Owning the best watch doesn’t have to be expensive. There are currently a lot of options available in the market that don’t necessarily break the bank. With thousands of brands out there, it can be quite difficult to find a watch that is well worth the money. There are unknown brands that promise a lot, but if you do not know what to look for, you may end up with a disappointing low-quality product.

Fortunately for those with a budget of just under $200, we have compiled the best watches to buy in 2018. The list includes watches from well-known brands and some watches from a brand that you may not have heard of before. Suffice it to say, we have only included watches that can stand the test of time (pun intended) and those that are great value for money.

The watches on the list include different styles that fit different people. From smartwatches, formal watches, outdoor watches, and even true diver’s watches. We have sifted through the clutter and have chosen only the best pieces from the thousands of watches under $200.

The Reliable Diver’s Watch

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch

Quick Specs

• Eco-Drive Powered by Light (Solar Batteries)
• Mineral Crystal Display
• Reliable Japanese-quartz Movement
• 43mm Case Diameter
• Dive-ready – Water Resistant To 200m (660 ft)
• Aluminum Unidirectional Diver’s Timing Bezel
• Polyurethane Band with Diving No-decompression Limits
• Date Function at 4 o’clock

The Tokyo-based watchmaker, founded in 1930, is a company known for its excellent craftsmanship and quality. The company’s core mindset lives on until today and is evident in its ISO-compliant diver’s watch, the Eco-Drive Promaster Diver. The watch itself features the company’s revolutionary Eco-Drive technology. Watches sporting the company’s proprietary solar tech will never need their batteries changed. Sunlight and other light sources power the built-in solar batteries. These watches can even run for months even when stored in the dark. Among the company’s different products, the BN0151-09L Promaster Diver Watch stands out. Aside from its very affordable price, the watch packs a lot of tech for even the most discerning of watch enthusiasts.

Citizen crafted this watch using only the most durable materials. The watch features a beautifully designed steel case with a uni-directional rotating bezel. The Promaster Diver Watch also sports very thick hands a top-quality engraving, making it very easy to read even under water. Speaker of being underwater, the Promaster Diver’s Watch is water resistant up to 200 meters. It’s mineral crystal display also ensures that the watch can survive serious abuse.

Conclusion

The watch itself is a great product for serious divers that also want a watch for everyday use. Given its sub $200 price tag, the Promaster Diver is definitely a product to consider.

Expensive looks without the expensive price tag

Michael Kors Bradshaw Two-Tone Watch

Quick Specs

• Stylish Silver and Gold-tone
• Date Window and Three Chronograph Subdials
• 43 mm Stainless Steel Case
• Mineral Dial Window
• Quartz Movement
• Water Resistant up to 100m (330 ft)
• High-quality Deployment Clasp Design

Michael Kors currently offers a myriad of quality watches at very reasonable prices. One of its classic products is the Michael Kors Bradshaw Two-Tone Watch MK5976. The watch is a stunning addition to the designer brand’s product lineup. The watch sports a stylish and luxurious design that includes stainless steel and gold plating. Most people who see it for the first time will likely think that the watch costs thousands of dollars. However, the beautifully designed watch is actually just under $200. Despite its low price point, the watch is heavy, which adds a durable and solid feel to it.

The Michael Kors Two-Tone Bradshaw incorporates a cheap but reliable Japanese quartz movement. While it might not be as ultra accurate as Swiss movements, it does get the job done. It is also very easy to maintain and fix. The quartz movement also includes a Chronograph function, which may be very useful for some users. The watch also features a high-quality deployment clasp with push button release, adding to its quality feel. The Michael Kors Bradshaw is water resistant up to a 100m. The watch can withstand some recreational water sports. This includes swimming, sailing, and snorkeling. However, the watch may not be suitable for deep diving.

Conclusion

The Michael Kors Bradshaw is perfect for those who are looking for a watch that is inexpensive but makes them look like a million bucks. The beautifully designed watch will feel right at home at any formal event or during a night out.

An affordable Swiss classic watch with a great history

Movado Museum Black

Quick Specs

• Swiss Quartz Movement
• 39mm Case Diameter
• Leather Watch Band
• Sapphire Crystal Display
• Stainless Steel Case and Buckle
• Water Resistant up to 30m (99 ft)

The Movado brand has been around since 1881, but most people probably haven’t heard of it until today. Achille Ditesheim founded the company in Switzerland. The company has been making pocket watches and mechanical movements. After 136 years, the company still continues to produce great timepieces. This of course includes the recently released Movado Museum Black Stainless Steel Watch. The classy timepiece pays homage to the original watch created by artist Nathan George Horwitt. The original watch, made in 1947, was so stunning that the Museum of Modern Art in New York included it as part of their watch collection. This is mainly how the watch itself got its name.

The Movado Museum is a minimalistic watch without any markers apart from a single dot placed at the 12 o’clock position. According to its maker, the dot represented the sun at its highest point. Vacheron & Constantin-Le Coultre Watches original built the original models. Movado eventually built a product with a similar design. They even paid the artist for the rights to produce it.

Given its rich history, one might expect the Movado Museum to cost thousands of dollars. However, due to modern manufacturing techniques, mass production, and its simple design, the new Movado Museum is now just under $200. Despite its reasonable price, the watch still commands a lot of respect amongst watch enthusiasts given its history.

Conclusion

With its lack of markers and even a second hand, the Movado Museum may not be for casual users. Enthusiasts and collectors who have an interest in the history of watchmaking may want to add this particular watch to their collection. The watch itself is very unique and will undoubtedly start a lot of conversations. It is beautifully designed and built with Swiss quality. For under $200, the Movado Museum is a relative steal.

The toughest outdoor watch you can buy under $200

Casio G-Shock Mudmaster Twin Sensor

Quick Specs

• 56mm Case Diameter
• Shock, Dust, Sand, and Mud Resistant
• Water Resistant up to 200m (660 ft)
• Built-in Compass and Thermometer
• Super Illuminator, LED Backlight
• 31 Time Zones, Countdown Timer, and Stop Watch
• Lithium-Ion Battery

Casio’s G-Shock line-up is one of the toughest watches available in the market to date; more so with its Mudmaster GG-1000 series lineup. Casio uses the highest quality materials and manufacturing processes to make these watches. This means that the watches can withstand all types of extreme situations. This includes wet, hot, cold, and extremely muddy conditions. To make the watches affordable to most consumers, Casio has released the smaller G-Shock Mudmaster GG-1000 Twin Sensor. This watch is slightly smaller than the G-Shock GWG-1000 series, albeit larger than most watches.

Similar to its larger sibling, the Mudmaster GG-1000 sports the same quality and durability. The GG-1000 does lack some of the features of its bigger sibling, like an altimeter and barometer. However, the two built-in sensors should still be useful for outdoor enthusiasts. Unlike other “tough watches,” the G-Shock series stands up to its user’s expectations. The tactical watch has been purpose-built to withstand extreme conditions and the toughest of situations.

The watch is, of course, more suitable for professionals such as rescue workers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, it can still be a useful tool to wear for regular people. The buttons are relatively easy to operate and most people will likely find no problems using the different features.

Conclusion

The Casio G-Shock GG-1000 Mudmaster Twin Sensor can withstand anything that you put it through and will look good while doing it. At just under $200, you will undoubtedly find it very hard to find a better product that can take a beating. The watch can endure knocks, dings, scratches, mud, and other extreme conditions. The watch is confidence-inspiring and you can be sure that will do its jobs whether in the air, on land, or at sea.

An exquisite nautical must-have timepiece

Bulova Marine Star Chronograph

Quick Specs

• 43mm Case Diameter
• Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet
• Bulova Quartz Chronograph Movement
• Water Resistant up to 100m (330 ft)
• Mineral Crystal Display
• Blue Metallic Sunburst Dial
• Index Marks with Lume Feature

The Bulova Marine Star Chronograph is a beautifully designed timepiece with a diver’s watch look. The modern styling and nautical themes are evident in the watch’s stunning deep blue face, which makes it stand out on anyone’s wrist. The watch itself is a perfect blend of stainless steel and marine blue colors, which feature a metallic sunburst effect. Accompanied by white markers, orange accents, and lumes, the watch will undoubtedly turn heads.

Bulova is an American watch brand founded in 1875. Citizen Watch Co. bought the company in 2008. The Marine Star is one of its long-running brands, which retains the company’s long history of quality watchmaking. The Bulova Marine Star Chronograph sports 3 extra subdials arranged symmetrically. All of the watch’s elements offer a design that looks absolutely sharp and modern.

While the watch may be more suitable to wear during more formal and casual occasions, the Bulova Marine Star Chronograph can take some abuse. The company has designed the timepiece as a diver’s watch, but suffice it to say that it might be safer to leave it at home during actual dives. The watch currently doesn’t sport a screw down crown and pushers, which means that it might not be able to survive immense pressures. The watch is however waterproof up to 100m, which means that it usable in activities such as swimming, sailing, and snorkeling.

Conclusion

Stunning looks at an affordable price, the Bulova Marine Star Chronograph is great value for money. Its stunning metallic blue dial and nautical design are sure to turn heads during any occasion.

Best Smartwatch you can buy under $200

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier

Quick Specs

• 46mm Case Diameter
• Rotating Steel Bezel Controller
• 3-inch Super AMOLED Display
• Exynos 7270 Processor with 4GB of built-in Storage
• Smartphone Notifications, LTE Connectivity
• Built-in Barometer, Altimeter, GPS, and Heart Rate Monitor
• Compatible with iOS and Android
• 380mAh Lithium-ion Battery
• MIL-SPEC-810G – Water, Dust, Temperature, Shock, Scratch Resistant

The third iteration of Samsung’s flagship smartwatches packs quite a punch, in terms of features and design. With built-in LTE connectivity and GPS, the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier promises users a truly untethered experience. All of the watch’s technology is inside a beautifully designed case that is pretty durable. In fact, the watch comes with a MIL-SPEC-810G rating, which means that it can withstand drops of about 5 feet. The watch is also fully water, dust, and temperature resistant. Gorilla Glass protects the clear 1.3-inch AMOLED display.

The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier looks like a proper smartwatch encased in stainless steel. Its design is simple and subdued, but it’s still quite attractive when compared to its competition. The watch’s rotating bezel also functions as a controller for users to sift through their apps. Those familiar with the Android ecosystem will have no problems navigating through the watch’s operating system. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the watch’s plethora of sensors. These built-in sensors work together with different fitness apps to provide users with vital data. The watch sports built-in sensors such as an altimeter, barometer, GPS, and a heart rate monitor. These sensors and the different available apps are able to track different sports activities. This includes cycling, running, trekking, skiing, and other extreme sports.

With its onboard 4G LTE radio, users can leave their smartphones behind. The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a true untethered smartwatch. Users can make calls, send messages, and receive different social media notifications even without their smartphones. AT&T customers have the advantage of having the same number of their smartwatch as their regular smartphone. This means that they will never miss any calls or messages during their outdoor escapades.

Conclusion

For just under $200, people looking for the perfect smartwatch to bring on their next adventure can never go wrong with the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier. With all the bells and whistles of a true sports tracking smartwatch, coupled with 4G LTE connectivity, the Gear S3 is the perfect tool for the job.

A Stylish Smartwatch without the Smartwatch Look

Fossil Q Machine Hybrid Smartwatch

Quick Specs

• 45mm Case Diameter
• Water Resistant up to 30m (100 ft)
• Compatible with iOS and Android
• Smartphone Notifications
• Activity, Calorie, and Sleep Tracking
• Music and Camera Control

Fossil has been a big player in the smartwatch industry over the past couple of years and has thus far released a number of desirable products. The company currently is competing with other traditional watch brands such as Skagen, Diesel, and Michael Kors. The latest product from the company is the new Fossil Q Machine. This watch is unlike others that have come before it as it does try to look like a traditional wristwatch.

The traditional timepiece-looking smartwatch sports a number of features that should prove useful to tech enthusiast. The watch doesn’t have a full color LED display like other smartwatches. Instead, the Fossil Q Machine has a smaller dial at the bottom of the watch face that serves different purposes. The small dial can show date markings, alarm, alerts, and an alternate time zone.

Unlike other smartwatches, the Fossil Q Machine is quite thin at only 13mm thick. This is slimmer than other hybrid smartwatches in the market. Combined with its distinct look and fully swappable watch straps, the Fossil Q Machine is a perfect fit for any occasion.

Conclusion

The Fossil Q Machine looks like an ordinary watch, but underneath it sports a myriad of features that elevate its usefulness. Priced at just under $200, the watch is a great buy for those who are looking for a timepiece with smartwatch features that they can wear anywhere.

The Perfect Timepiece for Divers on a Budget

Orient Ray II Diver’s Watch

Quick Specs

• 5mm Case diameter
• Orient Caliber F6922 Automatic Movement
• 40 Hour Power Reserve
• Hand Winding and Hacking Features
• 120-click Unidirectional Bezel
• Screw-down Crown
• Water Resistant up to 200m (660 ft)
• Day and Date Display

Originally founded in 1950, Orient Watch has produced millions of watches over the years. The company also has a wide range of products from luxury watches to dive watches. One of the more recent additions to the company’s impressive portfolio of products is the Orient Ray II. The target market for this particular authentic dive watch is the low to mid-range market. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it is low quality. On the contrary, the Orient Ray II is probably one of the best mechanical diver’s watches in the market in terms of quality and value.

Built with its user in the mind, the Orient Ray II can take a lot of beating. In fact, the watch is water resistant up to 200 meters, way deeper than most divers would dare to go. Water ingress into the watch is likely impossible in spite of high pressures thanks to its screw down crown. The watch does all of this while also looking impeccable. Its deep blue dial sports a reflective star-burst pattern that makes it look very high-end.

Orient also makes all of their watch movements in-house. The Orient Caliber F6922 Automatic movement found in the Orient Ray II is accurate and shouldn’t disappoint users. Additionally, the movement features hand winding and hacking. This should prove useful to those who absolutely need to have timekeeping accuracy.

Conclusion

The Orient Ray II is a great product with even greater value. At this price point, buyers will never go wrong with an Orient. Great dial design, accurate movement, and quality build make the Ray II a must have for diver’s on a budget.

The Best Entry-level Mechanical Military Watch

Seiko 5 Automatic – SNK809

Quick Specs

• 37mm Case Diameter
• Seiko Caliber 7S26 Automatic Movement
• 40-hour Power Reserve
• Hardlex Crystal Display
• Arabic Numeral Minute Markers with Luminous Hands
• Water Resistance up to 30m (100 ft)
• Black Canvas Strap

The Seiko 5 Automatic SNK809 is a simple and attractive military watch. It is also quite affordable and is a good entry-level product for enthusiasts who want to try owning a mechanical watch. The allure of the watch mostly comes from its simple design and classic looks. The watch is also quite versatile and is a great match for any outfit. While it may not be a watch for more formal occasions, the watch can prove to be a great daily driver for most other situations.

Given Seiko’s track record of producing high-quality timepieces, the SNK809 is quite durable. The watch sports a case made of stainless steel and a display made of Hardlex mineral. The best part about the watch is, of course, its original Seiko Caliber 7S26 automatic movement. The movement features 21 jewels and is quite precise in keeping the time. The mechanical timepiece also features an exhibition case at the back, which lets users see the movement in action.

The watch can even last for up to 40 hours when put on display or when not worn. The watch face also features a minimalist design that includes luminescent hands and Arabic number hour markers. There is also a day and date display at the 3 o’clock position. The SNK809 comes with a black canvas strap that is interchangeable with any other 18mm-lug straps. This essentially allows users to transform the watch to fit any situation or outfit. The Seiko 5 Automatic SNK809 is water resistant up to 30 meters, which means that it can endure dips in the water and other water-related activities.

Conclusion

The Seiko SNK809 is a must-have watch for lovers of mechanical timepieces. Given its inexpensive price, there really is no reason not to get it. Especially for those who want to have a quality automatic wristwatch that they can wear every day.

The Best Dedicated Fitness Tracker under $200

Fitbit Charge 3

Quick Specs

• Activity and Sleep Tracking
• Call and Text Alerts
• Heart Rate Monitor
• Smartphone Notifications
• Water Resistant up to 50m (165 ft)
• Touchscreen OLED Display
• Compatible with Android and iOS

The Fitbit Charge 3 is a big improvement from its predecessor, the Fitbit Charge 2. The dedicated fitness tracker features a sharper screen, increased waterproofing, and a longer battery life. Compared to its competitors, the fitness tracker is also quite inexpensive. Despite its low price, the Charge 3 still packs a lot of punch in terms of its fitness-related features. One of the major changes with the new version is a bigger monochrome OLED touchscreen. The screen also sports a higher resolution that its predecessor. The bigger screen allows for more details to fit into the display, including smartphone notifications.

The entire body is still made of aluminum and now comes with a water resistance rating of up to 50 meters. This allows users to utilize the watch in different water sports and activities such as swimming and sailing. In fact, the watch includes more than 15 exercise modes that include activities such as biking, running, circuit training, and yoga. The Fitbit Charge 3 also provides a number of very useful fitness information to its users. This includes REM sleep data, activity trends, time spent in light, health insights, and advanced heart rate data. One feature that is particularly interesting is the watch’s Sp02 sensor. This sensor tracks a user’s peripheral capillary oxygen saturation. It basically estimates the amount of oxygen in the blood, which can be very useful to track different conditions.

The Fitbit Charge 3 also functions as a smartwatch and is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones. Users can stay connected throughout the day and get their smartphone notifications. This includes notifications such as weather, incoming calls and texts, and even social media alerts. What is even more impressive is that the watch does all of this without running out of battery at the end of the date. Even when using the heart rate monitor and pairing it with a smartphone, the watch can last up to 7 days on a single charge.

Conclusion

The Fitbit Charge 3 is one of the best fitness trackers available and at a price point that doesn’t break the bank. With a slew of fitness apps and sport modes, the Charge 3 is a must have for fitness and sports enthusiasts.