In the business world, a great watch can serve as much more than just a break room talking point. In fact, an attractive watch can open doors and gain the attention of superiors in your search for a promotion. The problem for many business people early in their careers is that they don’t have the money necessary to buy a really expensive, impressive watch just for appearances and the hope of potential advancement.
However, that’s not as big of a problem as you might think. Did you know that you could find some of the most beautiful business watches in the marketplace today for less than $150? It may seem daffy when compared to a Rolex that costs more than most new cars, but it’s true. There are some really great watch brands out there putting together quality time pieces that look the part without costing you an arm and a leg.
Whether you’re looking for a self-winding automatic watch or a quartz watch that has a crisp and easy to read dial aesthetic, there are definitely options out there for the businessman on a budget. We’ve scoured through dozens of potential contenders, parsing through them one by one to create our list of the 6 Best Business Watches For Under $150.
Without further ado, let’s get to our list!
Top 6 Business Watches For Less Than $150
6) AVI-8 Men’s Hawker Harrier II Quartz Stainless Steel Watch
- MOVEMENT : Japan Quartz 3 Hands with Day and Date
- Stainless Steel case with genuine leather strap
- Japanese-quartz Movement
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Water resistant to 50m (165ft: in general, suitable for short periods of recreational swimming, but not diving or snorkeling
Originally developed for pilots, the Hawker Harrier II Quartz Stainless Steel Watch leans into its loose and wild aesthetic without becoming too overwhelming. The result is a watch which balances the busyness of its dial scheme with a business-first feel which will work with both suits and business casual attire. The real selling point of this watch is the accuracy of the Japanese quartz movement which will keep you on time for important meetings and dinner outings with coworkers. This watch has its flaws, but it’s still one of our favorites at the price point.
Specs
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Tang Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 44 mm
Case Thickness: 11 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Width: 21.5 mm
Strap Color: Green
Dial Color: Green
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Pros
- The Japanese quartz movement is fantastically precise and rarely loses time. It’s never going to let you down in advance of an important meeting.
- There’s something special and atypical about the organization of the dial information. It doesn’t quite add up and it’s really cool that way.
- This watch has pretty strong water resistance and won’t get damaged if you forget to take it off before a shower or something.
Cons
- This watch can feel a bit tight on larger wrists. It does adjust pretty well, but it still feels like it cuts into bigger wrists just a bit.
- The dial scheme can feel a bit nonsensical and might be a bit too distracting to those with visual impairments. It’s not the most traditionally stunning aesthetic either, so it may not be for everyone.
5) Skagen SKW6082 Ancher Watch
- Skagen celebrates the Danish way of life: free, spontaneous, and in the moment. Our watches and jewelry are fueled by a love of modern design, playing with color and current fashion influences.
- Case size: 40mm; Band size: 22mm; quartz movement with 3-hand analog display and date window; mineral crystal face; imported
- Stainless steel case; white dial with black hands and Arabic numerals
- Genuine light brown leather band with buckle closure
- Water resistant to 100 feet (30 M): withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, but not suitable for swimming or showering
For the no-nonsense businessman who prides themselves in being direct, there’s the Skagen SKW6082 Ancher Watch. Its sturdy stainless steel case serves as a eye-catching frame for the simple white dial. There’s not much in the way of extraneous features or flash, and it honestly serves this watch so well. We especially love how the soft brown leather strap contrasts with the dial and case for a soft pop that doesn’t overpower anything you’re wearing. This is one of the more aesthetically pleasing watches on our countdown, even if it’s exceedingly simple in how it accomplishes that.
Specs
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Tang Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 45 mm
Case Thickness: 13 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Width: 25 mm
Strap Color: Brown
Dial Color: White
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Movement: Quartz Movement
Pros
- When simplicity is done right in a watch, it can catch the eye even more than some of the more complex designs out there. This is a case of simplicity done extremely right.
- The mineral glass dial window is super clear and actually pretty strong compared to other dial windows of the same ilk.
- The quartz movement is reliable and rarely loses time, making it the perfect watch to keep your meetings and business dates.
Cons
- While we love the way the leather band contrasts against the rest of the watch, it’s a bit firm and not super comfy until you break it in.
- While this watch has a water resistant rating of 30 meters, we’re kinda skeptical about that. Try to keep this out of the shower or bath. Water resistance is not its strong suit.
4) MVMT Men’s Minimalist Vintage Watch
- THE FIRST MVMT. Only the first of its kind can become an icon. Our flagship watch changed the game with a California minimalist dial, bold case construction and unexpected color pops. Experience a new kind of classic.
- SOPHISTICATED MOVEMENT- Battery powered 3 hand Miyota Quartz movement with date function.
- DURABLE AND WATER RESISTANT- Water Resistant up to 3 ATM/30 Meters. Perfect for carefree everyday use and can take light rain and sweat. Glass case made of hardened mineral crystal for enhanced durability.
- DESIGNED IN THE USA- Premium on-trend Watches and accessories, designed at our headquarters in Los Angeles.
- TWO YEAR GUARANTEE- We're so confident you'll love what we do that we offer a two-year guarantee on everything we make
The bold aesthetic of the MVMT Men’s Minimalist Vintage Watch is perfectly counterbalanced by it’s simple, no frills approach. If you’re new to the business world and want to make a real statement with the watch around your wrist, this is the one to do it if you’re buying on a budget. The black dial of this watch is accentuated beautifully by the deep black hour and minute hands and the bright red second hand. The white numeral date window is brought into focus but the dark colors around it, adding a touch that brings everything together. This watch is for the bold ones who still want to convey a no nonsense approach at the office.
Specs
Display Type: Analog
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 45 mm
Case Thickness: 10 mm
Strap Width: 24 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Movement: Quartz Movement
Pros
- There isn’t another watch on this countdown in the same vein. It’s a really unique watch from an aesthetic standpoint and will definitely get you noticed.
- The quartz movement is precise and doesn’t lose seconds like other movements at the same price point.
- The black-on-black design with splashes of red and white is a real game changer. This is the kind of watch which will please older watch lovers and younger businessmen in different ways.
Cons
- The water resistance of this watch is not exactly great. It has a water resistant rating of 30 meters, but that’s pushing it.
- The band feels a bit stiff and takes some time to soften for optimal wearing.
3) Timex Men’s Weekender Chronograph Watch
- Adjustable brown 20mm genuine leather slip-thru strap fits up to 8-inch wrist circumference
- Cream dial with full Arabic numerals; 24-hour military time
- Silver-tone 40mm brass case with mineral glass crystal
- Indiglo light-up watch dial
- Water resistant to 30m (100ft): in general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, but not suitable for swimming or bathing
If you’re not familiar with the Timex brand, you’re missing out. They are a watch industry leader when it comes to putting out beautiful watches at affordable price points. And the Timex Weekender Chronograph Watch is no different. In fact, it’s one of our favorite Timex offerings for the office thanks to its simple white dial/black numeral combination and the attractive brown leather band it’s juxtaposed against. No matter what color suit you wear or where your wear it to, the Timex Weekender Chronograph Watch is a looker plain and simple.
Specs
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Tang Buckle
Case Material: Brass
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Thickness: 9mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Width: 20 mm
Strap Color: Brown
Dial Color: White
Bezel Material: Brass
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Movement: Quartz Movement
Pros
- There’s a timeless quality to this watch that’s so pleasing to the eye. It really adds a touch of class to anything you’re wearing, be it strictly business or business casual.
- The quartz movement on this watch rarely has issues even at the end of the watch’s battery life.
- The brass case and bezel combination is pretty durable compared to other watches at this price point.
Cons
- The ticking of this watch can be pretty loud and kind of distracting for some.
- The band is a bit thin and kind of flimsy for some people’s tastes.
2) Seiko 5 Black Dial Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
- Featuring a Silver-tone Band, Silver-tone Case, Scratch Resistant Hardlex Crystal
- Box and Packaging: Our watch box are original but it is for Asia region, it might be different in the picture shown or different with box for US and EU market
- Gender: Mens -Water Resistant: - Dial Material: Hardlex
The one thing we really love about the Seiko 5 Black Dial Men’s Watch is how it approximates the luxury look without the luxury price tag. The stainless steel band and case mix perfectly with the black dial for an aesthetic which wouldn’t be out of place in the Rolex oeuvre. That’s an amazing connection to make considering that this watch costs about 100 times less than the cheapest Rolex you can find! In addition, the Seiko brand name is a mark of budget excellence. Seiko churns out quality watches at affordable prices over and over and over again. This is one of their best and the kind of business watch that will get looks from both watch aficionados and the uninitiated alike.
Specs
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Deployment Clasp
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 38 mm
Case Thickness: 10 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Width: 19 mm
Strap Color: Silver
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Movement: Automatic Movement
Pros
- It’s rare to find an automatic movement this precise in a watch that costs under $1,000, let alone $150. Seiko knows how to make a great budget automatic watch movement, and this watch is proof of that.
- This might be the best luxury watch you’re going to find that isn’t a luxury watch. If you’re trying to get ahead, you might even fool some people with just how refined this watch looks.
- The stainless steel case/band and dark dial combination is a real looker. It’s also extremely versatile and can go with many different outfit color schemes.
Cons
- Stainless steel watch bands are polarizing from a comfort standpoint and this band is no different. It can feel a bit heavy and off-centered on smaller wrists.
- The water resistance of this watch is solid but not great. We don’t recommend wearing this watch in the pool or bathtub.
1) Casio Edifice Men’s Watch
- A luminous coating provides long-term illumination in the dark after only a short exposure to light
- The current date is shown on the display
- The tough mineral glass resists scratching
This might be a controversial choice for our #1 slot as the overloaded dial aesthetic isn’t for everyone. However, we absolutely adore the Casio Edifice Men’s Watch and the amount of information it provides at such a reduced price point. Furthermore, the stainless steel case/band combination pops so nicely when balanced against the black dial and all of the numerals, sub-dials, and markers printed upon it. This watch will stand out from any outfit and get you the kind of attention which could lead to your first or next promotion. Casio does budget watches right, and this one is the pinnacle of budget business watches in our humble opinion.
Specs
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Deployment Clasp
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 45 mm
Case Thickness: 11 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Width: 18 mm
Strap Color: Silver
Dial Color: Black
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Movement: Quartz Movement
Pros
- The unique dial aesthetic was a huge reason why we placed this in the #1 slot on our countdown of the best budget business watches. It’s hard to look away from and will definitely get noticed.
- When it comes to stainless steel band/case combinations at this price point, very few look this clean and luxurious. It’s an absolute dream in that respect.
- If you want a gaudy watch that mixes luxury affects with Casio’s trademark ingenuity, you have a winner. This watch will do it for ya.
Cons
- Some detractors may consider the dial to be too busy and hard to read. If you have a visual impairment, this might not be the watch for you.
- While we find the stainless steel band to be comfy, it’s not for everyone. It can be a bit loose on smaller wrists, as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest luxury watch brand?
The cheapest luxury watch brand is a source of conjecture. After all, many people associate luxury watches with the money one spends to acquire them. However, we look at luxury watches as more indicative of quality than expenditure. Therefore, our pick for the cheapest luxury watch brand is Seiko. When it comes to watches under $200, there isn’t a company out there which combines the class of the luxury aesthetic with quality materials that far outstrip the price of admission.
What are the best watches for the money?
Casio is one of the most beloved brands in the watch industry for a reason. Well known for their G-Shock series which pushes durability to its peak for a reduced price point, Casio also has a wide range of other time piece options which boast attractive aesthetics at affordable prices. That’s a big reason why we selected the Casio Edifice Men’s Watch as our #1 watch under $150. We trust the Casio brand name. In fact, we can’t think of one other brand at a similar price point which produces quality watches at such an impressive clip.
Whether you’re looking for a water resistant sports watch or an easy to read luminescent time piece, Casio definitely has you covered.
What features should I look for in the best business watches under $150?
The best business watches at a reduced price point need to have several things going for them. From strong water resistance to a durable stainless steel case, there are many key features to look for in the top watches under $150. Other things to consider include a comfy leather strap, a Japanese quartz or automatic movement, an easy-to read dial, a mineral glass or Hardlex dial window, and a unique design which pops off your wrist aesthetically. One of these features would be nice, but the top watches at this price point should have multiple things going for them.
Closing Thoughts
When it comes to the best business watches under $150, you don’t have to sacrifice quality materials or luxury features if you know where to look. The six watches on our countdown above are the pinnacle of luxury at the cheapest of price points. Whether you’re looking for a stainless steel case or an automatic movement, there’s something for everyone on our list. And the great thing is that you don’t have to drain your bank account to own one of these amazing watches!