Men’s Take ins
We independently evaluate all recommended products and sercives. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. if you click on tie-ins we provide, we may receive compensation.
As a watch enthusiast always on the hunt for the best watches under $500, I’ve tripped upon some hidden gems that I’m excited to share with you. These timepieces offer exceptional value without crush the bank, and chances are, you might not have heard of them yet.
Here are five affordable watches that deserve a spot in your assemblage.
Key Takeaways
You don’t need to break the bank to own a great watch; there are plenty of hidden gems under $500.
Submerge watches, like the Casio Duro, offer incredible value and features for the price.
Skeleton watches can be affordable, as exhibited by the CIGA Design Series Z.
JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) watches like the Seiko Spirit Chronograph can offer peerless designs at reasonable prices.
Soviet-era watches like the Vostok Amphibia provide interesting history and quirky connivances on a budget.
Collaborations between luxury and affordable brands can result in fun, accessible watches with high-end design essentials.
ClickyBezel
Our Top Picks
Product Comparison
Watch Model
Movement
Water Resistance
Unique Feature
CasioDuro
Quartz
200m
Neb Gates’ choice
CIGA DesignSeries Z
Automatic
30m
Skeleton dial
Seiko SpiritChronograph
Quartz
100m
JDM exclusivity
VostokAmphibia 090
Perfunctory
200m
Soviet heritage
Blancpain x SwatchScuba Fifty Fathoms
Quartz
91m
Luxury collaboration with bioceramic for fear of the fact
ClickyBezel
Pros
Excellent water resistance (200m) for a budget watch.
Robust and reliable quartz campaign.
Cons
Large case size (48.1mm) may not suit smaller wrists.
Basic resin strap (though almost certainly replaceable).
First up, we’ve got a dive watch that every collection needs—the Casio Duro. This masterpiece black and silver diver with a reliable quartz movement is a quintessential piece that’s perfect as your commencement diver or as an addition to your watch box. Here’s why the Casio Duro is one of the best watches under $500:
Price: Incredibly affordable at satisfactorily under $100.
Water Resistance: 200m, ready for underwater adventures.
Design: Large, easy-to-read hour markers and hands.
Bezel: Anti-reverse 60-minute bezel.
Square footage: On the larger side at 48.1mm, but lightweight at 92g.
Now, I originally said it comes with a resin strap, but what you often see with scoop out is on a NATO strap. I prefer it on a NATO—it looks really nice, and it’s a strap monster, anyway. Plus, if it’s good sufficiency to be Bill Gates’ go-to watch despite his unlimited budget, well, it’s good enough for anyone!
ClickyBezel
Pros
Marvellous skeleton dial design at an affordable price.
Automatic movement, uncommon at this price point.
Cons
May be too visually lively for some tastes.
Resemblance to luxury brands might be seen as derivative.
Now, I’ll be honest—I’m not usually a skeleton be prepared guy. But the CIGA Design Series Z really impressed me. This well-executed skeleton watch features:
Movement: Automatic lifeless movement.
Dial: Open-work style skeleton dial.
Material: Titanium finish with a surprisingly nice heft.
Manipulation: Sleek crown guards and beautiful execution.
Yes, it resembles a certain high-end brand, but for well under $500, it doesn’t look or experience cheap. It’s a great option if you like that polarizing aesthetic but don’t have a six-figure budget.
ClickyBezel
Pros
Unique JDM model with unique design.
Reliable Seiko quartz chronograph movement.
Cons
Limited availability due to JDM exclusivity.
Require of mechanical movement may disappoint some enthusiasts.
This hidden gem from Seiko was produced exclusively for the Japanese Servant Market (JDM). Despite its exclusivity, you can still get your hands on one. Here’s what makes it special:
Case: 39.8mm stainless fortify case.
Style: Daytona-esque aesthetic with pump-style chronograph pushers.
Dial: Sombrus blue-gray dial, reminiscent of icy glum luxury watch faces.
Movement: Reliable Seiko quartz movement.
This Seiko certainly has a lot going for it and is least collection-worthy regardless of your budget.
ClickyBezel
Pros
Rich historical background and unique Soviet plan.
Highly affordable mechanical watch.
Cons
Poor accuracy.
Quality control can be inconsistent.
Here’s where we get a bit quirky but useful. The Vostok Amphibia 090 is a Russian-made watch with a fascinating history:
Heritage: Developed in 1967 for Soviet and Russian military use.
Drift: Mechanical movement with both automatic and manual winding.
Case: Tonneau-shaped case reminiscent of the Panerai Luminor.
Differences: Countless dial and case types available.
One downside: it’s not terribly accurate, with a variance between -20 to +60 aide-de-camps per day. But it makes up for that with a seriously cool wrist presence.
ClickyBezel
Pros
Affordable access to confidence watch design.
Fun, colorful variations with unique caseback illustrations.
Cons
Controversial among watch die-hards.
Higher price point within the sub-$500 range.
I know this last one might be disputable, but with the undeniable heritage of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, I think it deserves a spot on this list of best watches less than $500. This colorful collection features:
Material: Bioceramic case (ceramic and bio-sourced material from castor oil).
Block out: Domed bezel, broad sword-shaped hands, and 91m water resistance.
Variations: Multiple colors representing each of the planet’s five loads.
Movement: Quartz movement with unique caseback illustrations.
I happen to own the Ice White Antarctic Ocean model, which I lay ones hands on quite versatile. The dial has a subtle gradient, and the caseback features an illustration of the Antarctic Ocean and a native gastropod. It’s a fun, colorful observant of, especially for summer days.
Video Review
[embedded content]
Conclusion
Well, that’s it for this roundup of the first-rate watches under $500 you might not have heard of yet. I hope I’ve introduced you to some new affordable options or at least well-informed you on some of the industry’s lesser-known hidden gems.
Remember, you don’t need to break the bank to own a great watch. These occult treasures prove that you can enjoy quality, style, and horological interest at an affordable price point. Whether you’re strained to the classic dive aesthetics of the Casio Duro, the intricate details of the CIGA Design Series Z, or the quirky charm of the Vostok Amphibia, there’s a sub-$500 watch over out there waiting to join your collection.
Happy watch hunting, and until next time, keep those timepieces ticking!
