At a time when high-tech smartwatches and fitness gadgets are becoming all the rage for your wrists, we will always have a soft spot for the classic timepieces. But classic-looking watches that are high-quality aren’t typically what you’d call affordable watches.
These types of watches usually are in the thousands, which isn’t a price range everyone can afford. On the other hand, you don’t want a cheap watch that will fall apart after a few wears. The best men’s watches have water resistance, quartz movement or automatic movement, and a genuine polished stainless steel or leather strap.
Now it may seem impossible to find a stylish watch with all these key features that are under $500, but we’ve done the hard yards for you! We’ve rounded up the most stylish, best-looking watches that are functional and high-performing, and above all, affordable.
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So if you’re after a watch that’ll last, elevate your look, and won’t break the bank; take a look at the best watches under $500.
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Timex American Documents - US$495
In a first for Timex, they’ve created a supremely elegant men’s watch with a Swiss movement. The Timex American Documents was the brand’s big release for 2019 and is now one of their best-selling watches. What we love about this watch is whilst its moment is Swiss, the watch is made in America, keeping with the brand’s traditions. And at $495 it’s a bargain.
Victorinox I.N.O.X - US$495
The I.N.O.X is said to be the world’s strongest watch and Victorinox have proven this by running it over with a tank and using it’s strap to winch a human to safety in a mock rescue. The I.N.O.X now comes in a range of different colours and for just under $500 you’re getting a hell of a watch that will be resistant to almost any knock you give it.
Tissot Tradition - US$300
The Tissot Tradition promises to blend ultramodern watchmaking with a hint of nostalgia. The watch comes with vintage finishes, and classic aesthetic details; ideal for the contemporary watch wearer. A Quartz ETA G10.211 movement along with a stainless steel case with PVD coating, and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal makes this one of the more attractive options for men on a budget.
Timex Allied Chronograph - US$160
Timex is a great and affordable brand for guys who want a reliable quartz watch. The Allied Chronograph has been inspired by the military and comes on a stone washed leather strap. This piece has a blackened brass and stainless steel case set with an INDIGLO® light-up dial for guaranteed legibility even in low lighting.
SWATCH Sistem21 - US$215
Arguably the best value for money when it comes to watches is the SWATCH Sistem21. You’re getting Swiss precision at a fraction of the cost. The Sistem21 features polished stainless steel, and houses the groundbreaking SISTEM51 automatic watch design, while the openwork caseback reveals the inner workings of the self-winding mechanical movement.
Hamilton Khaki Field Watch - US$495
This is simplicity at its best. The Khaki Field Watch offers basic functions and components for the no-nonsense, rugged watch wearer. Available with a choice of leather or canvas strap it is a timepiece not to be overlooked. The Hamilton Field watch has water resistance up to 50m, is 38mm in diameter, and features a sapphire crystal glass face.
Apple Watch - from US$199
Love it or loathe it, the Apple Watch presents incredible value for money when you explore everything it can do. We love it for exercise and fitness but it’s also useful for business, meetings, making calls, and communicating with friends & colleagues. It’s square design is unique and you can get the Apple Watch in a large variety of colours.
TRIWA Nevil - US$299
Swedish watch company TRIWA is actually an acronym: TRansforming the Industry of WAtches. TRIWA is out to bring attitude, individuality, and creativity to the traditional world of watches and accessories. The Nevil injects a little more sophistication into that ethos via a genuine Italian leather strap, a stainless steel buckle, quartz movement, and a simplified scandinavian design. Plus, the watch is 10ATM water resistant.
