You don’t have to break your budget to find a great watch with a unique style that fits your personality. The watch world is chock full of gorgeous timepieces sporting discounted price tags.
To be honest, that made whittling things down to a definitive list of The 7 Best Men’s Watches Under $200 In 2021 extremely hard to do. We had to leave off amazing budget watches like the Timex Marlin and Invicta Pro Diver for the sake of space and conciseness. In fact, we left off dozens of potential contenders to keep things in a digestible format.
From automatic watches with luminous hands and cool sub-dials, to quartz watches with an analog display functionality built to last, there’s something for everyone on the list below.
The 7 Best Men’s Watches For Under $200 In 2021
7) Bertucci A-2T Classic Black Field Watch
- Equipped with our legendary U.S. Patented solid titanium Unibody case for extreme durability and comfort
- Durable screw down crown & case back
- Scratch-resistant hardened mineral glass crystal
- All-metal Japan made quartz movement
- Active Comfort ergonomic 4 o'clock crown does not impinge wrist movement
A simple field watch that’s anything but plain, the Bertucci A-2T Classic Black Field Watch has a crisp black dial design with easy-to-read Arabic numeral hour markers and a well-placed tilted day/date function. It’s also quite sturdy thanks to its scratch-resistant mineral crystal dial window and titanium casing. If you’re on the lookout for a cheap Japanese quartz watch with a clean dial and atypical layout, this is one of the best watches for the job.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Case Material: Titanium
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Thickness: 13.5 mm
Strap Material: Fabric
Strap Width: 22 mm
Strap Color: Green
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Titanium
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Pros
- The solid titanium Unibody case is one of the strongest cases we’ve profiled for under $200.
- The hardened mineral crystal glass window stays clear for years.
- The red second hand offers a nice splash of color for the monochromatic dial design.
Cons
- The dial design might be too blocky and simple for some tastes.
- The case has a square layout that might not vibe with various outfits in your wardrobe.
6) Timex Weekender Chronograph 40mm Watch
- Adjustable brown 40 millimeter double-layered genuine leather slip-thru strap fits up to 8-inch wrist circumference
- Blue dial with date window at 4 o'clock; full Arabic numerals; 24-hour military time
- 30-minute chronograph measures to 1/20th second. With the crown in the “A” position, Push crown to the “D” position. Entire dial will be illuminated. Electroluminescent technology used in Indiglo night-light illuminates entire watch face at night and in low light conditions.
- Silver-tone 40 millimeter brass case with mineral glass crystal; Indiglo light-up watch dial; luminous hands
- Water resistant to 30 meters (100 feet): in general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, but not suitable for swimming or bathing
A minimal masterpiece with an attractive approach to sub-dials, the Timex Weekender Chronograph 40mm Watch is one to wear for those who prize design clarity over other features. Timex is the first brand we think of when it comes to quality low-cost timepieces, and the Weekender is a big reason why. For a suggested retail price of under $60, you can secure one of the best watches under $200 with a no-fuss construction that looks good around wrists of all shapes and sizes.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Brass
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Thickness: 9 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Length: Unisex
Strap Width: 20 mm
Strap Color: Brown
Dial Color: Blue
Bezel Material: Brass
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Pros
- This watch is versatile enough to work as a casual, sports, and/or a dress watch on the same day!
- The date window is well-placed and pops against the blue dial.
- This timepiece is extremely affordable. Among the best watches under $200, it’s one of the cheapest ones out there.
Cons
- Don’t get the leather strap wet or it will lose its color!
- The snap-off case back is really hard to remove.
5) Citizen Eco-Drive 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
A modern watch with an environmentally-friendly bent, the Citizen Eco-Drive Watch is a compact solar stunner that does everything right. At just 37.2 mm wide and 9.5 thick, this demure field watch packs a pint-sized punch when it comes to overall durability. There isn’t another timepiece out there for under $200 that does simplicity this superbly. From the comfy green nylon strap to the unfettered black dial design, nothing is out of place with this ecologically-sound standout.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral Crystal
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 included Miyota Japanese quartz movement is very accurate.
- The solar-powered Eco-Drive movement can catch a charge from nearly any light source.
- The dial works well with contrast to provide a presentation that’s easy to decipher.
Cons
- The riveted holes on the included band are a letdown.
- This watch will be too small for those who like gaudier, bigger timepieces.
4) VOSTOK Amphibian Submarine Commander Military Style Diver Watch
- ⌚ Made in Russia | Amphibian 420 Series case | 40 mm Polished stainless steel case | 5-ring ZULU nylon strap.
- ⌚ Russian VOSTOK 2416B Automatic Self Winding movement | 31 Ruby jewels | 31 hour Power reserve | Anti-shock (shock resistant) balance | Screw-down crown.
- ⌚ Water resistant to 200 m (660 ft) 20 ATM | Suitable for swimming, snorkeling, diving.
- ⌚ Beautiful matte dial | Metallic polished luminous hands | Luminous markers | Bi-directional bezel | Stainless steel caseback with “Amphibia” logo in Russian.
- ⌚ Excellent Customer Service: If you encounter any product quality or function problems after receiving the watch, please contact us in time to solve the problem for you. Generally, you will receive a response within 12 to 48 hours after sending the message. Communication can solve 99% of problems. Welcome to write to us!
And now for something completely different. The VOSTOK Amphibian Submarine Commander Military Style Diver Watch offers the luxury of an in-house self-winding movement and a personality-laden dial design for a price any watch collector should be able to justify. A former partner of the former Soviet Union’s Defense Department, VOSTOK makes military-grade dive watches that can withstand virtually anything without costing you an arm and a leg.
Specs
Display Window Material: Acrylic
Display Type: Analog
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Thickness: 12 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Width: 18 mm
Strap Color: Multi-Color
Dial Color: Blue
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Pros
- It’s available with a multitude of band color options to choose from.
- The blue dial is a joy to look at. It’s simple, well-designed, and will turn heads on your wrist.
- The Arabic numeral hour markers are stylized in a cool way.
Cons
- The power reserve isn’t the best from a length standpoint.
- The included bracelet is kinda flimsy. A NATO strap replacement is a good option.
3) Casio Men’s Edifice Stainless Steel Multi-Function Watch
- Silver-tone watch featuring left-handed crown and black dial with 1/20-second chronograph function, slide-rotating inner bezel, and date window
- 45.5 mm stainless steel case with mineral dial window
- Quartz movement with analog display
- Stainless steel band featuring fold-over push-button clasp with safety
- Water resistant to 100 m (330 ft): In general, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not scuba diving
An eye-catching Casio homage to pilot watches of years past, the Casio Men’s Edifice Stainless Steel Multi-Function Watch features an attractive stainless steel case and balanced black dial layout. It’s a sports watch that doesn’t play by the rules of other sports watches. Casio has never been shy about doing their own thing in the world of budget watches, and the textured chronograph subdials and busy beauty of the Edifice is proof positive of this.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Push Button Foldover Clasp with Safety
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 45.5 mm
Case Thickness: 11.4 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 22 mm
Strap Color: Silver
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Pros
- The quartz movement loses very little time over the course of a month.
- We love the unfussy combination of the black dial and the stainless steel case/band duo.
- The mineral crystal dial window is much better than acrylic crystal when it comes to overall scratch resistance.
Cons
- The tiny white lettering is hard to read for even the sharpest of eyes.
- The band will sometimes have sharp edges that need to be sanded down.
2) Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
- To the start the watch initially, swing from side to side in a horizontal arc about 30 seconds.
- 37 mm stainless steel case and Hardlex mineral dial window and Precise 21-jewel automatic movement with analog display
Available in multiple color combinations including a slick red/blue design that looks a lot like a can of Pepsi, the Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch redefines the limitations of the common dive watch. We love the screw-down exhibition window on the case back and the sturdiness of the clear Hardlex crystal dial lens. This timepiece also features a solidly-crafted Japanese automatic movement that keeps time well while being a ton of fun to gawk at. Seiko does budget watches on a different level, and the Seiko 5 is their best low-cost offering.
Specs
Display Window Material: Hardlex Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 37 mm
Case Thickness: 11 mm
Strap Material: Nylon
Strap Length: 9.5 inches
Strap Width: 18 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Pros
- The Hardlex crystal dial window is the clearest and most long-lasting option on this list.
- The luminous hands and applied indices really light up in the lowest of lights.
- The 23-jewel self-winding automatic movement is a real winner when it comes to accuracy and length.
Cons
- This watch will be way too small for some bigger wrists.
- Winding this timepiece with the crown is nearly impossible.
1) Orient Mako II Japanese Automatic Watch
- IMPORTED MEN’S WATCH: This classic blue, red and silver mens wrist watch was beautifully crafted and produced in Japan by utilizing the latest Japanese street fashion for the world to consume. Perfect for any occasion, formal or casual, and made to last for years to come!
- PREMIUM MATERIALS: Our stainless steel watch features a steel bracelet band, mineral crystal and a unidirectional bezel function of 120-clicks, for improved precision!
- AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT: No batteries or winding required with the Japanese-Automatic Movement technology.
- WATER RESISTANT 200M: Made to withstand sweat, water splashes and rain! Suitable waterproof watch for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports, but not diving.
- FEATURES: 41.5mm Case Diameter. Shows convenient date aperture, and Arabic numerals placed at the 12, 6, and 9 o’clock positions.
One of the best budget Rolex homages ever released, the Orient Mako II Japanese Automatic Watch is undeniably luxurious without being spendy. Water resitant to a depth of 200 meters, you can take the Orient Mako II under the water and into the air without worrying. Available in three different designs, our favorite Mako II layout has an easy-to-read date window that perfectly contrasts against its striking blue dial. You can look like a million bucks while spending less than $200 with a Mako II on your wrist.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Push Button Foldover Clasp with Safety
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 41.5 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 brand-new 22-jewel Japanese automatic movement is extremely high quality for this price point.
- We love the polished stainless steel case for both its looks and its durability.
- The hardened mineral crystal dial window is a luxury for such a cheap watch.
Cons
- The crown is tiny and tough to unscrew.
- The bezel sticks and can be hard to rotate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in the best watches under $200?
Don’t just settle for a good watch for under $200. You deserve the best from an affordable watch and nothing less.
Key features to look for in the best affordable watches include: premium materials for bands such as a brown leather strap or stainless steel bracelet, a beautiful face such as a stunning ivory white dial, a water-resistant casing impervious to extended periods in the pool, a sapphire crystal dial window or something equally as durable, luminous markers for minutes and hours, a screw-back case and/or screw-down crown, a rotating bezel, and a lengthy power reserve for automatic watches and mechanical watches.
Can I find an Apple Watch for less than $200?
Yes! While you won’t be able to secure a newer model like the Apple Watch Series 6, you can easily find an older model like a Series 2 or 3 to wrap around your wrist for under $200. You’ll miss out on new features like improved heart rate and sleep monitoring. But, you’ll still be able to enjoy a cool smart timepiece that outclasses many other smartwatches in the market today.
Closing Thoughts
From the best automatic watches to Swatch watches with accurate quartz movements, you can find affordable timepieces that rival much more expensive watches in terms of visual flair and construction. For the same price as a single day at Disneyland, you can pick up a fantastic dress watch or sports watch that’ll last you years. We are big fans of the seven watches on the countdown above — not only as cost-effective options, but as legit scores for watch lovers of all ages.