Buying a watch doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. In fact, there are a lot of options for high-quality timepieces that are affordable. Lucky for you, this guide is all about the best watches under $500.
However, just because it is affordable does not mean you should buy carelessly. To some people, $500 can still be a lot so it’s important to make sure that the watch you are buying is what you really want or need.
Read this guide to navigate your way into buying high quality but affordable watches.
Top 3 Watches Under $500
Orient President
The Orient President is the best affordable alternative to a Rolex President Day Date. Its hour markers are adorned with Synthetic Sapphire Crystals to make it look elegant. This is perfect for formal occasions.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 40 hours
- Dimensions: 36mm
- Water resistance: 100m
Seiko SNJ025
The Seiko SNJ025 is for the serious diver. Aside from the analog display, it has a small digital screen above 12 o’clock. Among its features are a chronograph, alarm, and a calendar.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: n/a (Digital)
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 47.8mm
- Water resistance: 200m
Casio Oceanus
The Casio Oceanus is a high-technology watch that looks classic. It is radio-controlled and solar-powered. It also can be connected to your phone via the Oceanus mobile application.
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 41.4mm
- Water resistance: 100m
Where to Find Affordable Watches
Online. Hunt for your next acquisition without the hassle of driving to the mall. In recent times, there are a lot of places where you can buy watches off the internet. A few of those are eBay, Amazon, and the official websites of watch brands.
Pawnshops. Pawnshops are also a good place to scout for good deals on watches. If you’re eyeing a watch model that is not in demand, pawnshops might give it a discount.
Authorized Dealers. The surefire way to buy with a peace of mind is from an authorized dealer. You are certain that you’re buying a legit watch if it’s from an AD. However, they rarely give out discounts on their products.
Things to Remember When Buying Watches Under $500
Buy from a reliable seller. In the marketplace, you will often hear the phrase “buy the seller”. What this means is that you should buy from people who have built a good reputation. It is a good idea to ask seasoned collectors about their recommended sellers.
Consider buying second-hand. A second-hand watch will provide you with one of the most value for your money. Just make sure that you closely inspect the watch and make sure it has no issues or scratches.
Consider the brand. Even in the $500 price range, you have a lot of choices when it comes to reputable watchmakers. It is important to buy from a brand that has a rich pedigree in watchmaking.
Types of Watches
Dive Watches
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 48mm
- Water resistance: 200m
Seiko Prospex Solar Diver
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Solar-powered quartz
- Power reserve: 10 months
- Dimensions: 47mm
- Water resistance: 200m
Orient Neptune
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 40 hours
- Dimensions: 43.4mm
- Water resistance: 200m
Dress Watches
Hamilton Valiant
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 80 hours
- Dimensions: 40mm
- Water resistance: 50m
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 38 hours
- Dimensions: 38mm
- Water resistance: 30m
Orient Sun and Moon
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 40 hours
- Dimensions: 42.5mm
- Water resistance: 50m
Chronograph Watches
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Navihawk Atomic Timekeeping Watch
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 48mm
- Water resistance: 200m
Tissot Seastar 1000 Chronograph
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 45.5mm
- Water resistance: 300m
- Case: Stainless Steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 43.5mm
- Water resistance: 100m
Field Watches
Hamilton Khaki King
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 80 hours
- Dimensions: 40mm
- Water resistance: 100m
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Automatic
- Power reserve: 50 hours
- Dimensions: 39.5mm
- Water resistance: 200m
Victorinox Fieldforce
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: Quartz
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 42mm
- Water resistance: 100m
Digital Watches
Garmin Vivoactive 4S
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: n/a (Digital)
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 40mm
- Water resistance: 50m
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
- Case: Aluminum
- Movement: n/a (Digital)
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 44mm
- Water resistance: 50m
Braun BN0046BKBKG
- Case: Stainless steel
- Movement: n/a (Digital)
- Power reserve: n/a
- Dimensions: 36mm
- Water resistance: 50m
Brands to Look out for When Buying Affordable Watches Under $500
Seiko is arguably the most famous Japanese watch brand. They are known as the first company to mass-market quartz watches. This brand manufactures all of its movements in-house. One of their most famous models is the Seiko SKX007 which has grown very popular among watch enthusiasts around the globe.
The roots of Orient can be traced back to a shop called Yoshida Watch Shop in Japan. They first started by importing pocketwatches and eventually, they started producing their own wristwatches. Orient is well-respected in the watch community for producing high-quality yet affordable timepieces. A few of their popular watches are the Bambino, Mako, and Ray.
Hamilton was founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1892. The company is originally known for making railroad-grade pocketwatches. Apart from that, they also produced wristwatches for the US military. Some of their popular models are the Khaki Field, Jazzmaster, and Ventura.
Do you have a stricter budget? Check out our guide on buying watches under $100!