How to find cheap yet stylish watches under $100
Finding affordable watches that weigh in under $100 might seem like hard work. Swiss-made watches, proper watches, are very expensive. They’ve been painstakingly made with love and precision.
Swiss-made watches are the best you can get. But, you can get your hands on a decent watch that delivers bang for your buck.
Some watches won’t tick with platinum-plated movement. Not all are made from titanium or ceramic. Some won’t offer you a precise ECG reading of your heart. But you can get something that holds a timeless design where the simplicity of the build means it’ll be reliable for many years.
If you’re here for the kind of watches that stockbrokers and investors wear, you’re in the wrong place (but you can find that here).
If you want to go up a little – check out the best watches for men under $200
Seiko Men’s Stainless Steel Solar Watch
If you are looking for a watch that looks smart, then Seiko Silvertone Solar will work well for you. This silver-plated stainless steel watch will pair beautifully with both business and casual outfits thanks to its 37 mm stainless steel case and stainless steel link bracelet.
As well as being visually attractive, the watch also has amazing features, which improve its overall utility. Solar-powered technology is Seiko’s main selling point, which is integrated into the Silvertone’s quite thin body.
In addition to a quartz movement, it also has an analog display. A Hardlex crystal glass protects the dial, which has a classic style. In addition, it has a date display window at the 3 o’clock position.
Invicta Men’s Pro Diver
It is BOTH inexpensive and attractive, as well as being a highly reliable diving watch. Featuring a two-tone gold and silver dial and blue glossy bezel, the Pro Diver has a dual-tone dial and bezel. The casing is made of stainless steel that has been 23k gold-plated and has a strong mineral crystal window.
When it comes to design, the dial goes all-out. The automatic movement of the Invicta Pro Diver is housed in a 40 mm stainless steel casing. This watch was created to catch the attention of everyone who looks at it, and it succeeds admirably.
The most important characteristic is, of course, its water resistance. It has an excellent 200m rating in this respect, making it perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and a variety of water sports other than scuba diving.
You can read more about Invicta Here
Casio G-Shock GA-2100-1A1
Usually, with a budget watch, you get a simple, minimalistic and sleek design. Uncluttered faces and basic wristbands. Not here. Not with G-Shock. G-Shock has always been associated with chunky devices.
The GA-2100-1A1 is a hybrid digital-analog watch with a retro style that exudes toughness, which is on-brand for every G-Shock device. Especially so when you look at the “stealth” all-black version.
It exudes the 80s. The case is a clear resin that is both water-resistant (to 200m) and scratch-proof thanks to the mineral crystal face. This in itself for the price, is sensational. It also has a funky LED backlight which makes the whole thing a bit of a showpiece.
Timex – T80 x PAC-MAN
The 80s are back!
Timex digital watches and the arcade classic have never been able to capture the Radwood vibe quite like the Timex digital watches. The Timex T80 x PAC-MAN is a watch for the digital generation that has rich features, vintage charm, and unexpected finishes.
Swiss watches are often understated and simple. Timex takes these characteristics and folds them into a sub $100 watch.
This stainless steel 34mm digital watch is instantly recognisable in either silver, gold, or black.
It has the Timex trademark Indiglo backlight (and if you think that’s cool, you can read more about the Indiglo collection here).
Another throw-back, this watch takes us to the 80s. It’s a fun-looking device with some serious functions.
It has an expansion wristband that can be changed, a light-up face and can go to 30m underwater.
Accurist Analog-Quartz-Chrono
If you’re old enough, you’ll remember the talking clock that you could call on your landline by dialling 123. If not, there’s not enough time to go into what a landline is.
Accurist are timekeepers and they make some vintage offerings that are, unsurprisingly, incredibly accurate.
This men’s analogue quartz watch has a black chronograph dial. The look is complete with a silver stainless steel Bracelet Gents. The case is round and naturally also made of stainless steel. Plus, You’ll notice the deep black dial with baton markers and three subdials. Those being up to 30 minutes of chronograph timing at 1-second intervals, 24 hour time format and the date.
Rotary Canterbury Chrono
An actual Swiss-made chronograph under $100.
This 42mm by 10mm stainless steel watch offers 100m water-resistance under a sapphire crystal dome. It has a stainless steel 40mm case with a matching 19mm bracelet with a foldover clasp. The face offers three sub-dials as well as the date and time. The numerals are Roman.
You really won’t find a better-priced genuine Swiss-made chronograph for this price.
MVMT Blacktop Men’s Analog
MVMT is a home-grown brand that has experienced a surge in popularity recently. Rightly so, too. This model showcases just how insanely-good-looking minimal can be.
Inspired by mid-century watches, this all-black analog has a stainless steel 47mm case with a matching stainless steel bracelet and a dome of a crystal lens on top. The dial has multiple functions and sings in a deep navy blue.
Inside it’s powered by Japanese quartz movement and will dive up to 100m with you (so, more likely in a shower or heavy drain; don’t go diving in it).
You can read more about MVMT watches in our review here.
Daniel Wellington Classic St Mawes
Back in 2006, a Swedish businessman met a fellow from England as they backpacked across Australia. This Englishman wore a battered Rolex on a NATO strap that had seen better days. Only 3 years later, Daniel Wellington watches hit the market, named after that Englishman. The watch was a huge success.
The watch features a white dial with rose gold-tone hands and index hour markers.
The case is 40mm by 6mm and the nylon strap comes in a funky two-tone.
The Classic watch looks and feels featherlight and is inspired by Scandinavian design principles. With its ultra-thin metal bezel encircling the dial, and a bevelled case back, the watch is nearly seamless. The Classic watch is the first to feature our signature twelve index dial, which has the perfect balance between the index markers and the hour hands to create an overall elegant appearance.
Orient Generation Bambino Dress Watch
Our list would not be complete without the Orient 2nd Gen Bambino 3. This stainless steel watch exudes a different vibe than other watches thanks to its 40mm case and domed mineral crystal glass.
This 2nd Gen Orient Bambino 3 has been designed in a more contemporary manner. Similar to Movado watches, it has a somewhat minimalist look.
This watch is powered by a Japanese quartz movement and has a date display at 3 o’clock. It also features a 30m water resistance rating, which should keep it safe from water splashes and rain.
Armani Exchange Classic Stainless-Steel Watch
Armani Exchange Classic watches come in many different styles, but all have the familiar grid-patterned face. As you can see, the 46 mm stainless steel case is unquestionably substantial, and with its existing tank-like appearance, this watch isn’t going to mess around. The dial’s outer circumference is surrounded by ribbed circular tracks that feature markers.
Inside this 46 mm tank of a watch is a quartz mechanism with an analogue display that provides excellent timekeeping accuracy. Also, the construction is water-resistant to a depth of 50 metres. With its uniquely masculine style, the Armani Exchange Classic makes a strong impression and is relatively cheap.
Summary
Some people wouldn’t bother to sniff at a watch under $1,000 for fear of plastic cases. The truth is, you can pick up a very good-looking, functional and reliable timepiece for a price that won’t make you cry if you do accidentally break it. All the while, it’ll blend in with any outfit, for any occasion.
If there’s a lady in your life who might like something new, but you’re on a budget. Check out our review of affordable watches for women.
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Last Updated on October 27, 2021
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