The Best Watches To Buy Under $6,000

The ‘Heure H’ is an ideal choice for those who want a chic case paired with the carefree whimsy of multiple strap options, including one in the maison’s signature orange hue. Infusing its leather-artisanry expertise into every piece, Hermès Timepieces’ ‘Heure H’ boasts the brand’s design codes in spades, embodied by its ‘H’-shaped case. For those who have invested in the trend for yellow-gold jewelry in recent years, this is the perfect partner for gold chain bracelets and bangles, but if you’re envisaging a burgeoning watch collection, beware: this might be your one-and-done watch. $3,525

Cartier’s ‘Santos-Dumont’ is a striking square timepiece with a storied heritage. Far from the ‘shrink and pink’ trap of many women’s watches at this price point, the ‘Santos-Dumont’ holds its own as an important piece in watchmaking history. First conceived more than a century ago, Louis Cartier designed the watch for his Brazilian aviator friend Alberto Santos-Dumont, to allow him to tell the time mid-flight without distraction. This version features a sophisticated silvered dial, blue steel hands and a gleaming blue spinel cabochon on the crown – subtle signature accents to spice up its monochrome styling. This steel and 18-karat rose gold colorway is the smallest dial size of the design and serves as a useful chameleon for those who lean towards rose gold. $5,400

This two-tone timepiece is a savvy starting point if you have a restricted budget for your wrist wardrobe, as it will pair just as easily with both the yellow- and white-gold jewelry in your collection. Gucci’s ‘25HR’ timepiece is crafted in Switzerland but channels the fashion-forward focus of the maison, with a sun-brushed dial that displays the iconic ‘GG’ motif. A stainless-steel bracelet and gold-plated case make this a practical choice for everyday wear – dress it down with knitwear and denim, or use it as a sleek accent to a tailored cuff when you’re in workwear mode. This is a solid choice for fashion enthusiasts making their first foray into the fine-watch world. $1,950

LaCalifornienne sprang onto the horological scene in 2016, but it was a long time coming – the brand’s co-founders had already enjoyed lengthy watchmaking careers creating cool, customized versions of some of the cult classics. The duo distilled the key codes of the most crave-worthy timepieces (oblong case, check; minimalist dial, check; interchangeable straps, check) and created the ‘Daybreak’. Choose your preferred dial color (olive green, zingy turquoise, blush pink and classic white are just a few options), and then delight in the brand’s signature hand-painted straps that can be changed in just a few seconds. This is a watch that works hard for its price tag and will allow you to be as experimental on your wrist as you are with your wardrobe. $1,680

Inspired by the laissez-faire elegance of its namesake Italian town, the ‘Portofino’ is both a classic and contemporary take on purist watch designs – clean dial, minimalist markers, round case and plain leather strap. For those drawn to genderless designs, the ‘Portofino’ is a popular choice, available in a clever array of neutral tones for both the dial and strap. This is a ‘proper’ watch – made by IWC Schaffhausen, one of the most prestigious Swiss watchmaking maisons, which boasts a 155-year history of making fine timepieces with extreme technical innovation. If you think you might be a watch collector in the making, best to start here. $5,450