Best Vintage Watch Under $500

The Victorinox brand may be recognized for their Swiss Army knives, yet they also produced watches that follow the concept of multifunctionality and uniqueness found in their Swiss Army.

The Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s I.N.O.X. Watch is one of their best watches because it blends with classic, rugged driving, and everyday style.

The watch itself features a stainless-steel Swiss-made case, leather band, and uses a triple-coated anti-reflective sapphire crystal. It is even made to withstand 130 endurance homologation tests. 

And it’s not just a pretty face too. It is also water-resistant for up to 660 feet. As for its movement, it’s analog quartz.

Other important watch details of this model include a 42mm case diameter, screw-in case back, screw-down crown, and an end-of-life indicator.

If you’re looking for an affordable vintage watch that is smaller in diameter, then we recommend the Timex Marlin Stainless Steel Hand-Wound Movement.

This watch has a 34mm case diameter, which may be slight in the contemporary context but is faithful to the original 1960 Timex Marlin. At that time, men’s watches were smaller.

As for its design, the starburst dial of this watch just looks sensational, especially when exposed to direct sunlight. The big numerals are also a reminder of the designs of yesteryear.

The Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz Watch is one of the best field watches on the market today. It has a range of both mechanical and quartz options available.

For this model, it is a reliable timepiece – from the leather of the band to the quality of the build itself.

It features a stainless steel case with a black dial. It also comes with a day and date display at 12 o’clock position, a 24-hour time on the inner dial, and sword-shaped hands.

At 40mm case diameter, this watch reminds us that it was not made not just for the military in the past but can also be a clean everyday watch of this generation.

For the budget-conscious out there, the Seiko 5 black dial stainless steel dress watch is a great option for two reasons: it is usually priced at around $100 and it is automatic too!

The automatic movement at this price is also like having a cake and eating it too. Add the respected Japanese brand reputation and good looks and you get a great vintage automatic watch.

This timepiece allows you to carry it in a gentlemanly manner as if owning a pocket watch. It features a silver-tone band, a silver-tone case, and a hardlex scratch-resistant crystal.

The Mil-Tec Luftwaffe Me109 Aviator Vintage German Pilot Men’s Watch is a collectible vintage timepiece from the era of aerial bravery.

It features a highly accurate Japanese quartz movement, which is more accurate than a mechanical movement. Aside from being crafted with reliability and precision, you will also appreciate the beige dial that gives it a fighter pilot oil-stained look.

Compared to other timepieces that are worth a few hundred dollars, this one is more affordable. It is comfortable too when worn on the wrist. Thanks to its genuine brown calfskin leather strap.

Moreover, the 40mm case material of this vintage dress is made of stainless steel. Other features of this timepiece include a mineral dial window material, 13 millimeters case thickness, 2 centimeters bandwidth, and 99 feet water resistance depth.

One of the most interesting watches on this list is the Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive, not just because it is suitable for serious surface water sports but also because its presentation is excellent right from the moment you open its box.

It is a great Japanese watch and its brand (Citizen) has been a pioneer in the watchmaking industry for more than a hundred years already. The Citizen brand is known for its dive watches and highly technical timepieces (even their pocket watches).

As for this Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive Roll BN0191-55L model, it features a 45mm case diameter, a water resistance depth of up to 660ft, and a Japanese quartz movement.

Overall, it’s a nice watch for the money

The quality of Tissot Men’s Le Locle Stainless Steel Dress Watch is a testament to the brand’s expertise. It showcases a timeless look that you’d expect from a classic timepiece.

Le Locle refers to the Swiss town where the brand was founded in 1853. And even up to now, such a name seems to be a trusted ingredient of success.

This 39.30 mm stainless steel watch features Swiss automatic movement, a Roman dial type, a stainless steel bracelet, and a butterfly clasp with push-button closure.

The Tissot watch model also displays exquisite elegance with the traditional Le Locle signature that completes its look. It can be worn in the daytime or evening and you’ll still remain in style because of its meticulous design.

From the industry leaders in electronic watches, the Bulova Men’s Military Hack Watch infuses historical elements.

Its updated style features a 21-jewel automatic movement, stainless steel case, luminescent hands, an ivory dial, and a 42-hour power reserve. 

There’s also a center track on the watch dial that displays the 24H time. Aside from that, it is durable with a double domed mineral crystal and a black leather NATO strap that completes its vintage look.

If you consider its look and function, it competes well with the Hamilton Khaki watch.

It’s hard to believe you can get this Bulova Rose-Gold Men’s timepiece for less than $500. Not only does it feature the 21 Jewel Movement that is visible through the caseback and dial, but it is also equipped with a domed crystal.

Well, compared to other timepieces on this list that are truly vintage based on its model year, this one is more of an inspiration to Bulova’s classic art of timekeeping. 

We appreciate its luminous hands, rose-gold finish, patterned black dial, and screw-back case.

If you’re looking for a women’s vintage watch that showcases a mid-century vibe, then the Salvatore Ferragamo Women’s ‘Time’ Swiss Quartz Stainless Steel Watch is definitely worth taking a look at.

This women’s watch features a 33mm stainless steel case, 3h double-layer guilloche dial, and a bisque color.

Its brand Salvatore Ferragamo may not be recognized for timepieces as they specialize more in women’s and men’s shoes and other leather goods, but this Time Swiss Quartz watch is a powerful accessory to add to your wardrobe.