The 10 Best Swiss Watches Under $500 - 2024 Edition!

[@johncurtis6815]

Glycine combat sub is the best bang for buck Swiss diver on the market. Awesome watches. Solid build quality, history and great Sellita movement.

[@Bear_Arms]

I mostly agree. I own three of them.

[@Lawrence64]

I have a Glycine GMT and love it. It feels like 2K watch.

[@Bear_Arms]

@@Lawrence64 let's not exaggerate. I have 2 mechanical Combat Subs and 1 quartz GMT, none of them feel like a $2K watch. The two automatics feel more like a $1K watch for less than half the price. There are a lot better divers out there if you have $2K to spend. That being stated, besides the subpar lume, the Combat Sub is an all around great watch. Especially the older ones, with the drilled lugs.

[@GeniusInventor-dj5zc]

Agreed. Best deal I’ve ever gotten on a watch, hits way above for less than $400. I have the PVD rose gold sub 36 shown at 1:39 and I only wish it had a micro adjustment clasp and the crown guard

[@e28forever30]

And poor lume. Totally kills it for me. One of the things that attracts me to dive watches is lume. No lume, no deal.

[@BennyLlama]

You have a nasty habit of releasing videos that feel targeted at me only a few days after I make a purchase 😂

[@sumahama1981]

Just *one* more watch

[@johnstyron6543]

Yes. He had a unique and deadly super power 💥 😝

[@AsgharHussain110]

😂

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Hopefully they have returns.

[@spencer.watches]

Nice timing on this one, Jody - I just picked up a 35mm quartz PRX and couldn't be happier. The ice blue dial is striking, the bracelet is pleasant, and it wears beautifully. Ideal everyday watch for me and a no-brainer for the 240usd I paid.

[@yermanoh]

ive had my steinhart ocean one since it was released...great watch, a proper beater that can be worn in all circumstances

[@brianmurphy8154]

FINALLY….the Steinhart OVM is by far an amazing watch…it never gets any love so I’m thrilled you included the watch on my wrist! Bought mine three years ago for under $400. You may know a thing about watches Jody!

[@DC-uf6ve]

It doesn't get any love because it's a crappy homage from a company that hasn't had an original thought in their entire existence. They're basically an expensive Chinese knock off brand. Shite.

[@michaelkilbride2927]

Just purchased a glycine combat sub two tone vintage Dial lovely watch very well made very slim and hugs the wrist has made me think have I paid to.much for my other Swiss watches

[@MrBacchus18]

I really like my brown dial bronze Combat sub. I've had steel versions in the past all nice watches.

[@astorbeijer9424]

Since I have a PSR, and I have owned several Hamiltons, I can easily say that the PSR is the best choice on the list (IMO). I bought mine for full price ($700 in 2023), and I'm still happy with my choice. I wear mine as a beater, but the watch still looks brand new after almost two years. My watch has an amazing accuracy at -. 02 sec/day. It's retro but unique, very practical and looks great on smaller wrists. At $540, I think this watch is a steal.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Nice to hear a bit of love for it! Doesn't get much, which is a shame. Great watch, enjoy!

[@vonkruel]

I got a PSR from Joma and I'm also really happy with it. Mine has the green display. I was really torn about red vs. green, and I think they're both great. Mine runs at about + 0.10 spd which is just fine. It's the one impractical/odd watch in my collection, and I think it's staying long-term although I continue to sell watches when buying new ones.

[@loogoo]

While I still have the Bulova Computron that my mom bought me for graduation in 1976 (it still works), wearing the PSR gives me the same retro vibe while allowing me to read the time without always having to press the button.

[@tomw4962]

If Mido and Certina made watches in more sizes below 40mm I think they would absolutely dominate the sub 1k market even more. They have some fantastic designs and excellent build quality (not to mention an absolute bucket load of historical models to pull from) but they seem insistent on making every release 42mm plus even on their dressier pieces and it absolutely does my nut in. I love both brands (my dad has a small assortment of both brands dating from well back) but just can't click with their modern offerings! Great list today though Jody, would be well keen to see a part 2... even if my wallet would hate you for it.

[@GeniusInventor-dj5zc]

Agreed, I would have a mido and Certina by now if they had more models 36mm-39mm. I gifted my dad the mido 1959 commander 37mm in PVD gold and it’s an amazing watch. I already have too many 40mm-42mm watches so I’d like to see these brands have more size variety

[@johnsneade2995]

Certina ds diver comes in 38 and the mido ocean star heritage is 40mm

[@unixnerd23]

Look at vintage Certina DS. Loads of superb 38mm 60 and 70s watches with superb movements.

[@jeanlefranc3817]

At this price point, Swiss Made means 90% of components made in China, a sprinkling of Swiss lubes on the movement and the whole lot assembled in Bienne/Biel by a French expat living in Switzerland.

[@patricelargilliere4583]

Victorinox?

[@tizombie]

Some great recommendations. My pick would be the Glycine. I had one and it’s legit. Cheers.

[@jordiberrett]

Love my Combat Sub. Picked it up for $220 at Costco!

[@SyedaNAnzar]

Have owned a raymond weil don giovanni since 2007. My daily wear literally until 2020.amazing watch amazing chrono... conversation starter...just awesome

[@johnsrabe]

5:05 The brown Raymond Weil looks lovely!

[@Skyler.Santana]

It was a pleasure meeting you briefly at Wind up NY! I hope the show was productive for your line. I just had to feature one of your watches in my Wind up NY recap video! Thank you for making this video and everything you do. Cheers!

[@SamLed1111]

I have the glycine combat sub. Bought it four years ago. Best watch I have ever owned. Never missed a beat. Strangely I get compliments all the time when I am out and about.

[@jayhorton4275]

Glycine rubber straps also come with an amazing scent. Something akin to new tires brushed with vanilla. It only lasts a few months but, dang, it’s really nice.

[@darrenfry4695]

Ive got the glycine combat Pepsi and its a awesome watch and for the money its so worth every penny.

[@TheEasyeman]

The Glycine was my first real Swiss piece. Grabbed the navy strap/ bronze case. Got a pink strap for breast cancer research ❤

[@respectablylate3081]

Only own 7 of the 10 but you would have guessed that already Jody! Eying off a Mido to add to the never ending hobby!❤

[@_all_around_us]

I'm THIS close to buying a 39 mm Combat Sub (I think they're EU exclusive). Great specs/size and the gilt colorway looks so good.

[@brianmccord7387]

I got that 36mm PRX digital on your recommendation and absolutely love it. I'd give it a special mention as a subset of your PRX rec for digital watch fans

[@adk7962]

This is absolutely at the top of my list. If you don’t want to say, it’s ok, but can I ask where you got yours? The cheapest I can find (new) is on Watchmaxx. Thanks!

[@brianmccord7387]

@@adk7962I got mine on Jomashop a few months back for less than $250

[@dinispaulino7512]

I must be doing this right, because the two mechanical watches I have in my collection right now are in this list! My first auto was the khaki king, and after owning it for 5 years or so, I am convinced it was a perfect one to get, awesome true GADA watch. I also have the Steinhart Ocean Vintage Red (spent a bit over 500 to get the 39mm version from Gnomon), but it's also a very well built and sturdy watch!

[@LegendX2010]

My Glycine was an unexpected favorite among my collection

[@rev.waynet.oleary7387]

Great review, Certina watches are very well built... thanks Jodi...very helpful.

[@WestCoastAce27]

Tremendous list. Respect for working Raymond Weil and Steinhart in. RW is massively under appreciated. Steinharts are solid as a rock. Own the Exp II McQueen homage; may pick up that Red.

[@felixangellopezalonso3993]

Off topic. A pair of friends met and talked with Steven and you in NY and told me that you were nice and very patient with all people. Congrats for you success in wind up.

[@mamayl8592]

Own both the Combat Sub and now the PRX powermatic. Both awesome watches and HIGHLY recommended.

[@RodrigoBarbosaBR]

Glycine Combat Sub is my daily, and I love it.

[@metalslug26]

I've seen both the quartz and even auto versions of the 40mm Tissot Seastar, under 500. Considering it for my dad as a Christmas gift.

[@davidrosenblum2178]

I don't often say it, but I'd be pleased to own any of the 10 choices here (and do own a few of them already!). The Glycine would have to top my list. Great selection Jody! Cheers!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

David! Hope you are well mate. Great to meet you in NYC, and enjoy your 'retirement'. I'm sitting on the tarmac in Dubai on an Emirates A380 on my slow journey home after a few days in England to see family. Cheers!

[@davidrosenblum2178]

Safe travels home Jody!

[@AntCar-z4s]

Nice to meet you in NYC Jody. Hope you enjoyed your stay. Your selections at Windup Watch Fair was great to see in person.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Thanks for saying Helloooo mate! Awesome time, we'll try and come back next year too.

[@candide1772]

Great selection of Swiss Made watches for $500 or so! You are not the only lover of the Hamilton PSR, I am actually wearing mine as I watch this video. 😁 I also have a PRX, one of the digital models. It will probably not be surprising then, that of the watches on this list I do not own, I am most interested in the Certina DS-8. 🤣

[@richardshaw1968]

Cracking selection, have a 40mm PRX and Inox, Multi-8 titanium on the list…

[@fabricea7704]

Interesting video Jody. I prefer the 3 magic words "Made in Japan" for my new watches. Glycine, Mido, still speak to me. Have a good weekend Moustache Man.😉🤣🤣

[@poppipop75]

I've owned or own all of those watch brands. And you definitely get the most in Swiss luxury timepiece versus spending tons of money just to have something of equal quality!

[@jamesblonde2271]

I just saw a really cute quartz Tissot gmt Seastar 1000 diver in the ADs window for £435! green/black bezel, really nice.Think it was 40 too.....

[@jamesblonde2271]

on a bracelet!

[@chrisp.5272]

I have three Swiss watches, two microbrand watches from Vero and a Tissot Couturier with the same quartz movement as the PRX. One of my grails is the Casio Oceanus S100, and the Couturier reminded of it and the Omega Aqua Terra, and it’s the watch Tom Hiddleston wore in The Night Manager. 👌🏼

[@sfstoltenberg]

I love my Steinhart Ocean 39 Adventure. It is an Explorer homage that I've regulated to run +/- 1 sec. I bought it 2 years ago for $450 USD. The price is about the same now. Great watch. If you like the look of an explorer but want to keep money in your pocket, the Steinhart is the smart choice.

[@SteelHand071]

I picked up a Glycine Combat Sub quartz when you profiled the fact that Kogan had them at a great price in a previous video and I haven't regretted it as it. I may have to visit Ashford and expand the collection

[@paulkukula6541]

Another great video Jody. Didn’t even know the Mido compressor existed.

[@magicaardvark1]

Thanks Jodi. I like the Frederique Constant Index. 3 Hander, light and thin with date, Was 400 sovs when I bought it. Still wear it almost every day.

[@tkindschi]

Count me among those who doubted you could do it! 10 valid Swiss watches did seem like a stretch. But I did see some good choices in there, even outside the 3 or 4 I could have named myself. Was pleasantly surprised to see the Raymond Weil Maestro. Picked one up myself a few months back, though at $550 for me, and I really really like it. One word of caution, though. They advertised it as being a 40mm watch, but it barely comes in at 38mm. Still works for me, but some might not like a watch that small....

[@genericreference6969]

The Mido looks delicious!

[@Haik749]

Excellent list :) Just got the Victorinox INOX automatic from watchmaxx, with the killer price of 425 USD🎉

[@eatkosherbacon]

Gray Market Midos are also great if you want an affordable watch that says "Chronometer" on the dial

[@davidpetrut2858]

Certina DS Podium automatic (Powermatic 80, the 25 jewel version, the earlier versions had the ETA 2824), 38 mm. A gorgeous watch, bought it for 350 dollars (retail), by far my favourite piece. The best value swiss automatic in my opinion.

[@dadmodswatches]

I have the double red Steinhart, and I love it.

[@acethis]

I bought a Certina DS-4 automatic (with Day-Date) with a Silver dial, on a bracelet. It's under 40mm in size, 10ATM WR, about 11~12mm thick and applied indices with lume (not at dive watch level kinda lume). There are different finishings on the dial, which makes it glimmers at different angles during the day, which is amazing. Bought this from Jomashop under US$300! That's crazy value for a Swiss Made timepiece!! The only downside is the butterfly clasp, which is not my favourite mechanism. Otherwise, this could be the 1 watch wonder.

[@GavinKohAquascaping]

Jody, would love to see the NY watch show footage if you have any? Will you making a video about it? Cheers!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Hey mate! I was kinda sick throughout, so I didn't record anything 😢 next year!

[@Mattk3ng266]

I don’t understand the hate some have for the Prx, to me it’s a must have in any collection and own 2 of them. I also would love a Inox at some stage and a Steinhart but personally I like the Ocean 39 Adventure in black 👌. Thanks for another great vid Jody.

[@gerriepretorius8978]

Great video. I have 2 on the list. Steinhart Vintage Red and the Victorinox. Love them! Would love a Glycine Airman but they are difficult to get in South Africa.

[@steveb4012]

I tried on the Tissot Seastar Chrono and few years back. I was impressed at how solid and well made it was fir it's £449 asking price at the time. I think it's the best looking watch in the Seastar range as well, the three handers dials look a bit empty to me . Quartz is a bonus too.

[@cylentone]

The Hamilton is the only one that I would consider. I have the blue dial Tissot Gentleman Powermatic ($800) but there is an ETA quartz version under $500 - you can wear them for any occasion. Totally underrated if you ask me. The Tissot Le Locle Powermatic is regularly on sale under $500 in different versions and a nice dress watch alternative.

[@TheCalibratedWrist]

Laughed out loud when you reached number 10 😅 Great job👊

[@bomaz293]

The watches are relevant, and the t-shirt is the height of coolness !

[@arnoldgibbs3089]

Jodi, Please take water resistance with a grain of salt. Although 200 meter is my std, I have gone diving to 80 feet with a 3 bar watch and a 5 bar as well. My point is if you not into scuba diving it doesn’t really matter. As long as it has some water resistance. The water resistance even at a modest amount keeps the dirt out of the watch. Hope your cold gets better soon.

[@christopherhilton2539]

I have three Glycine watches and they are the best value out there. I got all three of mine for San Martin money but with Swiss movements in them. Another good brand that was not mentioned is Revene Thommen. Their divers are great. Prices have gone up a bit since I got mine but still available under $500.

[@russparkin6722]

the moonswatch comment had me in bits , lol

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

It's true though, isn't it?!

[@WestCoastAce27]

@@JustOneMoreWatch💯 - especially when one can get a real, non-disposable watch for the same price or throw in a few more hundred and get a classic.

[@e28forever30]

@@JustOneMoreWatch Absolutely true.

[@janstenstrom7986]

My watch collecting started with a Certina DS my wife got me for christmas.

[@davepoole5582]

Ace show mate... I will defo have to check some of these bad boys out.

[@adk7962]

Cracker of a list! Looking forward to part 2!

[@MrGrigs681]

I have a couple Steinharts and am very impressed with their quality and value. I have wanted to try a Glycine but it is hard to get past the Invicta connection.

[@macguyverson9370]

The combat sub or the khaki king! I’ve always wanted them to release the Champaign dial on a bracelet, I’d be all in!

[@jonathanedwards2983]

I have been hoping they would offer this watch for a while. Next on my list for sure.

[@barryvercueil2346]

Good fun video. More please. Cheers

[@Billybob-b5t]

The Steinhart and Mido don’t look bad.

[@CiarrocchiTracie]

My favorite 2024 is the Prospex Limited Edition 1965 Recreation European Exclusive in Gradation Island Blue. The dial is stunning and the contrast when on a white strap is to die for. I will get my hands on one from MAMACOO

[@GeniusInventor-dj5zc]

I have the glycine combat sub 36 in PVD rose gold at 1:39 and it’s a great watch for sub $400, best deal I’ve ever gotten on a watch id say.

[@Rick-ve5lx]

All these watches are great. I would pick the I.N.O.X which wouldn’t take long since I own one already.

[@Adrian_3006]

I saw these online ages ago. They look awesome 😎.

[@wieg86]

I have a Victorinox Inox. However, mine is titanium. It is amazing quality and is probably my favourite watch (and i have a few 😅)

[@kenwong727]

Good video. I might buy the Mido.

[@paperback10]

I own Glycine combat subs with both automatic and digital movements. Both are excellent. However FYI the bracelets are not interchangeable.

[@bazm1786]

Khaki King is my number one :)

[@billj5645]

42mm Steinhart is my favorite of the bunch, I own 3 of them. But there are a few others in that group that look interesting to me.

[@mattclarke8791]

I have been soooo tempted to flip 80%+ of the watches I have, for no other reason than to give me an opportunity to be inspired by something new.

[@alduswong]

I bought your GMT a few days ago. Otherwise I might want to get the MIDO. BTW, talking about moons watch, I ends up getting their irony chronograph. I really like that.

[@unixnerd23]

Certina and Tissot both made watches using almost exactly the same twin display movement as the Breitling Aerospace. I have the Certina in titanium :-)

[@jkozol]

Love the Moonswatch slap. Was laughing for a few minutes!

[@eleveneleven572]

When i saw this video comeup i was reafy to complain that Steinhsrt eas omitted. But no, not only in but the very watch I bought a few years ago....and still going strong. The perfect Rolex homage of the best Rolex ever. 😊

[@layzygaming945]

I've got a khaki king and it's a great watch. Wear it more than my Tudor and Rolex

[@jodybruce5097]

pretty neat i have the Hamalton field khaki and love it

[@stevenshaw6766]

I have the Tissot Seastar with a blue dial on a rubber, it's a big boy but, fits well on my 7.5 inch wrist.

[@Gumby56]

Excellent choices!!!

[@Lawrence64]

Awesome list. M😢 only problem with the number 10 is the hands are beefy and kinda block the little hands in subdials. I'm a big Tissot fan

[@Adrian_3006]

Waited until the end Jody. Great review cheers. I'd be interested to hear people's thoughts....why does Olympic never get talked about??? I have a 34mm mechanical from late 60s early 70s that probably has never been serviced and it runs great. Seems like they only do quartz these days but ones I see here in NZ look good, yet NO ONE talks about them!!?? It's like they don't exist!

[@kierenmoore3236]

Steinhart, Hamilton my faves Glycine not bad either

[@VishalSengupta1984]

Hey, great video as always. I emailed you last week about the Beaufort Cavalli watch you reviewed a couple of years ago. Hope to hear from you soon.

[@briansmith3011]

That Victornox is giving me 2000 era Fossil vibes.

[@MichaelV89]

Raymond weil moonphase would be my next target

[@BayernFanAusDortmund]

I was waiting for such a video😅

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

And here it is. Enjoy!

[@SalusLudtke]

MAMACOO Stunning watches stunning video you are special i love it keep it up

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

Dang. As much as I want to bash "Swiss Made"....there are some excellent examples here. Glycine - a watch so nice, I bought it thrice.

[@MrBacchus18]

I've been eying Raymond Weil for a little while.

[@389Lee]

Looking forward to part two.

[@holtmoore5313]

Excellent video. But between Erabus and these recommendations I will be broke!

[@THAW12]

Love the Sun studios tshirt!

[@AlexanderB.]

I've seen that green Tissot Seastar Chrono on a mesh bracelet. It's a stunner, albeit a little too big.

[@swilkobarfingtoniii1642]

This is one of your Top 10 videos! Well done, man! A couple years ago I had a craving... Something Swiss w/ a "high beat" mvmt. I was also looking for something with a bronze case and then again - I had been looking for a watch with a red dial face. Everything came together in a Glycine Combat 6 Vintage. Bronze. Red. Gorgeous, ruby red sunburst. Swiss. And the movement? I keep that watch in a winder through the summer months and start using it when we switch to Daylight Saving Time. And that Glycine is ticking within seconds of my online timestamp. I am VERY HAPPY with the performance. Additionally, Swiss cows smell FANTASTIC because the strap on that watch is absolutely top shelf. Butter. All that for less than $400 dollars. I wish I could send you a photo of the watch box, because my dog had at it mere seconds after I opened it. If I could find one of Glycine's "Moonphase" Combat 6's I would buy it. I'd love to see you review one, they look the business. Thanks, Jody! Hoping to see some more NYC trip vids!

[@martinoconnor923]

Love the PSR I have the Red digit ....... good enough for Sir Roger!!!!!!!!!

[@haourss]

I think the INOX on a bracelet is a true contender for a one watch collection. Don´t have one - the closest I got to buying a Victorinox was 20 years ago, the Airboss Mac something. Didn´t pull the triggah thogh.