Best Watches Under $500
Make a Statement Without Breaking the Bank
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With additions by Brian Scott Lipton
Accessory or necessity? For over 100 years, there was little debate about men owning a wristwatch — or two or 10 (guilty as charged). Now, of course, one can live without one, but should one? Not really, according to Durand Guion, vice president of Macy’s Fashion Office.
“A watch is the ultimate accessory for guys. Even in the age of digital time-telling, it adds a finishing touch to the well-dressed man,” he says.
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For a lot of guys, watches are like wine: the perceived learning curve intimidates many who assume you can’t get anything good for a reasonable price. That’s not the case, however, timepiece-wise; in fact when just starting out in the horological universe it’s a good idea to begin with something relatively modest and acquaint yourself with the way it wears, works, looks and feels, as a prelude to acquiring a piece you’ll wear for the rest of your life.
With that philosophy in mind, you’re probably persuaded that the time has come to buy your first (or second) watch. However, you may still need to know what to look for — an especially daunting task in an increasingly crowded market. Functionality or fun? Substance or style? Classic or contemporary?
At this price you can and should go for real watch brands as opposed to fashion brands who are merely branding cheap timepieces usually made in China. Watchmakers such as Bulova, Tissot, and Hamilton, all founded in the 1800s, have passed the hundred-year mark and withstood the test of time, so to speak, and are well worth investing in. Look for deals on discontinued models on Amazon, where sale prices can be 40 percent off or more, and you can end up scoring a real deal.
The man who overspends before he knows the worth of what he’s buying does nobody any favors, least of all himself. And not wearing a watch because you’re waiting to afford something expensive is a foolish economy, leaving you bereft and bare-wristed. Buy wisely and you won’t be wasting money on a starter model; take good care of it and there will even be some residual resale value to put towards your next purchase.
Another reason not to pay more than $500 for a watch is the amount of punishment you plan to dole out. If you work with your hands or just don’t want to worry too much about damaging an expensive timepiece, it’s better to buy something that won’t break the bank if it ends up needing to be replaced sooner rather than later. That said it’s better just to take the watch off if there’s any danger of it getting damaged.
Best Watches Under $500
Don’t think of it as a “cheap” watch or something you’re compromising on however; do the research (actually we did it for you), spend as much as you possibly can and take satisfaction in something that’s worth more than you paid for it. There’s no shame in shopping around or wearing a less expensive watch than the loudmouthed guy in the next cubicle who probably still owes money on his.
Price should in any case be a secondary consideration when buying a watch. Look for a design that pleases you, in a size you’re comfortable with, that has the functions you want, and then consider what’s it’s worth. Perhaps you prefer a metal bracelet to a leather strap, but be aware that for a minimal extra investment you can get both. Nylon straps available in a host of colors are another way to change up the look of your watch.
Movado BOLD Thin
Sometimes less is more, and that couldn’t be put into practice with more elegance and integrity than the Movado BOLD Thin. Minimal design, clean lines and refined sophistication is what you can expect from this formal version of the iconic style. Stainless steel frames the 42mm black face while a black leather straps finishes off the streamlined design. Dressed up, for sure, but not limited to formal occasions. It elevates any look from basic boardroom to boss status quicker than you can say “what time is it”?
Bulova Stainless Steel Chronograph
Bulova resonates with timeless style, quality craftsmanship and affordability. This water-resistant model is crafted in stainless steel and features a bold black dial, luminous hands and Japanese quartz movement ensuring impeccable accuracy.
Citizen Eco-Drive Chronograph
This racy chronograph from Japan’s underrated Citizen is a technological wonder with atomic timekeeping in five time zones (North America, the UK, Europe, Japan, and China) and automatic time in 26 world cities. Citizen's Eco-Drive technology harnesses the power of light — from any natural or artificial light source — and converts it into energy, which is stored in a permanently rechargeable solar cell, and can literally run forever.
Tissot V8 Quartz Chronograph
The handsome V8 45mm chronograph is water resistant to 100 m (330 ft) and won’t break the bank. Most people will assume you paid a lot more. Chronographs are a good buy in general as they offer more bang for the buck, hold their value better, and look more expensive to boot.
Hamilton Khaki Field Watch
Hamilton, founded in Pennsylvania in 1892, belies the common belief that only Swiss watches are worth investing in. The field watch is a classic design that may not be dressy enough for the opera but can handle most situations with aplomb. It’s an American style statement that goes perfectly with your L.L. Bean and Filson gear, and has been widely imitated though usually without concomitant quality. The 38mm size is fairly uniformly flattering and the automatic movement is usually reserved for pricier pieces.
Seiko Prospex PADI Dive Watch
Many precious Swiss diving watches never see any underwater action. Seiko’s classic “Pepsi” (i.e. red and blue) diver is designed to be used, and is rated to 650 feet. The 44mm piece has the iconic rotating bezel that allows you to keep track of how long you’ve been underwater. This is the only other watch on the list with an automatic movement, and would normally cost considerably more. The Pepsi coloring makes a bold and sporty statement but the watch has the chops to back it up.
Shinola Detrola Watch
Casual, fun and thoroughly modern, the Detroit-based watchmaker’s new Detrola collection of 43mm watches features a flexible, quick-release silicone strap, a lightweight case made of high-grade resin and a watch dial covered in a transparent yet super-durable and scratch-resistant crystal. Like its wearer, the Detrola is a triumph of both strength and style.
Citizen Promaster Nighthawk
An appealing mix of the old and new, the antique styled Citizen Promaster Nighthawk uses Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology which allows it to be powered by any light source. Adding to its practicality, the Nighthawk features world time in 26 time zones and a perpetual calendar, a big plus for men who travel the globe in pursuit of their dreams (or just for business).
Victorinox Field Force Chrono
From the woods to Wall Street, this indelible watch fits in wherever you may be. It boasts striking red second hands with a Swiss Army Knife-shaped counterweight, a red cross and shield on the dial, superb day and night visibility, as well as chronograph functions and a tachymeter scale. You’ll have a field day (or night) with this watch on your arm.
Timex Waterbury Traditional Automatic
What’s better than an old favorite? An old favorite with a new movement. Ticking inside this classic watch, with its of-the-moment stainless steel case, is a 21-jewel automatic movement designed to make the Waterbury an even more accurate, longer-lasting timepiece than ever before. That’s what we call a win-win.
Original Grain Alterra Brewmaster Chronograph
Yep, it’s time to roll about the barrel once you see this stunner. This 44m timepiece is made from reclaimed authentic German oak beer barrels — paying tribute to the German brew culture — and features brushed silver stainless steel, sapphire crystal glass and wood inlays throughout the design. Drink it in.
Fossil FB-01 Chronographic Navy Ceramic Watch
We love this navy ceramic chronograph from Fossil. It's visually striking, solidly built, and boasts a water resistance of up to 100 meters. The white hands and time slots (circles on off-hours and squares and triangles at the cardinal points) make the dial extremely legible and unique, while the three interior dials provide key info and added functionality.
These watches won't set you back that much cash, but they will instantly add equity to your style. We have tons more watch coverage for any style and any price.
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