Did you know?
While people are willing to spend thousands of dollars on luxury watches, most men are usually looking for reliable and affordable timepieces.
These are watches that will not require them to break their banks and will still show the correct time and date.
And the best watches for men under $50 have become trendy accessories since the recent past.
While 50 bucks may not buy you much nowadays, you will find tons of watches that you can comfortably purchase with a $50 budget.
Let’s see what they are today.
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Best men’s watches under $50 – Quick comparison
Related watch collections:
Are cheap watches good enough?
The primary goal of a watch is to showtime.
It does not matter how expensive or cheap a watch is as its primary use will always be telling time.
Therefore, the time displayed by a $5 watch is the same as the time that will be shown by a $50,000 watch.
Therefore, cheap watches are good enough and are designed to tell you accurate time at all times.
What cheap watches lack is the extra features that luxury watches have.
For instance, you should not expect a $10 watch to have smartphone connectivity.
The style of cheap watches is not as sophisticated as that of expensive timepieces.
The bottom line is, cheap watches are good enough and reliable.
Reviews of the best men’s watches under $50
Timex Unisex Weekender
Timex is popular for producing affordable watches with high-end features.
Therefore, if you are looking for a good watch to invest in, the Timex Unisex Weekender is a good choice.
This is a model that is designed with a unisex appeal and hence can be worn by any gender.
24-hour military time
If you have ever wanted a watch with unique features that stands out from other cheap watch brands, this Timex model is the best watch for you.
The model features 24-hour military time, Arabic numerals, and a 30 meters water resistance.
The dial has an Indiglo light-up that allows for better visibility even in darkness.
It has an adjustable olive green 20mm nylon (slip-thru) strap.
Pros:
- 100 feet of water resistance
- Beautiful and decorative cream dial
- Quality materials
- Long battery life of up to 10 years
- Boasts of legendary Timex durability
Cons:
- Looks small on men with big wrists
Casio Men’s Vintage A168WA-1
Casio watches never fall out of fashion.
As such, the Casio Men’s Vintage A168WA-1 Electro Luminescence Watch is an affordable accessory that is built to last for a long time.
Featuring a plastic case that has a stainless-steel back, this timepiece boasts of a classy and unique appearance.
This model is loaded with tons of features that are designed to enhance unique user experience.
Unique and classy features
It has an Electro Luminescence feature that brings about a digital display with a bright EL Backlight.
In addition to this, it also has a day/date calendar.
What is more about the timepiece is that it also has a daily alarm, auto calendar, and hourly time signal that guarantees that you will never miss an important appointment.
Powered by a classy quartz movement and a 1/100 second stopwatch.
The battery in the timepiece has a life of up to 7 years.
Pros:
- Runs on a quartz movement
- Has a day/date calendar
- Comes with an EL Backlight for better visibility
- A fashionable accessory that matches well with any outfit
- Has an auto-calendar feature and hourly time signal
Cons:
- Designed for men use only
Timex Men’s Expedition Metal Field Watch
This Timex model is the ideal watch for men looking for a big watch that has easily legible markers.
It boasts of a unique blend of class, style, and affordability.
This timepiece is a perfect choice of accessory for outdoors as well as formal events like meetings.
Genuine leather straps
Featuring genuine leather straps, this Timex model is designed to last a lifetime.
The straps are not affected by water and hence brief exposure to water will not affect the quality of the leather straps in any way.
The black dial is complemented by bold Arabic markers and an Indiglo backlight.
With 50-meter water resistance, you can wear it during recreational activities like swimming.
There is a date window positioned at 3 o’clock.
Pros:
- Decorative silver-tone (39mm) brass case with a mineral glass crystal
- 165 feet of water resistance
- Comes with an adjustable brown (18mm) genuine leather strap
- Comes with a date window
- Features bold Arabic numerals for easy time reading
Cons:
- Men’s only watch
Casio Men’s G-Shock DW5600E-1V
The G-Shock watch series by Casio boasts of being the most durable watches in the market.
They are trusted by surfers, military personnel, outdoor enthusiasts, and law enforcement.
This all-black watch compares to most other high-end brands in the market.
Shock resistance
The shock-resistant construction protects it from all types of vibrations and impact.
As such, you need not worry that it breaking or becoming due to falls and other types of impacts.
The 20-bar water resistance guarantees that you can wear the accessory in all types of situations including swimming, jet skiing, surfing, and taking a shower with it.
The backlight in the timepiece allows you to read the time without straining.
Pros:
- Impressive 20-bar resistance
- Solid and sturdy construction
- Comes with a backlight for enhanced visibility
- Multi-function including auto-calendar, alarm, and 12/24-hour formats
- Comes with a protective mineral-dial window
Cons:
- The resin straps are not everyone’s favorite
Timex Ironman Classic
Timex boasts of a large collection of impressive timepieces and hand accessories.
The Ironman Classic 30 one of the most affordable timepieces in the market with impressive features and functions.
It has a water resistance of up to 330 feet/100m.
This means you never have to remove it when showering or engaging in activities like swimming, and surfing.
Convenient use
This Timex model comes with features that are designed to make it fun and exciting to use the timepiece.
Some of these features include a customizable alarm, a stopwatch that has a 30-lap memory, Indiglo back-light, and a countdown timer.
Additionally, the accessory comes with a variety of patterns and fun colors to choose from.
Pros:
- Features an Indiglo back-light
- Has a customizable alarm
- Excellent water resistance of up to 100m
- Comes with a day/date functionality
- Has 3 time zones
Cons:
- The resin straps may be uncomfortable for people with sweaty wrists
Casio F91W-1 Classic Digital Watch
The F91W-1 is a great accessory for casual wear.
Since all Casio models are designed using sophisticated technology and expert craftsmanship, this watch guarantees reliable service throughout its life.
The innovatively designed face makes the timepiece ideal for any outfit; whether casual or formal.
Digital sport watch
This digital sport watch features a rectangle case and boasts of features such as chronograph functions, alarm, and night light.
The 33mm resin case has a mineral dial window that enhances the appearance of the timepiece as well as its durability.
The timepiece runs on quartz movement and comes with functions that include hourly time signal, 1/100 second digital stopwatch, day/date, and auto calendar.
Pros:
- Ribbed resin band with a buckle closure
- High accuracy of +/- 30 seconds every month
- Has a night light for better visibility in darkness
- Runs on the legendary quartz movement
- Digital and user-friendly display
Cons:
- The all-resin construction may feel cheap to some people
Invicta Men’s 89320B Pro Diver
If you are in the market for a classy and high-end diver watch that is affordable, this 89320B watch by Invicta is the best choice for you.
The water-resistance of this wrist accessory is 200 meters, thereby being a perfect gadget for several water activities including diving, snorkeling, and showering.
Quartz movement
Like other Invicta watch models, this 89320B is powered by a quartz movement that guarantees accurate time and date display at all times.
The bezel in the timepiece is a push crown type.
The stainless-steel bracelet with a fold-over clasp and a safety closure enhances the overall appearance.
The mineral dial window is scratch-resistant.
Pros:
- Impressive water resistance
- Decorative and user-friendly display
- Solid and sturdy stainless-steel bracelet
- Comes with a date window
- Easily visible dial with silver hands and a black dial
Cons:
- Lacks a day window
Bewell W086B Mens Wooden Watch
Made using 100% Africa natural wood with each Bewell WO86B being handcrafted and polished for an exclusive look.
The best thing is that it is hypo-allergenic and non-toxic.
As such, you are not likely to experience any skin reactions even for men with toxic skins.
Unique style
This watch model is lightweight and thus you will hardly notice that you are wearing it.
The classic wooden design and straps are fashionable and eco-friendly.
The straps are comfortable to wear even for long durations.
There is a date window at the 3 o’clock position.
The battery in the device lasts for up to 36 months.
The Japanese Quartz movement in the timepiece ensures accurate time and date display.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly construction
- Long battery life
- Comfortable straps
- Has a date window at 3 o’clock position
- Perfect gift for occasions like weddings, birthdays, graduations, and Father’s Day
Cons:
- The wood finish is susceptible to peeling due to prolonged exposure to water
Casio Men’s G-Shock DW6900-1V
G-Shock watches are known to last a lifetime while ensuring that the models show accurate and precise time.
The DW6900-1V is designed for trendy men looking for an exclusive and unique accessory they can wear to any event.
The resin construction of the casing and straps guarantee the waterproof properties of the model.
Shock resistant
With a 200 meters water resistance, you need not worry when showering, diving or surfing when wearing it.
Among the unique features that come with it, there is a full auto-calendar, multi-function alarm, countdown timer, split time functionality, and a buzzer sound for alarms and hourly time signal.
Pros:
- Shock-resistant construction for protection against all types of vibrations and impacts
- Unique 200-meter water resistance
- Has 12/24-hour formats
- Has a buzzer sound for alarms
- EL Backlight for best visibility in darkness
Cons:
- Has only 1 alarm while other Casio watches have multiple alarms
Timex Men’s Expedition Classic
Featuring a casual outdoor design, this Timex is a perfect purchase for men looking for a wrist accessory that will complement their style.
The mixed nylon and leather strap in the timepiece are comfortable and gentle on the skin.
Durable and lightweight construction
Timex is known for making solid, durable, and sturdy watches.
The lightweight resin case in the timepiece is durable and sturdy to withstand a variety of impacts.
It has a digital display and comes with unique features such as a stopwatch, alarm, countdown timer, and a dial with an Indiglo light-up.
The 330 feet water-resistance makes it ideal for snorkeling, and swimming but not diving.
Pros:
- Durable and lightweight construction
- Impressive 330 feet water resistance
- Has an Indiglo light-up for enhanced visibility at night
- Features a casual outdoor design
- Expedition digital display
Cons:
- The resin construction feels cheap to some men
What are some great cheap watch brands?
Every watch brand designs and builds watch models for all price ranges.
From Casio to Seiko and Timex, all these brands have affordable timepieces in their watch collections.
Some of the brands in this category are such as Timex Unisex Weekender- Timex is a popular brand for making affordable but highly durable watches.
At 38 mm, the model has a unisex look and design that makes the accessory ideal for both men and women.
Casio is yet another classy watch that you can buy for under $50.
The Casio Men’s Vintage (A168WA-1) is another affordable watch model that you can consider investing in.
this watch boasts of a vintage look and has a backlight for better clarity and visibility in poor lighting conditions.
The best thing about this timepiece is that it has a day/date window.
Since Casio watches are known for their performance, you can be guaranteed that this timepiece will serve you diligently.
Invicta is a brand that most people identify with.
This is because the brand stops at nothing when it comes to designing affordable but classy time accessories.
The Invicta Men’s 89320B Pro Driver timepiece is a uniquely affordable watch model from this brand.
The timepiece is designed for people who are looking for a watch with a diver-style.
The stainless-steel casing and bracelet enhances the durability and reliability of the timepiece.
How to choose a cheap men’s watch that works
If you are keen on owning a cheap men’s watch, then you need to know what to look for in the best watch that comes with a cheap budget.
Usually, there are a few cheap watch brands and models that are designed poorly and hence tend to break apart within no time.
Due to this, you need to know the factors to check for in the best cheap men’s watch.
Here are the factors worth considering:
Consider a classy, unique and minimalist design
For a cheap watch, it is necessary that you only choose a watch that features a uniquely classy and minimalist design.
This is because most cheap watches have nothing much to offer when it comes to aesthetics.
However, with a minimalist design, you get a classy looking watch that will make it fun and exciting to use.
Such kind of cheap watches offers versatility in that you can wear it to any event or with any outfit.
Simplicity is priceless when it comes to cheap watch brands.
Choose a fitting size
When it comes to choosing the best size of a cheap watch, proportion always comes into play.
Proportion refers to the size of the casing as well as that of the bracelet/ strap.
Proportion means that you select a watch with the right case size depending on your wrist size.
This is so that you do not settle for a watch that will either be too big or too small for your wrist.
If you have a big wrist, then you should settle for a watch with a large casing.
Ideally, the perfect watch for you is one that will match the size of your wrist perfectly.
Consider the movement
There are lots of watch movements but generally, the main categories that are divided into are quartz and mechanical.
Most high-end and luxury timepieces feature mechanical movements.
These movements are fluid and smooth.
Quartz movements on the other hand are common in less expensive watches.
This is the movement you are likely to find in most cheap watches.
However, the choice of whether you will settle on a watch that has quartz or mechanical movement is up to you.
Consider your budget
There are tons of watch brands in the market.
Some of these brands are affordable while others are not.
However, when you are looking for an affordable watch under $50, then you should limit yourself to models that are within this range.
However, if you have a $30 budget, you should search for the best watches that are cheaper or within this budget.
With the right search, you can easily land the best watch under $50 that is bound to provide you with the best service throughout its life.
Conclusion
The overall design of a watch will determine the interest and personal connection you will have with it.
Therefore, you need to settle on a timepiece that you can easily identify with.
Look for a watch with a simplistic design and a neatly organized dial.
Further reading:
Ten Tips for Watch care | IWC Schaffhausen
10 Tips on How To Take Care of Your Watch
