There are a lot of small details that go into the accelerated price of a world class watch. But do you really need to spend $5,000, $500 or even $400 to own a watch with class and heritage? Well, heritage may be one thing – but if you’re willing to give up a few details and the hand of a master craftsman, we think that there are several men’s watches under $200 that are more than worthy of your daily grind – including the:
Fossil Nate JR1507
This Fossil Nate watch may not be big on price, but neither is it small on size (50mm case / 12mm case thickness) or short on features (Quartz analog-digital, 10 ATM water resistance).
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Seiko Black Automatic Diver’s SKX007KD
If you’re in the market for a bullet-proof automatic watch, the Rolex Submariner is one of the most influential diver’s watch’s in history. But if you don’t want to invest more than $200, the Seiko SKX007KD is arguably within the top 10 most influential diver’s watches in the world. And if you think about that- it really says a lot about this watch.
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Invicta Pro Diver Automatic 0420
Seiko is not the only game in town for quality-built affordable watches. Invicta has quite a few nice time pieces, but we particularly like the classy appearance of this brushed titanium Pro Diver, featuring a 24-jewel automatic movement, mineral crystal, luminous hands and a 660 feet depth capability that makes this diver’s watch more than just a ‘show’ piece.
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Citizen Silver Analog AN3450-84E
A chronograph watch can be complex and finicky, especially at a price point under $200. This Citizen AN3450-84E is affordable because keeps things simple, which means it is also a lot more reliable than you’d expect. This one features a 42mm stainless case, Japanese movement, black dial, red accents and luminous hands.
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Bulova Bracelet Calendar Dress Watch
You rarely see a dress watch that has enough class and simplicity to really be considered ‘casual’. One such example is this crisp and clean Bulova dress watch featuring a silver-tone stainless case, sunray silver dial and a classic date window sitting confidently at three o’clock.
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Diesel Stainless DZ4314
Diesel watches are big, bold and command attention. The DZ4314 takes it a bit further, offering a confident weight to its 47mm case frame. It’s modern and classic all at once, and if you like to play rough it should prove sturdy enough to handle it.
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Nixon Corporal A346001
If we had the money and means, we’d hire Black-Out Concept to midnight a Submariner. But for several thousand less, we’d be happy with a blacked out Nixon Corporal, featuring a commanding 48mm case, raised bezel and Arabic numerals. The only thing we can find wrong with it is… it can be a little difficult to read in low light situations – but that’s the price you pay for aesthetics.
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Tommy Hilfiger 1791053
Not every watch has to be heavy or complicated to prove its machismo. The 1791053 by Tommy Hilfiger offers a classic face with a simple but iconic blue dial, Arabic markers and three subdial arrangement. Some watches offer face over function at under $200, but this one comes with both.
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Kenneth Cole New York 10025919
We had to fit a leather band somewhere in this lineup, and we could think of no better example than this sport dress watch by Kenneth Cole. A nice slab of leather eloquently accents its balanced 44mm stainless case. Its dial is set in black to better highlight its silver tone bezel and markers, giving it the sophistication of a watch twice the price. It’s limited lifetime warranty is also a bit of a confidence booster.
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