15 Affordable Mechanical Watches Under $2000 to Look Forward

Historically, mechanical watches were seen as luxury items, worn by those who could afford the precision and artistry of such devices. However, in recent years, many watchmakers have begun to offer high-quality mechanical watches at prices that don’t require a second mortgage. This is where affordable mechanical watches rise in popularity.

Unlike quartz watches, which rely on batteries, mechanical watches function through a complex array of gears, springs, and tiny components that keep the time ticking with precision, often for generations. No wonder they hold a special place for their intricate craftsmanship and the sheer engineering marvel they embody.

With a list of affordable mechanical watches available in the market, you have a lot of options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a durable outdoor watch or an elegant dress watch, there is always something for you.

While the idea of what constitutes "affordable" can vary from person to person, we would say anything under $2,000 is generally considered a sweet spot for those seeking high-quality craftsmanship without diving into the realm of ultra-luxury pricing.

To help you find the best picks for your first or another mechanical watch purchase, this article offers some affordable mechanical watches with great value, style, and enduring quality. The best part is, you no longer have to break the bank to get one.

Alpina Alpiner Extreme Automatic Blue - Rubber Ref. AL-525N4AE6

The first affordable mechanical watch to look forward to is the Alpina Alpiner Extreme Automatic Blue which brings a bold, modern flair to the brand's classic Alpine roots. The deep blue dial is eye-catching, set against a rugged 41mm stainless steel case designed to endure the toughest conditions.

The case features a unique cushion shape with sharp angles that give it a robust, sporty aesthetic. It’s built to handle both daily wear and outdoor adventures with ease, boasting 200 meters of water resistance. The rubber strap enhances its athletic appeal while providing comfort for all-day wear.

Price: $1,695.00 USD

Aristo Flieger 38 Pilot 5H85 - Sapphire

Inspired by the historic aviation watches worn by pilots during World War II, the Aristo Flieger 38 Pilot 5H85 embodies the timeless simplicity and functionality of a classic Flieger. Measuring 38.5mm, the watch is perfect for those who prefer a more traditionally sized timepiece.

Its no-nonsense dial is designed for maximum legibility, featuring large Arabic numerals and luminous hands for easy reading in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a sapphire crystal ensures scratch resistance, while the stainless-steel case provides durability.

Price: $480.00 USD

Atowak Spaceship Abyssal Blue - Ltd Ed 300pcs

If you’re looking for the best budget automatic watch with a unique flair, the Atowak Spaceship Abyssal Blue is the perfect choice. With only 300 pieces available, it combines exclusivity with avant-garde design. Its case is inspired by spacecraft, with angular, architectural lines that break from traditional watchmaking forms.

The dial is equally futuristic, featuring a rotating display that mimics planetary motion, with hands that seem to float in orbit. Powered by a Miyota automatic movement, the Spaceship Abyssal Blue is both visually arresting and mechanically robust.

Price: $1,709.00 USD

Ball Watch Co. Engineer Master II Voyager 44mm Blue - Leather - Ltd Ed 1000pcs Ref. GM2128C-LJ-BE

Another affordable mechanical watch to consider is the Ball Watch Co. Engineer Master II Voyager. The 44mm stainless steel case houses a stunning blue dial, adorned with tritium gas tubes for continuous glow and visibility in all lighting conditions – an iconic feature of Ball watches.

Powered by the Ball RR1301 automatic movement, the watch offers precision and reliability with a 42-hour power reserve. The Engineer Master II Voyager is also equipped with shock resistance and anti-magnetic properties, reinforcing Ball’s reputation for building robust, adventure-ready timepieces.

Price: $1,615.00 USD

Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver 200M “Fujitsubo” Full Black Ref. NB6025-59H

The Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver 200M, nicknamed “Fujitsubo” (Japanese for barnacle), is a robust diving watch that excels both in terms of durability and aesthetics. This full-black version is as stealthy as it is functional, with its matte black case and matching bracelet giving it a sleek, tactical appearance.

This affordable Japanese watch is powered by Citizen’s automatic Caliber 9051 movement, offering anti-magnetic resistance, which is a key feature for divers who may encounter magnetic fields underwater. The 41mm case and 200 meters of water resistance make it a reliable companion for serious underwater activities.

Price: $940.00 USD

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Handwinding White 38 - Military Nylon Strap Ref. H69439411

For an affordable hand-wound watch, the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Handwinding White 38 would be a great option. It is a direct homage to military field watches from the mid-20th century, known for their rugged simplicity and reliability.

The 38mm stainless steel case is compact and understated, perfectly sized for a vintage-inspired military watch. Inside, the watch is powered by the manually wound Hamilton H-50 movement, which offers an extended 80-hour power reserve. This hand-winding feature connects the wearer to the mechanical origins of the watch, requiring regular winding to keep it running.

Price: $545.00 USD

Dievas Maya MK III Blue - Rubber

The Dievas Maya MK III Blue is a dive watch that doesn’t just meet the technical demands of serious divers but also delivers a unique style with its deep blue color scheme. The 40.5mm stainless steel case is coated with scratch-resistant titanium carbide, which significantly enhances durability and wear resistance.

The striking blue dial features large, bold hour markers and hands, both treated with Swiss Super-LumiNova for excellent visibility underwater. This affordable Swiss automatic watch is water-resistant up to 1000 meters, making it suitable for professional diving.

Price: $1,090.00 USD

Evant Tropic Diver 39 Viridian

A vintage-inspired dive watch that brings together a classic design with modern materials, the Evant Tropic Diver 39 Viridian would be a nice addition to your collection. The 39mm case size is perfect for those who prefer a more modestly sized dive watch, while the viridian green dial gives it a unique and fresh look.

The dial is complemented by bold, geometric hour markers and thick hands, both filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent visibility in low-light conditions. The unidirectional rotating bezel, with a ceramic insert, adds to the watch’s durability and scratch resistance.

Price: $589.00 USD

Glycine Airman Vintage "The Chief" GMT Aged Cream Ref. GL0304

A tribute to one of the most iconic pilot watches in history, the Glycine Airman Vintage "The Chief" GMT Aged Cream captures the spirit of the original 1950s Glycine Airman with its dual-time zone functionality and unmistakable aviation style. The aged cream dial gives it a distinctly vintage aesthetic, with bold black Arabic numerals that are easy to read at a glance.

The 24-hour dial is a hallmark of the Airman series, allowing for precise tracking of a second time zone – ideal for frequent travelers or aviation professionals. Powered by the GL293 Swiss automatic movement, this GMT watch provides reliable and accurate timekeeping, with a 42-hour power reserve.

Price: $898.00 USD

Seiko Prospex PADI “Great Blue” King Turtle 200M Automatic Ref. SBDY125

The Seiko Prospex PADI “Great Blue” King Turtle is a collaboration between Seiko and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), making it a dive watch that stands up to the rigorous demands of underwater exploration.

One of the standout features of the King Turtle is its day-date complication, housed under a magnified window at 3 o'clock. The unidirectional ceramic bezel provides precise dive timing, while the screw-down crown ensures the watch’s 200-meter water resistance. Inside, the reliable Seiko 4R36 automatic movement beats with precision, offering a 40-hour power reserve.

Price: $535.00 USD

Orient Star Contemporary Modern Skeleton Green Ref. RK-AV0114E

The Orient Star Contemporary Modern Skeleton Green is a masterful blend of elegance and complexity, ideal for those who appreciate intricate timepieces. At 41mm in diameter, this stainless steel watch showcases a striking green dial with a partially skeletonized design, allowing a glimpse into the mechanical movement that powers it.

The skeletonized section reveals the beating heart of the watch – Orient’s in-house caliber F6F44 automatic movement, which boasts a 50-hour power reserve. The movement is beautifully decorated, adding a level of visual intrigue to the watch.

Price: $670.00 USD

Hitori Ryukyu Diver Retro Black

For the best affordable mechanical watch under $500, you can go with the Hitori Ryukyu Diver Retro Black. This Japanese watch takes inspiration from vintage dive watches, offering a blend of retro design and modern-day performance. The 40.7mm stainless steel case has a brushed finish, giving it a rugged yet refined appearance.

Powering the Ryukyu Diver is the dependable automatic caliber NH36A, which offers a 41-hour power reserve and is well-known for its reliability. The unidirectional bezel is solid and smooth to operate, providing precise dive timing, and the watch is water-resistant up to 200 meters, making it suitable for recreational diving.

Price: $388.00 USD

Steinhart Ocean 39 Green Ceramic

The Steinhart Ocean 39 Green Ceramic is a bold and striking timepiece that brings the allure of vibrant green into the world of professional-grade dive watches. The 39mm stainless steel case is equipped with a unidirectional green ceramic bezel.

The 300-meter water resistance rating makes this affordable mechanical watch fully capable of handling serious diving adventures. The screw-down crown and case back further enhance its water resistance and durability, while the sapphire crystal ensures scratch protection. Fitted with a stainless steel bracelet, the watch offers a robust yet elegant feel, suitable for both aquatic activities and daily wear.

Price: $490.00 USD

Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer GMT Blue - Special Edition Ref. M026.829.17.041.00

Mido celebrates the brand’s history while offering modern-day functionality with the Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer GMT. This 40.5mm dive watch features a blue dial with vibrant decompression scale colors, paying homage to Mido’s iconic 1960s decompression models.

Powered by the Mido Caliber 80, which is based on the ETA C07.661, the watch offers a remarkable 80-hour power reserve. The unidirectional ceramic bezel ensures durability and precision in dive timing, while the sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating provides clear visibility.

Price: $1,179.00 USD

Yema Superman 500 41mm

Last but not least, the Yema Superman 500 continues the legacy of one of the most iconic dive watches from the 1960s, bringing modern enhancements to a beloved design. The 41mm stainless steel case is both robust and functional, featuring Yema’s signature bezel-lock system that prevents accidental adjustments during a dive.

This watch is powered by the YEMA2000 in-house automatic movement, which delivers precise timekeeping and a power reserve of 42 hours. The unidirectional rotating bezel is paired with a screw-down crown, ensuring water resistance up to 500 meters.

Price: $1,034.00 USD

Final Thought

The world of affordable mechanical watches offers a plethora of choices for watch enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you are drawn to the robust reliability of Seiko, the elegance of Orient, or the history and craftsmanship of brands like Hamilton, there is a mechanical watch out there to suit both your taste and budget.

Each of these watches provides a unique blend of style, quality, and engineering, proving that the mechanical art of watchmaking is accessible to all. So whether you’re starting your collection or looking to add to it, these timepieces offer timeless craftsmanship without the luxury price tag.

Read also: 10 Affordable Swiss Watches for A Stylish Look on Budget