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 keep a few things in mind:
-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 isn’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.
-Prices will sometimes fluctuate. Many of these watches are imported from Asia, and exchange rates and supply 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.
Orient Sentinel with Bracelet
Orient consistently offers some of the best values in inexpensive mechanical watches, and the Sentinel is no exception. It has an automatic Japanese movement, a a date display, 50m of water resistance and a 22mm-wide matching stainless steel bracelet.
Price: $99
Diameter: 41mm
Movement: Automatic caliber F6722
Water Resistance: 50m
Seiko 5 SNZG09J1
The Seiko 5 is a legend in the affordable watch community. This particular model features an automatic Seiko day-date movement, 100m of water resistance, a two-piece fabric strap, and a green dial with luminous hands and indices. A perfect field watch or watch to take with you while traveling.
Price: $99
Diameter: 40mm
Movement: Seiko 7S36 automatic
Water Resistance: 100m
Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180-03E
With a movement that charges via light, there’s no need to change the battery on this military-inspired field watch. A comfortable 37mm stainless steel case with day-date display, a knurled crown and a fabric strap make this Citizen another good choice for the outdoors.
Price: $89
Diameter: 37mm
Movement: Eco-Drive E100
Water Resistance: 100m
Casio G-Shock DW9052-1BCG
A prototypical G-Shock, the DW9052-1BCG 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.
Price: $40
Diameter: 46.4mm
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 200m
Timex Men’s Expedition Scout 40 Watch
Available in numerous dial and strap colors and combinations, the Expedition Scout 40 features a 40mm steel case, Arabic numerals, Indiglo, a quick-set date, luminescent hands, a 24-hour scale on the dial and a fabric or leather strap.
Price: ~$37+
Diameter: 40mm
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 50m
Swatch Twice Again
This minimalist watch with integrated silicon strap flies way under the radar, 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.
Price: $75
Diameter: 41mm
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 30m
Braun BN0021BKBKG
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.
Price: $79
Diameter: 38mm
Movement: Japanese quartz
Water Resistance: 50m
Bulova Men’s 96B104
You don’t have to drop a ton of money on sleek dress watch to help round out your formal look — at 37mm by less than 6mm, this Bulova has the perfect dimensions to sit under a cuff and remain unobtrusive yet elegant. A simple silver dial with stick hands and a small date window at 3 o’clock make for a timeless look, and, of course, the price is right.
Price: $89
Diameter: 37mm
Movement: Japanese quartz
Water Resistance: 30m
MVMT 45 MM Men’s Analog Minimalist Watch
Available in several different dial and strap options, this simple quartz watch from MVMT features a large stainless steel case, date window, mineral crystal and a leather strap. If all you need from your watch is the time and date, and the ability to wear it just about anywhere (save maybe underwater), this may be the timepiece for you.
Price: $95
Diameter: 45mm
Movement: Miyota quartz
Water Resistance: 30m
Casio World Timer Watch
One of the best watches under $20, full stop. Actually, probably one of the best objects under $20, 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.
Price: $20
Diameter: 39.5mm
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 100m
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