Watch enthusiasts may rave over the latest offerings from Rolex and Patek Philippe. Yet, there’s still a place in every watch lover’s heart for a high-quality budget watch.
If you want a sports watch with a precise chronograph function or a dress watch with Arabic numerals and a sleek design, you don’t have to break the bank to secure one. You can enjoy the comfort and dependability of great watch features like quartz movements and leather straps for minimal investment.
We’ve searched through hundreds of cheap watches from dozens of beloved watch brands, narrowing things down for our list of the 8 Best Watches Under $100 For 2021.
There are analog displays on our countdown with large Roman numerals and sleek black dials with minimalist charm. No matter what kind of style you’re putting together, there’s something on this list for you.
The 8 Best Men’s Watches Under $100 For 2021
8) Stuhrling Original Men’s Watch
- Minimalist design brings a sleek elegance to any wrist
- Ultra slim profile has minimal weight and bulk combined with genuine leather band provides maximum comfort
- Quick set date window for easy functionality while maintaining an uncluttered watch dial
- Versatile, expressive style pairs well with both casual and professional attire, making this a timepiece for all occasions
Looking for a thin watch that elevates minimalism to unforeseen heights for a cheap watch? Look no further than the Stuhrling Original Men’s Watch. The black analog display does so very much with so very little. And the circular date display is a nice aesthetic touch for a watch that’s low on features and flash. With lithe watch hands and an attractive overall page, this timepiece feels and runs like a steal of a deal.
Specs
Display Window Material: Krysterna Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Case Thickness: 7 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Width: 22 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Pros
- The included Japanese quartz movement rarely struggles with clock drift.
- The small date window is in harmonious contrast with the black dial.
- The minimalist analog display has the look of luxury without the cost.
Cons
- The leather strap requires some breaking in once you take it out of the box.
- This watch is really hard to read in low light.
7) Swatch Classic Quartz Silicone Watch
- Collection: GENT STANDARD
- Watch Size: 34 mm round case with push/pull crown
- Water Resistance: Up to 100 feet
- Free battery exchange at Swatch retail locations
- 2 Year International Warranty
Keeping with the minimalist theme, the Swatch Classic Quartz Watch with Silicone Strap strikes the perfect balance between urban chic and comfort. Swatch watches are known for their crazy colors and modernist approach to watchmaking. However, this simple beauty takes a different approach. This classic piece looks great with any outfit for any occasion thanks to its black-on-black design and bronze hour markers and hand outlines.
Specs
Display Window Material: Acrylic
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Plastic
Case Diameter: 34 mm
Case Thickness: 8.75 mm
Strap Material: Silicone
Strap Length: Unisex
Strap Width: 16 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Plastic
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Pros
- Swatch watches are heavy on personality in the best way possible.
- The bronze hour markers really pop out with the black-on-black design.
- The silicone watch strap fits snugly without cutting into your wrist.
Cons
- Among the best watches under $100, the acrylic window here may be the weakest.
- Made of mostly plastics, this watch requires you to be pretty dang careful with it.
6) Seiko Men’s SNK805 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
- Military-inspired timepiece featuring green dial, luminous accents, and day/date functions.Case dimensions: 37mm,Strap length: 7 inch
- Automatic movement with analog display; Hardlex crystal
- Features green nylon strap with buckle closure. When setting the minute hand of a quartz watch, advance it to a few minutes ahead of the time and then turn it back to the exact time
- Water resistant to 30 m (99 ft): In general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, but not suitable for swimming.
The Seiko Men’s SNK805 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch redefines the whole concept of a field watch. The 21-jewel automatic winding movement promises precision without costing you a fortune. The soft nylon strap fits comfortably around most wrists. And, the mineral crystal dial window is much stronger than most windows at its price point. Go casual without looking hokey. Go with Seiko.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 37 mm
Case Thickness: 11 mm
Strap Material: Nylon
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 18 mm
Strap Color: Green
Dial Color: Green
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Pros
- The nylon strap is quite soft and feels feather-light around your wrist.
- The green dial and green band have a charm of their own.
- Seiko spares no expense, making quality watches for a fantastically low price point.
Cons
- Automatic movements are just not as accurate as quartz movements.
- This watch will require a little more maintenance than most budget watches.
5) Fossil Men’s Grant 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
Fossil watches are a completely different breed. The fashion-conscious watchmakers at Fossil’s headquarters are always ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest style trends for men and women alike. And the Fossil Men’s Grant Quartz Chronograph Watch is a perfect example of this. With a striking dark blue dial and soft brown leather strap, nothing about this watch is ordinary nor boring. The added button at the four o’clock position is a nice touch as well.
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 blue dial and soft leather strap play off of each other fabulously.
- The stainless steel construction of the watch case is as sturdy as they come at this price.
- This watch has a unisex feel that makes it a great buy for anyone!
Cons
- The chronograph sub-dials are really hard to read for those with visual impairments.
- The watch case might be too big for those with smaller wrists.
4) Nixon Time Teller Watch
- TIME TELLER, ALL BLACK. The 37mm Time Teller has a sleek 3-hand movement, applied indices and custom-molded hands. Built with custom 5-link stainless steel jewelry style bracelet and sliding buckle
- ORIGINAL NIXON DESIGN. An all-time best-seller with an unpretentious versatile appearance, this all black women’s watch is water resistant up to 100m and protects against everything from rain to surf. Snap down the top piece of your buckle to secure in place
- SIMPLIFY TIME. Clean lines cut through cloudy philosophy, while its simple, high concept design keeps things precise. The Time Teller is a simple Nixon watch that stands the test of time. The dial includes applied indices, and custom molded hands
- FUELED BY ADVENTURES. We deliver products that meet your needs in various high-stress work and play environments, whether it’s across the globe or down the street. Pull out the crown to set the time
- FOR A LIFE WELL LIVED. Through our dedicated teams’ perspectives, we contribute to a single unified expression: team-designed, custom-built accessories
Nixon makes watches that have a sixth sense for the style wants and needs of the younger generation. And the Nixon Time Teller is a perfect embodiment of what the company is trying to achieve. It’s a sleek, exciting, and unfussy minimalist watch that makes a statement without pomp and circumstance. And surprisingly enough, this modernist looker is water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters!
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Push-Button Fold-Over Clasp with Safety
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 37 mm
Case Thickness: 10 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Length: 10 inches
Strap Width: 20 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Pros
- The Time Teller series has plenty of style options for you to choose from.
- The black-on-black design of this watch is edgy without being pretentious.
- 100 meters of water resistance in a watch this stylish? Sign us up!
Cons
- This watch doesn’t have many features to speak of.
- The mineral crystal dial window nicks and scratches up somewhat easily.
3) Timex Men’s Expedition Chronograph Field Watch
- Adjustable brown 20 millimeter genuine leather strap fits up to 8-inch wrist circumference. On natural lighting the Strap color might appear lighter that current image.Case Height: 12.5 mm
- Black dial with date window at 4 o'clock; Arabic numerals in increments of 5 up to 60
- 30-minute chronograph measures to 1/20th second
- Black 43 millimeter brass case with mineral glass crystal; Indiglo light-up watch dial
- Water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet): In general, suitable for snorkeling, as well as swimming, but not diving
We almost placed the Timex Expedition Scout thanks to its low price point and timeless design, but we decided to give the Timex Men’s Expedition Chronograph Field Watch the nod here. Available in a variety of different styles with a handful of different strap choices, you can customize this water-resistant beast to your liking. It offers fantastic shock resistance and will undoubtedly hold up during your most adrenaline-laced adventures.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Brass
Case Diameter: 42 mm
Case Thickness: 12 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 21 mm
Strap Color: Brown
Dial Color: Brown
Bezel Material: Brass
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Pros
- The brass case takes a licking and keeps on ticking.
- The included quartz movement is very accurate and rarely loses time.
- The brown leather band is soft and pliable out of the box.
Cons
- The skeleton hands can be hard to discern with all the print on the dial. This is especially true for those with sight problems.
- The mineral dial window is strong. But, it’s also prone to scuffing and fogging up.
2) Invicta Men’s Pro Diver Gold Automatic 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.
The Invicta Pro Diver Watch is a one-of-one. It’s rare that you see this kind of watch for less than $500. It’s absolutely baffling that Invicta is offering 200 meters of water resistance and an accurate Japanese automatic movement for such a low price. Add in a gorgeous multi-toned blue dial and two-toned stainless steel bracelet, and there’s just so much to love about Invicta’s classic dive watch offering.
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: Gold, Silver
Dial Color: Blue
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Japanese Automatic
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Pros
- Need a watch that can go scuba diving with you? This timepiece is a great, low-cost choice!
- The two-tone watch bracelet adds a distinct touch of class.
- The Japanese automatic movement is fun to hear and fun to use.
Cons
- The watch style might not work for those with younger fashion sensibilities.
- The included Japanese automatic movement requires periodic maintenance to keep it going.
1) Seiko Men’s SNE039 Stainless Steel Solar Watch
- Solar-powered classic watch with sunray dial featuring logo under 12 o'clock, sword-shape hands, and date window at 3 o'clock
- 37 mm stainless steel case with Hardlex dial window
- Quartz movement with analog display
- Stainless steel link bracelet with push-button clasp
- Water resistant to 30 m (100 ft): In general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, but not suitable for swimming.
Seiko’s solar power technology reaches its low-cost apex with the Seiko Men’s SNE039 Stainless Steel Solar Watch. You can charge this watchmaking gem for days with just a scant amount of artificial or natural light. The stainless steel construction of the band and case really pop off the wrist. And, the minimalist black dial and easy-to-read date window are truly something else. This is timekeeping perfection at an insanely cost-effective price tag.
Specs
Display Window Material: Hardlex Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Push Button Deployment Clasp
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 37 mm
Case Thickness: 9.6 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 19 mm
Strap Color: Silver
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Pros
- The Hardlex crystal dial window fends off scuffs and scratches with seeming ease.
- This watch works well as a dress option or business casual timepiece. It works with a bunch of looks and outfits, as well.
- The solar-powered quartz movement easily catches a charge whenever you need it most.
Cons
- This watch may be kinda small for those with larger wrists.
- Water resistance is not this timepiece’s strong suit.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Watches Under $100
Can affordable watches also be quality watches?
Yes! From entry-level automatic watches to fashion watches and everything in between, the best affordable watches maximize quality while minimizing cost. You’re not going to be able to secure a Rolex Submariner for that kind of scratch. Yet, you can land your first mechanical watch (and a beautiful one at that) for a fraction of the cost of the newest video game systems on the market.
We all face a tight budget from time to time. That doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a decent watch with a precise Japanese quartz movement or Swiss quartz movement. In other words, a little bit of money goes a long way in the watch world if you know where to look. If you choose a particular watch from our countdown above, you’re guaranteed an everyday watch that looks good and lasts long.
What’s the difference between cheap watches and luxury watches?
It’s all about the watch materials and name brand value. For example, there are Orient Bambino models out there which give off luxurious vibes at a cheap price tag. They may not be made of top-of-the-line materials through and through, but they get the job done. A luxury watch and a cheap watch may both have a stainless steel band and quality automatic movement, but luxury watches have that certain blend of style and substance that sets them apart.
Closing Thoughts
Looking for a minimalist watch that features luminous hands? Are you a fan of field watches with quality mechanical movement vibes? No matter what you’re in the mood for, you can find a great watch for under $100! The eight watches on the countdown above are the best of the very best. No matter what particular model you choose, you’re going to be quite pleased when it’s wrapped around your wrist.
And your bank account won’t mind either!