Best Watches Under $500: The 2025 Edition

$205.02

The Orient Bambino is a dressy value classic that scored 7.5/10 thanks to its reliable in-house automatic movement with hacking and hand-winding, which we appreciated during our review. The domed mineral crystal adds charming vintage appeal and looks elegant on the gray sunray dial, but our experience shows the 21mm lug width makes finding aftermarket straps trickier and the stock leather is stiff until broken in. With only 30m water resistance and a polished case prone to fingerprints, it’s best for office and occasional dress rather than rugged daily use.

$205.02

at Amazon

$180.00

The Rye Three-Hand Date Watch is a small, elegant piece with a sleek 30mm case and a radiant black sunray dial that looks much more expensive than its $180 price tag. During our review we found the styling versatile for dress and everyday wear, but quality control problems—like reports of watches arriving with dead batteries—dragged its score down to 5.5/10 and make ownership more frustrating than it should be. With 50m water resistance and a stainless-steel bracelet, it’s a pretty watch if you can tolerate potential QC headaches.

$180.00

at Fossil

$195.00

The OMEGA Swatch Moonswatch captures the Speedmaster aesthetic and scored a 6/10 in our guide because it’s fun and light but has durability trade-offs. We found the bioceramic case keeps it featherweight and available in many colors, yet our testing showed the bioceramic and plastic crystal are prone to scratches and the included Velcro strap felt stiff and inexpensive. During our review the chronograph was occasionally unreliable—reports of sticking stopwatches mean our experience shows you should treat this more as a collectible-style piece than a rugged daily chronograph.

$195.00

at Kicktoy

$289.00

The Tissot PRX Quartz Light Green 35mm is an eye-catching pick that scored 7.5/10 in our guide thanks to a striking turquoise-green dial that really stands out on the wrist. In our testing the 100m water resistance and stainless-steel construction make it a comfortable everyday watch, but we found occasional seconds-hand misalignment and a bracelet that lacks micro-adjustments, which can complicate getting a perfect fit. During our review the overall execution felt premium for the price, though watchmakers may be needed for precise adjustments.

$289.00

at Jomashop

$168.34

If you want a comfortable, refined everyday watch that won’t break the bank, the Fossil Carraway is a solid pick at about $168. In our testing we found the curved case hugs the wrist nicely and the silver dial keeps the look clean, but it scored 7/10 because it lacks a date function and uses a mineral crystal that’s more prone to scratches. The quartz movement and 50m water resistance make it low-maintenance for daily wear, and the leather band adds classic comfort. If scratch resistance or a calendar is important, plan to consider alternatives.

$168.34

at Amazon

$230.00

The Orient Bambino Version 1 nails vintage elegance with its domed crystal and dial, offering a classic dress look many will love for around $230. In our testing the domed profile adds real charm, but we found the stock leather strap is stiff at first and the reflective dial and hands can make legibility challenging in certain lighting, which helps explain its 6.5/10 score. The automatic movement and date function are convenient for daily wear, though 30m water resistance means you should avoid water. It’s a handsome dress piece if you’re willing to break in the strap and mind reflections.

$230.00

at Orientwatchu...

$195.00

The SWR049 is a minimalist dress watch with an ultra-slim 6mm profile and a white dial that’s effortless to read, earning it a 7.5/10 in our testing. During our review the high-contrast dial elements made telling time instant and elegant, but our experience shows the thin leather strap may show wear sooner than sturdier bands and the 30m water resistance keeps this strictly a dry-occasion piece. The quartz movement keeps things accurate and the slim case slips under cuffs nicely. If you need a refined, low-profile dress watch, this one fits the bill.

$195.00

at Seikousa

$475.00

Brew’s Metric Retro Dial Steel earned a 7/10 in our testing by pairing a standout retro-inspired look with a precise Seiko VK68 mecha-quartz chronograph movement. We found the integrated stainless steel bracelet tapers nicely and can be comfortable for everyday wear, but some users—and our experience—note the bracelet feels cheap and can tug at arm hair, which hurts the wearing experience. The black dial’s quirky 4:30 date window and 50m water resistance make it a stylish, urban chronograph best enjoyed as a design piece rather than a heavy-duty sports watch.

$475.00

at Brew-watches

$171.23

The Citizen Eco-Drive Garrison is a reliable field watch that scored 7.5/10 in our evaluation thanks to its Eco-Drive solar technology and classic build quality—no battery changes ever. Our experience shows the green dial and high-quality leather strap are comfortable and look great, while the 100m water resistance adds practicality for light water use. Downsides: the dial and date window are on the small side and the luminous hands aren’t as bright as we’d like, so it’s an excellent everyday piece for those who prefer a more modest, classic size.

$171.23

at Amazon

$21.92

At just $21.92, the Casio W800HG is a bargain-basement workhorse that earned a 7/10 in our testing for delivering durability and an impressive 10-year battery life. We found the 100m water resistance and rubber band make it a reliable choice for active days, pool time, and travel. During our review the thicker case felt bulky on smaller wrists and the plastic glass scratched more easily than mineral or sapphire, so our experience shows you may eventually want a replacement strap or crystal.

$21.92

at Amazon

$252.14

Citizen’s Eco-Drive Chronograph scored an 8/10 in our guide by pairing polished blue-dial styling with solar-powered convenience that eliminates battery changes in everyday use. In our testing the chronograph and luminescent hands were genuinely useful for timing and low-light legibility, and the 100m water resistance adds practical versatility. That said, we found some strap designs hard to micro-adjust, so during our review you might need a watchmaker’s help to get a perfect fit on the leather band.

$252.14

at Amazon

$200.00

This Chronograph Watch earned a solid 7.5/10 in our testing for combining an elegant look with competent timing functionality—its 60-minute chronograph is handy for workouts and short events. We found the 100m water resistance and luminescent hands give everyday versatility, but the 42mm case and stainless-steel bracelet felt heavy and oversized on smaller wrists during our review. Our experience shows the unconventional date placement between 4 and 5 o’clock is a stylistic choice that may divide opinions, despite the watch’s polished finishing.

$200.00

at Macys

$16.83

The Casio F91W is the definition of affordable simplicity and scored 6.5/10 in our guide thanks to its lightweight comfort and wallet-friendly price. In our testing the stopwatch and basic functions worked reliably for daily timing tasks, and the slim profile makes it easy to wear all day. During our review we found the backlight is weak and the resin strap can wear faster than metal alternatives, so if you need nighttime visibility or long-term durability, plan to swap the band or supplement with a brighter light.

$16.83

at Amazon

$169.90

The G-Shock GM2100-1A is a stylish, modern take on the classic G-Shock formula that scored 7.5/10 in our testing for toughness and day-to-day reliability. In our testing its 200m water resistance and shock-resistant construction make it a great companion for active lifestyles, and the gray dial looks sleek and understated. That said, we found limited color options and a feature set that can feel complex if you just want a simple watch—during our review some users preferred a simpler model for intuitive use.

$169.90

at Amazon

$32.00

The Casio W736H is a niche value pick that earned a 6.5/10 thanks to features you won’t see at this price, most notably a vibration alarm for discreet alerts. We found the 100m water resistance and practical date function useful for everyday wear, but the LED backlight has a short duration and the resin strap and buckle feel less durable during our review. Our experience shows it’s a great budget tool watch if you prize silent alarms, though you may want to plan for strap maintenance over time.

$32.00

at Amazon

$215.00

If you prioritize a stout build and an automatic movement, the PRAESIDUS A-11 Military Field watch brings a lot to the table with its stainless steel case and sapphire (or K1) crystal. During our review we appreciated the uncluttered dial and luminous vintage dots supporting bold numerals, but our experience shows legibility suffers significantly in varied lighting, which drags its score to 6/10. The second hand lacks lume and the automatic movement departs from the original hand-wound A-11 design, which may disappoint purists. It’s a rugged-looking field watch that performs best in consistent light.

$215.00

at Amazon

$215.00

The PRAESIDUS A-11 Field Watch reads like a proper field tool: solid stainless-steel case, reliable automatic movement, and a very legible uncluttered dial helped it score 7/10 in our testing. During our review the luminous vintage dots made telling time easy, but our experience shows the second hand lacks lume and the strap only has six adjustment holes, which can leave the fit slightly tight or loose for some wrists. It also moves away from the original hand-wound A-11 heritage, which might bother collectors. If you want rugged looks with everyday reliability, it’s a practical option with a few fit caveats.

$215.00

at Amazon

$370.00

If retro motorsport style appeals, the Silver Chronograph 41mm channels Orfina Porsche Design cues with a black PVD-coated case and a usable 12-hour chronograph, earning a 6.5/10 in our testing. We found the overall design and timing versatility enjoyable, but during our review the alarm was quiet and imprecise, the lume on hands and markers was weak, and the bracelet clasp has only two micro-adjustment holes which limits fit fine-tuning. The quartz movement and date function add practicality, so it’s a stylish casual chronograph if you can live with muted lume and a fiddly alarm.

$370.00

at Danhenrywatc...

$33.10

For pure value in a sport-ready package, the Timex Ironman Triathlon Classic 30 is hard to beat and earned an 8.5/10 in our guide for durability and features at about $33. In our testing the large, easy-to-read display, 100m water resistance, stopwatch, countdown timer and alarms all performed reliably, making it great for training and everyday active use. Our experience shows the design is unapologetically sporty and color options are limited, and there’s no GPS for advanced tracking. If you want no-nonsense toughness and useful timing tools, this is a top budget pick.

$33.10

at Amazon

$29.99

The Freestyle Zephyr blends robust looks with a solid stainless-steel case and bracelet that felt durable during our review, and its luminous hands and markers make night-time legibility easy. However, we found some reports of display durability problems over time, and warranty service can be inconvenient because it often requires proof of purchase—factors that leave it at a 6/10 in our guide. With 100m water resistance it’s a practical casual diver-style option if you’re willing to accept potential long-term display and service hassles.

$29.99

at Houseofscuba

$435.00

The Seiko SSK023 is a practical tool watch that earned an 8.5/10 in our 2025 guide because the Seiko 4R34 GMT movement delivers reliable timekeeping. In our testing we found the fixed bezel simplifies use but limits GMT tracking to two time zones, and the Hardlex crystal provides only moderate scratch resistance compared with sapphire. With 100m water resistance, a sturdy stainless-steel bracelet, luminescent hands and a date window, our experience shows it’s a balanced pick for daily wearers who prioritize function over premium materials.

$435.00

at Seikousa

$475.00

Citizen’s TSUYOSA NJ0151-53M impressed us with a striking sunray sky blue dial and an integrated stainless-steel bracelet that feels comfortable, earning it an 8/10 in our guide. During our testing the automatic movement delivered the convenience of a no-battery watch, though our experience shows accuracy can drift up to +/-20 seconds per day and the polished bracelet surfaces are prone to scratches. With 50m water resistance and luminescent hands, it’s a stylish everyday piece if you’re willing to handle the finish and accept limited clasp micro-adjustments.

$475.00

at Citizenwatch

$380.00

The Tsuyosa Automatic from Macy’s offers solid everyday appeal thanks to a sapphire crystal and a comfortably engineered bracelet with push-out pins, which made resizing easy in our tests. We found the 4 o’clock crown placement is awkward and nearly impossible to manually wind, and the bracelet’s rattling undermined the otherwise polished feel, so its 7/10 score reflects a mix of strong materials and frustrating execution. With 50m water resistance and a basic Miyota 8210 movement, it’s dependable-looking if you prioritize scratch resistance and bracelet comfort.

$380.00

at Macys

$423.00

For a dress watch that looks and feels premium, the Orient Star Classic Semi Skeleton is a standout—its mirror-polished steel case and steel-blue dial earned it an 8/10 in our guide. In our testing we loved the Roman numeral typography and the obvious 50-hour power reserve, which gives practical autonomy when rotating watches, though our experience shows the Cartier-style crown insert is an odd, distracting detail. The automatic movement and leather strap complete a refined package, making this a top choice if you want classic elegance under $500.

$423.00

at Creationwatc...

$495.00

The Seiko SRPE93 is one of our top-rated picks, earning a 9/10 for delivering exceptional lume and rock-solid automatic timekeeping that stood out during our review. We found the 45mm case houses a very comfortable silicone strap and a movement with minimal daily deviation, perfect for diving or daily wear, while the 200m water resistance gives real confidence in wet conditions. Be mindful that the large case won’t suit smaller wrists, the Prospex 'X' on the dial divides opinion, and the Hardlex crystal is less scratch-resistant than sapphire.

$495.00

at Seikousa

$21.92

The Casio MRW200H is the kind of no-frills value watch we recommend for budget-conscious users—priced under $25, comfortable and lightweight, rated to 100m, and it earned a 6.5/10 in our guide. In our testing we found the resin band can feel flimsy and may irritate sensitive skin, and the acrylic crystal is easily scratched; the weak luminescence also fades quickly in low light. If you need a reliable, inexpensive field-style watch for casual wear or travel, it delivers utility, just don’t expect premium materials.

$21.92

at Amazon

$399.00

Vaer’s D4 Meridian earned an 8.5/10 in our testing by blending a sleek, slim case with an effective solar quartz movement that gives a six-month reserve after limited light exposure. We found the premium bracelet (on bracelet-equipped models) with screwed links and a push-button foldover clasp felt robust, and the 200m water resistance makes it a real sport-ready option. During our review the crown sometimes backed out under heavy activity and the lume wasn’t the brightest in pitch darkness, so our experience shows a quick crown check and supplemental light may be needed.

$399.00

at Vaerwatches

$259.00

The Sea Quartz 30 scored 7/10 in our testing by delivering genuine dive-capable performance: a high-torque Swiss quartz movement, sapphire crystal, and 300m water resistance with screw-down crown. In our experience the watch feels purpose-built for real water use, but we found the bezel can be stiff at first and the quick-release strap pins don’t inspire confidence for heavy-duty activity. During our review the bezel lume faded faster than expected and the dial lume dropped after a few hours, so pack a backup light for night dives.

$259.00

at Momentumwatc...

$229.00

The Q Timex GMT offers vintage appeal with a domed acrylic crystal, two-tone aluminum bezel and Swiss quartz accuracy, which helped it earn a 7.5/10 in our guide. In our testing the retro styling and comfortable 38mm case impressed, but our experience shows the stainless-steel bracelet finishing feels cheaper than the head and the friction-fit, bidirectional bezel lacks a ratchet so it’s less stable in use; the acrylic crystal is also prone to scratches. It’s a charming travel-friendly option if you prioritize classic looks and accurate quartz timekeeping over bracelet refinement.

$229.00

at Timex