Best Watches Under $200
The Best Budget Watch Options for Men
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When you’re ready to buy your first watch, it makes a lot of sense to start on the less expensive end. That way you can figure out what you like, need or want without sinking too much into something you might decide you really don’t care for. The best way to determine your preferences and requirements is to try it out on your wrist. At $200 or under, you’re not likely to feel too bad if it turns out you really wanted a pilot’s watch when you bought a diver, or vice versa. Be extra smart about shopping and you can even get both.
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Note that this price range doesn’t get you into the big name brands, but it will put you give you an indication of whether or not a name brand is something you feel the need to pay for. The watches on this list perform many of the same functions as more expensive pieces and have plenty of style to boast about, though they may not draw an equal number of envious glances from the label-obsessed. That shouldn’t be a consideration when purchasing your first timepiece, however.
This $200 mark is a solid threshold to cross when acquiring the first in what we hope is not a long line of watches, but a collection that grows with you. It may later become the watch that you wear to do chores or play sports, but these are also good enough pieces to wear for years to come. You will never feel that you overpaid for anything on this list. Which is not something one can often say in life.
Brands like Seiko, Bulova, and Timex have been making solid, dependable watches at affordable prices for several decades and you can feel confident strapping one to your wrist. Doing so marks you out as eminently sensible, with an appreciation for quality, but not a tendency to overspend. Some of these pieces may make a statement but it's expressed quietly rather than shouted from the rooftops.
Yet, for guys who are just dipping their proverbial toe into this particular market, it’s a lot smarter to not just dive into the high-priced end of this pool. You have plenty of time to work up to your first Rolex or Patek Phillipe. Instead, start slowly but stylishly, relying on tried-and-true brands including Timex, Casio, and Seiko which have been making solid, dependable watches at affordable prices for several decades and you can feel confident strapping one to your wrist. Doing so marks you out as eminently sensible, with an appreciation for quality, but not a tendency to overspend.
Best Watches Under $200
Because we’ve done the research for you, these are timepieces with an interesting story, a window into the world of watches that you may find gets you hooked. It can also be something of a rabbit hole to be sure, but before committing to four figures on a watch that will last you a lifetime it’s a good idea to take one or two of these for a spin. They’re handsome enough to complement any outfit and tough enough to accompany you on anything from an adventurous hiking trip to your next job interview.
Seiko SSC 141 Stainless Steel Solar Watch
Perfect for the man who needs to dress up and dress down — either occasionally or on a daily basis — this handsome stainless steel watch with blue Hardlex crystal display is powered entirely by sunlight, with a six month reserve, and features a Japanese quartz movement with an analog display and a stainless steel band with push-button clasp. It’s the ideal combination of practicality and elegance.
Feice Bauhaus Automatic Watch
Refreshingly different, you might think Feice watches come from Scandinavia — but in fact, the brand is a Chinese tribute to the Bauhaus style. And it’s certainly one worth keeping an eye on. With an automatic movement, the big, clean, simple face dial of the Feice makes this an elegant option for a work watch or to wear on a night out, while sapphire crystal display does a wonderful job warding off nicks and scratches.
Michael Kors Slim Runway Watch
Chic, stylish and delightfully functional — which are all the things one might expect from a timepiece with the name Michael Kors on it — this 44mm black IP three-hand watch boasts a Japanese-quartz movement and is water resistant to 50m, so you can wear it while washing your hands or taking a short recreational swim without worrying about damaging the timepiece.
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Vincero Chrono S
Vincero is dedicated to crafting high-quality watches that double as bold and uncompromising statement pieces. Its flagship Chrono S is certainly no exception as it helps the company stand out from the crowd with a style that means business. It comes with a top-grain Italian leather strap in brown crocodile, but it is interchangeable if you want to shake up your look from time to time. Plus, it’s water-resistant so you can wear it everyday regardless of the weather.
Casio Edifice WR Aviator Chronograph
The complex dial on this piece lets you calculate things like airspeed and fuel consumption when flying an aircraft, but aside from that it just looks damn cool. The stainless steel bracelet and black and white dial with red accents are pure panache. Casio may be famous for its (now dated) digital watches, but this shows they can do analog very well. This is one piece that definitely punches above its weight price-wise.
Skagen Grenen Solar-Powered Charcoal Stainless Steel Mesh Watch
If you’re looking for more sustainable styles, Skagen has made a name for itself designing cool, minimalist, solar-powered watches that won't break your budget. We're big fans of the Grenen model, in particular in the Charcoal color, for its sleek, almost futuristic styling.
Citizen Eco Drive Garrison Chronograph
This is a field watch style piece inspired by vintage military issue equipment. The contrasting red second hand and rugged green canvas band gives it enough panache to pair perfectly with jeans and a tweed jacket. And it’s solar powered to boot. Another great Japanese watch brand that’s undervalued, which makes it eminently affordable, Citizen has been producing quality timepieces since 1918.
Timex Easy Reader
The brand that keeps on ticking also keeps on giving us wearable, stylish timepieces that look great on any man’s wrist. The Easy Reader deploys a minimalist design, using a black-silver-white color scheme to make the easy-to-read numbers really stand out. In our books, this watch is the ultimate less-is-more men’s accessory.
Bulova 98H51 Dress Watch
Bulova, founded in 1875, makes affordable Swiss watches that have borne witness to several of history’s most significant events including famous space exploration missions. This is a masterfully simple watch that eschews complicated displays for a reserved, elegant appearance. The rose gold-toned case also elevates it above steel models and looks great with a suit. Even James Bond wore a Bulova at one point.
Mondaine Stainless Steel Essence Swiss Quartz Watch
Mondaine’s watches are based on the official Swiss railway clock, a design icon that has been widely imitated the world over. It’s powered by a highly accurate Swiss Ronda quartz movement, the same one that makes sure the trains in Switzerland run on time. This is a very high-quality piece that comes with a two-year international warranty and is well worth the price. It says that you’re interested in precision and good design.
Casio G-Shock XL Series Quartz Sport Watch
Are you seeking an easy way to brighten up your life? Casio’s state-of-the art XL series available in this vivd orange comes equipped with Casio’s Triple Sensor Version 3 Technology and includes a direction sensor for compass readings, pressure sensor for altimeter/barometer readings and a thermo sensor for temperature. Talk about taking a turn for the better.
Fossil Nate Stainless Steel Quartz Chronograph Watch
Fossil is the brand behind a lot of our favorite watches, so it makes sense it should be part of some the list. This oversized stainless steel military-inspired chronograph design features a quartz crystal movement that oscillates when a current is applied to it.
Timex Navi XL Watch
Even if you never go into the water, the men’s “diver watch” remains a popular style for those wearers who want to project masculinity and ruggedness, even if the biggest climb they do every day is up the subway stairs. This new Timex style fits the bill to a T, although its fabric slip-thru strap also helps give this timeless-feeling timepiece a modern take on a vintage design.
If you still didn't see a watch that satisfied your horological cravings, check out all our watch coverage. You're sure to find something.
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