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You are here: Home / Style / The 9 Best Watches under $500 (2022 Update)

The 9 Best Watches under $500 (2022 Update)

Published: January 30, 2020 by David Em Updated: May 28, 2022
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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.

We receive a commission when you buy through affiliate links on this page.

Contents show
Characteristics of a good watch
Best watches under $500
1. MVMT Black Link Watch
2. Timex Waterbury Classic Chronograph Watch
3. Fossil ‘Grant’ Automatic Watch
4. Daniel Wellington Classic Bayswater
5. Tissot Heritage Visodate
6. Tissot T-Classic Gentleman Watch
7. Nixon 51-30 Chrono Watch
8. Movado Heritage Silhouette Watch
9. Movado Bold Chronograph Watch
Conclusion
Three different types of watches.

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.

Related: 5 watch rules every man needs to know

Best watches under $500

The following are the best watches that cost less than $500:

1. MVMT Black Link Watch

Black metal watch.
Photo courtesy of MVMT.

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 a mineral crystal.
  • 3 ATM water resistance.

Buy the Black Link Watch from MVMT (opens in a new tab).

2. Timex Waterbury Classic Chronograph Watch

Silver watch with black leather strap.
Photo courtesy of Timex.

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.

Buy the Waterbury from Timex (opens in a new tab).

3. Fossil ‘Grant’ Automatic Watch

A silver metal watch.
Photo courtesy of Amazon.

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.

Buy the Fossil ‘Grant’ Automatic Watch from Amazon (opens in a new tab).

4. Daniel Wellington Classic Bayswater

A watch with a navy blue nylon strap.
Photo courtesy of Saks Off 5th.

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.

Buy the Daniel Wellington Classic Bayswater from Saks Off 5th (opens in a new tab).

5. Tissot Heritage Visodate

Silver metal watch with brown leather strap.
Photo courtesy of Tissot.

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.

Buy the Tissot Heritage Visodate from Macy’s (opens in a new tab).

6. Tissot T-Classic Gentleman Watch

Silver metal watch.
Photo courtesy of Macy’s.

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.

Buy the Tissot T-Classic Gentleman Watch from Macy’s (opens in a new tab).

7. Nixon 51-30 Chrono Watch

Silver metal watch with a black face.
Photo courtesy of Nixon.

The Nixon 51-30 Chrono has a large 51mm diameter and costs $500. This statement piece is made of stainless steel and has the following features:

  • Quartz movement.
  • Mineral crystal face.
  • 30 ATM water resistance.

Buy the 51-30 Chrono Watch from Nixon (opens in a new tab).

8. Movado Heritage Silhouette Watch

Black Movado Heritage Silhouette watch.
Photo courtesy of Macy’s.

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.

Buy the Movado Heritage Silhouette Watch from Macy’s (opens in a new tab).

9. Movado Bold Chronograph Watch

Watch with a brown leather strap.
Photo courtesy of Nordstrom.

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.

Buy the Movado Bold Chronograph Leather Strap Watch from Nordstrom (opens in a new tab).

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.

Featured photo by David Em/Next Level Gents.

Portrait of David Em.

About David Em

Founder

David Em is the founder of Next Level Gents, the ultimate destination for tips and advice about style, grooming, fitness, and success.

    Filed Under: Style, Accessories

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