For readers who are thinking about buying a watch with their bonus, we have five recommended models. We have picked out hidden masterpieces that will give you a high level of satisfaction as a luxury watch, from models in the relatively affordable price range of around 200,000 yen.

Text by Tsubasa Nojima
[Article published on January 4, 2025]
What will you buy with your bonus? Reward yourself for all your hard work this year!
As the end of the year approaches, winter bonuses start to become a concern. Watch lovers are probably browsing brand and watch store websites day and night, trying to decide what kind of watch to buy. However, there are surely many readers who are sighing in frustration at the fact that watch prices have risen considerably compared to a few decades ago.
So this time, we'll be focusing on watches that can be purchased for around 200,000 yen, which is relatively affordable for a luxury watch, and introducing three recommendations from Japanese brands and two from Swiss brands. Let's go in search of hidden masterpieces that combine a high sense of ownership that can be enjoyed by looking at and using them with reasonable pricing.
Casio "Oceanus" Ref. OCW-S400RA-2A

Casio Oceanus 2025 new model. The calm and luxurious design makes it easy to wear even in business situations where a suit is worn. Tough Solar. Approximately 19 months on a full charge (power save mode). Ti case (diameter 41.3mm, thickness 9.2mm). 10 bar water resistance. 181,500 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Casio Computer Customer Service Tel. 0120-088925
This simple three-hand model from the Retro Tone Collection is a new addition to the Casio Oceanus Manta S400 series. Its semi-matte gradient blue dial creates a subdued, appealing color palette. The bezel, featuring city names, is set with a sapphire crystal insert, adding a touch of luxury.
The case and bracelet are made of lightweight, corrosion-resistant titanium. Finished with Zaratsu polishing to create a smooth surface, the titanium carbide treatment further improves wear resistance. The sharp crown guard and lugs, as well as the bracelet's feather-shaped links, add to the watch's appealing sporty design. The bracelet also features a sliding fine adjustment mechanism, allowing for easy adjustment of the wrist size without the need for tools.
It also features many convenient features for everyday use, such as Tough Solar, which eliminates the need for periodic battery changes, a mobile link function that allows connection to a smartphone via Bluetooth, and a radio wave reception function. This simple, elegant, and highly practical watch is sure to be useful in business situations as well.
Seiko Presage "Classic Series" Ref.SARJ007

This model features a dial with a delicate stamped pattern inspired by silk. As indicated by the inscription on the dial, it has a power reserve of approximately three days. Automatic winding (Cal. 6R5J). 24 jewels. 21,600 vibrations per hour. Power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40.2 mm, thickness 13 mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. 154,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Seiko Watch Customer Service Tel. 0120-061-012
This Seiko Presage model, featuring a delicate die-cut pattern, is available exclusively at Seiko Global Brand Core Shops. Inspired by the traditional Japanese concept of "beauty of utility," the dial combines a silk-inspired die-cut pattern with the traditional Japanese color of plain white.
At the 6 o'clock position is a 24-hour display that allows the user to distinguish between day and night at a glance, and at the 9 o'clock position is an opening that allows the user to enjoy the movement of the balance wheel.The watch is characterized by its three-dimensional design, including the recesses around these, the gently curved dial, and the raised, cone-shaped flange.
The classic design of the exterior is also appealing, with a rounded case and a seven-link stainless steel bracelet that alternates between polished and hairline finishes. This timeless piece is suitable for all generations and is a model worthy of being used for many years to come.
The movement is Cal. 6R5J, which has a power reserve of approximately 72 hours, and you can enjoy watching it in action through the see-through case back.
Citizen Attesa "BY1004-17X"

This model features a "Lunar Program" that automatically displays the age of the moon using the moon phase indicator at the 6 o'clock position. The moon phase can be switched between the northern and southern hemispheres. Light-powered Eco-Drive (Cal. H874). Runs for approximately 2.5 years on a full charge (in power save mode). Ti case (diameter 41.5mm, thickness 10.8mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 137,500 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Citizen Customer Watch Consultation Center Tel. 0120-78-4807
This multi-function model features the "Luna Program" function, which automatically calculates the age of the moon. The realistic moon phase display creates a fantastical impression. The bezel, push buttons, and crown are finished with Duratect Pink, a surface-hardening technology, creating a gorgeous color scheme. The dial is finished in a grayish brown color with a metallic coating.
The case is made of Super Titanium™, a titanium alloy with the same Duratect coating. It is approximately 40% lighter than stainless steel and boasts a surface five times harder. The black calf leather strap adds a chic touch, and the three-fold back makes it easy to put on and take off.
Its appeal lies in its comprehensive range of functions, including radio wave reception, light-powered Eco-Drive, perpetual calendar, 24-hour display, and world time. While mechanical watches require time-consuming adjustment of the moon phase once it has stopped, this model, equipped with light-powered Eco-Drive, eliminates this hassle as long as it is charged.
Hamilton "Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical Bronze" Ref. H76709510

This pilot's watch is equipped with the Unitas, a manual-winding movement developed for pocket watches. Despite being a manual-winding watch, it boasts high practicality, including water resistance to 10 bar. Manual winding (Cal. ETA6498-1). 17 jewels. 18,000 vph. Power reserve of approximately 50 hours. Bronze case (diameter 43mm, thickness 13mm). Water resistance to 10 bar. 239,800 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Hamilton/Swatch Group Japan Tel. 03-6254-7371
This pilot's watch is equipped with the long-selling hand-wound movement, Cal. ETA6498-1, also known as Unitas. To accommodate this large movement, it has an impressive 43mm case.
The warm-grained off-white dial features Arabic numerals, a railway minute track, a small second hand, and a cobra-shaped hand. The bidirectional rotating black bezel is graduated, and by aligning the triangular marker to any position, it can be used as a countdown timer.
The case is made of bronze. The vintage-style color matches the atmosphere of this watch, and you can enjoy the different changes that occur over time depending on the environment in which it is used. The large, conical crown also contributes to ease of operation when manually winding the watch.
The movement can be viewed through the see-through case back. The bridges, with their rough hairline finish, are not particularly decorative, but you can enjoy the slow, low-beat balance, the large gears, and the click function when winding the movement.
Maurice Lacroix "1975 Collection" Ref.756007-SS002-430-1

A classic watch with an appealingly small size. Its ease of use is also a feature, including 10 bar water resistance and an easy-change system that allows for easy strap replacement. Automatic movement (Cal. ML115). 26 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 38 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 36mm, thickness 10mm). 10 bar water resistance. 223,300 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Maurice Lacroix (DKSH Market Expansion Service Japan) cg.csc1@dksh.com
Maurice Lacroix will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025. To commemorate this milestone, the brand has released the "1975 Collection." The classic design, featuring a sunray-finished dial, wedge-shaped indexes, and dauphine-shaped hour and minute hands, is based on the "Les Classiques" collection released in 1988.
The stainless steel case is small, measuring 36mm in diameter. Its thickness is kept to just 10mm, making it easy to slip under a shirt cuff. Despite its dressy design, the screw-down case is water resistant to 10 bar, making it suitable for use in any season or weather.
The five-link stainless steel bracelet is equipped with an easy-change system that allows it to be easily detached from the case by simply operating a lever with your fingernail.
The Cal. ML115 movement is a mechanical automatic movement based on a general-purpose machine. The movement of the rotor and balance wheel, decorated with stripes, can be seen through the see-through case back.



