Best Watches to buy under $200!
Welcome back to the horologist, if you read our last story you are probably familiar with this format of different budget category timepieces. While last time we discussed the best diver watches that you can buy under $10,000 this time we will dive deeper, but in our budget, with watches below $200!
When you are talking watches that are at this point, you don’t expect much to be found, something that can be held for years or something that doesn’t become worthless soon enough. However, in this collection, we present watches that we believe are the best options that anyone has with a budget of a couple of hundred dollars.
(The list is in no particular order. Estimated prices are denoted below every watch description.)
- Orient Bambino
Although dress watches, these are some of the best watches you can get south of $200 (with discounts), I mean look at that! I personally like the Orient Bambino 2nd Gen Version 2 better but the Version 3 is also adorned by many. The stainless steel case with a leather strap works almost like magic in both of versions. While I am not very fond of the double-dome shaped mineral crystal that almost protrudes out of the watch, many love it and find it to be a big reason to make the purchase.
The tone and texture of the strap are attractive. Although, the caliber F6724 automatic movement doesn’t offer a large power reserve, the watch can be hand-winded and should be good for regular usage. So, if you are looking for a decent-looking mechanical watch that is super affordable and runs well, then it is the watch for you.
Price ~ $140–160
2. Seiko 5 SNKL
Seiko 5 series is the ultimate budget range of watches you can find in this category. I would go so far as to say that these are probably the best that your money can buy in the sub-200 category, or maybe even 500. There are a lot of options to choose from here. The SNKL series with their SNKL 41, 43, and 45 offer substantial value for the price. With a 7S26 automatic movement and the 21 jewels caliber, these watches make for a great entry-level buy, the accuracy may not be the best on these watches but with a correction every once in a while, these should just be fine.
Overall, the whole SNKL range offers an attractive stainless steel bracelet that looks quite elegant. The Jubilee bracelet and the 01V0 case compensate for everything that the watch lacks in performance. Many even compare the polished bezels of the SNKL range with watches from the Grand Seiko line. The clean and simple look with steel indices marking time makes it a joy to watch, also making this my favorite on the list.
Price ~ $100–120
3. Casio G-Shock
One of the first watches I ever owned was a Casio G-shock. Although I don’t have to, I can definitely vouch for their durability and strength. These absolute beasts give a great bang for the buck, with quality, durability and battery life that runs for years and years (even decades!).
For this category, I would choose the G-Shock GA2100–1A1 for a simple and minimalistic look. The negative liquid crystal display backing the analogues blends perfectly with light numerals and letters. Being a G-shock it of course offers a water resistance of 200 meters, so it’s certainly safe to take in the pool. The watch is an eye candy, while it sways away from the general G-Shock vibe, it has its own charisma making it an excellent buy in this range. That said, one should definitely consider the 45.4mm case diameter, as it might not go as well with smaller wrists.
Price ~ $100–140
4. Bertucci A-2S
Suggested by reddit user u/B4D_Y3LL0W, at number four is the Bertucci A-2S. The watch offers a nice sporty look explaining the ‘field-watch’ title and can be found anywhere between $100–$120, I think it’s one of the better options you have at the given price point. The watch features a 40mm stainless steel case that is ION coated to give it a matt finish and a ‘tactical’ dial offers clear vision of the 12/24 time marks. The watch goes best with a nato strap like the one it comes with. A 200 meter water resistance, hardened sapphire crystal, luminous numbers, a date sub dial and the all-metal Japan made quartz movement make for an amazing package.
The watch is often compared to the Seiko SNK 809, which is another great watch boasting a cool casual outdoor look. Although the dial size (37mm) might be too small for some and no sapphire crystal is available, if it suits you, it’ll probably be a better choice if you are also looking for an automatic watch and Seiko’s name. Consider islander field watches too if you prefer this look.
Price ~ $100–120
5. Timex Marlin
Timex’s first mechanical watch since 1982, is the Timex Marlin. This hand-wound timepiece has a vintage look that is unheard of at this price point. The 34mm steel case is fully polished giving it a great look on any wrist for its size.
The 17 jewel Chinese Seagull ST6 movement was a matter of skepticism for many, however, that was soon settled with the accuracy it offered for its price. At $199, its a great buy that will last for a good amount of time. Needless to say, it is a dress watch, so you’ll probably wear it on some occasions only. Overall, the watch is a considerable effort from Timex, a brand that many love and honestly, it doesn’t disappoints.
Price $199
6. Orient Ray II
I have highly debated myself over a diver watch in this category, at the given price most diver watches lack one thing or another but one watch that I couldn’t resist adding on to this list was the Orient Ray II. The wristwatch features a case size of 41.5mm across and 47mm lug-to-lug, making it a rather comfortable wear for a diver at this point.
With 200 meters of water resistance, scratch resistant mineral crystal and luminous silver tone hands, the Ray II is an excellent choice if your are particular looking for a good diver watch that can run you long without burning a hole in your pocket.
Price $140–170
Another great option, if you are willing to put in a few extra dollars, is the Orient Kamasu. With the same Caliber F6922 movement, Kamasu offers the same or slightly better performance than the Ray II. A more refreshing design and look, and the sapphire crystal alone makes the premium worth.
7. Tissot Everytime Medium
The next watch on the list is by the Swiss watch manufacturer Tissot, that’s correct, a swiss watch in this category might seem like a surprise but it’s true.
This is possible because of the Quartz movement that the watch supports. Being quartz, it is reliable and perfect to carry on any day. The best thing I love about this watch is the dial, the clean and simplistic dial gives it a very chic look. The watch is, as Tissot calls it, ‘simple yet classic’.
The Sapphire crystal, water resistance, and leather bracelet make it a great buy for the price, which might be a little over our $200 budget. Do note other options such as the Everytime small and large are available as well.
While looking for watches for this article, I came across several other options that can be just as great for many looking to buy a watch under $200. Swatches, other Seiko, Orient, Casio and G-shock models also offer great value for the money spent. The price of the models mentioned and of watches in general is highly dependent on several factors such as the country of origin, the taxations and import and export duties of your country so do take in these while getting your beloved timepiece.
(For this article I also went on to r/watches, which is also one of my favorite sub-reddits, some of the watch recommendation I got there in this category include, Vostok Amphibia, Invicta Pro Diver, Orient Ray and Mako II, Casio Duro, CasiOak and some Stührling watches. These all, in my opinion, can be great options for different individuals and their preferences, so do check these models too before making the purchase.)
The 7 watches I mention in the article are the watches that I found to be the best in the sub-200 dollar range, I hope you enjoyed reading. Feel free to leave comments on any other models that you think would be a great buy for the price.
