It was once a case of “you get what you pay for” when it got here to reasonably priced watch manufacturers, each by way of high quality and kudos. Dropping a number of thousand not solely meant you’d get respectable mechanics but in addition boardroom brownie factors for sporting a good identify in your wrist.
Blame the Japanese for flooding the market with timepieces that have been low-cost and battery-powered in the course of the Quartz Disaster of the Nineteen Seventies and early Eighties, however something within the sub-$1000 bracket was once handled with derision and even contempt. Fortunately, in your financial institution steadiness not less than, this doesn’t maintain true anymore.
Whether or not it’s as a result of quartz acquired cool or watch manufacturers for males realized that not everybody with an curiosity in horology had the readies to fund their burgeoning obsession, some attention-grabbing issues have began to occur within the lower cost brackets.
As with all seek for a discount, it’s a must to know the place to look and which reasonably priced watches for males to zero in on, however if you happen to do you may be in with an opportunity of kitting out your total watch wardrobe for half the value of an Omega Speedmaster.
And we’re not simply speaking quartz watches from vogue homes – although there are some severely cool types to be discovered there. We’re speaking timepieces from names with actual design cachet to real automatics, even Swiss ones.
You received’t must go trawling the web equal of the cut price basement to search out these hidden gems, both. Simply learn our helpful information to one of the best watch manufacturers for males which can be making the reasonably priced finish of the market price taking a second take a look at.
Our High Picks
Citizen
Void
Nixon
Baltic
Solios
Shinola
Tag Heuer
Fitbit
AVI-8
Everybody wants a contact of glitz of their life, proper? Sure, even you within the again. That stated, there’s positively such a factor as too a lot bling. Obnoxious diamonds have a time and place. That point isn’t, and that place is nowhere. However refined, elegant diamonds — these are one other story altogether.
Citizen’s Peyten is an informal on a regular basis watch with simply the correct quantity of understated magnificence peppered in. The diamond hour markers are supposed to stand out, however solely to these with a watch for the finer issues in life. In different phrases, if you happen to occur to catch a praise throughout comfortable hour or on the workplace, you’re underneath the correct of scrutiny.
Rooted in Swedish design, Void watches are equal components kind and performance. And the V01MKII-BL (charming identify and all) is not any exception with its sq., chrome steel face and backlit LCD show. It is available in 10 coloration combos so you’ll be able to combine and match it with nearly any outfit and event.
Heads up, although — it is a look ahead to watch guys, not the one you get if you happen to’re simply dabbling or on the lookout for “The One.” Add this standout piece to your assortment and break it out while you wish to spark a design-adjacent dialog with attention-grabbing individuals who might or might not be ingesting attention-grabbing cocktails with you.
Rooted in California minimalism, Nixion’s Spectra is a smooth, traditional timepiece that additionally occurs to be probably the greatest low-cost watches for males. Its skeleton design gives a singular look that’s not too formal and positively not informal, excellent for youthful guys.
Nixon hits the candy spot between affordability and sturdiness. It’s the proper watch to place into your on a regular basis rotation, whether or not the transition is from workplace to comfortable hour or campsite to cliff bounce. Talking of cliff leaping, the Spectra is water-resistant as much as 100 meters, so have at it.
Although not essentially “cheap” within the conventional sense, Baltic watches come at an impressive value level for the standard and craftsmanship you’re getting. The model is ready to cut back its overhead by providing direct-to-consumer gross sales solely, which retains the value good and pleasant in your pockets. Had sufficient of us justifying why Baltic has made our checklist of one of the best low-cost watches for males? Nice. Similar.
Onward and upward to Baltic’s Aquascaphe SB01. Merely put, it’s one of many best waterproof timepieces you’ll discover for the cash. It’s full of considerate options like a skinny, unobtrusive case and bigger palms for max visibility. And to not bury the lede, however it’s additionally water-resistant as much as 200 meters. And it seems superb. Positively ought to have led with these.
For those who’re on the lookout for a skinny, minimalist fantastic thing about a timepiece, right here it’s. For those who’re on the lookout for a skinny, minimalist fantastic thing about a timepiece with a 6-month energy reserve, right here it nonetheless is. For those who’re on the lookout for us to maneuver proper alongside and introduce the Solios Black Photo voltaic Watch, right here it’s and we hope you get pleasure from one another’s firm.
That is the kind of smooth, good-looking watch you’ll be able to put on nearly wherever and with nearly any outfit. Skinny, minimalist palms praise the skinny, minimalist case, which all come collectively to enrich your go well with, polo, button-down, or t-shirt. Discovering this caliber of watch at this value is finest left to the consultants.
When Shinola opened its manufacturing facility in Detroit in 2012, it was the primary such manufacturing facility to be opened within the US in almost 5 a long time. Since then, the proudly American firm has been manufacturing among the most good-looking and spectacular watches out there.
Fast apart: For those who can swing it, avoid wasting room in your wrist for one among Shinola’s Traveler watches — they’re elevated-casual masterpieces worthy of their very own article. However in the present day, it’s all about The Orange Pop from Shinola’s Runwell line. Its quartz motion is hand-assembled in Detroit, and its orange-and-blue design is all persona. And as a bonus that’s associated to why you’re right here within the first place, the value is extra approachable than it most likely must be. We received’t inform anybody if you happen to received’t.
With regards to the posh class, “cheap” is a tough phrase to throw round. The timepieces that belong on this echelon are sometimes of superior high quality and fame, and sometimes have value tags to match. And by that hurried definition, “cheap” within the luxurious class hovers proper across the low 4 figures if you happen to’re doing it proper.
Which brings us to Tag Heuer’s Formulation 1 collection — particularly this eye-catching emerald inexperienced piece with a sporty rubber strap and all of the bells and whistles you’d anticipate from a Tag Heuer. This can be a specific-occasion kind of watch that’s finest worn by the informal collector. “Oh, there’s Phil with another cool, funky watch again.” These have been your folks who’re used to your cool watches just like the emerald inexperienced Formulation 1. Calling you Phil. As a result of that’s your identify. As a result of we stated so.
There ought to all the time be not less than slightly nook reserved in each closet, watch drawer, or closet watch drawer for an Artwork-Deco impressed timepiece like this one from Bulova. Quartz motion, gold-tone chrome steel, and an alligator-embossed band come collectively to kind this elegant but cheap watch.
We may positively see you pairing this quantity with some linen shorts and a preppy polo or button-down, however your finest play is likely to be reserving it for a go well with event or some kind of smart-casual cocktail situation. However there’s a purpose why this is among the finest low-cost watches for males — they’ll by no means know you picked it up on Amazon for a tune.
Exercise monitor. Distance tracker. Stress monitoring. Coronary heart price monitor. Calorie tracker. The checklist goes on and on. Sounds costly, proper? For those who didn’t already know that this was a rundown that features among the finest low-cost watch manufacturers on the market, you would possibly assume so.
However right here we’re, gloriously reckoning with the Fitbit Versa 2. For those who reside an lively life-style and wish to vigorously observe that life-style whereas streaming music, texting, and speaking, it is a approach to do it at an unexpectedly affordable value level.
Suppose pilot’s watches and the names that immediately come to thoughts are the likes of Breitling, Bremont and Bell & Ross; manufacturers you’d want a pilot’s license to afford. That is what makes the reasonably priced watch model
There are 5 collections – all named after planes – they usually have all the pieces you’d need from this fashion of timepiece. There are the tachymeter scales and sub dials within the Hawker Hurricane; the rugged and sturdy nature of the superior development; and the splendidly vintage-looking straps throughout all of the ranges.
Stylistically
Finest Of The Relaxation
This Swatch Group alumnus is just about the benchmark on the subject of each selection and
Need a costume watch? Strive its Custom vary. Available in the market for an outsized chronograph? Look no additional than the Chrono XL line. You possibly can even get an computerized powered by Swatch Group’s completely machine-made motion, the Swissmatic. Every thing is of such a top quality you don’t really feel such as you’re making compromises.
Provided that this Japanese watch model grows its personal quartz for its battery-powered timepieces and prides itself on making all the pieces in-house, which you could get any of its timepieces for underneath $300 looks like a bonus. Nevertheless, Seiko excels at this value level.
Because of Japanese actions being extra fairly priced than their Swiss counterparts, you’ll be able to safe fashionable metal automatics for underneath $200, whereas its groundbreaking kinetic know-how means proudly owning a quartz watch that by no means wants a battery change. Every watch can also be robustly made with an aesthetic sense manner past its price ticket, making it probably the greatest reasonably priced watch manufacturers for males on the market.
You could know Casio for its gold-plated digital bracelet watch that, for a interval within the noughties, was the ironic wrist adornment of each fixie-bike driving, flat-white ingesting Hackney dweller price their E9 credentials. However to cut back it to that one signature is to noticeably underestimate what this reasonably priced watch model has to supply.
The retro nostalgia remains to be there – in its aptly named Retro assortment – however it’s also possible to get your palms on world timers, Bluetooth hybrids and types appropriate for scuba diving. Consider the model as a one-stop-shop for all of your watch wants, from digital to decorate.
Casio’s muscular cousin is over 30 years previous however its attraction actually hasn’t diminished. When it was first created by Casio engineer Kikuo Ibe, its promoting level was that it had a 10-year battery life, was water-resistant to 10 bar (100m) and would survive a 10m fall onto a tough floor (Ibe examined this by dropping 200 prototypes from third-story home windows and rooftops).
Three a long time later, that is nonetheless a design that takes some beating on the subject of sturdiness. However now it comes with a spread of added extras, from the helpful – world time, computerized calendar and alarms – to the extra specialist, similar to moon information shows and yacht timers.
Timex is taken into account the Everyman of the watch world. Traditionally it turned famend for a specific form of all-American dependability – George Bush Jr wore one, presumably to distract US voters from his upper-class background – however lately it has acquired a sure retro cool.
In 2017, it collaborated with Mr Porter on a restricted run of three particular editions impressed by its Vietnam-Period navy types, whereas fashions similar to its Simple Reader and Weekender are seen on the wrist of apparently attired males from London to Tokyo.
From its impressively complex-looking chronos to its elegant Milanese bracelet Fairfield, Timex’s nostalgia-tinged design language shines by way of, which is exactly why folks proceed to put on this reasonably priced watch model.
It was created to be one of the crucial reasonably priced watch manufacturers available on the market and has a reputation that could be a portmanteau of ‘Swiss’ and ‘watch’ – not one of the best credentials for long-lasting success. However hey, it’s superb how a lot mileage Swatch has acquired out of some injection-moulded plastic.
Swatch’s inventory in commerce appears to be ‘if you can imagine it, we can do it’. It has collaborated with artists and vogue designers, been on the forefront of youth tradition – it sponsored the primary Breakdance World Championships – and even had the chutzpah to go computerized with a motion assembled by robots.
Arrange in 2007 by 4 pals who have been fed up with the reverence accorded standing and custom within the watch trade – the bizarre identify stands for ‘transforming the industry of watches’ – Triwa has been on a mission to shake up issues up, albeit in a refined, tasteful Scandinavian manner.
Each watch is designed in Sweden and that language is writ giant within the intelligent mix of traditional components which can be subverted with vogue colours. The leather-based straps are organically tanned and sourced from its nation of origin, and there’s the added bonus of with the ability to purchase them individually so you’ll be able to change up something in your assortment.
For those who actually like Triwa’s aesthetic, you’ll be able to full your look with a pair of branded sun shades, too.
It may very well be simple to dismiss underground watch model Skagen as a bit one-note, shamelessly milking the Scandinavian factor; it’s in spite of everything made in America and now underneath Fossil’s management. Nevertheless, a deeper look by way of its collections reveals some attention-grabbing fashions that present an actual aptitude for watch design together with a contact of irreverence for the way it’s ‘supposed to be done’. There’s the regulator-style Signatur; the Holst, with its arresting sub-dial configuration; and the very sensible trying – and appearing – Hagen hybrid watch.
Every thing is shot by way of with thought-about minimalism and you’ll’t deny the standard of the construct, which feels much more spectacular when you think about nothing within the vary is over $400. Concerned with extra? Learn our Skagen Watch Overview.
This US vogue watch model for males was arrange by Jake Kassan and Kramer LaPlante, who dropped out of faculty to show that massive mark-ups and ritzy retail premises weren’t mandatory for achievement.
A crowdfunding marketing campaign acquired them off the bottom and since 2013 they’ve been delighting followers with their crisply designed timepieces that cowl each fashion a person may want for, from the sporty heft of the Mariner to the costume magnificence of the Traditional strains. There’s even a bit of glitz within the type of the Rogue, if you happen to’re feeling flash.
As you’d anticipate, Tommy Hilfiger’s watches are a horological distillation of the preppy East-Coast American fashion that made his identify. It’s the form of sports activities magnificence embodied by the Kennedys, one which works finest with a pair of crisp chinos and a sweater artfully draped across the shoulders.
There’s the Windsurf for a day on the seashore; the Emerson for nipping about in a single’s sporty little quantity; and the Oliver for cocktails on the deck at sundown.
This isn’t a model that’s about mechanics or reinvention, it’s about making a wardrobe filled with traditional items you’ll all the time wish to put on. Particularly while you’re holidaying in Westchester.
As soon as upon a time, it wasn’t all about Switzerland. Pre-WWII, Britain – and particularly London – was one thing of a horological capital. However then Hitler determined to smash it for everybody, sending hundreds of would-be watchmakers (and different artisans) to affix the battle effort, and inflicting the trade to enter decline.
It didn’t utterly die, although. Regardless of being born in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Rotary relies within the UK, which additionally serves as its largest market. So anticipate a wealth of strains named after well-known landmarks and a protracted historical past serving households on our residence shores.
Positive, Rotary watches might not be crafted in rustic, romantic Clerkenwell workshops anymore, however they’re much more celebratory of British watchmaking heritage than its cousins au Suisse.
Mondaine is a watch model extra Swiss than Roger Federer personally hand-delivering a bar of Toblerone. That stated, you don’t want a Swiss banker’s pay packet to personal one.
Typically seen because the youthful, extra reasonably priced companion to the horological greats, Mondaine prides itself on packing conventional craftsmanship at a sew of the common value. Meaning quartz tickers hand-assembled in Switzerland that every one bear the identical emblem seen on the nation’s nationwide rail service.
Fossil, probably the greatest funds watch manufacturers for males you’ve possible by no means anticipated of, has turned rectangular watches with rounded edges into an artwork. Too particular? Don’t consider us? Honest. However kindly put all of that to the aspect and bear witness to the Carraway.
From the domed glass to the curved dial, the 30mm gold model of this watch is the proper accompaniment to a stiff cuff peeking out from the sleeve of a marriage jacket. It additionally presents a assured look when paired up with a linen shirt (sleeves rolled proper the hell up, in fact) or a polo tucked right into a crisp pair of chinos. Put on it such as you imply it and there are not any incorrect turns.