The 30 Best Affordable Watches Under $1,000

One of the biggest misconceptions about buying a watch is that it needs to be expensive to be nice, when, in fact, many watches under a grand prove just how wrong that notion is. Admittedly, finding them amongst the many other budget timepieces that are cheaply made or chintzy can be difficult, which is why we went through the trouble to round up some of the best examples at three different price points: under $200, under $500, and under $1,000.

How We Tested

We test watches for reviews by wearing them over a period of time, usually ranging from a week to months and even longer. This gives us a chance to experience a watch’s quirks and discover the details or issues that won’t be apparent just looking at a watch in pictures, in person or even wearing it for a short period of time. Where applicable, we’ll size the bracelets, swap straps, turn the bezels, use the different functions, wind and set the watch and observe how it feels to do so and how these elements perform.

Although we don’t use machines to test their accuracy or water resistance, we might take a watch swimming, traveling or otherwise out into the real world. Wearing it in social settings, seeing how it makes us feel and what kind of reactions it gets is yet another kind of test. We won’t intentionally beat the hell out of a watch (usually), but we’ll often put it through some rigorous paces.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

Best Overall Watch Under $1,000

Christopher Ward The Twelve

Christopher Ward

Best Overall Watch Under $1,000

Christopher Ward The Twelve

Inspired by the integrated bracelet luxury sports watches pioneered by Gérald Genta, The Twelve represents a surprising amount of value in the segment, combining a textured dial, a twelve-sided bezel and an angular integrated bracelet with finishing that’s unparalleled for the price.

Specs

Case Size	36mm or 40mm
Movement	Sellita SW200 automatic
Water Resistance	100m

Pros

• Beautiful finishing that holds its own against far pricier watches
• Well-sized and thin to wear comfortably on a variety of wrists
• Still plenty rugged as a sports watch despite its flashy looks
• Lots of intricate details that hold interest

Cons

• Design may be too derivative for some
• Movement could be better

Read our full review of the Christopher Ward The Twelve

• $995 at Christopher Ward

When Christopher Ward unveiled The Twelve in 2023, it shook the entire watch industry. There had been watches that looked and felt expensive for the money before, but never had we seen something so refined and luxurious for under a grand. With impeccable finishing throughout, crowd-pleasing sizes, an attractive design, lots of attention to detail and a robust build, this Swiss-made stunner has pretty much everything going for it. You’ll have to go above $1,000 if you want it on the bracelet, but with the rubber strap version sliding in just under a grand, we had to make it our top pick.

Photo by Johnny Brayson for Gear Patrol

Best Watches Under $200

There’s just something to be said about a cheap watch with a solid build and some character. Admittedly, purchasing a timepiece in this price range can be tricky — it’s littered with junk. On the flip side, plenty of examples out there have garnered cult followings, made up of everymen and horology nerds alike. Some are from respected brands like Casio and Timex, others from young innovators. But they all go to show that the affordable watch need not be marked by shoddy materials or hands that fall off after a month’s use.

Casio World Time

Amazon

Casio World Time

With a display that looks like something you’d find on the wall of an old-school Bond villain’s lair and a suite of functions that include an alarm and a world timer, it’s hard to think of a watch offering more style and functionality for under $50.

Specs

Case Size	39.5mm
Movement	Casio quartz world timer
Water Resistance	100m

Pros

• Remarkably durable
• Lightweight and comfortable

Cons

• Steel bracelet makes a rattly sound
• Odd 21mm lug width

Read our full review of the Casio World Time

• $29.95 at Amazon
  $42.95 (30% off)

While the circa $10 Casio F91W-1 probably also deserves a place on a list like this, we’ll begin with the awesome World Time just to avoid Casio overload. But the Japanese brand is undeniably strong at this price point with tough, reliable, dirt-cheap watches. Oh, and some people find them to be quite stylish as well. This Casio World Time offers all these attributes and more (including world time, calendar, and alarms) with a dash of retro-futuristic nostalgia, and it’s surprisingly robust for such a great price.

Zen Love

Casio G-Shock GWM5610

Amazon

Casio G-Shock GWM5610

The original G-Shock might still be the best. The Square G-Shock is compact and wearable, while still packing in a ton of features and being just as robust and unbreakable as its bigger, pricier brethren.

Specs

Case Size	43.2mm
Movement	Casio solar quartz with Multiband 6
Water Resistance	200m

Pros

• Basically indestructible
• Solar-powered
• Very legible
• Lightweight and highly comfortable
• Classic design

Cons

• Not easy to change straps
• Doesn't convey prestige
• Manual radio syncing doesn't always work

Read our full review of the Casio G-Shock GWM5610

• $91.99 at Amazon
  $150.00 (39% off)

A direct descendant of the original G-Shock from 1983, the modern G5600 version and similar watches are as tough as ever — and still the best G-Shock, for our money. For under $150 (sometimes under $100) you get some nearly indestructible wrist gear that is more accurate than any luxury mechanical watch. We’re talking atomic accuracy for models like this GWM5610 with radio-synched time keeping (Multiband 6). Just make sure you get one that says “Tough Solar” on it, and that has a positive display for the best possible experience. Furthermore, digital G-Shocks are just fun, unpretentious, hassle-free, and extremely comfortable to wear.

Zen Love

Timex Q Timex GMT

Timex

Q Timex GMT 38mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch

Timex has been on a roll lately with its budget-friendly watches that seem (and function) like much more high-end timepieces. And now they’ve taken the iconic Q line and added a GMT, perfect for frequent travelers. While still inexpensive, it also benefits from the accuracy of its quartz movement, which, while not for everyone, is as reliable as they come.

READ MORE ABOUT THE Q TIMEX GMT WATCH

Specs

Case Size	38mm
Movement	Swiss quartz GMT
Water Resistance	50m

Pros

• Very attractive vintage-inspired design
• Quartz movement is accurate (and quiet)
• Tough to find a better GMT watch for less

Cons

• Bracelet feels and looks cheap
• Quartz is not for everyone
• It would be nice if the bezel ratcheted

Read our full review of the Q Timex GMT 38mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch

• $229.00 at Timex

Though any number of Timexes could’ve made this list we’re particularly enamored with the Q reissues, a series of revived designs from a time when quartz watch technology was something to boast about. Bucking the modern notions that quartz is of less interest or value, the Q Timex watches give the tech center stage — alongside irresistible and genuinely well-executed retro styles, like this handy and attractive Pepsi GMT.

Zen Love

Bertucci A-2T Classic

Amazon

Bertucci A-2T Classic

Lightweight and legible with a no-nonsense design, Bertucci’s titanium field watch won’t win any beauty contests. But if you need a durable beater watch that doesn’t mind getting down and dirty, it fits the bill.

Specs

Case Size	40mm
Movement	Japanese quartz
Water Resistance	200m

Pros

• Sharp, legible dial
• Decent lume
• Lightweight, hardy titanium case
• Thick strap actually rocks

Cons

• Underwhelming case finishing
• Strap and lugs are big
• A large and not beautiful beast

Read our full review of the Bertucci A-2T Classic

• $144.95 at Amazon

Cases made from solid titanium — loved for its lightweight, durable and hypoallergenic properties — are not such a common site on sub-$200 watches, which is what makes this timepiece from the young brand Bertucci such an enticing option. Similarly enticing is the classic field watch dial design, the Japanese quartz movement inside and the 100-meter depth rating.

Zen Love

Orient Bambino

Amazon

Orient Bambino

Long the top recommended affordable dress watch for those just dipping their toe into automatic watches, Orient’s popular Bambino combines classic watchmaking good looks with durable Japanese build quality.

Specs

Case Size	40.5mm
Movement	Orient F6724 automatic
Water Resistance	30m

Pros

• Super affordable
• Classic styling

Cons

• Wears large for a dress watch
• Strap isn't the greatest

• $157 at Amazon

This is just one of multiple iterations of Orient’s beloved, mid-century-style dress watch. The classic dial comes in an excellent black colorway with Roman numerals but a bit of an Art-Deco touch to keep in interesting — but, again, it’s worth checking out all the options. Ticking underneath is an automatic movement from Orient (i.e., an in-house movement) featuring hand-winding and hacking seconds.

Best Watches Under $500

You can get a pretty damn good watch for less than the cost of a big night out, that’s for sure. But while there are plenty of great dirt-cheap timepieces under $200, if you’re looking for more features, more capability and more impressive designs, you need to bump up the ceiling of your budget. But only a little. For a mere $500, you can enter the world of geeky timepieces, where complications, mechanical movements and daring design elements are plentiful.

Timex Marlin Automatic

Timex

Timex Marlin Automatic

Part of Timex’s ever-expanding catalog of mechanical and automatic timepieces, the self-winding version of the mid-century-inspired Marlin dress watch brings a lot of class for not a lot of money.

Specs

Case Size	40mm
Movement	Miyota automatic
Automatic	50m

Pros

• Cool vintage-inspired styling
• Intricate dial work for the price

Cons

• Could stand to be smaller
• Lack of transparency regarding the movement

• $259 at Timex

Timex abandoned mechanical movements in favor of digital and quartz movements years ago — but we were excited when the brand started to bring mechanical watches back a few years ago, starting with the Marlin. It’s available with an automatic movement, and if that weren’t enough, it comes with a sleek case, dial and strap design that truly look like they were plucked from the 1960s.

Seiko 5 Sports Field Watch

Seiko

Seiko 5 Sports Field Watch

The 4R36-powered version of Seiko’s classic affordable field watch is a little pricier than in years past, but it’s still as stylish, robust and reliable as ever. With multiple styles and sizes available, you’re sure to find one to suit your tastes.

Specs

Case Size	36mm or 39.4mm
Movement	Seiko 4R36 automatic
Water Resistance	100m

Pros

• Much bang for buck
• 36mm models are perfect
• Continues a celebrated legacy

Cons

• Wish it were thinner
• 39.4mm models wear a bit big

Read our full review of the Seiko 5 Sports Field Watch

• $221.25 at Amazon
  $295 (25% off)

No list of dirt-cheap watches is complete without something from the basic Seiko 5 line. Originally launched in 1963, it’s cultivated a feverish following amongst watch fans for its utilitarian mechanical movement and the value it provides. The Seiko 5 comes in many iterations, and the field watch is one of our favorites. You can still get the OG models in the SNK line for very cheap indeed, but the brand’s modern, updated version is going to have an even more solid and refined feel (hacking and hand-winding, for instance) for a still crazy low price.

Zen Love

Shinola Model D Detrola

Shinola

Shinola No. 2 Model D Detrola

Specs

Case Size	43mm
Movement	Argonite 705 Quartz
Water Resistance	50m

Pros

• Mostly assembled in Detroit
• Mass-appeal styling

Cons

• Low-end materials for the money (resin case)
• Oversized for the style

• $296.25 at Shinola
  $395.00 (25% off)

If you want classic design, you don’t need to pay much, fortunately. Shinola has done a nice job hitting the right balance between vintage-inspired charm and a sleek modern look. The Detrola is the brand’s entry-level watch, and it offers a lot of options thanks to its TR90 resin (a kind of plastic) case that’s easily executed in different colors. It’s equipped with a robust quartz movement made from Swiss parts and assembled in Detroit.

Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms

Swatch

Blancpain x Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms

The follow-up to the blockbuster MoonSwatch sees Swatch put its affordable spin on another luxury watch icon, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms diver, resulting in a surprisingly capable and wearable homage with a Bioceramic case and a machine-made automatic movement.

Specs

Case Size	42.3mm
Movement	Swatch SISTEM51 automatic
Water Resistance	91m

Pros

• Super lightweight
• Dynamite lume
• Surprisingly great bezel action
• Iconic luxury watch design for a serious bargain

Cons

• Crystal scratches very easily
• Very thick, especially with the included strap
• Movement is not built for the long haul

Read our full review of the Blancpain x Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms

• $400.00 at swatch.com

There are those who will tell you that a Swatch isn’t a real watch. Well, we disagree. While $400 isn’t exactly cheap for a watch that’s basically made of plastic (Bioceramic is mainly a mix of ceramic powder and plant-derived castor oil), this is still a cool and fun piece that can function as a daily wearer. It’s lightweight, you can swim with it, it has an automatic movement with some fun decoration and it’s got better lume and better bezel action than almost any other watch in this guide. Plus, it features a design and co-branding from an iconic luxury brand.

Photo by Johnny Brayson

Bulova Lunar Pilot Moonwatch

Bulova

Bulova Lunar Pilot

Based on a Bulova prototype that was worn on the moon in 1971, the Lunar Pilot combines similar looks and provenance to the famous Omega Speedmaster, but at a much lower price point.

Specs

Case Size	43.5mm or 45mm
Movement	Bulova 262kHz quartz chronograph
Water Resistance	50m

Pros

• Good price for a watch with real provenance
• Solid design and welcome smaller diameter

Cons

• The thickness will feel unwieldy to some
• It's still not an Omega Speedmaster

Read our full review of the Bulova Lunar Pilot

• $378.99 at Amazon
  $625.00 (39% off)

When people think “moon watch,” Buzz Aldrin’s Omega Speedmaster Professional comes to mind. It was the first watch worn on the moon, after all, but there are actually quite a few timepieces that have ventured off this rock. When Mission Commander David Scott and his Apollo 15 crew touched down in the Hadley-Appennius, Scott checked his Bulova and logged the landing at 06:16:29 p.m. This Bulova 956B251 is a high-beat quartz-powered homage to that very watch.

Zen Love

Seiko 5 Sports GMT

Amazon

Seiko 5 Sports SKX Sports Style GMT

Specs

Case Size	42.5mm
Movement	Seiko 4R34 automatic GMT
Water Resistance	100m

Pros

• Already an iconic design
• Wears smaller than the case size would suggest
• Surprisingly nice bracelet

Cons

• No lume on the bezel, not even on the pip
• Polarizing cyclops

• $344.90 at Amazon

An automatic GMT at under $500. That alone should get your attention, and it would be a big deal in the watch industry no matter what. But one that looks this good — and not like a Rolex homage — is remarkable. Seiko outdid itself in terms of value and just creating an awesome product, but it also changed the game in the watch industry. These were hard to get initially, but are getting easier, and you really can’t go wrong.

Photo by Joe Tornatzky for Gear Patrol

Nodus Sector GMT

Courtesy

Nodus Sector GMT

It wasn’t long after the release of Seiko’s game-changing 4R34/NH34 automatic GMT movement that it started popping up in other watches. LA microbrand Nodus was one of the first to utilize the movement, giving fans an attractive and less ubiquitous alternative to the Seiko.

Specs

Case Size	38mm
Movement	Seiko 4R34 automatic GMT
Water Resistance	100m

Pros

• Original and attractive design
• Who doesn't love a stubby GMT hand?
• Great size

Cons

• No GMT markings for odd hours
• Polishing on the lugs creates an optical illusion that makes the bracelet look like it fits poorly

• $475 at noduswatches.com

Nodus was one of the first third-party brands to begin using the Seiko automatic movement that changed the GMT game (see above). Even as the options for automatic GMTs expand with the adoption of the movement, however, we’re willing to bet that the Nodus Sector GMT will remain one of the best looking. All that and a popular case size of just 38mm and a few striking dial variants makes for a hell of a watch for the money — when on a strap, it’s the same MSRP as the Seiko 5 Sports (it’ll cost a little more on a bracelet).

Citizen Tsuyosa

Citizen

Citizen Tsuyosa

Citizen’s take on the popular integrated bracelet sports watch trend, the Tsuyosa is well-sized, automatic and good-looking, with clear style influences borrowed from Patek and Rolex having been transformed into a new, unique look.

Specs

Case Size	40mm
Movement	Miyota 8210 automatic
Water Resistance	50m

Pros

• Solid Miyota movement
• Good-looking design, if you don't mind being a little derivative

Cons

• The dial reads a little too "Rolex"
• Chintzy compared to competitors like the PRX

• $360 at Citizen
  $450 (20% off)

Seemingly every brand has its own version of an integrated bracelet sports watch these days, and Citizen is no exception. The brand took a sort of unusual route with its Tsuyosa, though, merging the luxury look with a dial clearly inspired by the Rolex Oyster Perpetual and Datejust. The result is a good-looking watch that’s been a hit with fans, especially since you can pick one up for under four hundred bucks.

Seiko Prospex “King Turtle”

Seiko

Seiko Prospex King Turtle

The latest generation in Seiko’s venerable “Turtle” dive watch line is its best yet. It’s still the big, utilitarian beast you know and love, but now it has a more premium automatic movement and can dive even deeper.

Specs

Case Size	45mm
Movement	Seiko 4R38 automatic
Water Resistance	200m

Pros

• Excellent value
• A true diver's watch
• High-end materials

Cons

• It's a big boy
• Not the most versatile styling

• $446 at Macy's
  $595.00 (25% off)

With its big cushion case, knobby bezel and simple dial, the so called “Turtle” is a faithful homage to the original Seiko 6309 from the 1970s and ’80s. The modern Turtle is updated with the likes of 200m of water resistance (the old one was only rated for 150m) and an automatic movement with hand-winding capabilities. But the (also so-called) “King Turtle” gives fans some of the upgrades they called for like a sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel insert — and a generally elevated feel with a waffle-textured dial and (controversially) a magnifier over the day and date.

Brew Metric

Brew

Brew Metric

Arguably Brew’s flagship model, the Metric features a well-finished integrated bracelet to go along with an unorthodox chronograph layout and fun color combinations, combining to form a watch that looks unlike anything else on the market.

Specs

Case Size	36mm
Movement	Seiko VK68 meca-quartz chronograph
Water Resistance	50m

Pros

• Doesn't look like anything else out there
• Espresso timing scale is a fun feature
• Awesome bracelet

Cons

• Not an automatic movement
• Frequently sold out

• $450 at Brew Watches

Brew is one of the darlings of the microbrand world, thanks to founder Jonathan Ferrer’s playful and creative designs. The brand draws inspiration from the world of coffee, and the Metric shows off its caffeinated chops subtly. See that highlighted area of the minute track between 25 and 35? That’s to mark the ideal time to pull an espresso shot. But even if you’re not a coffee drinker, the high-quality bracelet, unique chronograph layout and throwback color scheme all make this one worthwhile.

Best Watches Under $1,000

Yes, you can get some truly special timepieces from luxury brands if you decide to spend in the thousands and 10,000 range — don’t let us deter you from pulling the trigger on your dream watch. But you can get a surprising amount of watch for less than a grand, too. Want a solid dive watch with a Swiss automatic movement? You can get that for under $1,000. How about a sapphire crystal and a “true” GMT movement? It’s all here, along with a handful of other great-looking, reliable timepieces from watchmakers big and small.

Unimatic Modello Uno U1C

Hodinkee

Unimatic Modello Uno U1C

The quintessential model from the popular Italian microbrand, Unimatic’s Modello Uno distills the brand’s brand’s distinct minimalist style into dive watch form — complete with a sterile rotating bezel free from markings outside of the pip.

Specs

Case Size	40mm
Movement	Seiko NH35A automatic
Water Resistance	200m

Pros

• Unique and stylish design
• 300m water resistance is nothing to sneeze at
• An affordable way to be one of the cool kids

Cons

• Bezel isn't especially useful for timing
• Case is bulky
• No bracelet option

• $590.00 at Hodinkee

This Italian microbrand is a straight-up phenomenon. Its minimalist and design-savvy approach to classic tool watches has seen endless limited editions sell out in a snap, but the brand’s standard production models are usually available (in batches). The Unimatic U1, as its name suggests, was the brand’s first product, and it offers a unique take on a dive watch with a Japanese automatic movement inside and 300m of water resistance.

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical

Hamilton

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical

The definitive field watch, Hamilton’s Khaki Field is perhaps the most iconic watch available for under $500. But don’t let the low price fool you: This is a true heirloom-quality watch, with a Swiss-made mechanical movement, a rugged build and classic styling.

Specs

Case Size	38mm or 42mm
Movement	ETA 2804-2 hand-winding
Water Resistance	50m

Pros

• A true icon
• Very affordable for a Swiss-made mechanical watch from a heritage brand
• Nice and thin

Cons

• Purposefully rudimentary case finishing isn't exactly attractive
• The lume should be better

Read our full review of the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical

• $495.00 at hamiltonwatch.com

Hamilton’s popular Khaki Field watch needs no introduction to those who have ever explored the world of affordable mechanical watches. It has a cult following for a reason – or more like reasons (plural). Not only is it one of the most inexpensive Swiss mechanical watches you can buy, but it boasts a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and perfectly recalls the brand’s history of making watches for actual military use.

Bulova Mil Ships

Bulova

Bulova Mil Ships

Specs

Case Size	41m
Movement	Miyota 82S0 automatic
Water Resistance	200m

Pros

• Rare mid-century mil-spec provenance most brands would kill for
• Functioning moisture indicator and other unique quirks
• Looks like a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms for about 1/20 the price
• Suprisingly comfortable for being rather large

Cons

• Giant domed crystal is crazy reflective
• Hard to find straps to fit the 16mm lug width
• The crown could stand to be a bit bigger
• Lume is about as bad as lume gets

• $716.00 at bulova.com

It’s not often you can find a watch with a story as cool as this one for this little money. The Mil Ships is based on a prototype watch that Bulova produced for the original Navy SEALS back in the 1950s. Only a few were made, but the brand — with the help of a collector — finally made a production version in 2021. The watch is insanely faithful to its ancestor, going so far to incorporate quirks like an absurdly high domed crystal, a functioning moisture indicator on the dial, a wacky 16mm strap and a locking bidirectional bezel that you have to push down to turn.

Photo by Johnny Brayson

Baltic MR01

Baltic

Baltic MR01

Baltic’s dress watch is certainly a looker dial-side with those mirror-polished applied Breguet numerals, but the real eye candy is found on the rear, where the gorgeously finished micro-rotor movement waits ready to be ogled through a sapphire caseback.

Specs

Case Size	36mm
Movement	Hangzhou CAL5000a micro-rotor automatic
Water Resistance	30m

Pros

• Seriously gorgeous
• A highly unique movement for the price
• Compact size

Cons

• Movement isn't terribly accurate
• Questions about the the movement's reliability and servicing

• $583 at Baltic

For a ~$600 dress watch with a Chinese movement, this watch sure has friends in high places. It’s quickly become one of those affordable watches that gets the nod from high-end collectors, who appreciate its classic Patek-inspired looks and Baltic’s inspired decision to outfit the watch with a micro-rotor movement. The movement is perhaps the main draw to this watch, and what makes it unique, as Swiss-made micro-rotor movements are only found in far more expensive watches, but going the Chinese route here has allowed Baltic to keep costs low while still creating a gorgeous product.

Marathon MSAR Quartz

Courtesy

Marathon Diver’s Quartz MSAR

Specs

Case Size	36mm
Movement	ETA High-Torque FØ6 quartz
Water Resistance	300m

Pros

• Field-tested by actual soldiers
• Built to go through more than you'll put it through
• Tritium tube lume requires no charging

Cons

• Quartz movement, the auto will cost you more
• Design can look too utilitarian for "civilian" use

• $800.00 at marathonwatch.com

Lots of watch brands like to play dress-up when it comes to their military credentials. Sure, some of them were worn by soldiers in decades past, but not anymore. You think the French Navy is still strapping Blancpains to their wrists? Marathon, however, is different. The brand makes watches that are actually worn today by soldiers fighting in battles around the world. Spend some time with this compact, tritium-lumed, tough-as-nails dive watch and you’ll quickly find out why.

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

Tissot

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

If it’s luxury looks you’re after but you’re working with a decidedly non-luxury budget, then you can’t go wrong with the PRX. A reimagined Tissot model from the 1970s, the PRX combines an 80-hour automatic movement with 100m water resistance and a nicely finished integrated bracelet design, making it suitable for all situations.

Specs

Case Size	35mm or 40mm
Movement	Tissot Powermatic 80 automatic
Water Resistance	100m

Pros

• Looks expensive for the price
• Powermatic 80 movement is very accurate and reliable
• 35mm size wears great

Cons

• The crown is tiny and hard to operate
• The lume is mostly useless
• 40mm size wears very large

Read our full review of the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

• $650.00 at tissotwatches.com

The value that Tissot is offering for its combination of features, style and quality in the PRX Powermatic 80 can only be described as aggressive: You get the “integrated bracelet” look and waffle-textured dial that hints at watches many times its price, a solid automatic movement with 80 hours of power reserve, as well as overall great finishing for its price. Best of all, though, is that it’s got an uncommonly ’80s throwback feel that stands out in today’s market — and if you’re cool with quartz, there are even more affordable versions.

Photo by Zen Love

Certina DS-1 Big Date

Hodinkee

Certina DS-1 Big Date

Swiss-made and well-sized with versatile styling and a rare complication, this is a piece that will get watch nerds’ blood pumping. The fact that it’s so affordably priced is just the icing on the cake.

Specs

Case Size	41mm
Movement	ETA Powermatic 80.651 automatic
Water Resistance	100m

Pros

• Big date complication rarely seen at this price point
• Beautiful and versatile styling
• Pretty dial

Cons

• No lume
• Too large for the style at 41mm — should be 38mm

• $985 at Hodinkee

Certina is oftentimes the forgotten member of the Swatch Group, and that’s a shame because the Swiss brand has some excellent watches — many of which can be had for under a thousand dollars. This one, for example, combines solid finishing with a great design that perfectly fuses sporty and dressy styles. But best of all is the movement, as it features a big date complication — meaning the date is displayed via two separate wheels. That may not sound like much, but it’s usually something you only see from high-end brands like A. Lange & Söhne.

Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto

Hamilton

Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto

A reissue of a Hamilton dress watch from the 1960s, the Intra-Matic nails the Mad Men vibe like few other watches. It comes in a variety of colors, paired with a leather strap or steel bracelet, and is powered by a premium ETA movement usually found in pricier models.

Specs

Case Size	38mm
Movement	ETA 2892-2 automatic
Water Resistance	50m

Pros

• Nice and thin
• Excellent balance of simplicity and personality
• Higher-quality movement than you'd expect for the price
• More water resistance than you'd expect for a dress watch

Cons

• Included strap lacks durability
• Some dial options fall short on legibility
• A 36mm or 34mm version would be even better

Read our full review of the Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto

• $845.00 at hamiltonwatch.com
  $945.00 (11% off)

The Hamilton Intra-Matic remains one of our favorite affordable timepieces. Its simple mix of elegance and style harkens back to an era when understated design ruled drawing boards. Featuring several beautiful dial executions decorated minimally with Hamilton’s vintage “H” logo, faceted lugs and a thin leather band, the Intra-Matic could easily pass as an heirloom timepiece, without the fuss of vintage upkeep.

Photo by Zen Love for Gear Patrol

Mido Ocean Star 200

Mido

Mido Ocean Star 200

A Swiss-made dive watch from a century-old brand with a stainless steel bracelet, an 80-hour automatic movement and 200m of water resistance for less than $1,000? Welcome to the world of Mido, one of the best-kept secrets in the world of affordable watches.

Specs

Case Size	42mm
Movement	ETA C07.621 automatic
Water Resistance	200m

Pros

• Very little competition for the price
• 80-hour power reserve
• Classic good looks

Cons

• Not a fan of day-date complications on a diver
• Wears large

• $970.00 at midowatches.com

The Ocean Star 200 is a great example of Mido’s value: Its design might not stand out at first in the sea of dive watches available, but it offers impressive levels of fit and finish for its price. It comes in at just under $1k in this configuration, but you can get it on a rubber strap for a bit less — or in titanium for nominally more considering the upped value proposition. Did we mention the excellent 80-hour-power-reserve automatic movement inside?

Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph

Seiko

Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph

A crowd-pleasing case size and tried-and-true panda chronograph styling make this affordable Seiko an intriguing option for enthusiasts, while the solar-powered quartz movement ensures its status as one of the best no-fuss watches in its price range.

Specs

Case Size	39mm
Movement	Seiko V192 solar quartz chronograph
Water Resistance	100m

Pros

• Great-looking, especially if you're going for that Daytona vibe
• Well-sized and comfortable
• Surprisingly solid bracelet

Cons

• Chronograph and date window aren't all that useful
• Handset should be bigger

Read our full review of the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph

• $506.25 at Macy's
  $675 (25% off)

The Rolex Daytona is perhaps the most wanted watch in the world. But there are a couple of problems with that. For one, they’re too expensive for most people to buy. And even if you can afford one, Rolex can’t make enough of them to sell one to everyone who wants one. So many have to look for alternatives, and the “Seitona” is one of the best. With a classic panda design, a Daytona-esque tachymeter bezel and a solar-powered movement that won’t need a battery for probably a decade, this Seiko offers a ton of style and functionality for less than $700.

Photo by Johnny Brayson

Autodromo Group B

Hodinkee

Autodromo Group B

Inspired by the dangerous 1980s rally cars of the same name, Autodromo’s Group B combines retro styling with 21st-century technology by way of its unique titanium-stainless steel bimetallic case.

Specs

Case Size	39m
Movement	Miyota 9015 automatic
Water Resistance	50m

Pros

• Effortlessly cool
• Clever bracelet design looks integrated but isn't, opening up your strap options
• Bimetallic case shows innovative spirit

Cons

• Would like to see a better movement for the price
• Long backside of the minute hand can be mistaken for another hand

• $975 at Hodinkee

Autodromo is an automotive-themed lifestyle brand that mainly makes watches, and its best-selling watch is the Group B. Inspired by the eponymous wild rally car class from the 1980s, the Group B features a retro vibe with an integrated bracelet look reminiscent of the period and a dial inspired by the gauges you’d find on Group B cars. The case is bimetallic, too, with a unique steel-and-titanium build. Probably makes it faster around corners, we’re guessing.

Jack Mason Strat-o-Timer GMT

Jack Mason

Jack Mason Strat-o-timer GMT

Packed with just about every spec an enthusiast could want — exhibition caseback, fully-lumed bi-directional sapphire bezel, “true” GMT movement — the Strat-o-timer marks a turning point for Jack Mason, transforming the one-time mall brand to an insider favorite.

Specs

Case Size:	40mm
Movement:	Miyota 9075 automatic GMT
Water Resistance:	200m

Pros

• Great-looking design
• Automatic "true" GMT movement for an affordable price
• A loaded specs sheet

Cons

• Case finishing could be better
• Some may dislike the long clasp

Read our full review of the Jack Mason Strat-o-timer GMT

• $999.00 at jackmasonbrand.com

In the race for affordable automatic GMTs, Citizen’s answer to Seiko was the Miyota 9075. This movement, however, is no analog to Seiko’s movement and is rather a higher-end product — and it’s slowly finding its way into more third-party watches. Jack Mason makes excellent use of it in its Strat-o-Timer GMT, which will shock you with its level of quality and refined detail for the money. It checks all the boxes for enthusiasts that peruse the specs, but more important is that they’re executed in a way that feels way more expensive than its sub-$1,000 price would suggest.

Photo by Johnny Brayson

Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic 3.6.9

Nivada Grenchen

Nivada Grenchen Super Antarctic 3.6.9

A modern incarnation of Nivada’s explorer’s watch that was used on 1950s missions to the South Pole, the modern Super Antarctic has all the vintage charm of the original but with the reliability and materials of a modern watch.

Specs

Case Size	38mm
Movement	Soprod P024 automatic
Water Resistance	100m

Pros

• Great adventuring provenance
• Well-sized and good-looking
• Tons of OEM strap/bracelet options

Cons

• People will still call it a Rolex Explorer knockoff
• High-polished bezel is just begging for scratches

• $845 at Hodinkee

While Nivada’s compact sports watch may look like a Rolex Explorer knockoff to the untrained eye, the Antarctic has an impressive adventuring history of its own, thank you very much. The first version came out back in 1950 as an explorer’s watch — that’s a few years before the Explorer — and by the mid-’50s, it was being used on actual Antarctic expeditions.

Doxa Sub 200

Doxa

Doxa Sub 200

The entry model of one of the most iconic dive watch makers in history, Doxa’s Sub 200 is built like a tank and features many of the brand’s hallmarks, just in a more affordable package.

Specs

Case Size	42mm
Movement	ETA 2824-2 automatic
Water Resistance	200m

Pros

• Highly capable dive watch from an iconic brand
• Fully lumed bezel

Cons

• Not as boldy styled as other Doxas
• If you're not a fan of BOR bracelets or rubber straps, you're out of luck

• $990 at Watches of Switzerland
  $990 (0% off)

Doxa makes some of the most iconic dive watches in history — the brand was a favorite of Jacques Cousteau — so the fact that you can get something from the brand for under $1,000 is pretty remarkable. The Sub 200 is the brand’s entry level model, but it’s still unmistakably Doxa thanks to its beads of rice bracelet, robust underwater performance and, if you opt for the “Professional” option, striking orange dial.

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