10 Watches Under $500

Who says you need to break the bank for a great timepiece? These 10 watches prove that quality, style, and horological prowess can come at a surprisingly affordable price point. From dive watches to dress pieces, each of these punches well above its weight class.

Seiko 5 Sports SKX Sports Style GMT

Why It's on the List: It's the GMT that lets you travel the world without emptying your bank account.

Specs & Features: 42.5mm case, 100m water resistance, automatic GMT movement, bi-color 24-hour bezel.

Pro Tip: Use the money you saved to actually visit the places on the GMT bezel.

Orient Bambino

Why It's on the List: It's the dress watch that makes Swiss watchmakers question their pricing strategy.

Specs & Features: 40.5mm case, domed mineral crystal, in-house automatic movement.

Pro Tip: Buy one in every color – you'll still spend less than on a single luxury dress watch.

Bertucci A-2T Classic

Why It's on the List: It's the field watch that could probably survive a nuclear blast.

Specs & Features: 40mm titanium case, 200m water resistance, quartz movement.

Pro Tip: Wear it while doing yard work to make your Rolex-owning neighbors nervous.

Casio World Time

Why It's on the List: It's the travel watch that makes smartwatches look dumb.

Specs & Features: World map display, 10-year battery life, multi-time zone functionality.

Pro Tip: Set all 31 time zones just because you can.

Q Timex GMT

Why It's on the List: It's the vintage-inspired piece that'll make people think you inherited a classic.

Specs & Features: 38mm case, Swiss quartz movement, GMT functionality, bidirectional rotating bezel.

Pro Tip: Practice your "Oh, this old thing?" response when people ask about it.

You can check out my book, Watch Collecting 101, for more insights on finding great watches at every price point.

Citizen Promaster Dive Automatic 'Fugu'

Why It's on the List: It's the dive watch that fish mistake for one of their own.

Specs & Features: 44mm case, 200m water resistance, unique serrated bezel inspired by the Fugu pufferfish.

Pro Tip: Time how long it takes your dive buddies to notice it's not a much pricier brand.

Timex Marlin Automatic

Why It's on the List: It's the vintage reissue that doesn't require a time machine to afford.

Specs & Features: 40mm case, automatic movement, domed acrylic crystal.

Pro Tip: Tell people it's your grandfather's watch – they'll never know the difference.

Baltic HMS 002

Why It's on the List: It's the microbrand marvel that proves good design doesn't need a century of heritage.

Specs & Features: 38mm case, Art Deco-inspired design, Miyota 8315 automatic movement.

Pro Tip: Learn to pronounce "Baltic" with a French accent for extra sophistication points.

Luminox Original Navy Seal

Why It's on the List: It's the tactical timepiece that glows brighter than your future.

Specs & Features: 43mm CARBONOX™ case, 200m water resistance, constant glow for up to 25 years.

Pro Tip: Use it as a nightlight to save on your electricity bill.

Seiko 5 Sports Field Watch

Why It's on the List: It's the field watch that makes you wonder why anyone would pay more.

Specs & Features: 39.4mm case, automatic movement, 100m water resistance.

Pro Tip: Buy one for each day of the week – you'll still have cash left over for a nice dinner.

From affordable GMTs to indestructible field watches, these 10 timepieces prove that a great watch doesn't need to cost as much as a car.

Whether you're just starting your collection or looking to add a value-packed piece to your rotation, these watches offer something for every style and budget.