There’s a special connection between a man and his watch. So when it comes time to make a new purchase, the plethora of options available make it a daunting tasks. I’ll be the first to admit that with all of the watch brands out there it’s near impossible to narrow down the best watches for under $500. For example, Tissot alone has roughly 90 watches under $500 listed on their site.
What I did do though was evaluate watches from several quality brands and chose what I consider to be the best of the bunch. I do hope that I’ve provided you with a list of watches that are worth your while to look at or perhaps purchase.
Seiko Alpinist
Price: $400
When looking for affordable, yet well-built watches Seiko is always a contender. This watch has many fans and for many good reasons. This is a well-built watch for under $500 and the green face looks incredible against a brown leather watch strap. Acquire here.
Seiko SARB033
Price: $390
Another classic timepiece from Seiko, this watch can easily slide between the weekend and the workweek. If you’re looking for a versatile watch the Seiko sarb033 is one you should consider. Acquire here.
Orient Automatic FER2A004D0
Price: $295
Orient is a brand well-known for its affordable prices and quality. They’ve been around since the 1950s and continue to make solid watches. They produce many watches under $500 and I suggest checking out their entire line of watches. Acquire here.
Gavox Navy Legacy
Price: $430
Launched in 2011, in just a few short years Gavox has become the official watch maker for two Belgian air force squadrons. If up and coming watch brands is your thing then grab a Gavox. If it’s good enough for a fighter pilot then it’s good enough for me. Acquire here.
Tsovet SVT-LS47
Price: $450
Despite the foreign-sounding name, Tsovet is California-based watch company. While new to the game, their watches are beautifully designed and well-built. Tsovet makes some of my favorite watches under $500. Acquire here.
Meister Aviator AV104LS
Price: $265
Another California-based watch company, Meister is known for their collaborations with brands like Lexus, Capcom, and many others. At below $500, Meister watches are a bargain. Acquire here.
Hamilton Jazzmaster Gent
Price: $475
With sapphire crystal and as sleek a look as you can get in a watch, the Jazzmaster Gent is a real eye-pleaser. It is everything I envision a classic dress watch to be. Acquire here.
Hamilton Officer Mechanical
Price: $400
Arguably, there isn’t a more classic field watch available then a Hamilton. I’ve had my eye on one of these for a while. I keep dropping hints at my wife around the holidays and I’m beginning to think she purposefully ignores them. Acquire here.
Tissot Black Classic Chronograph
Price: $450
For a chronograph, the watch face is very clean looking. The sole number at the twelve position looks bad ass. I think I want one. Nope, I really want one. “Honey, where’s the debit card? I found something I want to buy you online… No, it’s a surprise!” Acquire here.
Tissot Perpetual Calendar
Price: $450
Ok, I’m seriously considering a purchase on the watch above, however, now I find myself torn between that watch and this one. I wish they were over $500 so that little voice in my head saying “buy, buy, buy” might be met with some reason. I wish you an easier time choosing your next watch. Acquire here.
Tissot Savonnette Pocket Watch
Price: $275
And because I feel partially responsible for helping you step out of your comfort zone, here’s an affordable yet well-made pocket watch. Consider purchasing a pocket watch. You’ll get tons of complements. Acquire here.
Citizen Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
Price: $350
This watch looks so busy. Perhaps that is one of the reasons I like it so much. It’s very different from what I usually see. This sells on Amazon for the price above, however, I saw it on this site for $275. And in the famous words of Porky Pig, “That’s all folks!”
Stay true to yourself. Be kind to others. Define your own style.