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Rolex, Omega, and TAG Heuer are some of the classic time-tested brands for watches. They have set the standards for all the timepieces available in the market today and have proven their longevity and durability that can withstand through the years.
Not to mention the aesthetic and premium feeling it gives is sure to make the buyer happy and satisfied with his purchase. Though these luxury watches are truly amazing, everyone knows that you need to spend a lot to own one as it comes with a hefty price tag.
But don’t fret! Nowadays, there is a wide range of cheap watches to choose from without sacrificing their quality. This means you don’t have to shell out too much cash to own a reliable and durable watch.
So, If you’re someone who’s looking for a functional, decent watch, perfect for everyday wear then this article is for you!
Here we have listed the best cheap yet durable wrist watches, if you are interested to know more about them then keep on reading!
Best Cheap Durable Watches
1. SEIKO Men’s SNK809 SEIKO 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch with Black Canvas Strap
Product Description
First on our list is the SEIKO 5 Men’s automatic watch, SEIKO Men’s SNK809 features a stainless steel case with a nylon strap that fits the wrist snugly.
Its black dial is covered with a hardlex glass window, which means you don’t have to worry about it getting scratched. It is embellished with luminous white Arabic numerals, silver-toned hands, and a slim second hand that is accentuated with red makes it all easier to read the time. It also features a day and date display at 3 o’clock for added convenience.
This is an automatic mechanical watch, which indicates you do not need batteries for it to function. Instead, they are powered through the movement of the wearer’s arm. You may need to wound it sufficiently to maintain an accurate time display.
In addition, this watch is water-resistant for up to 100 feet or 30 meters, which means it is suitable for snorkeling, as well as swimming, but not diving.
Looking over the back of the watch, you’ll notice a see-through case back that allows you to see the Seiko in-house calibre 7S26 movement that comes with 21 jewels.
[You can also read about: Best Seiko Watches of all time]
Specification
Model: SNK809K2
Case Size: 37 millimeters
Movement: Automatic Movement
Pros
- Up to 40 hours of power reserve (no need to replace batteries)
- Day and Date window function
- Water resistance up to 30 m
- See-through case back
- Luminous hands
Cons
- may not be suitable for big-sized wrists
- To maintain accurate time, you may need to wear the watch for 8 hours or more daily.
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
2. Casio Men’s G-Shock Quartz Watch with Resin Strap, Black
Product Description
If you are into sports activities, Casio Men’s G-shock is a perfect option. This slapshot-proof digital watch was designed to be shock-resistant for the most rigorous sports activities.
It has been named as one of the most durable digital and analog-digital watches in the industry as of to date.
The black heavy-duty case is paired with a comfortable resin rubber strap and buttons placed at convenient locations to prevent being accidentally pushed. It features several functions such as a stopwatch function, split-time mode, countdown timer, multi-function alarm, and auto-calendar to suit your active lifestyle.
This timepiece also has an afterglow backlighting. Like some dive watches, Casio Men’s G-Shock could also be used for recreational scuba diving as it is water-resistant for up to 200 meters.
Specification
Model: DW5600E-1V
Case Size: Rectangular 45mm wide
Movement: Quartz Movement
Pros
- Multifunction features
- Shock-resistant
- Features a backlight that allows you to see the time easily even in dark places
- Water-resistant for up to 200 meters
- Cheap watch that is highly durable
Cons
- No other color options
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
3. Timex Men’s Expedition Acadia Watch
Product Description
If you’re looking for an affordable watch with good quality, Timex watches are one to consider! Just like Timex Men’s Expedition Acadia Watch.
With a clean yet simple design, this modern tool watch is made with water-proof materials that can resist water for up to 50 meters, this means it can withstand a short period of recreational swimming, but not diving or snorkeling.
It is also run by a quartz movement and can last for up to 10 years. To add more, this watch’s case is made with durable resin and paired with an adjustable genuine leather and fabric strap.
Its black dial covered with an anti-scratch acrylic crystal is accentuated with white Arabic numerals and also has a date function at 3 o’clock. This watch also features indigo backlight technology to make reading time easier at night or in dark places.
Specification
Model: TW4B08100
Case Size: 40 millimeters
Movement: Quartz movement
Pros
- Water-resistant up to 50 meters
- Comes in several colors
- Indigo backlight technology
- The battery can last up to 10 years
- Scratch-resistant mineral case
Cons
- The ticking sound is loud
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase it!
4. Garmin 010-02064-00 Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch with GPS
Product Description
Designed for military standards, the Garmin 010-02064 Instinct, Rugged Outdoor watch can withstand even the harshest environments, perfect for adventure enthusiasts!
It is thermal, shock, and water-resistant (rated to 100 meters). You won’t get lost with this GPS watch as this has a built-in 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, and multiple global navigation systems for improved tracking functionality.
If you are a fitness enthusiast, this is also a great option as it can also monitor your heart rate, activity, and stress levels.
This chargeable smartwatch can last up to 40 hours and If you want you can also stay connected and be notified by pairing it with a compatible smartphone which will automatically upload your data to the Garmin Connect™ online fitness community.
[You might also like: Best Garmin Watch for Kayaking]
Specification
Model: 010-02064-00
Pros
- Constructed in the U.S. Military standard — thermal, shock, and water-resistant (up to 100 meters)
- Reliable navigation systems
- Can track general health including heart rate, activity, stress, sleep, etc
- Comes in several color options
- Compatible with smartphones
- Long-lasting battery life
- A wide variety of styles and designs to choose from
Cons
- Screen size is a little small for some
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
5. Fossil Men’s Grant Stainless Steel Quartz Chronograph Watch
Product Description
Inspired by American creativity and ingenuity, the Fossil Grant collection, with its modern style that never goes out of season, offers plenty of colors and designs to choose from.
It’s made with a stainless steel case with an anti-scratch mineral crystal lens and finished with a genuine leather strap for that sophisticated classic look.
In addition to that, this leather strap watch it’s powered with a quartz movement and is also water-resistant for up to 50 meters. You can have fun with the customization for this watch. You can either change the straps or get it engraved at a local Fossil store.
Specification
Model: FS4813IE
Case Size: 44 millimeters
Movement: Quartz movement
Pros
- Available in different straps (stainless steel bracelet, or genuine leather strap options)
- Scratch-resistant
- Perfect for gifts as it comes with complimentary engraving at a local Fossil store
- Water-resistant up to 50 meters
- Interchangeable with all Fossil 22 MM bands
Cons
- Mineral crystal face can be fragile
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
6. Men’s Citizen Promaster Tough Black Fabric Strap Watch BN0217-02E
Product Description
This one’s a little on the pricier side for this list but nonetheless still affordable.
The Citizen Promaster Tough Black Fabric Strap watch is made with a stainless steel case coated with super titanium that is anti-rust, hypoallergenic, and can function under extreme temperatures, paired with a black Cordura(R) ballistic fabric strap and buckles to fit your wrist comfortably.
The luminous hour and minute hands and indices make it easy to read the time on a black dial. It has an anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal window which is one of the toughest crystals, making it highly durable from breaking.
The watch is also water-resistant for up to 200 meters and is also powered by any light because of its eco-drive technology.
Specification
Model: 61135
Case Size: 42 millimeters
Movement: Quartz movement
Pros
- Eco-drive technology (powered by any light); no need for battery replacement
- Water-resistant up to 200 meters
- Scratch-resistant, Anti-reflective sapphire crystal window
- Hypoallergenic
- Easy to read
- Anti-rust coating
- Can function in extreme temperatures
- With date function window
Cons
- A bit pricey compared to other products on the list
Interested? Here’s the link to purchase!
What To Consider When Choosing a Durable Watch
1. Brand
The brand is important when it comes to choosing watches with high-quality standards. Casio, Seiko, Timex, Fossil, and Citizen are some of the best-known affordable and reputable brands that you can trust.
2. Style
When looking for a watch, aside from its durability, we should also consider the design or style that will match your personality and wardrobe.
Depending on your preference, whether you would like a casual, sporty, vintage, or luxury look, you should look for one that you can often wear. Best to choose a watch with neutral colors so that it can easily be paired with any outfit you wear.
3. Material used
Typically, if you want something that is durable that can withstand rigorous activities, then go for a canvas or a plastic material. If you want something decent-looking that you can wear to formal events, then go with a leather strap. It may be less durable than a canvas or plastic strap but it is durable enough for casual everyday wear. Go for the gold or silver material when looking for a luxury watch to wear on formal occasions.
4. Functionality
In choosing a watch, it is important to consider what you’ll be using the watch for. If you love recreational diving, go for a diving watch. If you are a fitness enthusiast or someone who is into sports, you can consider purchasing a sports watch or smartwatch.
This will allow you to efficiently utilize all the functions a watch has to offer.
5. Dial Size
A general rule of thumb is to pick a dial size that matches the size of your wrists, this will complement your outfit and elevate your style even better.
For small to midsize wrists, a recommended watch diameter is about 34 mm-42 mm. Alternatively, if you have thick and large wrists, the recommended size is about 44 mm to 46 mm.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
The Casio Men’s G-Shock Quartz Watch with Resin Strap definitely wins when it comes to affordability and durability. It can withstand rigorous activities.
It also offers several features that you can use for your day-to-day life. It’s water-resistant for up to 200 meters so it’s completely safe for shallow-water activities. Overall, it’s a great purchase for everyday wear.
Another watch that can deliver the same durability but with more features is the Garmin 010-02064-00 Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch with GPS. This watch, however, is a bit more pricey compared to the Casio G-Shock watch.
Nevertheless, its features can make you overlook that price as it is equipped with multiple navigation systems that let you track your route from your starting point.
What’s more, is that it’s a chargeable smartwatch so you don’t have to worry about replacing the batteries. It’s also durable enough to withstand extreme environments due to its thermal, shock, and water-resistant attributes.
If you’re going for something you can wear every day and decent enough for formal occasions, you may want to opt for the Fossil Men’s Grant Stainless Steel Quartz Chronograph Watch which offers a lot of styles to choose from. It’s water and scratch-resistant and completely customizable to your preferences.
I hope you find this article helpful! If you like this review, you might want to read our other reviews at EvesWatch.com.