The Definitive Watches For $500 In The Most Popular Categories (15 Watches Mentioned)

Complete Guide To The Best Automatic Watches Under $500: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...
Seiko 5 Sports SRPD51: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Seiko Presage SRPF53: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Seiko Prospex SRPE99: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Seiko Prospex SRPD25: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Seiko Prospex “Arnie” SNJ025: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Complete Guide To The Best Microbrand Watches: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...
Shop Watch Brands Featured In This Video:
Bulova: teddybaldassarre.com/collecti...
Junghans: teddybaldassarre.com/collecti...
Tissot: teddybaldassarre.com/collecti...
Hamilton: teddybaldassarre.com/collecti...
Seiko: teddybaldassarre.com/collecti...
Sternglas: teddybaldassarre.com/collecti...
Written Content: www.teddybaldassarre.com/blog
In this video, I'll take the popular attainable price range of $500 and share my definitive best picks in each of the most popular watch categories. What do you guys think of my picks?
Watches Featured:
Bulova Lunar Pilot: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Junghans Form C: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Tissot Seastar Chrono: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Seiko 5 Sports GMT: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Tissot Gentleman Quartz: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Seiko SRPF53: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Sternglas Asthet: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Seiko SRPE99: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Videos Mentioned:
Best Microbrands 2020: • 14 Awesome Microbrand ...
Best Microbrands 2021: • 12 Awesome Microbrand ...
Best Quartz Watches: • The BEST Quartz Watche...
Seiko SNJ025 Review: • Seiko "Arnie" SNJ025 -...
Instagram: teddybaldas...
Top Articles On TeddyBaldassarre.com:
50 Luxury Watch Brands You Should Know: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...
10 Affordable Watch Brands And Their Best Watches: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...
Best Watches Under $5,000 Complete Guide: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...
0:00 - Intro & Organization
2:40 - Microbrands
7:02 - Chronograph
9:39 - Everyday
14:58 - Dress
17:19 - Dive

[@lifotheparty3624]

Your videos are literally what got me into this hobby, and I am incredibly grateful for all the information you present in such a sleek and efficient way! It certainly has made my research a lot easier as a great jumping point!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Very happy to help! Continue to do your research and have fun with the journey!

[@CharlieHustle1687]

Teddy brings it like a pro every time. No riffraff, low-rent, just class and logic

[@scottsoroka7036]

I’m assuming most of these are going to be women’s watches or people that are 4 feet tall with 36 mm cases. Let me know when you do one on men’s watches.

[@palicar]

I love this price range. Usually offers enough quality and is affordable enough to explore freely.

[@TopTierTicker]

I would like to thank you Teddy. You're a massive reason I became interested in watches almost two years ago. It's still so refreshing to see you visiting the budget end of the watch world. Now more than ever there is some unreal options at the entry level spot. Top tier recommendations as always. Keep up the good work!

[@shawnbogstie2827]

Where do you think he makes most of his money? All about exposure to his product. Man, people are stupid.

[@TopTierTicker]

@@shawnbogstie2827 Unfortunately Shawn not everyone has the same negative outlook on people as you do. Teddy clearly makes high quality, enthusiast targeted content with a high production value. Every channel is trying to gain customers, whether that be in the way of returning viewers or directing traffic to a sales platform. Regardless of this, he has my respect.

[@paulomarques2756]

@@shawnbogstie2827 Really? We all know that!... but does that make the content less honest, less accurate, less influencing or energizing to people that actually take his views and decide that this guy actually influenced in the decision to like watches more!? Your comment sounds more like jealousy, in the sense that you would like to do this but do not... and calling people stupid, because of their comment, is plain rude...

[@caramel109]

One of your best videos yet Teddy. So many watch people focus on high end and unattainable brands, when there's a wealth of great quality watches at these lower price points (especially if you're not a quartz snob!). Showing people they can dip their toes in the water without it being a big investment is terrific.

[@jonathan333]

I love my Seiko Arnie, bought on your recommendation. It's not for everyone but I wear mine almost every day. It's super easy to read, comfortable, durable, and has a history to it. I really appreciate that you share a diverse range of watches.

[@kermdeezy5330]

chad spotted

[@svenb1668]

Love my Arnie too, and its a good talking point as soon as you mention 'Predator"

[@stocksxbondage]

By far the most intriguing watch on this list!

[@dmarti47]

Teddy, thank you for your content. I’ve been into watches since I can remember, but your channel has recently taught me a lot about making wiser and more educated decisions when it comes to looking for and buying watches. This hobby can be rabbit hole in itself, and you certainly make it a whole lot easier. Also, your coverage of micro-brands is a beautiful thing, as they’re great alternatives but also it’s good to foment competition instead of just always buying from the big dogs.

[@raygacy]

Love this! Thank you Teddy for inspiring us watch collectors and lovers in continuously creating our own watch collection! 😊👍

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thank you all for watching! It makes it all possible!

[@ChristopherAndersonDP]

I picked up the SRPF53 a few months ago, and I've been loving it ever since. The dial is every bit as beautiful in person, and I was really impressed by the fit and feel of the bracelet (though this is my first watch with a bracelet, so I don't have much to compare it to).

[@Sternglas]

Thank you so much for featuring us in this great video! Your videos are just the right thing for all watch enthusiasts that want to get into the watch world. Thanks again. All the best from Hamburg, Klara

[@cr144mc6]

About 2 years ago (I think) you talked about SRPF53 and I went and bought it for my first watch. Fast forward and I’ve loved it so much I just moved up a little bit to SPB165 with the 6R35 movement. Thanks for showing me the world of Teddy!

[@BoozewithNick]

Just pre-ordered a RZE Ascentus with the awesome NH-34 in it. I carefully noted the specs on the Seiko GMT, and definitely feel like the movement is being put to better use in the micro brand world (RZE, Mitch Mason, for starters). Always love these episodes, Teddy. Thanks to you and your team for so much hard work to produce this content, and congrats on adding Seiko to your line-up.

[@pktsqr]

Yeah, I couldn't resist picking one of those up, myself. Definitely more interesting (to my tastes), and I agree that micros will generally do better stuff with these movements.

[@jakehumphrey1213]

Here we go, right in my price range. Thanks Teddy and team!

[@BrianHoney]

Great video as usual Teddy. I too like this price range- I really enjoy your coverage of the low-price, mid-market- and really expensive stuff!

[@dakralter4957]

Thanks Teddy, my Seiko SSK005 just arrived and it’s great!! Appreciate the work you do on the channel for those of us not in the tax bracket to drop thousands on a watch.

[@b0lkan]

I am amazed by the amount of top quality videos you're able to upload in such a short span of time. Thank you!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

We are well oiled machine at this point. Appreciate the compliment. Thanks for watching.

[@b.sharp.]

One of my favorite videos of yours, Teddy! Loved all of the picks

[@donmongoose]

Really glad you mentioned the Sternglas Asthet, it caught my eye ages ago but could litereally find zero mentions of it and some mixed reviews for their previous models. Its going for considerably cheaper than the price you listed here on their website so I might finally give it a go because its a lovely budget alternative.

[@Sternglas]

Hello from Hamburg! Great to read you like the STERNGLAS Asteht. A tipp for you: We do have some Black Friday sales live right now, as well as on the Asthet! Feel free to visit our website! All the best from Hamburg.

[@oz-man3555]

Thnx Teddy! You have solved me some doubts about Seiko 5 GMT. And Orange looks spectacular in natural light

[@muhammadsalam844]

Another amazing video by teddy! Your intros and animations are getting better and better, wish you could have mentioned the new releases by citizen this year for both the everyday and the sports category

[@zhicaofang2354]

I have the SSK005 Orange Dial Seiko GMT and absolutely love it. Probably the most affordable mechanical GMT with a unique dial and decent water resistance on the market right now.

[@riothero313]

I just picked up a Seiko sports 5 "Time Sonar" with the tobacco colored translucent dial and I love that thing. It's the same 42mm as my Samurai but, wears way way smaller. I ordered a top hat ar coated crystal for it to go for an even more retro look and give me some scratch protection. Even the back exhibition caseback is tinted, they got all the details right especially for the money.

[@tbrasc0]

Nice to see CITIZEN getting some love here. My old Ecodrive chronograph has been a great reliable watch over the last 15 years.

[@markeywestskies6503]

Thanks Teddy for a succinct yet informational piece on the very collection friendly ~500 range.

[@KD-mm3li]

I really enjoy my Tag Heuer Formula 1. Picked up second hand for around $550. I love the dial, black face, font of numbers. The simplicity look. And a trophy to myself for moving out of my parents house. My nxt will likely be the Seiko 5 in green for some color and a real close match to one of my favorites, the Hulk, someday.

[@T_SDuarte]

The Tissot Gentleman line is overkill. Excellent quality for the price and, to be honest, there are so many options to choose from that you could add 3 to 4 different styles to you collection just from within its particular catalog.

[@brakmaster]

I recently bought the Seiko 5 GMT (SSK001) and it is an amazing watch. Has not left my wrist for the past two weeks.

[@owen1079]

Got to try on an orange Seiko GMT in store today. It's *very* solid/heavy/well made for a Seiko 5 and definitely wears smaller on the wrist than its stated size (far smaller than my 41mm Seiko sea urchin.)

[@orlandogonzalez3939]

Amazing video as always. Appreciate this price range during these hard times

[@barrettwbenton]

Wow: just finished watching your video from a year back on building a Seiko-only collection (you might say I'm "already there", but also looking hungrily at the new 5 GMT) when this video popped up. Love some of the examples I knew nothing about (Baltic with Chinese micro-rotor movement? Yikes.), as well as more-familiar fare. In the older video, I appreciated your shout-out to Seiko's 6139: I was lucky enough to find a nice example ("blue eye") over a decade back, before prices went through the roof, as it's about as close to a mech Seiko chrono as I'm likely to come. The new GMT will help scratch that "diver-style" itch I still have. Great presentation, Teddy!

[@brianpercival1829]

Recently found an over looked watch, Lorus Automatic 10 Bar I found in an Estate Sale for $25. Hardly worn, a jewelers cloth and poly watch polish looks good, a myota 21 jewel movement. Blue sunburst face, looks like a Tudor. Can't go wrong at that price.

[@islandwatch]

Everytime I open KZbin you have a new video. You got the grind! Keep cranking them out.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Means a lot coming from you, Marc! Same to you brother!

[@Joshua_Nikolai]

@@TeddyBaldassarre I know there has to be some conflicting online retail business stuff here, but it’s cool to see you guys interact. Islander watches of course have to be at the top of a list in this price range. 👌🏼

[@frankw7266]

Bless you & thank you, the timing on this video could not have been any better!! Wife asked what I wanted for Christmas, and I told her a watch... of course I get the eye roll and "how the hell do I know what to buy you?" I showed her this and told her as long as it's 40mm+, I'd be happy with anything on here... just pick something you'd like to see me wearing. Great selection for a gift list you put together.

[@UmangSardesai]

Teddy -- You should do a full review of Seiko 5 GMT. That itself would then be a home run by you, haha!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

We definitely will!

[@jackswonson3772]

Great overall review of some basics anyone can be proud to own and be on their wrist! Thanks

[@trevorinman7096]

Thanks for the video, Teddy! Finally made my first watch purchase in the Seiko 5 GMT.

[@derKunstler]

was really surprised you mentioned Sternglas and even tho they annoy me with targeted ads i think some of their designes ar pretty solid and i am happy anyways, when you show or discuss new brands and models. great stuff!

[@shankz8854]

So happy I discovered Teddy. He has sparked my passion for watches. He is the reason the first watch I bought was a Seiko 5 GMT.

[@vmbvmb7471]

I love these videos - Great way to add more watches to my collection. Awesome video.

[@DemiAmane]

Always have loved your videos since they help make watches and watch collecting make sense to a beginner/noob like me. Also, I did a little happy dance when you said your website now carries Seiko

[@dannysimenauer5745]

Excellent video for us value buyers. I like and agree with most of Teddy’s suggestions.

[@GraphicDesignerStephen]

Great video! I have three of these on my list - the Lunar Pilot, Arnie and PRX.

[@dappergrizzly888]

Hi Teddy! Been watching your videos for 3-4 years and the cinematography has always been spectacular this year. However would love to have more human (mostly your) interaction with the watches showcased 👌🏼

[@rayharrison6400]

Fabulous I depth reviews. Thoroughly enjoyed it

[@lkjpoify]

Hi Teddy! Great channel and video as always! Would love to get your opinion on the Seiko Presage Zen Garden SSA421 automatic. Keep rocking man

[@heshamfyilj06]

Congrats Tedday on the Seiko news! I was waiting for this announcement for long time. Great move.

[@jsalzarwinning1]

Teddy always bringing the 🔥 watch content

[@liamo4]

Some very nice suggestions there Teddy. Thank you.

[@TheMulaTrain]

Hi Terri. As always awesome content here. Listen , I have a 2022 Omega Seamaster Aquaterra Blue Dial. I am trying to see I’ll to get a Tudor Black Bay GMT. Any ideas on how can I get this accomplished?

[@NinjaNick636]

I just got my first “nice watch”, Tissot Blue dial Gentleman Automatic a few weeks ago. LOVE it and am already hooked on the watch world. The next week I got a Seiko SZS as a daily wear. Then a few days ago bought a Casio GM2100… With a watch box lol. My next watch I’m looking at is a Tudor Black Bay. Appreciate the in depth reviews you give Teddy

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

That’s a nice progression Nick. Make the Black Bay happen!

[@jonclassical5710]

Great vlog Teddy...you really need to look at Wing Liang's Aragon line...solid builds, some with higher-end auto-movements, sapphire crystals, fantastic bracelets and clasps. Wing is very approachable and I recommend you guys should chat!

[@helmutpether1481]

Thanks for yet another great review 👏 I am "struggling" in regards to my next watch purchase. I am very fond of the rolex gmt pepsi. However as the waiting list is longer than the complaint section of FTX I am looking for an alternative. Material should be steel (to be a bit more dressi) Dimensions should be about 39-41 dim. and not bigger than 49 mm lug to lug. Hight should be around 12mm. And with an original design. Tudor Black Bay GMT pepsi would be original enough but is to thick... Pricing should not be bigger than the rolex gmt... Any advice?

[@MM-dn3de]

Another great video. I wish you would touch on repairing, mechanical vs battery powered.

[@lzemo]

Just started watching your videos. Enjoy them.

[@carlbox2453]

I have the Tissot seastar 1000 and I love it so much it's perfect for my wrist the dial looks so good and its at such a crazy good price point to be in on the swatch world! Would deff recommend

[@petervernelen6784]

Thanks for the video, any plans on covering the Orient kamasu 2 vs the original one?

[@whoknows8678]

Citizen gets overlooked a lot because virtually no one, at least in the states, knows they even make mechanical watches. So, a lot of auto watch only types didn't even consider Citizen. Even I didn't know they had mechanical watches until fairly recently.

[@karlobugasto2477]

I have 2 out of the 15 mentioned! Seiko 5 GMT and Seiko Turtle PADI.. Planning to get the Hamilton Khaki.. nice recommendations Teddy!

[@maxinahunt8652]

Great video!

[@wills3212]

Great video your knowledge is impressive

[@alexthekidlist124]

Seiko 5 is such a beauty !!! I'm definitely getting one for Xmas 👍

[@sotecluxan4221]

This one with day/date?

[@alexthekidlist124]

@@sotecluxan4221 yes the GMT with the orange dial 👍

[@Biblicalgiants]

I like the Benchmade Griptilian in the background there. Good review!

[@manuelfebri7443]

i’m an enthusiast evetho i only have casio databank currently. love your content teddy! gonna consider watch on this list to go to my collection!

[@frankdevita7667]

Hi Teddy, I am relatively new to your channel and very impressed with your knowledge of watches. With respect to micro brands I understand that ETA is now only supplying the Swatch Group and was wondering what your thoughts are on the Sellita movements that many micro brands will be reliant on to maintain the Swiss Made status?

[@tcenzo6722]

Very great video Teddy! Would love to see antother one for the 1000$ price range

[@JN-yn3sq]

So glad you finally have the Seikos and the SSKs in stock. Scared to ask if you're going to run any black Friday promos this year?

[@dillreefaes]

got my 39mm with the white dial on the 3-link "Bader" bracelet watch on amzwatch 3 weeks ago and am loving it to pieces. Absolute fantastic watch that wears super comfortable on my 6.75 inch wrist. Chose the 3-link over the 5-link bracelet for the toolless quick adjustment. Way more comfortable than my Longines Hydroconquest 41 mm.

[@danny2k55]

Hey Teddy, you should do like a 30 second peak into what you are wearing on your wrist before a video like this. I think that would be fun. Great video as always!

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Teddy i thought you were authorized dealer of Seiko for a long time .

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

I don’t think you were alone in that! Happy to finally have the brand available.

[@Iesous27]

@@TeddyBaldassarre oh! You're selling seikos now??

[@urthemole]

@@Iesous27 he announced it during the Seiko Chrono video 11 days ago

[@hectormendez6638]

Mandela effect for sure cuz I swear you already had Seiko

[@soundscaperecordings1111]

Seikos are my favourite it's all I have ☺️

[@konforzone]

Sternglass is such inspiration for me to see. It is great value for price. Thanks for sharing.

[@dcm703]

The Sarb033 is still one of my favorites to wear, love Seiko!

[@kryplus5471]

I love this channel, greetings from naples!

[@doubleOR1]

Awesome video!! Thank you so much

[@moestealth85]

what would you recommend for accurcy and everyday use, Seiko5 GMT or Tissot Seastar?

[@megasoid]

Excellent price range, which is comfortable for a lot of people. Thanks.

[@sjmedia_official]

Can anyone talk about Herbelin Cap Camarat? Is it any good? Because it looks awesome on the photos and wan to get one.

[@0xA9F]

The white dial 42mm Khaki field pairs well with so many straps. Good thing if you are conscious budget to a certain degree.

[@shilvock22]

Hi Teddy, great video. Super interested in the Bulova lunar pilot but it looks like it's 70 more dollars on your website than you listed in the video. Where can I find it for $550? Thanks!

[@silski]

Any thoughts on Vaer? They seem to be pretty well priced and the autos use Miyota 9xxx series movements.

[@noduswatches5980]

Honored to be in such cool company! Awesome video, Teddy!

[@riothero313]

It's a beautiful looking watch. I love the 6 o'clock date window, it just keeps the symmetry of the dial so much cleaner and even better that it is beveled. It looks really nice.

[@WriterandPhotographer]

Great line-up of suggestions that are available to most people. Some of those dials look much more expensive.

[@itrapzii3311]

Love your videos and reviews. Can you do a review on Panzera brand watches.

[@guts2112]

Wow Teddy congrats on becoming a Seiko ad. That’s absolutely huge

[@SatnamSingh-pd3yh]

Great video Teddy. Can you make a video on skeleton watches, some more affordable ones or entry-level ones? Keep up the good work Teddy

[@user-zq3fv9wi9c]

Hi teddy . I wanted to ask you if you have checked the citizen eco drive BM8550-81EE and if so whats your take on it. I think it looks amazing for an everyday watch at its price and would like a recommendation on whether i should or not buy it

[@steveb4012]

Nice to see Citizen getting some recognition. Apparently, Bulova are bringing out a smaller sized Lunar Pilot, that could be bad for my wallet and my marriage! 🤣

[@DANIELFERGUSONYEAH]

@Steve B anymore info on this eg what size is it going to be? Honestly the amount of people wanting a smaller Lunar Pilot I’m surprised it’s taken this long if it is true!

[@Momo_8k]

Oh no!! 💸

[@georgegiesbrecht8224]

@@DANIELFERGUSONYEAH it will be 43mm

[@Diogopr86]

will be 2x more expensive , be prepared. Its funny that bulova lunar pilot is the only "quartz" i would buy right now and its so underrated.

[@steveb4012]

@Daniel Ferguson Chris did a video on the new Lunar Pilot, I believe it was going to be 43mm. Sorry for slow reply.

[@MrAumbra]

When do you start carrying Grand Seiko and Credor? Love the content.

[@andrew1982aa]

Hello teddy great video ,you are awesome . Casio oak?

[@Gumby56]

Thank you Teddy for profiling Sternglas, great watch!

[@williamhill7312]

Great video

[@PetarChakarov]

Hi Teddy. Seen dozen of videos of yours and I don't seem to find any reference to Festina watches. What is your opinion on them? For me they are cheap, yet good looking options with variety of styles and expressions.

[@miroslavseda9136]

It's actually quite amazing, what is available for this little money. Even a great looking watches by the respected brands.

[@Filmthiefx]

Is there anywhere in the UK to buy the Presage SRPF53 I've been looking around and can't find any

[@Dadication3]

Great choices. Wearing my Mikan GMT daily and loving it.

[@ukoutdoors3022]

I agree with your view on Citizen. Hard to beat for the money.

[@TheVDaddyo]

Still love SARX045 JDM that I purchased this year because of your prior reviews 😎

[@danielm2827]

Nice video. I'm looking for the junghans form c but the taupe dial. Difficult to find tho...

[@eram1004]

Love your videos. Don’t think I’ve seen you mention the CA based Nodus. I have 2 of their Avalons. Love their case feel. Great job.

[@valengreymoon5623]

I'd like to add the Citizen BJ7110-89E PROMASTER GMT / Diver combo. Under $500, and pretty much a do-it-all piece.

[@zakattack2535]

I was planning on having a local AD order a Seiko SPB143 for me, but I'd rather give you the business. Can you order any Seikos not currently listed on your site?