The Best Affordable Watches To Level Up Your Collection Right Now

Make no mistake: this isn’t another superficial listicle about the best affordable watch brands out there.

It’s the result of years of my personal experience as a watch enthusiast and writer, informed by buying, selling and handling almost all of the timepieces that have made it into this article.

Head to the bottom if you’re looking for a few tips and suggestions worth considering before you buy an affordable watch. Otherwise, let’s dive straight in.

RELATED: How To Start A Watch Collection – A Guide To Building The Collection Of Your Dreams

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$100 to $1,000

Seiko 5 Sports

The Seiko 5 Sports collection has returned with a vengeance, replacing the fan-favourite SKX range in 2019. This year, the collection is celebrating its 55th anniversary, offering a great many watches in an affordable price range, all containing mechanical movements.

Recently, I bought one of the limited editions from the latest Rowing Blazers x Seiko 5 drop and loved its vintage-inspired orange dial, wearable 42.5mm case size, and comfy bracelet.

While that collab has since sold out, much of the regular Seiko 5 catalogue is priced very fairly when you consider what you get for the money. 100m of water resistance, metal bracelets, classic designs – how good?

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 42.5mm
• Case Thickness: 13.8mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Aluminium
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: 4R36
• Power Reserve: 41 hours

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Baltic MR01

While I don’t own a Baltic MR01, I wish I did. Boss Hunting‘s co-founder James Want enjoys that privilege, and he can’t speak highly enough of his experience – thanks to its vintage-inspired 36mm case, distinctive dial design (with a cracking sub-seconds) and micro-rotor automatic movement.

Put plain and simply, this is good watchmaking at an even better price.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 36mm
• Case Thickness: 9.9mm
• Case Material: 316L Steel
• Bezel Material: 316L Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Leather strap
• Dial Colour: Salmon
• Water Resistance: 30m
• Movement: Automatic Hangzhou CAL5000A Micro-Rotor
• Power Reserve: 42 hours

RELATED: Baltic MR01 Review — A Fantastic Homage To Dress Watches Of Yesteryear

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Dan Henry 1937 Dress Chronograph

If you’ve not come across Dan Henry before, then allow me the privilege of introducing the brand to you for the very first time.

Established by one of the most important watch collectors in Brazil, it was started in an effort to offer great watch designs at a price almost anyone can afford. As far as democratising watch collecting goes, I haven’t seen a brand do it better than Dan Henry.

The brand’s 1937 Dress Chronograph entered my collection immediately after it launched because of how well it captured the spirit of Art Deco watch design.

With its multi-tonal sector dial, 38mm case size and Seiko VK64 mecha quartz movement (which doesn’t tick in the same way a normal quartz movement does), it’s one of those classic designs I find myself reaching for frequently.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 38mm
• Case Thickness: 12.7mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Leather
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 30m
• Movement: Seiko VK64
• Power Reserve: three-year battery life

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Timex Marlin Automatic

The Timex Marlin Automatic watch is another great heritage-inspired dress watch with a legacy that very few brands can match.

Inspired by a collection of Timex watches from the 1960s, the American-founded watchmaker partnered with the team at Todd Snyder to reissue this particular line in 2017, in the 34mm case size that is common for vintage models of the period.

I bought this as I loved the numbers on its sunray brushed silver dial, but I found that 34mm was a little small for my wrist, and I gave it to a friend to enjoy. If you love smaller watches and like wearing a leather strap, this one’s for you.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 34mm
• Case Thickness: 10mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Leather
• Dial Colour: Silver
• Water Resistance: 30m
• Movement: Manually wound mechanical
• Power Reserve: Unspecified

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Casio G-Shock DW5000R-1A

Truly an icon of the affordable watch world, this G-Shock is all the evidence anyone needs that cheap watches and digital watches aren’t mutually exclusive. About as close to the original digital display 1983 G-Shock as you can get today (which was the product of more than 200 prototypes by the Japanese brand), everyone needs to own a G-Shock at some point in their life – very much the case for yours truly.

Measuring 42.3mm in width, its case, bezel and strap are all made from super shock-resistant resin that’s also lightweight enough to keep the DW5000R-1A to just 76g in weight.

Unlike the original, improvements have been made to this legend of digital watches in the four decades since it first debuted. The watch’s battery is now a rechargeable solar cell, and the integration of a radio receiver now means it can keep close to perfect time.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 42.3mm
• Case Thickness: 13.1mm
• Case Material: Resin
• Bezel Material: Resin
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Resin
• Dial Colour: Digital display
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Movement: Tough solar quartz
• Power Reserve: Five years when in power-saving mode

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Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical

I bought this watch for a mate before he embarked on a cycling journey across the length of the Americas, and I love it for its classic field watch design, solid 38mm case size, and clean dial.

Hamilton has a history of producing mil-spec watches, and this design was born during WWII to meet the needs of combat infantry.

Its sandblasted steel case isn’t flashy or attention-grabbing. The luminous dial and hands are easy to read in a variety of lighting conditions, and while you need to be conscious of overwinding it, the 80-hour movement is extremely robust. One of those classic watches with an adventure-ready design, with options for either a NATO or leather strap.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 38mm
• Case Thickness: 9.75mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Textile and leather
• Dial Colour: White
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Movement: H-50 calibre
• Power Reserve: 80 hours

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LIP Mach 2000 Chronograph

I recently bought the time-only version of this LIP Mach 2000 Chronograph and love its Roger Tallon-designed case and dial.

While I also enjoy the bracelet-equipped time-only version, this chronograph is much more well-known and respected amongst the watch community for its distinctive ’70s design, with spherical pushers in high-contrast colours and the uniquely shaped case.

As a bonus, this collection of modern watches is directly inspired by the mid-70s original but powered by the modern Ronda 5021-D chronograph: a movement that is easily serviced. Still manufactured in France, in the locale where LIP was founded, this is an oddball classic that won’t break the bank.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: Unspecified
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Rubber
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Movement: Quartz Ronda 5021-D chronograph movement
• Power Reserve: three years of battery life

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CWC G10

A couple of years back, my father mentioned he was after a new watch, and for his birthday, I got us both matching Cabot Watch Company (CWC) G10s.

Another watchmaker with authentic ties to the armed forces of the world, the G10 was originally produced as a cheap watch that could be issued to the infantry troops of the British Army from 1980 onwards, but given the wrists it was intended for, it was designed to be incredibly tough and hard-wearing.

While neo-vintage examples of the G10 are slowly starting to push up in price as their collectability rises, you can still buy new examples from CWC directly.

Measuring 38mm in diameter with the crown, they’re still made to British MoD (“Ministry of Defence”) specifications. As far as a comfortable and durable watch goes that you can forget about on your wrist, it doesn’t get much better.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 38mm
• Case Thickness: 10.5mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: NATO strap
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Movement: Quartz ETA Swiss
• Power Reserve: three years of battery life

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Omega X Swatch MoonSwatch

If you’re even a little interested in watches (which I assume you are if you’ve made it this far), then you’ll probably already know all about the Omega X Swatch MoonSwatch. I’ve worn a couple of them that friends have owned, and they look great and are comfortable on the wrist.

There’s a good reason that this Swatch group link-up is arguably the most popular watch collaboration of the last decade, but for those who are expecting Omega Speedmaster quality for Swatch prices, it’s best to manage your expectations.

That said, they’re great watches for the asking price: arriving in an array of different colours that provide something for everyone. As a bonus, they’re much easier to pick up now than when they first arrived on the scene in 2022.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 42mm
• Case Thickness: 13.25mm
• Case Material: Bioceramic
• Bezel Material: Bioceramic
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Fabric VELCRO
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Movement: Quartz
• Power Reserve: three years of battery life

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Bulova 96B251 Special Edition Lunar Pilot

Everyone knows the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch went to outer space, but not many know this classic Bulova worn by Apollo 15’s mission commander made the same journey.

It has a substantial presence on the wrist (without being too big or flashy) and enjoys an important status in the history of space exploration that absolutely deserves to be better known.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 45mm
• Case Thickness: 14mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Textile
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Movement: High Performance Quartz
• Power Reserve: three years of battery life

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Timex IRONMAN Classic 30-Lap

The Ironman is a classic quartz Timex that can handle even the toughest of sporting demands (hence the name) and also has the added benefit of being one of the most affordable timepieces on this list.

It also happens to be the everyday wearer of Jocko Willink, and if it’s tough enough for a US Navy SEAL, it’ll certainly be able to handle anything you throw at it. A 38mm case of hard resin, 100m of water resistance, and all of the functions you’d expect from a solid digital timekeeper round out the package.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 38mm
• Case Thickness: 11mm
• Case Material: Resin
• Bezel Material: Resin
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Textile
• Dial Colour: Digital display
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Quartz
• Power Reserve: Three years of battery life

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Scurfa Diver One D1-500 ND Titanium Black

The Scurfa Diver One Titanium is one of the most high-spec dive watches you’ll see for this price, featuring a 40mm titanium case and a whopping 500m of water resistance thanks to its built-in helium escape valve. A black rubber strap won’t do much for this rough and ready watch, which is why it arrives on a comfortable rubber strap and is powered by a Swiss-made quartz calibre.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 14.4mm
• Case Material: Titanium
• Bezel Material: Titanium
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Rubber
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 500m
• Movement: Ronda 713SM quartz
• Power Reserve: Three-year battery life

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Braun BN0278 Automatic

Braun might be best known for its home electrical goods, but not many people are aware that the German brand also makes a collection of very nicely designed timepieces. Created with the Bauhaus principles of “less but better”, these minimalist watches have earned themselves a number of design awards, with this specific reference featuring a 40mm case that’s 12mm thick. Boasting an integrated rubber strap and ultra-clean dial design, Braun deserves more credit than it gets from the watch community.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40
• Case Thickness: 12mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Rubber
• Dial Colour: White
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Movement: Unspecified automatic
• Power Reserve: 41 hours

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$1,001 to $3,000

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 40mm

As an affordable watch brand that arrives with certifiable Swiss quality, for years, Tissot has been producing some of the best affordable mechanical watches you can buy.

The price point has always been a compelling factor, but the PRX collection was also a coup for the brand as a collection of faithfully recreated 1970s-inspired automatic watches. Predictably, it’s proven exceedingly popular with collectors.

I owned a PRX shortly after they launched and loved wearing it for its extremely comfortable integrated bracelet and case profile. The blue dial is a stunner too, with an intricate grid pattern that nicely complements the brushed case and bracelet, and with 80 hours of power reserve, it’s honestly hard to go wrong.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 10.93mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Blue
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Powermatic 80 
• Power Reserve: 80 hours

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Seiko SPB453 Dive Watch

With a design that’s based on the very first dive watch from the Japanese watchmaker – known by collectors as the 62MAS – the Seiko SPB453 is a modern expression of that original, rough-and-ready intent.

Featuring a robust stainless steel case and bracelet, the black dial and bezel keep the watch very much under the radar, while the reliable 6R55 calibre movement promises a solid 72 hours of power reserve when fully wound. I’ve owned plenty of Seiko dive watches over the years, and I’ve never had a single issue with any of them – they’re well-made, reliable, and can handle just about anything.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 13mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Aluminium
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 300m
• Movement: 6R55
• Power Reserve: 72 hours

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Dennison Midnight Aventurine

This cushion case option from Dennison is wafer-like at 6mm thick, with a gold PVD treatment and an Aventurine glass dial that makes it look like the price is missing a zero.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 33.5mm
• Case Thickness: 6mm
• Case Material: Gold PVD
• Bezel Material: Gold PVD
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Aventurine stone
• Water Resistance: 30m
• Movement: Swiss Ronda Quartz 1062
• Power Reserve: 3 years of battery life

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Serica Ref. 6190-1 MSL

French-founded Serica first piqued my interest when I wrote about its launch back in 2019, and after diving a little deeper into its thoughtfully minimalistic design, I knew I needed to buy one (the watch you see here is the later generation of the original I owned).

I love the somewhat pointed lack of branding on the dial (especially when most brands have their logo front and centre), paired with its immediately recognisable, field watch-inspired design. While the dial has obviously been carefully considered, the profile and shape of the case are also clearly the result of dozens of design iterations, with mirror-polished bevels on the flat bezel and sweeping lugs that don’t make the 37.7mm diameter feel too small on the wrist.

As I’m left-handed, I was also keen on the brand’s offer to deliver your watch with the screw-down crown on either side of the case. When combined with the impressively comfortable “bonklip” bracelet, inspired by designs of the 1920s, this makes for a fantastic everyday watch.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 37.7mm
• Case Thickness: 10.4mm
• Case Material: 316L Steel
• Bezel Material: 316L Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: 316L Steel
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Movement: M100 COSC-Certified
• Power Reserve: 42 hours

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Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium

Just like the Tissot PRX, the Gentleman Powermatic 80 is jam-packed with value, from its robust case to its top-notch movement.

Thanks to the eye-catching blue dial and finely polished case and bracelet details, it looks a million dollars for an almost negligible fraction of the price.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 11.5mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Blue
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Powermatic 80
• Power Reserve: 80 hours

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Christopher Ward Twelve 38

Christopher Ward is the biggest watchmaker in the UK today, and the Twelve 38 should tell you why – the three-dimensional dial texture delivers impressive visual depth, while the finishing of the case and bracelet could belong on a watch five times the price.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 38mm
• Case Thickness: 9.9mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Midnight sun
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Sellita SW200-1
• Power Reserve: 38 hours

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Ikepod Duopod

Arguably one of the first concept watch brands, Ikepod was founded in 1994 by one of the most influential industrial designers of this generation – and fellow Aussie – Marc Newson. He’s also the man who designed the original Apple Watch, has worked with brands like Hermès and Louis Vuitton, even recently designed a Tokyo public bathroom, and in 2015, one of his remarkable Lockheed Lounge chairs sold for just under $5 million.

Newson’s design language is as visually arresting as it is enduring (cues from his Ikepod Seaslug dive watch can be seen in the latest Apple Watch Ultra), and the pebble-shaped Ikepod was revived in 2018 by watch industry alum Christian-Louis Col.

Since buying my Duopod, it’s made me reconsider what I thought I knew about watch design. The 42mm case actually wears like a 39mm watch, the integrated rubber strap is supremely comfortable, and the domed sapphire crystal gives the whole package an optically striking effect.

If you’re interested in good design as much as you are watches, Ikepod is a brand worth owning at some point throughout your collecting journey.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 42mm
• Case Thickness: 15.9mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Silicone
• Dial Colour: Dark grey
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Movement: Quartz Miyota movement
• Power Reserve: three-year battery life

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Bamford London GMT Heritage

I’ve known a couple of friends who’ve owned Bamford watches in the past, but it wasn’t until I had the pleasure of working at Time+Tide, during the era of its first collab with the brand, that I owned one.

While the Time+Tide limited edition has since sold out, you can still buy from the collection of watches that it’s based on. It’s a range of great designs – more than solid in terms of value for money.

Featuring a 40mm stainless steel case and powered by the workhorse Sellita SW330-2 automatic movement (which can be serviced anywhere in the world at an affordable price), the GMT bezel can be rotated via the second crown at 10 o’clock.

While the bracelet is a little fiddly to add or remove links from – I wouldn’t recommend trying it at home – this is another great design for the frequent flyer (or anybody who needs to track a second time zone abroad, really).

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 11.7mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Sellita SW330-2
• Power Reserve: 56 hours

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Citizen 200m Promaster Mechanical Diver NB6021-68L

Citizen is a well-known Japanese watchmaker, selling high-quality, affordable timepieces, and this Promaster Mechanical Diver is the consummate example.

Featuring a sandblasted 41mm titanium case and workhorse calibre 9051 movement, it’s lightweight on the wrist, water resistant to 200m, and robust enough to handle any situation you might encounter in your day-to-day.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 41mm
• Case Thickness: 12.3mm
• Case Material: Super titanium
• Bezel Material: Aluminium
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Super titanium
• Dial Colour: Blue
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Movement: Calibre 9051 automatic
• Power Reserve: 42 hours

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Furlan Marri Blue Sector

Furlan Marri is another young heritage-inspired brand producing fantastically designed timepieces at a price range that most should be able to afford. While there’s no in-house movement that you’d find in similar expensive watches, you’re getting a 37.5mm stainless steel case with some truly spectacular lugs (kept slim at just 10.5mm in thickness) and a G100 mechanical movement with a solid 68 hours of power reserve. A fine-taste classic in the making.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 37.5mm
• Case Thickness: 10.5mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Leather
• Dial Colour: Blue
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Movement: Manually wound G100
• Power Reserve: 68 hours

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TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph

The TAG Heuer Formula 1 is a cult classic among some collector circles, and recently, the watchmaker revived the collection (alongside a collaboration with KITH) to the delight of fans around the world. Measuring 38mm in diameter and arriving with either a rubber strap or steel bracelet, the collection is now powered by a solar quartz movement that uses the solar energy of the sun to power the watch. Very, very cool indeed.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 38mm
• Case Thickness: 9.9mm
• Case Material: TH-Polylight
• Bezel Material: TH-Polylight
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Rubber
• Dial Colour: Various
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Solar quartz TH50-00
• Power Reserve: Solar-powered battery

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Seiko Presage SPB445 Porcelain Dial

Just like its premium sibling in Grand Seiko, the more affordable Seiko has a deep archive from which to draw inspiration and a history of making some truly spectacular porcelain dials. The Seiko Presage SPB445 is one such watch, featuring a pure white ceramic dial with blue dial printing and a wearable case that measures a touch over 40mm. In the context of Swiss-made watches with similar dials, this Seiko represents an extremely compelling value proposition.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40.6mm
• Case Thickness: 12.5mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Porcelain
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: 6R5H
• Power Reserve: 72 hours

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Mido Ocean Star Tribute

The Mido Ocean Star Tribute isn’t breaking the mould when it comes to diving watch design, but that’s exactly what is so great about it. It’s familiar, it’s well balanced and with 200m of water resistance and the Mido Calibre 80 inside serving up an impressive 80 hours of power reserve, it’s an elevated dive watch that doesn’t sacrifice its functionality.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40.5mm
• Case Thickness: 13.4mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Movement: Automatic Mido Calibre 80
• Power Reserve: 80 Hours

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$3,001 to $5,000

Anoma A1 Optical

I was fortunate enough to meet up with Matteo, the founder of Anoma, while in Geneva for Watches & Wonders 2024, and see a prototype of his debut release in the A1 – a timepiece that’s a little different to most watches we’ve seen before. It was so good, I ordered one (despite a six-month production wait), and have loved owning it ever since.

The A1 is directly inspired by a free-form table designed by French architect Charlotte Perriand in the late 1930s, featuring a triangular mirror-polished case vaguely reminiscent of the legendary Cartier Pebble.

Kept comfortably slim with a profile that measures just 9.45mm in thickness, it sits neatly beneath a shirt cuff and arrives with a dial that’s been decorated with multiple layers of lacquer to achieve the precise tonal shade of blue you see above.

It’s great to see watch designers embracing a slightly more adventurous approach – drawing inspiration from sources other than the watch industry itself – and the Anoma A1 is a shining example of this new creative energy.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 39mm (but wears like 37mm)
• Case Thickness: 9.45mm
• Case Material: 316L  Steel
• Bezel Material: 316L Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Leather strap
• Dial Colour: Silver or copper
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Movement: Swiss automatic Sellita SW100
• Power Reserve: 42 hours

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Fears Brunswick 38 Polar White

Fears is one of Britain’s oldest watchmakers and understands what goes into a quality watch. This hand-built Brunswick 38 is a shining example of the brand’s legacy.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 38mm
• Case Thickness: 11.8mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: White
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: ETA 7001
• Power Reserve: 40 hours

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VPC Type 37HW

At first glance, the Type 37HW might seem familiar, but look closer, and it’s the details that set it apart. From the razor-sharp case lines to the subtly tapered bracelet and a bespoke dial font created specifically for VPC, every millimetre has been meticulously – even obsessively – considered.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 37.5mm
• Case Thickness: 9.8mm
• Case Material: 316L Stainless steel
• Bezel Material: 316L Stainless steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: 316L Stainless steel
• Dial Colour: Blue
• Water Resistance: 120m
• Movement: COSC Sellita SW216-1
• Power Reserve: 42 hours

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TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph

Although I’ve never personally owned an Aquaracer, this newish member of the Solargraph catalogue has me reconsidering. A super impressive watch with a dial that doubles as its solar cell, the titanium case and bracelet make this a stellar option for weekend warriors.

Boasting a dark grey appearance and light blue highlights, it marks the beginning of a new, cutting-edge era at TAG. At this price point, we’re completely on board.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 10.96mm
• Case Material: Titanium
• Bezel Material: Titanium
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Titanium
• Dial Colour: Grey
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Movement: TH50-00
• Power Reserve: three years of battery life

RELATED: A Week With The TAG Heuer Carrera ‘Glassbox’

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Baume & Mercier Riviera 10659

We’re big fans of Baume & Mercier here at Boss Hunting, with the Riviera collection being one of the very first watches to feature an integrated case and bracelet when it was first launched 50 years ago (fun fact: just a year after the first Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet).

Today, it remains a core part of the brand’s catalogue, and this reference features a 42mm steel case, an impressively comfortable rubber strap and the calibre BM11893-2 GMT movement that tracks two time zones, making this a fantastic daily travel watch.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 42mm
• Case Thickness: 11mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Rubber
• Dial Colour: Blue
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Automatic calibre BM11893-2
• Power Reserve: 45 hours

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Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono

A classic chronograph design from Hamilton, the two-tone dial of the Intra-Matic Auto Chrono is eye-catching without being over the top and wears comfortably thanks to its 40mm case (even if it is a little thick at 14.45mm). Powered by the automatic chronograph H-31 calibre, it offers 60 hours of power reserve and, with 100m of water resistance, isn’t a watch you’ll need to treat with kid gloves.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 14.45mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Leather
• Dial Colour: White with black subdials
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: H-31 automatic movement
• Power Reserve: 60 hours

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$5,001+

NOMOS Glashütte Club Sport neomatik Worldtimer Silver Reference 791

It’s been a few years since NOMOS released a category-leading worldtimer watch, but this freshly debuted Club Sport neomatik is a winner. Equal parts slender and sporty, it’s less than 10mm thick and has 100m of water resistance, making it a perfect holiday partner.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 9.9mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Silver
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Neomatik Calibre DUW 3202
• Power Reserve: 42 hours

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Sinn U18

Featuring a case crafted using German Submarine Steel that was sourced from the decommissioned U-18 submarine, this limited edition from Sinn is water-resistant down to 2,000m. Not 200m, 2,000m.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 44mm
• Case Thickness: 15.5mm
• Case Material: German Submarine Steel
• Bezel Material: German Submarine Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: German Submarine Steel
• Dial Colour: High gloss blue
• Water Resistance: 2,000m
• Movement: SW300-1
• Power Reserve: 56 hours

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Tips for Buying Affordable Watches

A good piece of advice to follow if you’re buying any watch (no matter how much it costs) is to do some research. Not necessarily dozens of hours poring over technical manuals, but at the very least, a little light reading.

Start by drilling down into the specific niche of watches you’re interested in — whether they be dive watches or dressy chronographs — and then find out what’s available, and comfortably in your budget.

Another useful tip is to avoid crowdfunded projects unless the team behind the watch in question has a proven track record of making great timepieces.

Admittedly, a number of brands in this list began life on Kickstarter (e.g. Ikepod, Baltic, and Furlan Marri), but all of them were started by people who had either prior experience in the watch industry or were well-known in the collecting community.

Beyond research about your next purchase, do some digging into the people behind the brands, too and if they’re being launched anonymously? Well, that right there should immediately tell you something.

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Now that you’ve taken a look at this buying guide for affordable watches, check out these other buying guides below:

• The Best Rolex Watches To Buy
• The Best Longines Watches To Buy
• The Best IWC Watches Money To Buy
• The Best Tudor Watches To Buy