Gnomon's Pick: 7 Men's Watches You Can Buy Under $500

It’s easy to assume that good quality watches always come in thousands of bucks while in reality you still have many options with only $500 on hand. Many watch brands, even Swiss brands, produce great timepieces at affordable prices. They’re also serious about making the watch durable and reliable for day-to-day activities.

A brand like Seiko is a great representation of making affordable watches in a wide range of options, be it the types, designs, and even complications. Anyway, great watches don’t always cost you a ton of money. There is a wise saying that mentions a perfect watch is the one that you are wearing and you can afford.

For that reason, we have our top picks of watches under $500 that will serve you good things from the looks and performances. Let’s take a look!

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What Can You Expect in Men’s Watches Under $500?

So, what can men’s watches under $500 offer you? Like other luxury items, the cost of a timepiece typically says something about the watch. Of course, something would cost a hundred thousand bucks for one or two sophisticated features in it.

Regardless, as the industry develops, many watch brands make affordable timepieces. You can even still expect good things in watches for $200, especially from brands like Seiko. There are still many watches under $500 with features that will thrill a watch enthusiast.

Watches can indeed be something luxurious that defines classes with jewelry or diamonds in them. Yet, if we take a step back to look at the reason why wearing watches, a timepiece can be simply something to tell the time. This doesn’t mean to discourage you from building a watch collection with luxury goods.

However, affordable watches can be a good start to begin that journey – it also won’t cost you a house. In addition, affordable timepieces have an interesting charm to turn a newbie or anyone to be a watch enthusiast. Doesn’t it sound more exciting to share interests with many people?

Our 7 Recommendations for Watches Under $500

Don’t quickly assume that men’s watches under $500 are just economical products for fun. In fact, even some well-known watch brands make affordable versions of their watches with cool features and reliable functions as well as appealing designs.

Below we have listed some of our top picks on men’s watches under $500 from respected brands. Let’s kindly take a look at our suggestions:

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Handwinding Black 38 Ref. H69439931

Would you imagine having a rugged and robust field watch under $500? The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Handwinding Black 38 is pleased to offer you this good timepiece. Hamilton itself is known for its American spirit and Swiss precision, that said you can rely on this watch for both elements.

This Khaki Field pays tribute to its military pedigree, resulting in a robust build and reliability. Driven by the Caliber H-50, the watch can last for an extra 80 hours – thanks to the lower beat rate from 28,800 beats per hour to 21,600bph. While flawlessly enchanting with its performance, the watch comes in a vintage look with a black dial and green Nato strap.

Price: $470 USD

Steinhart Ocean 39 Black Ceramic

The Steinhart Ocean One 39 Black Ceramic is the younger brother of the much-recognized Ocean 1 Black Ceramic. It’s simple and elegant that sets to amaze anyone looking for watches under $500. Regardless, the watch is designed to the highest standard of Swiss manufacturing.

It is made from 316L stainless steel that features a satin brushed, polished case and lugs, as well as smooth finishing through the stainless steel bracelet. Measures 39mm in diameter, the watch definitely appears elegant and chic for a gentleman. Presented in a classic diver design, the watch makes a great companion for both daily activities and diving tools with 300m water resistance.

Price: $470 USD

Seiko Prospex 200M Diver Scuba Solar “Pepsi” Ref. SBDJ053

Looking for a Pepsi bezel watch under $500? You’ve come to the right place with Seiko Prospex 200M Diver Scuba Solar “Pepsi”. Many loves Pepsi bezel design ever since it was introduced by Rolex. This one you can grab the watch at an affordable price but still holds many values to adore – a perfect choice of dive watches under $500.

The watch is driven by Seiko’s solar caliber V157 which allows for a 10-month power reserve when fully charged. Seiko also ensures the accuracy of ±15 seconds per month. Presented in proportional dimensions at 42.8mm in diameter and a thickness of 10.7mm, the watch wears slim and versatile on the wrist, which most can enjoy.

Price: $420 USD

Hitori Ryukyu Diver Retro Black

The next men’s watch under $500 comes from JDM which is Hitori Ryukyu Diver Retro Black. The watch comes in a sweet spot for those looking for a dive watch with a nice offer in terms of design and pricing. Hitori presented its modern edition with a utilitarian look equipped with compelling execution on fit and finishing.

The Ryukyu diver is built from 316L stainless steel for robust construction underwater. It also has 200m water resistance that allows you to wear the watch safely for professional diving. At the heart of the watch is the automatic caliber NH36A – a Japanese 12-ligne movement made with 24 jewels with manual winding and quick date correction capabilities.

Price: $388 USD

Aristo Flieger 38 Pilot 5H85 – Sapphire

After a list of tool watches, you might wonder whether you can grab a dressy one on a tight budget. The Aristo Flieger 38 Pilot 5H85 comes as a pilot watch with a dressy appearance as a watch under $500. Well, this is typically still a tool watch but it is presented similarly to dress watches.

The watch measures nicely 38.5mm in diameter and 10.5mm in thickness, which is a sweet spot for a dress watch. As it is designed as a pilot watch, the watch also comes with good performance, such as a highly legible dial, an automatic caliber of ETA2824-2 with 40 hours of power reserve, and a grade 5 titanium case.

Price: $480 USD

Glycine Combat Vintage Green Ref. GL0458

The next men’s watch under $500 that should be on your radar is Glycine Combat Vintage Green Ref. GL0458. It comes in an almost all-green appearance that radiates a fresh look like a natural. Judging by the color, you can guess that the watch is well-built with the modern adventurer in mind. It is made with a sturdy 316L stainless steel case for better protection in wild nature.

The dial is also inspired by the original military-style layout with white Arabic military hour markers against the matte green background. Glycine also put a good amount of SuperLuminova for superb clarity in low light conditions on the hour markers. Measured 43mm in diameter, the watch is only 10.99 thin while housing the reliable Swiss Automatic movement GL224, (it’s equivalent to ETA 2824-2/SW200).

Price: $470 USD

Orient Star Contemporary Standard Blue Ref. RK-AU0005L

Finally, the Orient Star Contemporary Standard Blue is a captivating men’s watch for under $500. This is another JDM watch collection that flaunts high-quality yet attainable timepieces. The sunburst blue dial is indeed the main attraction of the watch applied faceted metallic hour markers.

On this mesmerizing dial, you can spot some practical complications which are the power reserve indicator and date window at 3 o’clock. Presented in a dressy look, the watch still exhibits a reliable performance, such as 100m of water resistance and the in-house automatic caliber F6N43. As a premium line, the watch comes gets a byzantine satin-brushed and polished finishing.

Price: $498 USD

Final Thought

Affordable watches don’t always mean less quality and they definitely are not the same thing as replicas or fakes. Some of them might be a homage edition that is inspired by an existing watch design and mostly luxury watches.

But they’re not trying to be the real piece and you can get them for just under $500. After all, there are many best men’s watches under $500 you can choose from, such as the one listed above.