10 BARGAIN Watches You CAN'T Miss

If you're on a budget and looking for a great watch, don't despair! We've picked out the ten best cheap watch brands that we think you should know about.
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[@DartzIRL]

Either Vostok would finally get a mention - or the top comment would be someone asking why Vostok wasn't mentioned.

[@ThePSGifford]

I agree. And I was scrolling comments hoping I wasn't alone. I own three.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

@@ThePSGifford I own I dozens but almost never wear any lately. Idk political climate makes them weird to wear in some occasions. Especially in my line of work, people of David don't appreciate the current regime...

[@taslien]

@@LaurentiusTriarius I disagree, Vostok have always been hard work of people. Just because it is Russian is Russiaphobic and disregarding to any Post-Soviet nationalities contribution in those time pieces including Ukranian descendant workers still at the factory. I daily wear my Vostok retro 550930 and love every piece of it also how it is descendant of Ww2 issued Soviet watched to both Ukranian and Russian soldiers fighting at the front against Nazis

[@mte1611]

Plastic instead of sapphire crystal :/ also yeah. Maybe people are lame and care because "Russia bad". Idk why buying a watch made in Russia means you're in support of their military leaders choices haha.

[@user-sg1zd5db4h]

I had several. Interesting designs, cheap, but reliability/quality sucks in general, almost guaranteed to have something going wrong within a year or two after purchase (in my personal experience).

[@iank6759]

No Orient? possibly the best budget mechanical watches brand out there

[@QuiCestQuiÇa]

Was thinking the same, I think Orient is what Seiko was in the past before they keep increasing the prices of their timepieces.

[@georgefotiadis3787]

Agree,orient makes some great watches for the money.Especially their divers offer great value for money

[@karvast5726]

Agreed,bought an orient,i replaced the clasp for a milled one and couldn’t be happier

[@betod3113]

I like sekio 5 orient and Bulova..

[@betod3113]

So what's better orient ,sekio or Bulova?

[@zhicaofang2354]

It still puzzles me why Certina has so few mentions in videos like this. They offer a great line of products that nobody seems to pay much attention to. I own two Certina watches now and I love their affordability and functionality.

[@NathanChisholm041]

I have a DS-4 amazing build a nice ETA 2824 and the dial looks great all for under $500

[@Ballacha]

Because swatch intentionally market different entry level brands to different parts of the world to not cannibalise each other’s sales. If you live in North America, Hamilton/tissot will be market d to you. If you live in Eastern Europe, you’ll find certina to be the most popular entry level swatch brand. Great strategy to ensure the survival of their subbrands that occupy similar price range.

[@kiljaeden7663]

@@Ballacha Certina is also very popular in South Africa.

[@NomadicPhoton]

Agreed, Certina is great. I quite like the DSPH500m

[@DavidMorley]

I have a few older Certina. Amazing watches and the newer ones are very affordable for quality watches.

[@user-es3zu5zd1g]

I had a Casio g shock blow off my hand from an ied. The G shock still works but the band and case is demolished. It’s in my collection now as a timeless piece of history.

[@tyarnold4088]

Damn. How is your hand? Hope it's still in your collection. Lol.

[@user-es3zu5zd1g]

Oh yeah I still have it. The watch is the DW6900. The watch took most of the punishment. It probably saved my hand to be honest. Luckily I was able to retrieve it before I was birded out. @@tyarnold4088

[@jrbj2000]

Noice! Lol

[@omiq7761]

Boldr Expedition I - the watch that got me excited about watches. Near perfect aestethics, readability and modern field styling. On the other hand Timex Expedition series (and Timex in general) offer insane value for money as field/everyday watches, if you don't mind quartz.

[@craiganderson-jones4916]

I have a Timex expedition North (has a blue and orange decal and compass, tide etc) as well as a boldr field medic venture II. Both are awesome.

[@shanephillips8735]

Helm, Nodus, Direnzo, Aragon, Baltany, Hoffman, Hamilton, Orient, Glycine, Certina, and finally J&G, which was the watch P. Ross was wearing when you were on his SoCal podcast 😎

[@dns711]

Since the same group owns Citizen and Bulova, I wish they could combine the Ecodrive and Precisionist movements. A watch with that combination would never need a battery change or have to be wound and the seconds hand would tick 16 times per second. That would be the coolest movement besides Spring Drive.

[@ivangamer8022]

Asian watch makers are literal parasites than only copy an steal what europeans invent and selling it cheaper destroying who invented those things

[@rangersmith4652]

I mostly agree, with one exception. It would be _cooler_ than spring drive.

[@dns711]

@Ranger Smith Spring Drive doesn't have a battery. It is also the only watch movement with a truly smooth sweep of the seconds hand.

[@rangersmith4652]

@@dns711 Yes, but what do those facts prove?

[@dns711]

@@rangersmith4652 it proves that it is the coolest watch.

[@lukerobertson6659]

I love orient, the kamasu is a great dive watch for the price, it can be found around 200 bucks with a sapphire crystal, mechanical. Banger of a watch

[@ivangamer8022]

Asian watch makers are literal parasites than only copy an steal what europeans invent and selling it cheaper destroying who invented those things

[@pravingovender939]

100%

[@thisispw]

Yes Kamasu for me, amazing value for the spec

[@DODEN_YT]

hi can their casebacks be changed for a glass back?

[@bigboi9611]

@@DODEN_YT Orient has glass back watches,dunno if they are compatible. If you plan on actually wearing it though .....it doesnt add anything to it

[@marcorenato1814]

My favourite video of yours yet! Humorous and interesting, could tell you both had fun with this one. Lots of enthusiasm and a nice departure from the usual watch suspects being covered

[@JamesAlexander14]

I have that Geckota and it is a real beauty. When the light hits that dial it really is something else, plus it comes with a rubber strap as well as the standard NATO. I love it💕💕💕💕💕!

[@skipinkoreaable]

It looks beautiful.

[@adibee88]

Been enjoying your content for years. Good stuff.🔥

[@scottshirley9779]

Just received a Timex Expedition North Titanium Automatic. For $300 it checks a lot of boxes for a good field watch. Great look and feel that gives my Hamilton a run for it money and my attention.

[@quinn1814]

I’m a big fan of Farer. Haven’t gotten my hands on one yet, but I love their designs!

[@r4yfoong190]

Farer are not on the cheap side.

[@legacywatchguy8333]

Shinola was new to me...and I have to say it made me laugh. Those of us from an older generation will remember our dads (primarily) using the phrase, "You don't know sh*t from Shinola!" Meaning, "You're an ignorant idiot". Shinola used to be a leather polish. Good luck to them with the next generation who aren't familiar with the history. :-D

[@ian54589]

Someone bought the name to revive it as a Detroit inspired luxury goods maker. They started doing nicer leather goods.

[@gauthamdr.9999]

The Boldr expedition White sands reissue is my daily watch. I find it to be the most comfortable amongst all in my small collection. No need to baby the watch either.

[@itslaird]

5:56 when I first got my seiko 5 gmt, one of the first things I noticed was how easily the lume charges up and how bright it is. Truly awesome

[@floridamankyle5461]

That Gekota Surfers against Sewage is one beautiful piece, I prefer automatic movements like my Seiko 5 SNXL72, but that Dial is just glorious.

[@ivangamer8022]

Asian watch makers are literal parasites than only copy an steal what europeans invent and selling it cheaper destroying who invented those things

[@CyberSammael]

Great to see some micros on the channel. I have a couple of Zelos, a Spearfish and a Hammerhead v3. More micros please!

[@chadallenchan]

Great video as always. Have you guys ever considered a long form podcast something like an hour long. I love the banter between you and Tom. Also on a side note can you guys talk about Wristcheck X AP and their delayed announcement for the contest lol.

[@Ixorpehc]

Spinnaker and Zeppelin deserve to be on this list, too.

[@RicardoRodriguezFL]

Great video! Love the variety of the brands. Can you guys review Cuervos y Sobrinos?

[@Valera_Scotland]

Hamilton please! That HAS to be on the list. Some of the best watches for the money. You get real quality, solid movements and class. I'm wearing the fantastic 36mm pilot pioneer... on a decent leather strap it's a beauty. Hand winding little gem

[@jhatgotagat300]

With seiko you can just say in house. They aren’t “practically” in house they grow the quartz in some old wine cellar with just enough hint of pino in the air to affect the longevity of the crystal.

[@Vernomeno]

Nice video. I do own several budget and miscrobrand watches, some of them you showed or mentioned in the video. Very good overview.

[@Rhal63]

This is making me think about my old Timex that I haven’t looked at in years. I’ll bet it still works. When I get home that baby is getting a new strap. Thanks Tom.

[@grahambawden4060]

Your first comments said it all, Casio and Casio G-Shock. I have an AE-1200 'Casio Royale' Multi-Function,10 Year battery,100M water resistant for general wear and a Casio G-Shock GA-B2100 1 AER for more robust wear. Shock resistant, solar powered, bluetooth connectivity and 200M Water resistant with excellent back lighting for use in the dark, what else do you need. Great podcast as usual guys. 👍👍⌚😎

[@SNDCHKonetwo]

Casio G-shock is a sheer utility watch and what I think of first when people talk about value for the money.

[@arilieberman3547]

Citizen also owns Alpina (in addition to Bulova and FC) and their Eco-drives are phenomenal. And the Tissot PRX is a Grand Slam. BOLDR makes some smart-looking watches but a bit pricey considering that they're made in China. Finally, I would have included Glycine in this vid. Their Combat and Airman collections offer Swiss manufacturing and significant horology at value pricing. One final thought. When a watch company omits its "country of origin" on the dial, it's deliberate and a certainty that it's made in China

[@spoonybard64]

BOLDR watches always go on sale though, or you can find coupon codes to give you a nice discount so they are worth it if you do a bit of bargain hunting.

[@birdytiger]

Missed out on the last steel swordfish and was waiting at launch. Was bonkers. Have a couple older ones from when you could buy one up to a whole day after the drop!

[@24934637]

Another to add to the list....Accurist. I own an Accurist reverse Panda chronograph that I was given for my 15th Birthday. I'm 46 now, and it's still running beautifully. (Quartz unfortunately), but that's what you get with a chronograph for under £300!

[@paulhiggins8774]

Brilliant choices. Timex was my first watch in 1966 age 5 best Christmas gift I ever had. I would have liked to have seen Accurist as they have made and still making some great watches. I have one from 1954 and one a retro racer from 2021 and love them both. Great show as always 🍻

[@flyfishincrazy]

Orient should have been included. Good video though.

[@higgledypiggledycubledy8899]

I happen to be wearing a Casio DBC-611G at the moment - it brings me much joy

[@Williamchan87]

Halios also comes in a case, depending on model, might be like a small nanuk case (Canadian made pelican like case) or leather multi watch holding travel case (Fairwind), watch roll. Typically it may also came with a second strap probably a SS and a leather.

[@kodoaok626]

Hello Guys, been following your content for a long time and shared few watch videos to my friends and one of them got a Tudor black bay watch. But Now, I am gonna buy my first automatic watch. For this, I had choosed a big arabic numeral WHITE dial and dot marked NAVY BLUE dial ( dark ). Which watch would match both casual and formal sessions ? I have dark brown skin and 6.7 inch wrist. Would you help me in acquiring my first automatic watch ? ❤ From India.

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

I'm a big fan of vintage ebay finds. Today I'm wearing a 1980s Quartz Slava from the then Soviet Republic. In my experience cheap vintage mechanical watches can be a bit of a gamble but I'm so so happy with this quartz one. It's attractive and reliable and I've never seen another one like it. Whenever I look at it I feel jealous of myself. I also like that Timex North Expedition Mouthful thingy you featured. And the Zelos. And the Halios and Geckota which are brands I had never heard of.

[@bittermoon29]

If you would know what does it mean to live in a soviet regime, you would never wear that thing.

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

@@bittermoon29 Thanks for your perspective. I have thought about that because of recent events. When I look at it I do wonder about the people who made it and their lives. It dates from the 1980s but I don't know exactly where it was made. I think that there is care and love that was put into it's design and manufacture. I am certain that some of the workers will have gained pride and satisfaction from producing it. I think they would have wanted it to be appreciated. I understand that it will symbolize dark things to other people. I hope the war in Ukraine stops soon and that Ukraine regains it's freedom and is able to rebuild quickly.

[@mikegrear6149]

I'm a big fan of Clive Cussler's action/adventure hero Dirk Pitt. In every installment of his books the Doxa 300T dive watch makes a prominent appearance. Matthew McConaughey can even been seen wearing one in the film adaptation of Sahara. I've been hoping you'd do a review of this iconic and historical dive watch. Thanks

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

I’ve got every Cussler/Pitt adventure, EVERY ONE. 😂🇨🇦👍

[@johnafsoc8929]

Love my doxa. So under rated and lesser known. Though not exactly a budget watch.

[@JonRanwell1966]

Take a look at Spinnaker. Great design, excellent quality, incredible value!

[@BobbyRagnar]

Love hearing about the quality from companies like Tissot and Timex and the quality microbrand over the overhyped and overpriced.

[@Tbone51]

The best I've bought is Vaer (superb value and quality, with many near or under $500). The Formex field watch is cool, unique, and titanium, for under a grand.

[@valengreymoon5623]

Orient and Vostok seem to be absent here.

[@wisamal-hakim5531]

It’s nice to see you looking at cheaper micro brands. Not everyone can/wants to spend money on an expensive watch. Some of these options are really lovely. My favourites are the Halios and Geckota. Might even get one. Thanks again!

[@Chris-de2qc]

Lol how are you going to find a cheap halios

[@wisamal-hakim5531]

@@Chris-de2qc yeah. Had a look. No chance!

[@d2dahaka]

That BOLD R chrono is amazing. Reminds me of the Tissot PRX chrono for a fraction of the price.

[@quinnsearle9977]

Love the shoutout to Halios. I don't own one but they're from my hometown, my friend has a Universa, the quality for the price is unreal. I don't know if you can find a rival watch with a better bracelet for the price

[@Zotrax1946]

Now that’s a great vid, guys! I am with you on the solar powered watches- it is so so practical and cool 😎. I think Islander makes some of the best spect, good looking watches in the affordable range☝🏻. Phoibos are neat too.

[@RomanBayanov]

Nice try, Mark;)

[@Zotrax1946]

@@RomanBayanov now that’s a first for me😂..you think I am Mark, hyping myself? 🤣👌🏻

[@RomanBayanov]

@@Zotrax1946 nah, just a joke)

[@ajcallaway123]

Great to see some micros here. I own a few of those you mentioned and all great quality, value and customer service.

[@make.oxtail.cheap.again1]

Cçxcć

[@JYMBO]

Phoibos has been one of my favourite budget watch brands recently

[@ronanhewit5218]

I would have included Rotary, the British historical racing watch brand which has some really good value watches, with unique styles.

[@alayedabdullah1]

I was hoping you could help me get the citizen watch the men's strap. I could find a store that sells it.

[@kanelfc98]

Bought that black and Yellow Boldr for £211 before the video even finished. Reminded me of the Apollo 8 speedmaster Edit cancelled the order and bought the field medic 2 instead Bam

[@kiwilonewolf]

Vario has some great options - I love the 1918 Trench but the Medic is my favourite

[@Jaccayumitty]

Boldr (in this video) also does a medic.

[@rif6876]

Can't believe Sea-gull wasn't mentioned. Some of their watches are beautiful and they make their own movements.

[@stevesmith7997]

My first watch was a Timex back in 1966!

[@guyfromfrance]

Great Job!! Thanks

[@JonToyCars]

You started great, great brands of which i own a few watched, but ended with brands i never heard of!!

[@r4yfoong190]

Missed out Orient, Hamilton and Swatch. Bang for the buck for Orient watches, solid field watches from Hamilton and funky color from Swatch. These 3 need to be in the list.

[@mitchmitchell9588]

Mr Hands introduced us to Zelos a couple (a few?) years ago. Impressive watches.

[@markdegaute2125]

Casio - Seiko - Tissot/Hamilton - Omega - Tudor/Rolex. My favourite 5 brands, and yes I realise the Swatch Group is far more than 2 brands. These have all got something for every budget.

[@Harpreet06]

Mine would be the same apart from tissot/Hamilton. I'd replace it with Longines and would include Grand Seiko with Seiko

[@markdegaute2125]

@@Harpreet06 Seiko covers everything. From Seiko 5s to Presage & Prospex then Grand Seiko all the way to Credor. My hesitation at Grand Seiko is buyer's remorse and being unable to cash out for a reasonable loss.

[@afromalone]

Really enjoyed this one.

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

More focus on the budget end of the spectrum please! I really do enjoy many of these so much more. I often buy watches as gifts for people so this comes to mind

[@CaptCanuck4444]

You guys should feature German and other European brands more often. Lots of value to be found there in the smaller companies.

[@simonadkins9929]

Best value watches I bought were Armand Nicolet j09 £400 , & Armsnd nicolet js9 diver £400 , stunning watches well made & from TK Max

[@morgan97475]

One can really never go wrong with a Casio. But I had an Aquatech for years so they'd be worth a mention. Also, Victorinox & Nixon....?

[@markdegaute2125]

Casio - Seiko - Tissot/Hamilton - Omega - Tudor/Rolex. My favourite 5 brands, and yes I realise the Swatch Group is far more than 2 brands. These have all got something for every budget.

[@markikn3183]

Casio: Cheap (not my cuppa T, though) Timex: Cheap. I like my Weekender and it cost peanuts. Seiko: Not so cheap for a good one these days. The Solar versions are value (own an old SSC Pepsi, so sexy for $250) Citizen. Cheap and great value. Top choice. Tissot: Cheap on Jomashop. My $300 Powermatic Chronometer is a win. Zelos: Cheap if you can find one. Shinola: Not cheap. Sorry, not cheap. Halios. Not cheap. But nice. Boldr: Cheap. And nice. Geckota: Cheap. Meh.

[@doger6425]

I picked up the geckota as soon as I saw it. Unbelievable value, you also get a watch roll, tool and black rubber waffle zuludiver strap. It's also a limited edition. £190 no brainer for me ✌️

[@key2theuniverse713]

The finishing on Geckota watches is incredible value. They are truly beautiful

[@SuperCern]

There is one great IG channel that covers these affordable watches. Microbrand spotter is the name and that guy covered some pretty good watches and seems to know his stuff

[@EEE_MMM]

In a future video of a similar style, Spinnaker would certainly not be out of place.

[@chrispenn715]

How about Vaer? I have a couple and they are well made and decent vfm.

[@bmed2284]

Does anyone know the names of the first 2 citizen watches shown in the video ?

[@osPA78]

What do you guys think of the LIV microbrand?!

[@realityblooms]

This video made me buy the Timex Q immediately. It’s beautiful

[@1realgrrl]

I had the Casio Data Bank loved it

[@mareczuczek]

What do you think about Phoibos?

[@mte1611]

I have the geckota surfers against sewage. Great watch. Very hard to find but I found a nearly new one on watch. Gecko. Came from England but only took 2 weeks to get here

[@erezyoal]

Whan casio going to have g shock in 40mm ?

[@Spongefov]

Marloe seem to be a decent British microbrand, their astro is a unique looking square mechanical watch

[@smokinjoe4684]

The graphic starting at 6:48 is lovely

[@gunnerman1880]

Yeah I got a expedition solar and paid around£55 and it looks very cool.

[@RipsawEV_2]

Casio/Gshock, Timex, etc Rule the under 150$

[@unwokeneuropean3590]

I would go for San Martin as the the good stepping stone for new people. Solid price, solid quality, interesting homages from zillion watches.

[@4th_Disciple]

Is San Martin a chinese/aliexpress company.

[@unwokeneuropean3590]

@@4th_Disciple the kings of AliExpress

[@markonemusic]

Have you guys ever looked at Marloe ? British company using Swiss and Japanese movements, and a very high level of finishing on their products for sub 1k money

[@andrewkarn4491]

Boderry - skeleton, titanium case, sapphire crystal- all for under $200

[@AtheistOrphan]

I’ve got that particular one and I love it!

[@TripleDDDD]

I looked at it several times. But could not get over the Bezel design. Otherwise it would be a sure buy.

[@watchmewatch9]

I understand there are so many microbrands out there. I was hoping for a shout out to Lorier. Great episode guys!

[@AlessandroGenTLe]

Non micro, swiss, ETA mechanical movements and relatively cheap (distributed mainly in Poland and eastern countries): Atlantic Watches, since 1888. Other good ones from Poland mini and micro brands like Vratislavia and Gerlach, the second one inspired by Polish history.

[@goldfools5445]

Atlantic were big in the printing industry, making numbering machines. The were the budget brand with the German brands being premium. I assume it’s the same company.

[@AlessandroGenTLe]

@@goldfools5445 aI don't think it's ever been something different than a watch company, in their site (check "Atlantic watches") there's the company history and it's all about watches only.

[@MegaChuck345]

Big fan of Atlantic, I have one with a. Quartz eta movement and it’s spectacular.

[@teraris]

Value propositions - Wise Timepieces and RZE.

[@karlsenula9495]

Helm and Stratton make lovely watches as well.

[@localgearhead]

Christopher ward affordable ish if you go for a non bracelet and one of the best for the Money or generally in the 1k watches

[@garymccreath2773]

Great line up of affordable watches, more of the same please

[@Not-a-bot222]

Swap shinola for Lorier or islander and that covers your US based brands that aren’t sneaky

[@borlach321]

What do you think of Yema?

[@douglasladowski6342]

Great choices. Take a look at Visitor watches.

[@carguy3645]

Marathon makes some awesome and affordable watches. They have higher end and affordable. I own two if their high end models.

[@AtheistOrphan]

Good call.

[@aravindvenkateswaran5294]

Hi, can you please review Farer watches?

[@davidweisschadel]

That red casioak. Gotta get me one if those

[@Jackonda21]

I like the last one Geckota sea hunter looks cool and not expensive

[@sdaafasfad]

First watch I owned was a Casio Edifice. When it's battery died after 5 years, I bought another one. I love and hate Casio. I love their watches. I hate them because their watches were a gateway drug. The reason my wife has to listen to these videos whilst trying to sleep when I'm lying in bed at night...

[@ndcarter79]

Lorier. Take a good look at them.

[@cwxdaf152]

Boldr have some of the nicest, most unique designs I've seen in a long time. They just have a certain something.

[@fredatlas4396]

Solar powered watches like Citizen eco drive and Seiko solar do have batteries, just they are rechargeable batteries. So you may have to change the battery eventually

[@taz55]

But when eventually is over a decade it's kinda moot

[@gubpkt9016]

Finally something I can afford lmao

[@maxcrystals927]

what you say about orient ? that is also a very good quality and it is not expensive 😊