Our Favorite Watches to Buy for Less Than $200
A luxury timepiece is a true status symbol. But while immortalized in hip-hop lyrics and flashed by the most influential names in the world, the likes of Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Hublot are, for the majority, an aspirational accessory. So, while you're working on making your millions, we thought it helpful to share some steezy affordable watches that won't break the bank.
While luxury watches can come with four-to-five-to-six-figure price tags, (though you can cop a very nice second-hand luxury watch for less) extra digits do not necessarily equate to extra style points. A budget of sub-$200 won't mean you have to compromise on a fashion-forward time teller, but rather the intricacies of its movements and the (most likely) Swiss craft that gives the big names their steep values.
Check out our full selection of affordable watches below, and click through to shop.
S3 Calendar Field Black 36mm Quartz
There are some very exciting new names in the world of watches right now. take VAER, for example. Founded in just 2016, it's quickly climbed the ranks to become a focus in the world of independent watch brands. Ranging from Swiss-made diving watches to super-affordable pieces like the S3, it runs the gamut of contemporary horology. This rugged field watch is fully waterproof and answers the question: how good can a sub-$200 watch be? This good.
Timex Marlin® Moon Phase 40mm
Timex should be one of the first places you look when hunting for an affordable watch that outperforms its price tag. The fact that the Marlin gives you a moonphase complication for less than $200 boggles the mind. If you've got a taste for the Pateks but your bank account is quite there yet, this will stave off the urge for a while.
BEAMS JAPAN Kanji Number Wrist Watch
Japan has a solid track record when it comes to high-quality watches that don't break the bank. BEAMS is a veritable master when it comes to basics and if you're looking for a daily driver with a bit of added flavor then the Kanji Number watch is perfect.
Breda Virgil
Breda's collection grows every season and they still haven't run out of great vintage-inspired designs. The Virgil has been at the core of the brand's offering since the beginning and for good reason. The understated design recalls the mid-century AKA. the golden era of rectangular watches.
Q Timex® Continental Day and Date
Timex has been producing watches that function (and look) well above their price range since 1854. Excluding the Timex branding, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the Q Timex Continental, with its day and date windows embedded in the subtly ridged dial, was worth a few thousand.
Casio G-Shock GA-2100FF-8A
While the design is far from timeless, G-SHOCK's unapologetic chunk has, perhaps surprisingly, stood the test of time. These indestructible timepieces are ideal for those looking to go above and beyond with their watch — take it underwater, graze rocks, and cover it in mud, this one won't stop ticking.
Timex x MM6 T80 Gold-Tone Ring Watch
Margiela fans, listen up because this one's for you. People who like to know the time but hate wearing a watch, listen up because this one's definitely for you. Timex's iconic retro digital display gets a fun rework at the hands of MM6, shrinking it down for those who prefer rings to bracelets.
Breda Pulse Silver
Taking inspiration from the Cartier Tank à Guichet, Breda's Pulse features a covered case, revealing the time through a small cutout window. Treading the line between jewelry and time-keeping, this is ideal for those who don't need to read the time in a hurry.
VAER S5 Dirty Dozen
If you're in the market for a watch under $200 then it's highly likely that you're hunting for something to wear day in, day out with no frills attached. The VAER S5 embodies just that. The field watch is, by nature, hard-wearing and ready for all occasions. With a minimal dial, this piece is incredibly versatile.
Casio Vintage AQ-230A-2A1
In the world of watches, there is almost any complication you can think of, and many dials feature multiple niche complications at once but you rarely see a digital and analog display on one dial. Casio Vintage's AQ-230A-2A1 shows just how to do it. It's unusual, but... It really works.
Versace Medusa Pop
There is a tendency, particularly in the luxury watch market, toward unnecessary seriousness. We get it, if you're spending thousands on a watch, you want it to be serious, but there's always room for a bit of fun. Versace's Medusa Pop is the ideal way to bring some of that fun to your wrist. The one-piece silicon band and case frame a tonal yellow dial featuring the iconic Medusa logo front and center.
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