Craving that Rolex aesthetic? Then, by all means, scope the Seiko 5 and its stunning diver-style unidirectional bezel that surrounds an eye-catching dial. We love the combination of the green dial with cream indices and emanating from the dial are luminous hands and markers that deliver low-light visibility. Under the skin is a 23-jewel automatic self-winding movement. Hardlex crystal fends off the scratches while a screw-down exhibition window case back keeps everything firmly intact. Sealing the deal is a trusty clasp bracelet of stainless steel. There’s a reason the Seiko 5 is most watch-lovers first watch, it’s one of the best value for money watches available.

Consider us huge fans of the Timex Weekender Chronograph, regardless of its unbeatable price point. Between its 40mm brass case, legible dial, and leather band, the watch is the quintessence of minimalist style. Thanks to Quartz movement with an analog display, the affordable timepiece is no slouch in the mechanic’s department either. If you’re looking for the best affordable watch for around $120 AUD at retail, however, they tend to sell out quickly so keep your eye out. Easily one of the best value for money watches and one that even the most avid collector can appreciate for its looks alone.

The Bulova Surveyor series is a standout collection from the brand. Here, we have pictured the Surveyor Stainless Steel ref. 96C125 but any number of pieces from the lineup fall under the $200 price tag. New for the range is the three-hand day/date feature, deep blue dial with silver-tone hands and markers, domed crystal, and stainless steel bracelet with short fold-over double-push closure. You can see where Bulova has taken notes from some of the best watchmakers in the world, it might not be a Rolex, but it won’t cost as much as one either.

Here we have another affordable watch arguably moulded from the Rolex aesthetic. Making notable improvements upon its predecessor (the best-selling Mako), Orient’s Mako II hosts an upgraded 120 click unidirectional bezel in Pepsi red and blue, and a new 22-jewel, Caliber F6922 automatic movement. The brushed stainless steel case measures 41.5mm in diameter and is approximately 13mm deep. That’s joined by a hardened mineral crystal, a screw-down crown, a day and date window, and water resistance to 200m. Put it all together and you’re looking at not just a good, cheap timepiece, but one of the most affordable watches and best automatic watches under $200 that money can buy.

Simple, streamlined and sophisticated, the Rotary Watches Canterbury model exudes pure masculine style. It comes in lean and mean with a polished stainless steel case that’s just 38mm in diameter and 7.6mm thick, affixed to a strap of genuine leather. Powered by the Quartz movement, the watch hosts elegant Roman numerals on the silver dial. Priced at around a mere $170 AUD this is our pick for an office daily that will get eyes peeking keenly.

Casio is a brand already synonymous with top-shelf functionality at low cost, and the Edifice series duly delivers on that front. Distinguished by a round dial with textured chronograph subdials, the imported sports watch is a symphony of Quartz movement, mineral crystal, and stainless steel. We love the leather band and the contrasting cream dial on the black bezel when it comes to Ref. EFR526L-7A (pictured), however, you can truly take your pick when it comes to Edifice series watches. One look is all it takes to know whether this great, cheap watch is the one for you.

The ideal everyday watch for modern enthusiasts, Citizen’s Eco-Drive is unfettered in design and downright forward-thinking in engineering. More to the point, the lean 39mm watch comes equipped with Eco-Drive movement, which runs on solar power. Throw in a highly legible dial, green canvas strap, 100m water resistance and this is everything you can ask for in a good, cheap watch under $200.

With its transparent construction and multi-coloured dial, the new Swatch Clearly New Gent gives off a contemporary vibe that’s all fun and in line with its approachable cost. That, however, doesn’t mean it isn’t stylish, with a transparent feature that captures the simplicity of time, and features a clear shiny case in bio-sourced plastic and a clear TPU strap. Sometimes it just feels right to go with a household name, and Swatch is just that, one of the best value for money watch brands on the market.

Just because you’re shopping for the best watch under $200, that doesn’t mean you can’t score something unique. For proof, look no further than the Bertucci A-2T, which comes equipped with a patented Unibody case of solid titanium. That makes this tight, eye-catching watch a truly resilient beast, not to mention an ergonomic one. Powered by a Japanese quartz movement, and further protected by a hardened mineral glass crystal, the watch is an original classic, indeed. This Bertucci watch is one of the best watches under $200 available.

Like the very demographic it’s targeting, the Braun Gents watch keeps things simple, masculine and optimal. Water-resistant to 50m, the watch comes equipped with a streamlined dial, Japanese quartz movement and a 38mm case of stainless steel. Driving home its rugged vibe is an adjustable leather strap of smooth brown. If you’re looking for the best watch for the money you’re outlaying then look no further than the Braun Men’s Classic Analog Watch.

It’s love at first sight with the Swatch Sistem51 collection, hosting unmistakable designs on a range of coloured dials. Along with that striking aesthetic, you get Swiss automatic movement, scratch-resistant acrylic crystal, numerous functions, and a black genuine leather strap. The Swatch Irony Sistem 51 is one of the best value for money watches on the market.

Just because you’re buying one of the best watches for under $200, that doesn’t mean you can’t gain access to prime technology. On that front, Withings Nokia Steel has you covered. Not only does the watch employ premium materials and a downright brilliant dial design, but it offers fitness tracking, sleep monitoring and synchronization with the Nokia Health Mate app on your smartphone. And, at around $164 AUD, it’s potentially the best men’s watch for the money.