A watch is a great accessory that can instantly turn your outfit around. However, watches are often considered as luxury items, so some people skip accessorizing with them altogether. But if you know where to look, you can find functional yet head-turning watches at affordable prices. To help you with your search, we’ve already compiled ten of the best watches under 500 dollars for you. Read on to learn more about our top picks!
Watch Reviews: 10 Best Watches You Can Buy Under $500
Michael Kors Slim Runway Stainless Steel Watch
One of the most eye-catching watches we came across is the classic analog Michael Kors Slim Runway Watch. With its polished minimalist face, this is one watch that you can wear not only on casual days but also on formal occasions. But more importantly, its stainless steel material adds a classic touch while also assuring you that it's something that can last for decades.
The Michael Kors Slim Runway Watch comes with a three-hand analog display that uses quartz movement. This means that it can tell the time accurately, so you don’t have to worry about running late.
We also love that this analog watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet with fold-over, and the release is made with a double push-button. This assures you that the fold-over design secures the watch onto your wrist, while the double push-button release keeps it from accidentally springing open.
Additionally, you'd also be pleased to know that this watch is water-resistant for up to 50 meters or 165 feet. This means that your watch will be perfectly safe against splashes and for recreational swimming. This makes it the perfect accessory for attending pool parties. However, we do not advise using this watch for snorkeling, diving, and other similar activities.
Overall, the stainless-steel version of the Michael Kors Slim Runway is a stylish classic analog watch that’s made for different occasions. With its stainless steel construction, you know that it’s also made to last. And with 11 color options to choose from, we’re sure that you can find the perfect one that represents your personality.
Pros
- It comes with a stainless steel case and bracelet.
- Its Japanese quartz movement promises accuracy.
- It is water-resistant for up to 50 meters.
- Users have 11 color options to choose from.
- Its versatile design is perfect for different occasions.
Cons
- As of the time of writing, there are no negative reviews of this item.
Movado Men's 2100002 Museum Black Stainless Steel Watch
Another eye-catching analog watch that you might want to look into is the Movado Men's 2100002 Museum Black Stainless Steel Watch.
This stylish watch comes with a black face with a two-hand display. If you’re a fan of minimalist watches that do not have time markers, then this is for you. Additionally, it has a versatile design so you can use it for daily activities or for when you have to dress up.
The Movado Men's Museum Black Watch comes with a stainless steel case that safely houses all the inner workings of this watch. This assures you of its longevity and durability. Its leather strap makes it comfortable to wear while also allowing for different sizes. Additionally, this analog watch is also made of scratch-resistant mineral, so you can expect that it will always look sleek.
To guarantee the accuracy, the Movado Men's 2100002 Museum Black Watch uses quartz movement. This assures you that you will always be on time, no matter what the event. And finally, this elegant watch is water-resistant for up to 30 meters or 99 feet. This means that it is safe against accidental splashes of water or in case of an unexpected rain shower.
Pros
- It is elegant yet simple, allowing you to use it for a variety of occasions.
- It has a stainless steel case coupled with scratch-resistant material to ensure durability and longevity.
- Its leather strap fits a variety of users while making it comfortable to wear.
- It is water-resistant for up to 30 meters.
- It is made with quartz movement to ensure accuracy in telling the time.
Cons
- Because of its numberless design, some users may find it hard to tell the time with.
- Some users note that the band may not be large enough for those with larger wrists.
Nixon 51-30 Chrono Men's Watch
The Nixon 51-30 Chrono Watch is another stunner that’s built with those with active lifestyles in mind. Its large 51-millimetre case is made of stainless steel material that’s as sturdy as it gets. This is attached to a three-link stainless steel band that secures the watch onto your wrist. These features give off a timeless appeal while promising exceptional quality.
The round dial on the Nixon 51-30 features large Arabic numerical indices to help you easily read the time - even when you’re in a hurry. It also has a small window that tells you the date for your convenience. It also comes with three sub-dials to allow for chronograph functions. This allows you to train and keep track of your progress while still being stylish.
On one side of the watch, you will find three crowns that allow you to make the necessary adjustments with ease. Their sizes are larger than your ordinary crowns, making them easy to access. Additionally, it uses Japanese quartz movement for its three decorative hands. And this guarantees accurate time readings to the very second.
But perhaps the most impressive feature of the Nixon 51-30 Chrono Men's Watch is its water-resistant feature for up to 200 meters or an incredible 660 feet. This makes it one of the best watches under 500 dollars you can get and the perfect companion when you're out swimming, snorkeling, and other marine activity or serious water sports. However, we do not recommend it for scuba diving.
Lastly, this impressive analog watch also comes in 12 impressive color schemes to suit the different tastes of its users.
Pros
- Stainless steel material makes it durable.
- Water-resistant up to 200 meters.
- 12 color schemes for users to choose from.
- Chronograph functionality.
- Japanese quartz movement
- Its large numerical indices help tell time easily.
Cons
- Some users note that the battery is not long-lasting.
Fossil Men's Dean Stainless Steel Chronograph Dress Quartz Watch
Another stainless steel classic that you would want to add to your collection is the Fossil Men's Dean Stainless Steel Chronograph Dress Quartz Watch. Thanks to its stainless steel case and bracelet, the Fossil Dean looks chic and ready to take on the day with you. And coming from a brand like Fossil, you can only expect impeccable quality from this watch.
To keep you updated throughout the day, this Fossil watch uses quartz movement to give you the most accurate time readings. For added convenience, this analog watch also comes with three sub-dials for its chronograph function. This is quite useful for those who have to run laps or undergo training. With this watch, training doesn’t mean working out with boring accessories.
The case diameter of 45 millimetres is perfect for casual days or formal occasions. The large numeric details greatly contrast with the color of the dial to make the numbers more prominent. This makes it easier to tell the time, even when you're in a hurry. And finally, this watch is water-resistant for up to 50 meters - making it perfect for recreational swimming and unexpected rain showers.
Overall, the Fossil Men's Dean Chronograph Watch is an elegant and timeless piece with functionality that’s perfect for those who are always on the go. It comes in 6 design schemes to let users flaunt their unique style. Naturally, the watch took its deserving place in our list for the best watches under $500.
Pros
- Offers great value for the money.
- Very comfortable to wear.
- Its case and bracelet are made of stainless steel, promising both style and quality.
- It has chronograph features for convenience and uses quartz movement for accuracy.
- Water-resistant for up to 50 meters.
- Comes in 6 versatile color variants.
Cons
- As of the time of writing, there are no negative reviews of this item.
Seiko Men's Prospex SRPC44 Watch
If you're looking for a watch that offers the best functionality, then look no further than the Seiko Men's Prospex SRPC44 Watch. Coming from a trusted brand like Seiko, you know you'll be getting your money's worth with this watch.
One of its most notable features is the automatic self-winding capability - something that Seiko has perfected over the years. This means that the internal workings of the watch are propelled by the natural motion of the wearer, and thereby getting rid of the need for regular manual winding. Moreover, a noteworthy fact is that it also features vibrations of up to 21,600 per hour, coupled with a power reserve of up to 41 hours. This guarantees accurate time readings, even when you take it off for a while.
The Seiko Prospex SRPC44 comes with a black dial with contrasting time markers. This is paired with Lumi Brite hands that help tell the time even when under pitch-black darkness. And for added convenience, it has a window that tells the day of the week next to the corresponding date of the month.
Another notable feature of this stylish analog watch is its water-resistance feature of up to 200 meters. Seiko made it so functional that you can even use this watch when you're scuba diving or enjoying other high-impact sports.
Overall, the Seiko Men's Prospex SRPC44 Watch is one of the most impressive items on this list, thanks to its incredible functionality and sophisticated style.
Pros
- It has a versatile design that allows it to be used on various occasions.
- It is water-resistant for up to 200 meters
- Comes with LumiBrite hands and time markers that make it easy to tell the time even when in low-light areas.
- Automatic self-winding feature with a power reserve of up to 41 hours.
- The silicone strap makes it comfortable to wear.
Cons
- As of the time of writing, there are no negative reviews of this item.
Victorinox Swiss Army Men's I.N.O.X. Watch
The Victorinox Swiss Army Men's I.N.O.X. Watch is an iconic analog watch that's sure to turn heads. Even though it's so stylish, you'd also be pleased with how heavy-duty this watch is.
For starters, it is specially engineered to withstand around 130 extreme endurance homologation tests. This includes surviving a 10-meter fall, being run over by a 64-ton tank, and water resistance of up to 200 meters, to name a few. This makes it perfect for those who love extreme sports - whether in the air or underwater.
While we’re on the subject of toughness, you’d also be impressed to know that the Victorinox I.N.O.X. is crafted from sandblasted titanium to give it that smooth and matte finish. And aside from being durable, this material is also hypoallergenic and lightweight - and this makes it perfect for a variety of users.
This stylish analog watch also comes with a removable bumper, and this helps protect it against shocks. Thus, you’re assured that even the most extreme situations won’t harm your I.N.O.X. watch.
Users can also choose between genuine rubber or genuine leather bands, depending on what is most comfortable to them. They also have 16 color options to choose from, thereby promising versatility wherever they may be. Overall, the Victorinox Swiss Army Watch is a heavy-duty analog watch that you can take with you on extreme vacations yet sophisticated enough for the office or other formal events.
Pros
- The case is made from sturdy sandblasted titanium.
- Lightweight, hypoallergenic, and very comfortable to wear.
- Water-resistant for up to 200 meters.
- It has a removable shock-resistant bumper.
- It went through 130 endurance tests to guarantee its durability and longevity.
- Accurate analog quartz movement.
- The dial has a window that shows the day’s date.
Cons
- Some users find the rubber straps too chunky to wear.
- The clasp mechanism on the strap is not very durable.
Suunto Core All Black Military Men's Outdoor Sports Watch
If analog is not your thing, then you might want to consider the digital Suunto Core All Black Military Men's Outdoor Sports Watch. This is without a doubt one of the best digital watches out there.
This all-black sports watch comes with a black dial, making the digital numbers easier to read even at night. But aside from telling the time, this watch is also jam packed with added features such as an altimeter, barometer, and a compass - useful tools for those who love to hike in the wild.
It is also capable of tracking the weather for up to 7 days, and this makes it a practical accessory for seasoned campers. It can also conveniently track sunrise and sunset times in more than 400 locations to help you plan whatever activity you're planning.
The Suunto Core also has a unique storm alarm feature as an added safety feature. Basically, the watch tracks the change in the air pressure and gives you a warning so you can plan your actions accordingly. It is also water-resistant for up to 100 meters, and this assures you that you can even swim with this watch on.
Pros
- Comes with complete features that can help you survive and have fun outdoors.
- Water-resistant for up to 100 meters.
- A number of design variants allow it to blend in with any outfit. (Our favorites are the All Black and the Brushed Steel)
- Very easy to adjust and operate.
- Offers great value for the money.
Cons
- It is not very durable.
- The display is hard to read in certain conditions
- Relatively short battery life span
Burberry BU9029 Embossed Ladies Watch
A beautiful watch that will complement every sophisticated lady is the Burberry BU9029 Embossed Ladies Watch. This is certainly one of the best watches under 500 dollars for ladies, if not the best!
This stylish analog watch has a lovely champagne-colored dial with contrasting time markers to help tell the time easily. Because of its neutral colors, the Burberry BU9029 became a flexible accessory that you can use from daytime at the office and for nighttime dates.
The Swiss-made Burberry BU9029 Embossed Ladies Watch uses Ronda quartz movement to guarantee its accuracy in telling the time. It also has a small window that shows the day's date for your convenience. Also, noteworthy is that it is water-resistant for up to 50 meters - and that's enough to protect it against water splashes or sudden heavy rainfall.
Finally, we also love the fabric strap that comes with the Burberry BU9029 Embossed Ladies Watch. This makes it comfortable to wear, while its sizing options allow a variety of women to wear it.
Pros
- Uses Swiss quartz movement for impeccable accuracy.
- Water-resistant for up to 50 meters.
- Comes with a comfortable fabric strap.
- The lovely champagne color makes it versatile.
Cons
- As of the time of writing, there are no negative reviews of this item.
Michael Kors Women's Quartz Watch
If a watch would be chosen to represent elegance, it would definitely be the Michael Kors Women's Quartz Watch. This bejeweled analog watch is made of stainless steel material that’s known for its durability and longevity. And since it uses quartz movement, then you can expect both durability and accuracy from this watch. It has a case diameter of 36 millimetres, and this makes the dial large enough for you to easily tell the time with.
Despite its luxurious aesthetic, we were surprised to know that the Michael Kors Women's Watch is water-resistant for up to 50 meters. This means that it won't be damaged even in case water is spilled all over it - and you can even use it for recreational swimming as well. And if you’re not a fan of the all-glittery look, then you’d be pleased to know that there are 7 equally-elegant color schemes to choose from.
Pros
- It is made of durable stainless steel material.
- Water-resistant for up to 50 meters.
- Uses quartz movement for time-telling accuracy.
- Users have 8 color schemes to choose from.
- Very comfortable to wear.
Cons
- Some users note that the crystals start to fall off after a few months of use.
- It has limited sizing.
G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400
And finally, completing our list for the best watches under 500 dollars is the heavy-duty and multi-functional G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400. This solar-power digital watch comes with a stainless steel case to make sure that everything is protected. Like all watches from the G-Shock brand, the GW-9400 is also shock-resistant.
But aside from its shock resistance, the G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 is also mud resistant - and this means that it is so designed that buttons are sealed against mud and dirt. It can also withstand extremely low temperatures of up to -10 degrees Celsius or 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, it comes with a water resistance of up to 200 meters. All of these features make this digital watch the best companion for a variety of outdoor activities.
The Rangeman GW-9400 also comes with a thermometer, chronograph function, 5 daily alarms, sunrise and sunset times, an altimeter, and a barometer. All of these will surely help you prepare for your outdoor activity with ease.
Pros
- It is shock, low temperature, mud, and water-resistant.
- Comes with a variety of functions that can help you survive the outdoors.
- It is made from heavy-duty stainless steel material.
- Solar-powered.
- Its window is made with protective mineral crystal.
- Has a convenient timer function.
- Users can set up to 5 daily alarms.
Cons
- The lettering on the display is too small.
- Some users note that some of the features do not offer accurate readings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is analog better than digital watches?
The answer to this depends on your preference. Analog is known for its accuracy, while digital watches are known for its multi-functionality. Thus, if you need accurate readings, then analog would be best for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a watch that offers a variety of other functions, then digital is the way to go.
What is the best watch brand?
We can't narrow down to just one brand. We often think of big names such as Casio, Seiko, and Nixon for accuracy and durability, while Fossil and Michael Kors come to mind in case of style, comfort, and quality.
Why were smartwatches excluded from this list?
Let’s face it - smartwatches deserve a category of their own. Because of their added features that can even be compared to smartphones, we believe that it would be unfair to group them with analog and digital watches. For this reason, we excluded smartwatches from our list of the best watches under 500 dollars.
Final Words
We made it easy for you to get access to an extensive selection of the best watches under 500 dollars. And the best part about this is that it goes for everyone - whether you’re male, female, an office executive, or an extreme adventure-seeker, we’re sure that you’ll find the perfect affordable watch that matches your lifestyle. After all, a great watch doesn't have to be expensive. The important part is that it should be able to answer your needs while helping you improve your style.
