Time and again, it’s proven that having a great timepiece is a foundation of a great style. For blokes out there just starting out – fresh out of college or on their first year of work, finding a watch that looks expensive and appropriate can be daunting. The choices are endless! Where to begin in the first place? The movement, your budget, or your individual style?
Looking for affordable timepieces that are both classy and fashionable? Then you’re in luck as in this article, as we’ve collated the most stylish watches without the ridiculous price tags that most mechanical watches carry. From a minimal quartz timepiece to automatics that won’t quit, here are the most good-looking watches you can buy if you’re in a budget:
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Oris Diver Sixty-Five
A classic-looking watch with all the bells and whistles of some of the top Swiss-made watches out there, the Oris Diver Sixty-Five is a versatile automatic watch that can be worn with almost all kinds of styles. From a casual shirt and shorts vibe to a three-piece suit, the Oris Diver Sixty-Five will fit right in.
The modern iteration of the Sixty-Five stayed true to the iconic design from its conception, with a unidirectional bezel update. The crystal is made from sapphire with a water-resistance of 100m. It’s also lightweight, so it won’t wear you down even if you don’t take it off, even for days. Stylish, straightforward, and will probably last you a lifetime – what more can you ask for?
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver
Citizen has been killing it with their Eco-Drive collection series, and with major sponsorships on some big sporting events, suffice it to say that the company isn’t lackadaisical about marketing either. The Promaster Diver in blue is powered entirely by light – not the wearer’s movement or the gears inside the watch’s movement – but by the ambient light that surrounds us, from the sun or otherwise.
If you’re one to prefer the chunkier, bulkier builds, the Promaster Diver will suit you perfectly. It’s perfect for a day lounging by the pool or tanning on the beach, and it also translates well with business casual. Case material is stainless steel, which is more than you’d expect at this price point. Water-resistance is at 200m so you can bring the watch the next time you go scuba diving.
Hamilton Khaki King
One of the most promising and respected watch brands in the mid-range category, Hamilton combines Swiss watchmaking expertise with the American aesthetic. The classic and loved Khaki King is probably one of its iconic watches, which is perfect if you’re leaning towards clean, sophisticated, and polished styling. It’s an automatic with an in-house movement and for the price? You’re basically getting a hand-out.
Finding the right strap will elevate the watch to whatever style you’ll be rocking. The one in black dial and stainless steel band looks more expensive than it really is, but if you pair the case with a leather NATO strap, it completely transforms into something that you’d wear on a date or a late night out with the boys. The versatility of this watch is unprecedented – the only limits it has is your creativity.
Skagen Holst
The Holst looks like a watch that every minimalist person would want to have. Skagen, in the last few years, has been at the forefront of paring down their dials to the most basic, without taking away the sophistication of having the barest minimum in your dial. The company is calling the watch a hybrid smartwatch, which in theory, will send you your notifications and connect to your phone via Bluetooth.
You get a stunning watch out of the box, in a lightweight and durable titanium build. At 40mm case size and 13mm thickness, it’s easy to wear and looks good with any wrist size. There is a water-resistance feature, but you won’t be able to take it with you while swimming. The single prong strap buckle takes the watch aesthetic to the next level, providing you with versatility and elegance at the same time.
Takeaway
Always remember that getting the right timepieces these days doesn’t need to be stressful. It doesn’t need to be expensive either. More and more used watches depositories are becoming the standard when it comes to buying watches. You just need to be savvy when it comes to searching for deals. Because trust us, you’ll get sweet discounts if you just look hard enough!