The Best Watches Under $2,000 to Start Your Collection

Collecting watches is a bit like following a losing sports franchise. It’s irrational, expensive, and hard to explain to strangers, but utterly addictive nonetheless. This, collectors agree, is all part of the fun. Like any other hobby, it’s best to start small and work your way up. These watches — which look great and won’t break the bank — are a good way to test the waters.

Mido Multifort Patrimony

This Swiss brand has been making watches since 1918, and this vintage-inspired design (complete with a pulsometer scale — a complication used by doctors to measure a pulse) combines design cues from its archives with modern touches like a matte leather strap.

$1,125 at midowatches.com

Seiko 5 Sports

If you’re in search of a classic dive-style watch, look no further. This new re-edition of one of Seiko’s most beloved 1960s sports watches offers an automatic movement, a sapphire crystal, and a Milanese bracelet for a very budget-friendly price.

$425 at seikowatches.com

Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage

You don’t need to be a pilot to appreciate this aviation watch, whose funky 1970s-inspired design includes a cushion-shaped case, orange seconds hand, and an unusual inner GMT dial displaying a second time zone on the face.

$1,595 at alpinawatches.com