A watch is a wardrobe staple for many modern women. More than just telling time, it is a  statement that represents a person and for others, it shows that they appreciate good craftsmanship.

But choosing a watch can be overwhelming. There are just many incredible pieces today from established brands. Some differ in materials, movements, and gemstones used.

So, if you’re planning to buy an expensive low-tier women’s watch (stylish and luxurious, but also affordable enough), we’ve provided you with a list below of the best women’s watches under $500.

Check also our watch buying guide after this list to know exactly what to pay attention to when shopping for the best women’s watch online.

Let’s start the countdown!

Top 11 Best Women’s Watches Under 500

1. BULOVA 98P170 Diamond-Accented Automatic Watch

Product Description

Do you think you can’t get a diamond-encrusted watch for below $500? Think again as this BULOVA 98P170 Diamond-Accented Automatic Watch just proves you wrong.

In fact, there are 5 diamonds that are individually handset in this model and this watch is even from Bulova’s Ladies’ Diamonds Collection. We also super like its white mother of pearl dial with an open aperture.

If you love to see the inner workings of a watch and something fashionable to go with almost any fashion, then you won’t go wrong with this best women’s watch under 500. It has an exhibition case back.

To complement the white mother of pearl dial, this watch has a two-tone rose gold stainless steel case and bracelet. You can use it as your everyday watch. 

The BULOVA 98P170 Diamond-Accented Automatic watch moreover uses an automatic heartbeat movement, with a 40-hour power reserve, and a domed sapphire crystal for extra protection against scratches.

This watch uses automatic movement and comes with hour, minute, and second markers. Even if you have larger wrists than normal, the band fits well without removing any links.

Pros

• With exhibition case back
• Beautiful watch/ classic look
• Water Resistance to 30 Meters
• Attractive white mother of pearl dial 
• Small face

Con/s

• Gains about 8 minutes every few weeks, although not much of a big deal

Interested? Click here to buy it!

2. Michael Kors Pyper Three-Hand Stainless Steel Watch

Product Description

Next, we’re thrilled to introduce the Michael Kors Pyper Three-Hand Stainless Steel Watch. With plenty of color choices to choose from, this elegant timepiece is truly worth adding to your collection.

Function and style combine in this watch. It features a 32mm case, scratch-resistant mineral crystal glass, 14mm band-width, and Quartz movement.  

Another reason why we’re convinced it’s worth in this list of the best women’s watches under 500 is that the combination of the blue leather band and the white dial looks so elegant. We just love its wide face so you can read the time on the go.

The dial itself is easy to read plus it’s durable too! Reviews also show it is waterproof and is water-resistant for up to 165 Feet. Overall, we highly recommend this women’s watch.

Pros

• Stylish watch (classy and professional)
• Lightweight
• Mineral dial window material
• Analog display
• Quartz movement

Cons

• Few users said the band broke just a couple of months after use
• The leather band may be stiff after first use

Interested? Click here to buy it!

3. Fossil Women’s Gen 5E 42mm Stainless Steel Touchscreen Smartwatch

Product Description

One of the smartest women’s watches under 500, the Fossil Women’s Gen 5E 42mm Stainless Steel Touchscreen Smartwatch is truly worth owning. 

If you are health conscious, this elegant watch has an always-on display that you can connect to fitness apps on your phone. In fact, it automatically tracks your activity goals, cardio level, heart rate, sleep, steps, and more.

The activity modes in this watch are tethered with GPS so it can keep on track of your path and distance. There are even advanced sensors, which help power all your health and fitness applications.

It even has a multi-day Extended Battery Mode that is based on updates and usage. This watch also allows contactless payments via Google Pay. It weighs only 4.23 Ounces.

Truly, Fossil always blends functionality and fashion quite well and it is very evident in this stylish watch.

Pros

• A refined timepiece 
• Perfect for petite wrists
• Tracks your fitness (simply connect to health apps)
• Allows contactless payments
• With heart rate tracking
• With built-in microphone/speaker
• Swimproof

Con/s

• Battery drains fast when you’re using many apps at once

Interested? Click here to buy it!

4. Lacoste Women’s 2000822 Quartz Movement Victoria Watch

Product Description

If you prefer a colorful and elegant watch, then Lacoste Women’s 2000822 Quartz Movement Victoria Watch is a good choice. The combination of the white leather strap and silver dial is eye-catching!

Other features of this durable watch include 40 millimeters case diameter, faux leather band material, and a stainless steel bezel material. It is lightweight (weighs only 2.19 ounces). 

Furthermore, this watch has Quartz movement and is water-resistant for up to 200 meters. It may not use scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, but its mineral dial window material still makes it durable. 

Simple, sleek, and sparkling, this Lacoste watch is truly one of the best women’s watches under 500 today.

Pros

• Beautiful colorful crystals
• Perfect for dress, casual, or summer wear
• The colors look exactly the same in the picture
• Very stylish
• Can be an everyday watch or a dress watch

Con/s

• None

Interested? Click here to buy it!

5. Seiko Women’s Dress Two-Tone Stainless Steel Swarovski Crystal-Accented Solar Watch

Product Description

Next on our list of the best women’s watches under 500 is the Seiko Women’s Dress Two-Tone Stainless Steel Swarovski Crystal-Accented Solar Watch. It is powered by solar and is designed with Japanese Quartz movement.

This classic watch is also designed with a pearlescent dial with crystal-studded bezel and indices, plus a date window situated at three o’clock. It has a 28mm case diameter, an ideal size on any wrist.

This watch can withstand a brief time at a water pool since it is only water-resistant for up to 30m or 99 feet. It has a stainless steel case and band in two-tone color.

Pros

• Beautiful pearlescent dial
• Giftable
• Easy to read time
• Sturdy stainless steel bracelet and case
• Features Hardlex dial window material
• Japanese Quartz  movement
• The silver and gold tones make it easy to match your jewelry
• Style and reliability in one timepiece

Cons

• It may not be so great at keeping time as compared to other watches on this list
• It may not be a good choice for women who don’t prefer a lot of bling

Interested? Click here to buy it!

6. Kate Spade New York Women’s Park Row Stainless Steel Case

Product Description

The Kate Spade New York Women’s Park Row Stainless Steel and Silicone Quartz Watch looks classy and it fits just right in a small wrist. The watch face may be a little larger compared to traditional watches, but we prefer it this way as it appears more polished and could compliment any outfit.

You don’t even have to be a collector of designer pieces to appreciate this women’s watch. Its features will speak for themselves why it’s worth adding to your wardrobe. For one, it is produced by a brand popular worldwide.

Upon closer look at this watch, you’d also appreciate that it has thoughtful details. It’s like each layer is designed in a way that it would feel chic and sophisticated at the same time.

The reason why you have plenty of color options, especially in the band, is because it allows you to make your own personal statement. As for our top choice among color choices, it would be the black silicone band so it’s easy to match in your everyday style.

Pros

• A good everyday watch
• Looks sophisticated and chic 
• Can withstand splashes (although not meant for swimming)
• Giftable
• Durable stainless steel case
• Uses Japanese Quartz movement
• Very lightweight (1-ounce weight)
• The silicone band material is comfortable on the wrist

Cons

• If you’d chosen the dot-colored or leopard print wrist band, their colors wear off after sometime
• Other designs may look like a kid’s watch

Interested? Click here to buy it!

7. Skagen Women’s RIIS Quartz Analog Stainless Steel Watch

Product Description

The Skagen Women’s Minimalist Stainless Steel Watch is slim and dainty. It makes a great option for ladies who prefer a stylish watch with modern features. 

At first glance, it’s easy to label it as just another classy-looking everyday timepiece. Yet, underneath this new watch is an alluring design that embodies Denmark’s energy: minimalist, modern, and playful at the same time. 

It features a 36mm case, Quartz movement, a 3-hand analog display, and a scratch-resistant mineral crystal glass.

Its gold 16mm stainless steel band also has a safety mesh buckle closure and this aesthetic watch can work with everyday style. It is water- and dust-resistant as well.

Pros

• Water Resistance (IP67)
• Aesthetic
• Keeps time accurately
• Good for everyday wear
• Minimalist and elegant
• Analog display time
• Only 7 millimeters case thickness
• Makes a nice gift

Cons

• It is gorgeous, but others are a little bit bothered that it’s a little shiny
• The band is somewhat small

Interested? Click here to buy it!

8. 88 Rue du Rhone Women’s Alexandra Diamond-Accented Watch

Product Description

The Skagen Women’s RIIS Quartz Analog Stainless Steel Watch has a round dial and a stand-out diamond-accented flower design. It looks so chic plus there’s a date window positioned at 3 o’clock.

As part of a brand of Swiss luxury ladies’ watches, you can expect a lot from this great watch but is more accessible in terms of price compared to other Swiss luxury timepieces.

For instance, it is water-resistant for up to 165ft, uses a Swiss quartz movement, and has Roman numeral hour markers. This 87WA140019 88 Rue du Rhone Women’s watch moreover has a stainless steel case material, the pink leather band in women’s standard size, and white dial color.

Pros

• Croco-embossed leather band
• Watch with date display
• The white dial has a diamond-accented flower design
• Water-resistant to 165 ft (50 m)

Cons

• Because of its band color, it may not always be appropriate for dressy occasions

Interested? Click here to buy it!

9. Michael Kors Access Gen 4 Runway Smartwatch

Product Description

Michael Kors Access Gen 4 Runway Smartwatch is an elegant watch and is also a valuable tool for tracking health and fitness. It is equipped with lifestyle-enhancing features, like heart rate tracking, pedometer, and custom goal and alarm settings.

It has touchscreen functionality and you can also connect to Google Assistant using this smartphone. The case size is 41mm and the band size is 18mm with a built-in microphone, music storage and controls, and multiple time zones.

This MKT5048 Michael Kors Access Gen 4 Runway Smartwatch is also GPS-enabled and because of it, you can use it while jogging or cycling.

Apart from its smart functions, this timepiece is also fashionable because it can enhance your appearance with a touch of sophistication and class. It is often a great complement to jewelry or traditional accessories.

Pros

• Stainless steel bezel
• With date-date-month function
• Touchscreen (movement) 
• Water-resistant o 165 feet
• The case is stainless steel plated
• Glass dial window material
• 12 hours battery life

Cons

• If you open too many apps at once, it drains the battery quickly

Interested? Click here to buy it!

10. Casio G-Shock Baby-G MSG-200

Product Description

Last in our list of the best women’s watches under 500 is the Casio G-Shock Baby-G MSG-200. Its appearance may not be as glamorous as other women’s watches in this list but definitely has a stylish design too.

This women’s watch is best for sophisticated and active women of today. We especially like its pink gold color metal parts that add a brilliant charm to this everyday watch.

Function-wise, it has a dual dial world time that shows the current time of a different time zone found at 9 o’clock. This feature alone provides support for world-traveling women.

It is not only beautiful but is lightweight too. Based on online reviews, some users hope the light would light up a bit more although you can still see the time when outdoors.

Pros

• Black rubber with rose gold metal is a great color combination
• Feminine
• Giftable
• Great value for money
• Easy to read
• Water-resistant up to 100 Meters
• Solar-powered, 
• With LED light
• Shock-resistant
• The dial window material is made of mineral glass

Con/s

• If you don’t wear that much, the solar-charging function may not be for you

Interested? Click here to buy it!

11. Michael Kors Camille Stainless Steel Multifunction Watch with Glitz Accents

Product Description

This iconic Michael Kors Camille Stainless Steel Multifunction Watch with Glitz Accents features a 34mm case, scratch-resistant mineral crystal glass, a 9mm band, and a Quartz movement.

It’s a beautiful watch that costs less than $500, which is an excellent bargain. In fact, its unique style makes it somewhat understated. Its band material is also made of stainless steel and has a buckle clasp type. 

The combination of white dial color and the pink band makes this watch a stand-out.  

Pros

• Beautiful watch
• Stainless steel case and band
• From a renowned brand
• Luxurious style
• Water-resistant to 165 ft.
• Two-tone stainless steel bracelet

Con/s

• None

Interested? Click here to buy it!

What to Look for When Buying the Best Women’s Watch Under $500

Buying a women’s watch can be a bewildering experience. Watches today come in different designs, brands, and costs. So, to make the process easier, here are some things you need to look for when buying the best women’s watch under 500.

Movement

Movement is one of the most important parts of choosing a watch. It’s the thing that makes the watch run, operate, go, and function. It can come in different varieties, like Swiss quartz movement, Japanese automatic movement, or those powered by natural and artificial light.

If you prefer a low-maintenance kind of watch, then opt for quartz movement as its power relies on the battery. This eliminates the need for winding by the wearer. It is also remarkably accurate.

If you prefer a watch with a solid balance of innovation and tradition, an automatic watch is also worth considering. If you prefer a watch that needs to be manually wound by turning the crown, then go for mechanical movement. 

Mechanical watches are fascinating, especially for watch collectors. The process of caring for a mechanical watch can be a rewarding experience for others.

Personality and Function

Watches come in different shapes and styles. In general, you may classify them into sports watches, luxury watches, vintage watches, or casual watches. The style that you’ll buy should depend on when you are planning to wear the watch.

Or if this will be a gift, what would be the personality of that wearer? Is she outgoing? Is she sophisticated? Is she often in a business setting? If the gift receiver is a woman who wears a watch every day, you may choose one that has a versatile design and fits anywhere.

If you prefer a watch that can be worn for formal occasions, then choose an elegant or a small dress watch. If it’s for exercise, then a fitness tracker watch is on your top list.

Strap

The most common material for the strap (as well as the case) are canvas, gold, plastic, silver, leather (just for the strap), and titanium. Metal materials look amazing, although silver and gold get expensive.

Plastic and canvas material bands may look cheaper but are usually more useful and are more durable outdoors. If you prefer leather, it may be less durable compared to other strap materials, but it is still lightweight and adds a classic look to your style.

Size

Women’s watches come in different sizes too. So, pay attention to the millimeters of the dial. Factors that you should take into consideration for this include the wrist size of the wearer as well as her personal style.

Smaller wrists generally look better with smaller timepieces and the opposite feature calls for a larger watch dial.

Price

Since what you’re looking for is exactly a watch below $500, then the price point matters too. A watch that is below $100 is usually well-made with conventional materials and quartz movement. 

If you prefer a watch in the $100 to $500 price range, then you may get basic automatic movement in a high-quality timepiece. Most likely, watches within this price range have advanced features.

FAQs on Women’s Watches

What are the most popular women’s watches?

If you’re looking for a popular womens’ watch, though, without considering the price range, we encourage you to check these watch brands: Cartier, Rolex, Chanel, and IWC Schaffhausen.

Still, determining which brand of ladies’ watches is best still depends on various factors, including taste, budget, and personal preference in a timepiece.

Which brand is best for ladies watches?

Rolex still has one of the best reputations for ladies’ watches because their timepieces are durable, timeless, and feature technical precision. All these reasons make Rolex watches a brilliant investment not just for women, but men too!

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Seiko Women’s Dress Two-Tone Stainless Steel Swarovski Crystal-Accented Solar Watch is our favorite in this list.

But regardless of our top pick, the decision is still up to you. We hope that with this list, you found something you love that doesn’t cost as much. 

We have plenty of reasons why we love the Seiko Women’s Dress Watch most. For one, it is a solar watch (can last longer because of its source of power). It is elegant but can be worn every day as well. 

It is not too big nor too small and has a little bit of bling to compliment your outfit. It is such a beautiful timepiece that makes a great present for your loved one too! This women’s watch moreover has an easy-to-read face, although we do hope that the date window could be enlarged a little bit. 

Nevertheless, it is a gorgeous watch with a mother of pearl face and crystal-studded bezel. It also uses the Japanese quartz movement.

If you like this review, you might want to read our other reviews such as Best Women’s Watch Under $100, Best Women’s Watch Under 200, and Best Women’s Watches Under 300 at EvesWatch.com.