Check out Hamilton, Tissot, Mido, Stowa, used Longines. Don't expect actual gold though, not under $1k, except vintage if you care to wade in that pool. VC is a high bar.

 

No gold for me. Just want a slim, sleek watch.

 

Daniel Wellington
ducks

 

Skosh higher than the $1K pricepoint, but not by much:

Classics Index Automatic Watch FC-303NS5B6 | Frederique Constant

Through this unique family name, Frederique Constant has not only breathed new life into classic watchmaking but given concrete expression to its founding mission: to make luxury timepieces accessible to as many people as possible. This iconic collection is affirming its timeless charm with a...

us.frederiqueconstant.com

 

This would be my suggestion as well.

 

 

I would also take a look at Hamilton Intra-matic or Slimline. They come in many different color combos.

 

Monza06 beat me to it. (edit: and debicks )

If you don't mind the date window, Hamilton Intra-Matic comes in 38mm or 42mm. The Thinline Auto posted above is in the middle at 40mm.

Images from Hamilton's website:

 

dude i just got this from Sakura for 260USD, super pretty, super cheap. not my pictures.

 

Not a fan of the dial/open heart, but duuuuude, that display caseback/movement looks great. One of my current Citizens looks similar with that rotor, and I'm always surprised at how good it looks when I get a glimpse of it.

 

Orient Bambino?

 

You require a parsimony.

This was about 50 bucks from the invicta website. Also check the belushi brand on Ali ex. The ones I am looking at are 8mm and quartz .

this thin watch was about 100 usd on Ali it has a titanium nitride coating ,and tritium on hands and indices. I am much more parsimonius than thou, so this may be too inexpensive.

 

I am as cheap as the day is long. I never pay full retail for anything.

 

Raymond Weil? Orient Star?

 

I would echo Frederique Constant or Hamilton. One from FC that I find to match a very traditional dress in the fashion of VC is the Moneta Moonphase

 

Love this one. A bit pricey for a quartz but it's a beautiful watch.

 

This simplicity is misleading, a lot of refinement required to do it right.

 

 

I must have misunderstood.
I’ve never seen any VC for $1ooo.
Anywhere.
I guess the OP said, “like a VC”

 

I must have misunderstood.
I’ve never seen any VC for $1ooo.
Anywhere.
I guess the OP said, “like a VC”

Correct - I meant a watch like a VC

 

Mido Baroncelli?

 

Choose carefully. There are tons of excellent watches under 1K, but the dress aesthetic you're going for can get boring after a while, if it's not executed to perfection like in VC, PP etc. I had a Longines Presence and was bored after a few weeks. Good luck.

 

Archimede has the 1950-1 for ~$600.

 

not under 1k.. but shop around.. deals to be had.
Tutima Patria.

 

View attachment 18906019

not under 1k.. but shop around.. deals to be had.
Tutima Patria.

Oh this is beautiful. But it's 43mm. I like big watches but this is excessive for a dress watch. I'm not sure why they went with a handwound movement.

 

I think for under 1k the Alcadus Quantra is worth considering in the genre. Otherwise, Frederique Constant seems a logical place to look.

 

Seiko Dolce is small, but it's sharp and has some cool tech, and goes for like $400

 

take a look at the Millesime line from Raymond Weil...they also make a very nice salmon reference that I've been eyeing on....nice & clean....MSRP is over $1K, but pretty sure PO you can get them under $1K...good luck with your decision....

Men's Salmon Dial Leather Strap Watch - Millesime | RAYMOND WEIL

<br> <span data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Salmon Sector Dial, Grey Leather Strap, Stainless Steel "}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":4929,"3":{"1":0},"9":1,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"Arial"}">Salmon Sector Dial, Grey Leather Strap, Stainless Steel, Indexes</span>

www.raymond-weil.us