Rating Top 10 best inexpensive men's watches

A men's wristwatch is a stylish accessory that is most often selected based on practical characteristics. For representatives of the stronger half of humanity, the main role is played not by the appearance, but by the internal “filling” of the accessory and the list of functions that it can perform.

A high-quality wristwatch will serve its owner for many years, will delight you with trouble-free operation and will not cause problems with operation. Can budget models be truly high-quality, or do branded watches always cost exorbitant amounts of money? We have compiled for you a rating of the best inexpensive men's watches, which includes time-tested models - if you are looking for a gift for a loved one, be sure to check out this review!

What criteria are used to select Swiss watches?

There are several aspects that are usually taken into account by those who choose an accessory (especially a Swiss one) for themselves or as a gift.

1. Status. Of course, luxury watches must be mechanical.

   
   Criteria for choosing a watch

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2. Price . Products from Swiss manufacturers can also be relatively inexpensive. It is possible to purchase a quality product for 10 thousand, but the upper price limit is limited to several million.
3. Life style . When choosing, you need to understand who the accessory is intended for. Different products are suitable for businessmen, athletes and artists.
4. Floor . Watch models designed for men and women have significant differences.
5. Design. The watch can be strict, classic or have an original look. The choice of design and materials is very wide: gold, silver or platinum, precious stones, crystals and other decorative elements, various colors and shapes - there is practically no limit to the imagination of designers.

   
   Swarovski watches

6. Functionality . In addition to the main function of measuring time, the watch can be equipped with a stopwatch, calendar, heart rate measurement, etc.

Accessories with the inscription “Swiss made” have long become a symbol of quality. Moreover, this is confirmed not by competent marketing moves, but historically. By the way, you can order products from Swiss manufacturers according to your personal needs.

Swiss watches are the undisputed leader in the global watch industry

It is quite difficult to make an objective assessment of the products offered. Much in the perception of watches depends on people's tastes and preferences. However, based on the quality of the products and their performance characteristics, as well as assessing the reputation of the manufacturer, you can make a rating of Swiss watches.

Video - How Swiss watches are made

8Essence

Products made in South Korea please with a variety of designs and price categories. For the most part, these are good and inexpensive watches made of stainless steel, ceramics and mineral glass. Classic models with a leather strap and a minimum of additions are widely represented.

The new line with ceramic bracelets is particularly popular due to its high quality and pronounced aesthetic advantages. Today it successfully competes with well-known brands, leading due to its reasonable price.

Advantages:

• rich variety of styles;
• retain their original appearance for a long time;
• affordable prices;
• high quality mechanisms.

Flaws:

• bright spraying can change shade.

Good production capacity allows us to produce products at reasonable prices, the range is from 4,000 to 20,000 rubles.

Prices for Essence ES6402FE.439:

Quartz

Diesel DZ4318

pros

• Functionality
• Spectacular design
• Crown protection
• Separate stopwatch hand

Minuses

• The orange dial may not be to everyone's liking

From 24,000 ₽

A good watch with a quartz movement from Italy. They will be able to become part of the image of any man. The steel bracelet is securely held with a lock and also looks very stylish on the hand.

Nika Lotos

pros

• Golden body
• Laconic appearance
• Comfortable strap

Minuses

• Weak protection against water

From 87,000 ₽

Men's gold watch with quartz movement and mineral glass. To strengthen it, sapphire coating is also applied on top of the glass. But such watches are not suitable for use in swimming pools. Water protection WR 30 will protect you from accidental splashes, but full immersion can be a fatal mistake.

JacquesLemansSport 1-1943G

pros

• Availability
• Nice design without unnecessary details
• Displaying the day of the month
• Durable glass

Minuses

• Limited functionality

From 11,000 ₽

A good option for those who do not want to spend large sums on an accessory. For little money, the buyer receives a high-quality quartz movement, 100 m water resistance, mineral glass and a high-quality leather strap. The case itself is made of steel, which is scratch-resistant and retains its excellent appearance even after prolonged use.

Bracelet or strap. Which is more convenient?

When choosing a strap or bracelet, you should rely only on your own opinion. A practical strap made of leather or faux leatherette is convenient because it can be adjusted exactly to the size of your wrist. The soft material does not rub the skin, but will require replacement approximately every 3-4 years. A strap made of artificial material will begin to tear sooner.

A metal bracelet is more wear-resistant; polish regularly to restore an even finish. However, the links of inexpensive bracelets often break, which leads to the replacement of the entire structure. Be careful when purchasing and try to choose models from trusted manufacturers.

Realme Watch - inexpensive smartwatch with a large display

The Realme Watch device made it into our top smartwatches thanks to its good balance between price and quality. Costing less than four thousand rubles, the gadget has a 1.4-inch touch screen with a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels. The smartwatch is compatible with Android devices and is equipped with sleep monitoring, calorie counting and physical activity detection functions.

The gadget tracks heart rate, determines blood oxygen levels and supports 14 training modes: football, table tennis, running, yoga and so on. The charge lasts for 7 days of battery life with the heart rate sensor turned on.

The body shape of the Realme Watch is similar to the top model of the Apple Watch. Photo: wareable.com

Benefits of Realme Watch

• GPS module
• Motion Sensor
• Lots of features
• Affordable price

Disadvantages of Realme Watch

• No NFC module
• Not the highest screen resolution

Apple Watch Series 6 - the best smartwatch for iPhone

Apple sets trends in many areas, including the smartwatch segment. Apple Watch Series 6 is the sixth generation of the flagship line of these wrist gadgets. Compared to its predecessor, the model has changed insignificantly, but several interesting features have still been added.

Users can now measure blood oxygen levels and perform sleep monitoring. The manufacturer has improved the S6 chip and added a brighter Retina display. With the Always on Display feature enabled, the screen is 2.5 times brighter than the previous generation watch, and remains highly readable even in direct sunlight. This smartwatch, as before, works without recharging for 18 hours, and with economical use - up to 24-28 hours.

Despite the brighter display and other improvements, the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 6 has not deteriorated. Photo: reviewed.com

You can read more about the Apple Watch Series 6 in our review, but here are the most interesting features:

• possibility of conducting electronic ECG;
• heart rate measurement;
• built-in compass and GPS;
• measuring oxygen concentration in the blood;
• fall detection (with automatic sending of an “alarm” message);
• monitoring of sports modes;
• NFC module for contactless payment using Apple Pay;
• voice assistant.

The watch costs about 32,000 rubles, but this price is not the lowest due to the large number of functions of the gadget.

Benefits of Apple Watch 6

• Stylish design, like other Apple gadgets
• Lots of features
• ECG sensor
• Variety of body colors
• Possibility of changing the strap

Disadvantages of Apple Watch 6

• Price
• Relatively short battery life
• Compatible with iOS only

Mechanical or electronic

The “heart” of the mechanism is the most important part that you should pay attention to when purchasing. The energy source required for accurate and long-lasting operation may vary. Let's consider each of the options.

Mechanical watches

A classic look that has stood the test of time. Chronometers were one of the first to appear, but have still not lost their popularity. The mechanism is driven by a coil spring, which requires regular winding. Modern manufacturers have come up with an automatic plant that does not require constant human intervention.

Premium accessories with complex designs are collector's items. The advantage of this type of mechanism is the absence of a source of extraneous energy. Elite examples are assembled by hand and demonstrate the status of the owner. The disadvantage is the high price, movement errors, and the vulnerability of parts of the mechanism to external conditions.

Quartz movement

The work is performed by an electric motor that receives energy from a quartz crystal. Energy is supplied by a small battery, the charge of which lasts for 1-2 years. Models with a classic dial and hands do not require winding and provide accurate movement with a minimum error of 15-20 seconds per month.

The advantage of a quartz movement is considered to be strength and durability, even under difficult operating conditions. Minimal maintenance and a budget price make these things very practical and more affordable than mechanical ones.

Electronic

They are a set of microcircuits powered by batteries. The external scoreboard does not have arrows. Modern smart models have wide functionality - determining time, pulse, heart rate, pedometer, the ability to display messages and much more.

Such accessories do not have an extensive history, but are very popular due to the many functions they perform, their special strength and ability to survive extreme conditions. Technological models are inexpensive, which makes them very attractive for athletes, people leading a healthy lifestyle and lovers of modern gadgets.

Cover glass

The dial is covered with glass, which protects it from damage and also provides an attractive appearance during long-term everyday wear. The best manufacturers produce coatings of various types, the most common are:

• mineral - inexpensive, replacing it is not difficult, resistant to minor scratches, but easy to break;
• plexiglass - small damage quickly appears on it, but it breaks with difficulty and does not protect the inside well from water and dirt;
• sapphire - coatings made of expensive material are used only in elite models; it is scratch-resistant, but can quickly collapse from a strong impact;
• supplex - a durable modern material, consisting of two layers, reliably protects the dial from scratches.

Autoquartz

Seiko SNP161P1

pros

• Perpetual calendar
• Steel bracelet
• Waterproof housing

Minuses

• High price

From 68,500 ₽

High-tech watches in which manufacturers combined mechanics and quartz. 12-hour or 24-hour time format is available. The back cover is screwed into the case, ensuring complete sealing and protection from moisture. The clasp with a locking system will prevent the bracelet from coming unfastened at the wrong time.

OrientKT00002B

pros

• Design
• Availability
• Rubber bracelet
• Anti-glare coating

Minuses

• Shows only the day of the month

From 18,900 ₽

A chronograph watch equipped with a 45-minute stopwatch and a tachymeter. The transparent back cover allows you to see the internal parts of the device. The crown is screwed into the case, while providing complete protection against moisture.

Special Forces C44-35501

pros

• Low price
• Strength
• Simplicity

Minuses

• Poor protection against moisture ingress

From 4,300 ₽

A practical and stylish accessory from a Russian manufacturer. The mechanism does not require regular winding, since the internal pendulum independently winds the spring. So the device can work for up to three months. Mineral glass copes well with impacts and is practically insensitive to scratches.

Additional features

Modern models can not only measure the passage of time. Many additional functions make a wristwatch an indispensable and useful accessory.

There are waterproof models equipped with additional sealing layers at the joints of the parts. If the abbreviation WR (Water resistant) is on the case, you can not take them off while swimming and not be afraid of getting caught in the rain.

For athletes or people in active professions, a watch with a shock resistance function will be an indispensable accessory. Unbreakable glass and a durable case will make the watch a reliable assistant in extreme and difficult conditions.

Some dials are equipped with additional indicators - a calendar with the date and day of the week, a second time indicator for travelers across time zones, tachometers, emergency indicators, stopwatches and many more useful functions. There are especially many different tools in electronic gadgets.

Accessories from the highest price category

For those who primarily pay attention not only to the quality, but also to the status of things, products from the “elite” category are offered.

No. 3. Vacheron Constantin

The oldest watch house in Switzerland began producing watches in the 18th century (the silver watch that still survives was produced in 1755). You can recognize the products of famous watchmakers by their logo, which is an image of a Maltese cross.

Vacheron Constantin

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the company was the official supplier of the royal court of Serbia. During the First World War, pocket watches from the Swiss manufacturer were supplied to the American Expeditionary Forces. The company was one of the first to move away from the traditional round shape of the case, releasing products in the shape of a barrel, trapezoid and curved square. For the 200th anniversary of the house, the thinnest watch model was presented to the public, with a thickness of 1.64 mm.

Mechanical wristwatch Vacheron Constantin Geneve

The manufacturer produces some of the most expensive watches in the world. For example, in 1979, the exclusive Kallista model was released from a single piece of gold, in the design of which 141 diamonds and 118 diamonds were used. To create this work of art, it took more than 5 years of painstaking work by craftsmen. The watch was purchased by an anonymous buyer for $5 million.

In 2015 (to mark the 260th anniversary of the brand), a new collection of watches for men and women was released, the case of which used a combination of several geometric shapes.

Watches from the collection for the 260th anniversary of the brand

Skeleton watches give the impression of a transparent structure of wheel gears and openwork bridges.

Skeleton watch

The world's oldest manufacturer of Swiss watches has offices in 80 countries, more than 15 branded stores and 300 sales points. Women's and men's models are available, with manual and automatic winding. The materials used are steel, different types of gold and diamonds.

No. 2. Chopard

Founded in 1860, the company quickly managed to become one of the leading manufacturers in Switzerland. The quality of Chopard products has been appreciated by many high-ranking people. For example, Russian Emperor Nicholas II especially highlighted this brand. The company was the main supplier for Swiss Railways.

Chopard

In addition to producing uniquely designed models, Chopard was able to organize its own production of every detail of its products. In 1996, the LUC 1860 watch was released, completely developed and produced in the company's workshop. They won the prestigious Watch of the Year award.

Chopard LUC XPS 1860

Today, several collections are produced for connoisseurs of quality and style.

1. La Strada, imbued with the spirit of Italian cinema;
2. Classic - the personification of the traditions of Swiss watchmaking;
3. Ice Cube with graphic design;
4. IMPERIALE - luxurious and elegant women's models;
5. Classic Racing, which combines the features of traditional mechanical mechanisms with a motor-racing theme;
6. L'Heure du Diamant - luxury watch with diamonds;
7. UC, which has become the embodiment of Swiss watchmaking;
8. Happy Diamonds are the embodiment of unique individuality;
9. Happy Sport, which received the status of a cult model;
10. Alpine Eagle, made in the style of "sporty chic".

Watch Chopard CHW-104

No. 1. Patek Philippe SA

Watches from this brand are some of the most expensive.

Patek Philippe SA

Important! In 2021, the most expensive watch in the world was sold at auction: Patek Philippe The Grandmaster Chime Reference 6300A-010. The double-sided watch with 20 complications was purchased for $35.5 million.

The company was founded in 1839. And already in 1851, a model of the new brand was presented to Queen Victoria during an international exhibition. In 1868, Patek Philippe produced the world's first bracelet watch. Following this novelty, numerous innovative products began to appear - with a chronograph, perpetual calendar, minute repeater, etc.

Patek Philippe SA Geneve watches

The production is located in Geneva and employs about 200 people. Over the entire history of the company, 600 thousand watches have been produced, but one must take into account the significant prices for them. One of the watchman's slogans. Over the years, the manufacturer has received about 100 patents for inventions.

Today Patek Philippe is represented in 7 collections, each of which can be considered a work of art.

1. Chronograph Annual Calendar.
2. Perpetual Calendar.
3. World Time.
4. Annual Calendar.
5. Gondolo Gemma.

Nautilus 5711 watch from Patek Philippe
Table. The best Swiss watch manufacturers.

In watch production, the products of Swiss craftsmen have long been the standard of quality and luxury. In the collections of these brands you can find models in accordance with your tastes and financial capabilities.

Video - TOP 5 best brands of Swiss watches with a budget up to $500