Top 15 Watches Under $500 : Affordable Timepieces That Look Expensive
Introduction
Watches are not just time-telling devices anymore; they have become an essential accessory that completes your outfit. However, not everyone can afford to spend thousands of dollars on a luxury watch. That's why we have curated a list of the top 15 watches under $500. These timepieces not only look expensive but also offer excellent value for money. In this article, we will take a closer look at these watches and why they deserve a spot on your wrist.
Before we dive into our list, let's go over some basic stats you should keep in mind when shopping for a watch. The diameter refers to the size of the watch face, usually measured in millimeters (mm). Lug-to-lug measures the distance between the lugs, or the parts of the watch that attach to the strap. Strap width and thickness are also important to consider when selecting a watch.
1) Invicta Submariner - Price: Approximately $79
Diameter: 40mm; Lug-to-Lug: 48mm; Strap Width: 20mm; Thickness: 14mm
The Invicta Submariner is an affordable and versatile watch that's perfect for those who want to wear a stylish and reliable timepiece without breaking the bank. It features an automatic NH35A movement, a unidirectional bezel, and a water resistance rating of up to 200 meters. The Submariner also comes with a stainless-steel bracelet. Admittedly this watch has taken much of its inspiration from the better known rolex submariner so we'll let you decide on whether you want the cheaper unoriginal invicta or if you'll wait to get the original rolex.
2) System 51 AM51
Diameter: 42mm, Lug-to-Lug: 50.6mm, Strap Width: unavailable, Thickness: 13.9mm
The AM51 swatch belongs to the system 51 series and can be considered as on of if not the cheapest swiss made automatic wristwatch. The watch has a plain dark aesthetic highlighted by the green writing and second hand, however the most surprising characteristic remains the open caseback displaying the 51 parts movement which will last you up to 90 hours and surrounded by the text "Time is what you make of it!". This watch can also be found in many other colors, dials and cases.
3) Orient Maestro RA-AC0E06E10B - Price: Approximately $180
Diameter: 40.5mm; Lug-to-Lug: 45.8mm; Strap Width: 22mm; Thickness: 12.9mm
The Orient Maestro RA-AC0E06E10B is a classic and elegant watch that offers excellent value for money. It features a textured green dial undisturbed by the plain hour markers and silver hands, a reliable automatic movement (caliber F6722), a date function, and a power reserve of up to 40 hours. The Maestro also has a mineral crystal and a comfortable stainless-steel mesh bracelet.
3) Orient Kano - Price: Approximately $195
Diameter: 44mm; Lug-to-Lug: 50mm; Strap Width: 22mm; Thickness: 13mm
The Orient Kano is a sporty and affordable watch that's perfect for those who love diving or water sports. It features a reliable automatic movement (calibre F6922), a rotating bezel, and a water resistance rating of up to 200 meters. The Kano can also be found on a silicone strap and comes in a variety of colours.
4) Seagull 1963 - Price: Approximately $269
Diameter: 38mm; Lug-to-Lug: 46.5mm; Strap Width: 18mm; Thickness: 12.7mm
The Seagull 1963 is a vintage-inspired chronograph that's perfect for watch enthusiasts who appreciate classic designs. It features a reliable hand-wound movement (calibre ST19) originally made in switzerland and then sold to a chinese brand in order to make new standardized pilot watches, a sapphire or mineral crystal, and comes in a green nato strap as well as a leather strap. Unfortunately, the 1963 only features a water resistance of 30 meters
5) Seiko SRPE53K1 - Price: Approximately $275
Diameter: 40mm; Lug-to-Lug: 44.6mm; Strap Width: 20mm; Thickness: 12mm
The Seiko SRPE53K1 is a sporty and versatile watch that's perfect for everyday wear. It features a reliable automatic movement (calibre 4R36), a day and date function, and a water resistance rating of up to 100 meters. The SRPE53K1 comes on a comfortable stainless-steel bracelet.
6) Timex M79 Automatic - Price: Approximately $279
Diameter: 40mm; Lug-to-Lug: 46.2mm; Strap Width: 18mm; Thickness: 14.5mm
The Timex M79 Automatic is a modern take on a vintage design, with several different coloured bezels (outside circle of the watch) and most importantly its integrated stainless-steel bracelet made up of many smal links which are susceptible of ulling a couple of hairs off your wrist. It features a reliable automatic movement (calibre 8215), a day and date function, and a water resistance rating of up to 50 meters.
7) Orient Contemporary II Open Heart - Price: Approximately $275
Diameter: 41.8mm; Lug-to-Lug: 47mm; Strap Width: 22mm; Thickness: 11.9mm
The Orient Contemporary II Open Heart is a modern and elegant watch that's perfect for those who appreciate fine watchmaking. It features a reliable automatic movement (calibre F6T22), an open-heart dial allowing you to see the balance wheel powering your watch for up to 40 hours and a stunning sunburst dial. The Contemporary II also has a sapphire crystal and a metal bracelet.
8) Tissot PR100 - Price: Approximately $280
Diameter: 39mm; Lug-to-Lug: 46mm; Strap Width: 20mm; Thickness: 9.5mm
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The Tissot PR100 is a classic and elegant watch that's perfect for formal occasions. It features a reliable swiss made quartz movement, a date function at the six o'clock mark, a water resistance rating of up to 100 meters and a T shaped conter balance for the seconds hand. The PR100 also has a sapphire crystal and a comfortable stainless-steel bracelet.
9) Citizen Tsuyosa - Price: Approximately $350
Diameter: 40mm; Lug-to-Lug: 49mm; Strap Width: 22.5mm; Thickness: 11.7mm
The Citizen Tsuyosa is a stylish and versatile watch that's perfect for everyday wear. It features a reliable automatic movement (calibre 8210), a date function, a water resistance rating of up to 100 meters and the crown is fitted ino the case at the four o'clock hour mark. The Tsuyosa also comes in a variety of colours from blue to green to bright yellow and is equipped with an integrated metal bracelet.
10) Lorier Falcon Series 3 - Price: Approximately $399
Diameter: 36mm; Lug-to-Lug: 44mm; Strap Width: 20mm; Thickness: 11mm
The Lorier Falcon Series 3 is a stylish and retro-inspired watch that offers excellent value for money. It features a cushion-shaped case, a reliable Miyota 9015 automatic movement, a sapphire crystal and a beautiful waffle textured dial. The Falcon Series 2 also has a water resistance rating of up to 100 meters and comes with a comfortable leather strap.
11) Seiko SARB033/035 - Price: Approximately $400
Diameter: 38mm; Lug-to-Lug: 44.5mm; Strap Width: 20mm; Thickness: 11.2mm
If you're looking for a dress watch that won't break the bank, the Seiko SARB033 is an excellent choice. With its minimalist design, high-quality movement, and sapphire crystal, this watch offers outstanding value for money and combines formal and sporty in one watch. The SARB033 has a 6R15 automatic movement, a date function, and a power reserve of up to 50 hours. It's also water-resistant up to 100 meters.
12) Seiko Presage Cocktail Time SRPB77 - Price: Approximately $420
Diameter: 40.5mm; Lug-to-Lug: 46mm; Strap Width: 20mm; Thickness: 11.8mm
The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time SRPB77 is a versatile and elegant watch that's perfect for formal occasions. It features a textured sunburst dial, a date function, and a reliable automatic movement (calibre 4R35) with a power reserve of up to 41 hours. The SRPB77 also has a see-through case back that allows you to admire the movement.
13) Bulova Lunar Pilot - Price: Approximately $425
Diameter: 45mm; Lug-to-Lug: 52mm; Strap Width: 22mm; Thickness: 13.5mm
The Bulova Lunar Pilot is a rugged and reliable chronograph that's perfect for those who love aviation and space exploration. It features a reliable quartz movement, a tachymeter bezel, and a water resistance rating of up to 50 meters. The Lunar Pilot also comes with a comfortable leather strap. This legendary watch takes its origins from the Apollo 15 mission where it was first worn on the moon, Bulova reissued the watch in 1971 with its precise mechaquartz 262kHz movement.
14) Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical H69439931 - Price: Approximately $475
Diameter: 38mm; Lug-to-Lug: 47mm; Strap Width: 20mm; Thickness: 9.5mm
The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical H69439931 is a rugged and reliable watch that's perfect for outdoor activities thanks to its field watch aesthetic and scratch resistant case. It features a hand-wound movement (calibre H-50), a date function, and a power reserve of up to 80 hours. The Khaki Field also has a water resistance rating of up to 50 meters and comes with a durable NATO strap.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great options for watches under $500. Whether you're looking for a stylish dress watch or a versatile everyday watch, there's something for everyone on this list. All of the watches on this list offer great value for money, and they're all powered by reliable movements. When shopping for a watch under $500, it's important to consider factors such as diameter, lug-to-lug distance, strap width, and thickness to ensure that you find a watch that fits well and looks great on your wrist. With any of these watches, you can enjoy great style and functionality without breaking the bank.