Baselworld Watches Under $5,000

Spellbound · 2014-03-30T21:32:46Z

Discover compelling watches under $5,000 from Baselworld, including Tudor Heritage Ranger, Bulova Accutron II, Longines Conquest Heritage, and Bell & Ross WWI Guynemer.

I must say I am quite excited to see some very compelling watches being released at BASELWORLD this year, and at attractive price points.

In the sub-$5,000 category, firstly the new Heritage Ranger from Tudor that is creating quite a buzz here.

Secondly, quite a cool, and extremely affordable entry from Bulova in the Accutron II Alpha watch inspired by the iconic Spaceview from the 1960's and 70's. This new one has a Precisionist-based quartz movement, not the unreliable tuning fork technology of the original, but the original Spaceview design traits are evident, and all at a price less than $1,000.

Thirdly, a 35mm Longines Conquest Heritage harking back to the much loved Longines of old. Kudos to Longines here for the 35mm size.

And finally, a watch from a brand I would not ordinarily look at, Bell & Ross.

Like the Tudor Heritage Ranger and the Longines Conquest Heritage, the new Bell & Ross WWI Guynemer uses an ETA based movement and is priced accordingly.

Now I have always wondered why the French cannot for the life of them design a good looking and highly desirable automobile (yes, there were one or two in the last Century), but one thing is certain, their designing talent in other walks of life is clearly evident. What we have here is a tribute to legendary pilot Georges Guynemer. Now the design is really nothing new and clearly found its cues in the pilot watches of old. But I find the whole package of this new Bell & Ross strangely appealing, including a red stork that adorns the dial (a tribute to his squadron). The case is done tastefully in gun metal grey, with a white dial, and calfskin strap. It also has an anti reflective domed sapphire crystal and beige Superluminova numerals.

Now usually I would not usually go for a watch with a big red bird on the dial, but somehow this one clicks. No word on pricing yet, but I am assuming less than $5,000.

What do you think?

Dean

The Discussion

secretlife

Mar 30, 2014

I'm not sure B&R will be thrilled to be known for "Watches that don't break the bank"! (",)

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Mar 31, 2014

That don't break the bank. It's the right way to go. We can always have some dream pieces but also need to share this passion with more people who also look at value. Great post Dean, thanks for sharing. That Bell and Ross is very interesting indeed Cheers Robin

Spellbound

Mar 31, 2014

Here is another picture. At 45mm, and quite thin, I think the size is right for this aviation inspired tool watch. I suspect it will be quite popular amongst the hair stylists and men in advertising. But I can't quite describe ... I do like it.

patrick_y

Mar 31, 2014

And I'm glad to see that there are some reasonably priced offerings that are compelling! But my favorite still remains with the Tudor Heritage Black Bay with the original RED bezel. That was a good watch! And it still doesn't break the bank.

Spellbound

Mar 31, 2014

Funny you mention this one as I was browsing the Tissot website earlier and saw there was a gold version of this. Yes, I like gold, perhaps better matching my Eurasian skin tone. Certainly very tempting. You have two don't you? Dean

Spellbound

Mar 31, 2014

But prefer this version. But anyway, these are just above the $5,000 threshold for my post. Thanks, Dean

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