The Best Watches You Can Buy Under $500 | Gear Patrol (2024)

Home / Watches / Watch Buying Guides

What’s the perfect watch? The one you’re wearing. And which one is that? The one you can afford.

It’s simple reasoning but bears repeating in the watch world, where we are so often obsessed with the most pristine, gold-laden, house-costing timepieces. Yes, watches can be luxury goods, and those luxury goods are beautiful. But a watch can also just be the thing you wear on your wrist that tells the time and costs, well, not as much as a house. And — quote us on this — that affordable watch can still be amazing.

Affordable watches have the power to turn more people into watch nerds than haute horlogerie. Any one of these sub-$500 watches is going to make you feel good when you buy it and feel even better when you use it. Because they’re not cheap garbage. They do what you need for less, and shouldn’t you be saving to send your kid to college, anyway?

How We Tested

We tested these watches the best way we knew how: By wearing them like we owned them (and in some cases, we do own them). That means changing the straps, fiddling with the crowns and bezels, timing things and not being precious about banging them into door handles (it happens). In some cases, like with more purpose-built watches, we went even further. Wearing them while traveling, taking them diving and, in at least one instance, running them over with a car.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products,head here.

Best Overall Watch Under $500: Seiko 5 Sports GMT

Seiko

Best Overall Watch Under $500

Seiko 5 Sports SKX Sports Style GMT

The watch that changed the affordable GMT game, Seiko’s sub-$500 sports watch became an icon less than a year after its 2022 release thanks to both its SKX-inspired styling and new automatic dual-time movement.

Specs

Case Size	42.5mm
Movement	Seiko 4R34 automatic GMT
Water Resistance	100m

Pros

• Already an iconic design
• Wears smaller than the case size would suggest
• Surprisingly nice bracelet

Cons

• No lume on the bezel, not even on the pip
• Polarizing cyclops

• $356.25 at Amazon

It’s been a couple of years since this watch debuted and forever changed our idea of what the phrase “affordable GMT” means, but it remains as cool and desirable as ever. Aping the style of the iconic Seiko SKX007 dive watch but adding a GMT twist via a fourth hand and a Hardlex crystal-topped 24-hour bezel, the “5KX GMT” quickly has become an icon in its own right.

Photo by Joe Tornatzky

Orient Bambino

Amazon

Orient Bambino

Long the top recommended affordable dress watch for those just dipping their toe into automatic watches, Orient’s popular Bambino combines classic watchmaking good looks with durable Japanese build quality.

Specs

Case Size	40.5mm
Movement	Orient F6724 automatic
Water Resistance	30m

Pros

• Super affordable
• Classic styling

Cons

• Wears large for a dress watch
• Strap isn't the greatest

• $157 at Amazon

There are a confusing number of Bambino generations, with different functions, styles, and dial colorways. (Seriously.) This means you’re spoiled for choice to find that one perfect mechanical dress watch for under $500—or maybe you can buy one for every suit you own.

Bertucci A-2T

Amazon

Bertucci A-2T Classic

Lightweight and legible with a no-nonsense design, Bertucci’s titanium field watch won’t win any beauty contests. But if you need a durable beater watch that doesn’t mind getting down and dirty, it fits the bill.

Specs

Case Size	40mm
Movement	Japanese quartz
Water Resistance	200m

Pros

• Sharp, legible dial
• Decent lume
• Lightweight, hardy titanium case
• Thick strap actually rocks

Cons

• Underwhelming case finishing
• Strap and lugs are big
• A large and not beautiful beast

Read our full review of the Bertucci A-2T Classic

• $144.95 at Amazon

Ever since surviving a Gear Patrol-induced stress test (read: being dropped off a balcony), we’ve always had a profound respect for this tough little brand, which often sells its watches with ugly plastic shrouds for extra protection. These are watches for the blue-blooded, outdoor-working everyman, and the A-2T, with its lightweight titanium case, hardy nylon band, luminous dial and unstoppable quartz movement, is the perfect watch for camping or yard work. Our tester loved how rugged and non-fussy the watch is, but admits that it’s not winning any beauty contests.

Photo by Zen Love

Casio World Time

Amazon

Casio World Time

With a display that looks like something you’d find on the wall of an old-school Bond villain’s lair and a suite of functions that include an alarm and a world timer, it’s hard to think of a watch offering more style and functionality for under $50.

Specs

Case Size	39.5mm
Movement	Casio quartz world timer
Water Resistance	100m

See Also

Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Under €1,000 — Daan's Picks From Baltic, Seiko, Vero, And Autodromo10 Best Watches Under $1000 (2021) - SpotTheWatchFratello Favorites: The Best Watches Under €1,000 — Thomas's Picks From Seiko, Lorier, And RZE10 Best Automatic Watches Under $1000 - SpotTheWatch

Pros

• Remarkably durable
• Lightweight and comfortable

Cons

• Steel bracelet makes a rattly sound
• Odd 21mm lug width

Read our full review of the Casio World Time

• $29.95 at Amazon

  $42.95(30% off)

There’s a near-endless supply of Casio watches available for under $500. In fact, if you steer clear of the higher-end G-Shocks and Edifice watches, practically any watch in the brand’s entire catalog can be had for less than five crisp Benjamins. But we have a soft spot for the World Time, which combines cool retro-futuristic sci-fi styling with a whole host of useful features all for less than fifty bucks. Our tester was shocked by how durable the watch is, but lamented the difficulty in finding replacements straps for the jangly bracelet.

Seiko 5 Sports Field Watch

Seiko

Seiko 5 Sports Field Watch

The 4R36-powered version of Seiko’s classic affordable field watch is a little pricier than in years past, but it’s still as stylish, robust and reliable as ever. With multiple styles and sizes available, you’re sure to find one to suit your tastes.

Specs

Case Size	36mm or 39.4mm
Movement	Seiko 4R36 automatic
Water Resistance	100m

Pros

• Much bang for buck
• 36mm models are perfect
• Continues a celebrated legacy

Cons

• Wish it were thinner
• 39.4mm models wear a bit big

Read our full review of the Seiko 5 Sports Field Watch

• $221.25 at Amazon

  $295(25% off)

A revamped version of the iconic Seiko 5 line, the 5 Sports models feature day-date displays, upgraded styling, the automatic Seiko cal. 4R36 movement with optional manual winding and a 41-hour power reserve, 100m of water resistance and a Hardlex crystal. Seiko 5s have always offered great value, particularly for those first getting into the watch hobby, but the current generation is much improved without increasing prices too much. Our tester noted how it’s definitely an improvement over prior generations, though he still wishes it were thinner.

Timex Q Timex GMT

Timex

Timex Q Timex GMT

Timex took its iconic Q reissue and added a GMT, making the affordable watch perfect for frequent travelers. While still inexpensive, the dual-time version also benefits from the accuracy of its quartz movement, which, while not for everyone, is as reliable as they come.

Specs

Case Size	38mm
Movement	Swiss quartz GMT
Water Resistance	50m

Pros

• Very attractive vintage-inspired design
• Quartz movement is accurate (and quiet)
• Tough to find a better GMT watch for less

Cons

• Bracelet feels and looks cheap
• Quartz is not for everyone
• It would be nice if the bezel ratcheted

Read our full review of the Timex Q Timex GMT

• $229.00 at Timex

A proper dual-time version of the Q Timex reissue, the watch largely responsible for Timex’s current renaissance, the Q Timex GMT is one of the best GMT watches you can get for under $500 — and almost certainly the best under $300. It offers that classic Pepsi styling pioneered by Rolex, along with some upgrades over the non-GMT version, like applied indices and a cleaner dial design. Our tester loved the style overall —it looks great on the wrist —but he found the bracelet to be much cheaper-feeling than the case.

Photo by Zen Love

Brew Metric

Brew

Brew Metric

Arguably Brew’s flagship model, the Metric features a well-finished integrated bracelet to go along with an unorthodox chronograph layout and fun color combinations, combining to form a watch that looks unlike anything else on the market.

Specs

Case Size	36mm
Movement	Seiko VK68 meca-quartz chronograph
Water Resistance	50m

Pros

• Doesn't look like anything else out there
• Espresso timing scale is a fun feature
• Awesome bracelet

Cons

• Not an automatic movement
• Frequently sold out

• $450 at Brew Watches

It’s not often you come across a sub-$500 watch from a microbrand with a truly original design that looks like nothing else on the market, but that’s exactly what Brew gave us with the Metric. A meca-quartz chronograph with an interesting sub-dial layout, great finishing for the price and a funky colorway, this watch stands out and makes an impression without putting too much of a dent in your wallet.

Dan Henry 1970 Automatic Diver

Dan Henry

Dan Henry 1970 Automatic Diver

Inspired by the colorful, dual-crown super compressor dive watches of the 1970s, Dan Henry’s 1970 Automatic features an inner-rotating bezel and comes on a tropic rubber strap for those vintage vibes. It’s also available in a range of bright colors that make it even more fun.

Specs

Case Size	40mm
Movement	Seiko Cal. NH35 automatic
Water Resistance	200m

Pros

• Great value
• Vintage-inspired design
• Sporty tropic strap

Cons

• 14.8mm thickness cumbersome for daily wear
• Branding won't appeal to everyone

Read our full review of the Dan Henry 1970 Automatic Diver

• $290 at danhenrywatches.com

Dan Henry is an unapologetic homagist: he makes watches that are inspired by, and sometimes directly mimic, the greats. This is divisive work, but among affordable watch geeks, he’s mostly beloved because he does what the greats have done for much, much less. Here, we have a diver based on super-compressors of the 1960s and ’70s in a far more affordable and reliable (but no less attractive) package. Our tester loved the vintage styling and attention to detail of the watch, but found it just a bit too beefy for daily wear.

Photo by John Zientek

Shinola Model D Detrola

Shinola

Shinola The Model D Detrola

Affordably priced and powered by an American-assembled quartz movement, Shinola’s cheapest model makes a great entry point for those who dig the brand’s Americana style.

Specs

Case Size	43mm
Movement	Argonite 705 Quartz
Water Resistance	50m

Pros

• Mostly assembled in Detroit
• Mass-appeal styling

Cons

• Low-end materials for the money (resin case)
• Oversized for the style

• $395 at Shinola

An entry point into Shinola’s watch catalog, the handsome Detrola allows you to rep the “built in Detroit” brand for less than most people will think. With its onion crown, wire lugs and clock-like printed Arabic numeral indices, the watch unmistakably looks like a watch from the premium American lifestyle brand, but with an SRP under $400, it does so without forcing you to pay the types of prices Shinola usually commands.

Bulova Lunar Pilot

Bulova

Bulova Lunar Pilot

Based on a Bulova prototype that was worn on the moon in 1971, the Lunar Pilot combines similar looks and provenance to the famous Omega Speedmaster, but at a much lower price point.

Specs

Case Size	43.5mm or 45mm
Movement	Bulova 262kHz quartz chronograph
Water Resistance	50m

Pros

• Good price for a watch with real provenance
• Solid design and welcome smaller diameter

Cons

• The thickness will feel unwieldy to some
• It's still not an Omega Speedmaster

Read our full review of the Bulova Lunar Pilot

• $378.99 at Amazon

  $625.00(39% off)

See Also

Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Under €1,000 — RJ's Picks From Seiko, Hamilton, And Christopher Ward

Easily the best affordable alternative to the Omega Speedmaster on the market given its actual moon-landing provenance, the Lunar Pilot is a quality timepiece, a cool story and a good-looking accessory all in one. Its movement is a pretty neat Bulova high-frequency quartz that hums along at 262kHz, giving the chronograph a perfectly smooth sweep that looks very premium. Our tester was quite impressed with the movement, which is also far more accurate than your average quartz. But, in what is looking like a trend among affordable watches, he found the thickness of the watch to be a bit cumbersome.

Photo by Zen Love

Luminox Original Ngavy SEAL 3001

Luminox

Luminox Original Navy Seal XS.3001.F

Crafted for actual Navy SEALs three decades ago, Luminox’s icon is one of the most rugged and capable watches you can get for the prices thanks to its lightweight carbon-composite case, always-on tritium lume and robust water resistance.

Specs

Case Size	43mm
Movement	Ronda 515 quartz
Water Resistance	200m

Pros

• Carbonox case is lightweight and rugged
• Always fun to see tritium gas tube lume

Cons

• Dial is very busy
• Oversized for many at 43mm

• $495 at Luminox

The most classic Luminox watch made for the Navy SEALs still looks badass. It’s been resurrected in a form keeping close to the original, and it’s just about our favorite watch from the brand. Tough and legible with a tritium illumination and the brand’s own carbon material for its housing, what’s best about it is that it comes in under $400.

Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms

Swatch

Blancpain x Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms

The follow-up to the blockbuster MoonSwatch sees Swatch put its affordable spin on another luxury watch icon, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms diver, resulting in a surprisingly capable and wearable homage with a Bioceramic case and a machine-made automatic movement.

Specs

Case Size	42.3mm
Movement	Swatch SISTEM51 automatic
Water Resistance	91m

Pros

• Super lightweight
• Dynamite lume
• Surprisingly great bezel action
• Iconic luxury watch design for a serious bargain

Cons

• Crystal scratches very easily
• Very thick, especially with the included strap
• Movement is not built for the long haul

Read our full review of the Blancpain x Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms

• $400.00 at swatch.com

Swatch’s follow-up to the blockbuster MoonSwatch is more of a real watch in every sense, yet it still costs less than $500. A collaboration with Blancpain recreating the first modern dive watch in Bioceramic form, the Scuba Fifty Fathoms looks almost identical to a Blancpain but comes in a range of funky colors. Our tester was especially impressed with the watch’s lume, which puts most far more expensive dive watches to shame, but he was skeptical about the longevity of the SISTEM51 automatic movement.

Photo by Johnny Brayson

Citizen Tsuyosa

Citizen

Citizen Tsuyosa

Citizen’s take on the popular integrated bracelet sports watch trend, the Tsuyosa is well-sized, automatic and good-looking, with clear style influences borrowed from Patek and Rolex having been transformed into a new, unique look.

Specs

Case Size	40mm
Movement	Miyota 8210 automatic
Water Resistance	50m

Pros

• Solid Miyota movement
• Good-looking design, if you don't mind being a little derivative

Cons

• The dial reads a little too "Rolex"
• Chintzy compared to competitors like the PRX

• $360 at Citizen

  $450(20% off)

Taking clear influence from a few popular luxury watches, Citizen has created a affordable modern icon of its own in the Tsuyosa. With an integrated bracelet, a wearable case size of 40mm and a wide array of colorful dials to choose from, it’s a fun watch to add to your collection without much thought. We’d like to see future iterations do away with the cyclops date, though, as it makes the watch lean just a bit too far into Rolex homage territory.

Baltic HMS 003

Baltic

Baltic HMS 002

A compact size, a decent (and decorated) automatic movement with 60 hours of power reserve, a beautiful retro-inspired design and even an available gold PVD variant, there’s a whole lot to like about Baltic’s original dress watch — especially once you factor in the price.

Specs

Case Size	36.5mm
Movement	Miyota 8315 automatic
Water Resistance	50m

Pros

• Killer retro styling
• Solid automatic movement

Cons

• Acrylic crystal scratches easily
• Thick for a dress watch at 13mm with the crystal

• $385 at Baltic

The next-generation of Baltic’s original 1940s-inspired dress watch, the HMS 002 offers a ton of class and panache for its price. Powered by a pretty impressive Miyota automatic movement with 60 hours of power reserve and some attractive decoration (as seen through the display caseback in the gold PVD version), the watch even has a bit of horological interest to go along with its supremely good looks.

Nodus Sector GMT

Courtesy

Nodus Sector GMT

It wasn’t long after the release of Seiko’s game-changing 4R34/NH34 automatic GMT movement that it started popping up in other watches. LA microbrand Nodus was one of the first to utilize the movement, giving fans an attractive and less ubiquitous alternative to the Seiko.

Specs

Case Size	38mm
Movement	Seiko 4R34 automatic GMT
Water Resistance	100m

Pros

• Original and attractive design
• Who doesn't love a stubby GMT hand?
• Great size

Cons

• No GMT markings for odd hours
• Polishing on the lugs creates an optical illusion that makes the bracelet look like it fits poorly

• $475 at noduswatches.com

Thankfully, Seiko decided to share the wealth when it created its affordable new GMT movement for the 5 Sports GMT, offering up the caliber for other brands to purchase and use in their own watches. One brand that quickly did so was Nodus, a standout microbrand from L.A. The Sector GMT eschews the typical GMT template to create a highly original watch, with an interesting case and bracelet combo, unique colors and a stubby GMT hand paired with an inner 24-hour ring.

Casio G-Shock GWM5610

Amazon

Casio G-Shock GWM5610

The original G-Shock might still be the best. The Square G-Shock is compact and wearable, while still packing in a ton of features and being just as robust and unbreakable as its bigger, pricier brethren.

Specs

Case Size	43.2mm
Movement	Casio solar quartz with Multiband 6
Water Resistance	200m

Pros

• Basically indestructible
• Solar-powered
• Very legible
• Lightweight and highly comfortable
• Classic design

Cons

• Not easy to change straps
• Doesn't convey prestige
• Manual radio syncing doesn't always work

Read our full review of the Casio G-Shock GWM5610

• $91.99 at Amazon

  $150.00(39% off)

The “Square” G-Shock was the Casio offshoot’s original design, and it remains tough to beat 40 years on. It’s nearly impossible to destroy (we’ve tried), isn’t oversized like many later G-Shocks and really only has functions that you’ll actually use. Our tester found that the atomic radio syncing didn’t always work properly, which was a bit of a nuisance, but overall he loved its durability, wearability, and usability and considered the plastic beast to be one of his favorite watches.

Citizen Promaster Dive Automatic “Fugu”

promaster dive

Citizen Promaster Dive Automatic “Fugu”

Citizen may have built its modern reputation on its solar-powered Eco-Drive quartz technology, but the Japanese mega-brand still knows its way around an automatic watch, as evidenced by this budget-priced yet highly-capable mechanical diver.

Specs

Case Size	44mm
Movement	Miyota 8204 automatic
Water Resistance	200m

Pros

• Feels like a true diving tool
• Perfectly sized and very comfortable
• Highly legible

Cons

• The crown screws in sometimes too tightly
• A more premium movement would be appreciated

Read our full review of the Citizen Promaster Dive Automatic “Fugu”

• $440 at citizenwatch.com

  $550.00(20% off)

Technically retailing for a bit over $500 ($550 as of this writing), Citizen’s iconic automatic dive watch is basically always on sale and can easily be found for less than $500. It’s a funky diver with its maxi dial and 8 o’clock crown, but it’s also highly capable, as our tester discovered while actually taking the thing diving. He found the watch to be highly legible with rock-solid durability, and all of the functions (like the timing bezel) worked swimmingly in the water (no pun intended). He did find himself wishing for a better movement, but alas, that would push the price well above our $500 ceiling.

Photo by Kristin Paterakis

Timex Marlin Automatic

Timex

Timex Marlin Automatic

Part of Timex’s ever-expanding catalog of mechanical and automatic timepieces, the self-winding version of the mid-century-inspired Marlin dress watch brings a lot of class for not a lot of money.

Specs

Case Size	40mm
Movement	Miyota automatic
Automatic	50m

Pros

• Cool vintage-inspired styling
• Intricate dial work for the price

Cons

• Could stand to be smaller
• Lack of transparency regarding the movement

• $259 at Timex

Timex’s Marlin line continues to grow following its groundbreaking comeback less than a decade ago, and it continues to fuel the affordable brand’s mechanical makeover with each new release. This automatic version of the Marlin still incorporates mid-century style cues like the original, but it does so in a more modern package that’s bigger and preferable to some 21st-century wearers (even if we personally think it’s a little big).

Lorier Falcon III

Lorier

Lorier Falcon III

Lorier’s take on a modernized mid-century field watch in the vein of a Rolex Explorer is extremely easy to wear at just 36mm, while also being plenty easy on the eyes with its old-school waffle dial, trademark arrow handset and the beloved fully-articulating Lorier bracelet.

Specs

Case Size	36mm
Movement	Miyota 90S5 automatic
Water Resistance	100m

Pros

• Excellent compact sizing
• Waffle dial is unique and rare in a modern watch

Cons

• Finishing on the handset is rough
• Acrylic crystal scratches easily

• $499.00 at lorierwatches.com

• Diameter: 36mm
• Movement: Miyota 90S5 automatic

This young brand has impressed us with the quality and value it offers for the price. For under $500 (just), you get a 36mm field watch style, a reasonable 100m of water resistance and a solid Japanese movement. With a stylish steel bracelet with flat brushed links and a pretty waffle dial, that’s a lot of watch that you can happily wear every day.

Seiko Prospex “Turtle” SRPE93

Macy’s

Seiko Prospex “Turtle” SRPE93

The modern version of a Seiko dive watch icon, the Prospex “Turtle” is all kinds of robust and is surprisingly premium for a dive watch at this price point. You’re getting an original (and familiar) Seiko design, a day-date complication and a true ISO 6425-standardized diver’s watch with a 200m depth rating.

Specs

Case Size	45mm
Movement	Seiko Cal. 4R36 automatic
Water Resistance	200m

Pros

• Iconic Seiko design for a bargain
• One of the most rugged divers for the money

Cons

• Case size is massive at 45mm
• Prospex "X" branding on the dial is divisive

• $495.00 at Macy's

Along with the SKX, the “Tuna,” the “Monster” and a handful of others, the “Turtle” is one of Seiko’s beloved dive watches with a sizable and devoted following. The modern incarnation of the ’80s icon retains the original Tortuga’s cushion-shaped case and general design, but adds some Prospex-ified goodies in the form of an improved movement, increased water resistance and a more premium feel.

Related Topics

Watch Next