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
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
- Model: H69429901
- Movement: Hand-Winding Mechanical
- Case: 38mm Stainless Steel
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Strap: Beige Nato
- Dial: Black
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
Hamilton Intra-Matic
- Model: H38455781
- Movement: Automatic Mechanical
- Case: 38mm Stainless Steel
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Strap: Black Leather
- Dial: Black/Gray Gradient
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
Hamilton Jazzmaster
- Model: H38525512
- Movement: Automatic Mechanical
- Case: 40mm Stainless Steel
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Strap: Light Brown Leather
- Dial: White
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
Longines Presence
- 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
- 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
- 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
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
- 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
- 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
Best Watch Brands Under $500
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
- 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
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
- 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
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
- 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
Best Watch Brands Under $100
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
- 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
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
- 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
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
- 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
Things to Look Out for in a Watch Brand
1. Heritage & Legacy
One
2. Craftsmanship
3. Design Aesthetics
4. Innovation
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
Country of Origin: DenmarkSlimOffering 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 |
Country of Origin: USACurrently 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 |
Country of Origin: JapanCasio’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 |
Country of Origin: JapanConsidered 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 |
Country of Origin: SwitzerlandFor 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 |
Country of Origin: SwitzerlandFrederique 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 |
Country of Origin: USAFounded 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 |
Country of Origin: SwitzerlandInvicta 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 |
Country of Origin: GermanyWith 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 |
Country of Origin: SwitzerlandSince 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 |
Country of Origin: SwitzerlandFor 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 |
Country of Origin: DenmarkAnother 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 |
Country of Origin: JapanNow 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 |
Country of Origin: SwitzerlandFor 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 |
Country of Origin: JapanFounded 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 |
Country of Origin: DenmarkThirty 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 |
Country of Origin: USAEstablished 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 |
Country of Origin: SwitzerlandFounded 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 |
Country of Origin: SwitzerlandTAG 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 |
Country of Origin: USAWith 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 |
Country of Origin: SwitzerlandTissot 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 |
Country of Origin: SwitzerlandVictorinox 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.