Best Watches Under $300
18 Budget-Friendly Watches
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Some people will tell you that you have to spend north of $1K to get yourself a really good men's watch. Those people are wrong. In fact, you might be surprised by how many stylish watch options are available for less than half that cost. The key, as we always advocate, is to shop smart. If you’re not dead set on getting the very latest model or have some strange infatuation with paying full retail prices, the selection of affordable, high-quality watches to be had for less than $300 is truly impressive. And we’re here to help.
RELATED: 21 Best Watches Under $1,000
The fact is that most people, unless they’re really into watches, can’t tell the difference between a watch that costs $300 and one that costs $3,000. All the watches featured below have the benefit of looking like they cost much more than they actually do. But, since you didn't spend an arm and a leg on your watch, you don't need to be as worried about keeping it safe and protected at all times. And while there are watches suited to certain activities like water sports and aviation, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to be a professional diver or have your pilot’s license to wear one.
A couple of caveats: at this price point you are not buying big brand names, so don’t expect to walk away with a Rolex – and if you happen to come across one in this price range you can be absolutely certain it’s a replica. And speaking of that, stay away from watch brands whose sole mission is to knock off more expensive watches using cheaper materials. You won’t be fooling anybody. Instead, pick something that appeals to you personally, never mind what other people think. At the end of the day, the only person who needs to get a kick out of it is you.
Best Casual Watches Under $300
MVMT Gunmetal Sandstone
When it comes to watches, MVMT has quickly solidified itself as a leader in combining A-list style with real-world budgets. One of our favorite timepieces the Gunmetal Sandstone Chronograph watch features hardened mineral crystal glass, a gunmetal dial and a 100% genuine sandstone leather strap. The contrasting face and strap and blue accents make this watch feel unique and unexpected.
Jack Mason Mirabeau Chronograph
This is one of the best deals on a Jack Mason watch. While the watch's style pays homage to the classic racing diver chronograph, you can also get it wet — it’s water-resistant up to 100m (330ft). The perforated rally-style leather strap gives it enough of a dapper touch to be worn with jeans or a jacket and tie.
Stuhrling Original Sport Chronograph
This Japanese watch and what’s truly unique about it is the exploring/mountaineering theme. This watch includes a bezel that doubles as a compass, engraved degree markers, and an inner tachymeter scale. It’s a pretty thick-cased piece, but at 42mm, it’s still considered to be in the medium range.
Jack Mason Pursuit Chronograph
Jack Mason, independently owned and operated out of Dallas, Texas, is shaking up the affordable watch world with great-looking pieces like this gorgeous navy 42mm chronograph. Featuring a padded leather strap, reminiscent of the seats in a vintage sports car, and a striking watch face, It's easy to see why we love this design.
Gigandet Automatic Pro Diver Watch
The matte black bracelet on this round diver watch will immediately draw attention to your wrist. This watch design exudes elegance, yet it still has an original feeling of its own. Don't worry about being gentle with this watch; the hardened, scratch-resistant mineral crystal can take a beating.
Best Dress Watches Under $300
Vincero Rose Gold Chronograph
If you're looking to make a statement with your timepiece, look no further. Composed of Italian leather, marble and rose gold surgical grade stainless steel, this watch takes classic design elements and elevates them to new levels. Featuring a piece of marble -- that was used to build Michelangelo's David -- along the case back, with an inscription of Vincero's 'Build Your Legacy' motto, this watch is truly one of a kind. Vincero plays a part in every step of the manufacturing process, so you can be sure you are getting an ethically produced, quality timepiece.
Tissot PR 100
What edges this watch into the 'dressy' category is the stunning steel bracelet strap, usually a hallmark of much more expensive pieces. At 39mm, it should fit most normal-sized wrists, and the glint of the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal is an unmistakable sign of quality.
About Vintage 1969 Quartz
While this minimalistic, retro-inspired watch indicates a specific year -- the one quartz watches were first introduced -- it’s merely a reference point, as this design, which hails from Denmark, is totally unique. If you appreciate the Scandinavian aesthetic this will likely be the most appealing piece on this list and you should certainly prepare to receive compliments on it.
MVMT Slate Voyager
MVMT was a pioneer in making affordable watches that are also stylish. While other brands have joined the fray they still stand out for producing products that deliver plenty of panache for the price. The slate grey color of this piece which comes in 42mm gives it a cool edge that will pair well will designer threads -- even if it makes it a little harder to read at night.
Seiko Solar
This watch proves that you don't need to be an aviator to pull off a pilot's watch. Featuring a classic black leather strap and a simple watch face, it will pair effortlessly with any ensemble. With a hardlex crystal over a luminous dial, this watch is highly legible in all conditions. This watch is made with a highly accurate Japanese movement and has water resistance up to 100 m (300 ft.). The case is extra-slim for comfort but extremely durable thanks to hardened steel.
Smoky Falken Mesh
The double wrap strap on this dark gray chronograph gives it a designer aesthetic that will appeal to those who care about style. Designed in Sweden with a Japanese movement, the mesh strap is made of stainless steel, a point you can disclose when you like. TRIWA stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches and it’s no empty promise. It’s not a dive watch but has just enough water resistance to give you confidence when needed.
Best Dive Watches Under $300
Seiko Solar Diver
This Seiko diver has a serious style, thanks to the blue and navy bezels. It’s also unique in that it runs on solar power. Japanese watches remain a great bargain, and you can’t automatically assume anything that isn’t Swiss is inferior. This is a watch that will last a very long time and will hold its value to boot.
Jack Mason Halyard Chronograph
Another beauty from Jack Mason, the blue and silver dial on this piece ensures that you won’t show up wearing the same watch as everybody else. Inspired by great dive and sailing watches from the past, it nonetheless has a modern flair. The SuperLuminova markings make it easy to read while the three subdials track seconds, minutes, and hours for maximum precision.
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch
If you're in the market for a budget watch that doesn't skimp on style or build quality, Citizen should be high up on your list of brands to look out for. This dive watch offers spartan good looks, rugged build quality and a mineral crystal movement guaranteed to keep the time, even up to 660 feet under water.
Best Skeleton Watches Under $300
Invicta S1 Rally Watch
For a budget entry in the skeleton watch category, look no further than this sport offering from Invicta, with an automatic self-winding movement and water resistance up to 100m.
Bulova Quartz Dress Watch
The gray-and-steel look of this sleek Bulova watch will definitely turn heads. Be aware, though, that this mechanical watch has a hand-wound movement, so you'll need to do a little upkeep now and then to keep it in working order.
Invicta Rose Gold Skeleton Watch
If you're looking to bling up your wrist wear, this black-and-gold Skeleton Watch from Invicta fits the bill – it even has a small gold chain linking the winding attachment to the case front.
Stuhrling Original Skeleton Watch
The blue, gold and white design of this skeleton watch stands out for its beauty and intricacy. It's self-winding, and comes with an alligator-embossed strap – a fitting accoutrement to your stylish watch face.
You don't have to spend a fortune to find a good watch, and any one of the watches on this list will prove it.
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