Top 45 Watches Under $6,000
211: Arbitrage Andy Watch Guide Part 2
As summer picks up and the social scene becomes busier with the warmer weather I wanted to put out a second watch guide for all the kings and lords that subscribe to Arb Letter.
If you’re new here — I am an online entrepreneur that got my start with the infamous meme page Arbitrage Andy that I started in 2017. In 2 years we grew to 250,000 followers who engaged for the finance lifestyle content, memes, and posts.
Since I moved out of trading to focus on remote work and my online business segments I’ve started to compile a lot of the DMs, contacts, content, and reviews I have accumulated over the last 5 years in the financial/markets lifestyle space. I receive dozens and dozens of watch submissions every day.
I see literally all types of watches endlessly.
I love em. I love how timeless they are. How they work as style pieces, collectibles, and statements of the history of each brand.
I am a huge watch appreciatoooooor.
And while I love some high end luxury watches — those of you that also love watches for watches and have a concerning obsession with horology know that the cost doesn’t always reflect the value of the piece or how much you like it. I’ve noticed that there are camps of elitists within watch circles who only focus on price — “ThAt’S JuSt a StEel RoLeX, WhEre ArE tHe PrECioUs MeTALs”. I buy the hatches I want because I like them. That’s it.
I’ve gotten endless compliments on my Steel Datejust II because it’s just a damn handsome watch. It’s not a platinum Day Date or a Patek Nautilus but it’s sleek, timeless, and sharp. Ignore the watch elitists who shallowly focus solely on price or name.
When you buy a watch — whether it’s $20,000 or $150 — you should buy it because you like it. Not because you’re concerned with what others think. There’s always going to be that one guy who absolutely loves Rolex or Breitling and scoffs at all other styles and brands. Some of the richest and wealthiest dudes on earth wear $200 Timex watches or Casios.
With bonuses down and the economic environment getting a little tougher I thought it would make sense to make you all aware of the great watches you can nab for under $5,000. Ironically there are several that I would put higher on my wish list than more expensive brands.
If you missed the watch review I sent out last year you can find it HERE.
That guide covers luxury watches with brands like Rolex, AP, Patek Phillipe, JLC, and Cartier if you have more expensive taste. This guide contains watch models from the following brands:
Tudor
Omega
IWC
Seiko
Longines
Oris
Tissot
Mont Blanc
Baume & Mercier
Tag Heuer
Frederique Constant
Breitling
I provide the list above for those who are looking for a starting point for watches under $6,000 — the full analysis and model picks is for our paid subs given the amount of time it took to compile and synthesize. If you already own a grail watch (over $10,000) and want to explore a second or third this guide will give you a good overview of some of the other options on the market you might like.
In modern society many of the old traditions and styles have fallen to the wayside in exchange for Crocs, Apple Watches, sweatpants, and sloppy outfits. To me watches signal that your someone who cares about their appearance.
The watch is a complement and representation of your personality and taste. That’s why they are so much more common in business and finance circles, because they celebrate milestones, pair well with suits and business attire, and act as trophies for those willing to work hard enough to afford them. It’s a rite of passage of sorts. But, you don’t always have to break the bank to get something nice and functional for everyday wear or special occasions.
Today we’ll outline the brands above and recommend 45+ models for each that we think represent the very first options for those looking to level up their style and rizz.
“A great watch is something you can always be proud of. Whether it’s a small investment or a bigger one, it will still make a statement about who you are.”
― Millie Austin