The Inexpensive Watch Guide – Best Watches Under $100

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Watches are a great way to complete an outfit, but the truth is not everyone can afford a $1,000 watch (or even a $200 watch, for that matter). Great style doesn’t have to depend on how much money you have in the bank, so today we will look at some of the best affordable watches for under $100.

Save Time With Our Video

If you’re pressed for time, then Raphael will help you navigate the world of affordable watches. Whether it’s another addition to your collection, or perhaps even your first watch purchase, our video guide will help you find the best watches at the most affordable price.

How to Buy an Inexpensive Watch Under $100

These days, you no longer need a watch to tell time. Dress watches no longer serve a true purpose, other than to communicate your style and your means. Inexpensive watches won’t make you look like an investment banker, but they certainly have a role to play in every stylish man’s wardrobe. You’re going to get what you pay for, but there’s no reason it can’t still be a nice watch.

Nathan sports the Timex Waterbury GMT watch as an alternative to the Rolex GMT-Master II watch
Nathan sports the Timex Waterbury GMT watch as an alternative to the Rolex GMT-Master II watch

In the following, we will highlight a variety of wristwatches that are intended to support your style rather than your technical needs. That means you won’t find smartwatches, a GPS watch, or fitness trackers such as an Apple watch, a Fitbit Surge, or an Asus Zenwatch. These watches will complement your outfit but won’t be a triathlon watch that can measure your heart rate.

Affordable Alternatives to Luxury Watches

At some point, you may be in a position to shell out a little more money and upgrade a watch you found on this list, but you still don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a timepiece. That’s exactly why we created this video for you.

The difference here is the focus on finding luxury styling for less. If you like the aesthetic of a heritage piece such as a Rolex Submariner, an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, or perhaps a Patek Philippe Calatrava but want to save on some serious capital, then we’ve got you covered with a plethora of choices

Cogs, wheels, and springs at the back of an Omega Speedmaster watch; this watch is powered by mechanical movements.

Movement Matters

If you’re looking for a timepiece that has a movement other than one powered by quartz batteries, you may have to spend a little more than $100, but it shouldn’t be that much more expensive either. Many dive watches, dress watches, and chronograph complications can also be found with an automatic movement for a surprisingly affordable price.

Where to Buy an Inexpensive Watch?

Online

While this may be a dangerous marketplace for fine timepieces, there’s no risk when you’re only looking for a basic wristwatch. By searching eBay, Craigslist, Amazon, and various discount sites, you’ll probably be able to find the watch you’d buy in the store, but at a fraction of the price. This is an excellent source for low-budget watches, and you might even look for pocket watches for less than $100 if you are so inclined.

Thrift, Goodwill & Pawn Shops

Often, these are some of the best places to look for a great deal. You can generally find vintage watches at these places for a small fraction of what they’d sell for brand new in the store, and in the majority of cases, the staff doesn’t know much about horology, so you can actually find some pretty amazing deals. These opportunities may be hard to find, but they do occur frequently.

An example of the 1959 LeCoultre Deep Sea Alarm

Thrift Store Miracles

In 2015, Zach Norris found a 1959 LeCoultre Deep Sea Alarm at a Goodwill store in Phoenix. He bought it for $5.99 and turned around and sold it for $35,000 to a collector who also threw in an Omega. This same buyer who frequents Goodwill stores has also seen a variety of other luxury watches in the past at stores like these.  You can read the story here.

Department Stores

If you don’t have much time to spend and are just desperate to get a watch on your wrist, the final recommendation is to buy at a local department store. Typically, department stores sell higher quality watches than the bargain bin stores like Walmart and Target but offer competitive pricing.

This is the place to locate both fashion watches and other watches that are of better quality. Of course, that’s not to say that Walmart and Target can’t be viable sources as they also carry brands like Casio and Timex, which can be very good watches for the money. Just keep in mind that lower end stores won’t likely feature many watches with a great deal of style.

Beware of Buying Watches From Kickstarter

Kickstarter, along with fellow crowdfunding Indiegogo, has become the new frontier for men’s inexpensive watchmakers. Brands like MVMT (which was bought by Movado in 2018) and Vincero watches have aggressively moved into the low-cost watch market with sophisticated influencer and social media campaigns. These brands are due credit for reinvigorating the watch as an accessory for every man, but there’s a catch: very few of them offer watches under $100.

If you’re looking for a great inexpensive watch, we would recommend staying away from crowdfunding, or even brands that have evolved away from Kickstarter. To begin with, they tend to be oversized and minimalist to a fault, and they aren’t really adding much to what more established watchmakers aren’t already doing. Furthermore, they mislead customers into thinking their “direct to consumer” model benefits them; in fact, the quality isn’t better than other watches at the same price point. It’s simply a new way to market watches.

When it comes to watches that cost less than $100, the only thing that really matters is whether you like how it looks. The movement is not going to be anything fantastic so focus on its appearance – you just want it to look good on your arm.

Timex

You may remember Timex being mentioned in our Low-Budget Watch Guide. Their Weekender line is a GG favorite watch for daily wear. It’s easy to wear, relaxed, and not so precious that it can’t get dirty or wet. If it breaks, oh well, it’s replaceable. It’s a nice-looking, classic timepiece that is great dressed down but also with a suit.

You can make it preppy for the beach with a NATO strap or dress it up with leather. All-in-all, it’s a great watch and when it comes to Timex, you really can’t go wrong. As far as classic watches go in this price range, Timex is a top pick.

Casio

Casio is a very safe brand when it comes to sports watches. They don’t try to make their watches look better than they are by adding imitation stones or the like. Most of their products are sturdy workhorses that add the necessary features, like water resistance for a day at the beach. If you’re looking for a decent sports watch for casual wear, any Casio in this price range is a solid investment. Check out this Casio G-Shock on Amazon.

Digital watches have recently been very trendy items

Can Digital Watches be Stylish?

There’s no denying that digital watches have a set of unique benefits over a traditional analog watch: a greater degree of accuracy, reliability, and a typically impressive bang for your buck. But whether they’re timeless or trending is another matter!

Seiko

Seiko watches are about as good as they get in this price range as well as at many higher price points. They make some exceptional watches and a quick search on Amazon netted two pages of choices for between $50 and $100.

The Seiko SUP880 watch [Image Credit: Seiko]
The Seiko SUP880 watch. Image Credit: Seiko

This well-known Japanese brand has a range of styles at the lower end of things. Whether you prefer something a little unique with gold accents on the bezel, a classic sports watch with a blue dial, or maybe something like a traditional dress watch, Seiko will have you covered.

Stührling

A lot of people don’t realize that Max Stührling was actually a master watchmaker who studied under Louis Audemars of Audemars Piguet — one of the world’s most renowned luxury watchmakers.

However, Stührling wanted to make well-built timepieces that every man could afford. He left the luxury industry, in which he could have easily made a name for himself, and developed a line of watches that retails for no more than a few hundred dollars. Many of the watches feature automatic or mechanical movements and you can easily find some of their watches for under $100.

Akribos

Akribos is one of those brands like Invicta, Fossil, and Nixon that caters to a younger crowd. They do attempt to imitate the appearance of some famous luxury watches, but they don’t put imitation stones or metals on their timepieces or make watches with an overly large case size. This makes for a much better experience for you as a classic style enthusiast and the wearer of the timepiece.

An unusual watch by the brand Akribos

Chic Styles

Granted, some of their more fashion-forward watches should be avoided, but they also make some pretty interesting timepieces that are great if you’re going for a fresh look. For example, Check out this interesting Arkribos watch for a great price.

Granted, some of their more fashion-forward watches should be avoided, but they also make some pretty interesting timepieces that are great if you’re going for a fresh look. For example, Check out this interesting Arkribos watch for a great price.

Bulova

Many falsely assume that Bulova is a luxury brand. In effect, they’ve done a fantastic job of making a lot of people think that they are. Bulova, despite these questionable marketing practices, actually realize what (some) of their timepieces are really worth.

This Bulova Stainless Steel watch has many hallmarks of a classic dress watch
This Bulova Stainless Steel watch has many hallmarks of a classic dress watch. Image credit: Catawiki

They do offer some crystal-encrusted and over-the-top chronographs, but if you look through their collection there are a few classy pieces. This simple Bulova stainless steel one is one worthy of your attention as it’s a perfect dress watch for a low price.

Citizen

Citizen watches are really quite good for the price. Granted, their $500 timepieces are terribly overpriced, but any of the watches priced under $100 are well worth it.

The Citizen Quartz in black has a particularly chic look to it

Stylish Citizen

They are a very respectable watchmaker and one that is globally popular across almost all demographics. Here’s a handsome Citizen quartz dress watch. The case diameter is 39 mm, which is an ideal case size for most men.

In 1979, the brand created Citizen Eco-Drive, the first analog watch with a quartz movement to be powered by light. Many of their watches with this feature are priced under $100.

Inexpensive Watches FAQs

Which men’s watch brand is good and affordable?

There are a few watch brands that are reputable with affordable styles. Casio, Timex, and Seiko are all great brands to look at here, as they have a watchmaking heritage but cater to smaller wallets too.

How do I get a good watch for less?

There are several factors to look for when purchasing a watch, but when you’re on a budget you want to focus on a quartz movement above everything else. After all, the watch is there to tell the time! Once you’ve found a watch with a good quartz movement, you can then figure out whether you like the style.

Is it possible for a watch to be of good quality for under $100?

Surprisingly, good quality watches can be found for under $100, you just have to put in a little research. If you look at the movement in the watch, you can get some pretty decent quartz movements at a much better price ratio than you might with a mechanical movement.

Are vintage watches good inexpensive watches?

Vintage watches can be a fantastic way to purchase an inexpensive but stylish timepiece. However, not all vintage watches are made alike, and some may require more than the cost of the watch in maintenance and/or repairs. Therefore, it’s always good to know what you’re looking at when it comes to purchasing a vintage timepiece.

Why do cheap watches look bad?

Due to the number of low-cost watches on the market, there are bound to be a few that are mass manufactured without any thought toward how good they look or how well they’re made. But this isn’t always the case, as there are also many inexpensive watches that are of solid quality and style for the price.

Tips for Buying Inexpensive Watches

The first step when buying a watch in this price range is to understand that it’s perfectly acceptable to play it safe and stick with the basics. Focus on watches with fabric straps or metal bracelets and go in expecting to buy a quartz movement. Anything with a mechanical movement will be inferior at this price point, although occasionally you can luck out.

DON’T buy a faux gold or plated gold watch

There are a few things you want to look for when buying a watch in this price range. The first thing is making sure it doesn’t contain any fake or plated precious metals like gold. If you plan on keeping the watch for any considerable amount of time, both plated and fake gold (often called ‘gold-colored’) have the tendency to strip off or change color.

Wearing a watch with a lot of bling stuck on looks tacky regardless of the price
Wearing a watch with a lot of bling stuck on looks tacky regardless of the price. Image credit: eBay

A perfect example of this is with plated gold, as after some use you’ll notice that it turns a greenish color, usually starting at the lugs. Furthermore, fake plated gold will always look cheap compared to the real thing, so why bother? We recommend skipping it entirely.

DON’T buy a knockoff or a fake

The first rule to remember is that if you can’t afford the $10,000 Rolex, don’t try and imitate it (better to buy it used from a specialty retailer like Bob’s Watches). One of the biggest mistakes men make is buying a watch that just makes them look cheap. I’m talking about the oversized, fake gold, plastic stone-encrusted watches. There is no humanly possible way to look good wearing these.

A real (left) vs. fake (right) Rolex [Image Credit: Watchfinder & Co.]
The differences between a real and fake Rolex are becoming harder to tell. Image Credit: Watchfinder & Co

Buying a fake or imitation of an elegant watch poses the same risk. While you may be able to trick the average Joe into believing you’ve got a real Rolex on your wrist, anyone who knows a thing or two is never going to take you seriously. Wearing a knockoff is like trying to pay your check with Monopoly money. The second someone notices it, you’ve lost all credibility. If you want to be taken seriously, avoid fraudulent watches because, in the end, you’re going to look like a joke.

DO focus on an “authentic” watch

The Timex Waterbury GMT watch retails under $200
The Timex Waterbury GMT watch retails under $200

As in, look for a watch that is not desperately trying to be something it’s not. For example, this Timex watch is classy and has a few interesting details, but it’s not trying to be something other than a Timex. Try looking for watches that are made of a standard metal, plastic, or composite, and you’ll end up getting the best bang for your buck.

DO lower your expectations for a leather strap watch under $100

Avoiding leather is usually a good idea since inexpensive watches tend to have cheap leather or imitation leather straps which will show wear very quickly. Unless you plan to use an after-market strap (which is a good idea), focus on finding watches that have fabric straps, metal bracelets or silicone rubber straps. They’ll last longer and maintain their appearance, provided of course the metal isn’t plated or poorly made.

You can match your belt buckle with the metal on your watch and on your monk straps

Strap Solutions

Often, an inexpensive watch can be elevated with the addition of a fine leather strap. As a general rule, pick something well made and in a complimentary tone to the other leather elements in your outfit. Typically, a black or brown leather strap will be the safest option, but you can really transform your watch with colors like navy or green.

DO buy a quartz movement

Even under $100, your watch should work well. This isn’t such a big deal when buying new, but it’s still a good idea to make sure it keeps accurate time. Quartz watches are going to be your best bet. They may not have the appeal of mechanical or automatic, but they do keep better time and are usually what you’ll find in this price range.

A quartz movement from ETA
A quartz movement from ETA

Ideally, you want to find a watch that has Japanese movement. You can often determine this by looking at the back of the watch or the six o’clock position on the dial. Finding something that’s Swiss Made is almost out of the question, although you may find ones labeled Swiss Movement or Swiss Quartz —they are not the same.

While some watches with Chinese movements aren’t bad, for the most part, they tend to be the least reliable when it comes to wristwatch production. It’s not the end of the world if you find a watch you like with it, but it shouldn’t be your first pick.

DO look for watch styles as if you had an unlimited budget

A variety of wrist watches.
Individuals today want a variety of watches

By keeping this in mind, you’ll only buy one you really like and one that suits your lifestyle. If you’re going to wear it with a business suit, avoid sports watches; and if you’re going to wear it to the beach, make sure it’s water resistant.

DO save for the watch of your dreams

Preston spent a hefty amount of money on a pair of cordovan shoes.
With a little patience, you can be on the way to saving for your dream watch

Furthermore, we always recommend saving more or paying less. The majority of watches between the $500 and $1500 mark aren’t worth the markup, because they aren’t adding quality above the $500 price point aside from better branding. In almost all cases, they’re overpriced. Stick with either a cheap daily-wear watch or save up until you can afford your dream timepiece.

Are there other great inexpensive watches or brands that we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments!

Reader Comments

  1. Nice post and a very welcome nod to less expensive timepieces. I like a nice watch but don’t want to get to the shallow end of the pool even for a daily watch. Yet there are some TIMEX watches I’ve been impressed with on other’s wrists. While I think my ORIS is a nice daily watch and can see/feel the difference between it and a TIMEX, I have no illusions that it is a grand watch. I even insisted it have a stainless bracelet instead of a leather strap. I’ll save that for a more upscale watch if I ever go there. Point is, you are spot on with the advice to get what fits your style and your comfort level and enjoy wearing it.

  2. I have the Seiko. I’ve been wearing the exact watch in your article for well over a year now and I am extremely pleased. In fact it is much more accurate than my Citizen quartz watch. My favourite thing aside from never buying batteries is the stainless steel case. Most inexpensive watches are plated but the Seiko is stainless all the way through so there is no wearing away of the finish. It is a true bargain on Amazon.com which is where I too purchased mine. Thanks for another great writeup!

    1. Allow me to voice my support of Mr. Evans’ suggestion. There are many watches available at this price point, but none of them can come close to the Timex 20501 in terms of simplicity, which is, after all, the essence of classic style at any price.

  3. “Bulova, despite some marketing practices I don’t necessarily condone”

    – This caught my eye. Care to elaborate to an uninformed reader?

  4. Good guide overall, I think. However I don’t quite agree with the “knockoff” part. There’s that one terrible company selling really cheap copies, and these really are terrible terrible watches. BUT, if it’s only heavily inspired… it might actually look really good! Like the Steinhart Racetimer.

    And about the gold plating part: I own a 20-year old Citizen 50m Alarm Chronograph. Works perfectly. Barely any gold-loss.
    And what’s more, a 40-year old Rubis 17… not much gold-loss either!

    So it’s not that bad.

  5. Loved this article, and appreciate the philosophy about prioritizing your luxury purchases while avoiding looking cheap. I’m old enough that I really feel naked if I leave the house without a wristwatch but young enough that I rely much more heavily on my cell phone to tell me the time, so quality and reliability in a watch have never been that important to me. Now, I do always make a point to change the batteries and update for DST, but (for myself at least) I’ve found that I would much rather buy a nice Visconti or Mont Blanc fountain pen than a luxury watch. Since college, I have owned the same three watch styles (which I have no problem throwing out and replacing when they get too banged up since you can easily find any of them for about $50) which have fit the bill for just about any occasion 1. A gold tone rectangular faced Citizen (with matching metal strap) for when I’m wearing gold toned jewelry, 2. an identical silver-toned Citizen, 3. and a Timex weekender with a canvas strap for anything casual/outdoors. One of these days I suspect I may get into the pocket-watch aesthetic, but today is not that day.

  6. Well, my wristwatch is from Tchibo outlet, where it was for something about $50 in that day exchange rates, $30 in these days, if I remember correctly.

    As standard for TCM (Tchibo Certified Merchandise) product, they are pretty resistant. Only leather strap fall apart after maybe 4 (?) years, so I had to replace it. I settled for cheap (~$3) leather strap. It’s pretty thin leather, but it’s comfortable and in good condition after almost year. There are some cracks on inner side in closing area, but for that price, it’s perfect..

    Photos with description there: https://plus.google.com/photos/110280789852694880757/albums/6117314930671291489?authkey=CNnr6fighoqt1AE

  7. I love this entry. I own a Timex and a Japanese watch called a Swanson, which is a Rolex-style watch. The watch I regret tossing out was a fully mechanical, “student” Timex, vintage 1985. Great watch – simple mechanical movement, white dial, black numbers. I now have a very expensive watch as well, but the pleasure of a simple mechanical movement that costs less than one percent of my expensive watch cannot be described!

  8. Esquisite as always. I am 25, and own five watches: a Raketa and a Vostok (original pieces from Russia), a sector (cheap looking but though), a CK chronographer elegant but big and last but not the least a seiko 5 like the one you have shown up in the article. I made a promise that the first watch i would have brought with my very money had to be a mechanical automatic. I paid it 60 € on amazon and it totally worth its price. I am very proud of it and despite my father wants to make me a present giving to me one of his watches or buying me a serious one, I think that this will be a life companion to me. This article was very inspiring. Thanks.

  9. I have several watches. Benrus, Caravelle Bulova, Invicta, Casio and Timex and I love them all…and that’s not all of them but some names escape me right now… I had an Omega Speedmaster I loved but it needed some repairs and was more then I wanted to spend so I sold it and got more then I paid for it…

  10. I am surprised that the name “swatch” hasn’t been mentioned as an option in that price range – something not stylish enough for a gentleman?

  11. First of all, when a man is not abel to afford a $200 watch, he should put in the work to be able to afford a $200 watch. It easy the easy way to buy a cheap watch, a man should never go the easy way. Put in the work, save the money and buy a watch which represents you. Are you a cheap cat? OK, go with the $100 piece.

    Second, I understand that not everyone is willing to spend $5000 for a new Omega. This is something I wouldn’t do either. What I recommend is, buy a secondhand vintage Omega. Recently, I spent around $800 for a Omega Seamaster from 1964. A classic vintage piece. This is the way to go for a man who is modest, but not cheap.

    Ray

    1. Ray, there are people in this world who earn very little money. Of course, they work hard but they have expenses and often they already work 2 jobs. Buying vintage and used is always a great way to get great value for your money. But if you only ever had used things, sometimes you just want something new that is your’s and your’s alone.
      People are different, please respect that. Just because something is ideal for you doesn’t mean it is the holy grail that everybody should adjourn to. Also, if all people would buy used Omegas, there wouldn’t be many around after a while, although this is of course just a theory and will never happen practically because you will always have people who buy new.

      1. I prefer vintage watchesas I find modern watches too big and blingy. This very day I bought a beautiful 1940s Bulova and am wearing it now. It still looks new and came full serviced. I also have a 40s Longines and a 30s Asprey of London with its original box. All reasonably priced when bought but oozing the style you just cant buy new. Look for antique dealers who specialise and watch/clock repairers who restore old models. The latter usually provide a warrenty.

    2. Well… I’m afraid, that I see no point in paying outrageous sum of money for a device, that is more a decoration, as it usually do nothing is, than monitor time… ;-)

      Actually, I prefer to be (hopefully positively) represented by my knowledge and wisdom, not expensive trinkets… :-)

      Not mentioning, that while I’m working for government, my wage is barely enough to pay tuition and my share on a rent for flat** where I’m living with friends… Even if I’ll make it to the ministry, it wouldn’t change too much…
      (**Well, to be honest, I’m living in a nice and large (125 m2) 3+1 flat from the beginning of last century in center of our capital city, where usual 3+1 is about 60-80 m2, with venetian stucco all over the kitchen).

  12. I have four Stuhrling Origional automatic watches and LOVE them. They tend to run a bit fast, but I don’t care since I rotate throughout the week anyways. I feel that it’s a beautiful time piece all it’s own… Unique! They’re not trying to copy anyone, and as a financial planner who’s conscious about over spending and likes a good value, it pleases me to know that I have yet to spend over $100 on a watch. I also have that Seiko military watch in olive and am very impressed with it.

    I look at wrist watches as accessory pieces, and since the smart phone keeps perfect time and my schedule, alarm, and calendar, that’s all it will ever be to me… Just a fun accessory.

  13. I have a couple of Citizen’s (brown and black, both with face). Love them and work for all occasions. The Eco-system (whatever its called) means no winding and no batteries – bonus. Thank you for this article. — DrT

  14. I have a Rado watch that my dad gave me he believes he brought it in 1959; Once I had it serviced it is a great watch. I also have a Breitling watch given to me by my uncle I love these two watches but I usually wear my Timex weekender or one or my Caravelle watches. My inexpensive watches look great work with a variety of outfits and didn’t break the bank or bust my budget.

  15. “Bulova, despite some marketing practices I don’t necessarily condone”

    Don’t know what they have done to warrant that.. No one has worse marketing practices than Invicta. They retail their watches at ridiculously high prices, then offer them on TV and online at huge discounts to make people think they are getting a great deal, when in reality all they are getting is the watch for what it is basically worth, and that’s not much to begin with. Nefarious and not very gentleman-like. Stuhrling is guilty of this well. These watches are cheaply made and have practically zero value on the secondary market. If you want an inexpensive well made watch you are best off going for a Citizen, Seiko or Bulova. My opinion is to save your money and buy a classic iconic piece: Grand Seiko, Omega Speedmaster, Rolex Submariner, Rolex GMT, Breitling Navitimer, IWC Pilot, etc.. I think you are better off with one high quality exceptionally made elegant classic than a watch box full of cheap duds, it will be worth it. Just 2 c from someone who has been buying, selling and collecting watches for many years.

    1. I think Shinola’s practices are much more suspect. Although they make it seem like their watches are made in Detroit, they are actually only partially assembled there from overseas parts. The movements are cheap, but the watches retail for hundreds – a few over a thousand.

  16. Good article minus the ending where you feel the need to apologize for any offense… I thought ‘gentlemen’ were tougher than that?!
    Im glad to see there are ‘stylish’ watches under $100. I own several but none of them under $100 but under $200. I agree with a lot of whats said when it comes to my personal tastes. I dont care for, nor would ever wear a blingy watch and dont like the ones that are as big as your fists or your face. They feel awkward and look it as well… to me anyway. I like simple, classy as well as old world and if it has a leather band, even better!
    I have an Invicta (similar to the one shown above, which is about the biggest I feel comfortable wearing) a couple of Tommy Bahamas which Ive had for years and would recommend around the $175 range… but my favorite so far is the Titanium Skagen for $199 on sale. Slim, light, no bling.
    Ill definitely need to keep a better eye out for the under $100 watches though.
    Thanks for this article!

  17. This is just my opinion, but I can’t stand Timex anymore. Their cheap brass cases work like a drum, making them sound like ticking time bombs!

    In the same price range, you can find a Casio that will look just as good, seem far better made, and aren’t annoyingly loud. I have a pair that cost me well under $100, the Casio MDV-106 “Duro” Marlin diver watch (that I replaced the stock rubber strap with a Nato strap) that looks just as good as any Seiko quartz diver, and I have an Edifice EFM-100D with a solid link stainless bracelet, waveform watch face, and an orange omni-directional bezel, that looks like a Omega quartz diver. Neither would fool anyone that they are expensive Swiss watches, but their design is obviously inspired by famous Swiss diver watches, and like they are built like tanks. They both make for a great pair of casual wear daily beaters.

    For business, I have the same Citizen watch recommended here, but with the starburst blue dial instead of the black.

    For dress, I have a nice clean white faced Seiko on a brown strap, and a decent Q&Q dress watch (Citizen’s fashion watch line) on a black band.

    I do have a vintage 60s era Wakmann/Bretling, but I rarely wear it.

  18. My favourite watch is the CWC G10. It costs 170 pounds, but I bought it for only 50 euros in eBay. Very nice military watch. Also I recmmend the Gruen Precision, the first watch that Bond wore in Dr. No. Also I like Seiko a lot. If you want to go more classy some Russian vintage watches are a good choice. You can war them with leather straps, or in a casual environment with colorful perlon straps.

  19. I once asked a man named Warren Buffet what watch I should buy. He suggested a $100 watch that would last 10 years called the Eco-Drive from Citizen. He said it would cost me about 3 cents per day to operate before I needed to replace it after a decade. I mentioned a Rolex to him and he told me that a $10,000 Rolex costs a lot more than 3 cents per day. Assuming the 5 year $600 service, a 50 year usage would total $16,000 with a daily operating cost of $1. Mr. Buffet suggested I buy the Citizen and invest the remaining 97 cents a day. At the end of 50 years, I would have anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 saved up from using the Citizen Eco-Drive and not the Rolex.

  20. Well, I would say Casio and Citizen would be a perfect match for formal attire. Especially when I love wearing blazers at parties or functions. Rolex was my first option but its way too expensive.. great collection, but the way :)

  21. I aspire to a Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph and a Cartier MC Tank. I love Victorinox Swiss Army watches and have quite a few. I have a couple Tissots, a Gevril,a Movado, an ESQ, and a couple Renato Wildebeasts as a nod to bling. I’ve been studying the watch world for quite a while and I think I know enough to spot a good vintage watch if I stumble upon one. Yesterday, I bought a vintage (1990s) Timex dual time for an upcoming trip overseas. I liked its art-deco case and olive dial. It’s my first vintage purchase at $111. I find watches and their complications fascinating. If I can’t afford a Porsche 911 at retirement, I’ll sneak the Datejust in the house, past the wife and pretend it’s been there all the time. Great article!

  22. Very much appreciate this article and especally your remarks at the end of it. I’m generally very keen on dressing well, but the only watch I own and wear is a pre G-Shock Casio, which gets frowned upon quite a bit. But it accurately tells the time and I don’t have to worry about scratching something that would usually be worth a small fortune.

  23. one of the problems with buying watches online: you need to double check the overall diameter; the thickness of the case and the width of the watch strap:

    a watch that doesn’t fit your wrist looks even worse than a jacket that doesn’t
    fit

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