Welcome back to the DadBod blog with me, Bill Sweet. When it comes to style, we all think a lot about the clothes we wear, how we carry ourselves, and how we can be more confident. These are all important things to think about, but today we’re zeroing in on the smaller details, like accessories.
In particular, watches.
Now, there are certainly some incredible, beautiful, and stunning watches out there, but there’s no doubt a lot of them sit in price ranges that have us breathless. Today we’re taking a different approach, looking into the top men’s watches available for under $1,000.
Let’s get into it.
Who are these watches for?
Before we get into this, I just wanted to make a note that there are watches on this list available to everyone. It doesn’t matter if your build is average, tall, short, big, healthy, husky, fluffy, or a mixture of them all, somehow, they’ll be watches on here that suit whatever kind of style you’re working towards.
That’s because watches are a wonderful accessory, unlike any other. They can be used to complement any outfit and to give it a sparkle and essence that really helps to bring it to life. On the other hand, a watch can act as the centerpiece for an outfit, drawing all eyes and lighting up the room.
It’s really up to you.
The most important thing to remember, no matter who you are, is the fact that you should be using watches to elevate your style in a way that works for you. Sure, function is a big part of this, but in a world of cellphones and technology, analog watches remain timeless, and showing an interest in such watches creates that timeless aura in your look.
It’s all about taking the time and the care to find a watch that suits the aesthetic you’re creating, and if you can do so, the impact will be more significant than you can ever imagine.
And the watch that has this effect on you might surprise you.
So, without further ado, let’s get into the watches, and if you’re down for reading, then you can check out the video version of this topic with even more info on every watch over on my YouTube channel using the link below.
Either way, let’s get into it.
The 10 Best Watches for Under $1,000
This list has been created by compiling hundreds of top watches lists from across the internet, my own personal experience, and the latest customer reviews and feedback, giving you a well-rounded take on the best watches available right now.
Click on the header link for each watch to see more information.
The Moonwatch is a particularly special watch I wanted to kickstart this list with because it’s a beauty. Coming in at under $600, Bulova is a famous brand because it went to the moon back on August 2nd, 1971.
This watch design accompanied the men on their mission and was specially designed to handle the conditions of space travel. David R. Scott, the astronaut of the mission, wore this exact watch design on the moon’s surface, the watch chosen after the original Speedmaster he wore had come off on an earlier walk.
There’s such a cosmic edge to this watch, and it’s such a pleasure to have a watch that pays heritage to such an important and exclusive event.
This special edition item boasts classic analog-quartz movement that vibrates at 32,768 cycles. That’s eight times faster than a traditional quartz crystal, making it far more accurate than a conventional watch.
It’s also water resistant up to 50 meters, it looks amazing, and there’s no doubt this is a conversation starter.
Seiko Sports has been an iconic watch line for over 50 years (that’s half a century), but with every upgrade Seiko brings out, we see vast improvements on the design, functionality, and style that just keep it relentlessly relevant.
Everything you’d expect from a leading line includes:
● A day-date display.
● An automatic winding.
● A protected crown.
● A water-resistant design of up to 30M.
● A ton of durability features.
These tend to be the five key elements of design that Seiko absolutely makes sure to include in all their devices, and then they work the design and aesthetic upgrades around these necessities. Ultimately, this gives you a watch that looks great and one you know you can rely on.
Coming in at under $200, this is undoubtedly one of the most affordable watches on this list, and available in over 16 unique styles, you get the ability to choose the style that’s best for you.
What more could you ask for?
Coming in at $100, if you’re shopping on a budget but don’t want to hold back when it comes to premium watches, Invicta has a lucrative option for you. With over 22 unique styles and designs to choose from, from classic steel and matte editions to striking gold with blue face editions that just look incredible, Invicta has really pushed the boat out when it comes to customizing your style.
This watch is featured on over 50% of the 105 best watch lists I researched, which says a lot, and you really are getting your money’s worth.
Encrusted with 24 jewels yet weighing only 155 grams, this watch features NH35A Japanese automatic moving that keeps it accurate, and all those little features that make a good watch great. This includes luminous hands, free servicing and band replacement, a 3-year warranty on every purpose, and a beautiful gift box that ensures this is the perfect present.
It’s one of those watches where you can’t really go wrong. The design is timeless, clearly inspired by the Rolex design of the late 1960s, yet still holds the clean and minimalist feel that Invicta is known for.
If you’re looking for a stylish, elite, and more premium watch that really pushes the boat out when it comes to authentic and luxurious style, Junghans is ideal.
There are dozens of watches in the Max Bill range that sit around the $1,000 mark. Some are as high as $2,200+, but there are plenty in the $750 range and more.
Clearly YungHans has a stunning minimalist style on the face and strap, which is the main draw for many admirers. Junghans is also an incredibly reliable brand, and if you’re just starting out in the world of fine watches and you want to enter with a good price point, then Junghans is undoubtedly where you’d go.
Junghans has been around since the early 1861 and actually spent many years as the largest watch manufacturer in the world. A German brand, you can find Junghans all over the world, and there’s no doubt it’s one of the most reputable companies to this day.
I love the INOX.
This special watch is a military-tested design that has endured over 130 extreme durability and functionality tests over a four-year period. Admittedly, some of them came across as being a bit unusual, such as tying the watch to a balloon, letting it float up, and then popping it and letting it fall onto a tile floor over 32 feet, but hey, it gets results.
Just for fun, some other tests include keeping it in a special refrigeration unit, strapping it to a bobsled, and driving over it with a 64-ton tank.
Built into the device, you’ll find a quartz battery that will almost certainly outlast you and a durable design capable of surviving almost anything, including submerging in water at depths of over 200m.
Long story short, this watch doesn’t just look great; it’s a military-grade watch built for anything. This alone gives it a sense of confidence that few other watches can come close to.
Casio.
The household name of watches is renowned for the classic black simple watch that everyone seems to have had at one point. Of course, it’s a great watch that’s certainly reliable, but no doubt its style is questionable. At least in this case.
Instead, I want to draw your attention to the G-Shock series, specifically the 500. There are both analog and digital versions of this watch available with either steel or silicone straps, so you get a bit of leeway regarding the final design.
Either way, coming in at under $500, the GMW-B5000 is a fantastic and unique-looking watch. This one has full auto LED backlighting, adjustable lumination, and afterglow. It even has Bluetooth connectivity and water resistance up to 200m.
This is certainly a unique take from the minimalist, sleek-looking watches and instead provides a beautiful balance between functionality and a modern, professional look. The taste won’t be for everyone, but it really does hit a sweet spot for some.
In true Casio fashion, it even has solar-paneled charging that ensures it will keep on going for many years to come.
Listed for under $400, Hamilton Khaki feels like a unique find. They have this old-world kind of feel to them, what with the brown and tan leather straps and intricate watch face, and it’s clear they’re styled from a 1940s aesthetic.
This particular mechanical version of the watch is actually a revival of Hamilton’s design that was used by NATO forces back in the 1960s. It’s incredibly functional and durable, with clear-to-read displays, and while built for use, they certainly have a unique style that you just can’t find in modern watches.
For this watch, however, the devil is in the details. From sword-styled watch hands on the face to the quartz, automatic, and manual calibers, there is a huge line of these watches to choose from, giving you near-infinite ways to enjoy this brand and everything they have to offer.
I’m a big fan of the Conquest line of watches.
Available in various styles, Longines offers a unique and subtle look that still somehow manages to hold impact. The matte brushed stainless steel casing with the blue or gold face, large 12 and 6 numerals, and sleek hand design all come together to create a style that doesn’t seem like much at first, but there’s no doubt it leaves a lasting impression.
That’s why Longines has been known as one of the leading dress watches since 1954 but has evolved into more of an elegant sports watch in modern times. All Conquest watches are VHP lines (Very High Precision), which means the quartz movements inside the watch are unique to Longines.
Interestingly, that means these watches come with a perpetual calendar on the inside that even if the time is knocked out of sync but a jolt or a magnet, it will all automatically set back to the correct time.
The second entry from Seiko here, and who can blame me? It’s one of the world’s best and most reputable watch brands, and the Prospex is a fantastic example of why.
The Prospex is a sports line of watches that stands for ‘Professional Specifications,’ which highlights Seiko’s commitment to quality, value, and outstanding reliability, for which the brand is known.
The SNJ025 watch is loved for its simplicity and stunning looks, but any of the Prospex line is affordable and comes with great designs. Me personally, this is my least favorite on the list, however; that does not mean it will be yours. It may be your favorite. This list is a compilation of dozens of lists online; not specifically my personal preferences.
Interestingly, these are actually popular diving watches, the top of the range capable of exceeding depths of 1,000m, which is just bonkers. That being said, you can enjoy these watches anywhere. They have a lovely lightweight design, variable movement options from automatic and quartz to solar-powered, and the patented Spring Drive. You really get everything you could wish for.
Finally, we have Tissot. This may not be a brand as common as the other titans on this list, but that doesn’t mean it should be dismissed quite so easily. I’m a big fan of the subtle Tissot design, the brushed steel casing with an impactful blue face, this time coming in with a unique textured look that really sets it apart from the rest.
Mixing this watch with a similar blue casual suit could look absolutely incredible, no matter the occasion.
These are some very affordable watches, usually sitting around the $500 mark, and pride themselves on an elegant design, gorgeous Swiss manufacturing, and a classic European energy that just hits perfectly.
Summary
As you can see, some stunning watches are available for under $1,000, and you’re spoilt for choice, whether you’re shopping to treat yourself or looking for the perfect gift for a loved one.
Remember, your watch should be your own, and there’s no harm in taking the time to find the one that works for you. Let go and enjoy the process, and you’ll see for yourself just how rewarding and pleasurable the world of watches can be.
If you want more information on any of these watches, plus ten more honorable mentions and everything else style related, go check out my YouTube channel!
If you’d like to read more articles on watch options, check them out HERE:
See you next time!