Deciding which watch to buy is a daunting task, considering how saturated the market is. Here, we have compiled the 25 best men’s watches under $500 and reviewed them, taking everything into account from durability to price and appearance.
The Best Watch Under $500
Casio Full Metal G-Shock GMW-G5000D-1
This Casio watch is an upgrade from the original G-SHOCK model. Introducing new features like its Bluetooth time sync, a super illuminator LED light, and a solar battery, this new model still maintains a vintage aesthetic reminiscent of the original model.
The self-charging solar battery is incredibly convenient since you won’t ever have to worry about changing it. Its stainless steel bracelet with folding crisp makes it very stylish and appropriate for any event. It is dust and shockproof as well as water-resistant down to 200 meters, making it practically indestructible and perfect for everyday use.
For more cool timepieces, check out our guide to the best bronze watches.
Timex MK1
A great option for the outdoors, this watch features an anodized aluminum case and a hardy nylon band that give it incredible durability while still feeling light as a feather. Without a doubt, you’ll find this military watch to be a great buy, especially considering the very affordable price point.
Its design is military-inspired since it is based on an original watch fabricated by Timex for the U.S. Army in the 80s. Being water-resistant down to 30 meters, you can do almost anything while wearing it without fear of damaging it. However, one downside is it ticks very loudly, so keep that in mind before buying it.
Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
This is another military-style watch with a genuine leather strap that fits up to an 8-inch wrist circumference. Its main feature is the incredibly precise 30-minute chronograph that works similarly to a stopwatch with extra pushers and sub-dials that can measure up to 1/20 of a second. This accuracy makes it perfect to time races, challenges, and many other activities.
If you are in the dark, its Indiglo light will let you see the time with an elegant blue glow. Finally, this chronograph watch is water-resistant down to 100 meters, being suitable for swimming and snorkeling but not for diving.
Orient Men’s FAA02005D9 Ray 2 Analog Watch
If you are looking for a watch that you can wear to a formal affair, a weekend brunch with friends, or even go diving, then this versatile Japanese design might be a good match. With its stainless steel band and deep blue dial, its elegance is undisputed.
Unlike the previous model, you can also use it to go diving as it is water-resistant down to 200 meters. Also, it features a self-winding function that means you won’t ever need a battery since it is powered by your movement. This is also great because it’s silent, unlike any quartz watches that make a ticking noise.
Casio Edifice
This next-generation action watch blends the timeless feel of an analog watch with all the advantages of the digital era. You will be able to pair it with your smartphone to access the correct time in each location you visit without having to manually change it, which makes it very convenient for the traveling man.
It is made of stainless steel with a black dial with blue or red accents. It also features digital apertures for the date and time for easier reading, as well as an extremely precise stopwatch, and it’s water-resistant down to 100 meters.
Take a moment to check out our selection of the top Omega watches and pick your favorite piece.
Miansai M24 II Watch
The M24 II is designed for those who don’t need 20+ functions in their watch and just want to know the time while still looking elegant and refined. It is the epitome of minimalism, featuring a mineral glass face, a plain white dial with no windows or accents, and a genuine leather strap. Simple, polished, to the point. With a two-handed Japanese quartz movement, this design has no gimmicks and offers exactly what you pay for: a simple, minimalistic, and elegant minimalist watch.
Seiko Prospex SNE 498P9
With a 47mm body, this Seiko watch may not be for everybody. A round black dial with white accents and date window, encircled by the rotating bezel makes this watch an eye-catcher. The case is made of stainless steel, and the strap is black silicone. Being designed for divers, it is water-resistant down to 200 meters. Also, you won’t need to change its battery since it is powered by any light energy, and the solar cell has a 10-month power reserve once it’s fully charged.
Seiko Men’s SNK809 5 Automatic Stainless steel Watch with Canvas Strap
With different colors to choose from, this watch under $300 is a great option for a city man on the go. It has a fixed stainless steel bezel encircling a dial with Arabic numeral hour markers and Arabic numeral minute markers at 5-minute intervals for easier reading.
You can remove the canvas strap if you need to hand wash it due to sweat, stain, or odor. It is water-resistant at 30 meters, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling but never for diving. It features a precise 21-jewel automatic movement that is powered by your movement, making battery changes a thing of the past.
Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
This affordable luxury watch has an imposing, sophisticated, and masculine design suitable for any event from scuba diving (thanks to its water-resistance to 200 meters), to a black-tie affair. It features a Japanese quartz movement with analog display.
A unidirectional bezel encircles the black dial, which has luminescent hand and dot hour markers that makes them visible at night, as well as a date window at the 3 o’clock position. The elegance of this watch makes it hard to believe that you can get it at such an affordable price, which makes it a great buy.
Jack Mason Aviator Chronograph
This watch is an ode to the genesis of the pilot’s watch, which manages to update its style while still keeping all the features and functions that the original pilot watch has. With a 42mm case, the stainless steel bezel encircles a sophisticated, easy-to-read deep blue dial.
As an homage to Jack Mason’s roots, the watch has a couple of elements that remind you of Texas, so if you are a Texan, then look no further. The second hand has a subtle red, white, and blue marking representing the Texas flag, and the crown is etched with the Texas lone star. The watch is water-resistant down to 100 meters and has an interchangeable band, which makes it very customizable.
Bulova LED Computron
In an era when everything vintage is making a comeback, Bulova decided to pull one of its most iconic watches from their archive. The Bulova LED Computron first came out in the 1970s, and it captivated everyone.
The retro feel of its rectangular stainless steel case and unusually positioned blue LED display make for a great conversation starter. Even though it has a digital display, the quartz movement guarantees great accuracy. The updated model was improved with a day, date, and dual time zone indicator.
You may also like these timeless Rolex watches from our list. Check them out.
Horween Leather Timex Weekender Watch
In a sea of watches with an extensive list of functions, this one stands out because of its simplicity. With restrained functionality, this design will work for many years.
It has a minimalistic, handsome appearance featuring a nickel-plated brass case and a very unique vegetable-tanned Dublin Ale leather band made by the Horween Leather Company based in Chicago, Illinois. Its minimalistic dial with 24-hour markings and red seconds dial makes for easy reading.
You will find more sophisticated timepieces like this by checking out our guide to the best-rated Tag Heuer watches.
Luminox Leatherback Giant Sea Turtle
A very masculine watch with a 44mm case that despite being hardwearing, is very lightweight at just 50 grams. This model is a favorite for the U.S. Coast Guard, and Navy Seals because of its high-visibility displays and durable bodies.
The black dial with orange accents guarantees visibility even in the darkest of environments. 24-hour markings, as well as minute markings in the outer rim, make for easier reading. The Japanese quartz movement and a battery that lasts up to 50 months make this big watch a durable, eye-catching accessory.
Bertucci A-2T
At first look, this watch under $500 doesn’t look like a very durable one. However, it is designed for the outdoors: from camping to yard work.
Its lightweight case is made out of titanium that makes it very durable. The white dial with black numerals allows very easy reading, and with Swiss Super Luminous technology, it provides excellent readability in all light conditions. Therefore, it adapts the dial to the lighting in the environment, without the need of pushing a button. Finally, it is water-resistant down to 200 meters, making it safe for diving, and it has a 3-year battery life.
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
What stands out in this watch is the contrast made by the unique green stitched canvas band and the stainless steel case. The round black dial with white numerals and luminous hands makes its reading very easy in any light. You won’t have to worry about any scratches since it features a mineral crystal face.
Being water-resistant to 100 meters, you can use it for swimming but not diving. Finally, it has an unstoppable Japanese quartz movement that charges when exposed to light, either indoors or out.
Hamilton Men’s H70555544 Stainless Steel Automatic Watch
This is where sophistication and durability meet. This watch is full of contrasts, the first being the one between the refinement of the stainless steel case and the calfskin leather band. On the other hand, a beautiful black dial contrasts with the silver hands, numbers, and date display, ensuring an easy reading experience due to increased luminosity.
The sapphire dial window promises resistance to scratches and an anti-reflective property. Finally, its automatic self-winding movement reminds you of how complicated some things used to be and keeps you grounded in today’s modern world.
Citizen Promaster Chrono Driver
You will make everyone around you green with envy when they see this sophisticated Citizen watch on your wrist. The emerald green bevel automatically catches your eye and makes a beautiful contrast against the black dial and rubber band.
This three-hand quartz chronograph has a 46mm stainless steel round case and is powered by any light, never needing a battery. Being water-resistant to 200 meters, you can use it when you go for a swim or even to go diving but we know that what you will do the most with it is flaunt it… And we won’t blame you.
Casio G-SHOCK Carbon Core Watch
This is one of the most affordable watches in the G-SHOCK line. Despite being at a lower price point, it still has the iconic octagon form so loved by fans of the brand. It also maintains the line’s toughness level.
This model is made from a high-strength resin material reinforced with carbon fibers that confer outstanding strength and crack-resistance. Like the other models, it is water-resistant down to 200 meters, making it safe for diving. Being completely black, it is bound to make an impression on anyone who sees it.
Zodiac Grandrally Stainless Steel Swiss-Quartz Watch
For those looking for a Swiss watch, this is the watch for you. Even though it features a Swiss-quartz movement, it has a more affordable price than others with the same characteristic.
It also has a round 45mm stainless steel case with a blue and silver dial paired with a brown genuine leather band. It is water-resistant down to 100 meters, so it is safe to bathe, swim, and do shallow diving while wearing it.
Citizen NH8350-83L
This Citizen model is a sophisticated dress watch made completely out of stainless steel, ready to pair with your favorite suit for that special occasion coming up. The handsome textured blue dial looks very expensive despite being within an affordable range.
It has an automatic self-winding and hand-winding movement, meaning it is powered by the movement of your arm, but you can also power it manually. It is water-resistant for up to 50 meters, so we recommend to only bathe and swim in shallow waters while wearing it.
Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
If you are fond of larger cases, this watch may tickle your fancy. At 50mm, it features the largest case in this list.
The entire watch is black. The case is made out of black plated stainless steel that has a machine-like feel. The genuine black leather band is interchangeable, which allows customization. The dial is also black and textured and has Arabic numerals.
This all-black watch also features three extra dials to track hours, seconds, and minutes. Finally, it is water-resistant up to 50 meters, so you could use it for showering and swimming for short periods.
Void VO3D
This Swedish design company in Hong Kong offers this watch designed by its founder, David Ericsson. As any of their other models, it is made out of simple, high-quality materials, with a minimalist design with high attention to detail.
The Void VO3D features a black stainless steel case and a black premium leather band. The black dial with concentric white numerals has a feeling of symmetry and organization that can be very pleasing to obsessive types. All in all, this light watch has a simple yet elegant appearance.
Seiko Presage
This is an elegant dress watch where the dial is the protagonist. The beautiful ice-blue dial with a pattern that radiates from the center will make this watch the center of many compliments. The deep blue leather band makes the perfect addition to a very handsome watch. The stainless steel case contains an automatic mechanical movement that allows hacking and has a 41-hour power reserve.
TID Watches No. 1
The name of this watch tells you about it. Simply called “No. 1,” this is an incredibly minimalistic watch made of a stainless steel ion coated case with a monochromatic gold finish and black nylon wristband. TID has reduced the functions of a watch to the barest of essentials, featuring a Miyota Japanese quartz movement with a ± 20 seconds/month accuracy.
Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph
The last watch on our list is inspired by the first successful transatlantic flight from New York to Paris, performed by Charles Lindbergh in May of 1927 and it shows in the design.
A clean white dial features black Arabic numerals for hours and minutes in 5-minute intervals, as well as three extra dials to track seconds, minutes, and hours. The soft suede leather strap elevates the design to a very sophisticated realm. The Miyota chronographic 0S00 movement guarantees accuracy, and the 5-year battery life will keep the tedious act of changing batteries at bay.
Previous Article Picks
If you are looking for a functional watch with only a handful of features for a low price, go ahead and stop reading this list now.
Are they gone now? Ok, now only those of us who want the best quality and performance from our watch, regardless of price remain. The following is a list of watches that will require top dollar to put on your wrist. So we can go ahead and eliminate any potential apologies for the cost of these models. But they are where they are on this list because of the quality materials they are made from, the durability they’ve been tacproven to have, and the numerous functions they serve. So let’s take a look at the best watches available for around or under $500.
Garmin Approach S60 Premium GPS Golf Watch
This Garmin model is perfect for the golfer who wants an advantage on the course. The 1.2 inch color display screen is a touchscreen that is sunlight-readable and scratch resistant. The display uses GPS to show precise distance to greens and hazards using full-color course maps. Over 40,000 courses are preloaded into the watch. This golf GPS watch will last up to 10 hours in golf mode while going 10 days in watch-only mode. The bands are Quick Fit, which allow for changes in style without tools.
Cost is $399 to $499
Orient Men’s SELO30002M0M- Force Stainless Steel Watch
This Orient analog model is made from the finest materials with its stainless steel link bracelet and mineral dial window. The watch includes a 40 hour power reserve indicator and the current date on the display. There’s also a double push-button safety closure to ensure this hefty investment doesn’t fall off your wrist. It’s also water resistant up to 200 meters.
Cost is $499
Gamma Never Dark Titanium Watch
This Reactor model is perfect for scuba divers who also want a watch that is fashionable for a night out. The 52001 is water resistant up to 300 meters (990 feet). It can also stay at a depth of 30 meters for up to 2 hours. There’s also the never dark system on the screen, so the display will be clear in any depth of the water.
The titanium watch also features Japanese quartz movement and a mineral crystal dial window. There is a 10-year lithium power cell that keeps the watch going. And the fold over push-button clasp keeps it secure on your wrist.
Cost is $499
Garmin Fenix 3 HR
The Fenix is one of the top workout watches on the market today. The Fenix calculates much of your workout for you. Recovery time, recovery check, ideal finish time (known as race predictor) and VO2 max can all be figured using this Garmin model.
The 1.2 inch high resolution Chroma color display is sunlight-visible and features an optically bonded display. The 100 meters of water resistance allows for this watch to be used while swimming. And the battery lasts up to 16 hours in GPS training mode, 40 hours in UltraTrac mode, and 2 weeks smartwatch mode. The watch also features 24/7 heart-rate monitoring.
You can also sync your watch with apps on your phone or on the computer to store your data.
Cost is $498.99 (Cost includes a bundle featuring 1 watch, 1 chest band, 1 charging cable, 1 wall charging adaptor).
Alexander Statesman Chieftan Men’s Multi-function Chronograph Watch
The case on the Chieftan is made from 316L surgical grade stainless steel. The watch also features Swiss quartz movement and a black alligator-embossed calfskin leather band. And the screen is made of scratch resistant sapphire crystal.
The 42 mm face features 3 subdials with a small seconds’ counter, a 1/10th second counter, and a 30 minute counter. The second hand on the main face is a moon counter. There’s also a calendar featuring the day of the week and the month. The Chieftan is also water resistant up to 30 meters.
Cost is $495
Citizen’s Mens Stainless Steel Navihawk Watch
The Navihawk features a stainless steel bracelet and case. Its movement is Eco-Drive U680, and its time is kept atomically. So you can be sure the time will stay accurate.
The face is covered by anti-reflective mineral crystal. But this watch is also prefect for water sports with its 200 meters of water resistance. There’s also three sub dials and 8 different settings for the main face. And the push button deployable clasp will keep the watch secure around your wrist.
Cost is $475
Citizen Men’s AT4006-06X Stainless Steel Eco-Drive Watch
This sharp looking model from Citizen is made of stainless steel and features a sharp looking brown band made from calfskin leather. The 42 mm face includes three sub dials: one for a 24 hour clock, one for the day of the week, and a third that allows you to switch between time zones. Japanese quartz movement keeps the analog display accurate. And the window is made from anti-reflective sapphire.
Cost is $475
Aqua Master Men’s Ceramic Quartz Watch W331
This analog model features a ceramic band and case. The Swiss quartz time movement keeps the watch accurate. There’s also 3 sub dials that give this Aqua Master model a cool and functional look.
Cost is $495
Alpina Alpiner AL-525B4E6
The stainless steel case is held in place by a screw down case-back embossed with Alpina. The window is scratch resistant sapphire crystal. The watch hands are controlled by Swiss automatic movement. The Alpiner also features a 38 hour power reserve and an Incabloc anti-shock system.
The Alpiner is water resistant up to 50 meters, a pin buckle holds the watch into place, and it can fit on up to a 9 inch wrist.
Cost is 495.69
Burgmeister Men’s Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
The gold case and leather strap aren’t the only sharp elements to consider when looking at this Burgmeister model. For one, there are four sub dials on the face of the watch that keep up with, among other things, the day of the week and the 24 hour clock. There’s also the materials the watch is made from, which include a 316L solid stainless steel case that is resistant to acid and corrosion and a durable leather strap.
The watch is also water resistant up to 50 meters, so you can swim while wearing it (though you don’t want to dive or snorkel with this model).
Cost is 470.50
Mulco MW5-4190-043 Gravity Satelite Swiss Chrongraph Blue Watch
The unique color schemes of the MW5 would be enough for some people. But you also have to consider the Swiss Chronograph movement, the gravity satellite that keeps the watch accurate, and the overall light weight (135 grams) of the watch.
There’s also three sub dials on the face and a 2 year warranty valid anywhere you purchase it.
Cost is $465
Citizen Eco-Drive Men’s BN2029-01E Promaster Aqualand Watch
The best feature of this Citizen model is that it’s solar-powered, so you never have to purchase a battery or charge this watch. But then there’s also the quality materials used to produce it. The case is stainless steel, the window is a mineral dial, and the movement of the display is Japanese quartz.
There’s also a synthetic band with buckle closure for secure fit. And this solar-powered watch is perfect for water sports with its 200 meters of water resistance.
Cost is $464.99
Victorinox Swiss Amry Chrono Classic Chornograph Watch
Both the band and the case for this Victorinox model are coated in PVD stainless steel. The watch face features 3 sub dials. And the Chrono Classic is a great water sport model that comes with a surprising water resistance of 330 feet when you consider the price.
Cost is $153
Bean & Vanilla Wood Watch
This Bean & Vanilla model is made from 100% Koa Wood. The natural wood finish means that each watch will have a unique look to it. The natural oils from your skin help naturally polish the watch, making it more beautiful each time you wear it.
The dial is made of non-reflective and highly scratch resistant Sapphire Crystal. Citizen movement keeps the watch working and accurate. And the digits on the watch face are roman numerals.
Cost is $455
Jorg Gray JG7600-34 Men’s Watch
The case and band of the JG7600 are made from stainless steel. The watch runs through ISA multifunction quartz movement. There are three sub dials for a 24 hour clock, the day of the week, and the month of the year. And the face is coated in Sapphire Crystal.
Cost is $450
Romanson Men’s TL9213HM1WAS2W Sports Watch
This Swiss quartz chronograph model uses Swiss quartz to keep the time accurate. The face is mostly covered by the watch’s three sub dials, giving the TL9 a unique look. But luminous hands and markers still make it easy to read. The strap and buckle are a durable silicone. And the watch is water resistant up to 30 meters (though it should be submerged in water).
Cost is $450
Jiusko 210LSG02 Luxury Men’s Skeleton Watch
The case and band of this skeleton watch are made from 316L silver stainless steel. The secure clasp is butterfly style. And the window is scratchproof Sapphire glass. The watch face is a large 43 mm. The markers at 3, 6, 9, and 12, are diamonds. And the dial is a unique, gold open heart skeleton design. The 210 is also water resistant up to 100 meters.
Cost is $449
Citizen Men’s CA0525-50L Eco Drive Titanium Watch
This sleek and functional watch from Citizen is powered by converting light into energy (and can convert both inside and outside light into energy). The face is built from durable titanium. The time is kept accurate from the watch’s Japanese Quartz movement. And the dial is protected by a mineral crystal window. Two sub dials and the date are also featured on the face, which lights up when you’re in the dark. The Eco Drive is also water resistant up to 200 meters.
Cost is $446.25
Seiko SNP101P2 Men’s Watch
This sleek looking model from Seiko includes a 24 hour clock, a sub dial for the month, and a handy leap year indicator. The SNP’s case is made from stainless steel with black hard coating. The bracelet is ceramic, and the window is anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
The watch features kinetic movement and is caliber 7D48. The three-fold clasp and push button secure it on your wrist while keeping it easy to remove. The SNP is also 100 meter water resistant.
Cost is $435.99
BINKADA #808901-3 Mechanical White Dial Men’s Watch
The sharp looking silver case and strap with bronze/gold strip down the middle for this BINKADA model are made from stainless steel. The white face provides a sixty minute sub dial and an opening so you can see the gears working inside the watch. Diamonds are placed on all the even number hours. And this watch is water resistant up to 50 meters, so it is suitable for swimming or showering.
Cost is $429.90
Bulova Precisionist 96B241 Limited Edition
“Precision” is an accurate word to use when describing this Bulova model. The case and strap of the Precisionist is made from stainless steel. The window is mineral glass. The chronograph movement keeps the watch accurate. And it is water resistant up to 300 meters.
The face features four sub dials. Included on these sub dials are hour, minute, 1/10th second clocks, and even a 1/100th clock.
Cost is $426.94
Mulco MW3-14021-065 Evol Collection
The stainless steel case and silicone band highlight the high-quality materials used to make the Evol from Mulco. The face is protected by a mineral crystal window. The movement is maintained by Swiss Quartz Ronda 1063 movement. Water-resistant up to 100 meters, the Evol also features sub-dials for measuring 30 and 60 minutes. A third sub-dial gives you one/tenths for exact timekeeping.
Cost is $425
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