Affordable Watch Brands
Watches are a time-consuming and fund-swallowing habit to get into, especially when you get into repairing your own watches, upgrading certain components, and really testing their limits to find out how far you can push the envelope. For you, our dear reader, we’ve listed the top nineteen watch brands that don’t drain your wallet, and make you look fantastic as possible. Trusted and time-tested brands with excellent movements, dial windows, cases, and simply exquisite craftsmanship throughout every timepiece they put together.
1. Victorinox
While this list is in no particular order, Victorinox does have a special place in the hearts of the Gear Hungry staff. You’ll recognize these guys by their history as being one of the only two companies to ever manufacture an authentic Swiss Army Knife, but they’ve done far more than just that.
They’re responsible for the I.N.O.X., one of the toughest watches on the planet. It’s over one-hundred and thirty years of cultivated knowledge, testing, dedication and expert watch-building all thrown into one model.
It isn’t just about their history, it’s about the way they look towards the future. Where a ton of other brands get stuck in the dust, they’ve walked the very fine line between budget-friendly prices, and maintaining their original ideal of how a proper men’s watch should look, feel, and operate. If you want to truly invest in a worthy timepiece, one with a notoriously lengthy warranty and dedicated support team, then Victorinox watches are the ones to start with.
2. Citizen
The Eco-Drive is one of the best bangs for your buck. Citizen has released so many watches in that lineup over the years that you have an immense amount to choose from, all in various affordable price ranges. Not only that, but they’re so renown and built on quality that they’re officially endorsed by Disney as the official timepiece of Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
The main draw to Citizen is that they haven’t forgotten what it means to provide excellent warranty fulfillment and customer service. It doesn’t matter if your Eco-Drive (or whichever one of their Citizen watches you choose) is five, ten or twenty years old, they’ll do their best to help you find a solution that’s right for you. Last but not least, they’re a very charitable company that partners with a ton of nonprofits, so you can feel good about saving money, and extending a hand to someone who needs it when you buy from Citizen.
3. MVMT
Are you ready to join the movement? MVMT is a company that saw the rigorous pricing modules of the current market for luxury watches and wanted to do better by water-lovers like you and me. Luxury has never been so affordable. Free worldwide shipping, two-year guarantee on all of their items, and rockstar customer service to boot. Problems? They’ve got your back. Warranty expired? They’ll still do what they can to help you out.
Beyond that, they’re just excellent watchmakers. We seriously enjoy many of their design choices when it comes to minimalist watches. Excellent movements, sturdy case construction, and the right sizing and material proportions that really make these masculine watches for the everyday man. Business, casual or anything in between, it pays to have an MVMT sitting pretty on your wrist.
4. Vincero
These relatively new gents have only been around for a few years, but they’re already making waves in the watchmaking community. Three gents started a company to bring luxury watches down to a lower price point, and they’re constantly releasing new models. Their watches are as low as $149 and rarely exceed $269, so you can mix, match, and not have to spend a fortune just to look good.
They use Japanese quartz movements on everything, stainless steel for the cases, and boast an impressive collection of chronographs that would make even the most reserved businessman squeal with joy. One of the best things about Vincero is that since they were birthed via Kickstarter and focus solely on online sales, they’re well-versed in what proper, attentive customer service should be. Top notch from top to bottom.
5. Tag Heuer
Tag Heuer is another great Swiss watchmaking company. They definitely roll out some of the more expensive models, but Tag has a reputation for some of the best customer service in history. Few watchmakers can match a fifth of their company’s age or half the quality.
They know what true men’s style is, and how to let you look your best. A standard 45mm watch case crafted of stainless steel, coupled with powerful analog movements make for an impactful style and time-tested quality that refuses to give up for anything. They’re a plain and simple company, the make what they know, and do it well, and that’s why we love Tag Heuer watches.
6. Tissot
The Swiss just do it better. Tissot is another fantastic, long-time watchmaker dating back to 1853. They’re the official timekeepers for championships in motorcycling, fencing and more, and they didn’t get that way just by chance. There were plenty of competitors, but they stood tall against every test and trial that their watches endured, and arose on top.
They’ve been at the forefront of the mechanical movement, keeping pace with other companies and exceeding them in many regards. Good old fashioned Swiss quartz for the movement, minimalist and classic designs for their watch faces, and a whole lot of classic flair are just a few of the reasons why this beloved brand is still alive and kicking. Tissot watches aren’t as inexpensive as Casios, but they make a fine addition to your budding collection, and provide massive value as time goes on.
7. Daniel Wellington
One way we can always spot a Daniel Wellington is in the band design. Innovative watch design, outstanding color selections, and the goods under the hood that really make it a powerful watch. Daniel Wellington is one of the most refined, minimalist watch brands on the market, because they stick with what they know, and what’s simple. There are far too many watches out there, brand name and off-shoot, that have far too much going on.
Then these guys come in to make it all better. Thinner bezels, flatter cases, and prominent crowns that don’t take away from the overall design or look too bulky. They pride themselves on an interchangeable strap design, and work tirelessly to maintain a truly versatile series of Daniel Wellington watches, bands and keep everything moving like clockwork.
8. Hamilton
Pre World War II, there were a ton of companies going under as a result of the Great Depression. Hamilton wouldn’t go out so easily. In fact, Hamilton US actually started in the middle of it all, in 1937 when there were less-than-ideal conditions to operate under, even on the homefront.
They’ve kept true to their prices as best they could, still pushing further with their affordable luxury. Above all, Hamilton has held one of the best reputations and records for customer service. Some of the best warranties you’ll ever find on any Hamilton watch, as well as innovative design. Chronograph, steel bracelets, Italian leather straps: nothing is outside the realm of possibility, and no expenses are spared when it comes to draping you in reliable, high-functioning clockwork components.
9. Invicta
Invicta represents a marine style without having to pay top dollar for a dive watch, and you’ll still walk away with Swiss-made, beautifully crafted timepieces that are built to last. Invicta focuses on quality and stays committed to the very best product fulfillment that just about any brand can promise. Invicta watches are inexpensive, effective, and attractive as can be.
Invicta’s Pro Diver series gives you a nautical feel while sticking to high-quality materials like scratch-resistant sapphire crystal dial windows, stainless steel bracelet construction or rubber straps, and a watertight chronograph that resists the fiercest of conditions. Their style goes a touch above the minimalist approach, leaving you with a full watch face and many moving parts, yet a harmonious feel to how everything works in tandem.
10. Timex
There are two sides to Timex: digital, and analog. They actually war against our next brand on the list, Casio, when it comes to cost-effective and durable watches that don’t burn a hole in your wallet. From the initial cost to replacing bands, everything sits in the lowest tier that we’d ever considered for a quality watch. Timex watches simply offer value, with a bit of a twist.
Timex is a brand you already knew about coming into this, and for good reason: they invent, reinvent, and define what an inexpensive watch should be. The Weekender is among our top picks, built with a brass case, mineral dial window, and nylon band that’s simple to switch out when yours frays as time goes on.
11. Casio
Who hasn’t heard of the G-Shock watches or Edifice watches? Casio is an American staple in watches, but it’s not just their extremely affordable prices that draw people to this classic brand. Casio is the department store watch that actually holds up, it’s the outdoorser timepiece that withstands the elements and every bit of hell you put it through. We’re big fans of their classic quartz digital watches, use of stainless steel, and dedication to the highest quality ingredients they could possibly muster in their price ranges.
They don’t simply end it there, though. They’re a leading brand in the smartwatch space, taking more than just apps and simple commands to the next level. Casio is always evolving, always lowering their prices, and still provide customers with some of the best warranties and support of any watch brand. Affordable? Yes. Stupendous even after the final sale? You betcha.
12. Diesel
We didn’t just give Diesel watches their own buying guide for nothing. These creative geniuses are specifically in our sights for their, well, lack of attention: they permit so much creative freedom to their design teams that they’re actually producing over 3,000 brand new designs and items every single season. That’s not only insane, but it works. They output some of the most unique designs, which also makes them exclusive and manufactured in small batches. No two Diesel products are alike.
It’s that lack of linear purpose that draws us to them. They’re built to be built on, elements of your design that make their own place, but also give you the opportunity to morph them into whatever you want them to be. Large watch cases, prominent crowns, minimalist markings, and an army of unique-looking leather bands that stray far away from the norm. Diesel’s a testament to what many watch companies should be striving to be.
13. Bulova
There are few minds as fantastic and fanatical about watches as Joseph Bulova, the creator of this fantastic watch brand. These pioneers will long be remembered for their astonishing achievement in 2016, where they created the first curved chronograph movement made entirely from their raw engineering talent, and a long line of application, trial and error. Standing tall for over 140 years, this time-tested brand has earned numerous partnerships with top-tier companies, and been the face of some serious men’s fashion over the past three decades.
Alright, since you asked, our favorite piece is the Marine Star. Masculine, bold, regal, rose gold around the edges: it’s impossible not to fall in love with it on sight. Gazing into the dial window, you’re wrapped up in the Roman numerals, the subdials that look like clockwork eyes, and the black frame encircling the bezel that extends to the triple crowns. It’s truly fantastic, and only one of the many Bulova watches that will forever shape male fashion.
14. Raymond Weil
A relatively new player to the field, Raymond Weil started in the 70’s, and before you guess, it’s another Swiss-made watch company. We go to the Germans for superior vehicles, and we go to the Swiss for their unstoppable hunger for authentically fantastic watch designs and applications. You’ll be able to get the real feeling of Swiss-powered mechanical timepieces by dipping into your coffers and investing in Raymond Weil, the affordable luxury watch company that’s lying in wait to make you a more dapper version of yourself.
You can’t deny the immediate appeal and beautiful design of the Amadeus collection, sporting gold striking through the center of the stainless steel bracelet, carving its way into the watch face and spilling throughout its reaches. There’s even a touch of gold in the markings, blended with other materials to make a visible yet almost milky yellow aesthetic, one that you can’t look away from. If it’s regality you’re going for but your pockets are a bit more shallow than you’d like, RW’s the place to go.
15. Seiko
Seiko is a name you should definitely be aware of if you’re interested in watches, but just in case you aren’t, it’s time for a proper introduction. Seiko produces some of the most valuable and durable Japanese quartz movements and crafted an entire US line of watches and products to bring out the full force of their creativity and stellar designs. Among our favorite is the Cortura, a stainless steel masterpiece with a similar bracelet, prominent crown, and a ton of swagger to offer you while you’re wearing it.
The main reason everyone loves Seiko watches is their long-standing dedication to quality, both in terms of their watches and their customer service. It would be a cold day in hell before any of us would believe Seiko offered poor customer support to one of their many worldwide fans. You have options ranging from $100 to $400, making up most of their collection, and giving you a ton of room to play around with. You’ll be able to find your perfect fit in this price range, guaranteed.
16. Luminox
Luminox has graced our hiking watch buying guide as well as provided some really innovative features for us to talk about here on Gear Hungry. As you might have imagined, they’re another stellar Swiss watch brand, built tough and designed to work against every condition you put it up against. They’ve not only been one of the most durable watch companies available to consumers, but they’re also a provider to the Navy SEALs, Nick North and other organizations.
Get this: they’ve only been around since 1989, and they’re absolutely crushing it. When we talk about Swiss watchmakers, they’re usually pushing or past a century old, but these gents took the design elements and manufacturing habits of their competitors, and put them into modern practice. It’s partially why they get to keep their costs so low, and provide you with hiking, fishing and outdoor watches that withstand the elements right alongside you. You will love Luminox watches.
17. Movado
You’re not exactly happy with paying a hundred bucks for a watch, but you can’t imagine spending the cash on a Rolex right now. We’ve found the middle ground, and it’s Movado. They not only supply exclusive watches to Coach, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger and more, but they put their craftsmanship into truly stunning minimalist designs. One of our personal favorites, a true testament to their style, is the Temo Stainless Steel Bracelet watch, with the most minimalist way of going about the markings.
They provide excellent water resistance ratings, utilize the finest components to build each watch, and use scratch-resistant sapphire dial windows to provide a seamless, flawless look throughout the years. You can put these through hell and back, and they’ll still turn like clockwork, and look just as fantastic as the day you bought it. If you love minimalist watches, this one is the way to go.
18. Fossil
A favorite here on Gear Hungry, Fossil provides a ton of value for the cash spent (that is why we’re all here, isn’t it?). Notably, we’re talking about the Grant Blue Silvertone watch, a 44mm stainless steel, blue-and-leather masterpiece, among the many others they’ve successfully crafted over the years. Fossil teeters between the prices of Casio and the quality of Citizen, bringing in classic design elements that we all know and love, and building it up to their specifications.
They’re a big fan of minimalist designs, but they really do a killer job when it comes to properly using Roman numerals in tandem with two to three subdials. It’s just enough business on the Fossil watch face without being overwhelming, and it brings some serious style that you won’t find anywhere else. They use mineral dial windows, stainless steel cases and bezels, and have the perfect sizes to accentuate a man’s masculine features.
19. Nixon
The finest steel has to go through the hottest fire. Well, that’s the wrong Nixon we quoted, but you get the idea. They’re a finely-crafted collection of minimalist designs, dedicated to making the little things about timepieces better. With a focus on color, design quality and sharp lines, these watches are a fantastic way to dress up or dress down any attire, giving you a versatile timepiece to slap on your wrist at a moment’s notice. Promotion on the line? Date night? Doesn’t matter. Nixon is there to augment your appearance.
Using a blend of high-quality products such as mineral crystal dial windows, buckle clasp deployments of stainless steel, and metal/steel bezels, you get the best of the luxury watch world, without having to throw your funds headfirst into the mix. Some of the best Nixon watches ever made, ones that are still on the market today, go for a meager $125.00, some even cheaper. They’re upset with the way things are, and work to show gentlemen like you that you don’t have to empty your bank account to look like you know a thing or two about luxury watches.
Where Will Time Take You?
We all have our own place in time, but not all of us have a proper way to track it. How will time define you, and where will it take you? Grab the right watch, build your collection, and stick with nineteen of the most well-recognized timekeepers on the globe.
