Movement: Quartz Reigns Supreme

For cheap men's watches, quartz movements are generally the most practical and reliable choice. Quartz watches are battery-powered, offering excellent accuracy and requiring minimal maintenance. They are also significantly more affordable to produce than mechanical or automatic movements. While watch enthusiasts might appreciate the craftsmanship of mechanical movements, quartz is the king of value and precision in the affordable category. Look for reputable quartz movements from brands like Seiko, Miyota (Citizen), or Ronda, which are known for their dependability.

Case Material: Stainless Steel is Your Friend

Stainless steel cases are highly recommended for cheap men's watches due to their durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic versatility. Avoid watches with plated brass or alloy cases if possible, as these are more prone to wear and tear and can tarnish over time. Stainless steel offers a robust and long-lasting foundation for your watch. While titanium is lighter and stronger, it's less common in this price range. Look for 304 or 316L stainless steel, which are industry standards for quality and durability.

Crystal: Mineral or Hardened Mineral is Acceptable

The crystal (the clear cover over the watch face) is another crucial element. Sapphire crystal is the gold standard for scratch resistance, but it's rare in truly cheap men's watches. Mineral crystal is a good compromise, offering decent scratch resistance at a lower cost. Hardened mineral crystal, often found in watches at slightly higher price points within the "cheap" range, provides even better scratch resistance than standard mineral crystal and is a worthwhile feature to look for if possible. Acrylic crystals are the least scratch-resistant but are inexpensive and can often be polished to remove minor scratches.

Strap/Bracelet: Comfort and Style Matter

The strap or bracelet significantly impacts the watch's overall look and comfort. Options include:

• Leather: Offers a classic and dressy look. Look for genuine leather or good quality PU leather for durability.
• Metal (Stainless Steel): Provides a more robust and formal aesthetic. Ensure the bracelet feels solid and the clasp is secure.
• NATO/Nylon: Versatile, durable, and comfortable, perfect for casual and sporty styles. Easy to swap out for different looks.
• Silicone/Rubber: Ideal for sports and activities due to their water resistance and comfort.

Consider your personal style and intended use when choosing the strap material.

Water Resistance: Understand the Ratings

Water resistance is essential, even for everyday wear. Understand the common ratings:

• 30 meters/3 ATM: Splash resistant only. Okay for handwashing but not for swimming or showering.
• 50 meters/5 ATM: Suitable for swimming in shallow water.
• 100 meters/10 ATM: Suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
• 200 meters/20 ATM and above: Suitable for diving.

For most everyday needs, 50 meters or 100 meters water resistance is a good target for cheap men's watches.

Style: Choose What Suits You

Cheap men's watches come in a variety of styles. Consider your personal taste and how you intend to wear the watch:

• Dress Watches: Minimalist, elegant, often with leather straps.
• Sport Watches: Durable, functional, often with features like chronographs or timers, and robust water resistance.
• Casual Watches: Versatile, comfortable, suitable for everyday wear, can range from simple to more rugged styles.
• Field Watches: Inspired by military watches, rugged, legible, often with nylon or leather straps.
• Diver Watches: Inspired by dive watches, often feature rotating bezels and high water resistance (or the look of it).

Think about your wardrobe and lifestyle to determine the best style for you.

Timex

Timex is a legendary American brand known for its reliability and affordability. They offer a vast range of styles, from classic dress watches to rugged sport watches. Iconic models like the Timex Weekender, Easy Reader, and Ironman series are staples in the cheap men's watches category. Timex watches are known for their durability, straightforward designs, and the signature Indiglo backlight feature.

Casio

Casio is a Japanese giant renowned for its innovation and value. Their G-Shock line is famous for its extreme durability and shock resistance, making them ideal sport and outdoor watches. Beyond G-Shock, Casio offers a wide array of affordable and stylish watches, including digital classics like the F-91W and retro-inspired analog models in the Edifice and Standard series. Casio watches are known for their functionality, reliability, and long battery life.

Seiko (Entry-Level)

While Seiko is known for its high-end Grand Seiko line, their entry-level watches offer incredible value and quality. The Seiko 5 series, for example, is legendary for its automatic movements at an affordable price point. While slightly above the "ultra-cheap" category, entry-level Seikos provide a step up in terms of movement quality and overall finish while still remaining accessible. Seiko's reputation for quality and innovation is well-deserved, even in their more affordable ranges.

Citizen (Entry-Level)

Citizen, another Japanese powerhouse, is known for its Eco-Drive technology, which powers watches using light. Their entry-level Eco-Drive models offer a fantastic combination of sustainability, reliability, and style without the need for battery changes. Citizen also offers a range of stylish and durable quartz watches at very competitive prices. They are known for their technological innovation and commitment to environmental responsibility.

Invicta (Selected Models)

Invicta is a brand that can be polarizing among watch enthusiasts, but they do offer some undeniably cheap men's watches, particularly within their Pro Diver series. While some models can be overly large or flashy, certain Invicta watches provide a lot of style for the price, especially if you are looking for a diver-style watch on a budget. It's important to be discerning and read reviews when considering Invicta, but their Pro Diver models often represent excellent value for their aesthetic and basic functionality.

Orient (Entry-Level)

Orient, owned by Seiko Epson, is another Japanese brand known for its in-house movements and excellent value. While primarily known for automatic watches, their entry-level quartz models also offer good quality and classic styling at affordable prices. Orient often provides a slightly more refined aesthetic than some other brands in the truly cheap men's watches category, making them a great option for those seeking a touch of understated elegance.