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In the age of cellphones and technology, many opt for using their phone to tell time, but nothing quite compares to having a proper watch strapped to your wrist. One of the reasons why people choose not to get a watch is because there is a misconception that a good watch is always expensive, and this isn’t necessarily the case. There are some great cheap watches out there, both men’s fashion watches and stylish watches for women, and this review has the purpose of helping you find them.
You don’t need to follow the fashion trends when you get a new watch, but you do need quality and durability to get proper value for your money. These are some of the best affordable watches you can find, that still hold the standards of watches with much higher price tags.
You might also like Affordable Watches Under $100.
View The Best Affordable Watches Below
1. Timex Weekender
The Timex Weekender is a simple yet attractive mechanical watch, with Indiglo backlight, inner dial with 24-hour time, silver case, scratch-resistant clear mineral glass and an impressive 10 years of battery life! The Weekender comes in three different case sizes – 38mm, 40mm, and 43mm, so that you can get the size that will best fit your wrist.
It runs on a lithium metal battery and it is water-resistant to 30 meters/99ft. This watch is popular for a number of reasons, and while one is an affordable price, the other is the many varieties you can get it in! It is available with a nylon strap, leather strap (brown leather), canvas band, with black dial, white dial and much more, which makes it the perfect watch for someone who wants an affordable watch that goes with their style.
Pros:
+ Available in various designs
+ Large round watch dial
+ Indiglo backlight
+ Quick-release buckle
Why We Like It – These work great when you want a quality watch without having to pay the price of luxury watches, and it is available with an impressive number of strap options.
2. Invicta Men’s 6620 II Collection
The gorgeous stainless steel bracelet of this time-teller is going to draw looks to it no matter where you go! It has quartz movements, a dial window with protective flame fusion, a coin-edge bezel and a convenient date window at 4 o’clock – it is a sophisticated watch made for men’s style enthusiasts looking for a watch with precise time-telling, stellar movements, and luxurious high-end craftsmanship.
It is one of the quartz watches that stand out from the moment you see it, and it is a chance to own an inexpensive watch that is still a true masterpiece in both design, function and durability. It is one of those men’s watches you simply can’t walk away from.
Pros:
+ Protective FlameFusion watch dial
+ Swiss Quartz movement
+ Flawless stainless steel construction
+ Unidirectional bezel and date window
Why We Like It – Luxury doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and these dress watches are the perfect example of that; a high-quality mechanical movement watch with stainless steel bracelet and analog watch features. Resembles the Timex Reissue and the Timex Marlin.
3. Casio World Time
The Casio G-Shock, Casio Edifice, and other similar models are all great watches and the Casio World Time is no exception! It has a countdown timer, stopwatch, world time teller, the possibility to program five different alarms, a convenient LED light with lasting afterglow, Japanese Quartz movements, silver-colored push buttons, and a large digital display.
It is a product for someone who wants a vintage watch with modern digital features, and the world map feature with the option to see different time zones adds a unique touch to it. These sports watches come from a watch brand that understands the importance of maintaining quality also when making automatic watches at more accessible prices.
Pros:
+ 39.5mm resin case
+ Five daily alarms
+ Ribbed resin strap
+ Durable buckle closure
Why We Like It – This classic black resin watch is ideal both for someone who wants a sporty and simple watch, but also when wanting to wear that same watch to the office or when going out at night. Very versatile both in look and functions, and made with highly durable materials.
4. HUGO BOSS ‘Dublin’ Quartz
Hugo Boss may be famous for its perfumes, but they also make some of the best affordable watches! Here we have a stainless steel strap watch with quartz movement; the strap is durable black rubber that is very easy to clean and maintain, it has a 44mm case, mineral crystal to protect the watch window from scratches, a fancy black dial with white index features, and it creates an attractive contrast that will attract many looks from people around you.
The red details on the hands are easy to see also when the light is dimmed, it is water-resistant down to 50 meters so that you can keep it on even for short swims, and it has automatic movement for your convenience. A fashion watch you won’t regret getting!
Pros:
+ Large 44mm stainless steel case
+ Red details on watch hands
+ Waterproof black rubber band
+ Scratch-resistant mineral crystal
Why We Like It – If you want a cheap watch you can impress others with, that you can wear while you shower, go for short swims and walk in the rain, and that also has a long-lasting battery – this is the time-teller you have been hoping to find.
5. Relic by Fossil Queen’s Court Quartz
Does a luxurious rose gold watch sound like something you would want to wear around your wrist? It also comes in other gold and steel tones has gorgeous crystals at the bezel, a window at 3 o’clock which allows you to track both date and day, pink sunray dial (when choosing the pink gold variety), 35mm case, luminous hands, deployment clasp closure and much more – a watch you will feel proud to wear, and a great option for someone who wants something fancier than just a brown leather strap. The three-hand analog display makes these timepieces great-looking watches for any occasion, and this watch comes in several colors and designs.
Pros:
+ Beautiful rose gold-tone
+ Pink sunray dial
+ Deployment clasp closure
+ Crystals on the watch bezel
Why We Like It – For the lady who wants a fancy looking watch that sparkles and shines, why not go all out with this affordable crystal watch? Gorgeous and luxurious feel, and lightweight enough to be worn all day.
6. Letsfit Smart Watch
If buying vintage-looking watches isn’t your thing, then perhaps this digital watch could be a good alternative? It helps you monitor your physical activity and protect your health, and it has a large 1.3-inch touch screen to make it easy for you to change settings, check the time and to keep track of your incoming calls and notifications.
The Letsfit SmartWatch lets you stay updated on what happens on your social media, and it is an affordable watch you can’t go wrong with if you like to run and do exercise, and especially if you are a multi-tasker who wants to stay fit without having to disconnect yourself from work commitments and more.
Pros:
+ Bluetooth and rechargeable battery
+ 1.3-inch large touchscreen
+ Receive social media notifications
+ Keeps track of your physical activity
Why We Like It – This rubber strap Smart Watch is comparable to more expensive brands and products, like the AppleWatch, and it helps you keep track of both the time, your health and your calls and social media notifications.
7. Michael Kors Mini Slim Runway
A brand like Michael Kors has a reputation for being luxurious and exclusive in everything they make, and their watches hold an incredibly high standard without being ridiculously expensive. The simple design of this watch is what makes it such a beautiful timepiece, and it is easy to combine with any outfit, style and for any occasion, and the durable mineral crystal keeps the window from getting scratched.
The case size is 33mm, with quartz movement and a beautiful analog display; it runs on LR44 batteries (included) which are both long-lasting and easy to change when needed, and it has a sleek design that will look fantastic on any woman’s wrist.
Pros:
+ Luxurious and sleek design
+ Delicate 33mm case size
+ Easily replaced LR44 batteries
+ Available in multiple gold tones
Why We Like It – This independently selected timepiece is the perfect addition to any outfit, and it has a discrete and luxurious feel thanks to the impeccable design and durable construction.
8. Orient 3 Star
The blue dial of this self-winding watch with automatic movement adds a nice touch of color to a classic looking watch! Stainless steel bracelet and 37.5mm case, where class, style, and luxury meets practicality and an affordable price. You would never believe how much this watch costs just from looking at it, and the 21-jewel design adds to the uniqueness of this Orient timepiece.
Date window at 3 o’clock that shows both day and date (with Spanish option), fold-over deployment clasp, screw-down case back and water-resistance down to 30 meters, so that you won’t have to worry about your watch if it would happen to get wet.
Pros:
+ Self-winding 21-jewel design
+ Gold-tone markers and hands
+ 21 600 oscillations per hour
+ Screw-down case back
Why We Like It – A great feature on this watch is that you can choose for it to display day and date in either Spanish or English. Comparable with the Orient Bambino.
9. Relic by Fossil Rylan Quartz
A watch company like Relic constantly sets out to surprise their buyers and this stunning black stainless steel watch with its black gradient dial is a true showstopper! It is water-resistant down to an impressive 165 feet, has a plated black 44.5mm case and a 24mm stainless steel band, and at 12 o’clock you find a genuine diamond accent marker to put the cherry on top of an already flawlessly constructed dress watch.
If stainless steel and this luxury black color aren’t what you had in mind – the Relic by Fossil Rylan Quartz is also available in other color varieties and with a thick and durable leather band. The watch can be worn while showering or taking a recreational swim, but not for diving or snorkeling.
Pros:
+ Real diamond accent marker
+ Gradient black dial
+ 165 feet water resistance
+ 44.5mm black plated case
Why We Like It – Simple and stunning are two words that come to mind when trying to describe this watch for men, and the glistening accent marker diamond makes it one of a kind.
10. Braun BN0021
An analog quartz movement watch with nato strap or mesh stainless steel bracelet, mineral crystal to protect the case window from obtaining inconvenient scratches, 40mm case diameter, and a 3-hand design with a date window at 6 o’clock. These watches feature classic concepts with a modern approach, where function meets a simple yet appealing exterior.
They are the kinds of field watches that go with any style and personality, and a clear proof of Braun knowing how to make affordable quality watches. Lithium ION batteries are included for this affordable timepiece and you get a product that will last you for years.
Pros:
+ 40mm case diameter
+ Lithium-Ion batteries
+ Stainless steel mesh bracelet
+ Analog quartz movement
Why We Like It – This may not be a Patek Philippe watch, a Christopher Ward Trident watch or an Audemars Piguet, but it is a great budget watch for someone who wants affordable class and quality.
Affordable Watches Buyers Guide
Chronograph watches, Haute Horlogerie, Christopher Ward, Todd Snyder, Swiss Army watches and Seiko watches are watch types, brand names and more that you are likely to come in contact with when you set out to find a wristwatch, but there is more to the world of watches than just the most prestigious and expensive brands. You can find a dive watch, military watches, sub-dial watches, Grand Seiko-type watches, a decent pilot watch and a regular citizen watch without having to go broke in the process!
Okay, now once we have established this, it is time to pop a hole in a myth that is commonly believed among watch buyers – that a watch cannot look high-class unless it is ridiculously expensive. Wrong. You might know you are walking around with an affordable watch, but there is no reason why anyone else should have to know!
There are plenty of affordable options that look luxurious and pricy, and that deliver both when it comes to quality and additional functions. The main reason why people get expensive watches is that there is a certain prestige in it, but there is nothing wrong with going with a more affordable option. Let’s have a look at a few of the key aspects when trying to find an expensive-looking, yet affordable, quality watch.
Type of Watch
There are so many different watch types to choose from, and it is easy to get a little lost once you start to look. Products like Hamilton Khaki Field mechanical watches, Hamiton Intramatic, Seiko automatic watches, the Citizen EcoDrive and a handful of Japanese brands are unlikely to make you any wiser, so let’s look at first things first.
The first thing you want to decide is what type of watch you are looking for, as this will narrow down your options and make your final decision both quicker and easier. Are you into divers watches, sports watches, dress watches or perhaps Smart Watches?
Some watches will have real leather bands that go around your wrist, and these feel and look different from for example a stainless steel watch bracelet. Straps could also be made of metal, nylon, platinum, mesh or they could be gold plated, and only you can decide what you think you would like best. Neither is necessarily better than the other and while many prefer a real leather band – you are just as well off with another type of strap if that is what you prefer.
Movement
For those who are unfamiliar with watch terminology – ‘movement’ may seem like a very foreign concept. The movement of a watch explains in what way the watch functions; how the hands move, and what it is inside the watch that makes them move the way that they do. There is mechanical movement, which is usually found in more expensive watches, and preferred by collectors and those who take an interest in owning luxury watches. Mechanical watches can be automatic or you could have to wind them up yourself.
The other kind, which is what you find in most affordable watches, is Quartz movement. You may be lead to believe that this should somehow be less great than mechanical movement, but the truth is that it may actually be better unless you are a dedicated watch enthusiast! Quartz movement watches are the most accurate watches there are, and they keep time for you automatically, with more accuracy than a mechanical watch. Sounds good? It is. A cheaper watch is likely to have Quartz movement, but it is also found in several high-end expensive timepieces.
Watch Dial
Now let’s look at the watch dial. The watch dial is where the actual time shows – what is inside the case, and it can look in a few different ways. There are round watch dials, square watch dials, rectangular, oval and more, but the shape does little to nothing for its function.
The shape is instead more relevant for your personal taste and how you feel about the watch, so pay attention to the color (because yes, watch dials come in all colors), size of the numerals, whether the numerals ara Arabic or roman, and if there are two or three hands.
Three hands are important if it is relevant for you to be able to count the seconds (such as those working in the medical industry when taking a patient’s vitals).
The dial also has other features you can be on the lookout for. There are dials that show international time, chronographs, date and day, moon phases, tourbillions and more, so here you need to consider whether you want a simple watch that shows only the time, or something more complex. A simple watch isn’t necessarily cheaper, as it depends entirely on the construction, the materials, and the brand.
Case Size
The case is what surrounds the dial, and size matters when it comes to comfort. If you have a small and thin wrist, getting a watch with the largest possible case dial might not be ideal, as it will take up a lot of space and possibly feel uncomfortable and heavy. This is also an aesthetic question, so ask yourself if you want a small and discrete watch that blends in with the rest of your outfit (a smaller case), or a large watch that people’s eyes are immediately drawn to.
Scratch and Water Resistant?
Just because you are getting a cheaper watch, it doesn’t mean you should have to settle with anything less than what you are worth in terms of quality. When you look at for example Seiko Automatic Movement watches, you will notice how they are made to be scratch-resistant and water-resistant. These two features may seem unnecessary to you, but it could be what makes your watch last for many years.
A watch could easily get scratched when you stick your hand in your pocket, accidentally brush up against someone else or when you take it off to store it, and mineral crystal windows prevent this from happening. The material is not impact resistant, and the window can still break if you drop it or mistreat it, but at least you won’t have to worry about annoying scratches to the display of your watch.
Same goes for water-resistant features, as this could save your watch if you forget to take it off when you get in the shower, or if you accidentally wet it when washing your hands or when getting caught in the rain.
Conclusion
The perfect watch for you doesn’t have to be expensive, and there are many reputable brands that make affordable watches for those who want to tell the time in a fashionable manner. Pay attention to small things like whether the watch is water-resistant and resistant to getting scratched, and choose the model you like best.
Style is relative – it depends on what you compare it to, and the same goes for watches. You don’t have to spend a month’s salary to get a good watch, and this review was put together with the purpose of guiding you to find the ideal cheap watch for you.
Expert Tip
The price does not necessarily make the watch, so get one that you like, and wear yours with pride and confidence whenever you go out, regardless of how much it cost you.
Did You Know
A watch should usually be carried on the hand that is not dominant, meaning if you are right-handed – wear the watch on the left.
