15 Affordable Watch Brands And Their Best Watches
The watchmaking world can often be confusing and hard to navigate, especially if you’re new to it. Finding reliable and good quality brands that sell affordable watches can be a difficult challenge for people looking for an entry-level watch. So, we decided to help you out. In this guide, we have picked out the 15 best affordable brands and three of our favorite watches from each brand, that we have given the Wrist Enthusiast seal of approval to. Without further ado, let’s get straight into our picks for best affordable watch brands.
Seiko was started in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori, in Tokyo. The firm was initially a watch and jewellery shop, but quickly transitioned into one of the largest, most innovative, and most independent watchmakers in the world. One of just a handful of brands who oversee every single step of the design, manufacturing, and assembly of their pieces. This company also brought the first quartz movement watch into the world, which would eventually have huge repercussions for the industry. Today Seiko is still a huge leader in the industry, and continues to produce watches for everyone, at every single price point and functionality.
Prospex Land SPB121 Alpinist
Price: $725 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 39.5mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Seiko Prospex SPB121 ‘Alpinist’ is one of the best tool watches available on the market right now. Designed for mountaineers, hence the name, this watch has swiftly become a firm favorite for anyone who’s looking for robust and reliable companion for their adventures, no matter how far off the beaten track. With its 200m of water resistance and the sapphire crystal it can definitely handle anything you throw at it. The ‘Alpinist’ also sports a unique inner rotating bezel that doubles up as a compass for navigation by using the sun’s position. The SPB121 retails for $725 USD .
Prospex Sea SRPE03 Turtle
Price: $625 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 45mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Prospex Sea SRPE03 ‘Turtle’ is the latest model to sport Seiko’s iconic ‘turtle’ shaped case, that collectors love. The design is reminiscent of the large divers watches from the 60’s and 70’s, but has been given a complete facelift with the latest movement, sharper detailing, and brilliant waffled dial. The watch comes in several different colorways and on lots of different straps too, so there’s plenty of choice in that department. The Seiko Prospex ‘Turtle’ is probably one of the best ‘bang for your buck’ diving watches out there, and it can be purchased for $625 USD.
Presage Cocktail Time
Price: $425 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 40.5mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Hardlex.
The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time collection is widely considered to be the best line of affordable but great quality dress watches on the market. Every piece comes with spectacular finishing and detailing, which really completes the simple but very effective and elegant design- something that is rarely found at this price point. There a huge variety of colors and dial textures to choose from, but our favourite is this Ice-Blue one, with a ridged dial that creates a beautiful sunburst effect. The Presage Cocktail Time watches are available for $425 USD.
As a watch brand Citizen is remarkably unique. Founded in 1930 as a result of a joint venture between Japanese and Swiss investors, the company swiftly took over the Swiss factories in Japan. Producing very few watches of note until the 1960s, Citizen really took off when they started distributing their Promaster Dive watches, which were extremely popular. In the 1990s, their success came with the development of the Atomic synchronisation watches, as well as the most reliable quartz movements which could keep +/-1s over several years. Today Citizen have not strayed from the original mission: providing good quality watches to everyone and we think they make among some of the best affordable watches.
NJ015 "Tsuyosa"
Price: $450 USD; Case: Stainess Steel, 40mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Citizen Tsuyosa is probably one of the most accessible automatic and fully integrated sports watches on the market. This watch has it all, which is just amazing, especially at this price point. Sapphire caseback, integrated bracelet that actually looks good, a great selection of dial colors, and an awesome sunburst finish which really elevates the whole piece. This watch is a firm favorite and a great entry-point into watches. It can be found for $450 USD.
Series 8 GMT
Price: $1,695 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 40mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire. (Available for retail Fall 2023)
The Series 8 GMT is Citizen’s latest release, and we love it. Coming from the higher end of their range, this GMT is the perfect piece for anyone looking for more than just an entry-level watch. The design is very dynamic and is a ‘go anywhere do anything’ style piece. The level of finishing is very high across all three models, the kind you’d expect from a more expensive brand. If you’re looking for a watch that you can be your companion for everything, this is the one for you. It retails for $1,695 USD.
Promaster Diver
Price: $375 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 44mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Eco-Drive; Crystal: Mineral.
The Citizen Promaster Diver is an incredibly durable and capable piece, that is perfect value for money. This watch will never let you down. The water resistance is enough to tackle most obstacles you throw at it, the robust case design is tough, and the Eco-Drive movement will continue to run for as long as you wear it. This proper dive watch is a firm favorite and can be purchased for $375 USD.
Tissot
Founded in 1853 in Le Locle, the heartland of swiss watchmaking, Tissot has been installed as an industry leader for 170 years. Merging with Omega in the 1930s, and then Swatch in 1998, they have been at the forefront of watch development and innovation since the beginning. Their stopwatches really made a significant impact, and are frequently used in sports such as F1. Today, they remain very important players in the Swatch Group and the watchmaking industry.
PRX Powermatic 80
Price: $725 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 40mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 took the watch world by storm when it was released in 2021. Seasoned collectors and rookie enthusiasts, regardless of budget, all fell in love with this design. The unique integrated bracelet was the main element that caught everyone’s attention, but the waffled dial in either navy, black, green, and now ice blue is what’s driving its popularity. The movement is incredibly capable, sporting an 80-hour power reserve, something that has never been seen before at this price point. And the fact that you are getting a Swiss-made automatic watch from a well established for under $1,000 is always a good thing. The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 also comes in a 35mm version, and retails for $725 USD.
Gentleman Powermatic 80
Price: $825 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 40mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Gentleman Powermatic 80 is Tissot’s take on the classic sports watch, and they’ve done it beautifully. This discreet and elegant piece still looks, and is, dynamic and suitable for any situation- from the office to the beach this watch can take it. Coming with several different combination of colors and straps, this watch is very versatile, making it perfect for anyone looking for an entry level piece. The Gentleman Powermatic 80 retails for $825 USD.
Sideral S
Price: $995 USD; Case: Steel and Forged Carbon, 41mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Tissot Sideral S is a blast from the past. Inspired by the watch released in the 1970’s, this homage takes it to another level. The case is made out of marbled forged carbon and comes in 3 vibrant colors. This is the perfect sporty watch for the summer, especially given its insane durability. It’s powered by the same Powermatic 80 movement as the PRX and the Gentleman, meaning that it’s got the same length of life and reliability, which is a fantastic thing to have. It can be found at retail for $995 USD.
Hamilton
Hamilton is widely known as the most popular American watchmaking brand. They started production in their US factories in 1892, and were extremely popular very quickly. During WW2 they supplied US troops with the Khaki field watch, that ultimately played a significant role in the war (they equally supplied J. R. Oppenheimer with his wristwatch during the Manhattan Project). Since then they have continued to produce great quality watches, despite becoming a Swiss brand in 1969.
Khaki Field Murph 38
Price: $895 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 38mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Hamilton Khaki Field Murph 38 is perhaps one of the best field watches, especially in this price range. The Murph is known for it's creation for the movie Interstellar, being worn by Matthew McConaughey, and eventually given to his daughter played by Jessica Chastain. While "Eureka" is printed in morse code on the seconds hand of the original 42mm version, the newer 38mm foregoes this reference to the movie (and perhaps makes it a bit more true to the film). Derived from the original Khaki field that was designed for American troops during WW2, the Murph takes keeps some of the vintage charm whilst delivering a modern package. The faux-tina numerals and minute track do a convincing job of creating that retro feel, but the nicely finished case and very reliable movement give the game away. If this cool field watch takes your fancy, it retails for $895 USD.
Khaki Navy Scuba
Price: $845 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 41mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Designed to be the sea-going version of the field watch, the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba is a great entry-level dive watch. This tough, durable, and reliable watch that provides a good alternative to the almost unbeatable field-watch style. The numerous strap and dial options make the watch highly customizable as well as incredibly versatile. This watch can be found at retail for $845 USD.
Jazzmaster Performer Chronograph
Price: $2,245 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 42mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Jazzmaster Performer Chronograph is part of Hamilton’s higher end collection. This piece runs on the brand’s in-house automatic chronograph movement, which in part explains the price, a rarity for smaller brands. This sporty watch comes with a very complete finishing package and will easily overcome the challenges daily wearing will throw at it. Also highly customizable, the Jazzmaster Chrono offers a model for every taste. This piece can be purchased for $2,245 USD.
Bulova
Bulova, now owned by the Citizen Group, is an American brand that has been producing watches for almost 150 years. Started by Joseph Bulova, a Czech immigrant, the brand established itself in Switzerland, before moving to the United States in the 1930s. They are famous for their extremely accurate quartz movements, that were the precursors to the crisis in the 70s, as well as for their sponsorship of the Apollo 15 mission. Today, they produce affordable and reliable watches, powered by quartz and mechanical movements.
Devil Diver
Price: $795 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 44mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Bulova Devil Diver is another affordable retro-looking dive watch. The large, rounded case, the vintage looking numerals and indices on the dial really give it the sixties feel. The teal-colored dial is a unique, and gives the watch a bit of character, often what is missing from these retro-looking watches. This diver is very capable and offers the standard durability and toughness that we would expect. It retails for $795 USD.
Lunar Pilot
Price: $725 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 45mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Quartz; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Bulova Lunar Pilot is not the watch most enthusiasts think of when asked to name a moon watch. This lesser-known piece accompanied the astronauts of the 1970s Apollo 15 Mission to the moon and back. The watch gives us a fairly standard, quartz powered, chronograph that comes in a significantly more affordable package than the Moon watches. This particularly model comes with a full set of moon themed straps, and a certificate of authenticity. It retails for $725.
Breton
Price: $1,150 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 32x46mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Breton from Bulova is a vintage style dress watch, that perfectly encapsulates the art-deco spirit of the 1920s. This watch provides a great, and affordable alternative to another rectangular watch that we all know and love. But it cannot just be reduced to this. The watch has its own unique charm, which should not be overlooked. It comes on a bracelet or on a leather strap, as well as in 3 dial colors- just enough choice to make it personal. This vintage inspired watch can be purchased for $1,150 USD.
Timex
Timex is often wrongfully overlooked as a brand that has a long history of watchmaking. Starting life in 1854 (yes Timex is older than Rolex) as the Waterbury Clock Company, the brand transitioned to wristwatches at the turn of the century, before focusing on providing affordable and reliable for everyone. The company has not forgotten its roots, and it is still one of the biggest producers of timing fuses for the defence industry. The group was really rejuvenated during the quartz crisis, where they turned diversified their mechanical watches business. Clearly, that was a decision that has aged well.
M79 Automatic
Price: $299 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 40mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Acrylic.
The M79 Automatic is Timex’s most up to date automatic sports watch. This dynamic piece provides a realistic entry-level watch with some decent specs and features. The design is very nicely laid out, and is very legible, something that is often overlooked on entry-level pieces. The colorway is discreet but not boring. The movement is displayed by a sapphire caseback, a rarity at this price point. The M79 automatic retails for $299 USD.
Waterbury Dive Automatic
Price: $299 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 40mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Mineral.
The Waterbury Dive Automatic is one of the most accessible automatic movement watches on the market today. This piece pays tribute to Timex’s history. The brand started life off as the Waterbury Clock Company, becoming Timex in the 20th Century. This watch is a good-looking piece that combines lots of great elements such as the sunburst dial or the full metal bracelet- both are rare finds on affordable models. This watch retails for $299 USD and is great as a first purchase for newcomers to the watch world.
Q Timex Reissue
Price: $179 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 38mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Quartz; Crystal: Acrylic.
Q Timex Reissue is by the far the most affordable piece on our list. With its great retro-look, it pays homage to the original Q Diver released in the 1970s. The faux-tina on the indices looks really good, and effectively achieves this retro-look. The Q Timex Reissue combines affordability, style, and heritage into a great entry-level package that really packs a punch. It can be bought for $179 USD.
Zodiac
Zodiac Watches was started in 1882 in Le Locle, Switzerland. The brand was relatively unknown until 1953, when they, along with Rolex and Blancpain, released their first real divers’ watches. For Zodiac, this was the Super Sea-Wolf. They developed a really innovative waterproofing for their cases, which increased water resistance to 750m from 200m. This avant-garde technology was one of the reasons the US Navy SEALs chose Zodiac as their go to brand in the 1970s. Today, the brand have not changed their winning formula too much, and best-known for their affordable and colorful designs that compete with some of the best divers in the world.
Super Sea Wolf Compression Diver
Price: $1,595 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 40mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Zodiac Super Sea-Wolf Compression Diver is one of the oldest dive watch models in time-keeping history. Known for their unique and quirky splashes of color on their designs, the Super Sea-Wolf Compression Diver is a refreshing presence in the brand’s line up. The package is extremely well finished, with a great sunburst dial. The metal bracelet is very drawn, and integrates seamlessly into the case, which doesn’t have an over imposing presence on the wrist. The most popular watch in ¾ of the world (the strapline of their advertising campaigns) still lives up to that name, and it retails for $1,595 USD.
Sea-Chron Automatic
Price: $2,495 USD; Case: Stainless Steel, 42mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Sea-Chron is Zodiac’s only chronograph, and the most complicated watch in their lineup. Taking the case from the Sea-Wolf, this chrono doesn’t look too dissimilar. However, the watch is noticeably more discreet than the others. The colorway is limited to either black and white, or navy and black, both of which make the piece look a lot more vintage. This is a great touch for a brand that has such a rich history of sea-faring watches, that can be overlooked. This retro-style chronograph can be purchased for $2,495 USD.
Super Sea Wolf Ceramic Compression Diver
Price: $1,795 USD; Case: Ceramic, 41mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Zodiac has really diversified its offerings with this Ceramic version of the famous Super Sea-Wolf. These watches could not be more emblematic of the brand’s recent design language. Coming in three eye-catching colorways: white and blue, green, and tangerine orange. Clearly designed for the summer, the ceramic case is lightweight and durable, which paired with the fun colors makes for a watch that can be dressed up and down. The Ceramic Super Sea-Wolf Compression Diver can be found for $1,795 USD.
Orient
Orient was founded in 1950 in Japan under the name of Tama Keiki Company, introducing their first mass produced wristwatch, the New Orient. With the success of the product, they incorporated the new company name, Orient Watch in 1951. That same year they introduced their Orient Star collection which continued their success, making a name for themselves in the luxury watch market.
Although Orient established their brand in the 1950s, their history reaches as far back as the early 1900s when Orient founder, Shogoro Yoshida, opened Yoshida Watch Shop in Ueno, Taito, Tokyo, Japan. By 1912 he had grown the business and was producing gold wristwatch cases and later in 1920 he was a table clock manufacturer. This paved the way for him to start Orient Watches, with the mission of creating reliable, precise, and beautifully crafted timepieces.
Today Orient continues their success in producing dependable watches all created with their in-house mechanical movements, which ensure their precision. They pride themselves on their affordable prices making their pieces easily accessible to a wide market and carry on the vision of Shogoro Yoshida.
Bambino 38
Price: $270 USD; Case Size: 38mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Mineral.
The Bambino collection offers a wide variety of dress watches at price points that generally retail below $500 USD, sometimes as low as $100-$200 range. Even at these price points the collection offers the trustworthy in-house mechanical movements Orient is known for, as well as quality leather straps. The Bambino 38 is a go to look and a great place to start if you’re new to Orient or the Bambino collection. It offers an open black dial and black leather strap. It’s clean, it’s minimal, with slim hands and indices. It will add to any formal look whether you’re wearing it for work a nice dinner party. It’s also available in three other colorways if you’re gravitating towards something lighter in color. A gold toned case is also one of the options if it’s a more classic or elevated you’re after. The steel Bambino 38 is available for $270 USD.
Mako V3
Price: $340 USD; Case Size: 41.8mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Mako collection is one of Orients most popular dive watches and the Mako V3 updates now offer this lovable piece in newer colorways and improved technology. The design of this piece makes it a beautiful tool watch as well as a captivating piece to wear out or dress up your look. What we love most about the Makio is its large visible dial. The bold numerals stand out clearly as well as a big bezel making it easy to use underwater. For the price of less than $500 USD this is a piece that should not be overlooked .
RA-AA0811E19B
Price: $355 USD; Case Size: 41.8mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The RA-AA0811E19B sport collection is very similar in style to the Mako V3 collection. Both are the same size and feature large open dials and feature up to 200 meters of water resistance. You might ask why we have chosen both for our list, and that’s because both have so much to offer especially at their affordable price points. One of the main points of difference between the collections are the gradient dials on the RA-AA0811E19B as well as their large hour markers compared to the numerals on the Mako V3. The RA-AA0811E19B offers some sportier colorways, and they retail for $355 USD.
Brew
Apart from accessorizing ourselves, we wear watches to keep up with our routines and schedules, usually chasing time. But Brew’s mission is a little different. They want you to slow down, don’t watch the clock because of where you need to rush to next, instead let time tell you when to take a break, to sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee. Brew is doing just that with their watches.
Brew is a relatively new microbrand founded by Jonathan Ferrer in 2015. The idea conceptualized for him while in a NYC coffee shop watching the baristas time the espresso shots using a conventional kitchen timer. An idea sparked within him to create watches that would influence wearers to savor pockets of time throughout the day and slow down. A really cool feature on Brew’s watches is the inspiration they pull from the aesthetics of espresso machines, but mostly their functions of indicating when the optimal espresso shot has been extracted through specific markers in the chronograph movement.
Metric Retro
Price: $450 USD; Case Size: 36mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Quartz; Crystal: Sapphire.
Many of Brew’s watches have a vintage utilitarian aesthetic. They embrace a 1970's style case, and the Metric Retro chronograph really embodies this retro look with the colors chosen for the dial. The teal, orange, and mustard yellow details on the dial take you back to the 70s. Another vintage inspired detail Brew chronographs draw from is a 1930s group of chronographs. These chronographs were nicknamed telephone timers because of the special markings which specified a range three minutes on the subdial. The three minutes would indicate that another coin needed to be inserted to continue a call. Brew’s chronographs have a similar function in the 25-35 second range indicating the perfect timing of the extraction of an espresso shot. You can add this fun piece to your collection for $450 USD.
Metric Gold & Black
Price: $475 USD; Case Size: 36mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Quartz; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Metric Gold & Black chronograph has the same vintage and industrial construction as the Metric Retro model. The all-gold tone watch and black dial on this model give it a dressier appeal - Something to grab more attention for sure. The 36mm case of the Brew chronographs makes it a comfortable wear around the wrist allowing the integrated bracelet to wrap easily. Brew’s Metric chronographs are not just functional in tracking the increments of espresso shots, but also have a 60-minute timer to track anything else you’d need. This piece retails for $475 USD.
Retrograph
Price: $375 USD; Case Size: 38mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Quartz; Crystal: Sapphire.
If you like Brew’s retro aesthetic but might want something with a more modern twist, the Retrograph might be more of your watch. The Retrograph has a similar throwback square case to the Metric chronos but is not constructed on a bracelet. This makes the case slightly more angular, blending vintage and contemporary styles. The deep blue dial also allows for a more classic look and contrasts well with the black leather strap. The dial design is open with fun details like the vintage hands and indices. This is a great choice for an everyday wear and is available for $375 USD.
Baltic
Etienne Malec founded Baltic in 2016. The brand’s name is in honor of his father’s northern Polish roots. The brand itself is also heavily inspired through his father who was a photographer and watch enthusiast. It was when Etienne discovered his father’s watch collection and diary with notes and images of every watch he came across, which ignited Etienne’s desire to turn their love of watches into something more.
The goal of Baltic is to produce modern-day watches that will outlast time and be heirlooms passed on through generations. In doing this they aim to create pieces that are refined in quality but accessible in price so that everyone can enjoy Baltic watches. They’re able to deliver affordable pieces through their direct-to-consumer system by cutting down on many overhead costs. They successfully build their community through online interactions with their customers and by providing transparency into their production methods. On their website, you can find information on where their watches come together and the different ateliers across Hong Kong, France, and Italy that all play a part in the creation of a Baltic watch or accessory.
Aquascaphe
Price: $635 USD; Case Size: 39mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Aquascaphe is Baltic’s take on the ever so popular dive watch and of course it’s not just for divers but for those looking for a classily designed tool watch that can be worn day to day. At 39mm it is slightly smaller than most dive watches, but still features a clear open dial and unidirectional bezel without compromise. It’s a great take on a vintage dive piece and offers styles that will suit a variety of wearers. They have the option of a rice-bead bracelet or rubber strap and offer multiple colorways. The piece is available for $635 USD.
MR01
Price: $596 USD; Case Size: 36mm; Water Resistance: 30m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Hesalite.
The MR01 is Baltic’s take on the vintage and modern fusion. The piece is playful and classy. Its big curvy numerals make up most of the dial and adds to the vintage style of the piece. A large subeye sits at 7 & 8 o’clock eliminating those numerals. The grainy dial is available in three colorways. A salmon that is more of a rosy gold tone, a classic blue, and a vibrant silver. A large open caseback beautifully puts the movement on display giving as little obstruction as possible which truly modernizes this piece. The 36mm case is a perfect fit for this dressy piece. It is available for $596 USD*.
HMS
Price: $394 USD; Case Size: 36.5mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Hesalite.
The HMS is a more modern take on Baltic’s vintage era inspirations. The piece is a little more modern and all-around in design than the MR01. It offers two dial constructions that vary slightly in their details. You can choose one that features all the numerals or one with larger numerals intermixed with indices. The more contemporary look of this dress watch can make it a more versatile wear as an everyday piece and not just a classic dress watch. The step case construction as well as the multi textured dial add a lot of dimension and depth to the HMS collection. This piece is also a great option for those looking for something at a lower price point, it retails for $394 USD.
Nodus
Nodus was founded in 2017 and is based out of Los Angeles where they draw from the Californian culture and ideology in establishing their mission. Having California as their homebase encourages them to envision products that are conscientious and inspire a positive future. They’re not just a watch company, but a research and design company where they push boundaries and explore all the best practices in creating durable watches and components.
Their research background allows them to test newer manufacturing technologies. With their resources they assemble, test, and regulate each watch they produce directly in their LA workshop. With access to these resources in-house they’re also able to be a hub in collaborating with watch designers around the world who may not have their own companies or brands. Nodus can provide them a platform of bringing their ideas to life.
Retrospect III
Price: $475 USD; Case Size: 42mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Like the Baltic Aquascaphe featured on this list the Nodus Retrospect III is another great take on the vintage inspired dive watch. The Retrospect III is bigger in size at 42mm allowing for a larger bezel and dial. A fun detail of this piece is the inward sloping bezel drawing closer attention to the dial really making it center stage, as well as protecting the bezel. The hour markers cut into the sandwich dial are done in a way that gives more shape to the overall dial, a bold design feature. The large hands give great visibility and make up most of the minimal dial. Available in four colorways the watch retails for $475 USD.
Unity
Price: $700 USD; Case Size: 36.5mm; Water Resistance: 150m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Nodus shows off their technical details and ceramic work with their Unity collection. They opted for two unique pastel colors, a cerulean and pink because they wanted to step outside of the expected colorways, especially for ceramics. The vision of producing the ceramic bezel insert in the same colorway of the dial is to create a seamlessly flowing larger more open dial. Their color choices are mostly taken from the nature and environment around them. The name Unity is coined in honor of the harmony of nature and how it all comes together - From the oceans to the flowers. You can find many details on this collection in addition to the colorways that ties nature together. Like the bark like texture on the dials creating a visually appealing collection. The Unity retails for $700 USD..
Sector Sport
Price: $475 USD; Case Size: 38mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Nodus’ Sector Sport watch resonates with the makeup of older sport watches when they were first popularized. They follow a similar construction of a straightforward three hand watch without any complications. They’re durable and meant for any expedition whether you’re an explorer or not. The Sector Sport has three colorway options, my favorite being the yellow dial. There is also a glacial blue and a white. The colors bring some modernity to the piece. One of the best features is the depth of the dials. They appear sunken in below the crystal giving the piece ultimate dimension. It’s a great minimal utilitarian wristwatch and is available for $475 USD.
YEMA
Yema’s history dates to 1948 when French watchmaker, Henry Louis Belmont, founded the company. Through his innovative vision and techniques Belmont introduced some of the most successful tool watches of the time. By the 1960s Yema had become the leading French watch exporter for three years in a row, selling over 500,000 watches a year across 50 countries. They focused on dive watches, sailing watches, racing watches, and more.
Their watches have accompanied great French explorers such as astronaut, Jean-Loup Chrétien, who wore a Yema on his trip to space, making it the first French watch in space. Yema timepieces have also convoyed expeditions to the North Pole. After years of developing watches, in 2011 Yema created their very own in-house manual winding caliber in their Morteau, France workshop. Today, the company continues to explore, improve, and produce quality parts and watches through newer equipment and technologies.
Urban Traveller
Price: $890 USD; Case Size: 39mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Urban Traveller is an everyday sports watch. It has a geometrical case construction and an integrated bracelet. The slim watch hugs the wrist perfectly. The unique bezel pays homage to the Yema Sous-Marine model from the 1980’s constructed from a single piece of steel. This newer reiteration of the Urban Traveller collection is dressier featuring three light colorways. The honeycomb dials are available in pastel blue, salmon, and white. The honeycomb texture adds dimension to the otherwise minimal dial and flows nicely with the overall design of the piece. You can preorder yours for $890 USD.
Superman 500 Dato
Price: $1,299 USD; Case Size: 39mm & 41mm; Water Resistance: 500m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Yema brings great vintage appeal to their modern-day watches by pulling inspiration from their older collections. The Superman 500 Dato is inspired through their 1960s models. They put about two years of care and effort in perfecting an already great timepiece. They did not want to compromise the iconic style when modernizing the piece with newer techniques. One of these features is the bezel lock that the original Superman model was patented with when introduced. They’ve refined the bezel lock making it more functional and efficient. One of its most attractive details is the redefined scale bracelet, which adds lots of charm to the piece. The Superman Dato is 500m water resistant making it a practical dive watch. It’s available two colorways (A crisp white and a warm military green) as well as two case sizes, 39mm & 41mm. It retails for $1,299 USD.
Navygraf Marine Nationale GMT
Price: $1,349 USD; Case Size: 38.5mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: GMT Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Yema Navygraf Marine Nationale GMT is a tool watch created with the French Navy. The military grade watch is a complete redesign of Yema’s Navygraf II of the 1970s. The piece stands out in its blue, white, and yellow colorway details and the two-toned bi-directional bezel. The GMT complication features up to three time zones and the two-toned bezel indicates night and day. This is a great contender for those who travel often and need to be connected to multiple parts of the world. The three-strap options offer versatility in wear as well as style. It is water resistant up to 300m making it a watch for any expedition, but also classic enough to just wear day to day. The piece is available for $1,349 USD.
Mido
Swiss watchmaker, Georges Schaeren started Mido G. Schaeren & Co. in November of 1918. The name Mido derives from the Spanish term, “Yo mido,” meaning “I measure.” In the 1920s they produced colorful enamel watches for women and gentlemen’s watches that led them into the automotive industry. Many of their pieces were shaped like radiator grills resembling automobile brands like Bugatti, Ford, Fiat, and Buick.
They also came up with pioneering techniques that were not as common for the time such as the “Aquadura” crown in the 1930s. This cork-crown sealing system was a big step towards improved waterproof structures in watches. About 30 years later Mido’s Mido Ocean Star collection introduced a single shell case ensuring utmost water resistance at the time. Mido was no stranger to the women’s watch market and in the 1960s they presented the smallest automatic ladies wristwatch. Today they continue to innovate their pieces with modern technology.
Ocean Star GMT
Price: $1,250 USD; Case Size: 44mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Ocean Star GMT is another reliable dual time piece on our list. It’s bigger in size compared to the Yema Navygraf GMT with a case size of 44mm giving it a bolder look and feel. The GMT complication features two time zones. A cool useful design feature is the engraved time zone indicators on the caseback. It is available in four colorways offering a model for everyone. With a power reserve up to 80 hours the piece will keep you going whichever adventure you’re headed next. The price for the Ocean Star GMT starts at $1,250 USD and ranges depending on the colorway, materials, and strap options.
Ocean Star Tribute Gradient
Price: $1,200 USD; Case Size: 40.5mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Ocean Star Tribute Gradient is a beautifully executed modern dive watch. Although it is inspired through the Ocean Stars of the Mido’s past, it is classic and contemporary with a clean design. The blue gradient dial flows effortlessly with the blue bezel and either strap option (blue rubber or mesh bracelet). It offers a minimal dial leaving no room for obstructions and allowing for easy time telling. It is also offered in a variety of colorways if the gradient look is not for you. It is available for $1,200 USD.
Multifort TV Big Date
Price: $1,200 USD - $1,270 USD; Case Size: 39.2mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
Mido is a brand that blends vintage era designs fluidly with today’s modern aesthetic. Their watches honor the past they came from while fitting into a more contemporary world. This is achieved once more in their newer collection, the Multifort TV Big Date. They recapture the long forgotten original TV shapes. The case is constructed in this same rectangle square shape and integrated strap. The two-level horizontal brushed dial evokes the modern touches of this piece. The date window is unconventionally situated at the 12 o’clock indice but sits nicely, doesn't clutter the dial, and is incredibly legible. A really cool watch for your collection the model starts at $1,200 USD for the rubber strap and $1,270 USD on bracelet.
Zelos
Elshan Tang founded Zelos in 2014 named for the Greek God of zeal and passion which are some of the core values of the brand’s mission. Elshan began his watch hobby by trading timepieces and soon found that many of them felt the same. He craved something unique and different and decided to take his passion to the next step of creating his own brand.
Zelos was born through this desire to tell different stories through each piece giving them all their own characteristics. His interest in using unique and innovative materials (meteorites, submarine metals, bronze, and Timascus) also adds more personality to the pieces. The watches are designed in Singapore by Elshan.
Hammerhead V3
Price: $449 USD; Case Size: 44mm; Water Resistance: 300m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Hammerhead dive family of Zelos has been a successful collection for them. They’ve produced different reiterations and editions with some pieces being up to 1,000m water resistance. The hammerhead V3 is a bold 44mm stainless steel dive watch, that's just as exciting as its forerunners. It's case retains the same geometric construction that gives it a hefty and rugged look. It’s a durable tool watch and minimal in its overall large style. The crown at 4 o’clock makes it easier to wear in its large case size The bright blue dial stands out and resonates the waters it’s made for. It packs a lot for the price with its water resistance of 300m. It retails for $449 USD.
Starfighter Chronograph
Price: $1,799 USD; Case Size: 41mm; Water Resistance: 50m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Starfighter Chronograph collection is inspired through the F-104 'Starfighter,’ the highest-flying interceptor aircrafts of the 50s. Zelos aimed to make the slimmest chrono with an automatic Swiss chronograph movement through the Starfighter line. Zelos loves exploring cool materials and fun designs. The collection has seen many unique features like past models with meteorite dials or a starry Aventurine glass dial to mimic the night sky. They also have models that stand out but feature subtle colors like the Starfighter Chrono Frost, the one we’ve focused on for this list. The panda style dial features a frosty while color with black subdials. It is a great look for those who want the rugged features of the Starfighter in a more versatile look. It is available for $1,799 USD.
Swordfish 40mm Ti
Price: $429 USD; Case Size: 40mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Sapphire.
The Swordfish Ti is still rugged in shape and make like other Zelos models but has a more refined and minimal dial. It is a great dive watch for those who want to wear it beyond their intrepid activities. As other Zelos collections, the Swordfish has seen a variety of different models with more unique dials and materials. For this list we chose the emerald green model. It is a bit more toned down then the textured or meteorite dials the collection has seen, which gives it the versatility to wear day to day and into the night. The green fume sunburst shines through the piece but still holds a refined look in this tool watch. It is available for $429 USD.
Lorier
Lorier was founded by husband-and-wife team, Lorenzo & Lauren Ortega in 2017. They are a microbrand based out of NYC. Their brand was born through a love of vintage watches and for the belief that watches are a “companion” to the wearer, going everywhere with them. Their principle in design, performance, and authentic function are what drive their mission for the brand. They want to create modern pieces that hold vintage value and function as they are made to function - All while looking their parts.
For example, their goal is that a dive watch looks, feels, and functions for a diver, a field watch plays fully into its characteristics. Their ultimate vision is that your watch is your companion and follows you not only on your biggest adventures but everyday life. Through the designs of their pieces with the materials and colorways used to the design of their website like their throwback poster ads they truly embody their vintage era mission.
Neptune Series IV
Price: $499 USD; Case Size: 39mm; Water Resistance: 200m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Hesalite.
The Neptune Series is Lorier’s core dive watch collection. They pull all of their inspirations directly from dive watches of 1957, trying to keep true to the vintage aesthetic while building the pieces with modern techniques. The Neptune Series IV has received some refined upgrades like shortened lugs and repositioned lug holes for a closer fit as well as thinner bracelet links. They are a brand that listens to and implements their customer feedback to deliver the best watch possible for the wearer. They want to be able to give a watch that feels like it’s come directly out of the 50s and 60s without the consumer having to seek out an actual vintage piece that may be difficult to acquire and hard to maintain. The Neptune Series IV is available for $499 USD.
Hyperion Series II
Price: $599 USD; Case Size: 39mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic GMT; Crystal: Hesalite.
The Hyperion Series II features details and colorways that vividly echo the past. The Bakelite-like bezel is two-toned in an Air Force blue and burgundy, the gilt print on the chapter ring and around the markers give the impression of a worn look, and the roulette style date window gives a unique pop of red. A new update to the Series II is the 5-link Epsilon bracelet which adds some more charm and dresses the piece up. The GMT complication can display multiple time zones and the 12-hour hand can independently be adjusted. Lorier’s goal is for this piece to be the best companion to those who are always on the go. It is available for $599 USD.
Falcon Series III
Price: $499 USD; Case Size: 36mm; Water Resistance: 100m; Movement: Automatic; Crystal: Hesalite.
The Falcon Series is Lorier’s “all around” watch meant to accompany you on an exploration or to a dinner with friends. The honeycomb dial the Falcon Series is known for is still visible on the Series III, which now comes in a black and silver colorway. This was a high request from Lorier consumers, making the watch even more versatile with colorways that can suit any occasion. Lorier have also made updates to the hands and dial markers to give it the ultimate refined look while staying true to its vintage roots. The 36mm case size adds to its versatility as an everyday piece or dress watch. The Falcon Series III is available for $499 USD.
