Watches
Best Cheap Watches That Look Super Lux
Maybe a Rolex isn’t in your budget this year (or, let’s be honest, any year)—and that’s perfectly okay! A lack of funds doesn’t have to lead to a lack of style. If you’re interested in getting in on the wristwatch action without going into debt, there are now more options on the market for under $100 than ever before.
Don’t let price tags on the low end of the spectrum scare you away! Who said you need to shell out thousands to be able to tell time? Well-known brands such as Casio, Timex, and Seiko all sell watches at a low cost.
For those in search of a trusty, inexpensive timepiece, we at QMan have sorted through the junk and compiled a list of some of the best cheap watches available — under $100, under $50, and even under $25. Happy saving!
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Cheap vs. The Trash Heap: How to cut costs without sacrificing quality
A highly priced watch isn’t just a symbol of status and luxury, it also typically indicates a revered level of quality. If your finances don’t allow for a high-end product at the moment, you might be worried that you won’t be able to find a decent watch at all. Luckily, that’s not true! While you definitely won’t be getting the quality you receive when spending thousands of dollars on a timepiece, you can still purchase a reliable, stylish wristwatch for under $100.
Whether you’re looking for something professional to complement your office wardrobe or something tactical to accompany you on your outdoorsy adventures, there are a ton of options for you to select from at a low price. Many of the features found in high-quality watches—such as water-resistance, chronograph functions, and more—can still be found in their more affordable counterparts. If you’re still not sure how to sort the best cheap watches for men from the not-so-good ones, here’s a guide to help you on your way. Save your money without skimping on style or durability!
Have a little bit of wiggle room in your budget? Check out our look at the best watches under $200 and the best affordable watches (under $300) on the market today.
Best Cheap Watches Under $100
Seiko 5 Automatic SNK807 Watch
This self-winding mechanical watch from Seiko is a no-brainer if you’re looking for an affordable yet reliable wristwatch. Its features include LumiBrite hands and markers so you can tell time even when you’re not in the best light, as well as an instant setting calendar.
With 30-meter water-resistance and a see-through case back, this watch is both durable and unique. While it isn’t the most luxurious or flashy looking watch, its blue canvas strap, matching dial, and stainless steel case get the job done in terms of both casual style and functionality. Topped off with scratch-resistant Hardly crystal, this Seiko model is sure to withstand day-to-day use.
Skagen Aaren Colored Silicone Quartz Watch
If you aren’t into the monochrome look already, this watch from the Danish brand Skagen will convert you in no time. Minimalist and modern, this fashion-forward timepiece is both fun and functional. It’s available in a variety of bright colors—modelled after the Copenhagen’s trademark townhouses—that will help you stand out from the crowd without spending a fortune.
While this wristwatch gives off a youthful and whimsical vibe, it’s all business when it comes to its aluminum case, silicone band, sandblasted dial, and three-hand movement. The strap itself has an adjustable single-prong buckle and is interchangeable with any other Skagen band, so you can switch it up whenever you want!
Peugeot Rectangular Gold-Plated Watch
If you’re a fan of the rectangle dial, this model from Peugeot is another great choice. Not only is this gorgeous timepiece 14K-gold-plated, but it also features a masculine, genuine leather strap that fastens with a buckle clasp.
Its one-of-a-kind silver textured dial, black roman numerals, and blue metallic hands make for a unique and dressy addition to your wrist. With reliably manufactured quartz movement by Seiko and durable mineral crystal, it’s almost unbelievable that a watch this good is available for under $100.
Stuhrling Pro Diver Watch
Easy-to-read thanks to the contrast of its luminescent hands against its richly-colored dial, this Stuhrling Original diving watch is both glamorous and sporty. Featuring a coin edge bezel and Japanese movement, this timepiece is both chic and accurate, making it one of the best cheap watches out there. With a fully adjustable triple row stainless steel link bracelet and a push-button safety clasp, this wristwatch is as sturdy and stylish as you can get within this kind of price range.
Best Under $50
Timex Easy Reader Watch With Leather Strap
For those seeking something a little more stylish and refined, this easy-to-read Timex model is an excellent choice. Boasting a leather strap, a polished gold-tone case, and a cream dial, this watch has all the classic elegance of an expensive timepiece for only a fraction of the cost. The date window and the brand’s very own Indiglo light-up technology make the Easy Reader as functional and durable as it is timeless and cool.
With its bold numbers, a clean design, 30-meter water-resistance, scratch-resistant mineral glass, and up to ten years of battery life, you can’t go wrong with a Timex. This brand certainly offers some of the best cheap watches on the market.
Timex Expedition Acadia Full Size Watch
This Expedition Acadia watch is another great Timex watch, but unlike the Easy Reader, this one is built for adventure. With a military-inspired, velcro-fastening nylon strap, as well as a black dial, a resin case, and acrylic lens, this watch was made for exploring the outdoors.
Its Indiglo technology, 100-meter water-resistance, scratch-resistant mineral glass, and ten-year battery life make it the perfect companion for everything from a weekend camping trip to a months long thru-hike. Rugged and dependable, you’ll forget you only spent $50 on it.
IBSO Ultra-Thin Rectangle Quartz Watch
This IBSO watch is the perfect option for someone who craves luxury but can’t quite afford it. With a leather strap and a rectangle dial, this wristwatch looks so upscale and expensive that no one will even know you bought it for less than $50. Its sleek aesthetic is best suited for a gentleman on-the-go, as it is appropriate for every occasion from the workplace to a wedding.
With high-quality Japanese movement and mild water-resistance, this good-looking watch also works like a charm. As one of the best cheap watches under $50, it’s perfect for the fashionable businessman who hasn’t quite secured a raise yet.
Best Under $25
Casio Electro Luminescence Digital Watch
Casio’s Electro Luminescence watch is certainly a throwback. Retro but cool, it is powered by quartz movement and features protective mineral crystal to prevent scratches. True to its Illuminator technology, it backlight is one of its most notable functions. It also includes 100-meter water-resistance, a daily alarm option, a digital stopwatch, a calendar, and more.
With approximately seven years of battery life, you’ll get way more use out of a $25 watch than you ever thought possible. This model’s solid stainless steel bracelet has a fold-over clasp for ultimate safety, as well as a matching stainless steel case and pushers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because luxury watches often serve as a symbol of wealth and social standing, the more exclusive or inaccessible a watch is, the more people want to buy it.
Producing a select amount of high-end watches drives demand significantly. On top of that, high-end watches are typically manufactured by hand, or at least with extreme skill and care, and using very high quality tools and materials. Essentially, you get what you pay for.
You can purchase cheap watches anywhere from Amazon to your local Walmart. They are available at affordable watch brand stores that you can walk into, such as Fossil.
One of the reasons cheap watches are cheap is because they are made widely accessible to the general public, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding one.
If you’re purchasing a cheap watch but you still want it to look like you spent a pretty penny, opting for something with metal or leather is your best bet.
Many cheap watches are made from things like plastic, rubber, and canvas, which can all give your watch a more juvenile look. Selecting something shiny and elegant is a good way to go if you’re looking for low-end luxury.