Wristwatches can be an expensive hobby, but it’s possible to build an awesome collection on a budget. In this article, we’ll explore 50 great affordable watches and how to choose the perfect 8 watch collection.
Dive Watches – Built for Adventure
Dive watches are a must in any collection. Their rugged build stands up to daily wear, and their sporty styling works in any situation.
Casio Duro – A budget Quartz diver with 200m water resistance. The rotating bezel adds utility and comes in fun colorways. Just $70.
Tissot Seastar – An affordable Swiss-made automatic diver. Multiple sizes and dials available. Reliable workhorse ETA movement inside.
Citizen Promaster – Eco-drive solar movement means no changing batteries. Unique case shape with professional dive specs.
Orient Kamasu – Sapphire crystal and in-house Japanese automatic movement make this a crazy value under $200.
Bulova Devil Diver – Vintage styling in a modern recreation. The domed plexiglass and engraved bezel are retro cool.
Alkin Model Two – British microbrand offering 300m water resistance and a clean compressed case design. Quality far above its indie status.
For a dive watch, I’d choose the Orient Kamasu. It’s got the specs to handle real diving, but its modern size wears well everyday. The green dial color adds character too.
Chronographs – Complications with Purpose
Being able to time events via a chronograph complication is supremely useful. But affordable mechanical chronos are hard to find.
Timex Q – Sporty vintage styled quartz chrono complete with bracelet. Echoes of the iconic Speedmaster vibe on a budget.
Seagull 1963 – Chinese mechanical chronograph with distinctive panda dial. Powered by a hand-wound column wheel movement.
Boldr Medic – Swiss quartz chronograph rated to 200m with medical pulse scale. Full titanium build quality.
Bulova Lunar Pilot – Historic chronograph actually worn on the moon. Aligned with Bulova’s space legacy. Enormous 45mm case.
Yema Rallygraf – Vintage racing watch worn by racing legend Mario Andretti himself. Unique tri-compax dial configuration.
Dan Henry 1963 – Microbrand creating vintage homage racing chronographs with meca-quartz movements. Superb value.
For an affordable chronograph, the Boldr Medic has my pick. A unique tool watch purpose built for emergency responders. The titanium case keeps it lightweight and durable.
Everyday Watches – Versatility is Key
Having one watch to wear anytime, anywhere is crucial. It should be durable and handsome in any situation.
Tissot PRX – Trending integrated bracelet sports watch. Equally suitable for casual or dress wear. Quartz and automatic versions.
Seiko SRPE55 – Perfect proportions. Textured blue dial adds depth. Reliable Japanese movement inside. Just dressy enough but still sporty.
Citizen NH8350 – Flattering 40mm case size. Leather strap options dress it up while the bracelet keeps it casual. Strong value.
Casio Edifice – An unexpected everyday contender. 100m water resistance and sapphire crystal in a stainless case.
Baltic HMS – Microbrand creating contemporary, vintage-inspired everyday watches with bold sector dials.
Lorier Falcon – American microbrand watch echoing the utilitarian spirit of the Rolex Explorer. Also works perfectly as an everyday wear.
For the everyday watch, I’d go with the Lorier Falcon. The clean dial design and versatility hit all the right notes. Made for daily wear you can rely on.
Field Watches – Military Inspiration
Ideal for outdoor excursions, field watches are legible and tough. Their military roots equate to serious durability.
Orient Defender – Japanese field watch with day, date, and 24-hour subdial. Useful complications at this affordable price are uncommon.
Bertucci A-2T – Rugged American watch purpose-built for active duty. 40mm titanium case means lightweight resilience.
Boldr Venture – Swiss quartz, titanium, and sapphire crystal – impressive specs for under $500. Designed for adventuring.
Seiko SRPG39 – Classic military aesthetics on the trusty Seiko 5 automatic. Great execution of the field watch vibe.
CWC G10 – Issued to British military for decades. Built to MOD specifications. Quintessential rugged field watch pedigree.
Lorus Field Watch – Ultra budget friendly field watch. Titanium case, 100m water resistance, and excellent lume make it incredibly capable for under $100.
For a field watch, the military heritage of the CWC G10 makes it my top affordable choice. It’s got real deal pedigree.
Dress Watches – Sophistication and Restraint
When suited up for a special occasion, you need a handsome dress watch. Focus on timeless elegance and minimalism.
Seiko SNXS79 – Versatile 38mm case size. Sunburst gray dial adds depth. Polished hands/indices catch the light.
Citizen NH8350 – Understated date and day complications. Sophisticated sunray brushing on the dial. Surprisingly affordable.
Casio AQ-230 – A $30 digital watch transformed with a leather strap into a classy tank style timepiece. Shockingly elegant on a budget.
Orient Bambino – Japanese dress watch with domed crystal and clean simple dial. New 38mm size perfects the proportions.
Seiko Cocktail Time – Gorgeous textured dials like the starlight or mojito models. Beautiful affordable elegance.
Merkur Piermont – Chinese microbrand creating Bauhaus inspired designs. Superb bang-for-buck sophistication.
For a dress watch, the Orient Bambino has my pick. It nails that vintage mid-century aesthetic and wears nicely on the wrist.
GMTs – Track Multiple Time Zones
For frequent travelers or keeping tabs on events overseas, a GMT watch is helpful. The ability to track a second time zone adds utility.
Timex Q GMT – Pepsi or Coke bezels echo the Rolex GMT-Master. Quartz precision and rotating GMT bezel functionality.
Seiko 5 Sports GMT – One of the only affordable automatic GMT watches available. Reliable Japanese movements.
Glycine Combat Sub – Swiss made GMT diver watch with GMT hand on a 24-hour scale bezel. Choice of quartz or pricier automatic.
Casio AE1200 – Forget tracking just an extra time zone – the Casio World Time tracks 31 zones for under $25!
Bulova Wilton – Distinctive world map dial design on this automatic GMT watch. Sophisticated for the price.
Citizen Nighthawk – Pilot style watch with unique dual-sided GMT hand to track a second time zone. Very useful.
The Citizen Nighthawk has my GMT pick. The visual design is busier than I’d normally like but that unique GMT hand wins me over. So clever.
Pilot’s Watches – Aviation Inspiration
Ideal for easy legibility when you need to focus, pilot’s watches combine military heritage with aviation inspired designs.
Laco Augsburg – Entry-level option into the brand who created pilot watches for the German Air Force in WWII. Classic flieger styling.
Seiko SRPH21 – Mesmerizing moody gray dial in a guilloche wave pattern. Automatic movement powers this 40mm pilot watch.
AV-8 Hawker Harrier II – Microbrand pilot watch with automatic Swiss movement and loud personality. Over-the-top aviation vibes.
Aristo Aviator – Unsigned Swiss movement, sapphire crystal, titanium case – impressive specs for a pilot watch under $500.
Zeppelin LZ127 – German pilot watch featuring bold riveted leather strap and wide arrow hands. The contrasting patina lume is distinctive.
Citizen Titanium Skyhawk – Jumbo 47mm titanium cased pilot with loads of visual texture. Love or hate the aesthetic, it has wrist presence.
For a pilot watch, I’ll go with the Laco Augsburg. Historical ties to actual wartime pilot watches give it authenticity.
Beater Watches – Affordable Durability
Want a watch you can thrash without worry? Beater watches can take a beating so your nicer watches stay safe at home.
Casio F91W – The ultimate affordable beater. These budget digital watches are virtually indestructible. Replace when killed.
G-Shock DW5600 – Casio’s famous shock resistant watch. Countless colorways available to suit your style.
Timex Ironman – Resin case molded in one durable piece. Smaller alternative to the G-Shock. Built for active lifestyles.
G-Shock GA2100 – The best of both worlds – tough G-Shock in a metal case. More versatility to incorporate into outfits.
Casio MDV106 – Full stainless steel screw down case back and 200m water resistance make this an impressive beater for under $50.
Casio CA53W – The originator of the calculator watch from Casio. Nerdy retro fun with true geek cred.
My affordable beater watch is the G-Shock GA2100. Loaded with protection but the stainless case and vintage dial offer way more style than the plastic models.
The Perfect Affordable Watch Collection
After exploring 50 great budget friendly watches across these categories, here is the 8 watch collection I would choose:
Dive – Orient Kamasu
Chronograph – Boldr Medic
Everyday – Lorier Falcon
Field – CWC G10
Dress – Orient Bambino
GMT – Citizen Nighthawk
Pilot – Laco Augsburg
Beater – G-Shock GA2100
This collection hits all the main watch types. It would provide me versatility and purpose while staying affordable. Let me know which 8 you would pick!
Buying Guide for Affordable Watches
Building a watch collection on a budget requires careful thought. Follow these tips when shopping for affordable timepieces:
- Quartz vs Mechanical – Quartz watches offer more affordable precision. Mechanical watches have soul but cost more. Pick what matters most to you.
- New vs Vintage – Buying vintage can net you big value. But old watches come with more risk. Shop carefully.
- Mainstream vs Microbrand – Small microbrands often provide better specs for less. But big names have heritage.
- eBay vs ADs– Authorized dealers offer peace of mind but eBay has deals. Know the risks when buying pre-owned.
- Expandable Bracelets – Especially for budget watches, look for bracelets with micro adjustments or half links. Achieve the perfect fit.
- Display Caseback – Being able to see the movement matters to watch lovers. Opt for exhibition casebacks when possible.
- Versatility – Affordable watches that work across multiple situations are ideal. Consider versatile colors, strap options, and styling.
- Value – Compare specs between watches at similar price points. Getting more for your money is key.
With a carefully curated selection of watches that fill specific purposes in your wardrobe, it’s possible to build a well-rounded collection on even the most modest budget. Let your personal style and intended use guide you to the perfect affordable timepieces.
Popular Affordable Watch Brands
Here are some of the best affordable watch brands producing high quality timepieces under $1000:
Seiko – Japanese powerhouse renowned for incredible value across price points. Everything from dive watches to dress watches. Seiko 5 line offers automatics under $200.
Orient – Japanese brand like Seiko providing mechanical watches with in-house movements for very little money. Known for Bambino dress watches.
Timex – Old school American brand now offering vintage inspired mechanical and quartz watches. Great affordable everyday wear options.
Citizen – Japanese quartz watches with groundbreaking eco-drive solar charging movements. Have dive and dress models.
Casio – Prolific Japanese company leading the rise of digital watches and known for tough G-Shocks. Great affordable beaters.
Tissot – Entry-level Swiss watch brand providing mechanical watches with ETA movements. Make affordable everyday luxury watches.
Hamilton – American brand using ETA/Swatch movements to create stunning affordable designs inspired by aviation and military heritage.
Glycine – Respected Swiss brand producing quality mechanical watches at prices competing with Japanese offerings. GMT experts.
Christopher Ward – British startup shaking up the industry by selling directly to consumers and cutting out retail markup. Provides ridiculous value.
Dan Henry – Microbrand creating phenomenal vintage homage watches powered by affordable meca-quartz movements. Chronograph styles are very popular.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide gives you plenty of affordable watch options to choose from. Building a watch collection on a budget takes a discerning eye but the watches here prove you can get insane quality and style for under $1000.
Let me know which budget watches YOU love and what 8 you would choose for your personal collection!