With the recent state of the economy everyone is looking for ways to tighten their belts, and get more for their money. While many watch aficionados will try to convince you that it’s not possible to get a great looking watch for under $500 – or even $5,000 – we’ve compiled a list to show that, that is simply not true.
Gracious Watch recently featured a Beginners Guide to Seiko Solar Watches, that highlighted the awesomeness of the brands solar line of watches. It’s nice, then, to see the Seiko solar name also make it’s way onto our list of Affordable Watches that Look Expensive on Men (Under $100), along with many other fantastic brands.
This list touches on all the important aspects of a watch, including quality, look and of course, affordability. To see Gracious Watch’s other recommendations, check out the Best Of lists.
7 Affordable Watches That Look Expensive
1. Bulova Men’s 98H51 Leather Dress Watch
Bulova Men’s 98H51 Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
Let’s start off with a classic design from Bulova.
This leather dress watch is a classic that you’ll never regret having. The face is so simple even a child can wear it, it offers an uncomplicated design that won’t take you ages to figure out, and a simple numberless dial paired with crocodile patterned bracelet makes it the watch to conquer all.
The Japanese quartz movement with analog display makes sure that this watch tells the right time, and the date window is most helpful for times when you need to make sure the date you’re writing on that document is right.
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2. Armani Exchange Silver Dial Stainless Steel Mens Watch AX2201
Armani Exchange Silver Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
Take a second look at this watch—it’s not digital, nor is there a running led display.
It’s simply a watch by Armani Exchange that you never thought would cost less than a hundred dollars. A watch cabinet (or your wash basin) is not complete without a silver watch.
And if you’re unsure about silver watches then this Armani Exchange Silver Stainless Steel watch is a great way to start.
It features a simple analog display and a date window, a sleek stainless steel chain link bracelet, and a square dial that’s surely interesting to look at.
If you have chunky hands, or are in the higher part of the weighing scale, square watches should be your first choice.
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3. Citizen Men’s BF0582-51F
Citizen Men’s BF0582-51F Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
A black dial with gold tone hands and markers, gold tone case and bracelet, quartz movement, day and date display, water-resistance for up to 50 meters of 165 feet—that pretty much sums up the salient features of this Citizen Quartz Day date gold tone black dial men’s watch.
It has a sleek chain link bracelet that you can adjust to the perfect fit. The sophistication and elegance of this watch makes it a perfect companion for those days when you have back to back appointments, and the day and date window is, in my opinion, the most helpful features a wristwatch can have.
You have nothing to worry about this watch—it’s a low maintenance accessory which is also the most helpful one you can wear.
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4. Invicta Men’s Speedway 9212
Invicta Men’s Speedway 9212 Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
Whether you plan to dress up or down, this Invicta Men’s speedway is the perfect watch to go with most of the things you can find in your closet.
The sophisticated design and durable technology makes it an affordable investment that you can pass on to your son, or your future son, in case that’s where you’re at. with three sub dials, a date window, and two tone strap, this Invicta watch is nothing short of interesting.
Who would have thought that an Invicta watch that has chronograph function, screw-down crown, date window, stainless steel construction, and water resistant feature could look this good and cost so little?
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5. Seiko Men’s SNE093 Stainless Steel Solar Watch
Seiko Men’s SNE093 Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
A simple watch for the everyday hustle and bustle, not to mention made by one of the most trusted brands in wristwatches—that sums up this Seiko Men’s Stainless Steel Solar watch.
Yes, I just said solar. You don’t have to spend more than a hundred dollars to buy a solar watch that has functions, half of which you’ll never find useful.
This Seiko wrist watch has everything you need—chronograph display and day and date window.
Let’s face it, all watches must heed to the questions, “what time is it,” “what day is it,” and “what’s the date today.”
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6. FOSSIL JR1353 Nate Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch
FOSSIL JR1353 Nate Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
A bigger silver stainless steel watch than the Seiko, this rounded slim Fossil watch features three subdials, white on black face, and water resistance feature for up to 50 meters of 165 feet.
Pretty great deal for watches like this, a Fossil watch has and always will be a great timepiece to start any collection. It’s also a wonderful gift to give to your son, nephew, or a friend.
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7. Kenneth Cole New York Men’s KC9109
Kenneth Cole New York Review | Customer Reviews | Check Prices
And last but not the least, this Kenneth Cole number is not the watch you’re expecting to see under this article. I know. I could believe my eyes when I saw the price tag of this watch! under $100, seriously?
There has got to be something wrong with this watch, but apparently there isn’t. it features a Japanese quartz three-hand and solid stainless steel case, a smooth and solid look, stainless steel link bracelet and buckle, durable mineral crystal protecting the watch, water resistance for up to 165 feet, and my personal favorite, a sweeping hand.
This watch will definitely look great with a suit, and when do you wear suits? In formal events or important meetings where you cannot be bothered with tension that watches with ticking second hand.
Nope, this isn’t one of those watches. Go ahead and buy it for yourself, I swear you will not regret it.
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