Best Watch Brands For The Savvy Watch Enthusiasts ($100 – $1,000)

The great thing about being a watch lover in these modern times is that we are spoiled for choice. From best watch brands and styles to complications and designs — the options are endless!

All you have to do is decide and zero in on what you want. 

For those who are looking for mid-range affordable watches that have incredible craftsmanship, you’re in luck because we have done the pre-shopping for you. Below we give you a lowdown on the best watch brands that offer high-quality watches that won’t break your budget. 

In particular, we feature some of the best watch brands that offer high-quality watches under the $1000 price range. Scroll through and see for yourself!

Best Watch Brands Under $1,000

Hamilton Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

With its American flair and Swiss heart, Hamilton is one of the top mid-range watch brands that should be on your radar. Founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, Hamilton Watch Company first manufactured pocket watches, then moved on to create wristwatches. Rooted in its DNA even from the very beginning is the company’s focus on craftsmanship and accuracy. Not only is Hamilton successful in the world of horology, the brand is also well-known in the film, sports, and military industries, having worked with some of the best films and sports organizations.

Hamilton Khaki Field

Hamilton Khaki Field, Hamilton Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brand

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  • Model: H69429901
  • Movement: Hand-Winding Mechanical
  • Case: 38mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Strap: Beige Nato
  • Dial: Black
  • Water Resistance: 50 meters

Hamilton Intra-Matic

Hamilton Intra-Matic, Hamilton Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brand

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  • Model: H38455781
  • Movement: Automatic Mechanical
  • Case: 38mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Strap: Black Leather
  • Dial: Black/Gray Gradient
  • Water Resistance: 50 meters

Hamilton Jazzmaster

Hamilton Jazzmaster Thinline, Hamilton Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

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  • Model: H38525512
  • Movement: Automatic Mechanical
  • Case: 40mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Strap: Light Brown Leather
  • Dial: White
  • Water Resistance: 50 meters

Based in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, Longines was founded by Auguste Agassiz in 1832. Since 1983, it has been a subsidiary of the Swiss Watch Group, producing some of the most sought-after watch models in the market. Its watchmaking heritage is based on performance, tradition, and sophisticated design aesthetics. Known for its winged hourglass logo, Longines has presence in over 150 countries. With almost two centuries of watchmaking experience, it boasts more than a dozen collections that cater to watch lovers from all walks of life.

Longines Presence

Longines Presence L49214126, Longines Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

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  • Model: L4.921.4.12.6
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Case: 38.5mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet
  • Dial: White
  • Features: Date, Hour, Minute
  • Water Resistance: 30 meters

Longines Dolce Vita

Longines DolceVita, Longines Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brand

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  • Model: L57554716
  • Gender: Ladies
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Case: 36mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet
  • Dial: White
  • Features: Hour, Minute, Small Second, EOL
  • Water Resistance: 30 meters

Longines Conquest

Longines Conquest, Longines Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

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  • Model: L3.778.4.58.6
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Automatic Mechanical
  • Case: 43mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet
  • Dial: Black
  • Features: Date, Hour, Minute
  • Water Resistance: 300 meters

TAG Heuer Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer pushes the limits of watchmaking technology through innovations and design aesthetics. Its popular collections, such as the Carrera and Monaco, are products  of cutting-edge research and masterful designs. TAG Heuer has also shared some of the most iconic innovations in watchmaking, including the oscillating pinion in 1887 and the first self-winding crown mechanism and double-magnetic tourbillon. Until now, each of their watches exudes the highest of precision standards.

Tag Heuer Formula 1 Ladies

 Tag Heuer Formula 1 Ladies WBJ1312.FC8231, Tag Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands
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  • Model: WBJ1312.FC8231
  • Gender: Ladies
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Case: 32mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Strap: Blue Leather
  • Dial: Blue
  • Features: Date, Hour, Minute, Second
  • Water Resistance: 100 meters

TAG Heuer Aquaracer

TAG Heuer Aquaracer WAY131K.BA0748, TAG Heuer Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brand
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  • Model: WAY131K.BA0748
  • Gender: Ladies
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Case: 35mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet
  • Dial: Black
  • Features: Hour, Minute, Small Second, Date
  • Water Resistance: 300 meters

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Men’s

TAG Heuer Formula 1 BA0875, TAG Heuer Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands
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  • Model: WAZ1111,BA0875
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Case: 41mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet
  • Dial: White
  • Features: Date, Hour, Minute
  • Water Resistance: 300 meters

Best Watch Brands Under $500

Citizen Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Founded in 1918, Citizen is well-known for its light-powered and sustainable Eco-Drive watches. For more than 100 years, the brand has been a pioneer in watchmaking innovation and design, promoting excellent craftsmanship and creativity. The brand’s Eco-Drive technology has been a dedicated pillar in pushing for an environment-friendly and sustainable watchmaking industry. Citizen also manufactures everything about its watches in-house — from the movements and watch parts to the final assembly.

Citizen Eco-Drive Calendrier 

Citizen Eco-Drive Calendrier, Citizen Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands
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  • Model: BU2020-02A
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Case: 32mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Mineral
  • Strap: Blue Leather
  • Dial: White
  • Features: Date, 12/24-Hour
  • Water Resistance: 100 meters

Citizen Eco-Drive Blue Angels

Citizen Eco-Drive Blue Angels World Chronograph, Citizen Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brand
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  • Model: AT8020-03L
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Case: 43mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Strap: Blue Leather
  • Dial: Blue
  • Features: Chronograph, Stopwatch, World Time
  • Water Resistance: 300 meters

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver BN0150-28E, Citizen Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands
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  • Model: BN0151-09L
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Case: 43mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Strap: Blue Polyurethane
  • Dial: Black
  • Features: Date, Hour, Minute
  • Water Resistance: 300 meters

Seiko Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

In 1881, then 22-year-old entrepreneur Kintaro Hattori opened a shop selling and repairing watches and clocks in Tokyo, Japan. After only 11 years, he established the ‘Seikosha’ watch factory. Today, Seiko is one of the most well-known watch companies. They’re also among the few best watch brands that develop and design their own watch movements. This is one of the reasons it can afford to manufacture and sell watches at such low prices. And because of this, each Seiko watch is guaranteed high-quality. In fact, the Seiko models under $100 are some of the most accurate watches you can ever own.

Seiko Alpina 

Seiko Alpina SARB017, Seiko Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands
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  • Model: SARB017
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Case: 40mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Synthetic Sapphire
  • Strap: Brown Leather
  • Dial: Green
  • Features: Date, Hour, Minute
  • Water Resistance: 300 meters

Seiko SKX009K2

Seiko SKX009K2, Seiko Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brand
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  • Model: SKX009K2
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Case: 42mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Hardlex
  • Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet
  • Dial: Black
  • Features: Date, Hour, Minute
  • Water Resistance: 300 meters

Seiko Prospex

Seiko Prospex PADI Pepsi, Seiko Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands
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  • Model: SRPC41K1
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Case: 42mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Hardlex
  • Strap: Blue Rubber
  • Dial: Black
  • Features: Date, Hour, Minute
  • Water Resistance: 200 meters

Tissot Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Swiss luxury watchmaker Tissot has a long history which has been rooted in Le Locle, Switzerland. Founded in 1853 by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son, Charles-Émile Tissot, the brand was the first to introduce the first pocket watch with two time zones. Since 1983, Tissot has been a subsidiary of the Swiss Swatch Group, and still producing some of the world’s brilliant watches, with price ranges that cater to people from all walks of life and budget. The brand has also been active in the sports industry, lending its utmost timing precision as the official timekeeper for some of the best professional sports leagues.

Tissot T-Classic 

Tissot T-Classic Tradition T063.610.16.037.00, Tissot Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands
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  • Model: ST0636101603700
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Case: 44mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Strap: Brown Leather
  • Dial: White
  • Features: Date, Hour, Minute
  • Water Resistance: 100 meters

Tissot PR 100 

Tissot PR 100 Chronograph T1014171104100, Tissot Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brand
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  • Model: T1014171104100
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Case: 42mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet
  • Dial: Blue
  • Features: Chronograph, Date, Hour, Minute
  • Water Resistance: 30 meters

Tissot Seastar 

Tissot Seastar 1000, Tissot Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands
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  • Model: T1204071103100
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Case: 42mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire
  • Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet
  • Dial: White
  • Features: Date, Hour, Minute
  • Water Resistance: 300 meters

Best Watch Brands Under $100

Casio Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Founded in 1946 by Tadio Kashio, Casio was among the first companies to create quartz watches. However, before it became famous for its watches, Casio was first known for its calculators and musical instruments. In 1957, it introduced the world’s first entirely electric compact calculator. But it is their G-Shock watches that have revolutionized the watch industry. The ‘tough watches of all time’ can withstand all kinds of powerful impact and has gone several upgrades since its conception in 1983. Another of Casio’s products, the Casio F-91W, priced at $20, is considered one of the most reliable timekeepers.

Casio G-Shock

Casio G-Shock GA-100C-8ACR, Casio Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands
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  • Model: GA-100C-8ACR
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Case: 55mm Resin
  • Crystal: Mineral
  • Strap: Gray Resin
  • Dial:Gray
  • Features: Date, Hour, Minute
  • Water Resistance: 300 meters

Casio Edifice

Casio Edifice EF527D-1AV, Casio Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brand
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  • Model: EF527D-1AV
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Case: 45.5mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Mineral
  • Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet
  • Dial: Black
  • Features: Chronograph, Date, Hour, Minute
  • Water Resistance: 100 meters

Casio Vintage

Casio Vintage A168WA-1, Casio Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands
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  • Model: A168WA-1YES0
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Case: 32mm Plastic
  • Crystal: Mineral
  • Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet
  • Dial: Black/Gray
  • Features: Day, Date
  • Water Resistance: N/A
Invicta Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

With its rich history dating back to 1837 in in La Chaux-p-fonds, Switzerland, Invicta Watches was founded by Raphael Picard. Picard wanted to create Swiss watches that are affordable and of high quality. It may be hard to imagine getting a Swiss-made watch for under $100. But some of the best watch brands like Invicta believes that everyone can get high-quality watches at affordable prices. True enough, for over a century now, Invicta has been crafting timepieces with utmost quality and attention to details. Simply put, Invicta watches exemplify versatility, meticulous construction, and affordability.

Invicta Speedway 

Invicta Speedway Chronograph, Invicta Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands
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  • Model: INVICTA-9223
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Case: 40mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Mineral
  • Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet
  • Features: Date, Hour, Minute, Chronograph
  • Water Resistance: 300 meters

Invicta Pro Diver

Invicta Pro Diver 23384, Invicta Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brand
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  • Model: 23384
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Case: 43mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Synthetic Sapphire
  • Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet
  • Dial: Black
  • Features: Date, Hour, Minute
  • Water Resistance: 300 meters

Invicta S1 Rally

Invicta S1 Rally 28186, Invicta Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands
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  • Model: 28186
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Case: 48mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Mineral
  • Strap: Black Silicone
  • Dial: Black
  • Features: Date, Hour, Minute
  • Water Resistance: 100 meters

Orient Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

In 1901, Shogoro Yoshida opened the Yoshida Watch Shop in Tokyo, Japan, selling imported pocket watches. It was such an instant success that in 1912, he eventually started producing gold watch cases and table clocks. In 1934, it moved on to finally manufacturing wristwatches. Previously called Toyo Tokei Manufacturing, the company was shut down after World War II, then re-opened under the company name Tama Keiki Company. It wasn’t until 1951 when it was re-named ‘Orient Watch Company, Limited’, which it is known until today. Currently owned by Seiko Epson, Orient Watch has some of the important watches in the industry under its belt, including the Grand Prix 100 and the Fineness, considered the world’s thinnest automatic wristwatch with day and date calendar function for its time.

Orient Bambino

Orient '2nd Gen Bambino’ Version 3, Orient Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands
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  • Model: FAC0000DD0
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Case: 41mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Mineral
  • Strap: Black Leather
  • Dial: Blue
  • Features: Date, Hour, Minute
  • Water Resistance: 30 meters

Orient Diver

Orient Diver CEM75001B, Orient Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brand
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  • Model: CEM75001B
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Case: 44.5mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Mineral
  • Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet
  • Dial: Black
  • Features: Date, Hour, Minute
  • Water Resistance: 200 meters

Orient Capital 

Orient Capital UG1R003W, Orient Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands
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  • Model: FUG1R003W0
  • Gender: Men’s
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Case: 41mm Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Mineral
  • Strap: Brown Leather
  • Dial: Brown
  • Features: Date, Hour, Minute
  • Water Resistance: 30 meters

Watch Brands, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Things to Look Out for in a Watch Brand

1. Heritage & Legacy 

One Legacy in Watchmaking, Best Affordable Watch Brandsof the most appealing things about a reliable watch brand is its rich heritage and legacy. Most of the time, a compelling brand has an interesting legacy and colorful stories. From their founding history to how they face crisis and stay relevant amid the changing times, a good watch brand shows grit and tenacity from the very beginning.

2. Craftsmanship

Watchmaking Craftsmanship, Best Affordable Watch BrandsIt doesn’t matter whether you got yourself a luxury watch or an affordable one. What matters is you are satisfied with its craftsmanship. Brands that have excellent craftsmanship value quality, passion and attention to detail. And all these show in their products. Often, these brands have a long history of refining and honing their craftsmanship and they have practiced it through the years.

3. Design Aesthetics

Watch Designs, Best Affordable Watch BrandsDesign-wise, you should look for a brand that has its own unique design aesthetics. A great watch brand knows that good design aesthetics are not just about visual appeal, but also about great usability and user experience. Look for design aesthetics that are consistent and original. Do you prefer a minimalist design? Do you go for a classic or a retro style? Or how about something that’s modern? Your design preference should also complement your lifestyle and sense of style in general. 

4. Innovation

Watchmaking Innovation, Best Affordable Watch BrandsWith the continued proliferation of smartwatches, watchmakers are either challenged to innovate or join the bandwagon. Either way, it’s a great thing for consumers as we have more options for cutting-edge watches. Innovation is a good way to gauge if the watch brand is worth your support.

Below are some examples of affordable watch brands and their innovations and contributions in the watch industry. 

BULOVA CURV. Powered by the world’s first curved chronograph movement
CASIO G-Shock. Solar-powered, water- and shock-resistant watch that can withstand the most adverse of conditions
CITIZEN Eco-Drive Watches. World’s first light-powered analog watches
EDOX Les Bemonts Ultra Slim. Powered by the world’s thinnest calendar movement
ETERNA Caliber 3030. Thinnest automatic movement with a big date complication
JUNGHANS MEGA 1. The world’s first radio-controlled wristwatch
LONGINES Lindbergh Hour Angle. Watch that allowed pilots and navigators to calculate their longitude during long-distance flights
MIDO Aquadura. Cork-crown sealing system
ORIS Big Crown. Oversized watch that allows pilots to use with leather gloves on
RADO V10K. World’s hardest watch
SEIKO Quartz Astron. Best mechanical wristwatch chronometer watch

Best Affordable Watch Brands Directory

Bering Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: Denmark

SlimOffering an array of affordable and durable watches, Bering has all the qualities of a minimalistic Danish watch brand. With high-quality materials and state-of-the-art watchmaking technology, they create affordable watches with effortless elegance and optimum functionality.

Year Founded: 2008

Best Affordable Collections: Bering Ceramic, Bering Automatic, Bering Ultra

Bulova Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: USA

Currently owned by Citizen Watch Co., a big Japanese conglomerate, American watch brand Bulova has been among some of the oldest watchmakers who are at the forefront of industry innovations. From pioneering standardized production of watches to developing the first fully electronic and the most accurate watch in the world at the time, Bulova’s contributions to the industry have always been evident.

Date Founded: 1875

Best Affordable Collections: Bulova CURV, Bulova Casio Chronograph C, Bulova Lunar Pilot

Casio Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: Japan

Casio’s G-Shock timepieces are tough and water- and shock-resistant watches that have revolutionized the watch industry. Since its launch in 1983, the collection has undergone several upgrades. Casio was first known for its calculators and musical instruments before it started manufacturing quartz watches.

Date Founded: 1946

Best Affordable Collections: Casio G-Shock, Casio Edifice, Casio Pro Trek

Citizen Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: Japan

Considered one of the most affordable and best watch brands in the world, Citizen has been a pioneer in watchmaking innovation and design. Their light-powered Eco-Drive technology has been pioneering in helping push for environment-friendly and sustainable watchmaking industry. Citizen also manufactures everything about its watches in-house — from the movements and watch parts to the final assembly.

Date Founded: 1918

Best Affordable Collections: Citizen Eco-Drive, Citizen Promaster, Citizen Blue Angels

Edox Watches, Best Affordable Swiss Watches

Country of Origin: Switzerland

For over 130 years, Edox has been creating quality watches. The company’s origins are actually rooted in a grand gesture of love by the watchmaker and founder, Christian Reufli-Flury for his beloved wife, Pauline. For Pauline’s 25th birthday, the skilled watchmaker decided to create a pocket watch as a loving gift for his wife. Touched and impressed by the handmade gift, she decided to convince her husband to put up his own watch company. And the rest is history. 

Date Founded: 1884

Best Affordable Collections: Edox Les Bemonts, Edox Les Vauberts, Edox Chronorally

Fossil Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: USA

Founded in 1984 by Texan Tom Kartsotis, Fossil first offered fashion watches made in Hong Kong and sold in the US. Fossil’s early designs were retro-inspired, mostly from the 1930s and 1940s. Fans particularly liked the early packaging — tin cans and wooden boxes — which were nostalgic and original. Today, Fossil is now a lifestyle brand that designs, manufactures, and distributes some of fashion industry’s biggest brands.

Date Founded: 1984

Best Affordable Collections: Fossil Townsman, Fossil Hybrid Smartwatch, Fossil Gen 5 Smartwatch

Frederique Constant Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: Switzerland

Frederique Constant is an independent Swiss watch brand that offers affordable luxury timepieces. In 1988, Dutch entrepreneur Peter Stas and his wife Aletta Stas-Bax founded the brand, focusing on classical luxury watches at an affordable price. With its “Accessible Luxury” offering, the brand was able to grow consistently, appealing mostly to consumers who appreciate pure watchmaking craftsmanship. Their classic signature pieces have been a constant favourite among watch lovers.

Date Founded: 1988

Best Affordable Collections: Frederique Constant Slimline, Frederique Constant Persuasion, Frederique Constant Classics Automatic

Hamilton Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: USA

Founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, Hamilton Watch Company first manufactured pocket watches, then moved on to create wristwatches. Rooted in its DNA even from the very beginning is the company’s focus on craftsmanship and accuracy. Not only is Hamilton successful in the world of horology, the brand is also well-known in the film, sports, and military industries, having worked with some of the best films and sports organizations.

Date Founded: 1892

Best Affordable Collections: Hamilton Khaki Field, Hamilton Intra-Matic, Hamilton Jazzmaster

Invicta Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: Switzerland

Invicta believes that everyone can get high-quality watches at affordable prices. Hence, the brand offers Swiss-made mechanical watches for as cheap as $100 and below. Founded in 1837 by Raphael Picard in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Invicta has been around for over a century. Crafted with utmost quality and attention to details, Invicta watches exemplify versatility, meticulous construction, and affordability.

Date Founded: 1837

Best Affordable Collections: Invicta Pro-Diver, Invicta Speedway, Invicta Aviator

Junghans Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: Germany

With a rich history dating back to 1861, Junghans is one of Germany’s most famous watch manufacturers. It is best known for creating the Mega 1, the world’s first radio-controlled wristwatch. Erhard Junghans founded the company, which was first called Junghans and Tobler, together with his brother-in-law Jakob Zeller-Tobler in Schramberg, Germany. And in 1950s, Max Bill, a renowned Bauhaus designer, created Bauhaus-style as well as mechanical watches for Junghans.

Date Founded: 1861

Best Affordable Collections: Junghans Max Bill, Junghans Meister, Junghans Form

Junkers Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: Germany

From military aircraft to sleek leather watches, Junkers has had quite an interesting history since its conception in 1895. The company was founded by Hugo Junkers, a German aircraft engineer and designer. The brand is known for producing beautifully crafted aviation watches as the company has notable ties in the aircraft industries. Since its branching out into the watch industry, the company has produced 11 series and 59 models.

Date Founded: 1985

Best Affordable Collections: Junkers Bauhaus, Junkers G38, Junkers Cockpit

Longines Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: Switzerland

Since 1983, Longines has been a subsidiary of the Swiss Watch Group, producing some of the most sought-after watch models in the market. Based in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, Longines was founded by Auguste Agassiz in 1832. With almost two centuries of watchmaking experience, it boasts more than a dozen collections that cater to watch lovers from all walks of life. The brand has partnered with some prestigious sporting events and organizations as their official timekeeper.

Date Founded: 1832

Best Affordable Collections: Longines Conquest, Longines Presence, Longines Dolce Vita

Mido Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: Switzerland

For over a century now, Mido’s watchmaking philosophy has always been centred on technical innovations, excellent mechanical movements and high-quality materials. Founded in 1918 by Georges Schaeren in Bienne, Switzerland, Mido offers watches with understated, refined and durable designs. They are big on COSC-certified chronometers and they were the first watch brand to have watches with silicon hairsprings available an affordable price range. Today, it is now part of the Swatch Group and has presence in over 70 countries.

Date Founded: 1918

Best Affordable Collections: Mido Ocean Star, Mido Commander, Mido Baroncelli

Obaku Denmark Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: Denmark

Another Danish watch brand that focuses on minimalist and functional design, Obaku Denmark lives up to its brand slogan: “Where Nordic Meets Zen”. Its watches, indeed, give off a Zen vibe with its clean dials and streamlined design. For a relatively young brand, Obaku Denmark already has presence in 68 countries.

Date Founded: 2007

Best Affordable Collections: Obaku Denmark Venlig, Obaku Denmark Mark, Obaku Denmark Gran

Orient Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: Japan

Now owned by Seiko Epson, Orient was founded in 1901 and was first named Shogoro Yoshida. It wasn’t until 1951 when it was re-named ‘Orient Watch Company, Limited’, which it is known until today. In 2009, it became Epson’s functional subsidiary, and eventually, in 2017, it became fully integrated into the company. Orient produces some of the most affordable yet highly technical mechanical watches. Some of the important watches in the industry under its belt include the Grand Prix 100 and the Fineness, considered the world’s thinnest automatic wristwatch with day and date calendar function for its time.

Date Founded: 1901

Best Affordable Collections: Orient Bambino, Orient Ray, Orient Mako

Rado Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: Switzerland

For over a century now, Rado has been consistently producing sophisticated watches with cutting-edge designs and materials. Since 1917, Rado has been pushing the boundaries of watchmaking in terms of material technology. In particular, the brand has been using their signature material — high-tech ceramic — producing some of the best and most unique timepieces.

Date Founded: 1917

Best Affordable Collections: Rado Diastar, Rado Ceramic, Rado Hyperchrome

Seiko Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: Japan

Founded in Tokyo, Japan, in 1881, Seiko is one of the few watch companies that designs and develops their own watch movements. This is one of the reasons they can afford to manufacture and sell watches at such low prices. And because of this, Seiko watches are also guaranteed high-quality. In fact, the Seiko models under $100 are some of the most accurate watches you can ever own. In 1969, Seiko launched the first quartz watches, which changed the watch industry forever.

Date Founded: 1881

Best Affordable Collections: Seiko Prospex, Seiko Alpina, Seiko Astron

Skagen Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: Denmark

Thirty years ago, Danish husband-and-wife team Henrik and Charlotte Jorst created Skagen watches, offering affordable timepieces with clean lines and quartz movements. Inspired by its namesake — the European beach town Skagen, Skagen has won numerous awards for its design quality. Stylish, affordable, and functional — Skagen ticks all the boxes of what you look for in an everyday watch.

Date Founded: 1989

Best Affordable Collections: Skagen Signatur, Skagen Aaren Kulor, Skagen Hagen

Stuhrling Original, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: USA

Established in 1999 in New York by Chaim Fischer, Stuhrling was named after the renowned Swiss watchmaker Max Stuhrling. Sold exclusively online, Stuhrling watches offer authentic, complicated watches at affordable prices. Combining Swiss watchmaking standards with American flair, Stuhrling watches are turning up to become a force to be reckoned with in the watch industry.

Date Founded: 1999

Best Affordable Collections: Stuhrling Symphony, Stuhrling Legacy, Stuhrling Aviator

Swatch Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: Switzerland

Founded in 1983 by Nicolas Hayek, Swatch was developed as the Swiss’ answer to — and the one that saved it from — the “quartz crisis” in the ‘70s. With only 51-parts, Swatch watches evoke a youthful and happy vibe available in a very affordable price range. Known for its revolutionary concepts and being true to its heritage, Swatch is one of the most famous, not to mention affordable, watch brands in the world.

Date Founded: 1983

Best Affordable Collections: Swatch Pop, Swatch Chrono, Swatch Skin Irony

Tag Heuer Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: Switzerland

TAG Heuer is known for testing the limits of watchmaking technology through innovations and design aesthetics. Its popular collections, such as the Carrera and Monaco, are products of cutting-edge research and masterful designs. TAG Heuer has also shared some of the most iconic innovations in watchmaking, including the oscillating pinion in 1887 and the first self-winding crown mechanism and double-magnetic tourbillon. Until now, each of their watches exudes the highest of precision standards.

Date Founded:1860

Best Affordable Collections: TAG Heuer Formula 1, TAG Heuer Aquaracer

Timex Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: USA

With roots dating back to 1854 in Connecticut, USA, Timex is an iconic American brand that offers timeless yet innovative watches. For over 160 years, the company has been true to its heritage — manufacturing affordable and top-quality watches. It combines elegant European designs with American panache to give its loyal customers exactly what they want.

Date Founded: 1854

Best Affordable Collections: Timex Ironman, Timex Marlin, Timex Waterbury

Tissot Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: Switzerland

Tissot has a long history which has been rooted in Le Locle, Switzerland. Founded in 1853 by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son, Charles-Émile Tissot, the brand was the first to introduce the first pocket watch with two time zones. Since 1983, Tissot has been a subsidiary of the Swiss Swatch Group. And to this day, the brand has still been producing some of the world’s brilliant watches. Their price ranges cater to people from all walks of life and budget. On top of these, the brand has also been active in the sports industry, lending its utmost timing precision as the official timekeeper for some of the best professional sports leagues.

Date Founded: 1853

Best Affordable Collections: Tissot Le Locle, Tissot Seastar, Tissot T-Classic

Victorinox Watches, Best Affordable Watch Brands

Country of Origin: Switzerland

Victorinox started manufacturing its own watches in 1989 and first sold them in the US. Because the watches received amazing reviews, the sales eventually went global. More importantly, just like its Swiss Army knives, Victorinox watches focus on functionality and durability, more than anything else. They are made from lightweight titanium, which makes them equally as tough as their knives.  Although its price range can go up to thousands, some of their collections, such as the Maverick and Garrison, offer models that are priced under $100.

Date Founded: 1989

Best Affordable Collections: Victorinox I.N.O.X, Victorinox Maverick, Victorinox Infantry

In the market for cheap yet quality watches? Check out our comprehensive article on the best affordable watches you can get under $100.