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50 Best Watches Under $500


With many things in life, you get what you pay for and the best men’s watches are certainly no exception, but you don’t need to sell a kidney to get a decent timepiece. Affordable watches may lack the functionality of a modern-day smartwatch, but they do make up for it with plenty of elegance and style.

Table of contents

MVMT Black/Black Leather
Vincero Rose Gold Chrono S | Image: Vincero

1. Vincero Rose Gold Chrono S

A case of Rose Gold surgical grade stainless steel and inside a Citizen Miyota Quartz movement, the Vincero Chrono S is the perfect entry-level chronograph with a bit of added flair. The watch is water-resistant to 5 ATM and has luminous hands for visibility at night.

Case diameter: 43mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Price: $169

Buy it here

MVMT Black/Black Leather
MVMT Black/Black Leather | Image: MVMT

2. MVMT Black/Black Leather

This is a dark watch from the dial to the case to the strap. The second hand stands out with its read colour and I for one wish they did it with the rest of the arms and indicators. The black case is from stainless steel and the strap is a decent 24mm black leather.

Case diameter: 45mm
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: $107

Ambassador Watches Heritage 1863

3. Ambassador Watches Heritage 1863

The Heritage 1863 is inspired by an 1860’s pocket watch. At 40mm, it has a 316-L polished case coated in rose gold. On the face, you’ll find Roman numerals and a Sunray dial. Inside is a Japanese Quartz movement.

Case diameter: 40mm
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: $199

Buy it here

Melbourne Watch Company Carlton
Melbourne Watch Company Carlton | Image: Melbourne Watch Company

You might also like:
40 Best Minimalist Watches for Men

4. Melbourne Watch Company Carlton

The Australian watch industry is growing by the day, but Melbourne Watch Co were one of the originals on the scene, and their collections of elegant timepieces are loved by many. The square-shaped Carlton collection features Seiko chronograph movements and are a great all-rounder, to be worn in the boardroom or on weekends. It’s retro style is combined with a modern twist and one of our favourite features is that it has an engraved relief of Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building, The Carlton, a historic landmark in the state of Victoria after which the watch is named.

Case diameter: 42mm
Price: $495

Buy it here

Undone Mystique Collection
Undone Mystique Collection | Image: Undone

5. Undone Mystique Collection

Undone, experts in the custom watch-making world, have taken on a challenge whereby their aim was to re-create a series of ‘Undone Made’ artisan grade watch dials, known to be very popular in the 1960’s in Europe. The result? The beautiful Undone Mystique Collection available in 4 colours dubbed the Eclipse, Neptune, Mercury and Mars with finishing available in either silver or rose gold. The production involves a very labour-intensive twelve-step process, from start to finish that delivers a meticulous watch of the highest quality.

Case diameter: 40mm
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: $300

Buy it here

Rossling & Co Classic Westhill
Rossling & Co Classic Westhill | Image: Rossling & Co

6. Rossling & Co Classic Westhill

A classic minimalist watch from Rossling & Co that features an ultra-thin case, sunburst blue dial, Quartz movement, 40mm case diameter and it is beautifully finished off with a brown leather strap. The Bauhaus style design is timeless that can be worn with just about anything.

Case diameter: 40mm
Price: from $149

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MAEN 39 Date in Midnight Blue
MAEN 39 Date in Midnight Blue | Image: MAEN

7. MAEN 39 Date in Midnight Blue

The MAEN 39 Date is the successor to the limited edition classic moon-phase watch, but still has all the features we love with the same elegant appeal. In fact, with the new case design featuring step-up bezel, one could say it’s perhaps even more sophisticated. The midnight blue is the perfect finishing touch.

Case diameter: 39mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Price: €199.20

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Oliver Coen Connaught
Oliver Coen Connaught | Image: Oliver Coen

8. Oliver Coen Connaught

Made in one of the most advanced watch facilities in the world, Oliver Coen utilize cutting-edge technology to achieve world-class accuracy and reliability. Their watches are backed by a lifetime warranty, which is completely unrivalled. Although affordable, Oliver Coen watches are often worn by high profile celebrities including Premier League footballers. Get 15% with the code “manofmany”.

Case diameter: 42mm
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: $200

Buy it here

About Vintage Chronograph
About Vintage Chronograph | Image: About Vintage

9. About Vintage Chronograph

The brand might be called About Vintage, but there’s nothing necessarily vintage about these watches. With a clean yet modern take on a classic look, the watches can be worn from the office to the pub with ease. Each timepiece is made with a unique number engaged on the case. The watch features a 41mm case, and a Miyota 6s11 Chronograph quartz movement.

Case diameter: 41mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Price: $449

Buy it here

Jack Mason Aviator Watch – JM-A101-005
Jack Mason Aviator Watch – JM-A101-005 | Image: Sportique

10. Jack Mason Aviator Watch – JM-A101-005

A pilots watch with all the trimmings, this Jack Mason Aviator screams a military and rugged look. A black PVD coated stainless steal case contrasts against the white dial markers and hands. Also some sublet American Flag colour accents on the second hand.

Case diameter: 42mm
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Price: $195

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Renard Grande Collection
Renard Grande Collection | Image: Renard

11. Renard Grande Collection

A strikingly elegant chronograph timepiece, the Grande Collection from Renard comes in a range of colours but our favourite by far is this deep dark blue tone on the face. The domes glass gives a slightly curved effect to the watch which sits beautifully on the wrist. Water resistant to 5ATM, it has an HMS Japanese quartz movement.

Case diameter: 40mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Price: €189.95

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VOID V01EL-BL/BL
VOID V01EL-BL/BL | Image: VOID

12. VOID V01EL-BL/BL

The case is made from stainless steel and the strap is premium leather. The display is a digital LCD with a blue-green EL backlight and is water-resistant for up to 3 ATM. Various colour combinations available and it carries a two year warranty. Discover some other daring digital watches here.

Case diameter: 36mm x 42mm
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: $145

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Timex Weekender
Timex Weekender | Image: Huckberry

13. Timex Weekender

Rustic and classic, every watch face is carefully selected from watch shops, antique stores and a variety of stores in and around Brooklyn. The strap is handmade natural leather with a black X stitch.

Case diameter: 38mm
Price: $150

Buy it herezanox

Parnis Big Pilot Power Reserve
Parnis Big Pilot Power Reserve | Image: Parnis Watch

14. Parnis Big Pilot Power Reserve

This watch has an easy to read dial with calendar display in a stainless steel case. The glass is made from a protective mineral which is anti-scrape and the strap is high-quality leather.

Case diameter: 47mm
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: $100

Seiko Men’s SNK805
Seiko Men’s SNK805 | Image: Seiko

15. Seiko Men’s SNK805

This military inspired watch features a green dial nestled in a brushed stainless steel case with a green cloth weave strap. Features a day and date function with a white and red sweeping second hand.

Case diameter: 37mm
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: from $94.5

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Skagen Signature Black Analogue Watch
Skagen Signature Black Analogue Watch | Image: Skagen

16. Skagen Signature Black Analogue Watch

Simple and elegant, the watch looks sophisticated enough to go with any suit. It features a sandblasted dial in a lightweight and durable titanium case that is a only 5mm thick.

Case diameter: 35mm
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: from $85

Techne Merlin Field Watch
Techne Merlin Field Watch | Image: Techne

17. Techne Merlin Field Watch

With an anti-shock movement and accuracy (in minutes per year) of 4, even if you aren’t flying planes, you’ll at least know you have a trust-worthy timepiece on your wrist. With a diameter of 39.5 mm, the Techne Merlin Field Watch features a brushed 316L surgical steel case and a luminous compound in white lacquered hands.

Case diameter: 39.5mm
Price: $168

Buy it here

VOID V03D-BL
VOID V03D-BL | Image: VOID

18. VOID V03D-BL

This watch strikes the perfect balance between form and function. Various coloured face and strap combinations available. The case is stainless steel and the strap is premium leather. Waterproof for up to 3 ATM.

Case diameter: 38mm
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: $215

Buy it here

AV-4030-04 Supermarine Seafire
AV-4030-04 Supermarine Seafire | Image: AV-8

19. AV-4030-04 Supermarine Seafire

The solid stainless steel case is polished to give it an almost coppery colour. The dial face is easy to read and has a date display as well as a secondary time zone. The strap is hand sewn from high grade leather.

Case diameter: 41mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Price: $395

Buy it here

Breytenbach BB6640 Chronograph
Breytenbach BB6640 Chronograph | Image: Breytenbach

20. Breytenbach BB6640 Chronograph

This chronograph movement is encased in stainless steel with a mineral crystal glass. The leather strap is solid with a crocodile pattern embossed. The dial is available in white or black.

Case diameter: 42mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Price: €199

Buy it here

Seiko Men’s SSC081 Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
Seiko Men’s SSC081 Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch | Image: Seiko

21. Seiko Men’s SSC081 Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch

This high-tech solar-powered watch features a compass dial, alarm chronograph and is water-resistant for up to 10 ATM. The body is a polished steel case with a classic brown leather strap.

Case diameter: 42mm
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Price: $186

Buy it here

Lacoste Black Leather Strap
Lacoste Black Leather Strap | Image: Lacoste

22. Lacoste Black Leather Strap

This classic and slick watch features a bright white face with a red second hand and a date display. Encased in a stainless steel body with a black leather strap and is waterproof for up to 3 ATM.

Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: $112

Buy it here

Laco 1925 Pilot Classic Analog
Laco 1925 Pilot Classic Analog | Image: Laco

23. Laco 1925 Pilot Classic Analog

A pilot classic analogue that features a black dial with big luminous green numbers. Encased in a stainless steel body with a brown leather strap.

Case diameter: 42mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Price: $402

Buy it here

VOID SOND-BLACK
VOID SOND-BLACK | Image: VOID

24. VOID SOND-BLACK

The watch is injection moulded into one single piece to reduce the number of moving parts. Features a digital LCD display with a blue-green EL backlight. Various colour combinations can be pieced together for a unique combination.

Case diameter: 38mm x 44mm
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: $95

Buy it here

Akribos XXIV Men’s AK589RG
Akribos XXIV Men’s AK589RG | Image: Akribos XXIV

25. Akribos XXIV Men’s AK589RG

This Swiss chronograph features a white face with a rose-tone case. Big black numbers makes it easy to read and the date display is above the 6 o’clock. A brown crocodile pattern on a genuine leather strap rounds it up.

Case diameter: 45mm
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Price: $199

Buy it here

Triwa Havana Nevil Brown
Triwa Havana Nevil Brown | Image: Triwa

26. Triwa Havana Nevil Brown

This analogue watch features two brown chronograph sub-dials on a stainless steel sunray dial. The hand-cut acetate case features a silver-toned bezel and a brown genuine leather strap.

Case diameter: 42mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Price: $329

VOID V02-BR/BG
VOID V02-BR/BG | Image: VOID

27. VOID V02-BR/BG

This watch has one of the most unusual ways to display time. The red long arm still displays the minutes and the shorter white arm the hours. The stainless steel case and premium leather strap is available in various colours.

Case diameter: 36mm x 42mm
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: $205

Buy it here

Triwa Lansen Orange Canvas Strap
Triwa Lansen Orange Canvas Strap | Image: Huckberry

28. Triwa Lansen Orange Canvas Strap

The black dial with white numbers is encased in a brushed stainless case and finished off with an orange 100% cotton canvas strap.

Case diameter: 38mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Price: £149

Asos Watch
Asos Watch | Image: Asos

29. Asos Watch

The black face features three subdials that are for display only. Encased in a metal body with a nylon strap.

Price: £22

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Seiko Sportura Chronograph
Seiko Sportura Chronograph | Image: Seiko

30. Seiko Sportura Chronograph

The green chronograph dial is encased in stainless steel with a brown calfskin strap. The watch is water-resistant for up to 10 ATM.

Case diameter: 41mm
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Price: $169

Buy it here

Melbourne Watch Company Collins
Melbourne Watch Company Collins | Image: Melbourne Watch Company

31. Melbourne Watch Company Collins

The Collins watch collection was fittingly named after Melbourne’s iconic Collins Street. As with most watches from the Melbourne Watch Company, the Collins has a vintage yet modern feel to it and is sized at a sought-after 38mm. Another detail we love is the moon phase feature and elegant sunray dials. It is powered by the multi-function Miyota Cal. 6P80 movement. It is also water-resistant to 50m/5ATM which makes it the perfect business and casual accessory.

Case diameter: 38mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Price: $459

Buy it here

Uniform Wares 251 Series
Uniform Wares 251 Series | Image: End Clothing

32. Uniform Wares 251 Series

A simple, elegant and legible dress watch encased in a matt PVD gun grey case with an Italian calf leather strap. The lens is made from scratch-proof sapphire. (£390)

Case diameter: 39mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Price: £390

Alessi Unisex AL13001 Out Time
Alessi Unisex AL13001 Out Time | Image: Alessi

33. Alessi Unisex AL13001 Out Time

The dial is a creamy eggshell white with black hands and hour indexes etched on the outer rim of the case. Encased in stainless steel with a genuine brown leather strap. Water-resistant up to 3 ATM.

Case diameter: 41mm
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: $185

Rossling & Co Regatta Westhill
Rossling & Co Regatta Westhill | Image: Sportique

34. Rossling & Co Regatta Westhill

Inspired by a nautical life, the Regatta Westhill is the result of numerous re-designs and 11 months of development until it was perfect with great attention to detail. A quality timepiece where top-shelf form and function meet great craftsmanship.

Case diameter: 40mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Price: $299

Antoine Arnaud Spirit of St. Louis

Antoine Arnaud Spirit of St. Louis | Image: Huckberry

35. Antoine Arnaud Spirit of St. Louis

The big face is legible and features three sub chronographs. Encased in brushed stainless steel with a brown leather strap and water-resistant for up to 5 ATM.

Case diameter: 44mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Price: €179

Buy it here

Electric FW02 PU
Electric FW02 PU | Image: Electric

36. Electric FW02 PU

This is a heavy-duty timepiece for the casual trekker. Features include a date and three sub chronographs, a raised uni-directional rotating bezel and water-resistant for up to 20 ATM. The strap is a custom moulded PU with branded stainless steel insert.

Case diameter: 44mm
Water resistance: 20 ATM
Price: $105

Buy it here

Nixon The Time Teller
Nixon The Time Teller | Image: Nixon

37. Nixon The Time Teller

The dial includes applied indices and custom moulded hands. The stainless steel case is topped with a hardened mineral crystal lens and a tapered custom 5 link stainless steel strap. Nixon’s also made some pretty sweet Star Wars themed watches.

Case diameter: 37mm
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Price: $100

Buy it here

Junkers Bauhaus
Junkers Bauhaus | Image: Junkers

38. Junkers Bauhaus

The visually appealing white dial is set in a silver brushed stainless steel case and complemented by a brown stitched leather strap. ($249)

Case diameter: 40mm
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Price: $249

Tayroc TXM007
Tayroc TXM007 | Image: Tayroc

39. Tayroc TXM007

The watch has an elegant light black dial with matt black arms and indictors. Finished off with a black crocodile pattern embossed leather strap.

Case diameter: 42mm
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: £75

Buy it here

Huckberry Seiko Dive Watch
Huckberry Seiko Dive Watch | Image: Huckberry

40. Huckberry Seiko Dive Watch

This dive watch has a big minute and hour arm for an easy read. It also has a day and date function and strap selections include a Horween leather or a premium Nato.

Case diameter: 40mm
Water resistance: 20 ATM
Price: $299

Buy it here

AV-4007-03 Hawker Hunter
AV-4007-03 Hawker Hunter | Image: AV-8

41. AV-4007-03 Hawker Hunter

This vintage looking watch has bold numbers and big arms, set inside a two-tone colour inner rings encased in stainless steel. It includes a date function and is wrapped up with a black leather strap with white stitched thread.

Case diameter: 45mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Price: $330

Buy it here

Botta Design Tres
Botta Design Tres | Image: Botta Design

42. Botta Design Tres

This contemporary designed watch is suitable for any occasion. The dial is available in either black or white and the strap options includes a natural tanned brown or black leather strap, metal or rubber.

Price: €348

Buy it here

Tsovet SVT-DE 40
Tsovet SVT-DE 40 | Image: Huckberry

43. Tsovet SVT-DE 40

This is a good looking chronograph with a matt blue dial is set in a stainless steel case with a refined contrast finished. It is fitted with a brown stitched leather strap and is waterproof for up to 5 ATM.

Case diameter: 40mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Price: $449.98

Buy it here

AV-4013-06 Hawker Hurricane
AV-4013-06 Hawker Hurricane | Image: AV-8

44. AV-4013-06 Hawker Hurricane

This vintage chronograph is eye-catching with the rose gold case and brown leather strap with rose gold rivets. Includes a date function.

Case diameter: 45mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Price: $470

Buy it here

Akribos XXIV Men’s AK715BR | Image: Akribos XXIV
Akribos XXIV Men’s AK715BR | Image: Akribos XXIV

45. Akribos XXIV Men’s AK715BR

This watch has clean white dial set in a polished silver-tone stainless steel case and features a date function. The strap is brown and made from genuine leather. Waterproof for up to 3 ATM.

Case diameter: 40mm
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: from $55

Buy it here

Danish Design IQ16Q975
Danish Design IQ16Q975 | Image: Danish Design

46. Danish Design IQ16Q975

This chronograph features a dark grey dial with a date function, set it a brushed stainless steel case with a black leather strap.

Case diameter: 42mm
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: from $236.48

Buy it here

Komono Watch – Winston Blue Cognac
Komono Watch – Winston Blue Cognac | Image: Footshop

47. Komono Watch – Winston Blue Cognac

The dark blue hue dial is set in a gold rose steel case. The arms and numerals also feature the rose gold colour and the watch is finished off with a genuine brown leather strap.

Case diameter: 41.8mm
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: $115

Buy it here

Braun Watch BN0024BKBRG
Braun Watch BN0024BKBRG | Image: Braun

48. Braun Watch BN0024BKBRG

The desirable black dial with white numerals has a separate seconds chrono. It comes with decent width brown leather strap.

Case diameter: 38mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM
Price: from $151

Buy it here

Jack Mason Aviator Watch – JM-A101-007
Jack Mason Aviator Watch – JM-A101-007 | Image: The Watch Factory

49. Jack Mason Aviator Watch – JM-A101-007

Another Aviator watch from Jack Mason, this 007 model sure has elements of class in it. With an olive green canvas nato strap complemented by subtle cream markings, this watch is as functional as it is beautiful. It features a Japanese quartz movement and a 42mm stainless steel case.

Case diameter: 42mm
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Price: from $97

Buy it here

Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol
Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol | Image: Daniel Wellington

50. Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol

Daniel Wellington are synonymous with minimalist design and the eggshell white dial on the Bristol in either a Rose Gold or Silver case looks effortlessly elegant. The strap is a dark brown colour and made from leather. If you’re keen on minimalistic design, you should check out our story on the 40 best minimalist watches for men.

Case diameter: 40mm
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: from $229

Buy it here

Triwa Walter Hvalen
Triwa Walter Hvalen | Image: Watchia

51. Triwa Walter Hvalen

The grey sunray dial colour is complemented beautifully by the brushed gun plated stainless steel case. The uni-rotational bezel is from the same brushed gun steel and comes with an organic sewn leather strap.

Case diameter: 40mm
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Price: $265

Citizen CA0331-56L Men’s Eco-Drive Chronograph
Citizen CA0331-56L Men’s Eco-Drive Chronograph | Image: Citizen

52. Citizen CA0331-56L Men’s Eco-Drive Chronograph

Elegant and sophisticated with three separate chronograph dials on a blue inner and black outer dial. Other functions include the date and a tachymeter and it is fuelled by light so it never needs a battery. It comes with a stainless steel mesh band. ($262)

Case diameter: 42mm
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Price: $350

Buy it here

Shore Projects St Ives
Shore Projects St Ives | Image: Shore Projects

Bonus: Shore Projects St Ives

The black face with white dials and indicators is set in a gold plated stainless steel case and finished off with a green strap. Water-resistant for up to 10 ATM.

Case diameter: 39mm
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Price: from $175

 

Tissot Tradition Rose Gold Chronograph
Tissot Tradition Rose Gold Chronograph | Image: Tissot

Bonus: Tissot Tradition Rose Gold Chronograph

This watch delivers a contemporary statement with a whisper of vintage. It is a beautiful design with 3 sub chrono dials with a date function, set in a rose gold steel case. The watch comes with a dark brown leather strap with the crocodile pattern embossed on it.

Case diameter: 42mm
Water resistance: 3 ATM
Price: $495

Buy it here

You might also like:
100 Best Watches Under $1,000
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General FAQ

What are the best watches under $500?

Some of the best watches under $500 are the Komono Watch - Winston Blue Cognac, Danish Design IQ16Q975, Huckberry Seiko Dive Watch, Uniform Wares 251 Series, and many more.

What are the best affordable watch brands?

Some great brands with affordable watches are Seiko, Tissot, Citizen, and Nixon.