Are you looking for an attractive watch to complete your formal attire but can’t afford, or justify, the cost of the premium brand watches? Don’t fret as there are still viable options if you want a luxury looking timepiece without actually paying an excessive amount. The main challenge with coming up with the following list is that online retailers offer a sea of tacky looking no-name watches. What you can easily end up with when you unbox those is a gaudy looking watch by a brand that offers very little quality or guarantee.
However, it is possible to find handsome looking watches that are not overly flashy and that do come from reputable brands. While most of these watches below are considered fashion watch brands, there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. These brands are known for their design and style and manage to keep their retail prices relatively inexpensive by using affordable quartz watch movements and finishes that are attractive without being expensive (gold-toned metal rather actual gold).
Below are 15 of the most affordable yet high-grade and premium looking watches that you can buy today.
Cheap Watches For Men That Look Spendy
Nixon Time Teller Stainless Steel Watch
The Nixon Time Teller watch comes in a wide variety of designs; this particular all-gold watch is one that aims to deliver a premium-grade feel at a highly affordable price tag. It certainly delivers on that front.
The Nixon Time Teller All-Gold Watch features a traditional design for those who prefer a classy timepiece for formal occasions. The stainless-steel gold-toned case measures in at 37 mm. The dial features classic three hands design with linear markers. Its main strength is with its timeless design which it revels in amazingly well.
Fossil Men’s Dean Stainless Steel Chronograph Dress Watch
Fossil is a designer’s brand so expect all their timepiece to deliver excellence when it comes to the aesthetics side of things. The Fossil Dean is one such wristwatch that offers a level of pizzazz that you won’t typically expect with its price tag.
This timepiece utilizes a gold-tone plated stainless steel case and bracelet. The case clocks in at 45 mm and features quartz movement with analog display. The champagne dial has luminous three-hand analog display and a mineral crystal window for improved durability.
The stylish gold-tone certainly accentuates its already impressive design. As this is a chronograph watch, it comes with three sub-dials and even a stopwatch functionality. The superb construction also provides this watch with a water resistance of up to 50 meters.
Timex Men’s Dress Analog Genuine Diamond Watch
The Timex Dress Genuine Diamond watch features the timeless rectangular watch design. Most men won’t usually give this type of watch a second look as it is often synonymous with women’s watches, but that would be a mistake. This is quite a well-built timepiece and is large enough to accommodate men’s larger wrist size.
This timepiece comes in three stunning variations such as the all-gold, all-silver, and the two-toned (gold and silver) models. The black dial takes a minimalist approach with its design and features three markers, two hands, and a diamond embedded at the 12 o’clock position.
The rectangular case is quite slim at 33 mm in diameter. The dial is encased within mineral glass crystal and comes with a 30 meters water resistance rating. This is a classy and affordable watch for those who are a fan of rectangular timepieces and comes from Timex, a brand known for reliable watches.
Fanmis Two-Tone Stainless-Steel Watch
The Fanmis is an extremely affordable watch, especially with the beautiful blend of silver and gold with a polished dial that comes in three variations (black, blue, and emerald green).
Many shoppers are attracted to this watch because it’s a very cheap ‘homage’ to the Rolex Submariner (which starts at $7,500!) so if you want the look of a classic watch without wearing a tacky fake Rolex this might be the one for you.
Although this is a Chinese watch brand, it utilizes a Japanese quartz movement known for its accuracy. The case is quite big with a 40 mm diameter. It also features a unidirectional diving bezel and a date window located over at the three o’clock position.
Citizen Men’s Quartz Stainless Steel Casual Watch
Citizen is one of the most well-known watchmakers that provide budget-friendly to premium timepieces. Fortunately, they don’t skimp on their more affordable watches in regards to quality. Case in point, the Citizen Quartz Stainless Steel Casual Watch.
This timepiece uses Japanese quartz movement with analog display. The case size is perfect for men at 44 mm in diameter. This is a traditional gold watch that provides excellent precision and impeccable gold-tone design. It also comes with a 50-meter water resistance making it suitable for a quick dip in the water.
AX Armani Exchange Chronograph Silicone Watch
This stylish timepiece with a contemporary design is surprisingly affordable. The AX Armani Exchange Chronograph is a perfect affordable watch for casual everyday use and even for certain formal events. Its all-black design gives it a sophisticated flair and the silver hands and markers on the dial accentuates its overall appeal. This is also a chronograph watch which means it comes with enhanced functionality in timekeeping as well.
The AX Armani Exchange utilizes quartz movement with its analog display. The three sub-dials track hours, minutes, and seconds. Also, it has a date display located between the 4 and 5 o’clock position.
The case is made from resin and measures in at 44 mm in diameter, which gives it that lightweight yet durable quality. The band is made from silicone and uses buckle closure, which is a pretty standard feature with wristwatches in this price range.
Also, it comes with a decent 50-meter water resistance allowing the wearer to use it for a quick dip in the pool. This is a stylish timepiece that certainly looks like a mid-range watch with its sleek and debonair charm.
Invicta Men’s 1270 18K Gold Ion-Plated Specialty Chronograph Watch
You can never go wrong with gold if you want to enhance your attire’s overall style. However, since gold watches can be quite expensive, not all can take advantage of its benefits. Thankfully, watches such as the Invicta Men’s 1270 is here to deliver a similar aesthetic at an exceptionally budget-friendly cost.
At first glance, the polished gold-tone case, dial, and bracelet give this timepiece a premium appeal. The chronograph features further add to its classy aesthetics with the three sub-dials and an engraved bezel.
This is quite a large timepiece with a 50 mm stainless steel gold ion-plated case. Within is the ever-reliable Japanese quartz movement with an analog display that does not put into question its precision and timekeeping. This luxurious looking timepiece also provides a water resistance of up to 50 meters which makes it suitable for a quick dip in the pool.
Guess Men’s Stainless-Steel Diamond Watch
The Guess Diamond watch incorporates a rectangular-shaped case which gives it a more retro-look. A perfect timepiece for those who prefer the alternative to the traditional circular timepiece design. It is quite surprising to note that this timepiece features a genuine diamond within its dial design with its budget-friendly price tag.
As with most rectangular watches, the Guess Diamond watch is relatively smaller than your average round watch. It has a 35 mm in diameter case and incorporates a Japanese quartz movement with its analog display structure.
This is a sleek timepiece with a highly polished look. It certainly delivers a level of sophistication that you would only usually find in mid to high-range watches. Also, it provides up to 50 meters of water resistance.
Michael Kors Slim Runway Quartz Watch
Michael Kors timepieces are always known for their intricate and striking designs, even more, MK watches come in a wide range of prices with some having a price tag of under $100. The Slim Runway Quartz watch is one such model, and it still manages to deliver a stunningly beautiful timepiece.
The MK Slim Runway features a black and gold aesthetic, which you can never go wrong if you are trying to deliver a stylish accessory. It features a gold-toned stainless-steel case that measures in at a hefty 49 mm.
This is a pretty straightforward watch with its quartz movement with a three-hand analog display. The dial features a neat presentation with only the hands, markers, and logo visible. It also has 50-meter water resistance, so you can take it for a quick recreational swim if you want. All in all, this is a classy gold watch that also has that unique premium-vibe but at a considerably lower price tag.
Akribos XXIV Multi-Function Swarovski Crystal-Accented Watch
Quite possibly the most lavishly designed timepiece in this list. This gold-tone and crystal-studded watch aim to impress while also not burning a hole in your pocket. It features a highly detailed multi-functional dial and chronograph functionalities.
The bezel features embedded Swarovski crystals which significantly enhances it’s the timepiece’s extravagant aesthetics. The dial also sports a tachymeter, three sub-dials, and a date display. The markers and hands also utilize a luminous coating for added visibility in low-light environments.
For its price, the Akribos XXIV watch is undoubtedly a steal and delivers an appearance and quality that far surpasses its price tag.
Michael Kors Lexington’s Chronograph Watch
Michael Kors once again enters this list with their strikingly handsome Lexington Chronograph watch. This all-gold timepiece features chronograph functionalities which means it comes with three sub-dials. The sub-dials come in black, which perfectly balances out the polished gold of the main dial, case, and bracelet. It also incorporates Japanese quartz movement with its analog display, providing wearers with highly precise timekeeping.
The Lexington watch is a large one with a case that measures 44 mm in diameter. Another noteworthy inclusion to its construction is the 100 meters water resistance rating making it suitable for a quick swim and even snorkeling. The watch also has a 2-year warranty which is a fantastic addition to this budget-friendly yet stunning watch.
Invicta Men’s Specialty Mechanical Hand-Wind Watch
Are you a fan of open-heart or skeleton design watches but can’t afford its steep price tag? You might want to take a look at the Invicta Specialty Mechanical Hand-Wind Watch. This timepiece uses mechanical manual-wind movement and analog display.
While the open-heart design doesn’t look as intricate as its more expensive brethren, this Invicta watch is still a charmer. It also uses a crocodile-embossed leather band which gives it a more casual appeal. The case measures in at 42 mm, which is large enough to provide a clear view of the inner workings of the watch via the open-heart design.
Akribos XXIV Accented Sunray Dial Watch
Akribos XXIV makes another entry in this list with its Accented Sunray Dial watch. This is a more casual-looking timepiece compared to the previous Akribos XXIV watch entry. This brand has pretty much mastered the art of crafting an affordable timepiece that comes with the flair of a premium-grade luxury one.
Akribos XXIV is known for delivering very affordable (and usually discounted) watches with elegant aesthetics. This watch uses a polished alloy case, which is lightweight but still quite sturdy. The stainless-steel mesh band provides comfort, and it even has a water resistance for up to 30 meters.
The minimalist design of the Accented Sunray Dial watch will be a sure hit with more traditional watch enthusiasts. If you are looking for highly affordable timepieces that also delivers the sizzle, you should take a look at Akribos XXIV’s catalog.
Diesel Men’s Mega Chief Quartz Chronograph Watch
The all-gold design and almost tank-like appearance of the Diesel Mega Chief Chronograph certainly help separate it from the rest of the pack. The stainless-steel case comes in at an intimidating 59mm in diameter, the largest one we have in this list.
This more massive structure and frame are fully taken advantage of by its three sub-dial display and date window. It also has a cut-out detail on the case which adds to its overall style with a more mechanical look. Also, the luminous hands and markers will be much appreciated if you ever wear this underwater as it does have 100-meter water resistance.
Casio Men’s General Watch
Finally, we have the Casio General watch. This wristwatch features a stainless-steel case with a gold-tone finish. It uses flexible and robust leather straps that provide comfort and durability. The dial features a pretty standard display which is operated using quartz movement for excellent precision.
This is a sleek casual watch with a case that measures in at 36 mm in diameter. The dial incorporates thee hands (hours, minutes, seconds) and military-style time markers. Also, it sports a date display over on the three o’clock position.
This is a super watch that delivers Casio’s signature performance and quality at such a low cost.