20 Best Affordable Swiss Watches (Under $500) 

For most watch enthusiasts, owning a Swiss watch is a dream come true. Swiss watches are considered among the best, if not the best, in the world. They are celebrated for their pedigree and precision. 

But as we all know, with prestige comes the hefty price. Most Swiss watches in the market, especially the handcrafted mechanical type, cost an arm and a leg. If you’re just starting to pursue your passion for watches, this can the biggest challenge. 

Top Choices for Affordable Swiss Watches

However, with the right mindset and a lot of research, you can actually own and enjoy a Swiss watch without breaking the bank. Below, we give you a selection of Swiss watches that are priced under $500.    

What are Swiss Watches? 

More than just being ‘Made in Switzerland’, to be considered Swiss, a watch needs to meet strict guidelines. These guidelines were first codified in 1971, with a few amendments along the way. 

A watch is considered Swiss if it falls into the following criteria: 

• It has a Swiss movement.
• The movement is cased up in Switzerland.
• The final inspection happened in Switzerland.
• At least 60% of the production costs as a whole is Swiss-based.

This final requirement was a recent (2007) amendment by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry as a means to strengthen the Swiss-made label in the industry.

What Makes Swiss Watches the Best in the World?

There’s a reason Swiss watches are popular with watch enthusiasts. Besides the prestige that comes with owning a Swiss watch, its quality is almost always assured. To put it simply, Swiss watches stand the test of time. That’s why they’re popular as heirloom pieces. 

Aside from running on a Swiss movement, which many consider among the top-notch calibers, a Swiss watch is made of quality materials. From the gears and the case to the link pins and crystal protection, a Swiss watch makes sure they use high-grade, durable materials. 

These are mainly the reasons why Swiss watches command a hefty sum of money. However, for those who are determined, there’s always a way to own a Swiss watch while sticking to your budget.

And today, you’re in luck because we have done the pre-shopping for you to find 20 of the best affordable Swiss watches that you can find that cost less than $500. 

Read through and find out for yourself.

Affordable Swiss Watches in the Market

1. Hamilton Khaki Field Auto  

Functional, durable and compact at 38mm, the Hamilton Khaki Field Auto is one reliable watch. The black dial and stainless case are complemented by a rich brown leather strap. So even though this is one rugged watch on the inside, it looks elegant and sophisticated on the outside. 

The Swiss-made H-10 automatic caliber movement alone features a robust 80 hours of power reserve. Its sapphire crystal makes sure the dial is scratch proof. And to top it all off, it boasts a water resistance of up to 100 meters. 

2. Tissot T-Classic Tradition Chronograph 

The Tissot Tradition Chronograph is an excellent watch that balances a classic presence and modern design. It has all the look and qualities of an elegant dress watch with its thin, 42mm stainless steel case, white dial and a rich brown leather strap. But underneath its classic demeanor runs a very reliable Swiss Calibre ETA G10.211 quartz movement, powering its chronograph functions.

The white guilloche dial is enclosed within a gently curved case, complemented by a thin rose gold bezel. Adorning it are three chronograph sub-dials and a date window between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions.

3. Frederique Constant Slimline 

At 37mm and with a thickness of only of 6mm, this all-black dress watch from Frederique Constant Slimline collection is a dapper timepiece to be worn under a tuxedo or a formal suit. To keep the dial clean and minimalist, it only features silver indexes and thin hands, as well as a small date window at 3 o’clock. The thin bezel is also meant to complement its sophisticated look.

At its heart beats the Swiss Calibre FC-220 quartz movement for maximum precision and reliability. The whole ensemble is then paired with a black leather strap to finish off its elegant appeal.

4. Victorinox Maverick Chronograph 

The Victorinox Maverick 241693 is a handsome dive watch that features a unidirectional rotating bezel and a chronograph with tachymeter functions. However, this dive watch is as much at home underwater as it is in formal affairs. Because of its elegant design, this rugged watch can be worn with a suit ala James Bond style.

Made of high-grade stainless steel in 43mm case, it is protected by triple-coated, anti-reflective sapphire crystal for maximum scratch-proof qualities. What’s more, it is powered by a Swiss-made quartz movement, which makes it precise and reliable for everyday use.

5. Hamilton Khaki Field King Auto 

Another Hamilton watch in the selection is the Khaki Field King Auto. In spite of its military heritage, this Handsome Hamilton watch is every-inch a sophisticated timepiece. 

It runs on the Swiss-made H-40 automatic caliber movement, which has a day-date function and an extended 80 hours of power reserve. The 40mm stainless steel case is paired with a matching stainless steel bracelet for an added elegance.   

6. Glycine Combat Sub Automatic 

Glycine Combat watches are sought after in the military and sports world for their durability and reliability, as well as their classic design. The Combat Sub Automatic GL0076 is no different. Featuring a 42mm stainless steel case, this robust watch is a great buy whether you’re in the military or a businessman.

The black dial features luminous Arabic hour markers and hands with a date display sitting at 3 o’clock. Its unidirectional rotating bezel, screw-in crown, and 200m water resistance can be ideal for water sports activities, such as diving and surfing. To top it all off, it is powered by the Swiss-made Glycine GL224 automatic movement, which boasts a power reserve of 38 hours.

7. Victorinox Alliance Chronograph 

Looking suave and sleek, the all-black Victorinox Alliance Chronograph is probably the only accessory you’ll need for painting the town red. Its 44mm stainless steel case looks immaculate paired with a black, elegant leather strap. Up close, the dial with its metallic finish looks smart and sophisticated with three chronograph sub-dials, thin silver indexes and hands, as well as a date display at 6 o’clock. 

It runs on the Swiss-made RONDA Z60 quartz caliber movement and features water resistance of up to 100 meters. 

8. Hamilton Jazzmaster 

Slim and streamlined, the Hamilton Jazzmaster is a favorite dress watch by many. It features a clean, minimalist dial with only a date window adorning it besides the silver hands and Arabic hour markers. It has a thin bezel that does not distract its overall look and a black leather strap that complements its 42mm stainless steel case.

Running on the Swiss-made Caliber F06.111 quartz movement, this dress watch is precise and powerful at the same time.

9.  Tissot Tradition Perpetual Calendar 

A great everyday dress watch for the businessman, the Tissot Tradition Perpetual Calendar has all the calendar functions you need to stay on top of your game. The black guilloche dial, which is enclosed in a 42mm stainless steel case, features the month, day and date functions. Because of its slim hands and indexes, except for the Arabic numeral 12, the dial manages to look clean and streamlined.

The Swiss quartz ETA G15.561 caliber movement powers this sophisticated watch. Meanwhile, a black leather strap complements the whole look, keeping the vibe elegant and sophisticated.

10. Frederique Constant Horological Smartwatch 

Combining the best of Swiss horology and smart technology, this Frederique Constant Horological Smartwatch is an elegant dress watch that’s full of useful functionalities. Aside from telling the time, it tracks activity, monitors sleep, and notifies the wearer of incoming calls and texts, among others.

What makes all this possible is the Swiss Calibre FC-285 quartz movement, which gives the watch a battery life of more than two years. Even though this is a smartwatch, it has no digital screen. It looks every-inch a classic watch with a dial that features Roman numerals, slim hands and a calendar sub-dial. A nice brown leather strap finishes its elegant design.

11. Movado Museum 

This all-black monochromatic dress watch is sleek and understated — a perfect accessory for those rare black-tie events you’ve been invited to this year. At 40mm, the stainless steel case houses a thin bezel, a minimalist black dial, and a black calfskin strap. The dial is almost bare except for the iconic Movado Concave Dot at 12 o’clock and thin two-hands. 

Beneath its elegant look runs a Swiss quartz movement, ticking with maximum accuracy. And all this is protected by a sapphire crystal, keeping the watch shatter- and scratch-resistant. 

12. Frederique Constant Classics Chronograph 

Another elegant chronograph in the line up is this Frederique Constant Classics with a yellow gold stainless steel case and a matching rich brown leather strap. The white dial has a nice guilloche pattern with black Roman numerals and thin hands. Furthermore, three chronograph sub-dials and a small date window adorn the dial, without making it look too cluttered.

The Swiss-made FC-292 quartz movement ensures that the watch gives accurate and reliable time. What’s more, you don’t need to change the battery for the next 54 months battery! It is also water-resistant up to 60 meters.

13. Glycine KMU 48 Kriegs Marine Uhren 

This military-inspired KMU 48 Kriegs Marine Uhren watch is your go-to watch for casual or outdoor affairs. It features a huge 48mm stainless steel case with a black dial and a tan leather strap. The easy-to-read dial displays 12 and 24-hour military time with big Arabic numeral hour markers and a seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock.

To keep up with its robust design, it runs on the Swiss-made Caliber ETA 6498-1 manual-winding mechanical movement, which boasts a power reserve of 46 hours! As if these are not enough, this watch also has a water resistance of up to 100 meters.

14. Tissot Seastar 1000 Chronograph 

A handsome dive watch, the Tissot Seastar 1000 Chronograph boasts a robust 45.5 stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel. Its blue dial displays luminous silver-tone hands and hour markers, as well as minute markers around the rim. A date window sits between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions, while three chronograph sub-dials display 60 second, 30 minute and 1/10th of a second functions.

Running on the Swiss quartz Caliber ETA G10.212 movement, and with its screw-down crown and solid caseback, you can bring the watch diving up to 300 meters!

15. Movado Bold 

Cool and trendy, the Movado Bold sports watch complements a casual look for lounging or a sporty wardrobe for an active weekend. It features a 43.5mm blue ion-plated stainless steel case and a matching bracelet. The black-blue dial is complement by blue hands and index hour markers, with minute markers visible around the outer rim. A day and date window is the only other feature that adorns its minimalist dial.

Powered by a reliable Swiss quartz movement, this sports watch is scratch proof and waterproof at 100 meters.

16. Raymond Weil Maestro 

Introduced in 2010, the Maestro collection simply proves Raymon Weil’s mastery of the watchmaking technique. This is particularly evident in this Raymond Weil Maestro 2237-STC-00659 dress watch. Its 40mm stainless steel case highlights a silver dial with thin blued hands and Roman numeral markers. At the 3 o’clock position sits a small date window. Overall, it has all the classic look of a dress watch, including the thin bezel, minimalist dial, and an elegant black leather strap. 

However, this is not just a handsome watch. Its sophisticated style is paired with technical prowess. Powered by a mechanical automatic movement, this Raymond Weil Maestro timepiece has a robust power reserve of 38 hours and water resistance of up to 50 meters. 

17. Swatch Irony Blue Boat  

Housed in a 43mm stainless steel case and a matching bracelet, the Swatch Irony Blue Boat YWS420G is an affordable everyday watch that won’t compromise your style. Its sun-brushed, dark-blue dial features luminous hands and Arabic 12-24 hour markers, with minute markers visible around the outer rim. A date window at 3 o’clock is also an additional useful feature. 

Running on a Swiss quartz movement, this watch makes sure you get to your appointments on time. With its classic design, you can easily dress this watch up or down, depending on the occasion. 

18. Bulova Accu Swiss Automatic 

 

Although Bulova is an American watch brand, their Swiss collection called the Bulova AccuSwiss can compete with any mechanical Swiss watches on the market. The sleek blue dial is clean and minimalist with only silver indexes and hands adorning it. Meanwhile, a nice small date window adds some balance to its streamlined look.

The 38mm stainless steel case houses a Swiss-made automatic movement and paired with an elegant black leather strap. 

19. Stuhrling Original Aquadiver 

If you’re looking for an affordable Swiss-made dive watch, then the Stuhrling Original Aquadiver can be one of your best options. It runs on a Swiss quartz movement and boasts a 200m water resistance. The 42mm stainless steel case has a matching stainless steel bracelet that looks good in and out of the water. 

The black dial displays a mix of index hour markers and Arabic numerals. The luminous hands also make it easy to read even in the dark or in the deep waters. Another welcome additional function is a date window that sits between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions. 

20. Raymond Weil Tango 

Last but not least on the list is this suave and sophisticated dive watch, which can get you to great depths, literally. The 42mm stainless steel case of this Raymond Weil Tango is paired with a black rubber strap and sleek black, minimalist dial. Save for a date aperture at 3 o’clock, the dial only displays luminous indexes and hands.

Running on a Swiss quartz movement, this dive watch is highly reliable even up to the depths of 300 meters. The sapphire crystal makes sure it remains scratch-resistant and durable for you to enjoy for years to come.

Conclusion

There you have it, gentlemen. These 20 Swiss watches are proof that you, too, can own your dream Swiss watch without breaking the bank. Granted that Swiss watches often come with a hefty price, but with a little bit of research and information, you can own and enjoy your very own Swiss-made timepiece. 

 

On the look out for affordable digital watches? Check out our 20 best picks for digital watches under $100.