Best dress watches under 500

Dress watches are the perfect accessory for anyone looking to add class and gravitas to businesswear, formalwear, and every little black dress and form-fitting button-up shirt you can think of.

The watch world is full of expensive watches that promise to boost your style game for the same price as a down payment on a luxury car or house. Why spend thousands of dollars on dive watches, automatic watches, and quartz watches with fancy dial design schemes when you can find the right dress watch for you at a fraction of that cost?

You can find a great quartz watch or automatic watch with a lengthy power reserve for less than what you’d pay for a PlayStation 5 or even a PlayStation 4! We’ve even found men’s watches out there that look like luxury timepieces, last just as long, and cost less than $150 with shipping factored in!

Rather than forcing you to look for these classy little cost-effective wonders on your own, we’ve compiled our in-depth and definitive list of the 6 Best Dress Watches For Under $500 In 2021!

Let’s get going, shall we?

The 6 Best Budget Dress Watches For 2021

6) Bulova Dress Watch

You can count on the Bulova brand name when it comes to classy watches that buck trends and go their own way. The Bulova Dress Watch is eloquently designed with a well-constructed stainless steel band, watch dial with chronograph function and three sub-dials, and Arabic numbers around the edge. Everything is perfectly in place with budget timepiece, yet nothing feels ordinary or boring.

Specs

Display Window Material: Mineral Crystal

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Safety Fold-Over Clasp with Push Buttons

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 45 mm

Case Thickness: 13 mm

Strap Material: Stainless Steel

Strap Length: Men’s Standard

Strap Width: 26 mm

Strap Color: Silver

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Movement: Quartz

Water Resistance: 100 meters

Pros

• This has a similar durability level to a Casio sports watch. That’s a luxury when you consider how dressy this watch is.
• When it comes to bang for your buck, Bulova always delivers.
• The silver-and-black design scheme has a timeless quality to it.

Cons

• The mineral crystal dial window is solid enough, but it can lose its clarity over time.
• The stainless steel bracelet may feel a bit chunky to some watch enthusiasts.

5) Zeppelin Series Hindenburg Moon Phase Watch

Now, for something completely different. The Zeppelin Series Hinderburg Moon Phase Watch eschews normal dress watch rules while looking to the sky. The inclusion of a moon-phase calendar gives this classy timepiece a feel all its own, and the addition of a date sub-dial instead of a date window is a cool little touch. Also, the hour markers are given added pop thanks to an attractive font style. Add in an alligator leather strap that’s comfy out of the box, and this is a real supernova steal of a deal.

Specs

Display Window Material: Mineral

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Buckle

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 40 mm

Strap Material: Leather

Strap Length: Men’s Standard

Strap Width: 20 mm

Strap Color: Black

Dial Color: Silver

Movement: Swiss Quartz

Water Resistance: 30 meters

Pros

• The moon phase calendar is simply but elegantly designed.
• The Swiss quartz movement is exceedingly accurate.
• The silver-and-black aesthetic works well with a variety of different suit and dress colors.

Cons

• There’s a lot going on here on the dial. It can be disorienting for some.
• The black hour and minute hand can sometimes get camouflaged by the sheer amount of print on the dial.

4) Timex Marlin Hand-Wound Stainless Steel Watch

A lovingly crafted reissue of a classic Timex watch from the 1960s, the updated Timex Marlin Hand-Wound Watch is a low-cost mechanical watch that doesn’t skimp on style or quality. With a streamlined, thin watch design and touches of undeniable personality in the hour markers and color balance, this Timex homage may be even better than the original. And, that’s high praise indeed considering how popular that vintage watch was!

Specs

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Tang Buckle

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 32 mm

Case Thickness: 10 mm

Strap Material: Leather

Strap Length: Men’s Standard

Strap Width: 17.7 mm

Strap Color: Black

Dial Color: Beige

Movement: Manual Three-Hand

Water Resistance: 30 meters

Pros

• For those who dug the original Timex Marlin, this hand-wound heartthrob is a fantastic next step for the series.
• We dig the curvature of the hour markers and how they pop off the beige dial design.
• The manual three-hand movement is easy to set and perfect for the horological aficionado in your family.

Cons

• This watch is really small. Bigger wrists, beware.
• The dial may be too minimalist for some tastes.

3) Tissot Men’s Le Locle Stainless Steel Dress Watch

Elegant Roman numerals and sword-shaped hands? Check. A black leather watch band that fits snugly to most wrists with nothing sticking out in an unseemly fashion? Check. An 80-hour power reserve that puts automatic watches in its price range to shame? Well, you get the picture. The Tissot Men’s Le Locle Stainless Steel Dress Watch balances refinement and a long usage life for maximum return on your watch-buying investment.

Specs

Display Window Material: Synthetic Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Butterfly Clasp

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 26 mm

Case Thickness: 10 mm

Strap Material: Leather

Strap Length: 9 inches

Strap Color: Black

Dial Color: Off-White

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Movement: Swiss Automatic

Water Resistance: 30 meters

Pros

• The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal dial window resists dings and scuffs better than any other window on this list. Synthetic sapphire crystal is virtually as good as the real thing.
• The included Swiss movement is of extremely high quality.
• The simple design of the watch dial doesn’t try to do too much, too fast.

Cons

• The leather band fits well to most wrists. But, it does take a bit to break in.
• Try to keep this out of the bath. 30 meters of water resistance seems a bit generous here.

2) Seiko Solar Recraft Stainless Steel Leather Strap Watch

Can we just talk about the green-and-black sunray watch dial of the Seiko Solar Recraft Stainless Steel Watch? It’s the real star of the show here. The coloration is absolutely breathtaking and lends a completely nuanced and striking sense of personality that’s befitting of Seiko’s innovative watchmaking history. It also features a scratch-resistant Hardlex dial window and a 21-jewel automatic movement with a lengthy, impressive 41-hour power reserve.

Specs

Display Window Material: Hardlex Crystal

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Buckle

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 41 mm

Case Thickness: 13 mm

Strap Material: Leather

Strap Length: 9.25 inches

Strap Width: 22 mm

Strap Color: Brown

Dial Color: Black, Green

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Movement: Automatic

Water Resistance: 50 meters

Pros

• The green and black sunray dial will catch the attention of folks across the room. It’s perfect for Seiko cocktail time!
• Seiko automatic movements are known for their impressive power reserves and relatively easy maintenance.
• The Hardlex crystal dial window is nearly impervious to scratches

Cons

• Compared to other watches on this list, it may come off a bit garish and gaudy to some.
• For those who prefer a round watch face, the rectangular shape may take some getting used to.

1) Orient Men’s 2nd Gen Bambino Japanese Automatic Watch

Some may prefer the Orient Sun & Moon Version 3 Watch, and it’s definitely worth an honorable mention here. However, the Orient Men’s 2nd Gen Bambino Automatic Watch is our pick for the best dress watch currently available for under $500. In fact, you can find this perfectly sized automatic watch for just over $100 from most online retailers! Its beige dial design makes the Roman numeral dial markers pop something fierce. And its 40-hour power reserve is one heck of a bargain for a watch at this price. This watch could easily retail for triple its current price and we wouldn’t bat an eye.

Specs

Display Window Material: Mineral

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Buckle

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 40 mm

Case Thickness: 12 mm

Strap Material: Leather

Strap Length: 9 inches

Strap Width: 21 mm

Strap Color: Brown

Dial Color: Beige

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Movement: Japanese Automatic

Water Resistance: 30 meters

Pros

• This Orient gem offers everything you’d want out of a luxury dress watch for an unbelievably reasonable price tag.
• The included Japanese automatic movement is fun, functional, and keeps time quite well.
• This watch feels like it’s perfectly tailored to most wrists, big and small.

Cons

• The minute markers are extremely hard to read for those with visual impairments.
• The mineral dial window is good enough for the price point. However, it’s not as scratch-resistant as other entries we’ve tested.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good dress watch?

A good dress watch should be a classic watch, even if it was made just a few months or a few years back. There’s a difference between vintage watches from a bygone era and those which simply exude a classic style and aesthetic. Whether you’re in the market for men’s or women’s watches, the perfect watch for you will vary on your own personal style. Some like timepieces with a more rectangular shape and a precise quartz movement. A different watch enthusiast may prefer a self-winding watch with a mechanical movement and a comfy brown leather strap.

In short, the perfect watch design varies from person to person. Regardless, a great dress watch should also be an affordable watch that pops off a wearer’s wrist. It should be an elegant timepiece that looks great with formal wear and business casual clothing, built to last with a sturdy stainless casing or something similar. It should have a beautiful dial and all the timepiece features that watch enthusiasts look for.

Can I find mechanical watches with an automatic movement for under $500?

You sure can! We’ve actually included some fantastic low-cost automatic watches on our list. This includes the gorgeous Seiko Solar Recraft Stainless Steel Watch and the breathtaking, cost-effective Orient Men’s 2nd Gen Bambino Japanese Automatic Watch. Mechanical watches aren’t just for those with thousands of dollars to burn. Automatic watches can also be affordable watches. You can ship a stunning watch to your house with an automatic movement for under $200!

Can I wear a dress watch every day?

If you’re looking for an everyday watch with a touch of elegance, there are plenty of dress watches out there that are designed for day-to-day use. There are women’s and men’s watches out there that are dressy, classy, and built for the long haul like the best watches should be. These include the dressy timepieces on our list.

Built with water-resistant cases and boasting amazing watch features like anti-reflective coating and tough alligator leather straps, the best dress watches in the business are no slouch in the durability department. No matter what you’re wearing and how often you’re wearing it, you can score a dress watch that looks and feels like a vintage watch and lasts just as long. And you can wear it as little or as much as you want.

Closing Thoughts

With an array of everyday watches under $500 for you to choose from, our countdown puts the functionality into fashion. Whether you’re searching for a dress timepiece for formal occasions or a Monday-Friday schedule at the office, bypass expensive watches for one of these six classy standouts. Whether you want a Swiss-made watch with a black leather strap, or a solar-powered Japanese automatic watch with a brown leather band, we’ve got you covered. We’re convinced — the best watch for you is somewhere on our list above.