Most men who want a timepiece are probably looking for best men’s watches under $500.00. There are many watches under that price. But there are many factors that will influence your choice of a timepiece. In this article we will look at the factors to consider, as well as a selection of the best men’s watches under $500.00.
When you’re looking for a watch, you are most probably not looking for a device that just shows the time. Sometimes you need one for aesthetic reasons, something that can add a little bit of style and sophistication to your outfit. However, you also need functionality, durability and sometimes something that gives you a sense of prestige.
Different people have varying considerations. Here are some of the things that could be important to you.
Best Mens Watches Under 500
Material
The material used to manufacture mainly the watch’s face and strap is a major factor when you are looking for the best men’s watches under $500.00. There are very expensive materials that are used mainly on high end watches. They are aesthetically appealing, very durable and can withstand a considerable amount of impact before getting damaged.
Because you look for a timepiece that is going to last more than a few years, you need to consider durability. When looking for the right material for a watch that is within your budget, durability, aesthetic appeal and cost will be the main factors. Here are some of the materials for watches within that price range.
Watch Material for the Price Range
- Stainless Steel: For watches under $500 this is one of the best materials you can choose. It is durable, looks fairly good and has anti-corrosion properties. It is ideal for outdoor events and any heavy duty applications. The metal is very affordable and ideal for travel or day-to-day use.
- Leather: Leather straps are fairly inexpensive. However, you need to ensure you choose authentic leather that is affordable and durable. Leather straps also have the advantage in that they are easy to replace whenever they get damaged. This also reduces the maintenance cost for leather strap watches. Calf skin leather is perhaps one of the few options available for best watches under $500.00. It can last for many years and it is durable and lasts longer than other types of leather for watches within that price range.
- Gold: Gold is another common material used to make watches. It is considered to be one of the most aesthetic appealing metals by some. However, it is not always the best choice for formal occasions especially if you want something understated. It is possible to get a genuine watch within the $500 budget. You will find mainly white, pink and yellow gold on watches. Colored gold is made from an alloy of metals such as copper and nickel. The alloy will determine the color of the watch. The alloys are necessary to make the otherwise malleable gold more sturdy and durable.
- Platinum: The main advantage of this metal is that it is very durable. It has excellent anti corrosion properties. It is very durable since it can resist getting worn out even when used on a daily basis. It is lighter than most expensive metals, meaning it is more comfortable on your wrist. The biggest shortcoming of platinum is that it is quite expensive and most watches made of this material are on the expensive side.
Most consumers consider movement to be an important factor when choosing luxury watches. This is perhaps due to the prestigious image that automatic watches have projected in the past.
Many consumers of luxury watches are somewhat aware of the superior craftsmanship that went into creating some of the most expensive watches that are available in the market today. For this reason, automatic watches with a good movement are perceived to be in the range of those expensive watches that were heavily promoted in the past.
You can find an excellent watch within your budget that has a good movement. In fact, some of the watches that are under $500 could have a better movement than those that are ultra luxurious and very expensive
Movement
Most consumers consider movement to be an important factor when choosing luxury watches. This is perhaps due to the prestigious image that automatic watches have projected in the past. Many consumers of luxury watches are somewhat aware of the superior craftsmanship that went into creating some of the most expensive watches that are available in the market today. For this reason, automatic watches with a good movement are perceived to be in the range of those expensive watches that were heavily promoted in the past.
You can find an excellent watch within your budget that has a good movement. In fact, some of the watches that are under $500 could have a better movement than those that are ultra luxurious and very expensive.
Types of Watch Movements
- Quartz: The main advantage of this type of movement is that it contains few moving parts. It is easy to maintain and repair in case the watch develops an issue. Its maintenance is mainly battery replacement. Watches with this type of movement are low cost. The main problem some consumers have with this type of watches is that they lack the prestige that comes with the superior craftsmanship you’ll find in a mechanical movement.
- Mechanical Movement: They are generally perceived to be built with superior skill and attention to detail. These watches are considered to be more prestigious. They can be quite complicated to repair and require a skilled craftsman. They are also much more expensive compared to quartz watches.
Things that Could Go Wrong when Buying a Watch
- Poor Fit: The watch does not fit properly on your wrist. The clasp may have been designed for people with bigger wrists. It can be very irritating to wear a watch that fits snugly on your wrist. You need to know what the right fit for you is. You not only need to understand the watch band width, but also the diameter and thickness of the case. All this factors play a critical role in how the watch fits and how comfortable it feels on your wrist.
- Weak Band: Even though some watches are made of quality and durable materials like stainless steel, the band and other connecting parts may not be made of materials that are strong and durable. This can lead to the watch falling apart shortly after you buy it.
- Over Priced: The watch you are buying may be overpriced. The seller may decide to increase the price to make more from the watch. You’ll only find out that you bought it close to double of its price, when you come across the same watch in another shop. It is always a good idea to shop around and do your research before buying that timepiece.
Types of Watches
Diver Watches
These were watches that were initially designed for diving. They required a high water resistant rating. For these reason, these watches had to have superior features that allowed divers to reliably check time when they were several feet in water.
Their main characteristic feature is the unidirectional bezel. This feature was initially designed to notify divers when they were running out of oxygen supply. The bezel had to be easy to move under water and the hour makers were designed to be easily readable when underwater.
Contemporary diver watches are also designed with some of those features. These watches have to be water resistant from at least 100 feet. This makes them for outdoor and sports watches.
Men's EM65007B Stainless Steel Automatic Dive Watch
Features:
Stainless steel watch with a protective mineral window, ideal for people with an active outdoor lifestyle.
Features a quality Japanese movement.
Water resistant to 100 meter depth.
Made by Orient a reputable brand recognized for its dive watches.
Dress Watches
These watches were mainly designed for formal wear. Even though they can still be reliable as a timepiece, they were mostly invented for their aesthetic function. They are simple and have a simple face and some may not have the hour hand.
Many of these timepieces are made from leather straps and are inexpensive. They are mostly ideal for formal occasions as that is what they were designed for. More often than not they will not be ideal for casual wear. They are ideal for those who are looking for an elegant but inexpensive watch.
Power Reserve White Polit Dial Blue Numbers Automatic Calendar Men's Watch
Features:
A uniquely elegant and understated look with a white face and blue hour hands and hour markers.
Seagull power reserve automatic movement.
Genuine leather straps.
- Two sub-dials.
Field Watches
These were the watches that were initially made for warfare during the first part of the twentieth century. Many of them had a design similar to dress watches but rugged in design.
They were designed for functionality and durability. They had leather and canvas straps to make them easier to replace the strap whenever it got damaged in the field.
Because they had to be readable even in low visibility they often had a black dial with white hour markers and hands.
Hamilton Men's HML-H70455533 Khaki Field Black Dial Watch
Features:
A precise Swiss-Quartz movement that is high quality and easy to maintain.
Its masculine look is captured by its elegant white dial against the leather band.
- Face is made of Durable Sapphire Crystal for protection from scratches
- Water resistant up to 330 feet
Chronograph Watches
Chronograph watches are a specific type of watches that have an independent second hand, and may have additional hands to measure minutes seconds and hours. These hands can be adjusted, started or stopped by pushing the buttons on the side of the watch.
The main purposes of inventing this type of watch was to time events. This is still the main reasons the watch is still popular today. It is particularly popular with sports and fitness enthusiasts worldwide. Most major watchmakers have one of these watches as part of their line. Some people also opt for these watches for the unique sporty appearance it has.
Men's YCS410GX Windfall Chronograph Silver-Tone Bracelet Watch
Features:
A precise Swiss-Quartz movement that is high quality and easy to maintain.
Its masculine look is captured by its elegant black dial against the metallic band.
- Resistant to splashes and brief immersion in water. It is water resistant up to a depth of 99 feet.
Michael Kors Watches Dylan Watch
Features:
A beautiful watch with a rose gold casing and blue time face.
- Luminous hour hands and hour markers.
Swiss Watches
What is so special about Swiss Watches? The history of Swiss watches dates back to 500 years. This region was known for watchmakers who were very talented and skilled. The Swiss actually invented some of the watches we use today, this includes the wrist watch itself.
The region has therefore become synonymous with watches made with a high level of skilled craftsmanship. A large proportion of the recognizable luxury watches come from Switzerland.
Men's T41.5.413.73 Le Locle Automatic Skeleton-Back Watch
Features:
A stainless steel case plated with gold stone. Its elegance is enhanced by the quality brown leather strap.
White dial with a sophisticated pattern of hour hands and hour markers.
An automatic self winding movement from a Swiss watch maker.
- Highest quality material from a reputable Swiss brand.
Best Mens Watches Under $500
Leather Watches
Seiko Men's SSC013 White Dial Watch
Features:
Elegant patterned white dial with luminous hands and hour markers.
43 mm stainless steel case. Durable and can resist wear and corrosion.
Quartz movement, easy to maintain and stress free.
Durable leather straps.
- Comes from the brand that started the ‘quiet movement’ revolution.
Men's T2N700 Intelligent Quartz SL Series Fly-Back Chronograph Brown Leather Strap Watch
Features:
An affordable watch with a unique rugged design that features a black dial and a rustic brown leather strap.
It has a stainless steel with gunmetal ion plating that eliminates wear and corrosion.
- Water resistant to 100 meter depth. This makes it less prone to water damage than most watches of its price range.
Power Reserve White Polit Dial Blue Numbers Automatic Calendar Men's Watch
Features:
A uniquely elegant and understated look with a white face and blue hour hands and hour markers.
Seagul power reserve automatic movement.
Genuine leather straps.
- Two subdials.
Men's BN0035WHBKG Classic Chronograph Analog Display Quartz Black - White Dial with Black Band
Features:
Sophisticated and elegant timepiece with a very clean look.
Stainless steel case for durability.
Water resistant to 50 meters keeps the watch from water damage when outdoors.
- An affordable and durable watch from a reputable German brand.
Chronograph Watches
Men's YCS410GX Windfall Chronograph Silver-Tone Bracelet Watch
Features:
A precise Swiss-Quartz movement that is high quality and easy to maintain.
Its masculine look is captured by its elegant black dial against the metallic band.
- Resistant to splashes and brief immersion in water. It is water resistant up to a depth of 99 feet.
Michael Kors Watches Dylan Watch
Features:
A beautiful watch with a rose gold casing and blue time face.
- Luminous hour hands and hour markers.
Automatic Movement
Seiko 5 SPORTS Automatic MADE IN JAPAN waterproof 330 feet Watch
Features:
The 23 jewel automatic movement designed by one of the top brands that pioneered movements.
The clasp and dial are made of stainless steel for extra durability.
The 100 meter depth rating ensures that your watch is protected from splashes and immersions in water.
- Has a push button release clasp which makes it easy to remove the timepiece at the end of a tiring day.
Men's BM7251-53L Contemporary Dress Stainless Steel Watch
Features:
Quality Japanese automatic movement with analog display for date.
Stainless steel band and clasp for extra durability.
Double push button closure makes it easy to wear and remove from your wrist.
Water resistant to 100 meters in depth. Cushions it from accidental splashing and immersion.
- Durable and ideal for day to day applications.
Men's EM65007B Stainless Steel Automatic Dive Watch
Features:
Stainless steel watch with a protective mineral window, ideal for people with an active outdoor lifestyle.
Features a quality Japanese movement.
Water resistant to 100 meter depth.
- Made by Orient a reputable brand recognized for its dive watches.
SEIKO Watch Mechanical Automatic (with manual winding) SARG009 Men 2014 model
Features:
Uses the Seiko 6R15 caliber automatic movement. This movement can also be hand wound.
Highly luminous hands and hour markers against a black face gives it an elegant masculine appearance.
Fairly priced compared to watches with the same features.
- The 100 meter depth rating ensures that your watch is protected from splashes and immersions in water.
Jacques Lemans Unisex N-210A Nostalgia Classic Analog Automatic Movement Watch
Features:
An automatic movement from Jacques Lemans watch makers.
An analog display on the three hour mark besides the automatic movement.
Face made from Hardened crystex crystal for increased durability and protection from chipping.
Water resistant up to 50 meters for increased protection from water damage.
- Watch assembled from highest quality materials.