The best watches aren’t always the most expensive ones. Whether you need a timepiece to go with your business suit or a digital watch for hiking and running, you don’t have to take out a second mortgage to find an extremely durable timepiece worth your time.
In truth, you can find watches with the utility of Swiss Army knives and looks made for Instagram photos for under $500 a pop. There are even some around $100 to $200 that have all the watch features you could want.
Are you looking for a classic brown leather strap, or searching for a dive watch with a radiant blue dial? What about automatic watches? Are you a hand-wound movement kinda guy?
Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got budget options for you to check out. We’ve sifted through dozens of great timepieces, paring them down for our definitive list of the 8 Best Luxury Watches For Under $500.
Let’s get going with number eight!
The 8 Best Men’s Watches Under $500
8) Fossil Men’s Grant Stainless Steel Quartz Chronograph Watch
- Fossil has always been inspired by American creativity and ingenuity. Since 1984, we've strived to bring new life into the industry by making quality, fashionable watches and accessories that were both fun and accessible.
- The Grant collection is always in style thanks to its time-honored design. Modern Roman numeral markers and materials like stainless steel make this a watch you'll wear for years to come.
- Case size: 44mm; Band size: 22mm; quartz movement with chronograph analog display; hardened mineral crystal lens resists scratches; imported
- Blue and silver-tone stainless steel case with blue sunray dial; genuine luggage brown leather band with adjustable buckle closure; interchangeable with all 22mm Fossil watch straps
- Water resistant to 50m (165ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling; 5 ATM
While some might prefer a watch with a sleek black leather band, we’ve got a soft spot for a well-crafted brown leather strap. The Fossil Men’s Grant Quartz Chronograph Watch lets you have the best of both worlds! The stock brown leather strap is gorgeous, but you can easily replace it with a black leather strap from their catalog. Add in an eye-catching blue dial and gorgeous Roman numerals for dial markers, and you have a fashion watch that looks more like a luxury timepiece.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 44 mm
Case Thickness: 12 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 22 mm
Strap Color: Brown
Dial Color: Blue
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Pros
- The dial design is intricate without being overwhelming.
- The interchangeable strap options allow you to customize this watch to your liking.
- It’s a perfect size for nearly any wrist.
Cons
- The subdials are extremely hard to see for those with visual impairments.
- The mineral crystal display window isn’t as strong as others on this list.
7) Armani Exchange AX Men’s Quartz Dress Watch
- Since 1991 Armani Exchange has defined a new dress code with collections inspired by metropolitan lifestyle and music culture. Perfect for adventurous trendsetters who want unique, modern watches that are stylish in any situations
- Armani Exchange Hampton is perfect for those who want a bold watch that reflect their individual style. Inspired by rugged and industrial urban life, these timepieces are stylish in any part of the world.
- Featuring a Round Black Stainless Steel 46MM Case with Scratch Resistant Mineral Crystal a Black Dial and Three Hand movement
- Water resistant up to 50m: Wearable while swimming in shallow water
- A subtly geometric case design lends a futuristic feel to this watch
Armani Exchange has always had its finger on the pulse of the fashion world. That’s not limited to garments. The Armani Exchange AX Men’s Quartz Dress Watch will turn heads paired with your favorite Armani suit. Heck, it’s turn heads all on its own. The black-on-black aesthetic is totally in right now, and this watch nails it. This watch boasts style and substance in equal doses — impressive for what’s considered a fashion watch.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Fold-Over Clasp with Safety
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 46 mm
Case Thickness: 10.9 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Length: 10 inches
Strap Width: 22 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Pros
- The black-on-black design scheme adds a touch of class to any wardrobe choice.
- Armani Exchange just makes quality fashion items. This is one of them.
- The ribbed dial has a really cool look to it.
Cons
- The mineral dial window gets scuffed and scratched a bit too easily.
- The lack of luminous hands and strong contrast make it hard to read the time at night.
6) Invicta Men’s Pro Dive Watch
- Steel and gold tone stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 14mm thick; Exhibition case back; Blue dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight: 152 grams
- Steel and gold tone stainless steel band, 210mm L x 20mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
- Mineral crystal; Screw-down crown; Unidirectional stainless steel coin edge bezel with blue top bezel ring; 200 meter water resistant: Suitable for professional marine activity and surface water sports. Suitable for diving.
For automatic watch connoisseurs, the Invicta Men’s Pro Diving Watch is the perfect fit. It even features a skeleton exhibition caseback for an up-close look at this beauty’s inner workings. The sword-shaped hands are perfectly contrasted against the dark blue dial, creating a masculine yet elegant sense of balance. Tack on an easy-to-see date window and 200 meters of water resistance, and you can’t go wrong with this one.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Fold-Over Clasp with Safety
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Thickness: 13 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Length: 210 mm
Strap Width: 20 mm
Strap Color: Silver/Gold
Dial Color: Blue
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Japanese Automatic
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Pros
- Safe down to 200 meters, this is the most water-resistant watch on our list.
- The self-winding automatic movement is quite accurate for a timepiece in this price range.
- The inclusion of 23K gold plating gives this timepiece a luxurious air.
Cons
- Aesthetically, this watch isn’t for everyone.
- While this watch has a great automatic movement, it’s not nearly as precise as a quartz watch or Japanese quartz watch.
5) NIXON Sentry Chrono Watch
- Triple Gasket Crown With Enamel Fill. Note: Some watches come equipped with a screw-down crown. The crown must be unscrewed by turning it counter-clockwise before you can pull the crown out.
- 23-20mm Tapered Custom Solid Stainless Steel 3-link Bracelet
- Japanese quartz movement with analog display ; The dial features faceted applied indices, printed seconds track, and custom molded hands.
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Water Resistant To 330 Feet
NIXON has made its name by crafting unique watches that appeal to younger sensibilities. The NIXON Sentry Chrono Watch does just that while also taking cues from the best luxury watches in the marketplace today. At the office or the bar, this is an affordable watch that looks anything but. The inclusion of a 6-hand chronograph movement adds depth. The classic silver-and-black design takes it over the top.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Double-Locking Clasp
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 42 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Color: Silver
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Pros
- NIXON makes affordable watches with a distinct youthful sensibility.
- The included Japanese quartz movement puts some more expensive watches to shame.
- The 6-hand chronograph movement is useful and fun to gawk at.
Cons
- The mineral dial window can lose its clarity over time.
- This watch is really hard to read in low light.
4) Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Analog Watch
- These military-inspired watches with rugged looks and a comfortable fit are born ready for adventure.
- 3 Hand, Day / Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Case with Olive Green Nylon Strap
- Luminous Hands and Markers and Mineral Crystal
- Featuring our Eco-Drive technology – powered by light, any light. Never needs a battery100 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
Featuring easy-to-read Arabic numerals and a water-resistant construction crafted for your biggest adventures, the Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Analog Watch is the perfect low-cost luxury field timepiece. The green nylon strap is jerky tough and the stainless steel case withstands all sorts of unforeseen impacts. Our favorite feature, though, is the inclusion of the Eco-Drive power source. Just a little bit of light from an artificial or natural light source goes a heck of a long way!
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 37.2 mm
Case Thickness: 9.5 mm
Strap Material: Nylon
Strap Length: 7.5 inches
Strap Width: 18 mm
Strap Color: Green
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Pros
- The nylon watch strap is breathable and long-lasting.
- The Eco-Drive power source keeps this baby ticking morning, noon, or night.
- This watch has a timeless feel and style that’ll work well with most outfits in your closet.
Cons
- While this watch is durable on the whole, the mineral display window is a slight weak point.
- It might be too small for some larger wrists.
3) Orient Men’s Japanese Automatic Diving Watch
- Orient Cal. F6922 Automatic, Hand-winding, Hacking Movement
- Case Diameter: 41.5mm without crown.Case Thickness:13mm. Power Reserve: Approximately 40 hours
- Water Resistant 200m (660ft): in General, Suitable for Professional Marine Activity and Serious Surface Water Sports, but not Diving
- To change the date, rotate the crown counter clockwise.
- To change the day, rotate the crown clockwise. If you pull the crown once more, the time can be set by turning the crown clockwise and counter clockwise.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Push Button Fold-Over Clasp with Safety
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 41 mm
Case Thickness: 13 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 22 mm
Strap Color: Silver
Dial Color: Blue
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Japanese Automatic
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Pros
- The self-winding movement can also be powered with hacks or a hand wind.
- Orient makes classic dive watches that feel elegant around your wrist.
- 200 meters of water resistance makes this the perfect watch for water skiing, boating, etc.
Cons
- The lack of numerical hour markers may be confusing for some.
- The mineral dial window holds up. But, it does get scratched up quicker than sapphire crystal or Hardlex.
2) Hamilton Men’s Khaki Field Automatic Watch with Brown Leather Band
- Round watch featuring black dial with GMT scale on inner ring, luminous hands/markers, and date window at 3 o'clock42 mm stainless-steel case with antireflective-sapphire dial window
- Automatic self-wind movement with analog display
- Leather band with contrast stitching and buckle closure
- Water resistant to 100 m (330 ft): In general, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not scuba diving.
One of the most durable low-cost field watches of the past decade or so, the Hamilton Men’s Khaki Field Automatic Watch is one good-looking brute. The inclusion of a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal dial window is absolutely bonkers when you consider how cheap this watch is. That’s not even mentioning the high-quality automatic movement and classic watch flair. This is one of the best watches we’ve ever profiled at this price point.
Specs
Display Window Material: Scratch-Resistant Sapphire Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 42 mm
Case Thickness: 10 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 22 mm
Strap Color: Brown
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Pros
- A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal dial window at this price tag? Hamilton is spoiling us!
- This timepiece has an attractive retro feel that wouldn’t be out of place at a 20s-themed cocktail party.
- For such an affordable watch, it sure lasts a long time.
Cons
- The stock leather strap is quite stiff out of the box.
- A mechanical movement requires more regular maintenance than a quartz movement.
1) Seiko Men’s SNN241 Stainless Steel Watch
- Versatile stainless steel watch featuring brown dial with two subdials and date window at 6 o'clock
- 42.6-mm stainless steel case with hardlex dial window
- Japanese quartz movement with analog display
- Contrast-stitched leather band with buckle closure
- Water resistant to 100 m (330 ft): In general, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not scuba diving
Edging out our #2 entry by a hair, the Seiko Men’s SNN241 Stainless Steel Watch is pure cool incarnate. The dark brown leather strap and multi-toned brown dial blend together in perfect chronographic harmony. Seiko is known for making some of the toughest low-cost watches in the industry with noted touches of luxury. This watch is no different. It’s actually our favorite Seiko timepiece of the past few years. And that’s saying something!
Specs
Display Window Material: Hardlex
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 43 mm
Case Thickness: 11 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 22 mm
Strap Color: Brown
Dial Color: Brown
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Pros
- If you’re never had a watch with a Seiko movement before, you’re going to be impressed with its accuracy.
- The scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal dial window is almost impossible to scuff.
- It’s the perfect size for a wide variety of wrists.
Cons
- The strap is comfy. But, it needs some breaking in off the bat.
- For some, the sheer amount of information on the dial might be somewhat overwhelming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best watch for under 500 dollars?
Of all the affordable watches on our countdown, the Seiko Men’s SNN241 Stainless Steel Watch is the best everyday watch available. A classic watch with an extremely accurate Japanese quartz movement, this Seiko stunner balances modern watch features with a timeless design perfect for the watch enthusiast in your family. It’s a great watch for anybody looking for a stunning timepiece without the luxury price tag. Balancing classic style for everyday wear with a reliable movement, Seiko has made the perfect watch for budget luxury timepiece collectors.
What is the cheapest luxury watch brand?
Don’t break your bank on expensive watches. Watch brands like Seiko, NIXON, Orient, and Citizen create everything from dive watches to timepieces with all the modern features you know and love. Our pick for the cheapest luxury watch brand, though, is Fossil. Blurring the line between elegance and affordability, Fossil timepieces are beautifully crafted stunners. Over the past few years, Fossil has upped its game — creating pieces that work for both casual outfits and dressier occasions. If you want an affordable watch that still turns heads, you can’t go wrong with a Fossil.
Is Tissot a luxury brand?
It depends on how you define a luxury watch brand. Brands like Tissot and Tag Heuer offer luxurious timepieces at a much more affordable price than brands like Rolex or Patek Philippe. Just what a luxury watch actually is up for interpretation. In our eyes, we juxtapose the feeling of a given watch against other watches at a similar price point. Does it help your personal style game? Does the watch feature the quality craftsmanship necessary to make it well worth your money? Tissot watches do just that. So, we say yes.
Closing Thoughts
The eight timepieces on the list above are the pinnacle of low-cost elegance in the watch world. From mechanical watches to quartz watch stunners that look like a million bucks on a wearer’s wrist, there’s something for everyone on our countdown. If you’re in the market for a new watch, look no further. This list has you covered.