. Typically, this old money watch comes with an 18K gold crown and generally high-quality materials alongside the brand’s signature engraved.
Against the typical ideals of old money accessories, this watch comes with a rather huge dial and other displays like the current moon phase.
This limited edition timepiece will set you back $30,000 up to multiple $100,000 dollars. Therefore, you can expect at least a stagnation in value if not an ascension. Another German brand offers a way more affordable option here. The Orient Bambino 3 represents old money just the same as its German „competitor“. At about $200 it is a little more affordable though.
Patek Philippe Calatrava
This unique watch, made mostly for men, stands out as one of the few with a metal wristband on this list. The Patek Philipe Calatrava, first introduced in 1932, is also available with a leather strap but the full-on metal versionrepresents quite luxury the best.
Combining understated elegance with unique craftsmanship, this watch will come with an 18K yellow, white, or rose gold crown. Highly sought after by collectors, this limited timepiece sells between $50,000 and multiple $100,000s.
An affordable alternative is the Seiko SARB035 which costs about $500 in retail due to it being discontinued by Seiko.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was first launched in 1974 as a sports watch by the legendary designer Gerald Genta. This timepiece comes with a stainless steel wristband and crown, even though there are some featuring gold or titanium.
With its octagonal bezel and “tapisserie” pattern on the dial, this watch is part of the core collection of the Swiss watchmaking company. Even though Audemars Piguet doesn’t feature any exact price for this unique and rare watch, it is said to sell for $40,000 up to $100,000. An affordable alternative almost no one knows is the Detomaso Voltre Chronograph costing about £160.
Chopard Happy Diamonds
Coming from the Swiss luxury watch and jewelry brand, the Chopard Happy Diamonds, first introduced in 1976, embraces an innovative design featuring free-moving diamonds for playful luxury. Besides gold (rose, yellow, white) and steel, this watch also contains diamonds and gemstones giving it its unique name. The trademark of this watch comes with the inclusion of small, free-floating diamonds or other gemstones between two layers of sapphire crystal in the watch’s dial.
Starting at about $9,520, this elegant women’s timepiece is one of the more affordable old money watches on this list. At about $430 the Christalline Wonder watch from Swarowski and in general their whole watch collection represent a more affordable alternative.
Omega De Ville Ladymatic
First introduced in the 1950s, this elegant women’s watch represented timelessness and sophistication early on. Reimagined in 2010, it still is a unique and timeless staple for any elegant women’s wardrobe. Coming with various metals like gold, silver, or steel, this old money timepiece offers a unique design with diamond markers and a distinctive “wave” pattern on the dial.
Ranging from $4,950 up to almost $50,000 at the listing price, you can shop for several versions of this elegant watch. Starting at $150, watches from the Fossil Jaqueline collection offer a high-quality affordable alternative.
Final thoughts on old money watches
As evident from this compilation, watches associated with old-money elegance are available in a diverse array of styles and options, ensuring there’s something to suit your personal taste.
Even though they might be a little expensive, those affordable alternatives promise to be great, elegant pieces that not only are from renowned brands themselves but also do not just imitate the costly ones represented in this list.
FAQ
Can old money watches be an investment?
Old money watches can serve as investments, often appreciating in value over time due to their quality, heritage, limited editions, and collectible nature.
Which old money watch is the best?
In my opinion, the Rolex Perpetual 1908 is the best for men, whereas the Chopard Happy Diamonds represent quite luxury the best for women.
What are the best old money watch brands?
Personally speaking, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Omega are the best old money brands.
What are the best old money watches for women
The Omega De Ville Ladymatic and Chopard Happy Diamonds are the best old money watches for women.
What are the best old money watches for men?
The Rolex Perpetual, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, and the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 are the 3 best old money watches for elegant men.