20 Best Affordable Watch Brands
Looking for a quality watch that won’t empty your wallet? We’ve spent years reviewing watches and helping people find timepieces that match both their style and budget. Trust us, you don’t need to spend thousands to get a reliable, stylish watch that’ll last for years.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 20 best affordable watch brands that deliver real value. We’re talking about watches in the $50-700 range that look good, keep accurate time, and won’t fall apart after a few months.
Contents
How We Selected These Brands
Before exploring the list, let us be clear about our criteria. We didn’t just pick these brands randomly. Each one earned its spot based on the following:
- Brand reputation and history
- Quality of materials and construction
- Customer service experience
- User reviews and community feedback
- Value for money (you get what you pay for, and sometimes more)
The 20 Best Affordable Watch Brands
1. Seiko
Price Range: $200-600
Best For: All-around quality and reliability
Seiko stands at the top of affordable watchmaking. Their automatic watches, particularly the Seiko 5 Sports line, offer incredible value. The SKX series, while discontinued, remains a benchmark for affordable dive watches.
- Seiko 5 Sports Line
- Prospex (“Professional Specifications”)
- Presage (Dress watches)
- Essential Collection
- Save The Ocean Special Editions
Signature Features:
- LumiBrite luminous coating
- Hardlex crystal (proprietary)
- 4R36 automatic movement
- Diashock protection system
Best-Selling Models:
Top Pick: Seiko 5 Sports SRPD51 ($325)
- 4R36 automatic movement with 41-hour power reserve
- 100m water resistance
- Solid build quality that punches above its price point
- Perfect daily wearer with versatile style
Why You’ll Love It: Seiko’s in-house movements are legendary for reliability. You’re getting genuine Japanese craftsmanship at a fraction of luxury watch prices.
2. Timex
Price Range: $30-200
Best For: Classic American style and affordability
Timex proves you can get a solid watch under $100. Their Weekender and Expedition lines offer clean designs and reliable quartz movements.
Key Collections:
- Weekender
- Expedition
- Easy Reader
- Marlin
- Q Timex Reissue
Signature Features:
- INDIGLO night-light
- Quick-release straps
- “Takes a licking and keeps on ticking” durability
- True Easy setting system
Best-Selling Models:
Top Pick: Timex Weekender Chronograph ($79)
- INDIGLO night-light
- Chronograph functionality
- 30m water resistance
- Interchangeable straps
Why You’ll Love It: Simple, functional, and affordable. Perfect for those starting their watch collection.
3. Casio
Price Range: $25-200
Best For: Digital functionality and durability
Casio dominates the digital watch space for good reasons. Their watches are practically indestructible and packed with features.
Key Collections:
- G-Shock
- Edifice
- Classic Digital
- Wave Ceptor
- Pro Trek
Signature Features:
- Tough Solar power
- Multi-Band 6 atomic timekeeping
- World Time function
- 10-year battery life
- LED light
Best-Selling Models:
Top Pick: Casio Duro MDV106 Dive Watch ($69.95)
- Stainless Steel Case
- Luminous markers and hour hands
- 200m Water Resistance
- Rotating bezel
Why You’ll Love It: It’s the Nokia 3310 of watches – simple, reliable, and gets the job done.
4. Citizen
Price Range: $200-600
Best For: Eco-Drive technology and everyday wear
Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology means you’ll never need to change a battery. Their watches combine practicality with style.
Key Collections:
- Promaster
- Eco-Drive
- Chandler
- Brycen
- Paradigm
Signature Features:
- Eco-Drive solar technology
- Super Titanium™
- Atomic timekeeping
- Satellite Wave GPS
- Anti-reflective
Best-Selling Models:
- BN0150-28E (Promaster Diver)
- AW1361-10H (Pilot Watch)
- BM8180-03E (Field Watch)
- BI5010-59E (Quartz Gents)
- AO9000-06B (Eco-Drive Corso Gents)
Top Pick: Citizen Promaster Diver BN0150-28E ($300)
- Solar-powered movement
- 200m water resistance
- Anti-reflective crystal
- Professional dive features
Why You’ll Love It: Set it and forget it – these watches just keep running.
5. Orient
Price Range: $150-500
Best For: Affordable mechanical watches with in-house movements
Orient offers exceptional value in automatic watches. They’re one of the few brands still making their own movements at this price point.
Key Collections:
- Bambino
- Mako/Ray
- Kamasu
- Star
- Neo70s
Signature Features:
- In-house automatic movements
- F6922 movement
- 40+ hour power reserve
- Exhibition casebacks
- Unique power reserve indicator
Best-Selling Models:
Top Pick: Orient Bambino Version IV ($200)
- In-house automatic movement
- Domed crystal
- Classic dress watch design
- 30m water resistance
Why You’ll Love It: You’re getting a true mechanical watch with heritage at an entry-level price.
6. Fossil
Price Range: $100-300
Best For: Fashion-forward designs
While watch enthusiasts might scoff, Fossil makes reliable fashion watches with decent build quality.
Key Collections:
- Minimalist
- Machine
- Grant
- Neutra
- Bronson
Signature Features:
- Interchangeable straps
- Smart battery replacement
- Hybrid smartwatch options
- 2-year battery life
Best-Selling Models:
Top Pick: Fossil Nate JR1401 ($195)
- 50mm stainless steel case
- Chronograph quartz movement
- Matte Finishing
- 50m water resistance
Why You’ll Love It: Style-conscious designs that won’t break the bank.
7. Invicta
Price Range: $80-300
Best For: Bold designs and diving watches
Look past the marketing, and you’ll find some genuine value, especially in their Pro Diver series.
Key Collections:
- Pro Diver
- Specialty
- Reserve
- Russian Diver
- Speedway
Signature Features:
- NH35A automatic movement
- Flame fusion crystal
- Screw-down crowns
- Exhibition casebacks
- 200m+ water resistance
Best-Selling Models:
Top Pick: Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB ($85)
- NH35A automatic movement
- 200m water resistance
- Screw-down crown
- Exhibition caseback
Why You’ll Love It: Automatic movement and dive watch features at an unbeatable price.
8. Nixon
Price Range: $100-300
Best For: Modern lifestyle watches
Popular in the skateboarding and surfing communities, Nixon makes tough watches with style.
Key Collections:
Signature Features:
- Custom bezels
- Custom crown design
- Digital tide functions
- 100m+ water resistance
Best-Selling Models:
Top Pick: Nixon Time Teller ($100)
- Japanese quartz movement
- 100m water resistance
- Solid stainless steel construction
- Minimalist Design
Why You’ll Love It: Contemporary design with decent build quality.
9. Bulova
Price Range: $200-700
Best For: Precision quartz movements and heritage designs
Bulova’s high-frequency quartz movements are something special. Their precisionist line offers incredible accuracy.
Key Collections:
Signature Features:
- 262 kHz frequency (8 times more than standard quartz)
- Precisionist movement
- Continuous sweep second hand
- AccuSwiss certification
- Three-prong crystal design
Best-Selling Models:
Top Pick: Bulova Precisionist 96B158 ($350)
- Unique 262 kHz frequency
- Smooth sweeping second-hand
- Stainless steel construction
- Water-resistant to 30m
Why You’ll Love It: You’re getting accuracy that rivals much more expensive watches.
10. G-Shock
Price Range: $45-200 Best For: Ultimate durability and sports use
Yes, we know, we mentioned Casio, but G-Shock deserves its own entry. These are practically indestructible.
Key Collections:
- Square Digital
- GA-2100 (CasiOak)
- Master of G
- MT-G
- G-Steel
Signature Features:
- Triple protection core (Shock-resistant structure, Centrifugal gravity resistance, and Vibration-resistant)
- 200m water resistance
- Solar power option
- Multi-Band 6 atomic timekeeping
- Carbon Core Guard
Best-Selling Models:
Top Pick: G-Shock GWM5610-1 ($70)
- 200m water resistance
- Shock resistant
- EL backlight
- Multiple time zones
Why You’ll Love It: It’s the Toyota Hilux of watches – it just won’t die.
11. Skagen
Price Range: $80-250
Best For: Minimalist Danish design
Skagen brings Scandinavian design principles to affordable watches. They’re slim, clean, and modern.
Key Collections:
- Signatur
- Holst
- Grenen
- Ancher
- Melbye
Signature Features:
- Ultra-slim cases
- Mesh bracelets
- Quick-release straps
- Minimalist dials
- Titanium cases
Best-Selling Models:
Top Pick: Skagen Signatur SKW6374 ($125)
- Ultra-thin case
- Mesh bracelet
- Quick-release strap system
- 30m water resistance
Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for those who appreciate minimalist design without the minimalist price tag.
12. Vostok
Price Range: $75-200
Best For: Russian mechanical watches with character
These Russian-made watches have a cult following. They’re quirky but reliable.
Key Collections:
- Amphibia
- Komandirskie
- Classica
- Retro
- Neptune
Signature Features:
- Wobbly crown design
- In-house movements
- Acrylic crystals
- 200m water resistance
- Soviet military heritage
Best-Selling Models:
Top Pick: Vostok Amphibia 120512 ($119)
- Stainless steel case
- In-house automatic movement
- 200m water resistance
- Soviet-era heritage
Why You’ll Love It: You’re getting a piece of watchmaking history with genuine character.
13. Stuhrling
Price Range: $100-300
Best For: Dress watches and skeleton designs
While not a heritage brand, Stuhrling offers decent value in the dress watch category.
Key Collections:
- Original
- Legacy
- Aquadiver
- Monaco
- Symphony
Signature Features:
- Krysterna crystal
- Dual-time complications
- Skeleton designs
- Exhibition casebacks
Best-Selling Models:
Top Pick: Stuhrling Executive 3133 ($200)
- 22-jewel automatic movement
- Skeletonized dial
- Exhibition caseback
- 50m water resistance
- Genuine leather strap
Why You’ll Love It: Dress watch looks without the dress watch price.
14. Swatch
Price Range: $50-200
Best For: Fun, colorful designs and Swiss heritage
Swatch revolutionized the watch industry with plastic watches that actually last. They’re more than just fashion pieces.
Key Collections:
- Irony
- Skin
- Big Bold
- Sistem51
- Originals
Signature Features:
- Plastic cases
- Swiss-made movements
- Automatic Sistem51
- Interchangeable straps
- Water resistance to 30m
Best-Selling Models:
Top Pick: Swatch New Gent Biosourced SO29K100-S06 ($85)
- Swiss quartz movement
- Unique transparent design
- Lightweight construction
- Perfect casual wear
Why You’ll Love It: These watches bring personality to your wrist without sacrificing Swiss reliability.
15. Tissot
Price Range: $300-700
Best For: Swiss quality at entry-level prices
Tissot is the gateway to Swiss luxury watches. Their quality is consistently impressive.
Key Collections:
- PRX
- Seastar
- Le Locle
- Gentleman
- Powermatic 80
Signature Features:
- Powermatic 80 movement
- ETA movements
- Sapphire crystals
- Swiss-made certification
- Anti-magnetic protection
Best-Selling Models:
Top Pick: Tissot Gentleman ($395)
- ETA quartz movement
- Leather strap
- 100m water resistance
- Sapphire crystal
Why You’ll Love It: Swiss-made quality that punches well above its weight class.
16. MVMT
Price Range: $95-295
Best For: Modern minimalist design
MVMT has made a name for itself through social media marketing and clean aesthetics. While they’re more fashion-focused than horologically significant, they offer contemporary styling at accessible prices.
Key Collections:
Best-Selling Models:
Signature Features:
- Minimalist design language
- Interchangeable straps
- Hardened mineral crystal
- Quick-release bands
Top Pick: MVMT Classic II ($148)
- Japanese quartz movement
- 44mm stainless steel case
- 50m water resistance
- Genuine leather strap
Why You’ll Love It: Clean, minimalist aesthetics that work well with modern wardrobes.
17. Daniel Wellington
Price Range: $150-299
Best For: Ultra-minimal Scandinavian design
Daniel Wellington has carved out its niche in the fashion watch segment with ultra-slim profiles and interchangeable straps. The brand focuses on versatile, minimalist designs that work well with both casual and formal attire.
Key Collections:
- Classic
- Petite
- Quadro
- Iconic Link
- DW Classic Unity
Signature Features:
- Ultra-thin case design
- Minimalist dial layout
- Rose gold finish options
- Double-plated cases
Best-Selling Models:
Top Pick: Daniel Wellington Classic ($199)
- Japanese quartz movement
- 6mm slim profile
- 30m water resistance
- Black leather strap
- Eggshell white dial
Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for those seeking an elegant, minimalist, slim watch that pairs well with any outfit.
18. Mondaine
Price Range: $195-700
Best For: Swiss railway clock design
Mondaine is famous for its Official Swiss Railways watch design, offering clean, functional timepieces with historical significance.
Key Collections:
Signature Features:
- Swiss Railways design
- Red seconds hand
- White dial with black markers
- Sapphire crystal
- Swiss-made movements
Best-Selling Models:
Top Pick: Mondaine Essence Black ($275)
- Swiss quartz movement
- 41mm case
- Hardened Mineral Crystal
- 30m water resistance
Why You’ll Love It: Iconic Swiss design with historical significance at an accessible price point.
19. Nautica
Price Range: $65-250
Best For: Sporty maritime-inspired designs
Nautica brings its nautical heritage to watchmaking with water-resistant timepieces that blend functionality with casual style.
Signature Features:
- 100m water resistance standard
- Luminous hands
- Nautical flag indices
- Unidirectional bezels
- Multifunction displays
Best-Selling Models:
Top Pick: Nautica NAPCWS305 ($195)
- 48mm case size
- Luminous hands & indices
- 100m water resistance
- Silicon strap
Why You’ll Love It: Robust sports watches with maritime flair at budget-friendly prices.
20. Tommy Hilfiger
Price Range: $85-225
Best For: Preppy American style
Tommy Hilfiger watches embrace the brand’s classic American cool aesthetic while maintaining reasonable quality for fashion timepieces.
Signature Features:
- Flag logo integration
- Red, white, and blue details
- Stainless steel bracelets
- Multifunction movements
- Date windows
Best-Selling Models:
Top Pick: Tommy Hilfiger Sport Lux 1792104 ($165)
- Quartz movement
- 46mm case diameter
- 50m water resistance
- Three multi-function subdials
- Stainless steel bracelet
Why You’ll Love It: Classic American design elements with contemporary styling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do affordable watches typically last? With proper care, a quality affordable watch can last 5-10 years or more. Mechanical watches can last generations with regular service.
Q: Are automatic watches worth it under $500? Yes, especially from brands like Seiko, Orient, and Citizen. You’re getting real mechanical craftsmanship.
Q: How can I spot fake watches?
- Check for poor finishing
- Look for misaligned markers
- Verify the seller’s reputation
- If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is
Wrapping Up
After exploring these 20 affordable watch brands, it’s clear that you don’t need to spend thousands to own a quality timepiece. Whether you’re looking for the mechanical excellence of Seiko, the rugged durability of G-Shock, the Swiss heritage of Tissot, or the minimalist design of MVMT, there’s a watch that fits both your style and budget. The key is understanding what you value most – be it durability, aesthetics, movement type, or brand heritage.
At the end of the day, the right watch is the one that makes you happy when you check the time. Think about your daily routine, and what you’ll use it for, and pick something that fits your life. With any of these brands, you’ll end up with a watch that looks good, works well, and won’t empty your bank account.
Need more specific recommendations? Drop a comment below with your needs and budget, and we’ll help you find the perfect watch.
Great affordable options! One other brand I might suggest looking at is Boldr. They offer very high quality watches starting around $200 featuring Swiss quartz or automatic Japanese movements. Definitely worth checking out for your next affordable watch lineup. Nice work!
Hi Isaac, thank you very much for the kind words and for pointing me towards Boldr! I just checked out their website – very impressive looking watches, especially at those reasonable prices for Swiss and Japanese movements. I will absolutely be exploring Boldr models in more depth and featuring them in upcoming affordable watch content. Really appreciate the excellent brand recommendation!