Finding The Best Watches Under $500: Gnomon’s 7 Top Picks

As you continue your journey in collecting watches, you might want to pick some that fit, but still at a pocket-friendly price. Thus, getting the best watches under $500 will make a really good deal.

Many watchmakers nowadays have attempted to serve a variety of timepieces that appeal to watch enthusiasts with affordable price ranges. Notable brands, such as Seiko, Orient Star, and Aristo are popular with their distinctive collection of affordable timepieces.

Hence, all you need is to narrow down your options and set up your priorities. Whether it’s on the timepiece’s durability, design, features, or any other considerations. Without any further ado, let’s explore some great options for your next watch collection.

What to Expect from Watches Under $500

People say that you can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs. This may sound true, but if you are a discerning watch enthusiast, you can get outperforming watches even for less than $500. Still, you need to pay attention to some details in case you decide to purchase watches under $500. 

Affordable timepieces will serve you their own qualities in terms of the build materials and durability. Nonetheless, you may still find a sweet spot. Several brands even offer a power reserve of up to around 50 hours with great water resistance. Not to mention that some have highly durable movements.

Speaking about looks, there’s a lot you can expect from several line-up collections, from clean, minimalist designs to premium, elegant-sophisticated timepieces. On that note, if you’re about to make a purchase, make sure that it is comfortable and meets your taste. 

Read also: 7 Affordable Titanium Watches: Gnomon’s Top Picks

7 Best Affordable Watches Under $500 to Own

A limited budget should not stop you from being able to afford good quality watches. Here is a span of top watches under $500 that Gnomon Watches has specially curated for you. 

Mechanical Contemporary 42 Two-tone Blue – Ltd Ed 1000pcs Ref. RE-AU0406L

To start off, let’s look at Orient Star limited edition timepiece, Mechanical Contemporary 42 Two-tone Blue-LTD Ed 1000pcs Ref. RE-AU0406L. Offering a solid stainless steel case, this watch comes with a touch of rose gold hue on its bezel and crown. The byzantine satin-brushed finish case brings up the premium vibe. 

Not only the elegant design, this watch is equipped with a substantial power reserve of 50 hours, which runs at a daily tolerance of +25 to -15 seconds per day. Not to mention the remarkable luminous hour marker that sheds a green light in the dark. This timepiece may be your best choice of watches under $500.

Price: $488.00 USD

Aristo Bauhaus 38 Fresh White 4H127 – Sapphire

Onto the next option, Aristo offers a minimalist design through its Bauhaus 38 collection. This Aristo Bauhaus 38 Fresh White 4H127 features a 38mm case with only 9.5mm thickness. Moreover, it also features a date window at 3 and steel hands, giving it a simple look. 

This watch also has a 50-meter water resistance, giving the wearers convenience during outdoor activities. Its slim and clean profile also makes it versatile for both males and females. This can be an option for the best everyday watches under $500.

Price: $460.00 USD

Seiko 5 Sports “Sports Style” 38mm Black Ref. SBSA225

If you prefer the sporty one, this Seiko 5 Sports “Sports Style” 38mm Black Ref. SBSA225 suits you. This watch is well-known for its reliable mechanical timepiece, which can be your “go-anywhere, do-anything” watch. This iconic dive watch also comes with LumiBrite-coated hands, allowing it to glow in the dark for hours.

It features a tough, robust build, with a 100m water-resistant stainless steel case. This watch has 24 jewels and 40 hours of power reserve. Its short lugs to lugs length also make it comfortable for all wrist sizes, just like a glove. This may be your best pick over dive watches under $500.

Price: $310.00 USD

Read also: 5 Affordable Watches with Durable Sapphire Crystals

Glycine Combat 6 Vintage Silver Ref. GL0124

Seeking more classic-style watches? Glycine’s Combat watches collection is renowned for its classic design and enduring reliability. This Combat Vintage Silver Ref. GL0124 is a military field mechanical timepiece, made from a stainless steel case with an automatic Swiss movement. 

It is water resistant to 50m and filled with a Superluminova to create a glow-in-the-dark look on its hour plots. Moreover, the watch occupies a power reserve of 38 hours, with 25/26 jewels. 

Price: $470.00 USD

Seiko Spirit Automatic Sport Black Ref. SZSB015

Now, moving on to this irresistible timepiece that makes one of the best automatic watches under $500, the Seiko Spirit Automatic Sport Black Ref. SZSB015. Distinct from its ancestor’s character, its stainless steel case has been sharpened and shows off a more dynamic profile. 

This timepiece is also equipped with an automatic Caliber 4R35 movement, with hacking and hand-winding capabilities. The Lumibrite also offers you great night readability as it glows in the dark. Lastly, it is nicely finished with a sports steel metal bracelet and satin-brushed top, making its fine look remarkable. 

Price: $420.00 USD 

Marathon GPM Government Sage Green Mechanical Ref. WW194003SG

As military-style tool watches are increasingly popular, this timepiece may catch your interest. Marathon GPM Government Sage Green Mechanical Ref. WW194003SG features a 30m water-resistant which surely meets the military specifications. 

Moreover, this watch also applies tritium gas tubes with MaraGlo on its hour markers and handset, which provides its wearers optimal legibility in the dark for more than 24 hours. 

Holding a 41-hour power reserve with durable mechanical movement, this timepiece emphasizes high accuracy in all conditions. Finally, this timepiece stands out for its sleek masculine profile, making it one of the best men’s watches under $500.

Price: $378.00 USD

Hitori Habuka 39 Snow White

Our final pick falls on this Habuka 39 Snow White specially brought by Hitori. It is a well-executed watch that balances incredible mechanical and aesthetic qualities. This timepiece is made out of 316 stainless steel and designed with 100m water resistance. 

As a sports watch, this timepiece complies with a slimmer case profile, unique lugs, and a fixed bezel. Not stopping there, this watch stands out for its frost-white dial that closely resembles snow-covered terrain found in Japan, creating a mesmerizing sense. 

All in all, the classic and straightforward aesthetic allows this timepiece to be versatile for either male or female watch enthusiasts.

Price: $317.00 USD

Final Thought

Finding excellent quality watches that do not break the bank might be like finding a needle in a haystack. Nevertheless, it’s neither an impossible task. Here, Gnomon Watches has unfolded vast options, from a classy, minimalist timepiece to a luxurious mechanical one. 

Each option has served you with its own unique features and values. Thus, a worthwhile consideration may take you to the best watch that suits your style and needs. 

Read also: 7 Affordable and Best Starter Watches + Buying Guide