9 BEST WATCHES UNDER $500 - REVIEW
Do your research, spend what you can afford, and enjoy the satisfaction of owning a watch that is worth more than you paid for it; this isn't a "cheap" watch or something you're compromising on. Even if the loudmouthed guy next to you has a more expensive watch, it's perfectly acceptable to wear a less expensive one.
If you're going to buy a watch, don't even think about the price. It is important to find a design you like, in the right size, with the features you need and at a reasonable price. Make sure to keep in mind that for just a few dollars more, you can get both metal bracelets and leather straps. Here we compiled a selection of the best automatic watches under $500.
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It may not be for everyone, but for those looking for a bold and aggressive-looking dive watch, the Seiko Monster Vintage's instantly recognizable design will catch your eye. The dial of the watch has a vintage patina sunburst blue color with applied Lumibrite markers. The cyclops lens on this iteration of the Monster is longer than previous versions, making it easier to see the day and date. The Monster is a great value for the money at just under $500.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 42.4mm
- Thickness: 13.4mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 49.4mm
- Lug Width: 20mm
- Water Resistance: 200m
- Movement: Auto Seiko 4R36
- Power Reserve: 41 Hours, Crystal: Hardlex
Reason to Buy
- Suitable for air diving, the 200 meter water resistance makes this a good choice.
- Screw the back of the case on.
- A one-way bezel.
- Push-button release double-lock clasp
Reason to Avoid
- Chapter rings appear to be mismatched in some cases.
- The band's performance is subpar.
Aside from the Mako II and Ray II, which were two of Orient's most popular models, the Kamasu is Orient's latest diver. Even though the Kamasu dive watch has only the most basic features, its reliable movement, sapphire crystal, wearable case, and attractive appearance have swiftly made it one of the best value propositions in watchmaking.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 41.8mm
- Thickness: 12.8mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 46.3mm
- Lug Width: 22mm
- Water Resistance: 200m
- Movement: Auto Orient Caliber F6922
- Power Reserve: 40 Hours, Crystal: Mineral
Reason to Buy
- Crystallized sapphire
- Unidirectional Bezel with 120 clicks
- An automated movement made in Japan
- 41.8mm is the case diameter.
- Although it is water-resistant to a depth of 200 meters (660 feet)
- It is not suitable for scuba diving.
Reason to Avoid
- Smaller-than-expected crown
- Insufficient grip and control of the bezel (feels stiff)
- There are no lugs that have been drilled.
This 5th version of the Orient Bambino stands out from the rest thanks to its clean dial and vintage-style Arabic numerals, which elevates it above the rest of its predecessors. Although it's a tad thicker than most dress watches because of its domed crystal, it's comfortable to wear. It's impossible to fault this watch's Orient-made movement, especially at such a low price.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 40.5mm
- Thickness: 12mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 47mm
- Lug Width: 21mm
- Water Resistance: 30m
- Movement: Auto Orient Caliber F6724
- Power Reserve: 40 Hours
- Crystal: Domed mineral glass
Reason to Buy
- Crystal Domed Box
- Domed Dials
- An automated movement made in Japan
- 40.5mm is the case diameter.
- Splashes or brief immersion in water are no match for this item, which is only water-resistant up to a depth of 30 meters (100 feet).
Reason to Avoid
- No cons
Despite its small size, this stylish diving watch has a lot going for it in terms of unique design features. This diver has a water resistance rating of up to 200 meters, so you can use it in the shower or a hot tub without fear of damage. That, of course, also means that you can use it while scuba diving. Powerful luminescence illuminates its hands and numbers, as well as its 12-o'clock emphasis on the outside bezel, when it is dark. This watch can be worn every day thanks to its day-and-date feature.
The Orient Mako II, despite its automatic movement, requires manual winding, clocking in at between 4+ and 6+ a day. Second hacking allows you to fine-tune the secondhand for even more accurate timekeeping. Its stainless steel band, which is both polished and brushed, is both stylish and durable.
Specs
- Case Diameter – 41.5mm
- Thickness – 13mm
- Lug to Lug Length – 47mm
- Lug Width – 22mm.
- Movement: Orient F6922 Automatic, 21,600vph (3Hz), Hackable, Self Winding, 40hr Power Reserve.
- Case Material: Brushed 316L Stainless Steel with Polished Accents.
Reason to Buy
- Water-resistance: 200 meters
- Unidirectional bezel with a 120-click button
- A traditional look and feel
Reason to Avoid
- It must be made by hand
- Crowns are difficult to wind.
The Citizen Chandler Chronograph is a straightforward timepiece with a wide, easy-to-read dial for easy nighttime reading. With two push buttons, the chronograph feature can be used and deactivated, while the two subdials at 10- and 6-o'clock keep track of the time going by (ts 2-o-clock sundial presents the military time). Although the grommets on the nylon strap of this watch are a bit large, it still makes it difficult to change the buckle. The Citizen Chandler Chronograph does not require a battery change because it is solar-powered and has a power reserve of 150 days.
Its water resistance, while not as strong as other options on this list, gives enough protection in the rain and in moist situations, which also makes it acceptable for hikes and unexpected weekends. This watch comes in a variety of colors, including green and blue, and may be paired with a variety of outfits.
Specs
- 39 millimeters is the width of the case.
- Water resistance of one hundred meters
- Solar-powered
- Eco-drive solar Movement.
- Mineral crystal.
- 328.1 Ft water resistance
Reason to Buy
- Large, easily read dial
- The hands and hour marks have a strong luminescence.
- Excellent battery and movement
Reason to Avoid
- The band's grommets obstruct the buckle.
Clean and stylish, this Swatch quartz timepiece is part of the Swiss brand's ever-changing collection of one-off designs. Fluorescent yellow second hand and indices make the white dial easy to see and read. Its colorful internal workings are visible when you turn it over, thanks to the translucent case.
Spec
- A casing with a width of 34mm
- water resistance of 100 feet
- thickness: 8.75
- Height: 39.20
- Movement. Quartz
- Strap Material. BIO-SOURCED MATERIAL.
Reason to Buy
- 100-Foot-Resistance
- International Warranty of Two Years
- You can get a new battery for your watch for free at any Swatch retailer.
Reason to Avoid
- No cons
Spec
- Watch size (mm): 42.00
- Thickness (mm): 13.80
- Height (mm): 50.60
Movement: Automatic
Water resistant: 3 Bar.
Reason to Buy
- A watch with a plethora of cutting-edge features
- Automatic wristwatch for a pittance
- A 90-hour battery life!
Reason to Avoid
- Completely disposable and beyond repair
- Plastic buckles are prone to tearing and breaking.
- Heavy and obnoxious
The SARB033 and 035 are often compared to this watch because of its simplicity and functionality. Although the Visodate is only water-resistant to 30 meters, it is still a wonderful entry-level watch from a renowned Swiss watchmaker.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 40 mm
- Thickness: 11.6 mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 47 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Movement: Auto ETA 2836-2
- Power Reserve: 38 Hours
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal
Reason to Buy
- A dress watch that is both stylish and sleek.
- Most men's wrists can fit a 40 mm diameter, which is a moderate size.
- Because there is no bezel, the 40mm diameter will appear much larger than it actually is.
- The watch has a classic look thanks to the domed crystal.
- The sapphire crystal is scratch-resistant
- Having the ability to see the current date and time is quite convenient.
- The rotor has been signed and the crown has been signed, among other little but noteworthy features.
Reason to Avoid
- If the crystal does not have an anti-reflective coating, the watch will be more difficult to view from certain angles.
The most durable digital watch can be upgraded to be the greatest. DW5600's successor, the GWM5610, is a water-resistant tank designed to withstand daily abuse and withstand submersion to a depth of 200 meters. It has five daily alarms, a backlight, a countdown timer, a stopwatch, and an auto-calendar, so you don't have to fiddle with it to account for leap years or shorter months once you set it up the first time. The GWM5610 uses radio waves to automatically synchronize the time at midnight to keep accurate atomic time. In the dark, this watch can run for up to 18 months on a single charge from its Tough Solar battery.
In contrast to previous G-Shock watches, the GWM5610 has a clean display that makes viewing the time and date a breeze. Mineral-based displays are exceedingly hard to scratch. Due to the watch's 43mm case width and high level of durability, it is suitable for daily use.
Specs
- Movement: Casio Quartz Digital Module 3159
- Thickness: 12.7mm
- Dimensions: 46.7mm x 43.2mm
- Water-resistance: 200m/ 660 feet
- Power reserve: 10
Reason to Buy
- Water- and impact-resistant
- Atomic timekeeping (radio-controlled)
- Backlit display that is crystal clear
Reason to Avoid
- The cost of different colors can be prohibitive.
FINAL OPINIONS ON THE BEST WATCHES under $500
The greatest watches under $500 show that comfort and quality don't have to come at the expense of your entire paycheck. SEIKO SBDY033 PROSPEX MONSTER VINTAGE proves it can hold a mantle to even the most lavish timepieces when it comes to reliability, water resistance, and casual wear ability. It's easy to read and will go with any outfit you throw at it because of its simplistic style.
THE WAY WE SELECTED THE BEST WATCHES UNDER $ 500
A combination of experiences, hands-on testing, previous suggestions, and web research helped us narrow down our list of the finest watches for under $500. In order to find the best timepieces for the majority of individuals, we looked at factors such as crystal quality, water resistance, brand names, and band types. To round out our research, kept tabs on the most often mentioned budget watches. The budget, accessibility, color variety, size, band and crystal quality, and water resistance were all taken into consideration while selecting our favorites.