Best watch under $100 2023 [January]

The wristwatch is an accessory that every man must possess; it is not just a functional accessory that helps us keep track of time; usually, the watch is a unique accessory, a style emblem, and many times needed to complement our clothing. This is mainly why you should think hard before you choose the right one.

The right watch must be attractive and functional, a piece that adds to your style, but above all, it must be reliable. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for all kinds of styles in this price range.

In fact, finding a decent watch for under $100 is not as difficult as you might think. It’s actually very easy, as long as you know which brands make these types of watches, what features to look for, and keep a few things in mind:

• You can find mechanical watches for less than $100. Their movements are not the most finely decorated and they have no complications, but they work fine.
• The finish of a $100 watch will not be the same as a luxury one. However, you can get a perfectly utilitarian watch for this amount of money.
• Quartz is your best bet. This is because quartz movements are much less expensive than their mechanical counterparts.
• It’s your chance to buy something a bit experimental, fashionable, or out of your comfort zone, without worrying about making a serious investment. Buying a watch for fun? This is a prospect worth exploring.

Now that you have things clear in your mind, keep reading to discover our list of best watches under $100. We included watches from well-known brands – Timex, Citizen, and Seiko – and of great value. But in order to offer you more options for all kinds of styles, we also included brands such as Orient and Casio and fashionable watch brands with a modern and elegant design.

Take the time to evaluate which of these products best suits your style, needs, and budget, and you’ll find the right one for you.

Nixon Time Teller

The Nixon Time Teller (Check on Amazon) minimalist watch is an excellent timepiece for the modern man. It is one of the company’s best-sellers, and with good reason. It mixes two of Nixon’s most popular styles into something that’s a bit utilitarian and a bit minimalist but really nice to see. You can have it in a wide range of choices that cover a broad spectrum of designs from casual to luxurious, all with a contemporary charm that blends modern aesthetics with traditional ones.

The Nixon Time Teller uses a quartz movement and has a 37mm retro case – ideal for men who prefer watches that are not too big and gaudy – made of stainless steel, really light and with an ovoid shape, and a classic round dial that features a 3-hand analog display for a timeless look that’s always in style. The face is protected by a scratch-resistant mineral crystal and the watch is also water-resistant up to 330 feet. The strap, on the other hand, can be made of 5-link stainless steel or suede.

Available in 24 different color schemes ranging from a sedated gray to a rather eye-catching turquoise, whatever is your style you will most likely find a Nixon Time Teller for you.

Braun BN0021

If you want something iconic, look no further than this Braun watch. The BN0021 (Check on Amazon) has nothing to do with the brand’s industry-leading shaving machines, instead, it carves its own path using minimalist design principles, a classic style, and a commitment to the timeless influence of Bauhaus. The company’s minimalist and clean aesthetic – introduced by renowned German designer Dieter Rams – is the brand’s ethos: “less but better”.

Rams and his colleague Lubs introduced a range of functional watches based on the established visual language that made Braun products iconic. Now, this product range has been revived, so you can now buy a piece of design history for less than $100.

Braun’s minimalist aesthetic is perfect for those who want a functional watch that flies under the radar – rather than an exhibition piece — thanks above all to the really simple black dial and the strap in coordinated skin. It’s all you need in an everyday watch, and nothing you don’t.

This Braun watch keeps things simple and masculine. It features a 38mm matte stainless steel case, a seconds hand tinted yellow, a durable mineral crystal, a reliable Japanese quartz movement and is waterproof up to 165 feet.

Simple yet stylish, this Braun watch looks great with virtually any casual wear.

Timex MK1

Although we have included a number of great Timex watches in this list, we are particularly enamored of the reissued MK1 (Check on Amazon) — it’s part of Timex’s Archive project and is a re-release of the Camper model – a recreation (of sorts) of a short-lived U.S. Army military watch from the 80s. While the original was disposable and consisted of a mechanical movement and a plastic case protecting it, this version uses a much more reliable quartz movement and a quality case made of ultralight anodized aluminum or extra sturdy stainless steel and is available in a bunch of different dial styles and strap combinations.

Full of military-inspired detailing and set on a NATO strap (durable nylon), this 40mm watch is easy to read and wear. The quartz movement keeps precise time and has a three-hand analog display. Seeing the hands at night is easy with Timex’s Indiglo night light and since this watch is also waterproof up to 100 feet it lets you do almost anything while wearing it without fear of damaging it.

If you like the MK1 but need something smaller, there is also a 36mm version that is worth considering. With its smaller case and slimmer strap, it’s a low-profile watch that is ideal for anyone with smaller than average wrists, or anyone who prefers a more minute timepiece.

When it comes to quality watches on a budget, none is quite as proven and true as Timex. And this MK1 is no exception. From its sturdy and lightweight aluminum case to its durable and comfortable fabric strap, this is probably the best military-style watch you can buy at such a low price. Frankly, we can’t understand why you don’t own one already.

So, if you’re looking for a cheap watch to wear every day this military-inspired watch is undoubtedly a great buy.

Timex Weekender

What All Star Chuck Taylor shoes are for sneakers, is the Timex Weekender for watches: an affordable, reliable and timeless timepiece.

Timex has been a quality watch manufacturer since 1854. The classic Weekender is a fun watch, perfect for a casual outfit, that stands out for its simplicity, and despite costing only (Check on Amazon) is still able to compete with much more expensive watches out there.

It has a simple design, featuring a beautiful nickel-plated brass case with a minimalist, easy-to-read dial, with Arabic numerals and military time, and Timex’s Indiglo night lighting.

Timex partnered with The Horween Leather Company to create the vegetable-tanned Dublin Ale leather strap. This adjustable strap also includes quick release spring bars that make it easily interchangeable. Alternatively, you can opt for Weekenders that use a braided nylon band of various colors.

Last but not least, this watch is also water-resistant up to 100 feet, meaning it can withstand water splashes or rain, but you don’t want to immerse it in water.

Casio Edifice

The watches in the Edifice (Check on Amazon) collection embody the true Casio inspired aesthetic – a brand synonymous with low-cost high-end functionality — that practically invented the action watch. These watches are our favorite choice for most people since they have a utilitarian, timeless design, that is stylish enough for most occasions — such as work meetings.

This is an analog action watch of exceptional quality for its price. It has a stainless steel sports strap with a folding snap clasp that will keep it attached to your wrist during all kinds of activities and a very sturdy stainless steel case. It features a round dial with a date display that’s protected by a mineral crystal. Powered by a reliable quartz movement, this watch is also waterproof up to 330 feet, while many models also feature multi-function applications (such as chronographs or a bezel that swivels) and fantastic color combinations.

If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that screams sophistication, this is a great choice and it will only take one look to know if it’s for you.

Casio G-Shock DW5600

Many watch collectors do not consider a collection complete unless it features at least one G-Shock, and while standard G-Shocks are universally sold at around $100, Casio also produces a lighter and more convenient version that we actually prefer.

For those looking for a watch with a retro vibe, this G-Shock DW5600 (Check on Amazon) is truly worth considering. Part of Casio’s “back to basics” line, this watch adopts an original G-Shock style paired with a very fashionable matte finish. It also has high-end features, such as a stopwatch, a timer, a calendar, and an electroluminescent backlight.

With a width of 49mm, this big digital watch is not a great choice for men with thin wrists, but it’s still a classic.

There’s a reason extreme athletes, law enforcement officers, and military personnel, all wear a G-Shock watch: it is pretty much bulletproof. Being impact-resistant and water-resistant up to 660 feet means that you can wear this watch almost anywhere. It also uses a Cordura band that is stronger than nylon and has a very high resistance to stretch, wear, and tear.

Yes, we agree with the collectors, everyone needs a G-Shock in their collection and the DW5600 is one of Casio’s most popular and best-selling models.

If you love this watch, but require something smaller, take a look at the Baby-G line.

MVMT Classic

Tired with the poor quality and inflated prices of many of the fashionable watch brands? Based in Los Angeles, Jake Kassan and Kramer LaPlante wanted to see if they could create high-quality watches at a low price but without compromising their appearance.

Founded in 2013, MVMT is a very successful watch brand that has already sold 500,000 pieces in just a few years, but their ability to balance modern aesthetics with classic style while maintaining fair prices make it one of our favorite watch brands.

This 45mm watch from the Classic (Check on Amazon) series is the perfect example of what MVMT does best. It’s a watch that goes almost unnoticed — it’s after all a three-handed stainless steel piece. However, there are clever details in the display, such as the well-placed date window and MVMT logo, that brighten up the dial.

The MVMT Classic watch boasts a clean and simple design that looks good on any wrist — and with plenty of color schemes to choose from, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect one for you.

And if you’re looking for a watch with a nice leather strap the MVTM Classic is an excellent choice. It features a precise quartz mechanism, a brushed stainless steel case, a tempered crystal, a minimalist-looking dial, stainless steel hands, and a genuine 100% leather strap. This simple look is perfect for any business attire, formal or casual.

There is nothing exaggerated or extravagant about this design. It’s definitely a piece of class for those who are budget-conscious.

Nokia Steel (Withings Activité)

Just because you want a watch that costs less than $100, that doesn’t mean that it can’t be equipped with modern technology. Enter the Nokia Steel.

Nokia isn’t known for its watches, but the company’s health division (Withings) has created a somewhat remarkable timepiece.

French company Withings was, in fact, one of the first brands to produce hybrid smartwatches, equipping an analog watch with smart functions that you can access via an app.

Not only does this extraordinarily beautiful smartwatch employ premium materials and an absolutely brilliant dial design, but it offers fitness monitoring, sleep monitoring, and syncs with the Nokia Health Mate app on your smartphone.

The watch, in fact, connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth to give you simple sleep and fitness monitoring information that, while not super complete, are useful for monitoring and motivating healthy behavior.

Better yet, this smart timepiece offers up to eight months of battery life, leaving you with ample time to focus on your health.

Ultimately, this kind of hybrid smartwatch is for those who want a Fitbit in the form of a watch. And, at just (Check on Amazon), this is potentially the best men’s watch for the money.

Invicta Pro Diver

For those who prefer an all-metal watch, Invicta’s stainless steel timepiece is a perfect choice. With a look strikingly similar to the popular Rolex Submariner, the Invicta Pro Diver (Check on Amazon) offers the undeniable style and functionality of a diver watch at a fraction of the cost.

As my personal favorite watch on this list, the Invicta Pro Diver ticks a lot of boxes for the money. It features an iconic two-tone aesthetic almost identical to the Rolex Submariner without costing $10,000.

This affordable luxury watch has an impressive, sophisticated, and masculine design suitable for any event, from scuba diving (thanks to its 660 feet water resistance), up to a formal event.

It features a Japanese automatic movement with a power reserve of as much as 41 hours. The automatic movement means you’ll never have to insert a battery to make it work – just put it on and then let the movement of your wrist fill the power reserve.

In terms of use, the Pro Diver is fully functional as a diving watch. It has a unidirectional bezel – which can be used to accurately record dive times or display different time zones — surrounding the crystal-covered dial that has luminescent hands and dot markers that make it visible even in the dark, as well as a date display window at 3 o’clock.

The strap, also made of stainless steel with removable links can be easily customized to fit your wrist perfectly.

Invicta is one of the most affordable fashionable brands on the market. And if you want an even cheaper diving watch, you can search the Invicta catalog for models equipped with a canvas or leather strap.

If you want a watch that looks like a Rolex but without the price tag of the luxury watch brand, this is a good option! If you are looking for a gorgeous watch for an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.

Timex Expedition Scout

This attractive and lightweight timepiece with a sturdy, outdoorsy aesthetic from Timex is the best field watch under $100, period. The Expedition Scout (Check on Amazon) model range comes from 1960s infantry watches, that were virtually indestructible, adapted to meet the explosive growth of outdoor activities in the 1990s. This simple watch is perfect for the modern adventurer who knows how to navigate without the use of a compass.

This easy-to-wear field watch comes with a 40mm steel case, Arabic numerals (for both civil and military time), a date display and Indiglo luminous hands – so you can be read it in the dark -, a mineral crystal, and a fabric or leather strap, while it is also water-resistant up to 165 feet. And it is available in a wide variety of dial colors and straps.

In addition, there is also a “unisex” version which has a 36mm case perfect for smaller wrists. It is no wonder then that the Expedition Scout is one of Timex’s most popular watches.

All in all, this is another classic from Timex that’s a great choice as a first watch and a safe choice if you’re buying a watch as a gift for someone else.

Timex Weekender Chronograph

We’re big fans of the Weekender Chronograph (Check on Amazon). Since its debut in 2011, the Weekender series consists of good quality watches at affordable prices. Based on a classic timepiece, the Form Function Form’s Timex Weekender Chronograph manages to improve an already iconic watch.

A chronograph is an analog chronometer, and this Timex is the best cheap chronograph on the market. It is a simple complication but one that helps elevate the Weekender by creating a stylish watch that is more than the sum of its parts.

On the outside, we find a heavy 40mm nickel-plated brass case, a wide and easily readable dial, also equipped with a date display near 4 o’clock, and an elegant vegetable-tanned Dublin Ale leather strap manufactured by Horween complete with a beautiful and easy to use buckle closure. It is a (we dare say) fashion watch, with a quintessential minimalist style and a practical and easy to wear choice for all men who want a solid casual watch.

Thanks to the quartz movement this inexpensive timepiece is always able to provide an accurate representation of time, even in low light conditions thanks to its Indiglo backlight.

You can also choose from a wide variety of dial colors and numerous fabric and leather straps, and also can swap these straps to create a different style every day.

If you’re looking for one of the best watches for casual wear — simple, versatile, and reasonably priced — but also equipped with a chronograph, this is the watch for you. It is undoubtedly one of the best watches when considering value for money.

Timex Fairfield

It’s easy to find a simple dress watch that costs less than $200. It’s harder to find a dress watch that doesn’t look like every other out there in this price range, let alone one that costs less than half.

Yet, Timex still insists that how much you pay for a watch is hardly an indication of how good it is.

The Bauhaus movement inspires the brand’s minimalist Fairfield model (Check on Amazon), featuring a sleek black dial, copper-colored hands, and hour markers, and, well, that’s about it. Ah, yes, we forgot the slew of considerate details such as the polished silver case, the mineral crystal, the rounded-edged hour markers, the dotted minute markers, the Indiglo illuminated dial, and the leather strap. And It is also water-resistant up to 100 feet.

This watch is simple – exactly what a modern dress watch should be — and comes in an unexpected combination of brown, black, silver, and copper colors. It is a timepiece that you can wear to the office or at a formal event, but which is also just as understated and elegant under a hoodie.

Buy the Fairfield and a pair of extra straps, and you’ll have a watch to wear with any outfit and on any occasion.

Casio G-Shock GA-100

While Casio has been synonymous with cheap design and attractive prices, this watch is a revelation. If you need something that can withstand blows – in other words, a sturdy watch that can withstand the treatment associated with an active life – look no further than a G-Shock.

While its design is fairly simple, it has a somewhat professional appeal. The all-black resin casing has a stylish look, especially in contrast with its white hands and indicators. The crystal features a protective mineral glass while the all-black resin band completes the look. All these parts amount to a watch that is submersible up to 660 feet and is practically bomb-proof. And thanks to its anti-magnetic structure you can also rest assured that exposure to magnetic powers will not affect its operation.

It’s shocking to learn the price of this G-Shock after reading all its features: it has a stopwatch that’s a thousandth of a second accurate, a timer, and five alarms. Then, there is the speed indicator on the secondary dial. There is also a pre-programmed calendar until 2099 and an automatic LED light. Last but not least, it will automatically switch to daylight saving time and has 29 time zones.

All in all, if you need a watch that can match your active lifestyle, you can’t go wrong with the Casio G-Shock GA-100 (Check on Amazon), especially once you see its price tag.

And if you don’t like its black looks, Casio produces the GA-100 in a variety of colors.

Fossil Grant Chronograph

Fossil is a designer brand and this statement already gives you an idea of what to expect. Fossil creates watches that are not only reliable but also fun and fashionable. However, their watches are not just all show and no substance. In fact, all of their timepieces have a proven design and construction but also Fossil’s distinctive style. And the same principle applies to the Grant Chronograph (Check on Amazon).

Its 44mm polished silver-colored stainless steel case is quite light and well balanced and combines in an amazing way with the particularly intricate blue dial featuring delicate silver-plated carved hands and thin Roman numerals. In addition, the dial hands are coated with a bright finish to help improve visibility in low-light environments. All this contrast is further enhanced by the brown strap made of soft genuine calfskin leather with a buckle closure that makes it very eye-catching; the perfect mix of toughness and charm.

It also comes with a stopwatch – displayed as three small sub-dials (hours, minutes, and seconds for 24 hours) inside the larger dial – which significantly increases its overall functionality. Reading the exact time from its analog display is harder compared to a digital stopwatch, but it is perfect for casual needs.

Inside we find a quartz movement that guarantees accuracy, and the watch is also water-resistant up to 165 feet.

If you’re not a fan of the silver, blue and brown look, Fossil produces the Grant Chronograph in a variety of case, dial, and strap colors. This watch oozes class and is perfect for almost any occasion.

Invicta Pro Diver 8926

Many consider the Invicta Pro Diver 8926 (Check on Amazon) as the best diving watch on the market, especially thanks to its low price and Japanese automatic movement. We believe that among the watches in this price range, it is definitely worth considering. The steel casing grants it excellent durability and its design is definitely eye-catching and elegant. It is thus perfect for those looking for a sturdy and elegant watch.

With a 40mm polished stainless steel case, it is a small to medium-sized diving watch, very wearable by most men. It also features a black dial, mineral crystal, unidirectional bezel, and bright hands for underwater readability. And because it’s made for underwater, the stainless steel strap features removable links to fit perfectly on your wrist and a special safety clasp that won’t accidentally unhook.

The Invicta Pro Diver 8926 also has a case back display that lets you see the automatic movement, which is a really “cool” feature for a watch under $100. There are no other extra features to talk about, but that’s part of the appeal of the Pro Diver. It focuses on providing a solid watch with no extra features that inflate the price.

And with a 660 feet water resistance, it’s not a watch that’s afraid of getting wet.

Truthfully, Invicta makes watches of great value because they combine functionality with performance and aesthetic appeal, and this timepiece is no exception. If you really want a diving watch, love mechanical movements, and don’t mind wearing a Rolex Submariner replica, the Pro Diver 8926 is the ideal choice for you.

MVMT Minimalist

The MVMT Minimalist (Check on Amazon) is a sleek and simple timepiece with a sophisticated look that stands out in a crowd.

This simple watch features a large but lightweight 45mm brushed stainless steel case, a hardened mineral crystal, a quartz movement, and a genuine leather strap that give it a luxurious and classy feel.

If all you want from your watch is the time and date, and to be able to wear it virtually anywhere (thanks to its 165 feet water resistance), this can be the perfect timepiece for you.

The design is amazing, and you rarely find so many color options from such a prestigious and high-quality watch, especially not at such an exceptional price.

Braun Mesh

We’re big fans of Braun and their Milanese style mesh bracelet watch that marries the clean 1960s style dial with a strap that not only adds a fresh texture to your wrist but makes the whole timepiece ultralight. Simply put, this watch is really comfortable and made to be worn all day and night.

This is the perfect watch for all those Apple fans that don’t want an Apple Watch – its Dieter Rams aesthetic, clean and minimal, but not to the extent where it is no longer functional, works really well. It’s not an expensive watch, in fact, it’s worth all the (Check on Amazon) you’ll pay. Also, it looks good on anyone. I don’t think there is a person too old or too young to wear this watch, and is also unisex like no other.

Casio World Timer

The Casio World Timer (Check on Amazon) is a “must-have” for those who love a classic digital watch. It’s also one of the best watches under $50, period. This watch is full of functions, including multiple alarms, a timer, a stopwatch, a world time indicator (of course) which features 31 time zones, it’s also water-resistant up to 330 feet and has a solid backlight for night visibility.

If you intend to make this “nerd” watch yours, know that you have to adopt a “counterculture” style in order to make it pop out. This Casio goes best with a tailored suit, an affordable cashmere sweater, and a generous dose of “I don’t care what you think” attitude.

And if it ever breaks (which we doubt), replacing it won’t be a problem.

Invicta Pro Diver 8928

The Invicta Pro Diver 8928 (Check on Amazon) is not only a solid diver watch but is also a very stylish cheap watch. It’s hard to find a timepiece that looks just as stylish within its price range. In fact, this is one of the best dress watches you can find if you are on a budget.

It is, essentially, a replica of the popular Rolex Submariner. However, it is made with taste, in the sense that it looks flawless. It’s stylish, quite accurate, and doesn’t cost as much as a car.

Its two-tone gold and silver design combines with a glossy blue bezel and dial for a more pleasant touch. The 40mm round case made of stainless steel is accentuated by a 23-carat gold plating and is complemented by a sturdy mineral crystal. The three-link bracelet, also made of 23k gold plated stainless steel, is really comfortable. Adding sophistication, the bright hands are made in the shape of a sword, a Breguet, and a Mercedes logo. The whole piece offers a luxurious feeling guaranteed to catch the attention of viewers.

The Invicta Pro Diver 8928 is powered by a Japanese self-winding movement while its mechanisms can be admired through a window in the back of the case.

The only bad thing is the lumen – which is quite weak. However, for the price, it’s a compromise I’m willing to make. In addition, the bracelet is prone to scratches, especially in contact with hard surfaces. So, you should be careful when you wear it.

Of course, the most noteworthy feature here is its water resistance. This piece is water-resistant up to 660 feet making it perfect for the sea and the boardroom.

If all you want is a very affordable high-quality watch, this timepiece represents your best investment.

Orient Tri Star

The Orient Tri Star (or 3 Star) (Check on Amazon) is a criminally underrated automatic watch.

Although it doesn’t have the best fit and finish, it sports a well-proportioned slim case, a stainless steel bracelet, and a colorful dial (which can be found in a variety of styles and colors) that make it suitable for almost any type of wrist.

It is powered by a Japanese automatic movement (meaning there is no battery to replace) based on an old caliber originating from Seiko, which makes the Tri Star a very simple and utilitarian automatic watch similar to the Seiko 5.

It is the simplest automatic watch you can get, but in this fact lies its charm.

Timex Expedition Field Chronograph

The Timex Expedition Field Chronograph (Check on Amazon) is another military-style watch perfect for men who like to work and play outdoors.

It comes in a variety of designs, but they all perfectly deliver that outdoorsy aesthetic with its durable brass case and a nylon or leather strap with buckle closure.

This is also a chronograph, which means it’s an incredibly accurate 30-minute stopwatch with extra buttons and three sub-dials (hours, minutes, seconds) that can measure up to 1/20 of a second. This precision makes it perfect to time races, challenges, and many other activities.

The dial has Arabic numerals indicating the minutes instead of the hours. Hands use a compass-like design that I find suitable for the general aesthetics of this field watch. Additional features of note include a date window at 4 o’clock and if you are in the dark, its Indiglo light will allow you to see the time with an elegant blue glow. Last but not least, it is water-resistant up to 330 feet and thus suitable for swimming and snorkeling but not for diving.

With its classic black style and real crystal, this timepiece will stand the test of time in both form and function.