These Editor-Approved Watches Are Under $100, and Look Like a Million Bucks

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DID YOU know that you can get a watch that is both stylish and reliable for under $100? “There is no way,” you may be thinking. But there is absolutely a way, and we put together a whole list of cheap watches to prove it. Anyone with a social media account and an eye for timepieces can get caught up in all the mind boggling expensive offerings out there. Which causes the incredibly affordable watch market to go under appreciated. Sure, the best watches under $100 may be much simpler designs, stripped down to bare bones timekeeping or decades old digital functions. That doesn’t make them any less stylish. In fact, there is a respectability to the modesty that these tickers bring, and we're here for it.

So whether you need a new wrist watch on a tight budget or you’re a frugal shopper, we’ve rounded up a list of incredible bargains. We’ve got dive watches to hit the water all summer long. We’ve got dress watches to accessories your warm weather suits. We’ve got tool watches for all your outdoor adventures. Plus, we’ve got some funky watches that are just plain fun. With prices this low, you could put together an entire collection for less than the cost of an average luxury watch.

Best Watches Under $200 | Best Digital Watches | Best Stainless Steel Watches | Best Smartwatches | Best Watch Brands

Standard 40mm Fabric Strap Watch

Timex completely overhauled the Standard line with a retro inspired look that puts the finishing touch on any fit. Not only does this watch look great, but it is water resistant and features Timex's Indiglo, in which the face lights up when you press down on the crown.

Stainless Steel Quartz Watch

You just won't find a true diver (re: a screw down crow, rotating bezel, and luminous hands) for cheaper than this. Trust us, we've looked. Casio managed to build a good looking watch that is water resistant up to 200m for less than the price of most T-shirts. Sure, it has a rubber strap, but you can easily swap out a nato strap to complete the vintage look.

BIO-SOURCED Mono Black Again Quartz

Lean in to the current blacked-out watch trend with this matte black Swatch. The 41 mm case features just enough white detailing to display the time, day, and date. A masterclass in minimalist style.

Read more: Best Black Watches

Digital Bracelet Watch

We're getting a Knight Rider meets Daft Punk vibe from this 70's style digital watch by Armitron. The swagger on this bad-boy makes the low price point that much sweeter.

Caravelle by Bulova Retro Quartz

Caravelle is a long since discontinued sub-brand of Bulova. This limited edition re-issue represents the same affordable quality that the original brand stood for. It is a vintage inspired dive watch that can pull double duty with "business casual" or "on vacation."

IRONMAN T200

Back in the 1990's, Timex partnered with the Iron Man competition to create the original high performance sport watch. Triathlon and hobby athletes alike swear by this legendary collaboration, still going strong with the T2000.

Vanilla Speckle

OK, so we're cheating a bit with this Nixon that clocks in at exactly $100. However, it is for a good cause. This watch is made with recycled plastic. There are six color options available but the "cookies and cream" look of the Vanilla Speckle is the easiest to style.

Blue Quartz

Drawing design inspiration from classic dive watches like Omega and Rolex, the Fossil Blue is a far more affordable alternative. Sure, it can't handle deep sea SCUBA diving, but who is really using their high end divers for the intended purpose anyway?

A158WA-1DF Stainless Steel Digital Watch

You could call this the original smart watch. Despite not updating since the Regan administration, it still has more features than any automatic watch could ever have. Plus, you won't have to worry about emails and text messages pestering your wrist.

Silver-Tone and Black Strap Watch

What doesn't Amazon Essentials make? The Easy to Read watch comes with the same reliable performance in a sleek, no frills package that we've come to expect from the retail titan's in-house brand.

Eco Color Pop Recyclable Plastic Watch

Originally designed as an affordable wristwatch for nurses, doctors, and other medical professions, Speidel offers functional style regardless of your profession. The Eco Color Pop line comes in nine different colors but we're partial to the navy for everyday styling.

Pro Diver Automatic

Invicta offers the look of a certain famous Swiss watch brand, while being much friendlier to your bank account. There aren't many automatic watches out there for this price, and fewer still with a truly classic design.

Duro Analog Watch

Thanks to its black resin band and stainless steel case, Casio's analog watch might not look like a breezy beach accessory, but it has a secret skill: This durable watch is water-resistant up to 660 feet deep, which makes it more waterproof than most watches.

Quartz Watch

Rugged with an industrial profile, this stainless steel watch is a perfect choice for city guys with sophisticated style. Made to be water resistant at up to 165 feet, it's suitable for recreational swimming and showering too.

Fizili Ultra-Thin Wrist Watch

"This is a beautiful watch, very pleasing on the eyes, [and] the thinnest watch I've ever owned," writes one of the 5,700+ customers who gave this sleek piece a glowing 5-star review. "It tucks easily under my sleeve." Read: It's a great buy if all you want is something unfussy that won't make you feel like you're wearing a bulky accessory.

Luminous Men's Chronograph Wrist Watches

This elegant piece looks like it was dug up at some fancy antique market—when in reality, it's under $35 and eligible for Prime shipping. And it comes with chronograph functionality, meaning you can use it as an accurate stopwatch as well as a regular dressy timepiece.

Ultra-Thin Rectangle Dial Watch

"If you're looking for a thin and lightweight watch for very little money, I don't think this one can be beat," writes one reviewer, who notes they've had the watch for two months without any signs of it slowing down. If you like slick lines and a contemporary feel, it could well be your new go-to accessory.

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