In the realm of watches, sophistication and style often come with a hefty price tag. However, for those who appreciate the art of horology but prefer not to break the bank, there’s a treasure trove of timepieces waiting to be discovered under the $500 mark. From classic designs to modern marvels, the realm of affordable watches offers an array of options that blend quality, aesthetics, and affordability. Our editors have carefully curated selections that span various watch styles and genres, making it easy for you to find the ideal timepiece that suits your personality and needs.
Q Timex GMT 38mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch
Inspired by the original Q Timex watches released in the late 1970s and ’80s, the Q Timex GMT has the same barrel-shaped case as its predecessor with a concave sloping caseband; except it’s now slightly thicker, measuring 38mm × 12.5mm. The watch boasts a matte black dial that’s updated with applied circular hour markers and slightly simplified with a singular square date aperture instead of the combination day/date of the standard Q Timex. Of course, being a GMT, there’s a fourth hand with a triangular, lume-filled tip that can be used to display a second time zone.
SEIKO SSK001 5 Sports Men’s Watch
The first Seiko 5 Sports watch with a GMT function, the dynamic SKX design provides on-the-go durability and style. Framed by a metalized, black GMT bezel, the black dial features bold luminous hands and markers, and a magnified date calendar, as well as a large GMT hand for instant visibility. The 42.5mm stainless steel case includes a screwdown see-through caseback for a view of classic timekeeping in action.
Movado Face
Sleek, simple, and extremely handsome, the Movado Face boasts a 41mm black ion-plated stainless steel case and mesh bracelet. The watch’s black dial features stunning blue-toned accents. Powered by a Swiss Quartz movement, it has a 3 ATM water resistance rating.
Citizen Promaster Dive Eco-Drive Watch
With its Eco-Drive technology, the Promaster Diver is powered by light and never needs a battery, so you’ll never need to open your caseback or compromise your dive again. Featured with a generously sized 45mm stainless steel case, the watch, water resistant to 200 meters, boasts a dark blue polyurethane strap and dark blue dial.\
Swatch Carbonic Green
A Swiss-crafted timepiece that seamlessly melds contemporary design with vibrant style. This watch epitomizes Swatch’s commitment to fashion-forward aesthetics and precision craftsmanship. At its core, this watch features a durable stainless steel case, ensuring longevity while adding a touch of sophistication to your wrist. With a 43mm case diameter and 12.67mm case thickness, it offers a substantial and contemporary presence on your wrist.
Timex Waterbury Traditional Chronograph 42mm
The Waterbury Traditional Chronograph has three sub-dials—chronograph, minutes, and hours, as well as running seconds—laid out in a brushed inner circle to provide depth and detail. Water resistant to 100 meters, this watch is suitable for swimming, snorkeling, poolside diving, or surfing. It has a 42mm stainless steel case that is highly resistant to scratches, corrosion, and tarnish. It’s finished with a handsome tan leather buckle strap.
Tissot Gentleman
The Tissot Gentleman series watch features a 316L stainless steel 40mm case, with a fixed bezel, a blue dial, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Powered by a Swiss quartz movement that supports date, hour, minute, and second functions. The watch has a water resistance of up to 100 meters and it comes with a handsome 21mm leather band that is fitted with a butterfly clasp.
Baltic HMS 002
The Baltic HMS 002 Silver watch recalls the art-deco period with a straightforward yet elegant style that harkens back to the original 40s design. The case is 38mm x 47mm from lug to lug and measures a sleek 12 mm. The watch is powered by a Miyota 8315 automatic movement with a 60-hour power reserve. Defined by the stepped circular chapter ring and the sandy matte dial, this watch will remain stylish for years with its simplistic and classic design.
Casio GM-2100-1AJF G-Shock Men’s Watch
The Casio GM-2100-1AJF G-Shock Men’s 44.4mm watch is a sleek and bold timepiece that features a metal-clad octagonal design with a black band and silver stainless steel bezel. The watch is shock-resistant and water-resistant up to 200 meters and it has a battery life of approximately 3 years. The watch has a double LED light for the face and digital display, making it easy to see in the dark. It also features a full auto-calendar and 5 daily alarms.
Shinola The Sea Creatures 400MM
Sea Creatures represents Shinola’s first recycled goods timepiece. In collaboration with #tide, a company that reclaims plastics out of the sea and recycles them into materials for other uses, Shinola used the plastic granules #tide produces to form the case, as well as the woven textile strap that the 40mm timepiece features. Sea Creatures is paired with an Argonite 715 movement for a highly accurate user experience.