What $5,000 Buys You in 2026

Today we’re posing the question: what does $5,000 buy you in 2026? It’s an entry-level luxury showdown, where we see how far your dollar goes in today’s horological landscape. We’ll be looking at watches from around $4,500 to $5,000 from major brands, and give you an overview of my picks within this tier. This price point speaks to the entry point of luxury. The watches up for discussion really stand out in this price range for many different reasons, whether it’s a unique movement proposition, a distinctive style, an unusual complication, or a combination of attributes that make it utterly compelling.