t’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
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.
- Movement Country of Origin
- Quality of Materials & Workmanship
- 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
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
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
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 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
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
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, $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
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 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 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 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 – $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 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 – $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 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.
