Low Budget Watch Guide Under $1000

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It’s difficult to find articles that focus on low budget watches for the modern gentleman since most horologists tend to dedicate all their attention to the impossibly expensive pieces. Not today!

Unfortunately, it’s the high priced luxury watches that bring that money in over the low budget boutique brands and wholesale watch companies. Fortunately, we don’t play favorites, nor do we think it’s fair to say that only expensive watches are worth owning. Now, $1000 is still a lot of money, but in the world of watches, that budget is modest relative to the cost of high-end timepieces.

Timex Marlin Watch Reissue
Timex Marlin Watch Reissue

When it comes down to it, a watch is simply a slightly more functional piece of jewelry. The only two things that should matter are that (1) they do their job (telling time), (2) they fit your style, and (3) you want to wear them. For any man in the market for a watch, it’s highly opinionated world, so we highly encourage you to focus on your own tastes and needs.

In this article, we will take a look at a series of inexpensive watches that look great, work great, and combine well with the classic style aesthetic. Please note that all prices are subject to change.

Does Low Watch Price Mean An Inferior Product?

Not entirely! Obviously, you’re not going to get a solid gold watch with a handmade movement, because let’s face it – you get what you pay for in most cases. However, there are many brands with a proven reputation that cost pennies on the dollar in comparison to most of the watches advertised in glossy magazines.

There are three contributing factors when it comes to finding a worthwhile low priced watch that retails under $1000.

  1. Movement Country of Origin
  2. Quality of Materials & Workmanship
  3. History

Movement Country of Origin

The country that the watch was manufactured in is often a deciding factor in price. In most cases, watches with Chinese movements are less pricey than ones with Japanese, German or Swiss movements. This is due largely in part to the fact that they are inferior movements, but that’s not to say the watch won’t work well for many years to come.

Swiss automatic watch movement
Swiss automatic watch movement

Often some of the most creative young watchmakers today rely on less expensive movements from China to be able to launch their line. These watchmakers want to prove themselves, so they work extra hard to ensure that every watch is really interesting and beautiful at the same time. For those manufacturers so new to the game, the initial reputation will either make them or break them. For this reason, it pays to observe (and occasionally buy) microbrand watches that are still trying to make a name for themselves in a famously vitriolic industry where every action is heavily critiqued.

Quality of Materials & Workmanship

Naturally, one of the biggest influencers of the price is the quality of the materials used and the workmanship. A no-name plastic watch made in bulk by machine in China is going to be far less expensive than a gold or rhodium watch.

Quartz vs automatic watch movement
Quartz vs automatic watch movement

The same, of course, goes for the type of movement. A mechanical or automatic movement in the majority of cases will far exceed the price of a quartz movement. That being said, there are exceptions to every rule.

History

The historical significance of a timepiece can be one of the most powerful contributing factors to its price. Vintage pieces are often be priced based on the heritage or the story behind the watch. The same rings true for new watches as well. Some companies rely on their lineage to charge more for their products. Of course, there are many exceptions such as brands like Casio and Timex, which have been around for many years and yet still price their watches low.

Watches Under $400

This price point is house favorite at the Gentleman’s Gazette, for many reasons. It is accessible to most men, the watches are wearable in a way that very expensive watches aren’t, and they are easier to take stylistic risks with.

Timex Weekender is a great inexpensive EDC timepiece
Timex Weekender is a great inexpensive EDC timepiece

Timex Weekender

When it comes to a good low budget, introductory watch, the Weekender is a house favorite. They have a long heritage in watchmaking, modern styling, and they’re so inexpensive that you can buy a few for the summer and interchange them based on your mood or the outfit you’re wearing. They also make a great gift. Of all the entry-level watches on the market today, this is one of the most popular ones for good reason. It also comes in more than 10 color combinations, so you can get exactly what suits your wardrobe. Check out the Timex Weekender Watch here.

 

Seiko 5 Sport Automatic Khaki Green Watch
Seiko 5 Sport Automatic Khaki Green Watch

Seiko 5 Sport Automatic Watch

Among watch lovers, it is not hard to find Seiko enthusiasts, and this rugged but streamlined sports watch is a low-budget favorite at around $100. At a 42mm case size, this watch is not small, but the size pairs well with the field-inspired styling, the nylon strap, and the matte case finish. It features a Seiko Caliber 7S36 automatic movement with an open back. For casual weekend outings, this watch is a great, budget-friendly introduction to watches that leaves you some room in your wallet to pick up some other styles. Check out the Seiko 5 Sport Automatic Watch here.

Orient Bambino Small Seconds Watch
Orient Bambino Small Seconds Watch

Orient Bambino Small Seconds

The Orient Bambino is an industry favorite for beginner and low budget watches, for good reason. It’s an affordable dress watch with a Japanese automatic movement that comes in multiple metal finishes (silver, rose gold, and a silver/champagne dial combination) so that you can match it easily to your accessories. The 40.5mm case size works for most wrists, and it features an exhibition case back. Some wearers of this model have noted that the domed mineral “crystal” is not scratch resistant. Check out the Orient Bambino Small Seconds here.

Timex Marlin Mechanical Watch
Timex Marlin Mechanical Watch

Timex Marlin

You probably won’t be surprised to hear that we like vintage styling in a modern watch because it saves us from having to source a true vintage piece. The Timex Marlin, recently reissued, perfectly captures the stylistic spirit of the 1960s without the patina. It does feature a Chinese Seagull mechanical movement, and while it’s not the best quality, the company has come a long way since opening in 1955. They are now the largest producer of watch movements in the world, and the quality is generally considered good for the price point of around $200. Check out the Timex Marlin Watch here.

Watches $400 – $800

This is that price point where it becomes a little bit harder to select a watch. It’s a unique price point because you have to ask yourself if you love the watch enough to buy it; it’s no longer a throwaway watch. In general, we recommend saving up a bit more or paying a bit less, but these three watches will give you a good bang for your buck.

Hamilton Jazzmaster Thinline
Hamilton Jazzmaster Thinline

Hamilton Jazzmaster Thinline, $445

Hamilton offers a number of watches in it’s Jazzmaster Thinline range, but we particularly like this moderately priced, Swizz quartz version with a nice combination of a brown croc band and rose gold accents.

Seiko Alpinist Green Ref SARB017
Seiko Alpinist Green Ref SARB017

Seiko Alpinist Green Ref. SARB017

The original Alpinist was released in 1959; it was Seiko’s first foray into sports watches. Today it’s low-budget favorite at just under $500 that blends rugged performance with classic looks. It can be worn as a true sports watch with a sweater and jeans or dressed up with tweed and Chukkas. Noteworthy details include an inner compass-marked bezel that is operated with the second crown at the 4 o’clock position, a sapphire crystal, and water resistance to 200m. Check out the cult-classic Seiko Alpinist Green SARB017 here.

Tissot Heritage Visodate

Tissot Visodate is an elegant watch with a casual edge
Tissot Visodate is an elegant watch with a casual edge

Tissot is regarded as one of the best entry-level luxury timepieces produced today. The craftsmanship is excellent and they’re well known for selling a high-quality watch at a fraction of the price they could be charging. This model features an automatic Swiss movement with a 40mm case size, which is an ideal size for most men. Check out the Tissot Heritage Visodate here.

Halios Tropik Watch
Halios Tropik Watch

Halios Tropik SS – $650

Halios is a micro brand that has enjoyed a positive reputation since it launched. It is similar in quality to other watches in this price range, and the look is sporty but still classy. Check out the Halios Tropik SS here.

Junghans Max Bill Handaufzug Watch
Junghans Max Bill Handaufzug Watch

Junghans Max Bill Handaufzug J805.1

In German, “handaufzug” means hand-winding, which you will need to do if you purchase this elegant, Bauhaus-inspired watch that focuses on function. Designed by famed architect and sculptor Max Bill, this smaller 34mm case size watch is ideal for men looking for a vintage-inspired styling or men with smaller wrists. This watch also comes in a larger, automatic version if you prefer.

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Grande Date Black Dial Watch
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Grande Date Black Dial Watch

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Grande Date Black Dial Watch – $795

There is no doubt that Tag Heuer is one of the most popular entry-level luxury watch brands in the world. If you want the prestige of wearing a well-known luxury brand without the price tag, this is the watch for you.

Watches $800 – $1000

The final category, these watches will serve as a respectable introduction to the luxury market. Again, at this price point, you can often find something far better that’s vintage or on sale, but the watches listed below will certainly keep you happy for years to come.

Frederique Constant Slimline FC-245M4S6
Frederique Constant Slimline FC-245M4S6

Frederique Constant Slim Line FC-245M4S6

Of every watch on this list, this is a house favorite. Frederique Constant is a very well respected Swiss watchmaker that offers watches ranging from just under $1000 all the way to $30,000+. There are a number of sub-$1000 options from the Slim Line collection, all of which are classics you’ll wear for decades to come. Be careful buying this brand of watches from gray market dealers.

Xetum Stinson Watch
Xetum Stinson Watch

Xetum Stinson – $950

This unique piece will certainly set you apart with its strong circular shape, oversized crown, and thin band. The case measures in at a traditional 41mm without the crown, but the thickness of just over 11mm will make it sit a bit more prominently on your wrist. Even though the look is thoroughly modern, Xetum timepieces are constructed in Switzerland’s Jura Valley using local automatic movements and traditional techniques.

Victorinox AirBoss Mechanical Watch
Victorinox AirBoss Mechanical Watch

Victorinox Swiss Army AirBoss Mechanical, $995

Inspired by vintage aviation watches, this sports watch packs a lot of detail into one sleek package. Notable features include a 42mm case size, a Swiss automatic Sellita SW200 movement, an exhibition case back, a 38-hour power reserve, a circular slide rule and military time function. Super-LumiNova technology makes it easy to read in the dark. An excellent everyday timepiece for aspiring watch collectors.

Other Low Budget Watch Brands to Consider

Here are few other brands worth looking at; some are boutique watches while others are microbrands.

  • Stowa
  • Archimede
  • Steinhart
  • Laco
  • Aristo
  • Grovana
  • Junkers
  • Tourby
  • Dornbluth
  • Timefactors
  • Damasko
  • Zeppelin
  • MeisterSinger
  • Sturhling
  • Sinn

Best Sites to Buy Low Budget Watches

Amazon and department stores are just the beginning for watch retailers. Check out a few other sites that we recommend to get the widest possible selection.

Gemnation bills itself as an “affordable luxury” retailer. Chrono24 claims to be the largest marketplace for watches. Watches.com is an excellent source for unique and creative watches. Finally, Kickstarter is the source of many new and emerging microbrands.

Conclusion

Watches are worth buying and collecting at any price point if they fit your lifestyle. Even if your budget is low, it pays to build your knowledge of watchmaking and save for the watch of your dreams. In the meantime, you can wear one of the above pieces with pride.

Reader Comments

  1. Do you have a preference for a certain type of watch band with business attire? I prefer leather bands but a friend prefers metal bands. What is better suited to business professional or even business casual?

  2. Hi Rob,

    Great question. In my opinion, the only acceptable band to wear with a business suit is a leather strap. Many men do wear metal, but in my opinion, those are best reserved for casual wear.

    Best,

    J.A. Shapira

  3. Hello, I want to buy a watch in this price class, and I like the TISSOT PRC250 – is it a good choice?

    1. In the price range, Tissot makes a very respectable timepiece in comparison to others. There are many watches I can recommend in this range but in the end it’s you who has to wear it. Unless you’re spending thousands of dollars on a watch, it really does come down to whether you find it aesthetically pleasing over “is it a good quality timepiece”. In one of my previous articles, I actually recommended the PRC 200. You can see the article here:

      http://www.gentlemansgazette.com/watch-collections-your-first-timepiece/

  4. Hello, I would like to know your opinion about the galaxy gear with business attire.

    Best Regards

    1. I assume you’re referring to the Samsung smart watch.

      When it comes to a smart watch with business attire, unless you work in IT and consider a polo shirt and jeans business attire, my advice is avoid it. If you’re absolutely set on wearing a smart watch with business wear, my advice would be to consider the Triwa Smartwatch simply due to aesthetics. Otherwise, just use your cellphone and forgo the wristwatch.

  5. Good morning, could I suggest the SEIKO SKP383 instead of the srp? it’s more elegant and the price is identical.

  6. Great article with some great watches. Ive recently bought a Kennet Savro and a Daniel Wellington, both very nice low budgets.

  7. As a cheap throw away’, I would recommend a Casio AQ-S800W. Water Resistant to 100m, solar powered, so no replaceable battery, Analogue display with a small digital dual display, Stop watch, countdown timer and 5 alarms, & light. All Black with orange hi light of numbers, function buttons and hands with a silicon strap and a very light weight. All for £25 [$42]

    Citizen Ecodrive Promaster. Again a solar powered watch – Classic Diver’s style with a S/S bracelet and 200m resistant. Rotatable bezel, lock-down winder. A black face – though quite weighty. £139 [$233] Sadly only date and no day window.

  8. I recently bought a Orient watch as a present. Automatic, Japanese movement, with a sapphire crystal, exhibition caseback, and power reserve. It cost under $200, and felt well built. I’m a bit surprised that you didn’t mention them, as they are fairly well reviewed and a popular choice in the range of $150-$500.

  9. Hamilton hasn’t been an American watch company for a long time. They are a name brand of and have been using the Swatch Groups movements since the mid 1980’s.

    Question… Are there any American watch companies still in existence that manufacture the movement in the USA, and are affordable???

    1. There are actually quite a few. Some still use components made overseas, but the design and development is still USA based.

      1. As far as I can tell only RGM actually makes watches in the US. And they are anything but affordable in price. Shinola assembles watches here from foreign components, but are in the $600+ price range. Which is not affordable on my budget. Anyone know of any US watch assembler in the 300-400 range?

  10. Excellent article, as usual. Enjoyed it a lot.

    No expert here, but I somehow miss a reference to Swatch. Apart from what they meant relaunching Swiss industry, I think they have quite interesting watches in their price range?

    All the best.

  11. I think that Christopher Ward`s watches should definitely be included in any list looking at budget watches.

  12. I have watches from manufactures such as Timex, Bulova, Casio, Benrus, Invicta, Kenneth Cole and Omega and of all the ones running It is the Omega Seamaster that is giving me problems…go figure…

  13. You should also consider Christopher Ward London Ltd who offer a great range of styles at various price points. Their watches have a 60 day trial period and a 5 year, no quibble guarantee.

  14. Surprised Maurice Lacroix hasn’t been mentioned on here. Almost all their watches are very good value; some of their quartz ones are a real steal.

  15. Great article Sven! Another watch and brand to consider at the high-range of your selection would be the Celadon Imperial. Check out their blog at http://maisonceladon.tumblr.com. Its price is 900 USD available direct from the brand and the watch comes in either Cream or Red.

    I bought one of their watches a few months back (the Cream one) and have been super pleased with it. It has gold chatons and hand-engraved balance and escape cocks (a feature of watches costing ten times more!), an in-house movement, a gorgeous vintage-inspired guilloche dial and a lovely finished case with teardrop lugs. Each series of their watches is just limited to 100 pieces and they’re coming up with another series soon!

    Another brand I love is Nomos, but that comes a fair bit above your budget (and I see you’ve reviewed them before). Beautiful Bauhaus designs and in-house movements. Frederique Constant too is very nice, as is Stowa as you mentioned.

    Perhaps another avenue to consider would be going vintage. you get a lot more quality for your money, in exchange for needing greater savvy in the process. A well-kept Omega or JLC would be roughly around your budget and have far greater cred than most new budget watches!

  16. Hello. I have no clue what criteria you used, you don’t bring up the main point, which is: “what is your watch saying about you?” In particular, you overlook what is likely the best choice for inexpensive watch, a Swatch, preferably in black with white dial. This can be worn for any occasion and has the advantage of avoiding saying anything about you which could be misinterpreted. If you like mechanical watches, Swatch also makes those. All Swatches have an almost unreasonable level of quality as this watch is the basis of the Swatch Group which manufactures high end watches starting with Omega and IWC up to Breguet and Blancpain, so they need to ensure a customer base which won’t be disappointed with their product. The only other watch I wear, apart from Swatch, is a 1961 Bulova Accutron. I believe that is also considered classy, a similar one is worn by the main character of the TV show White Collar, and is also featured on the new season of Mad Men, and is under $1000. The watch I would most recommend for someone trying to be a “gentleman”: Vintage Rolex Submariner (no date) 5535 with NATO strap, but unfortunately not in this price range….

  17. Sorry, in my last comment I mentioned IWC, that’s in the Richemont Group. Other entry level luxury brands of the Swatch Group are Longines and Tissot which won the International Chronometry Competition (in the non-tourbillon class), so has proved the quality of Swatch Group movements.

  18. Thank you for including the G Shock. I’ve worn one for 14 years as my daily watch through several jobs. It took the punishment of during my time as a barista, as a special ed teacher and into my current job as a child therapist. Alas, it finally ended its days, not because the watch itself died, but because the plastic band finally snapped. It’s so old now that Casio no longer makes the band for it so it is time for a new one.

  19. Hi, love this article. Can I ask what you think of the Accurist brand?

    Being English, I like that they strive to be a quality brand with a British heart. There aren’t many brands, outside of Switzerland, Germany or the US that seem to be similar.

    Thanks
    Paul

  20. Love this Gazette and follow it regularly. I’d like to know where I can purchase the preppy-grosgrain watch bands, the fun and good ones. I have worn mine out over the last 20 years. There are many out there but not the true-blue kind.
    Polo made great ones and the colors were awesome, but were pricy and have been discontinued. Brooks, J. Press and O’Connells have a few but not very exciting color wise.
    Thank you for listening and look forward to your advice.
    All my best,
    Dick

  21. Why do you have to be careful about buying Frederique Constant watches from grey market dealers?

  22. One should always consider vintage and used watches from reputable dealers. Often the timepieces available will be of great style and value!

  23. So I was very happy to see you post the Frederique Constant, but curious to the price range you out it at… Where are all the value based on MSRP? I have 2 great FC watches with MSRPs over 1200 but street price was closer to $500..

    Also how about a shout out to Gruppo Gamma.. they are making some of th best watches in the sub $1000 price range

  24. As an OTR truck driver, time is critical to my job. But, as an OTR truck driver, money is tight; sometimes, extraordinarily so. So, buying a watch that costs over , say, $200, is just showing off. What watches can you show me that will meet my needs and still won’t break the bank?

  25. I really love the brand Jack Mason. I feel they have excellent watches for their price range. They’re elegant, neat, stylish and very well built. They have quite a few different styles and models to choose from. I think anyone who bought one would be shocked by the quality and craftsmanship of their watches. I have watches from all different kinds of brands, Tudor, Rolex, Tag, seiko, Citizen, Timex, Nixon, Swatch, Michael Korrs, Ralph Lauren, Grand Seiko, Orient, Nautica, Tommy Bahama, and countless others in all price ranges. I can honestly say the Jack Mason watches for their price are just as well made as any one of the better named brands I listed. One other brand that I love is the Zelos watches I own two and they are fantastic absolutely fantastic. I’d highly recommend those also.

  26. I would also add:
    Speidel Watches
    (Japanese Movement).
    Google:
    Speidel.Com

    Casio also makes some nice moderate priced watches;
    including Dive Watches!

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