A stylish, high-quality watch should be an essential fashion item in every man and woman’s wardrobe. However, this can often mean dropping some serious cash, especially if you’re eyeing watches from luxury brands like Blancpain, Omega, or Vacheron Constantin. But if you don’t want to break the bank but are still after a sleek, functional, and durable watch, you’re in luck! That’s because there are plenty of well-renowned labels that offer top-quality timepieces without making you spend thousands of dollars. That said, you don’t have to spend hours on the internet looking for affordable watch brands because we’ve done the hard work for you. So, let’s find out which best brand of watches under 500 suits you!
Daniel Wellington
Looking good is more than just getting yourself something from the best brand for men’s skincare or the best brand for women’s sunglasses. It also means getting yourself something timeless and durable, like a watch! That said, the first best brand of watches under 500 on this list is Daniel Wellington. This brand’s watches are about as minimalist as you can get. It’ll be no surprise to learn the company is based in Sweden. Relying heavily on the social media influencer culture, Daniel Wellington watches are more likely to be found on the wrists of the younger generation. However, with a range of basic but perfectly passable dress watches that are perfect for casual occasions, Daniel Wellington is the best brand of watches under 500 you should be following.
“Daniel Wellington represents detail oriented design at its finest. Coveted for their tasteful allure, our iconic timepieces and accessories are worn on all occasions by men and women all over the world.”
– Daniel Wellington
Some of you are probably concerned about whether Daniel Wellington watches are as good as the brand has advertised. Thankfully, we can confidently tell you that they’re reliable. The quartz movement of Daniel Wellington watches is made in Japan, the home of the best watchmakers in the world. Furthermore, many of them have thin cases that are lightweight. And although they’re lightweight, they’re incredibly durable. Another thing that many people like is the comfortable leather strap that wraps around their wrist so nicely that often time they don’t even feel like they have a watch on their wrist!
Swatch
Swatch watches are synonymous with fun designs, practicality, and affordability. The name itself comes from “second watch”, as they’re designed to be casual and disposable. This best brand of watches under 500 have gained an international following because it allows consumers to own a Swiss-made watch without the usual Swiss-made price tag. Artistic, fashionable, and forward-thinking, this brand has used its affordable prices and innovative and daring technology and designs to capture the youth culture.
Apart from the cheap price tag, Swatch also has an excellent reputation for producing high-quality and long-lasting watches. To this day, Swatch maintains its innovative, “anything goes” design, and its watch faces have been brought to life with everything from sketches and cartoons to photos and paintings. In addition to that, this best brand watches under 500 is also committed to analog timekeeping, giving its funky designs an even more retro feel. Within the Swatch range, there’s something for everyone!
Timex
Starting life as the Waterbury Clock Company in 1854 before reforming as Timex Corporation in 1944, many people call this Connecticut-based company the inventor of wristwatches. Today, Timex produces many watches under 500USD for all occasions, such as sports, dress, automatic, and solar to name but a few. One of its most iconic models is the Q Timex, first launched in 1979 but recently reissued, the Q Timex is as retro as they come. Good luck finding one to buy, though, as it’s one of those rare watches that are incredibly hard to find.
As the best brand of watches under 500, Timex offers some of the most attractive, versatile, and reasonably priced casual timepieces on the market today. Not only do they look sharp and come with interchangeable straps, but they’re also chronographs! You can have first-class functionality and aesthetic at a much lower cost. You might wonder, are they durable? Of course! Timex watches are highly durable as they boast great features, including 330 feet of water resistance! Some of them are also scratch-resistant, which is a nice additional feature.
“We are watchmakers. Over 165 years ago, the idea of the impossible kicked off our long history of passion and innovation. We moved timekeeping from the pocket to the wrist, we traveled to space, we kept time for presidents and movie stars and elite athletes.”
– Timex
Seiko
Another best brand of watches under 500 is Seiko. This is a Japanese watch brand that has a good reputation in watchmaking. Not only genius in design and putting their philosophy through it, but this brand also offers every customer a high-end quality timepiece with great accuracy and reliability. The story behind Seiko began back in 1881, when a 21-year-old entrepreneur, Kintaro Hattori, opened a shop selling and repairing watches in central Tokyo. Fast forward to 1924, the first Seiko watch, called Seiko, made its debut.
“Time is to be enjoyed and our aim is to touch people’s hearts worldwide, adding a touch of fun and excitement to their lives.”
– Seiko
As one of the top-selling labels in the world, Seiko has a range of styles with similar dials and hands to a high-end retailer, but with a more casual look. Thanks to Japanese movements being more reasonably priced than their Swiss counterparts, you can secure stylish steel automatics from Seiko for under 500USD. Meanwhile, its groundbreaking kinetic technology means you can own a quartz watch that never needs a battery change. Each watch is also very robust, with an aesthetic sense way beyond its price tag, making it one of the best brand watches under 500.
Casio
A nice, high-quality watch doesn’t have to cost you thousands of dollars, and Casio is proof. Casio is the best brand of watches under 500 from Japan that has superior quality compared to the others in the same price range. Initially, this brand produced calculators and office equipment only. But it then entered the watchmaking market in 1974 by introducing Casiotron, a digital quartz watch. All of its watches are now made in Japan, with its headquarters based in the capital of Japan, Tokyo. Casio watches aren’t just loved by the common public, but also by some celebrities! Even A-listers like Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga once wore Casio watches!
If you think this brand is only popular because of its price tag, you’re dead wrong! Many of the Casio watches, specifically from the G-Shock series, have amazing features. They include shock and water resistance of up to 200 meters, which is impressive considering their price tag! This feature also makes them pretty popular among sportsmen and military personnel. And despite being affordable, Casio watches are durable too. This is because of the Large Scale Integration technology and the skilled craftsmanship. Craving more watches? Check out the best brands for smartwatches!
What watch can I buy for 500?
There are many great watches under 500USD that you can get, especially from the brands listed in this article. Some of the most popular watches under 500USD include the Seiko 5 Automatic, Casio G-Shock, and others.
What is so special about Daniel Wellington?
Apart from the minimalistic and classic design, many also fancy the interchangeable straps that have become a staple.
Are Casio watches good quality?
Casio is a brand that offers some of the best value for the money. Its watches are affordable, stylish, and extremely durable. Some of them also have features like shock and water resistance.
Do Timex watches last?
A Timex watch can last about 5 to 10 years, but it can last longer with proper care. The lifetime of the battery inside the watch is two to five years, depending on how often you use the Indiglo Light, a Timex watch feature.
Is Swatch really Swiss made?
Almost all of the company’s production is in Switzerland. Swatch does produce some watch components in China, Thailand, and Malaysia, but the company says they’re only minor parts.