A watch enhances your style and is an essential accessory. If you’re looking for a watch that costs less than $500, the following are the best choices.
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Editor’s note: This post was originally published in October of 2019. It has been freshened up with new pictures and commentary on January 30, 2020.
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Characteristics of a good watch
Although, you’re looking for a watch under $500, don’t sacrifice quality. Style and looks are a personal preference but the quality is non-negotiable.
Related: Best men’s accessories
The following features are signs of a good watch:
- Material is made of stainless steel, titanium, or ceramic.
- The glass is scratchproof, look for sapphire, acrylic, or mineral crystal.
- 10 ATM water resistance which is suitable for swimming but not diving.
- A clean finish without bumps, scratches, or loose parts.
- The brand is associated with quality.
- Made in Switzerland, Germany or Japan because these countries are where many of the high-quality watches are made. This doesn’t mean you can’t find quality elsewhere, however, they’re the countries that are known for good watches.
Best watches under $500
The following are the best watches that cost less than $500:
1. MVMT Black Link Watch
For $100, the MVMT Black Link Watch has a diameter of 45mm and is made of stainless steel. It’s an affordable, well-rated watch, and has the following features:
- Quartz movement.
- Glass is mineral crystal.
- 3 ATM water resistance.
2. Timex Waterbury Classic Chronograph Watch
The Timex Waterbury is a sporty chronograph watch that costs $139. It has a diameter of 40mm and is made of stainless steel with a leather strap. The Timex is a classic that looks great and has the following features:
- Quartz movement.
- Mineral crystal face.
- 3 ATM water resistance.
3. Fossil ‘Grant’ Automatic Watch
The Fossil ‘Grant’ Automatic Watch is a sleek, silver, stainless steel watch that costs $219. Its case diameter is 45mm and has the following features:
- Mechanical automatic movement.
- Mineral crystal face.
- 5 ATM water resistance.
4. Daniel Wellington Classic Bayswater
At $199, Daniel Wellington has created a great nylon strap watch. The nylon gives a casual feel, while the slim case is minimal with a diameter of 40mm. It’s stainless steel and has the following features:
- Quartz movement.
- Mineral crystal face.
- 3 ATM water resistance.
5. Tissot Heritage Visodate
The Tissot Visodate is a 40mm, stainless steel watch, that costs $399. It’s a classic timepiece that gives you a refined and polished look. The following are features of the Visodate:
- Automatic movement.
- Sapphire crystal face.
- 3 ATM water resistance.
6. Jack Mason Camber Racing Chronograph Watch
Jack Mason is a great watch brand that’s made in America. The Camber Racing watch has a diameter of 42mm, costs $275, and has the following features:
- Time Module VK63 movement.
- Sapphire crystal face.
- 10 ATM water resistance.
7. Tissot T-Classic Gentleman Watch
The T-Classic Gentleman is a 40mm, stainless steel timepiece that costs $375. It’s a sophisticated watch that can be worn in any situation and has the following features:
- Quartz movement.
- Sapphire crystal face.
- 10 ATM water resistance.
8. Nixon 51-30 Chrono Watch
The Nixon 51-30 Chrono has a large 51mm diameter and costs $450. This statement piece is made of stainless steel and has the following features:
- Quartz movement.
- Mineral crystal face.
- 30 ATM water resistance.
9. Movado Heritage Silhouette Watch
The Movado Heritage Silhouette is a classic timepiece with a nicely polished case. For $495, it’s a stainless steel watch with a 40mm case and the following features:
- Swiss quartz movement.
- Sapphire crystal face.
- 3 ATM water resistance.
10. Movado Bold Chronograph Watch
The Movado Bold has a sleek design and leather strap for $495. It’s made of stainless steel, has a 42mm case, and the following features:
- Quartz movement.
- Mineral crystal face.
- 3 ATM water resistance.
Conclusion
Although you may not get a collector or rare watch, you can still find a high-quality watch that costs less than $500. A nice timepiece will elevate your style and make you feel more confident.
Additional style resources
Want to learn more about style or accessories? The following are a few more resources:
Featured photo by David Em/Next Level Gents.
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