The Best Affordable Watches To Add To Your Collection Today

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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BH Approved: Our Favourite Affordable Watch On The Market

Tissot PRX

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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The Other Best Affordable Watches On The Market Right Now

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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Timex 1995 Intrepid Reissue

This hot new revival of the mid-90s watch favoured by style icon JKF Jr. is a dive-inspired timepiece we’re keen to get our hands on. And the best part? As a Timex, it won’t break the bank.

Resurrected with the help of Dimepiece and Foundwell, key features range from a substantial 46mm stainless-steel case, unique crown placement at four o’clock, robust black synthetic rubber strap, and a clean white dial with an angled reflector ring and prominent hour markers; to an INDIGLO® backlight for night visibility, activated by a dedicated bright green pusher on the case side beside nine o’clock; as well as a slide rule bezel with logarithmic scales for calculations (multiplication, division, percentages, and other unit conversions).

Very good buying, if you ask us.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 11mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Aluminium
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Rubber
• Dial Colour: White
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: CR2016
• Power Reserve: three-year battery life

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Serica Ref. 6190 M.S.L Field Watch

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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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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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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Casio G-Shock GWM5610

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 43.2mm in width, its case, bezel and strap are all made from super shock-resistant resin that’s also lightweight enough to keep the G-Shock GWM5610 to just 51g 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: 43.2mm
• Case Thickness: 12.7mm
• Case Material: Resin
• Bezel Material: Resin
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Resin
• Dial Colour: Digital display
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Movement: Tough solar quartz
• Power Reserve: two years when in power-saving mode

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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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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 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 Matrial: Rubber
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Movement: Quartz Ronda 5021-D chronograph movement
• Power Reserve: three years 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 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 thus 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 battery life

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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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Anoma A1

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: Dark blue
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Movement: Swiss automatic Sellita SW100
• Power Reserve: 42 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 simple, 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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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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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 onboard.

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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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 substantial presence on the wrist (without being too big or flashy) and enjoys 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 battery life

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Merci LMM-01 Field Watch

Another quality French-founded watch brand, the team behind Merci should be applauded for their straightforward approach to clean, uncluttered design.

This Field Watch is about as clean as it comes, with a 38mm stainless steel case, Seiko VH31 movement and fabric strap. Not to put too fine of a point on it: that’s a lot of watch for your money.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 38mm
• Case Thickness: 9mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Black fabric NATO
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Movement: Seiko VH31
• Power Reserve: three years battery life

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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: Caliber 9051 automatic
• Power Reserve: 42 hours

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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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Timex IRONMAN Classic 30

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: 12.73mm
• Case Material: Resin
• Bezel Material: Resin
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Resin
• Dial Colour: Digital display
• Water Resistance: 100m
• Movement: Quartz
• Power Reserve: three years battery life

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Furlan Marri Grey Sector Ref. 2145-A

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: Dark grey
• Water Resistance: 50m
• Movement: Manually wound G100
• Power Reserve: 68 hours

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Bertucci A-2T Classic

The field watch is an incredibly popular design from history and for good reason. Its design is simple and easy to read and the folks at Bertucci have created a well-executed version in the A-2T Classic, which features a 40mm sandblasted titanium case, 200m of water resistance and the Arabic numerals we know and love. A very strong value proposition.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 13.5mm
• Case Material: Titanium
• Bezel Material: Titanium
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Fabric NATO strap
• Dial Colour: Black
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Movement: Quartz movement
• Power Reserve: three years battery life

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Scurfa Diver One Titanium

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 leather strap won’t do much for this rough and read 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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Orient Bambino

Another fan-favourite Japanese brand, Orient is one of the best affordable watch brands out there and its Bambino dress watch is a cult classic thanks to its timeless design and affordable price point. Measuring 40.5mm in diameter and featuring a warm cream-tone dial, its blue steel hands offer the perfect contrast and make for a watch you can dress up or down depending on what the occasion demands.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40.5mm
• Case Thickness: 11.8mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Leather
• Dial Colour: Cream
• Water Resistance: 30m
• Movement: Caliber F6724
• Power Reserve: 40 hours

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TAG Heuer x KITH Formula 1

The TAG Heuer Formula 1 is a cult classic among some collector circles and this recent reissue (in collaboration with New York-based streetwear label KITH) generated more than its fair share of conversation within the community. Measuring 35mm in diameter and powered by a quartz movement (just like the original), it’s a fun new addition to the TAG Heuer catalogue – even if it’s a limited edition.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 35mm
• Case Thickness: 9.45mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Plastic
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: Cream
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Movement: Quartz
• Power Reserve: three years battery life

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Tissot Everytime Swissmatic

One of the more compelling everyday quartz watches, the Everytime Swissmatic from Tissot does everything you need it to, and nothing you don’t. It’s a bare-bones approach to time-telling that doesn’t overcomplicate things, simply offering the time and date in a slimline package that’s comfortable on the wrist at 40mm in diameter and looks great paired with its steel bracelet.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Case Thickness: 7.1mm
• Case Material: Steel
• Bezel Material: Steel
• Bracelet/Strap Material: Steel
• Dial Colour: White
• Water Resistance: 30m
• Movement: Quartz
• Power Reserve: three years battery life

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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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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 Caliber 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 Caliber 80
• Power Reserve: 80 Hours

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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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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 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