The best watches under $500 are perfect for casual wear. These make great gifts, and even better reminders to be stylish wherever you go. Although the market is flooded with cheap versions of designer watches that lack quality, there are bargains to be had if you know where to look.
The "best watches under $500" is a list of 10 best casual watches that are priced under $500. These watches are perfect for those who want to get the most bang for their buck.
In This Article...
Looking for a Watch You Can Wear With Jeans and a T-Shirt for Casual Wear? Your Name Is On This List!
Many individuals who are seeking for a nice casual watch to wear end up being overwhelmed by the variety of choices available. I can understand it, particularly given that Amazon is saturated with selections from almost every brand you can imagine, not all of which are good.
Let's have a look at several watches today that I would wear if I wanted something cool and informal. Every watch on this list is one that I either personally own or have evaluated.
Criteria
Watches were selected for their predicted or observed quality, style, and grey-market Affordability.
Affordability
The $500 price limit is based on affordability on the gray market. Many of the watches featured here have MSRPs of more than $1,000 but may be obtained for less than $500 on Amazon or at Certified Watch Store.
Quality
I do not suggest purchasing watches with subpar movements or bad construction. Every watch we offer here will last for decades with careful maintenance.
Style
The ideal "casual" outfit was one that went well with jeans and a t-shirt. I didn't include a sleeve or cuff if it needed one.
1. Visodate Heritage by Tissot
- Case Size: 40.00 mm, Band Width: 20, Case Thickness: 10.66 mm
- Swiss quartz movement, 316L stainless steel case, Index + Arabic...
- Leather strap/bracelet, standard buckle closure
- Water-resistant up to a pressure of 3 bar (30 m / 100 ft):...
- 2 Year International Warranty
- ETA 2836-2 automatic movement
- 100m/330ft of water resistance
- T0194301603101 is the model number (shown here)
- MSRP: $450
- 38 mm in size
- Sapphire crystal material
When I first reviewed the Visodate Heritage by Tissot, I have to admit that up until that point I wasn’t too keen on Tissot watches. I didn’t care for their style. The Visodate Heritage changed all of that, and for good reason: it’s gorgeous, simple, and casual enough to be worn anytime… but dressy enough to be upscaled when needed.
I still go for the Visodate Heritage if I want a stylish watch that won’t peacock on the wrist. In other words, I look to the Visodate to be that watch anytime I want a watch that looks excellent and will enhance rather than define my outfit.
It has all the standard features you’d expect from a high-end Swiss watch, including a crisp domed crystal, sapphire glass, and an automatic movement produced from ETA. It’s clear that the watch is unique.
2. A158WA-1 Casio
- Water Resistant
- Timeless Casio Styling
- LED Backlight ensures visibility during day or evening
- 1/100-Second Stop Watch (Measuring Capacity: 59'59.99")
- Daily Alarm
- Moves digitally
- 30m/99ft of water resistance
- A158WA-1 is the model number.
- MSRP: $30
- 33 mm in size
- Mineral makes up the crystals.
You are absolutely seeing the steel version of the F91W-1; do not change your screen. As you may have guessed, I possess both and often wear both. In reality, my wife and I both rocked the F91W-1 and A158W-1 on a recent flight from Canada to New Zealand (respectively).
The A158WA-1 is the F91W-1's somewhat more expensive variant; it features a steel band and a face made of chrome-plastic. It has a stylish appearance without being too showy, and for less than $20, it offers excellent value. The A158WA-1 will earn a nod from anybody who respects watches, but those who don't "get" watches won't look twice. Nothing wrong there.
Additionally, the built-in backlight will do a great job of lighting up the left 40% of the screen at night so you can still see the time. primarily.
3. Weekend Timex
- Adjustable olive green 20 millimeter nylon slip-thru strap fits...
- Cream dial with full Arabic numerals; 24-hour military time
- Silver-tone 38 millimeter brass case with mineral glass crystal
- Indiglo light-up watch dial
- Water resistant to 30 meters (100 feet): In general, withstands...
- Quartz movement timepiece
- 30m/99ft of water resistance
- Identifier: T2P495
- MSRP: $57
- 40 mm in size
- Mineral makes up the crystals.
The Weekend Timex is one of the best values in affordable timekeeping. Not only that, but it’s as casual a design as you can get without crossing over into goofy territory. It looks good with nearly anything, and the model shown here – The “Weekender 40” – comes with a leather nato-style strap that can be swapped out in a matter of seconds (if you’re into strap swapping, we recommend Barton Watch Bands).
Indiglo, Timex's proprietary nightlight that is unquestionably the industry standard for consistent dial lighting, is built in. Seriously, visibility at night is almost as excellent as visibility during the day.
Other benefits include the fact that, although not cheap, it is often available on Amazon for around $50. If you take even the most basic care (don't shatter it with a hammer or whatever), it will last you many years, looks excellent, and is manufactured better than its under $50 pricing would imply. Recommended.
4. Expedition Field Chronograph by Timex
- Adjustable brown 20 millimeter genuine leather strap fits up to...
- Black dial with date window at 4 o'clock; Arabic numerals in...
- 30-minute chronograph measures to 1/20th second
- Black 43 millimeter brass case with mineral glass crystal;...
- Water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet): In general, suitable...
- Quartz movement timepiece
- 100m/330ft of water resistance
- Identifier: T49905
- MSRP: $82
- 43 mm in size
- Mineral makes up the crystals.
The watch that I want to wear to work and out on the trails. The Expedition Field Chronograph is a really good option if you're searching for something adaptable. It is inexpensive, now listed on Amazon for about $50, and it has Indiglo much like other Timex watches.
This Expedition series model has a date display and, perhaps more significantly, an incorporated chronograph that keeps track of up to 30 minutes of time. Its 43mm size allows it to be a substantial companion on the wrist without taking up all of the space on your wrist.
The Expedition is fairly competent as well, with a 100m water resistance and a predicted 3-year battery life. I constantly wear mine.
5. Accutron II Alpha by Bulova
- Made in USA or Imported
- Skeleton Display
- Luminous Hands
- Genuine Black Leather
- Quartz Movement
- Quartz movement, Precisionist BA101.10
- 30m/99ft of water resistance
- The 98A136 model number
- MSRP: around $450
- 42mm in size
- Mineral makes up the crystals.
The Accutron II Alpha by Bulova is a real gem, and not because it’s sort of shaped like one (okay, that was a stretch). It’s here for good reason: it’s gorgeous, and the movement kicks ass. There are several varieties of the Accutron ii Alpha available, including dressier steel on leather and gold on leather versions. The Accutron ii Alpha is sized at 42mm, though its case shape is unique in that it’s a shield as opposed to a circle. All versions showcase the Bulova BA101.10 Precisionist movement in all its battery-powered glory.
The watch has a unique appearance, but that's not all that makes it stand out. The movement, which is accurate to within 10 seconds every month, is a game-changer for the constantly punctual; the second hand traverses the dial, and I like the exposed coil at 10 and 11 o'clock. I loved mine so much that I went out and got a second one (the 96A155 in steel and leather).
6. Solar-powered Seiko Prospex World Time SSC509
- World Time Solar Chronograph with Power Reserve
- Powered by light energy, 6 month power reserve once fully charged
- World time function (25 cities) with hour and minute display
- Power reserve indicator, Daily alarm
- Chronograph measures up to 24
- Quartz with solar power for motion
- 100m/330ft of water resistance
- SSC509 as a model
- MSRP: $450
- 42mm in size
- Sapphire crystal material
Are you interested in traveling? constantly switching between time zones? No issue! The Prospex World Time SSC509 is a great traveling companion. This 42mm beauty is not only a stylish watch that can be worn at any moment, but it also has a chronograph, date display, and world-time capabilities.
This watch fits most men well and has a crocodile-grain leather band, so you may feel wonderful wearing it anytime you want to. Additionally, it will keep you on time regardless of the time zone you’ve just visited, which is great news for the traveler in all of us.
Bonus: The solar-powered movement consumes energy from almost any light source and, when properly charged, can hold a six-month charge. My buddy, soar high!
7. Individual BM8475-26E
- Round watch featuring luminous hands, Arabic/stick indices, and...
- 42 mm stainless steel case with mineral black dial window
- Japanese quartz movement with analog display
- Faux-leather band with contrast stitching and buckle closure
- Stainless steel black ion plating, a smoky black dial with...
- Driving: Eco-Drive (solar powered)
- 100m/330ft of water resistance
- BM8475-26E is the model number.
- MSRP: $225
- 42mm in size
- Mineral makes up the crystals.
Before I got my hands on the Citizen BM8475-26E, I had no idea I liked the color combination of brown, black, and orange. With a near-indestructible Eco-Drive movement that can last up to six months on a single charge and is powered by light, this stylish sunglass can actually be worn when you're going to get a little wet. It also looks good and is somewhat minimal, making it easier to match with your existing wardrobe.
Oh, and orange is its preferred shade.
I suggest that you wear yours often, as I do. It's a fantastic watch that is also reasonably priced (it's now listed on Amazon for about $150) and timeless. Unless orange becomes unfashionable, you're pretty much screwed.
8. Multifort Mido
- Movement: Automatic Mido Caliber - Power reserve 66 hours
- Case Type: Stainless steel with black PVD coating - See-through...
- Case Size: 44mm - Band Width: 23mm - Case Thickness: 14.5mm
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with double sided anti-reflection...
- Strap: Leather - Folding clasp
- Automatic Mido Caliber 80 movement
- 100m/330ft of water resistance
- M0058301103100 is the model number (shown here)
- MSRP: $1,040
- 38 to 42 mm in size
- Sapphire crystal material
Considering that the Multifort is now offered on Amazon for $515, it shouldn’t technically be on this list. but I thought you would want to spend an extra $15 to get this one.
I gave the Multifort (not this particular model, but a comparable model with the same movement) a positive review in late 2017 and mentioned how well-made and attractive it is. The Multifort is an aesthetically stunning piece that holds up to inspection no matter how close you go to it.
The one shown here is my preferred variation of the Multifort, though options are expansive. If you want something Swiss that isn’t a Hamilton or Tissot, check out the Multifort Mido.
9. SNK809 by Seiko
- To the start the watch initially, swing from side to side in a...
- 37 mm stainless steel case and Hardlex mineral dial window and...
- Automatic, 7S26 movement
- 30m/99ft of water resistance
- SNK809 as the model number
- MSRP: $150
- 37mm in size
- The crystal is made of hardlex.
The Seiko SNK809 is a memorable watch for me since it helped establish WYCA and continues to be one of the most read reviews on our website. It's simple to see why, too, given that it's inexpensive, automated, and stylish. It checks all the necessary boxes and offers a ton of functionality straight away.
The SNK809's automatic movement is a Seiko 7S26. Many people neglect this movement because it is so basic; it lacks hand-winding and hacking, and it isn't very precise either. However, it is durable and trustworthy, qualities that are important in a society where resource scarcity is a problem, and if given even a little amount of adequate care, it will survive for decades (ie- service it every 5-7 years).
I adore mine, and the recipients of my SNK809 do too. Every collection must include at least one SNK.
10. Recraft by Seiko
- Self-winding automatic
- Power reserve: approximately 41 hours
- Automatic-self-wind Movement
- Case Diameter: 39.5mm
- Water resistant to 50m (165ft: in general, suitable for short...
- Automatic, 7S26 movement
- 30m/99ft of water resistance
- SNKM97 as the model number (shown here)
- MSRP: $250
- 42mm in size
- The crystal is made of hardlex.
The SNKN01 was the watch I used to introduce me to Seiko’s Recraft range of timepieces. The SNKN01 was fantastic, but the SNKM97 is what truly gets me going. Regardless of whatever Recraft catches your eye, you’re in for a treat because to its excellent build quality and the automatic (7S26) that powers it.
The SNKM97, my personal favorite model from the Recraft series, is now available on Amazon for for $115. For that money, you get a fantastic watch that will look excellent (and maintain somewhat accurate time) for many years.
Note that the 7S26 is a reliable but not very precise movement, as was stated before in this list. I advise considering some other solutions if you desire accuracy. Here it is if you’re looking for a reasonably priced item with horological worth.
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