Moissanite is truly taking the jewelry market by storm. A lot of people are on the lookout for nice watches that won't break the bank, and moissanite microbrand pieces are fast becoming the people's go-to choice.
The US jewelry market is one of the largest in the world. A 2025 Statista report claimed that it was valued at $63 billion in 2023. And people can't help but question moissanite’s uprising in such a competitive space. Its sublime brilliance is a major contributor, and another factor worthy of mention is its affordability. You can get nice watches for under $999; that is how reasonable the prices of moissanite watches are!
Within decades, moissanite has become one of the most popular diamond simulants. They offer the same visual appeal as a diamond but at a far lower cost.
Aside from that, based on a report from the Gemological Institute of America, moissanite is almost as hard as a diamond and has a higher refractive index (RI) value. (Moissanite RI is within the range of 2.65 and 2.69, while diamond has an RI of 2.42). This refractive property makes moissanite have a more distinct glimmer than that of diamonds. And lastly, its environmentally-friendly sourcing made buyers love it more.
In this blog post, we will share our list of the budget-friendly moissanite watches you can get for less than $999 and guide you on how to choose the right watch and care for it.
Our Recommendations of Nice Watches for Under $999
Outlined below is our selection of choice moissanite watches that cost less than a grand:
1. Moissanite Rolex Leather Strap Watch
Want a Rolex but you're on a budget? This microbrand watch echoes the sophistication of the high-end Rolex, without a weighty price tag.
Design & Features
This timepiece has the face of a traditional brown dial with rose-hued hands. It has a 14K gold-plated casing with a diameter of 42mm, which is studded with 15 carats of perfectly cut moissanite stones of VVS clarity. Its 100-meter water resistance rating keeps rainy days in check. All these prime features make it arguably the best watch below $999.
Movement & Functionality
It has an automated self-winding mechanism (Caliber 3223). It has essential timekeeping features such as the flyback chronograph, a date display, and shows time in hours, minutes, and small seconds.
Why We Endorse It
The Moissanite Rolex Leather Strap Watch is one of our favorites. It is for anyone who has an eye for fine details and appreciates simplicity.
2. Moissanite AP Watch Black Iced Out Edition Sport Style
If you love Audemars Piguet pieces, you will love this bling watch. This watch offers the sleekness of the modern age with the allure of a classic. It is beautifully crafted to make sure that your watch game is on point.
Design & Features
The Moissanite AP watch has a clock-view system of silver hands against a fine black dial and a bezel studded with moissanite gems worth 14 carats. Its caseback is made of stainless steel, and its case, crown, and clasp are all plated with 14K gold.
The 1,400 moissanite stones used in this watch are of high cut and clarity grades, giving it the “ice effect.”And guess what? It has a water resistance of up to 100 meters, meaning that you can wear it as you like without the fear of it getting spoiled.
Movement & Functionality
This Audemars Piguet-inspired watch works with the automatic self-winding Caliber 3223 movement with a display of hours, minutes, seconds, and date.
Why We Endorse It
You wouldn't have imagined you could get an iced wristwatch without spending over a thousand dollars, but this AP imitation defies the odds.
3. The Blue Moissanite Patek Philippe Watch
Most watches come in neutral colors, but this Patek imitation stands out in a special shade of azure.
Design & Features
This watch is embellished with 3,450 round moissanite gems weighing 24 carats. And each of these gemstones has high color and clarity grades of D-E and VVS, respectively. It has white hands and a cool blue dial, which is enclosed in a 42mm and 14K gold-plated case. Its clasp, crown, and strap are also plated in 14K gold. What if water pours on it? Not to worry, it is waterproof with a water resistance of 100 meters.
Movement & Functionality
It is powered by the quartz movement and displays the date and time in hours, minutes, and seconds.
Why We Endorse It
Every part of this watch has been carefully made to ensure that it exudes excellence in appearance and functionality. Plus, its prominent blue hue can't go unnoticed. It is comfortable and fit for any occasion, making it one of the best microbrand watches under $999.
4. Cartier Men's VVS Moissanite Watch
If you want a Cartier but you don't want to splurge, this watch is exactly what you need.
Design & Features
Black is beautiful, and this watch is proof of that statement. It's a 42mm and 14K gold-plated case that houses a black dial and white hands. The bezel is jeweled with 1,400 moissanite stones weighing 14 carats in total. And each of them sparkles brilliantly, thanks to their VVS clarity, fine cut, and D-E color. Not to mention its bold alligator strap that gives it the exclusive edge. Its 100-meter water resistance makes it a prime choice for regular use.
Movement & Functionality
It has a quartz and displays the date and time in hours, minutes, and small seconds.
Why We Endorse It
The Cartier VVS Moissanite Watch is one of a kind. It is a fine choice for anyone who wants a piece that will command attention effortlessly.
5. VVS Clarity Moissanite Cartier Watch
This piece is another affordable microbrand watch for the Cartier lovers.
Design & Features
It has black hands that rest on its yellow dial and are braced with brown leather straps, culminating in a modern look. Its case has a diameter of 42mm and is plated in 14K gold. Its bezel contains 1,400 round moissanite stones, each with VVS clarity and D-E color grade. And here's a fun fact: You can put it on when going on a swim as its water resistance reaches 100 meters.
Movement & Functionality
It works with the quartz movement. Its date and time display features hours, minutes, and seconds.
Why We Endorse It
Everyone loves a fresh look, and this watch gives you just that. Its many features, like its lovely color combination, stainless steel caseback, and leather strap, make it a suitable choice for anyone who believes beauty should come with comfort.
A Guide to Choosing the Best Watch Below $999
A wristwatch, in addition to being a fashion accessory, is a mark of your identity and a signet on your style. And to be candid, picking a watch that resonates with your identity can be taxing. But to simplify the process, here are some factors you should bear in mind before buying a microbrand moissanite watch:
1. Quality of the Moissanite Stones
Every moissanite watch contains moissanite stones, especially on the bezel. The longevity of your watch depends on the quality of the moissanite. And when picking, you have three parameters to look out for: clarity, color, and cut. Inferior moissanite usually has tints and inclusions. Go for watches that have D-F grade stones, VVS clarity, and fine cuts.
2. Your Sense of Style
The fact that you are looking for nice watches that won't break the bank doesn't mean you should settle for just anything. Thankfully, microbrand moissanite watches come in different styles. There are simple designs you can wear casually and high-end designs for special events. You can even decide to pick sporty, vintage, or iced pieces. Pick whatever suits you; the choice is all yours.
3. Watch Size Dimensions
If you want to buy a fashion piece, one factor that determines whether you'll purchase it or not is the size. And it might interest you to know that watches come in their sizes. People with small wrists should go for watches with case diameters ranging from 38 mm to 42 mm. For those with medium-sized wrists, watches with case diameters between 42mm and 44mm are the best. And finally, wristwatches with case diameters of 44mm and above fit those with large wrists.
4. The Type of Materials Used for the Watch
A watch has many parts, like the case, strap, hands, and clasp. The material used for these parts affects both the visual appeal and durability of the watch. Stainless steel, a timeless classic, is a top choice for casing because it is long-lasting and resistant to fading. For other parts, rose gold gives off a luxurious vibe while leather exudes traditional elegance.
5. Level of Water Resistance
If you plan on wearing your watch every day, this factor is non-negotiable. There are three main resistance levels.
- 30M Level Watches: Watches with this rating can withstand splashes and are not advised for daily use.
- 50M Level Watches: These watches can be used to swim but not to dive.
- 100M+ Level Watches: Watches in this category are recommended for everyday usage. You can use them to swim and for surface-level diving.
6. The Type of Watch Movement
Watches move in two ways: there's the automatic movement and the quartz movement. Watches with automatic movement work in accordance with your wrist movement. It is mainly for those who don't want batteries in their watches. On the other hand, watches with quartz movement have batteries. They are usually cheaper and are more accurate with time prediction.
7. Watch Brand
One of the challenging aspects of choosing microbrand watches under $999 is getting a trusted brand to buy from. Since it's a microbrand piece, there is usually a question of authenticity. Check their client ratings and reviews. Ask questions about their diamond testing reports and certification from the Gemological Research Association.
Conclusion
You don't need to spend a lot of money to look good; there are many nice watches for under $999 that can make you look like a million bucks. All you need to do is know what you want and find the right place to get it. And with Grand View Research’s recent publication stating that sustainability is now one of the pillars of the jewelry industry, keep in mind that moissanite watches are here to stay.
If you are set to rev up your style without spending a fortune, visit Kloira.com today.
FAQs
Are moissanite watches durable?
Moissanite has enviable qualities like its hardness, aesthetic appeal, and resistance to scratches. These characteristics position it as a prime choice for long-lasting watches.
How do I take care of my moissanite watch?
Even though moissanite is durable and not susceptible to breaking, you still have to care for it to extend its longevity. You can clean it with mild soap and a soft cloth or brush regularly. To lower its exposure to dust and dents, you can keep it in a wristwatch case.
Can I customize my moissanite watch?
Yes, you can. Kloira, for instance, offers a myriad of customization options for moissanite watches, including microbrand watches under $999. All you have to do is place an order and include your customization preferences in the order note, or contact our customer service.
