Introduction
Affordable watch brands – Not all of us can, or want to, spend thousands on a watch. No matter how much we might love it. It’s arguable that a decent timepiece is an investment and well worth the money (they do stand the test of time, after all).
It’s equally arguable that a budget watch that looks more expensive than it’s price tag is unbeatable. You can afford to keep up with the very latest trends.
If you don’t know which brands offer this kind of watch, don’t you worry. This article will outline some of the more price-accessible watch brands that produce some stunning timepieces. They all come in sub-$200 but pack a design punch. If you’re keen on sophistication, keep reading. These watches will suit almost anything you have to wear.
Let’s begin…
Fossil
Fossil is well known for its high-quality leather products. They’ve been around for many, many years. They’re a common occurrence in any trendy person’s wardrobe. Largely because everything they make looks uber-expensive.
Carlie Mini
The Charlie Mini comes in rose gold with a mesh band. It’s purposely designed for the elegant woman. It has a dainty 28mm case, mother of pearl on the dial and Roman numerals. Inside is quartz movement. The rose gold is actually stainless steel. It’s also water-resistant to 50m which is handy for when you forget to take it off before a shower, or you get caught in the rain.
Neely Crystal
A Neely offers a great addition to your everyday wardrobe. It has a clear dial offering markers, but no numbers. There’s a retro bezel and the wristband can be swapped and changed.
The case is stainless steel and 34mm. Inside is quartz movement and it offers a 3ATM rating.
Georgia Mini
This one is great for layering. It has a narrow bracelet band that goes well with other jewellery, but the face will pop out from between them.
The case is only 26mm of stainless steel. Inside is quartz movement and it’ll offer you 50m of water-resistance.
Skagen
Skagen should be in your collection. Their minimalist Danish style is to die for. The price simply does not reflect the quality, so get one before they realise!
Aaren Kulør
This is a really fun watch. The name in Danish literally means to add colour and fun. They’re inspired by the bright colours of the houses in Copenhagen.
It has a 41mm case of aluminium. The dial is sand-blasted. It has numbers for the hours and minute markers between. The subdial tracks the passing seconds.
You can change the 20mm wristband for any colour you like.
Lenora
The 25mm case has a bezel of glass crystal which also has crystal indices as well as two-hand movement. The special part is that it comes with a 12mm leather strap, which adds a touch of class.
Timex
Timex are just so good at what they do. They offer the look of luxury at accessible prices.
Metropolitan
Another staple for the wardrobe that will remain timeless. It’ll go with your well-worn jeans or little black dress. It has a 33mm golden-tone case with a matching dial and stainless steel wristband (also matching).
Milano
Part of the Petit Collection. This watch has a 24mm brass case featuring a 12mm stainless steel band in rose gold. It features a push-pull crown and the mineral crystal dial protects an analogue dial underneath.
It’s got quartz movement on the inside and a 3ATM rating.
Variety
This timepiece takes inspiration from its ancestors from the 60s. It has a silver case and matching ring (although this can be swapped for white or black). It comes with a black leather strap, but it’s interchangeable to suit your style. The options are endless.
Rosefield
Rosefield is a destination for fashion watches on a budget. They’re inspired by both New York and Amsterdam.
Small Edit
This timepiece takes you to New York. It has a 26mm case which is the smallest in the whole range. It comes with either a mesh or leather wristband and comes in plenty of different colours.
The dial has white pearl detail and rose gold indices and hands. Inside is Japanese quartz movement and it offers a 3ATM rating.
It has a feminine charm with a vintage vibe.
Boxy Leather Strap
This offers a modern-retro feel. The Boxy has some distinctive angles with a rectangular case. It has sunray etched dials. It’s a crowd-pleaser. It’s versatile to wear to work or on a night out.
The case is incredibly thin at 6.8mm and 26mm. The strap is made of genuine leather and is interchangeable for something high gloss. The dial is a rich matte black and offers rose gold hands and indices and the date.
Inside is Japanese quartz movement and it offers a 3ATM rating.
Olivia Burton
If you haven’t heard of Olivia Burton yet, you’ll have to make time to get to know the brand. They offer fresh femininity at a cost-effective level.
Big Dial Watch
Olivia Burton timepieces really have something unique about them. The big dial is actually one of a range of the same name. They come with leather straps in pastel colours or a mesh if you’d rather. The best bit is they’re all vegan-friendly.
Velvet Strap Watch
The velvet strap watch has silver, gold and rose gold options. The dials here come in a mini-size. The unique material on the wristband make it a really unusual attention-grabber.
Casio
Casio is more sporty. They’re famous for providing devices to the military. There’s a signature stopwatch that comes with a lot of them as well as alarms and water resistance, so they’re functional as well as fashionable.
Classic Quartz Watch
This is a rounder watch with a resin strap. The case is 26mm which is also resin. It has a glass resin-coated dial too. Under that, you’ll find Roman numerals on an analogue display. Beneath that, you’ll find quartz movement.
It’s quartz-powered.
Classic Round Analog
For less than $15 you can get a reliable and water-resistant watch. It has a classic black and white look (black strap, white face). The case is 25mm and made of resin, including the dial. It’s powered by quartz and shows an analogue display.
Apple
SE
If you’re looking for an Apple Watch, the Watch SE should be the one you choose. Why? Because it has all of the capabilities of the Apple Watch 6, but it’s considerably less expensive, making it one of the best smartwatches available. Perhaps the only downfall is that the always-on display is conspicuously absent as are ECG and blood oxygen readings. But fitness monitoring – which includes motivational nudges to keep you moving – is as excellent as it gets, and will become much better when Fitness Plus arrives.
HUAWEI
Watch GT 2
Huawei’s Watch GT 2e is a remarkably strong and flexible fitness tracker that also has smartwatch features such as reading notifications, changing watch faces, storing music, and monitoring the weather, making it a great exercise companion. It also lives up to its claim of having a long battery life.
Fossil
Women’s Gen 5 Smartwatch
Fossil has a good reputation for smartwatches, so it’s a good place to start if you’re looking for a Wear OS watch. Its most recent model, the Fossil Gen 5, is one of the finest Wear OS smartwatches on the market right now.
That doesn’t mean it’s flawless; it’s missing a few minor capabilities that would make it a must-have, but for basic all-purpose usage, it’s a compelling option for Android users.
The Fossil Gen 5 has been out for a few years, but its solid design and Wear OS software make it a functional wearable that you can buy for less now it’s been out for a while.
Summary
As you can see, you can easily get your hands on a reliable, good-looking and inexpensive watch. You don’t have to spend Cartier money (but it’s fun to window shop).
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Last Updated on October 5, 2021
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