5 Greatest Watches Beneath $500 You Haven’t Heard Of (But) | FashionBeans

As a watch fanatic all the time on the hunt for one of the best watches below $500, I’ve stumbled upon some hidden gems that I’m excited to share with you. These timepieces supply distinctive worth with out breaking the financial institution, and chances are high, you won’t have heard of them but.

Listed here are 5 reasonably priced watches that deserve a spot in your assortment.

Key Takeaways

• You don’t want to interrupt the financial institution to personal an incredible watch; there are many hidden gems below $500.
• Dive watches, just like the Casio Duro, supply unbelievable worth and options for the value.
• Skeleton watches might be reasonably priced, as demonstrated by the CIGA Design Sequence Z.
• JDM (Japanese Home Market) watches just like the Seiko Spirit Chronograph can supply distinctive designs at affordable costs.
• Soviet-era watches just like the Vostok Amphibia present attention-grabbing historical past and quirky designs on a finances.
• Collaborations between luxurious and reasonably priced manufacturers can lead to enjoyable, accessible watches with high-end design parts.

Product Comparability

 

First up, we’ve acquired a dive watch that each assortment wants—the Casio Duro. This basic black and silver diver with a dependable quartz motion is a quintessential piece that’s excellent as your first diver or as an addition to your watch field. Right here’s why the Casio Duro is without doubt one of the greatest watches below $500:

• Value: Extremely reasonably priced at nicely below $100.
• Water Resistance: 200m, prepared for underwater adventures.
• Design: Massive, easy-to-read hour markers and fingers.
• Bezel: Anti-reverse 60-minute bezel.
• Measurement: On the bigger facet at 48.1mm, however light-weight at 92g.

Now, I initially mentioned it comes with a resin strap, however what you typically see with mine is on a NATO strap. I want it on a NATO—it appears to be like very nice, and it’s a strap monster, anyway. Plus, if it’s ok to be Invoice Gates’ go-to watch regardless of his limitless finances, nicely, it’s ok for anybody!

 

Now, I’ll be trustworthy—I’m not normally a skeleton watch man. However the CIGA Design Sequence Z actually impressed me. This well-executed skeleton watch options:

• Motion: Computerized mechanical motion.
• Dial: Open-work model skeleton dial.
• Materials: Titanium end with a surprisingly good heft.
• Design: Glossy crown guards and exquisite execution.

Sure, it resembles a sure high-end model, however for nicely below $500, it doesn’t look or really feel low cost. It’s an incredible possibility should you like that polarizing aesthetic however don’t have a six-figure finances.

 

This hidden gem from Seiko was produced completely for the Japanese Home Market (JDM). Regardless of its exclusivity, you may nonetheless get your fingers on one. Right here’s what makes it particular:

• Case: 39.8mm stainless-steel case.
• Model: Daytona-esque aesthetic with pump-style chronograph pushers.
• Dial: Sombrus blue-gray dial, paying homage to icy blue luxurious watch faces.
• Motion: Dependable Seiko quartz motion.

This Seiko actually has loads going for it and could be very collection-worthy no matter your finances.

Right here’s the place we get a bit quirky however sensible. The Vostok Amphibia 090 is a Russian-made watch with an interesting historical past:

• Heritage: Developed in 1967 for Soviet and Russian army use.
• Motion: Mechanical motion with each automated and handbook winding.
• Case: Tonneau-shaped case paying homage to the Panerai Luminor.
• Variations: Numerous dial and case varieties out there.

One draw back: it’s not terribly correct, with a variance between -20 to +60 seconds per day. Nevertheless it makes up for that with a critically cool wrist presence.

I do know this final one could be controversial, however with the simple heritage of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, I believe it deserves a spot on this checklist of greatest watches below $500. This colourful assortment options:

• Materials: Bioceramic case (ceramic and bio-sourced materials from castor oil).
• Design: Domed bezel, broad sword-shaped fingers, and 91m water resistance.
• Variations: A number of colours representing every of the planet’s 5 oceans.
• Motion: Quartz motion with distinctive caseback illustrations.

I occur to personal the Ice White Antarctic Ocean mannequin, which I discover fairly versatile. The dial has a delicate gradient, and the caseback options an illustration of the Antarctic Ocean and a local gastropod. It’s a enjoyable, colourful watch, particularly for summer time days.

Video Evaluate

Conclusion

Nicely, that’s it for this roundup of one of the best watches below $500 you won’t have heard of but. I hope I’ve launched you to some new reasonably priced choices or no less than educated you on among the trade’s lesser-known hidden gems.

Bear in mind, you don’t want to interrupt the financial institution to personal an incredible watch. These hidden treasures show you can take pleasure in high quality, model, and horological curiosity at an reasonably priced worth level. Whether or not you’re drawn to the basic dive aesthetics of the Casio Duro, the intricate particulars of the CIGA Design Sequence Z, or the quirky allure of the Vostok Amphibia, there’s a sub-$500 watch on the market ready to hitch your assortment.

Completely satisfied watch searching, and till subsequent time, hold these timepieces ticking!