Demand for classic watches is increasing by the day, with their price tags naturally following suit. However, the headline-grabbing, multi-figure sums regularly paid for Switzerland’s finest at auctions across the world only involve certain rare models – you can still own a classic Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre or Omega from the late 1970s (or even late 1960s) for a realistic outlay, as shown below.

Photo: Getty Images