Despite the perception that you need to spend thousands to pick up a great timepiece, there is an impressive selection of watches available if you're limited by your budget. That's where our list of the best watches for men under 500 comes in.
In fact, you can pick up some amazing smartwatches in this price bracket alongside more traditional timepieces and digital classics.
Of course, there are some great options if you do intend to spend a little more, just check out our list of the best watches under 1500 for some examples; however, we've compiled a selection of timepieces that won't break the bank if you decide to pick one up.
So, if you're looking for a relatively formal watch, like this Certina DS Caimano, or you're simply after one of the best Casio watches of all time in this Casio A700WEG-9AEF, then we've got everything you need right here.
Make sure you stick around because we've also answered some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding men's watches to help you come to an informed decision on which to buy. Before we get into that though, here are our top picks...
Best watches for men under 500
1. Casio A700WEG-9AEF
Best watch for men under 500 overall
The Casio A700WEG-9AEF is perhaps one of the most recognisable and popular picks around. Its relatively inexpensive price tag combined with Casio's years of expertise help make this device, in particular, stand out from the crowd.
What we like most about this timepiece is that it combines a vintage look with a more modern digital display that should come in handy for everyday wear when you simply want to quickly check the time.
In terms of features, you get an LED light, a stopwatch, plus a level of splash resistance which means you don't need to necessarily worry about it getting wet. All in all, this Casio looks to be well worth considering, especially with its low price point.
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2. Q Timex GMT
Best watch for men under 500 to wear every day
The Q Timex GMT, which was first introduced in the 1970s, combines the sophistication of a formal watch with the practicality of an everyday timepiece.
This remarkable watch boasts several convenient features for daily use, including a dual time zone display and a date indicator. Its stainless steel bracelet can be easily adjusted too, ensuring a comfortable fit, and it offers water resistance up to 50 metres.
It also features a functional battery hatch, which simplifies maintenance. Additionally, its domed acrylic crystal enhances the clarity of the display, providing an easy view of the time, even at just a quick glance.
Finally, it comes with an eye-catching red and blue rotating bezel, setting it apart as one of the best Timex watches currently available.
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3. Certina DS Caimano
Best formal watch for men under 500
The Certina DS Caimano watch showcases a refined Swiss design that exudes elegance, making it an ideal choice for formal events and special occasions.
One of its standout features is the silvered dial, which boasts a captivating blend of various metallic tones, complemented by rose gold markers and hands. This combination adds a touch of sophistication to the timepiece in our eyes.
Adding to this, the watch comes with a rugged leather strap that beautifully contrasts the sleek silver finish. This subtle contrast further enhances the watch's formality, creating a captivating visual contrast.
Furthermore, the Certina DS Caimano is water-resistant up to 100 metres, making it a versatile and contemporary timepiece that seamlessly blends modern functionality with a refined, vintage-inspired aesthetic.
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4. Apple Watch Series 8
Best smartwatch for men under 500
It should come as no surprise the Apple Watch Series 8 features here, although you may be surprised to learn that you can actually pick this exceptional smartwatch up under 500.
This remarkable timepiece is a true testament to what a smartwatch can achieve. Firstly, it looks amazing, which is always a good thing, but it's also water-resistant, making it suitable to wear when working out, in the shower, and on a daily basis, no matter the weather.
It can also track your overall fitness in a ton of ways. For instance, it checks your blood oxygen and can take an ECG reading at any time with the accompanying app. It essentially has everything you could need to keep track of your health. So, with these factors in mind, we have to put the Apple Watch Series 8 up there as one of the best smartwatches around.
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5. Citizen Promaster Diver
Best watch for men under 500 to make a statement
When it comes to relatively inexpensive dive watches, we don't think you'll find much better than this Citizen Promaster Diver and its 200M water resistance rating that even rivals some of the best swimming watches around. Not only that, but Citizen's Eco-Drive technology means this particular timepiece can run sustainably by harnessing light energy.
In theory, this gives you an infinite battery life, which can be especially useful if you're looking for a reliable watch to wear every day or to make a statement at a variety of events.
The display should be crisp too as it's made from an anti-reflective mineral crystal that helps make this particular timepiece one of our top picks for you to consider.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
A ton of queries usually pop up when trying to pick out the right watch. Don't worry though because we've answered some of the most commonly asked questions right here.
What should you look for from a watch under 500?
This really depends on the type of watch you're after, so perhaps the first question you should ask yourself when buying a new watch is whether you're looking for something digital, analog, or even a smart device.
You'll also want to take the style into account. Generally speaking, watches can be categorised into a few different areas like luxury, sport, casual, and vintage, with each type serving a particular purpose for a specific occasion.
Furthermore, you'll need to explore some of a watch's features to work out whether it's right for you. For example, you'll likely need a stopwatch and timer on a sports timepiece, but if you're after a divers watch, you'll need to prioritise its water resistance rating.
Finally, it's worth taking into account the size, weight, and material of your watch as you'll no doubt want something that'll be comfortable to wear on your wrist, particularly if you're looking for a device to wear every day.
How much should you spend on a watch?
Once again, there is no definitive answer to this question, as it will depend on your level of dedication and passion for watches.
However, watches can vary massively in price, so there should be a timepiece available to suit almost any budget.
That being said, the watches in this list, for instance, are positioned towards the slightly less expensive end of the scale, so could be a good starting point to build out a watch collection.
Ultimately, we'd advise only spending what you can afford on a watch, provided you're in love with the timepiece in question and you can see you're wearing it often.
What is the usual deviation rate of a watch?
The deviation rate of a watch is how inaccurate it runs to the actual time. According to Montredo, a mechanical watch that deviates 10 seconds or less a day is pretty good.
There are several reasons why a watch may deviate, including it possibly needing a professional service.
The watch may have also been damaged in some way causing it to be inaccurate. You can also get faulty springs, for example, that cling together or have become magnetised.
How often should you get a watch serviced?
According to Bucherer, a mechanical or electronic watch may require a professional service every four to six years to ensure it continues to display the hours, minutes, and seconds accurately.
That said, if a watch is worn infrequently, you probably won't need to service it as often. However, it's advised you take your watch for a service once the oil and grease around the intricate mechanism dry out or are used up by the running of the watch.
How long does a watch last?
The lifespan of a watch can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the quality of its components, how well it's maintained, and how often it's used.
A high-quality watch that's well-maintained and used regularly can last for decades, even a lifetime. On the other hand, a low-quality watch that's poorly maintained or seldom used may only last a few years.
Generally, watches with mechanical movements tend to have a longer lifespan than those with quartz movements because they have fewer parts that can wear out or malfunction over time. Additionally, mechanical watches can often be repaired and serviced, whereas quartz watches typically need to be replaced once their batteries die.
Overall, the lifespan of a watch can range from a few years to several decades, and it depends on several factors, including the type of movement, quality of components, and maintenance.
Should you maintain and clean a watch?
As touched on above, maintaining a watch can often increase its lifespan. Regular maintenance helps to keep your watch accurate and smooth, as dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate inside the watch over time, affecting its movement and precision. So, by cleaning and lubricating the internal components, you can improve performance and longevity.
To clean and maintain your watch effectively, it's important to establish a regular routine of wiping it down. However, if you want to go beyond simple cleaning and lubricating the moving parts, it is recommended to consult the user manual or the manufacturer's website for specific maintenance and cleaning instructions. In some cases, professional assistance may be required for such tasks.