Best Men’s Watches Under Your Budget

Stylish man wearing a watch

There are certain lessons that we all learn the hard way. One of the mistakes that you don’t want to make is to purchase an inferior watch from a questionable gray market provider. If someone is offering you a high-end luxury watch for a steal, there’s a good chance that they’re trying to steal your cash.

Counterfeit luxury men’s watches are everywhere these days. They might look great and you might be tempted by the brand names that are on the watch, but in the end, a watch does more than just tell time. It’s a personal reflection of your taste. Your timepiece projects a specific image.

And a fake watch says something about you as a guy, even if you don’t realize you’re wearing a counterfeit watch.

So what can you do?

You can purchase a great timepiece that is 100% authentic. Sure. It might cost a little more, but the first impression you leave on people is going to be remarkably better. The best men’s watches under your budget points will help you find an affordable timepiece that makes you look and feel incredible.

Each price point offers different features, designs, and components that are worth taking a closer look at. So whether you’re looking for a timepiece that’s under $100 or you’re looking for a high-end luxury watch that is just a shade under $1,000, together we’ll find the best watch for your needs today.

What Are the Best Men’s Watches Under $1,000?

If you’re willing to spend a little on a new timepiece, then the best men’s watches under $1,000 are going to reward you handsomely. Watches in this category tend to feature high-end movements, quality materials including titanium, and sapphire crystals so that the timepiece is also scratch-resistant.

There are a number of quality manufacturers in this category, with many based in the US, Switzerland, and Germany. There are also high-end Scandinavian and Asian watches that will help you leave the right first impression.

That’s why we’ve put together this chart of the top-rated men’s watches under $1,000 for you to review. Quickly compare and contrast sizes, models, and styles to find what will work best on your wrist.

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Name
Our Rating
Price
Tag Heuer Men's Formula 1 Stainless Steel Watch 4.5
$$$$
Suunto Traverse Alpha Stopwatch
4.4
$$$
Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GWG-1000-1A3JF 4.6
$$$
Tag Heuer Men's WAZ1110 Formula 1 Black Band Watch 4.8
$$$$
Citizen Men's Blue Angels Skyhawk Titanium Eco-Drive Watch` 4.5
$$$
Tissot Men's Touch Expert Black Dial Watch 4.8
$$$
Movado Swiss Quartz Stainless Steel and Silicone Casual Watch 4.6
$$$
Salvatore Ferragamo Gold Ion Plated Stainless Steel Watch 5.0
$$$
Rado Mens Centrix Jubile Gold Plated Stainless Steel Watch 4.4 $$$$
Hamilton Men's Khaki X Chronograph Watch 4.5

$$$$
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And if you’d like to take a closer look at some of these top models, here are some of our direct observations from trial runs with these unique timepieces.

Tag Heuer Formula 1

This is your classic men’s watch. Its stainless steel case is brushed and polished for a timeless look. The date window is down at the 6 o’clock position for easy viewing, while the logo shield is at the regular 12 o’clock posting. It features a Swiss quartz movement, screw-down checkerboard-patterned case back, and two sub-dials with an alarm display. It also offers a synthetic sapphire dial to provide an added level of scratch resistance. At 41mm, it sits comfortably without being too heavy. It’s also water-resistant to 2,000 meters [that’s not a typo].

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

Suunto Traverse Alpha

This might be a digital watch, but don’t let the initial design fool you. This knurled stainless steel bezel is one of the best we’ve seen in the industry so far. It features a premium sapphire crystal for an added ruggedness and is completely handmade in Finland to Finnish military standards. GPS is also built into this watch, providing you automatic breadcrumbs just in case you get lost. Moon phases are also included, plus hunters will love the shot detection technology that can help you keep finding your favorite locations.

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

Casio G-Shock Mudmaster

From a pure fashion standpoint, this might very well be our favorite watch of all time. It has a certain feeling of being a skeletonized watch, even though it is an analog/digital hybrid. This watch can withstand almost any environment, any impact, and is even scratch-resistant with its anti-reflective sapphire crystal. The thickness of the case is a little extreme at 18mm, but that’s a trademark of the G-Shock series. It’s big. It’s beautiful. It’s accurate. It also hugs the wrist so you won’t have to worry about it. This timepiece makes a bold statement.

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

Citizen Skyhawk

If you’ve always wanted to own a Citizen Eco-Drive watch, then the Skyhawk is the perfect model for you. The dial is aviation-inspired and allows you to accurately keep time in 43 cities around the world. A 1/100 second chronograph is also built into this design, though it is protected by a mineral dial window. Japanese quartz movements are featured, but this watch is powered by natural or artificial light. A 99-minute countdown timer is included and this 45mm watch is suitable for many water activities as well.

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

Tissot T-Touch

Many Tissot watches are considered to be a mid-range purchase, but their T-Touch collection is a major exception to the rule. Like many of the best men’s watches under $1,000, it offers a hybrid analog/digital user experience. It’s built on a solar quartz movement, protected by a sapphire crystal face, and the digital component offers the multiple functions you’d expect from this type of watch. It even features luminescent markers and hands for easy night reading if you don’t want to look at the digital display.

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

The 3 Rules You Need to Follow When Buying a Mens Watch

The market is flooded with men’s watches. This is because 95% of the customers in our industry today are guys. Because of this, you’ll find watches sold by everyone. It’s not just your department stores or online shops anymore. Some manufacturers are only selling their genuine timepieces through their own websites.

Then there are the brands that sell exclusively on a site like eBay or even Etsy.

With so much variety, how can you make sure you’re purchasing the best men’s watch for your particular needs?

We have 3 rules that are followed religiously when shopping for a brand new watch. This helps us to make sure we find a great timepiece instead of an off-the-shelf pretender of poor quality.

  • Rule #1: Don’t shop at the mall. This is for a very specific reason. Men’s watches at the mall can be priced 3-times higher than you’ll find the exact same make and model online. This is their retail markup. You really will find a $1,000 watch selling at a mall department store for $3,000. What could you do with an extra $2,000 today?
  • Rule #2: Never make an impulse purchase. Watches are a long-term purchase. You wouldn’t just rush out to buy the first car you saw when you need a new vehicle. You don’t just buy the first dishwasher you see. Yet many people buy the first watch that catches their eye. Don’t do that. Ever. That’s how legitimate watch manufacturers can keep making low-quality watches.
  • Rule #3: Make a list of your personal preferences. It’s not just the high-end watches that are jam-packed with features these days. Some sub-$100 watches even offer sapphire crystals. If a catchy design with the features you want costs less than expected, then you’ll avoid overpaying.

The benefits of following these rules are clear. You’ll be able to narrow down what you’re looking for in a watch. You’ll be able to find quality at a price you’re willing to spend. You will also be able to purchase a timepiece without suffering from buyer’s remorse because you’ve put in all the research before you click on the “Buy” button.

What Are the Best Men’s Watches Under $500?

If you’re looking for the best possible value purchase for a brand new men’s watch, then this is the category you should explore. Many of these watches feature the same movements that are in the high-end fashion and luxury watches, but with streamlined features that make the timepiece more affordable.

Yet you also want to make sure that you’re spending your cash on a timepiece that has a proven record of reliability. You’ll want to work with a watch manufacturer that will actually back up the promises offered with a warranty. Each timepiece tells a story and the chart below offers you a look at the best stories that you can wear on your wrist today.

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Name
Our Rating
Price
Casio Men's Pro Trek Tough Solar Digital Sport Watch 4.3
$$$
Citizen Eco-Drive Men's Titanium Perpetual Chrono A-T Watch 4.6
$$$$
Seiko Men's Excelsior Gunmetal and Silver-Tone Watch 4.7
$$$
Bulova Men's Precisionist Stainless Steel Watch 4.7
$$$$
Seiko Mechanical Elegant Model Automatic Men's Watch 4.7
$$$$$
Luminox Men's 3051 EVO Navy Seal Colormark Watch 4.4
$$$
Casio G-Shock Mudmaster Watch – Military Beige 4.5
$$$$
Nixo Men's Sentry Millenium Falcon Gunmetal Watch 4.8
$$$
Citizen Men's Blue Angels World A-T Eco-Drive Watch 4.5
$$$
Invicta Men's 0074 Pro Diver Analog Swiss Quartz Watch 4.6
$$
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We were privileged to take a closer look at some specific watches in this category. Use this information, in conjunction with the best watch reviews from public forums and commerce sites like Amazon, to determine if one of these timepieces could satisfy your timepiece cravings right now.

Casio Pro-Trek

If you aren’t a fan of the expensive G-Shock series by this manufacturer, then the Pro Trek collection is your best option. This watch features atomic timekeeping, a digital compass with bearing memory, and atmospheric detection sensors that can give you everything from sunset data to barometer readings. Four alarms can be set with snooze functionality built into the timepiece as well. It’s a little bulky with a 56mm resin case, but you’re going to love the titanium band and rotating steel bezel.

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

Citizen AT4010-50E

This titanium Eco-Drive option from Citizen offers users a silver-tone dive watch with a black tachymeter and skeleton-inspired designs. The round guilloche dial with three chronograph subdials is easy to read, even in somewhat difficult conditions. The bracelet is forged from titanium and has a secure double push-button closure to hug your wrist. Japanese quartz movement is featured, but you won’t have to wind the watch ever as long as you expose this timepiece to light. It may be the best value purchase you make this year.

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

Seiko Excelsior

This two-tone watch offers alarm settings, a solar movement that is powered by any light, and a screw-back case. It sits comfortably on most wrists despite its 43mm size. Like most Seiko watches at this price point, it features a Hardlex dial and Japanese quartz movement. It’s water-resistant up to 330 feet and the sculpted stainless steel bracelet with foldover clasp sits comfortably well. If you want a great watch at a great price, you’re going to love what this timepiece will be able to contribute to your look.

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

Bulova Precisionist

This might just be the best technical dive watch we got the opportunity to take a look at. Featuring hex-screw accents at the bezel and a mixed-media dial that offers you a total of 4 chronograph subdials, you’ll be able to keep track of all your timing data with ease. It’s a little big at 46mm for some wrists, but the watch itself fits comfortably well despite its size. Water-resistance is up to 300 meters and the overall accuracy of this watch is beyond question. Give it a try and we think you’ll dive right in.

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

Luminox Navy Seal

This luminous black watch is easily one of the best Tritium watches that has ever been made. Swiss quartz movements work with the coated glass tubes and analog face to create a luminous effect that is bright in any condition. The 44m case is surprisingly light despite the initial feelings of bulkiness. Part of this may be due to the polyurethane band, which doesn’t trap sweat or moisture like similar designs tend to do. The buckle closure is firm. If you’re looking for a professional marine timepiece, this is the one to purchase today.

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

The Elements of a Mens Watch Which Require Attention

When you happen to be looking at a variety of men’s watches, it is essential to know what makes up a quality watch. This is why so many counterfeit manufacturers are still able to operate today. They find someone who doesn’t know much about watches, gives them something pretty to look at that sounds like it is of high quality, and then laughs all the way to the bank.

So here are the elements of a men’s watch which require your attention while you are shopping and going through the best watch reviews. This way you can spot quality.

The Case. The quality of a case is what typically makes or breaks your budget. For starters, watches that are plated with a precious metal are just inflating your costs. Avoid jewels as well unless you’re purchasing the watch directly from the manufacturer. Would you buy a 10ct. Rolex watch off of eBay if you had the money?

Look for cases that are made with 316L stainless steel or titanium for the best value.

The Dial. Determining what dial will work best for you depends on when you plan to wear the timepiece. Daylight wear usually dictates cream-colored or white dials. Evening wear takes on a more formal Earth-tone color – or even black. Some watches will include specific materials in the dial to inflate the price. Avoid that to save some cash. Do you really need a gold-plated number font?

The quality of the hands should also be considered, as well as how the dial was assembled. If you are looking at the watch in-person, be on the lookout for subtle imperfections that can be evidence of low-quality manufacturing.

The Crystal. This is the glass that typically covers the face of the watch. Sapphire crystal is usually considered the ideal option because it is highly scratch-resistant. The only problem is that a sapphire crystal can add $300 or more to the cost of the timepiece.

If you’re looking for shatter-resistance, an option like Seiko provides a great compromise. Their crystals tend to be made from a combination of mineral and sapphire glass. Acrylics can also provide an affordable option.

And, if all else fails, a standard mineral crystal will usually take good care of you.

The Movement. For most guys, the movement of a watch doesn’t really matter. If it works, then great. If not – maybe it’s time for a new watch.

Except for the movement of the watch can add a substantial amount to the final price of a timepiece. Don’t believe it? Then check out the prices on the Patek Philippe super complication movement. Enough said.

If you need the watch to tell time and nothing more, there are high-quality Japanese movements that can get you a bargain of a price. On the other hand, there are affordable quartz movements that are put into $500 or even $1,000 watches that are the exact same movements in a $20 discount store watch.

By knowing what movement is in the watch, you’ll know for certain if you’re getting a great deal.

Then there are other elements, such as the strap and the complications, which contribute to the price. Take each into account, research the description personally, and you’ll know if the timepiece is right for you.

What Are the Best Men’s Watches Under $200?

The quality of the best men’s watches under $200 can often be hit or miss. This is also the price point that many counterfeiters hit when targeting consumers. Guys know that spending $200 on a watch can be a lot of money for some, so there is an investment expectation here. You’re looking for a good deal, but you’re looking for a better watch.

Some counterfeiters have even targeted fashion brands like Fossil in this category as a way to get their hands on your cash. You don’t need that.

So we’ve put together this chart of the best watches in this category not rated by us, but by real people who have already purchased the timepiece. The ratings are based on real experiences with the watch, the timepiece manufacturer, and everyone involved along the purchasing chain. That makes it a lot easier to compare and contrast each model and collection to find the best possible solution.

Picture
Name
Our Rating
Price
Casio Men's Master of G Stainless Steel Solar Watch 4.7
$$$
Invicta Men's Pro Diver Analog Swiss Chronograph Black Watch 4.5
$$
Citizen Men's Titanium Eco-Drive Watch w/ Leather Band 4.5
$$$
Casio G-Shock Rangeman Watch 4.5
$$$
Seiko Men's Diver's Automatic Watch 4.4
$$$
Withings Activité Steel - Activity and Sleep Tracking Watch 4.1
$$
Fossil Men's Nate Analog-Digital Black Stainless Steel Watch 4.3
$$
Casio Men's PRW-3000-1ACR Protrek Black Sport Watch 4.1
$$$
Seiko Men's Prospex Solar Stainless Steel Watch 4.6
$$$
Tommy Hilfiger Men's Cool Sport Two-Tone Watch 4.6
$$
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Here are some of our favorite timepieces in this category. We’d snap up these watches in an instant whenever the need for a new watch arose. Maybe you’ll feel the same urge?

Casio G-Shock Rangeman

If you love the style of a military-inspired timepiece, then this is the G-Shock watch you’ll want to consider. Not only does it have the trademark impact-resistance of this brand, but it also features a metal cover that protects against foreign matter invasion. The sensor buttons are positioned perfectly to avoid accidental activation. Multi-band 6 atomic timekeeping is built into this solar watch with triple sensors – yet it only weighs a total of 8 ounces. At this price point, there might not be a better watch out there right now.

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

Invicta Pro Diver

This beautiful analog Swiss chronograph watch looks like you paid a fortune for it. It’s high tech and high style at an incredible price. The golden color scheme is accented with triple subdials and a Swiss quartz movement that is remarkably accurate. A unidirectional bezel helps to compliment the look, adding a touch of black to the gold that makes this timepiece really pop. The core materials are stainless steel and the 21-jewel movement is one of the best you’ll find at this price. It takes guts to make a watch like this, which means you’re going to love wearing it every day.

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

Citizen BL5250-02L Titanium Eco-Drive

If you love the triple subdial look, but you’re looking for a low-maintenance automatic watch that won’t kill your budget, then we love this option. Like most of the best men’s watches under $200, you’ll find a mineral crystal window, Japanese quartz movements, and a variety of features available to meet your needs. This particular watch offers an uncomplicated alarm feature, a tachymeter inner chapter ring, and a date window at a 4 o’clock position. The look is classic, timeless, and surprisingly affordable.

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

Withings Activite

This steel watch brings minimalism to a brand new level. The oversized black dial is framed with silver/gray 316L stainless steel to create a timepiece that is going to be noticed. Unlike other men’s watches in this category, it also features activity tracking, calories burned, distance tracking, and similar smartwatch features. It also offers sleep cycle analysis and a vibration alarm to get your day started. The soft silicone sports strap doesn’t collect sweat and you can connect this watch to a health mate app for real-time coaching.

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

Fossil

When Fossil first started introducing watches to the market, they were overpriced, under quality, but looked fantastic. This unique stainless steel watch proves that the brand as a whole has come a long way from their early days. At 50mm, this watch is big and powerful, but it still works as a professional watch. A hybrid analog/digital display is easy to read, though the minute hand does block the digital function around the quarter-hour mark. The fold-over clasp is comfortable, the quartz movement is reliable, and wearing this watch is a lot of fun. What more can you ask for in a timepiece?

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

What Are the Best Men’s Watches Under $100?

This category is all about affordability. The best men’s watches under $100 still offer some medium-to-premium features, but you’ll typically find one solid feature only within this category. Look for watches that really catch your eye to receive the best possible value. Many watch collectors will value the actual design of a watch at $100 or more.

That means if you can find an awesome timepiece in this category that makes you feel confident when you wear it, then you’ve found a watch at a steal of a price.

The one issue that typically comes up with cheap men’s watches is the reliability of the craftsmanship that goes into the watch. Many models at this price point tend to be mass produced, so quality control can sometimes be very minimal – if it exists at all.

That’s why the chart below offers you a look at the top-rated men’s watches that are under $100 right now. Compare features, look at the best designs and read the best watch reviews from customers like you who have already taken the plunge. That way you can remove a lot of the risk that comes with the purchase of a cheap watch.

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Name
Our Rating
Price
Casio Men's GA100-1A1 Black 4.6
$$
Fossil Men's Machine Black Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch 4.4
$$$
Invicta Men's Pro Diver 23k Gold Plated Stainless Steel Watch 4.3
$$$
Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Stainless Steel Watch 4.5
$$$
Seiko Men's 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch 4.1
$$
Timex Expedition Field Chronograph 4.2
$$
Daniel Wellington Mawes Stainless Steel Watch 4.4
$$$
Casio Men's Duro Analog Watch 4.6
$$
Casio Classic Digital Watch One-Size Gold 4.5
$$
Stuhrling Original Mens Specialty Grand Regatta 4.4
$$
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These watches make great gifts for kids. They’re the perfect backup watch for your high-end timepiece you like to wear every day. If you’re interested in one of these watches, then we took a closer look at some of the best in this category.

Which option is going to meet your needs in the best possible way?

Fossil Chronograph

Finding a high-quality chronograph at this price point is virtually impossible. This Fossil watch not only gives you the multifunction support you need, but it also has a 5-bar waterproof rating so you can wear it virtually everywhere. The 45mm case is supported by a stainless steel bracelet design that is comfortable to wear. We found the inside of the bracelet does tend to have its plating begin to wear out over time, but that’s one small negative in a plethora of positives for a fantastic men’s watch under $100.

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

Seiko SNK809

Normally we’d recommend avoiding an automatic watch that is priced so cheaply. Seiko 5 gives us an exception to this rule. Now to save money, they’ve replaced the leather strap with a canvas one. The black dial is round in shape and minimized at 37mm. The Hardlex mineral glass won’t stop scratches like a sapphire crystal would. Yet you also receive a 21-jewel automatic movement, a sweeping second hand, and a stainless steel case that will stand up to a lot of wear and tear. Give this men’s watch a look and we think you’ll be just as pleased as we were.

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

Timex Expedition

Timex watches might be sold everywhere, but you won’t want to miss your opportunity to own this beautiful watch. The chronograph included in the design measures up to 30 minutes and the quartz movement is as accurate as you’d expect it to be. Indiglo technologies allow for the watch dial to be lit up for easy reading in virtually any condition. It’s a classic outdoor design that is enhanced by the genuine leather strap and a fantastic price. If your budget is tight, this timepiece is more than just all right. It’s perfect.

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

Daniel Wellington St. Mawes

When it comes to minimalistic fashion, this brand gives you everything you’ll ever want. Gold-tone hands and index hour markers give the dial a simple look, but one that is still easy to read. The quartz movement is accurate and the buckle closure on the leather strap is firm. The rose-gold highlights provide a beautiful contrast to the watch, though they do tend to wear off over time with heavy wear. The one negative: you can’t really get this watch wet at all. It’s splash-resistant only.

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

Casio Classic

Vintage is in. There’s no denying that fact. Casio takes advantage of this trend with this incredible one-color gold digital watch. It’s a one-size-fits-all model with the elastic-style bracelet, so it won’t work for smaller or larger wrists. The battery life is rated for 7 years and you’ll receive an automatic calendar, a stopwatch that features net times and split times, and a measuring capacity of 24 hours, it’ll be a lot of fun to wear this watch. The accuracy is rated to a +/- of 30 seconds per month. It looks great, feels great, and we found it to be a reliable timepiece.

Click here to view pricing on Amazon and get the best deal.

Which of the Best Cheap Mens Watches Are Right for You?

No matter what your budget might be, there is a new timepiece that is waiting for you here today.

The best men’s watches at every price point give you quality features, accurate times, and the personal look you want. In return, you can confidently move forward through each day, knowing that you’ve made a great decision about your new timepiece.

Every watch has the potential to be the best men’s watch. By examining the actual components of each watch, you’ll know if the price is right. Utilize reviews, test runs, and other trial methods to guarantee you’re receiving a quality timepiece. Look for a timepiece that comes with a minimum 2-year limited warranty on the internal components as well to safeguard your investment.

The best men’s watches are waiting for you right now. Discover your perfect timepiece today.