4 High-Quality but Affordable Watch Brands for Men

Picking a timekeeping device requires thorough research, even if it means exploring every single watch brand in the industry. A watch enthusiast should consider many aspects of a watch, including but not limited to the affordability aspect. After all, not everyone has the budget to purchase all the new luxury watches available.

Affordable watch brands for men may make an intriguing option for collectors who intend to expand their clusters of timepieces. It’s worth noting that every watch brand has its distinct signature despite its average price. Whether it be the in-house movement or the specific materials that build the watch, the quirk makes every purchase worthwhile.

Before exploring the list of affordable watch brands for men and their recommended models, find out what affects a watch’s price in the following explanation!

What Affects the Price of a Watch?

When dealing with a watch purchase, a consideration in price is commonly the main thing that starts a conversation. Price speaks for the quality, but it’s not always the case. A product that bears a big brand’s name has prestige. Why? Because the brand has a long history that warrants its reputation in the industry.

Besides the brand power, the price of a watch is generally determined by the material that makes it. High-quality materials are sought after for best results. Commonly, the watch industry relies on titanium and gold to offer excellent quality at higher prices. Adding precious stones will also contribute to the rise in price.

The inner mechanism that supports the timekeeping function also determines the price. To produce a reliable movement, expert watchmakers and the time to create the movement should be considered.

Other factors may also contribute to the price of a watch. The condition, the exclusivity, the design, and the features it offers can significantly drive up the cost. All these things can determine whether a watch falls into the category of luxury or affordable.

What Are Affordable Watch Brands for Men?

Chasing the right one may drive some watch collectors to pursue and put every single watch in the world into their personal space. Determining whether to purchase a watch isn’t as easy as flipping a paper for these individuals. Collectors have very specific characteristics in sorting which go into their well-curated rows of precious timepieces.

For casual wearers, a watch price plays significantly in their decision-making. Considering every other factor that crafts someone’s life, a watch doesn’t sit at the top of the list of primary necessities. However, a watch can be a reliable accessory to wear during a business meeting or an asset worth investing in for the long term.

Instead of navigating the vast realm of watchmaking alone, the following affordable watch brands can help casual watch wearers determine which brand to choose.

Seiko

Since 1881, Seiko has consistently crafted excellent timepieces in various styles at affordable prices. Without compromising the quality, Seiko has been innovating and releasing new collections, such as Seiko 5 Sports, Seiko Presage, and Seiko Prospex.

As one of the leading Japanese watch brands, Seiko leaves a legacy with its diverse watch models, varying from dress watches to dive watches and everything in between. Beyond the evolving but distinct design, the Japanese watchmaking powerhouse also prides itself in its in-house movement craftsmanship. The 4R36 and 4R34 can power watches dependably under the most demanding situations.

For those who are looking for mechanical watches under $500, Seiko is the right place to start. Here are some of the best affordable watches for men that Seiko can offer:

1. Seiko Dolce Gold

The minimalist design of the Seiko Dolce Gold may offer something new to the vast collection of dazzling dress watches. With the charm of the 60s, the 33.5 mm diameter of the gold dial watch suits delicate wrist sizes. Its traditional dress watch design is ideal for formal events.

No necessary features on the dial; the minimal style emphasizes the Seiko logo under the 12-hour marker. The gold tone makes the dial shimmer beautifully under light. To keep the watch operating, the Seiko caliber 8J41 quartz movement is carefully placed within the caseback.

Price: $421 USD

2. Seiko Presage Cocktail Time "Blue Moon Open-Heart"

Under the Presage collection, the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time "Blue Moon Open-Heart" shines with its stunning night-sky blue dial. The watch features the reliable caliber 4R38 seen through the open-heart display at 9 o’clock. While operating at 21,600 bph, the movement offers a power reserve of approximately 41 hours.

At 40.5 mm in diameter, the watch wraps the wrist elegantly with its matching dark blue leather strap. As one of the best affordable watches on this list, the Blue Moon Open-Heart dial watch slides beautifully on every wrist size without feeling overly large. The case also features a signed crown and ensures a 50 m water resistance.

Price: $450 USD

Read also: 15 Best Watches Under $5000 in Various Colors and Styles 

Citizen

Building its reputation as one of the well-regarded Japanese watch brands since the early 20th century, Citizen focuses on refinement, reliability, and practicality. Among its achievements, Citizen is best known for its revolutionary invention, the solar quartz movement. Since the 1990s, the Eco-Drive system has powered a watch without the necessary requirement of periodic battery changes.

Citizen quartz and mechanical watches have ergonomic case shapes and feature the application of strong lume. When it comes to movement, Citizen prioritizes longevity to ensure optimal timekeeping function under every circumstance. On the design, the crown is positioned for comfort, and the dial focuses on optimal legibility over style.

Among many models available, here are two of Gnomon's most recommended affordable Citizen watches for men:

1. Citizen Tsuyosa Two-Tone Grey Automatic

Retro watch collectors may consider adding the Citizen Tsuyosa Two-Tone Grey Automatic to the collection. The 40 mm watch can fit small to medium-size wrists beautifully. 

The combination of sporty and chic styles is emphasized by the two-tone stainless steel bracelet. With added multi-polishes, the bracelet is connected through middle links in yellow gold and fits the case perfectly.

Inside the caseback lies the Citizen caliber 8210, an automatic movement that operates at 21,600 bph and offers a 40-hour power reserve. Though not sporting a screw-down crown, the two-tone Citizen watch still presents a reliable 50 m water resistance that protects the inner mechanism from accidental splashes.

Price: $450 USD

2. Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver 200M “Fujitsubo” Black

Looking for a dive watch under $1,000? Consider the Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver 200M “Fujitsubo” Black. The sleek black watch is made of Super Titanium, an in-house material that treats titanium with a Duratect surface hardening procedure.

For better diving activity, the 41 mm watch features a bezel with a spot-on alignment. Additionally, the rectangular indices on the black dial receive a luminous coating, which allows them to glow in the dark.

Inside the caseback, the 9051 caliber powers the watch by the release of the wound spring. The automatic movement allows the watch to have a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. To optimally protect the movement from potential water seepage during diving activities, Citizen uses reliable and robust titanium.

Price: $660 USD

Orient

Before launching a full-scale production as a Japanese brand, Orient began as a wholesaler of imported watches in the early 1900s. Watch enthusiasts today recognize the brand for its in-house automatic movements and clean designs. Compared to Seiko, Orient crafts a distinct characteristic by implementing bold dials, dress watch aesthetics, and mechanical values.

As a form of progress, the Orient brand birthed a premium collection under the name of Orient Star in 1951. Despite providing premium features, most of its models still maintain affordable prices. Some of the recommended options are as follows:

1. Orient Star Mechanical Classic Beige

The spirit of a classic dress watch lives in the Orient Star Mechanical Classic Beige. At an affordable price, the stunning beige watch features a polished stainless steel case that contrasts the stain-brushed finishes on the sides. Standing at 40.4 mm, the watch can snug around the wrist comfortably while offering a reliable 50 m water resistance for everyday wear.

What highlights the beige watch is the semi-skeleton design that emphasizes the concept of “gentle sunlight”. The in-house caliber F6R42, which operates at 21,600 bph and offers a power reserve of 50 hours, can be seen from the skeletonized cut-out at 9 o’clock.

To complete the gentle impression, the beige dial is paired with the brown leather strap with multi-colored stitchings and a smooth surface. The combination brings out the luxurious and elegant impression despite the price, effectively making this classic dress watch one of the best affordable watches on this list.

Price: $392 USD

2. Orient Star Contemporary Modern Skeleton Green

Versatility meets timeless design in the Orient Star Contemporary Modern Skeleton Green. The premium Orient watch effortlessly exudes elegance with its openwork dial. The metallic seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock and the fan-shaped power reserve indicator under 12 o’clock complement the openwork feature harmoniously.

Through the clear screw-in caseback, the work of the in-house caliber F6F44 is faithfully displayed without any barrier. The automatic movement operates at 21,600 bph and has a 50-hour power reserve. Rest assured, the 41 mm contemporary watch fits nicely around the wrist with its moderate case size and stainless steel bracelet.

Price: $670 USD

Read also: 15 Affordable Mechanical Watches Under $2000 to Look Forward 

Hamilton

Among nice watch brands for men, Hamilton falls into the affordable category due to its range of prices that don’t compromise quality. The brand has long been associated with iconic films, like The Avengers, Interstellar, and Dune II. Despite its strong branding in the cinematic realm, Hamilton still rules in the watchmaking department with its excellent craftsmanship, as showcased by the following models:

1. Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz 38mm Vintage Black

A tribute to Hamilton’s military roots, the Khaki Field Quartz 38mm Vintage Black encapsulates the soul of the vintage aesthetic and the advancement of modern technology. The stainless steel case measures 38 mm in diameter, making the watch a suitable accessory for men and women.

With its 50 m water resistance, the Khaki Field watch can withstand the mildest moisture splashes during outdoor activities. Without a date display, the dial gives the original field watch impression that keeps the balanced symmetrical aspect of the original alive.

Powered by the Swiss ETA F06.105 quartz movement, the vintage black field watch ensures precision without constant maintenance. Its EOL (End of Life) indicator can send a notification to the wearer when the battery needs replacement. It can make the secondhand jump at four-second intervals to alert the wearer if the battery is running low.

Price: $375 USD

2. Hamilton American Classic Boulton Quartz

The Hamilton American Classic Boulton Quartz bears the classic American beauty that may be worth considering for watch collectors or casual wearers. The full PVD yellow gold feature around the 316L stainless steel case enhances the classy appearance.

With a notable slim figure, the 27 mm watch brings out the old-school design. The soft lugs and rectangle-shaped case also capture the aesthetic nicely. Adding the 18 mm burgundy brown calf leather to the stunning gold-coated case allows the wearer comfort for everyday wear in casual to formal settings.

Price: $707 USD

Final Thoughts

For watch enthusiasts and casual wearers, budget can sometimes be the most deciding factor in a transaction. In this case, many options of nice watch brands for men and women at affordable prices can serve just fine in satisfying the need to grab a new piece for the collection.

Without letting the pride of luxury take over quality, measuring a watch’s value based on its specifications allows a new experience of a worthwhile purchase. As featured above, some notable watch brands maintain the quality of their crafts despite setting low prices. When it comes to the quality, they let their creations speak to their worth.

Read also: 4 Fantastic Choices of Skeleton Watches for Women to Own