In the past, you used to get exactly the level of quality you paid for, but now affordable watch brands bring a lot of value. So you don’t’ necessarily need to spend over $500 to get to the luxury watch level. Instead, we’re’ going to recommend X affordable watch brands that are both budget-friendly and good value.
Budget watches go back to around 1970 when there was a Quartz crisis, which flooded the market with cheap Japanese watches powered by a battery. Anything that cost less than a thousand dollars was shunned as inferior. Luckily, this isn’t’ the case today.
We don’t’ know if Quartz watches simply became popular or something else happened, but cheaper watches started to transform. A lot of the time, things that are too good to be true – are. If you’re’ looking for affordable watch brands, you need to know what you’re’ looking for and which brands you can trust.
This isn’t’ merely a list of watches from fashion brands. We’ve’ looked for well-known and trusted brands in the watch industry. Some offer automatics, some chronographs too, and there are even some appearances of Swiss watches here.
So there’s no need to arrange items in price ascending order, and you don’t’ have to rummage around the sale section of a brand’s website. We’re’ going to take you through the ultimate guide of affordable watch brands right now.
Classic Watches
Seiko
Seiko is a Japanese brand, so, naturally, inside, you’ll find Japanese movements. These are more cost-effective than Swiss alternatives. What’s’ cool about Seiko is that they grow their own Quartz for their battery-powered watches. Plus, everything else is made in-house. Seiko also includes its trademark kinetic technology, which means your watch will never need a new battery. All in all, they don’t’ just function well, but they look good, too.
You can get a very high-quality Seiko for under $300. This includes stainless steel automatics, which are even cheaper at sub-$200.
Citizen
Citizen has always had the mission of making price-accessible watches. It’s’ another Japanese brand that produces some of the most accurate watches globally that cost a fraction of their competitors’ price at this level of quality.
Citizen is famous for its Eco-Drive range, which can use either natural or artificial light to power the battery, meaning you hardly ever need to find a charge, unlike most solar options. Also, it means you won’t’ need a replacement for many, many years.
This has put pressure on traditional Swiss brands but taken the strain off your budget.
Citizen has many options, from minimalist dress watches to some more complicated dive watches. Prices vary a lot, but they’re’ on the list of affordable watch brands today because although some of their timepieces can cost thousands, you can get a high-quality watch for under $150 at the same time.
Tissot
Tissot is part of the Swatch Group and is a name you should know. Renowned for offering true value and quality for money. And you’d’ be right to expect that, seeing as the brand was founded in 1853 and has been innovating ever since.
Many Tissot watches are under $300, but you never feel like you’re’ compromising. For example, you could get hold of their automatic Swissmatic for under $250. This is astonishing, considering its sapphire crystal dial and 30m water resistance.
If you’re’ looking for a dress watch, Tissot offers a timeless and sophisticated range called Tradition. Or, if you’re’ after an oversized chronograph, you could look up the Chrono XL collection.
Swatch
Speaking of Swatch, did you know the brand was created to offer the cheapest watches on the market? Did you also know that the name is literally the words “Swiss” and “watch” squished together? We feel a little let down on the creativity, but not by the timepieces themselves.
Swatch has a great imagination. Over the years, this brand has collaborated with many celebrated artists and fashion designers to stay at the height of pop culture.
As such, if you’re into color and quirk, you can get a (granted, plastic) timepiece from Swatch for around $50 – $120, though very rarely at the higher end.
Skagen
From quirky fun to minimalist beauty. Skagen is a highly under-rated Scandinavian brand under the Fossil Group (so, now everything is made in America, but the style remains).
You should look into their collections because there’s so much on offer, and nothing will cost you more than $300, not even their smartwatch, the Skagen Falster 2 (stainless steel).
No matter which one you go for, the style is prevalent. However, you have a vast range on your hands, from a simple face with no complications to chronographs with subdials, date windows, and Roman numerals.
Triwa
Triwa was set up to disrupt the traditional watch industry. The brand, set up by four friends in 2007, aimed to pave the way for the Scandinavian style alongside its comrades, Skagen (in fact, we’ve’ written an article on
Each watch in the collection has been designed in Sweden and encompasses classic watch elements with a bold and fashionable style.
Being a younger company, they’ve’ got sustainability in mind, too. Their leather straps are organically tanned, for example. The bands are interchangeable, so you don’t’ have to keep buying a new watch to refresh your look.
You can get a cool Triwa watch for around $100 – $300
Casio
When you hear Casio’s name, we bet you think about those retro silver and gold digital watches from the early 2000s. Granted, this is an iconic range from Casio, but they offer so much, and you should keep an open mind.
True, they do dine out on that one, and you can see that in their Retro collection (around $40). But you could also buy more sophisticated offerings like analog-digital hybrids, Bluetooth connected, or even watches suitable for diving. Casio has something for everyone, be it a dress watch to a sports watch.
Typically, a Casio goes for around $100, which is an excellent price considering the durability and reliability you get for that.
Timex
Timex is both a sports-specific brand and well known for offering a decent everyday watch with a retro vibe.
Known best for making sophisticated chronographs with busy faces, Timex’s’ nostalgic design preferences always shine through.
Take the Weekender and Easy Reader, and you’ll’ notice them on the wrists of business people all over the world. However, for a budget-friendly brand, they’ve also created some limited editions over the years too. They even had a go at a smartwatch in the form of the Timex Metropolitan S.
Timex offers all kinds of materials, from stainless steel to plastic, including a host of band options from leather to NATO. There’ll’ certainly be something that appeals to your style. But, for a price range that floats around $50 per watch, you could easily get a collection that reflects who you are in all sorts of situations.
- Read about the Timex Indiglo collection range here.
MVMT
Similarly-fashioned to Timex is MVMT, an American brand born from a crowdfunding campaign in 2013.
Wearers love MVMT watches’ crisp and clean look, which lean close to dress watches with classic faces. If you need a touch of elegance for less, take the Minimalist Vintage range for under $100.
Daniel Wellington
If you like the look of the MVMT, we think you’ll’ also love Daniel Wellington.
Instantly recognizable for the very basic face, a DW watch carries the subtle logo, no numbers, no second hand, and no date window or sub-dials. But, it somehow still manages to offer an almost unlimited range of options.
Colors, materials, and different bands (including Italian leather) can all be found with what was intended to be a classic vintage style.
You can find Daniel Wellington watches floating around the $200 price bracket.
Mondaine
Another Swiss option that you don’t’ need a Swiss bank account to afford is Mondaine.
Mondaine offers traditional Swiss craftsmanship for an affordable price. All the quartz movements are made in Switzerland and bear the same logo.
You’ll’ instantly recognize a Mondaine from its connection to the country’s’ rail service. Each face is a miniature version with old contrast and a red hand.
Expect to pay around $200.
Rotary
Hopefully, we’ve’ proven that it isn’t’ all about Swiss watches. In fact, the UK has a fantastic track record for horology. Rotary is based in the UK and has a French family tree. They like to name their collections after famous landmarks and other historical references, such as the Cambridge.
If you like busy faces with lots of complications and features, but you don’t’ want to shell out more than $250 – 300, check out Rotary.
Orient
Orient Watch is a popular Japanese brand creating innovative watches since 1950. With a focus on attainable timepieces, this brand makes sure there’s a watch available in everyone’s budget.
This brand offers excellent quality watches at lower prices. While Orienprovide’t’ a budget watch, they offer lower to mid-range options for those who don’t’ want to splurge on an expensive timepiece. For a watch that is known worldwide and praised for its quality, try Orient.
Stuhrling
A well-known manufacturer that has a few iconic models under its belt. Stuhrling is praised for innovative watch designs at lower price points. They avoid lavish ad campaigns and luxury marketing, allowing their high-class watches to speak for themselves.
Invicta
The team at Invicta strives to offer watches at modest prices. They want their timepieces to be available to a range of people, not just those that can afford large price tags. The brand also aims to be different from others, providing alternative designs and features. Invicta is also known for its excellent quality and durability too, a great brand to invest in if you want to get your money’s worth.
Solios
The team of designers and innovators at Solios focuses on helping the planet while also designing watches. They keep in mind three things when creating: sustainable materials, renewable energy, and elegant watch design. If you want an affordable watch with a minimalistic look, sustainable materials, and solar charge, try a Solios watch.
Nordgreen
Created in 2017, Nordgreen strives to produce aesthetically pleasing and sustainable timepieces. Nordgreen uses Scandinavian principles to aid its design process. They look at giving back to the environment and creating a watch that fits into users” everyday lives. Their watches have a minimalist look and are available at a mid to low price point.
Armitron
Armitron is a leader in the watch industry as the team here embraces forward-thinking design and technology in their products. This brand was known as “America’s Watch” and created a range of fashion watches in the 1980s, cementing their position as industry leaders. Today you can shop various styles, including analog, digital, retro, and more. There are affordable options in all categories too.
Bulova
Founded in 1875, Bulova has a rich heritage of great design. Citizen has now owned this luxury watch brand for over a decade, and their sales are still going strong. This brand’s most popular watches sit between the $100-$500 price point, offering different models for all budgets. This is a good brand to try out if you like the luxury style of brands like Rolex, but don’t’ want to spend too much.
Luminox
Luminox is a Californian brand that was founded in 1989. While their background is from the US, their watches are still Swiss-made. Luminox watches are unofficial military-grade, and they’re’ popular with special forces and the military. These watches come at affordable prices and offer excellent visibility and time accuracy for anyone on the go. As they’re military-based, Luminox watches are mostly designed for men and popular within the men’s market too.
Hamilton
Hamilton is a brand known for offering high-quality watches at a lower price. This mid-range watch brand provides Swiss-made models of great quality with exquisite design. These watches are known within the aviation industry as they have incredible accuracy, and they’re’ also long-lasting. You can even see these popular watches in Hollywood movies, cementing their popularity with stars too.
Victorinox
Victorinox is another well-known name worldwide, as this brand also created the Swiss Army brand. These watchmakers have been working for over 100 years and are known for their excellent engineering and Swiss Army Knives. If you want a watch that’s as complex and efficient as their knives, check out their Swiss Army Watch. This was developed in 1989 and includes efficient design, innovative technology, and looks great too.
Junghans
Junghans was initially known as “Junghans and Tobler” when the brand started creating watches in 1861. This brand has a rich German heritage and started making premium wristwatches in 1927. With nearly a century of experience producing timepieces, this is a brand to invest in for a quality watch. There is a range of watches available, however not smartwatches, you can find a classic watch at any price point.
Alpina
Alpina is a watchmaker with an impressive history. Founded in 1883, the founder of Alpina, Gottlieb Hauser, wanted to create watches that mixed innovation with design. In 1939 Alpina made a luxury sports watch called the Alpina 4 – this was groundbreaking at the time, and it became a favorite with members of the military, navy, and air forces.
Today Alpina is at the higher end of the affordable range; however, you can find watches to suit all budgets from their impressive models. Whether you want to spend a lot or a little, there’s a well-made watch waiting for you.
Movado
Movado is a popular watch brand that has created iconic watches since the 1940s. This Swiss watch manufacturer creates simple designs with bold statements. These timeless watches are respected and coveted by many watch-lovers. This brand’s minimalist edge can make it tough to tell the time from a glance, but the quality and accuracy of the watch are worth buying!
Designer Watches
Emporio Armani
When you hear Emporio Armani, you may think of jeans and other clothes, but this fashion brand also creates high-quality watches. Not only that, Armani watches are more affordable than many believe and absolutely worth a look if you want to invest in a new timepiece. The watches from this brand have traditional elements mixed in with modern designs, perfect for anyone looking for an affordable and stylish timepiece.
Guess
Guess is another well-known brand that’s also popular in the fashion industry. It was established in Los Angeles in 1981, giving the brand over 40 years of experience in the industry. This brand is best for the fashion-conscious. However, their timepieces are packed with the latest technology and are very functional. The Guess watch ranges offer affordable watches and some at higher prices, so they always have a perfect timepiece for any buyer.
Maserati
Maserati is a brand associated with excellence, engineering, and luxury. Consider purchasing a Maserati timepiece for unique Italian style, high-quality materials, and durability. This brand produces watches with Morellato, another Italian company specializing in wristwatches and jewelry. The initial Maserati line was released in 2012 and was extremely popular. Maserati now offers watches at a range of price points, including mid-range and affordable prices.
Nixon
Nixon was established in the late 90s to create watches that reflected Californian life. Founders Andy Laats and Chad DiNenna wanted to capture the spirit of youth they saw in their community. Though Nixon is a stylish and popular brand, their watches aren’t smartwatches or based on new tech. These are fashion watches, and they’re’ popular for their aesthetics, not their features. However, you can find many attractive and affordable watches from Nixon on the market.
AVI-8
AVI-8 is a London-based company owned by Dartmouth Brands. Japanese movements power these British watches, and you can find both Quartz and mechanical models within their collections. These watches are produced in China, and you can find many models at mid to low price points, perfect for anyone looking for an affordable model with a stylish edge.
Lacoste
Lacoste’s’ watch collections offer a fun and vibrant take on standard designs. These watches have a fashion focus and are designed to be unique and eye-catching. If you want a timepiece that makes a style statement, consider investing in a piece from this brand. Unlike other watch companies, Lacoste is an accessible yet luxury brand, offering pieces to all budgets.
Anne Klein
Founded by fashion designer Anne Klein, the Anne Klein brand released its first collection in 1968. From this collection, the brand has grown into an established retailer of fine watches and accessories for women. There’s’ a focus on offering affordable timepieces, ensuring all women can have a taste of luxury in their day-to-day life. Though the brand also designed jewelry, sunglasses, and garments, its watches are the most popular because of their refined design and style.
Vincero
Vincero is a popular brand for consumers that want a high-quality watch at an affordable price. Their watches are priced in an accessible range. However, Vincero never compromised the craftsmanship or materials. When users wear a Vincero watch, they’re’ wearing a timepiece that’s premium standard and long-lasting. These watches feel and look expensive but can be bought at a low to mid-price.
Michael Kors
Whether you’re into style or not, nearly everyone knows the name Michael Kors. This trendy designer creates a range of accessories, but their range of women’s watches became exceptionally popular. With watches in gold, rose gold, and silver colorways, women flocked to the store to buy this fashionable timepiece. The brand now stocks a range of watches, including smartwatches, giving a luxury-looking timepiece for an affordable budget.
Diesel
Diesel is a popular option when it comes to affordable watches. This well-known brand allows wearers to embrace a luxury timepiece at a reasonable budget. This is one of the most popular fashion watch retailers on this list as it enables all budgets to experience a timeless piece. Though these watches aren’t’ Swiss-made, they offer great design, accuracy, and a stylish accessory for men and women.
Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger is another brand that will initially make you think of clothes and accessories. However, this brand is often praised for its timepieces too. Their range of watches features fashionable designs that mix traditional and modern styles. They also offer classic, sporty, and chronograph watches and even some with oversized cases. This is a mid-price brand and a great affordable option for anyone looking for a new watch.
Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers
Fossil
Fossil is a name that many will recognize. This brand started as a wholesale business and now owns a range of brands that are praised worldwide. One of their main focuses is watches, and you can be sure that their timepieces will stand the test of time. Fossil has been making affordable and fashionable watches since 1984, and they keep getting better over time.
G-Shock
Casio has a big brother, and we mean big. G-Shock watches are famous for their bulky cases, akin to some Garmin watches.
On its conception 30 years ago, the G-Shock range was sold with the promise of ten-year battery life, 100m water resistance, and the ability to withstand a 10m fall unscathed.
Today, it’s’ still tough to find a more rugged brand. Nowadays, you get handy extras like timezones, multiple alarms, and automatic calendars. Niche complications include yacht timers and moon phases.
Prices vary from under $100 to around $300.
Xiaomi
Xiaomi is a Chinese organization founded in 2021 with the clear mission of “making quality technology accessible to everyone.” Making them one of the most affordable watch brands. Surprisingly, behind Samsung, they are the second-largest manufacturer of smartphones. They have only been producing wearables since 2019; however, they have proven extremely popular thanks to their great features and low cost. The latest device, the Mi Band 6, is available for less than $50.
| Product | Supplier |
| Mi Band 7 | AliExpress |
| Mi Band 7 | eBay |
| Mi Band 7 Pro | Amazon |
| Mi Band 7 | Amazon |
Huawei
Huawei is another Chinese organization that was founded in 1987. They are well known for their mobile phones and released their first smartwatch in 2015. Huawei devices range from as low as $60 to over $200. However, this is still exceptionally well priced for modern wearables. This month (Nov 2021), they are expected to launch their first device capable of blood pressure monitoring.
Amazfit
Amazfit is a relatively new wearable company, being founded in 2015. They specialize in wearables such as fitness trackers and smartwatches at affordable prices, some as low as $60. However, affordable certainly doesn’t mean they are lacking. Their range of smartwatches still incorporates excellent style and the features you need to organize your daily life and track your workouts.
Conclusion
So there you have it, more than 40 affordable watch brands you probably didn’t’ realize you could afford! It doesn’t’ have to be cheap plastic from China. You can get your hands on a reputable brand and even build a collection of high-quality, accurate, reliable, and even rugged watches for less than it would cost for one luxury watch. All you need to know is where to look!
If you do want to indulge in some lottery-winning priced watches, check out these most expensive watches in the world.
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Last Updated on December 31, 2021
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