Best Watches under $200
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 Japanese Quartz |
 Mineral Crystal Dial |
 330 Feet Resistance |
| Jorg Gray JG6500 | ||
| This watch has become famous thanks to President Obama wearing it at occasions such as the inaugural ball. The details of this piece are great, from the pointed hour and minute hands to the embossed logo on the crown. The domed mineral crystal dial window gives it depth. It is water resistant to 330 metres. The watch band is a bit short, so it may not be the best choice for men with big wrists. I’ll bet you didn’t think that you could afford the same watch that the 44th president of the free world and his secret service often wear! The version pictured above makes a great gift as it comes with a commemorative pen and packaging. | ||
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Swiss Quartz |
Mineral Crystal Dial |
99 Feet Resistance |
| Mondaine Railways Evo | ||
| The Mondaine is proof that simplicity doesn’t go out of style – it was designed in the 1940s and still looks great today. With a precise Swiss Movement and design it was modeled after the clocks in the train stations in Switzerland. A thin case (5mm) and lightweight (1.28 ounces) build make it perfect for everyday wear. The simplicity of the uncluttered face makes it easy to read at a glance. If you want to stand out, you can switch to the red band to match the red paddle on the face. For those that prefer a face larger than 35mm, there is a 41mm version available. This is a great timeless piece at an affordable price. | ||
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Japanese Quartz |
Mineral Crystal Dial |
99 Feet Resistance |
| TOKYObay Grant | ||
| You may not have heard of TokyoBay, but they have actually been around since 1991 – a company now based in San Francisco with roots in Japan. The Grant is a throwback to Bauhaus design and an homage to the Nomos style. The Italian leather strap with stitching looks stunning with the dark face. The beauty of the face is in the simplicity with the numbers on the 12 and 6 positions. The Japenese Miyota quartz movement is covered by a stainless steel case. It features a slightly domed lens with durable mineral glass. For a similar style with an automatic movement, look at the Rodina shown below. | ||
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Swiss Quartz |
Mineral Crystal Dial |
99 Feet Resistance |
| Swatch Black Coat | ||
| Swatch is known for their quality timepieces with precise Swiss movements. The details of this model really make it pop, with the red markers and Chrono and Date highlighted complications. The black aluminum finish is bold, but the 40mm size makes it perfect for guys without large wrists. The bracelet is lightweight and the links can be removed easily. The main knock on this model is that despite listed as having a mineral crystal face, wearers have found that is scratches and scuffs more easily than most swatch watches. With Swatch’s reputation for quality and warranty there’s a reason why the Swiss company has been a top seller for many years, and with this model you shouldn’t be disappointed. | ||
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Japanese Quartz |
Mineral Crystal Dial |
165 Feet Resistance |
| Lacoste Austin | ||
| This is definitely a fashion watch first and foremost- but that’s not to say that it isn’t a quality piece. Lacoste has built a reputation for long lasting clothing, and this watch is proof of that with a genuine leather strap and mineral crystal dial. The face is rather large with a 44mm diameter so it may not be the best choice for those with small wrists. The face is not too busy, with numbers at the 6 & 12 positions as well as a small date window. This model is popular enough that there are several flavors of replacement straps available, as well as a variety of faces to choose from. This is a great choice for those looking for a luxury designer watch at a low cost. | ||
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Japanese Quartz |
Mineral Crystal Dial |
165 Feet Resistance |
| Lacoste Austin | ||
| You are probably more familiar with Braun for their shavers or electronics, where they have been a pioneer since the 1920s. What I like about these watches is their retro style with modern touches. This watch is a bargain considering the German engineering that is behind it. Features a seconds sub dial and Japanese Quartz movement. The tall, perfect circle case give it a geometric and distinct look. Comes in a branded watch box that would make a great gift or look perfect on display. Braun has similar models with chronograph complications and different color schemes. However at the cost, this model may pack the most punch for the price. | ||
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$130.00
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Japanese Quartz |
Mineral Crystal Dial |
99 Feet Resistance |
| Alessi Out Time | ||
| Alessi is an Italian company known for it’s functional aesthetics since 1921. This watch is definitely an example of the firm’s signature clean designs. Customers are also blown away by the quality of Alessi models with a focus on fit and finish. The genuine red leather strap on this particular model may not look like it is compatible with too many outfits, but the extreme comfort means that you won’t want to take it off your wrist. If preferred it also comes in subtle brown or black. All of this in a lightweight Japanese Quartz makes the price a bargain. | ||
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 Japanese Automatic |
Mineral Crystal Dial |
660 Feet Resistance |
| Orient Blue Mako | ||
| The Blue Mako is a hit on the Internet, widely regarded as one of the best automatic watches for the price. The ‘blue’ in the name comes from the color of it’s face. Enthusiasts love it for it’s diving capbilities and the fact that it is hackable by those that want to tinker with it’s automatic movement.If the design looks familiar, you may recognize it as a homage to the Rolex Submariner worn by famous icons such as James Bond and astronaut Buzz Aldrin. At this cheap price, it’s no wonder that the Mako is considered the Honda Civic of Automatic Watches – for it’s reliability and value. | ||
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Japanese Quartz |
Mineral Crystal Dial |
165 Feet Resistance |
| Avi-8 Hawker Hurricane | ||
| The Hawker is an aviation watch with a classic ‘B-Uhr’ style. It comes in two flavors – Type A style with a ring that lists the minutes or Type B that only lists the hours. When flying in your Wright Brothers plane at sub zero temperatures, the oversized crown is easier to adjust with gloves on. Even if you won’t be doing any flying, this is still a great looking watch which will look distinguished on your wrist. It comes with a genuine leather black or brown strap, both of which look great with the white face. Powered by a Japanese quartz movement, with chronograph and date window. Feel like a pilot with this affordable vintage styled timepiece. | ||
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Automatic Movement |
Sapphire Crystal Dial |
50 Feet Resistance |
| Rodina Automatic ST17 | ||
| A great automatic timepiece that uses the reliable Sea-Gull automatic ST17 movement. It has hand wind functionality with sturdy and accurate time keeping at 6 ticks per second. The Bauhaus design is eye-catching and classic, a nod to the Nomos Tangente. The 20mm band is the main complaint, some feel that tightening it too tight can hurt, but if that is the case then it can easily be replaced. The case is relatively thin 9.25mm, with a durable sapphire crystal. Unlike other inexpensive mechanical watches, the Sea-Gull movement is quiet and smooth. You will be hard pressed to find a better automatic watch at this price. | ||
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Eco-Drive Movement |
Mineral Crystal Dial |
330 Feet Resistance |
| Citizen Eco-Drive AT0200 | ||
| Eco-drive watches are powered by sunlight rather than batteries. It is more than just a marketing gimmick, the technology is one of the most reliable and sought after in the industry. The strap is made of a durable canvas, with an inside coating that won’t absorb sweat. This watch is practical and great for everyday use, with a chronograph that is easy to use. For those going on long missions, please note that the chronographs resets after an hour. Also, if you have bad eyesight you may have difficulty reading the small dials on the face. For the price, this eco-drive watch is a bargain that you will be able to enjoy for several years. | ||
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Swiss Quartz Movement |
Mineral Crystal Dial |
165 Feet Resistance |
| Tsovet SVT | ||
| We love featuring brands and models that you won’t find at your local mall. For this reason alone, the SVT will get compliments from watch enthusiasts. Part of this is due to the fact this Tsovet watch is inexpensive compared to buying it elsewhere. The styling is a throwback to 1940’s California modern design. Everything about this watch is quality, from the Italian leather straps to the exceptional Swiss Quartz movement. This model will look great day to day, or while dressed up in a suit. Click through to see other color schemes. | ||