10 Watches That Look More Expensive Than They Are (Below £200)
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While luxury watches may look incredible, their price tag…not so much. Most people don’t have thousands in disposable income to throw at wristwatches. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean you have to settle for an ugly watch. You’d be astonished by how good some low-cost watches can look.
I’ve compiled a thorough list of the best cheap watches that look expensive (or at least significantly more than their RRP). These sub-£200 watches will get you plenty of compliments and will leave your friends thinking you’ve splashed the cash on a much more expensive piece.
Orient Bambino V1
A popular choice in the watch community, the Orient Bambino series is often recommended as the ultimate starting point into dress watches. These watches have specifications that microbrands would be charging triple this price for; including an in-house automatic movement. The classic styling of the Version 1 makes it the best choice for this list, giving a look representative of a watch worth thousands.
The more minimalist Version 3 earned a rave review from me last year and gives a more modern look if desired. If you have a smaller wrist they recently released a 36mm version of this watch, alongside a larger version for bigger wrists; there is one for everyone.
Invicta Pro Diver
The Invicta Pro Diver is a sub-£100 watch that looks like a Rolex Submariner. Everything about this watch is a clear homage to the aforementioned Rolex, down to the near-identical sizing. With it’s Seiko automatic movement and iconic diver design, your friends will be blown away that this hasn’t cost you hundreds.
This has everything you’d want from a budget-friendly dive watch, including strong water resistance; though does feature a side engraving, which may not be to everyone’s taste. Nevertheless, this has been Invicta’s best selling watch for decades and it’s clear why.
Orient TriStar
Another killer watch from Japanese brand Orient, the TriStar has a glowing reputation and certainly looks the part. If you’re after a watch with a touch of bling, this could serve that purpose well, without going over the top. At 39mm in diameter, these hit that size ‘sweet spot’ that loads of men desire and it will certainly add some flair to your outfit. As with the Bambino, this watch comes with a cool in-house automatic movement, providing that sweeping second hand – indicative of higher quality watches.
Seiko SNK793
I struggle to justify spending over £300 on a Seiko watch; when you can grab a Seiko 5 for below £100 and still get the same basic look and feel. Seiko 5 watches contain Seiko automatic movements, stainless steel construction and reasonable water resistance, making them extremely popular daily wearers. I recently reviewed the SNK793, which looks similar to many Seiko models that sell for triple the price. If that watch isn’t to your taste, there are hundreds of other Seiko 5 models to choose from.
Starking AM0184SS12L
Possibly the cheapest way to get hold of an automatic dress watch, this Starking watch packs a lot into a very low-cost package. Admittedly, the quality control on these isn’t great, however, if you find a good one, it can be a true bargain. This is one of the cheapest watches on the list and can make a great dress watch if you are on a tight budget.
Seiko SUP880/SFP608
Lots of men love the look of the classic Cartier Tank. While I like that watch, the £2000+ price tag puts me off. For just over £100, you can get your hands on a Seiko watch that, without a microscope, you’d think cost a similar amount. If you can get the SUP880, it’s the slightly better option as it features a solar quartz movement; meaning it can be charged by sunlight. This is tremendously effective and can massively boost the lifetime of the watch. The SFP608 is almost identical albeit without the solar functionality, though is generally available for less money as a result. Both feature a timeless design that will undoubtedly still look elegant 20 years from now.
Pagani Design Chronograph (PD-2720K)
Arguably the most ‘overpowered’ watch for the price tag that I’ve ever reviewed, the obscure Pagani Design chronograph blew me away when I reviewed it recently. With a more recognisable brand name on the front; I’m under no doubt that this would be retailing for £200, if not more. Though it may sound Italian, this brand is Chinese and by gosh have they packed this piece with the goods.
This features a premium Seiko VK67 meca-quartz movement, which is a personal favourite of mine. The movements alone retail for around £30 individually, yet by some miracle, they are selling this watch for around £40. For that price, you’d normally expect sub-par finishing and quality. However, in this case, the watch looks and feels far more premium. You’ll laugh when you open this, as I did, because you’ll have yourself a bargain.
Timex TW2T60700JT
A classy, rectangular dress watch; this offering comes, surprisingly, from Timex. This one features a clean dial, smooth lines and a genuine diamond at the 12-o’clock position. It reminds me of a Movado design and looks far, far more expensive than the modest £60 price tag. With the slim case and glossy finish, this one will look premium at black-tie events and nobody will guess you spent so little. When it comes to straps, this one comes fitted with a 24mm bracelet; the 26mm lug size on some listings is incorrect. Bear this in mind if you’re looking to switch it out, though the default one should be adequate.
Nixon Time Teller
Most fashion watches look worse in person than in their online renderings. Fortunately, the Nixon Time Teller doesn’t fall into this trap. This watch has extremely versatile styling, with a retro shape somewhat reminding me of old Rolex oyster models. The dial is definitely on the plain side and the specifications are nothing revolutionary, but it has some nice touches. The 37mm diameter is spot on for this type of watch and it’s also pretty skinny at just 9mm deep. It also has a surprising 100m of water resistance, which is more than the 30m found on other similarly styled fashion watches. For around £70 or less, I think this is what a fashion watch should be.
Casio MDV106 (Duro)
A favourite diver watch in the online community, the Casio MDV106 is a phenomenal choice for larger wrists. It consistently amazes me how much Japanese brand Casio can fit into their low-cost watches. With the 3D indices, rotating bezel, 200m of water resistance and solid stainless steel case; for well under £100, this could be the only dive watch you ever need. With a different logo on, this would undoubtedly be over £200, perhaps more.
The dark sunburst dial gives the impression of higher craftsmanship, even the rear of the case features etchings that put more expensive dive watches to shame. Unlike other Casio watches, this one isn’t plastered with text and it looks all the better for it. The Duro is an easy recommendation, though, at 42mm, it’s best suited to larger wrists.