(U.S. only)
At Paul Rich, we believe that style doesn't depend on your bank account. You don’t have to spend a fortune to wear a premium watch that will serve you for years. Today let us show you how you can instantly add style to any outfit for under $500.
A stylish watch elevates your style like nothing else. It can upgrade your average suit into an unforgettable look and transform a casual T-shirt and jeans into something sophisticated. Buying quality men's watches can happen without emptying your wallet, even if you like to spend a fortune on them. You don't have to break the bank to own a timeless timepiece. It turns out that quality men's watches under $500 are also among the most popular choices regardless of your budget.
Watches are essentially more functional jewelry. Before you purchase a watch under $500, make sure that it does what it's supposed to do (telling time), that it fits your style, and that you intend to wear it. We encourage you to focus on your own tastes and needs when it comes to buying a watch in a highly opinionated world.
There are many types of watches to choose from, including sleek quartz timepieces and classic automatic timepieces. With models like Cosmic and Elements, we have something for everyone's wardrobe and budget. Obviously you should take a look at the specifications to make sure the technical aspects are according to what you want. Put something gorgeous on your wrist and give your style a boost without busting your budget. Watches like these make thoughtful gifts as well.
Best men’s watches under $500 to buy in 2023
Buying a watch for under $500
There are many reasons why our community finds this price point to be a solid favorite. Watches from this brand are accessible to most men, wearable and easier to take style risks with than watches from very expensive brands.
Watches are no longer necessary for men to tell the time these days. Nowadays, your dress watch communicates more about your style than anything else. It's true that inexpensive watches won't make you look like an investment banker, but they will certainly play an important role in any stylish man's wardrobe. Even though you'll get what you pay for, it can still be a nice watch.
A quick guide to buying an inexpensive watch:
Playing it safe and sticking with the basics is perfectly acceptable when buying a watch in this price range. You should look for watches with stainless steel bracelets and expect to buy a quartz movement. In most cases, mechanical movements are inferior, though you might be lucky occasionally.
Beware of fakes and knockoffs
Don't try to imitate a $10,000 luxury watch if you can't afford it. A common mistake men make is buying a watch that makes them look cheap. This is about the oversized, fake gold, stone-encrusted watches made from plastic. It is impossible to look good wearing these.
It is equally risky to buy a fake or imitation of an elegant watch. You might be able to fool people into believing you have a real Rolex on your wrist, but anyone who knows a thing or two will never take you seriously. When you wear a knockoff, it's like paying for your groceries with Monopoly money. You lose all credibility the moment someone notices it. To be taken seriously, avoid fake watches because, in the end, you'll look foolish. Invest in a watch that is "authentic".
Seek out watches that aren't desperately trying to be something they aren't. Stainless steel watches are the best bang for your buck; look for them.
For a leather strap watch under $500, should you lower your expectations?
It's a good idea to buy a leather strap for your watch since cheap or imitation leather straps will show wear very quickly. You should focus on finding watches with leather or stainless steel straps unless you plan to add an aftermarket strap. When the material is well-made, they'll last longer and remain attractive.
Quartz movements are the best to buy
Even a watch under $500 should function well. A new watch shouldn't be a big deal, but you should still ensure it keeps accurate time before wearing it. The best choice for you will be quartz quality men’s watches. These are the types of watches you'll find in this price range and they do keep time.
Don't stop looking for watch styles just because you have a small budget
With this in mind, you'll only purchase one you truly enjoy and fits your lifestyle. If you're wearing it with a business suit, don't wear a sports watch; and if you're wearing it to the beach, make sure that it's water-resistant.
Don't forget to save for that dream watch
We always recommend saving more or paying less. A significant number of watches between $500 and $1500 aren't worth the markup, since they don't add quality to the $500 price point other than to improve branding. They are generally overpriced. Don't overspend on a watch; either buy a cheap everyday watch or save until you can afford it.
Here are a few watches to support your fashion style. These watches will look gorgeous with your outfit.
Let us offer you some more ideas best men's watches under $500:
Frosted Star Dust Silver
One of our best men’s watches under $500. The dial of this classic dress model has an aventurine pattern paired with slim gold-edged markers. A beautifully crafted frosted case surrounds the captivating aventurine dial in a silvery effect. The stainless steel case is simple and thin. 42mm or 45mm will look good on most wrist sizes. It's usually a safe choice to buy a silver watch if you're looking for a versatile color. Its cool elegance will make your outfits come alive.
Frosted Star Dust Gold
Modern design meets traditional Italian craftsmanship in the Frosted Star Dust. A Florentine Finish is used to carve expressive carvings into the gold surface. This technique entails beating the case with a diamond-tipped engraving tool in order to attain its distinctive sparkle. An aventurine dial further enhances the timepiece's brilliance.
Cosmic Silver
The Cosmic Watch is the perfect accessory for a night on the town or a business meeting. Besides being comfortable and durable, it's also a sophisticated accessory. You can wear it during activities and workouts and it will stay in place. Massive, bold, and streamlined, the case blends seamlessly with the stainless steel body for an impressive look. In addition to its brand-new one-piece bracelet, the Cosmic Watch features a mineral glass crystal and a luminous aventurine dial. The dial of cosmic watches is sleek, the case back is engraved with a Latin inscription, and the movement is Swiss. You've found a watch you'll really want for a price that's right for you.
Aqua Vertigo
Are you familiar with our beloved Elements collection? Watches with a unique geometric design with a 3D multi-dimensional dial featuring vibrant colors inspired by the elements of nature. You will enjoy Aqua Vertigo with its turquoise dial, which represents the power of WATER that shapes our world. In addition to quartz versions, this style is also available in automatic versions. It has a Japanese automatic movement and comes in several finishes (silver, gold, and black) so you can match it easily with your accessories. Featuring mineral crystal glass and a 45mm size, this watch fits most wrists.
Frosted Midas Touch
Fashion statements in yellow-gold are appropriate in menswear's new age of maximalism. An excellent example of this is the timepiece from our Signature collection. It's a great watch that goes with every piece in your wardrobe, including everything from the weekend to the office to the in-between. Gold dial and gold case make this version stand out. Combining the splendor of classical antiquity with modern clean-cut design. An electroplated gold finish on classic designs creates the modern Midas Touch.
Things to consider before buying men's watches under $500
When it comes to watches that cost less than $500, the only thing that really matters is whether you like how it looks. An inexpensive watch will look great on your arm, and if it tells the time, you're good to go!
Be sure to explore our Sapphire Crystal Watches and Shiny Watches at our online store and take your pick now while stocks last!
