Best Watches Under $300: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

Picking a watch can be confusing. For those who are just starting, the $300 price range is a good way to start. However, even though $300 is a relatively cheaper price range, we still have to choose our next purchase carefully. Read this guide to know the ins and outs of buying the best watches under $300.

Best Watches Under $300

Seiko SNE329, Affordable Watches Under $300

Seiko SNE329

The Seiko SNE329 is an ideal field watch if you’re the adventurous type. Its durable material and nylon strap will be able to last a long time with heavy use. Its dial is simple, legible, and attractive.

  • Case: Stainless steel
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Power reserve: n/a
  • Dimensions: 43mm
  • Water resistance: 100m
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Fossil Gen 4 Explorist, Affordable Watches Under $300

Fossil Gen 4 Explorist

The fourth generation of the Fossil Explorist is a smartwatch that packs a lot of features. Among its functions are a GPS, NFC, and a heart-rate monitor. The watch also takes pride in their battery which can last for multiple days.

  • Case: Stainless steel
  • Movement: n/a (Digital)
  • Power reserve: n/a
  • Dimensions: 45mm
  • Water resistance: 30m
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Swatch Big Bold, Affordable Watches Under $300

Swatch Big Bold Quartz

The Swatch Big Bold Quartz is for those who want to make a statement. Its trendy design was inspired by urban streetwear. Furthermore, this timepiece is very comfortable to wear due to its ergonomic strap.

  • Case: Plastic
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Power reserve: n/a
  • Dimensions: 47mm
  • Water resistance: 10m
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How to Pick the Best Watches Under $300

There are thousands of options when it comes to watches under $300. If you’re still confused about which timepiece fits you best, here are some guidelines to help you narrow down your choices.

Choose a watch that matches your style. Are you the outdoorsy kind? Or are you more of the sophisticated type? Whatever your lifestyle is, there is a watch that suits your personality. For example, divers and field watches are for the rugged type. Meanwhile, a dress watch is perfect for someone who wears a suit daily.

Pick a watch that has what you need. Watches have their own features and complications that can suit your needs. And some of those functions may be essential to you. So before giving out your credit card, read the specs sheet of the watch and see if it features the functions that you need.

Try to wear it and see if it’s comfortable. Each person’s wrist is different. That’s why it’s important to try a watch first before buying it. Is the strap comfortable? Is the dial of the watch too big? These are important points to consider.

Dos and Don'ts of Buying Watches, Watch-Buying Guide

Do’s and Dont’s in Buying Watches Under $300

Dont’s

Don’t buy a watch just to please people. Trends come and go. There’s nothing wrong with liking a watch just because it’s the hottest item for the month. However, you should avoid giving in to peer pressure. Do not buy a watch that you dislike just because people are telling you to.

Don’t ignore smaller and less popular watch brands. Popular brands are popular for a reason. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the less popular ones are of low quality. With that said, going for a smaller but trusted watch brand is a good way to save on money. Just be sure to check out the reviews of other customers.

Don’t shun quartz watches so easily. Quartz watches are generally cheaper than their mechanical counterparts. If the heritage and historical significance of mechanical watches are not that interesting to you, a quartz watch would be a fine choice. For ¼ the price, you get a watch that is reliable, durable, and accurate.

Dos

Pick the right watch size. There are no laws when it comes to which watch size to wear. However, it is important to consider your comfort and convenience. If a dial is too small, you might have a hard time reading the time. But if the watch’s dial is too big, it might interfere with your daily activities.

Buy from someone you trust. One of the first rules of buying is to get the item from someone you trust. They may charge a little bit more, however, it is a smaller price to pay than realizing you bought a defective or worse, fake unit.

Inspect the watch first. For those who are buying from physical stores, do not forget to check the watch for damages or scratches. Try to run through your finger on the watch’s dial and feel if there are rough parts. Some scratches may not be visible to the naked eye.

Dive Watches Under $300

Invicta Pro Diver, watches under $300

Invicta Pro Diver

  • Case: Stainless steel
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Power reserve: 41 hours
  • Dimensions: 40mm
  • Water resistance: 200m
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Casio Men's MTP-S110-1AVCF, Best Watches Under $300

Casio MTP-S110-1AVCF

  • Case: Stainless steel
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Power reserve: n/a
  • Dimensions: 46.9mm
  • Water resistance: 100m
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Orient Mako XL, Best Watches Under $300

Orient Mako XL

  • Case: Stainless steel
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Power reserve: 40 hours
  • Dimensions: 44.5mm
  • Water resistance: 200m
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Chronograph Watches Under $300

Timex Fairfield Chronograph, Best Watches Under $300

Timex Fairfield Chronograph

  • Case: Stainless steel
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Power reserve: n/a
  • Dimensions: 46mm
  • Water resistance: 50m
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Fossil Nate, Watches Under $300

Fossil Nate Chronograph

  • Case: Stainless steel
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Power reserve: 40 hours
  • Dimensions: 40mm
  • Water resistance: 30m
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Swatch Verdone, Best Watches Under $300

Swatch Verdone

  • Case: Plastic
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Power reserve: n/a
  • Dimensions: 42mm
  • Water resistance: 30m
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Dress Watches Under $300

Timex Metropolitan 40mm Watch, Best Watches Under $300

Timex Metropolitan 

  • Case: Stainless steel
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Power reserve: n/a
  • Dimensions: 40mm
  • Water resistance: 30m
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Bulova 96A133, Bulova Dress Watch

Bulova 96A133

  • Case: Stainless steel
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Power reserve: n/a
  • Dimensions: 41mm
  • Water resistance: 30m
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Stuhrling 3997Z, Stuhrling Dress Watches

Stuhrling 3997Z

  • Case: Stainless steel
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Power reserve: n/a
  • Dimensions: 40mm
  • Water resistance: 50m
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Digital Watches Under $300

Timex Ironman Transit

Timex Ironman Transit

  • Case: Resin
  • Movement: n/a (Digital)
  • Power reserve: n/a
  • Dimensions: 40mm
  • Water resistance: 100m
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Casio Baby G, Affordable Watches Under $300

Casio Baby-G

  • Case: Resin
  • Movement: n/a (Digital)
  • Power reserve: n/a
  • Dimensions: 42mm
  • Water resistance: 200m
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Casio CA53W-1, Affordable Watches Under $300

Casio CA53W-1

  • Case: Resin
  • Movement: n/a (Digital)
  • Power reserve: n/a
  • Dimensions: 33mm
  • Water resistance: 50m
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Field Watches Under $300

Seiko SNK803, Affordable Watches Under $300

Seiko SNK803

  • Case: Stainless steel
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Power reserve: 40 hours
  • Dimensions: 37mm
  • Water resistance: 30m
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Timex Expedition Scout 40, Timex Field Watches

Timex Expedition Scout 

  • Case: Brass
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Power reserve: n/a
  • Dimensions: 40mm
  • Water resistance: 50m
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Citizen BM8180-03E, Citizen Field Watches

Citizen BM8180-03E

  • Case: Stainless steel
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Power reserve: n/a
  • Dimensions: 37.2mm
  • Water resistance: 100m
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Brands For Watches Under $300

Timex Watches, Best Watch Brands Under $300

Timex was founded originally in the mid-19th century and is one of the oldest surviving American watch brands. They are known for producing mass-produced and mass-marketed timepieces. Their models are also known for being very affordable yet durable and accurate. A few of their popular collections are the Weekender, Expedition, Waterbury, and Fairfield.

Swatch Watches, Best Watch Brands Under $300

Swatch was founded in 1983 by Nicolas Hayek as a response to the Quartz Crisis. Its name is a contraction of “Second Watch” due to its products being disposable. Right now, this brand is known for producing affordable watches that have a playful design. Owning a Swatch is one way to obtain a Swiss watch without breaking the bank

Fossil Watches, Best Watch Brands Under $300

Fossil was originally founded as a fashion brand by Tom Kartsotis in 1984. Currently, the brand owns other watch brands like Skagen and Zodiac. They also make licensed accessories for Adidas, Armani Exchange, DKNY, and Michael Kors among others. For years, this brand has helped people get into watches by providing affordable but durable timepieces.

Do you have more budget to spare? Read our guide on buying watches under $500!