Finding a decent watch under $100 isn’t as tough as you might think. In fact, finding a pretty damn great watch for $100 is possible, so long as you know which brands make these types of watches, which features to look out for, and you've got reasonable expectations. There are a few things to keep in mind.
-
Casio Vintage A158WA Read More -
Casio World Time Read More
-
Timex Easy Reader Read More
-
Caravelle Retro Read More
-
What to Look for (and Look Out for) When Buying a $100 Watch
You can find mechanical watches for under $100
They’re not going to feature the most finely decorated movements, and they’re probably not going to feature any complications, but they should work just fine.
The fit and finish of a watch under $100 aren’t going to be like that of a luxury watch
However, you can certainly get a perfectly utilitarian timepiece for this kind of money.
Quartz will present the most options
This is, of course, because quartz movements are themselves much less expensive than their mechanical counterparts.
You don’t have to rely on cheap knockoffs of luxury watches at this price range
There are plenty of original designs that look good and perform well for under $100.
You also don’t have to rely on "fashion watches"
See above.
Some brands are particularly strong in this range
You'll notice that some brands have multiple spots on this list. That's because among the oceans of cheap watches there are a couple brands we generally trust to deliver an actual quality product for the price. Casio and Timex are a couple of the strong players, and you should probably consider each of the picks below a mere sample from a brand that's worth further exploration.
Prices will sometimes fluctuate
Many of these watches are sold on sites like Amazon, so various factors (such as exchange rates, supply and others) will occasionally push prices slightly over $100. Chances are, they’ll dip back down again. Just don’t freak out at us.
So, without further ado, check out our list of some of the best watches under a hundo. Whether you’re looking to snag your first mechanical watch, or you just want an inexpensive piece to travel with that you won’t have to worry about losing, there’s something here for everyone.
Casio Vintage A158WA
- Diameter: 33.2mm
-
Movement: Quartz
- Water Resistance: 30m
- Manufacturer Info: casio.com
This isn't an actual vintage watch, of course: Vintage is, rather, the collection name. An evolution of the legendary F-91W watch, the A158WA is like a steel version of that plasitc digital icon. If you're not already familiar with this humble little watch, you'll be surprised at just how much value it packs in for the money: the functionality, accuracy and durability are unmatched for the price.
Casio World Time
- Diameter: 39.5mm
-
Movement: Quartz
- Water Resistance: 100m
- Manufacturer Info: casio.com
One of the best watches under (or around) $30, full stop. Actually, probably one of the best objects under (or around) $30, period. This digital world timer, which features 31 stored time zones and 100m of water resistance, is perfect for the frugal traveler. And if it ever breaks (which is doubtful), replacing it won’t break your heart or your wallet.
Timex Easy Reader
- Diameter: 35mm
-
Movement: Quartz
- Water Resistance: 30m
- Manufacturer Info: timex.com
A simple, small and exceedingly legible watch, the Easy Reader will do its job well and quietly — until, one day, you realize you've grown to love it for all of those reasons. It's especially appropriate for those that want a smaller, less obtrusive watch but one with a lot of stylistic versatility.
Caravelle Retro
- Diameter: 40mm
- Movement: Japanese quartz
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Manufacturer Info: bulova.com
You don’t have to drop a ton of money to help round out a retr0-sporty look — at 40mm, this watch from Bulova's sub-brand has the perfect dimensions to sit under a cuff and remain unobtrusive, yet eye-catching. It makes for a timeless but interesting look, and, of course, the price is right.
Timex Expedition Scout
- Diameter: 40mm
- Movement: Quartz
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Manufacturer Info: timex.com
Available in numerous dial and strap colors and combinations, the Expedition Scout 40 features a 40mm steel case, Arabic numerals, Indiglo illumination, a quick-set date, luminescent hands, a 24-hour scale on the dial and a fabric or leather strap.
Braun BN0021
- Diameter: 38mm
- Movement: Japanese quartz
- Water Resistance: 30m
- Manufacturer Info: braun-clocks.com
Another minimalist timepiece with clear Bauhaus influences, this simple Braun quartz watch flies well under the radar with its stark black dial and matching leather strap. It’s everything you need in an everyday watch and nothing you don’t.
Swatch Twice Again
- Diameter: 41mm
- Movement: Quartz
- Water Resistance: 30m
- Manufacturer Info: swatch.com
This minimalist watch with integrated silicon strap is subtle and simple, but you still get a quartz-powered day-date movement, 30m of water resistance and a clean dial that should prove highly legible in just about any situation.
Casio G-Shock DW9052
- Diameter: 46.4mm
- Movement: Quartz
- Water Resistance: 200m
- Manufacturer Info: gshock.com
A prototypical G-Shock, the DW9052 features all the goods you’d expect from one of the world’s toughest watches: 200m of water resistance, backlight with Afterglow, a daily alarm, hourly time signal, auto calendar, a 2-year battery life, and more.
Citizen Quartz BF0580
- Diameter: 39mm
- Movement: Citizen Quartz
- Water Resistance: 30m
- Manufacturer Info: citizenwatch.com
While Citizen's solar-charging Eco-Drive watches come in over the $100 mark, a comfortable 39mm stainless steel case with day-date display and leather strap make this handsome quartz specimen another good choice for a daily wear or a night out.
Invicta Pro Diver
- Diameter: 40mm
- Movement: Seiko NH35 automatic
- Water Resistance: 200m
- Manufacturer Info: invictawatch.com
We don't normally recommend Invicta watches. But if you're budget is $100, and a Rolex Submariner knockoff is what you're after, it's hard to ignore the Pro Diver. With a proven-robust Seiko automatic movement inside, not horrible build quality (for its price), a 40mm diameter, a stated 200m of water resistance and more color options than Baskin Robin's flavors, it's worth a shot. It's hard to find automatic watches at this price at all anymore.
Seiko 5 SNK
- Diameter: 38mm
- Movement: Seiko 7S26B automatic
- Water Resistance: 30m
- Manufacturer Info: seikowatches.com
The Seiko 5 is a legend in the affordable watch community, particularly the SNK series. While the old crop (predating the current Seiko 5 Sports collection) is getting harder to find at under $100, there are still some available. Expect an automatic Seiko day-date movement, 30m of water resistance and the high bang for buck that made the collection beloved in the first place.
MVMT Field
- Diameter: 41mm
- Movement: Miyota quartz
- Water Resistance: 100m
- Manufacturer Info: mvmt.com
This simple quartz watch from MVMT features a 41mm stainless steel case, a subtle date window, mineral crystal and 100m of water resistance with a modern take on the field watch design. If all you need from your watch is the time and date and the ability to wear it just about anywhere, this may be the timepiece for you.
