Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The 6 best men’s watches you can buy for under $200

Don't break the bank trying to upgrade your watch selection with these reasonably priced options

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Though dozens of very expensive watches are great investments, not all timepieces are astronomically priced. Plenty of elegant watches are both well-made and affordable, and these days, you can give a great watch as a gift at just about any price.

While we’ve previously focused on more expensive watches (check out our guide for the best men’s watch gift), we’re taking it one step further now with our guide to the absolute best men’s watches under $200. Some of these picks fall into more vintage silhouettes, while others are more modern, but the one thing they all have in common is that they won’t break the bank.

Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
Jump to details
Nixon Porter Bracelet Watch
Nixon Porter Bracelet Watch
Jump to details
Hugo Boss Stand Leather Strap Watch
Hugo Boss Stand Leather Strap Watch
Jump to details
G-Shock GBD800UC-5
G-Shock GBD800UC-5
Jump to details
MVMT Legacy Slim Mirage
MVMT Legacy Slim Mirage
Jump to details
Swatch Skinpole Watch
Swatch Skinpole Watch
Jump to details
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch

Tried and true, Seiko never wavers from its identity in the watch world. The Seiko 5 is one of the more sport-inspired options from the company. This watch is worth every penny at 37mm in size, with a stainless steel case and bracelet and 100m water resistance.

Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
Nixon Porter
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Nixon Porter Bracelet Watch

A not-so-in-your-face gold watch, Nixon’s Porter uses brushed metal to complement its elegant rose gold color. An inky black backdrop sharpens Porter’s three-arm quartz movement and adds elegance to your outfit pairings.

Nixon Porter Bracelet Watch
Nixon Porter Bracelet Watch

Hugo Boss Stand Leather Strap Watch

Reflective of Hugo Boss’ minimalist style, this leather strap watch with a brushed finish promises to keep a strong presence in your wardrobe for years to come. It’s got a mineral crystal face, a stainless steel case, and an ionic plate leather strap. We also like the subtle replacement of the mark at the 10th hour with the word “ten.”

Hugo Boss Stand Leather Strap Watch
Hugo Boss Stand Leather Strap Watch
G-Shock Mineral
Image used with permission by copyright holder

G-Shock GBD800UC-5

If you want specs, a G-Shock can always be a solid timepiece to turn to. With a three-axis accelerometer, a multi-timer, memory of up to 200 lap records, and accessibility with the G-Shock Connected app, adventurers and sports enthusiasts, this is for you.

G-Shock GBD800UC-5
G-Shock GBD800UC-5
MVMT Legacy Slim
Image used with permission by copyright holder

MVMT Legacy Slim Mirage

MVMT recently released a new collection of Legacy timepieces, and we especially like the minimal slim version best. Designed with a bronze-brushed stainless steel case, a gray dial, and a black leather strap, the Legacy is a go-to for wearing all your best fits, whether formal or casual. The strap is also interchangeable, so adding a new bracelet is always in the cards.

MVMT Legacy Slim Mirage
MVMT Legacy Slim Mirage
Swatch Skinpole Watch
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Swatch Skinpole Watch

Though Swatch has a variety of well-priced timepieces in its collection, we’re especially fond of the brand’s thoroughly modern Skinpole watch. It’s got a ribbed band that’s a little bit ’80s and a futuristic face that’s a little bit Tomorrowland to satisfy fellas that like a tech look.

Swatch Skinpole Watch
Swatch Skinpole Watch

There you have it, six watches you can get today that will make you look put together, successful, and stylish. And the best part is, you'll have money left over to go out and show it off.

Mark McKee

Mark is a full-time freelance writer and men's coach. He spent time as a style consultant and bespoke suit salesman before transitioning to private style consulting, coaching, and writing. He enjoys helping men find their image to project their best selves. In his free time, he loves to spend as much time in the cinemas as possible and work on his novels.

Send all editorial inquiries HERE.

The best luxury watches for men don’t have to cost $10K
Before investing in a luxury watch, check out these excellent options for the best bang for your buck

Every great watch rotation needs a healthy assortment of the best luxury watches, or at the very least, one especially investment-level timepiece. It's a step up in every way from the timepiece you might be used to wearing daily, whether it's a smartwatch, a rugged silicone strapped watch, or a "daily driver" leather watch that you've had for years. A luxury watch is a marker of intention. It adds elegance and refinement to your most well-tailored ensembles and reminds you of both meaning and purpose that keeps you on track throughout the day. The best men's watches are a welcome addition to your wrist game.

The best luxury watches feature precise movements, handsome dial designs, high-quality case and strap materials, and just a little something extra to separate them from the rest of the pack. Sure, these timepieces are more expensive, but that's a good thing: There's hardly a situation where you can't wear your new favorite luxury watch, and that goes for more casual affairs, too. It's worth buying and wearing as often as possible, all the better to get some "ROI" on your purchase. Where to start with the luxury watch market? We've got a few crucial picks in mind.

Read more
The warmest winter socks for men to keep you cozy
Keep your feet warm and dry with these best winter socks for men
Warming feet with a fireplace

Though many may gripe about the cold weather days of winter and fall, there’s no denying the chill allows us to rock some pretty comfortable clothing. Knit scarves, leather gloves, and fuzzy sweaters abound in these seasons, insulating us from the elements and making us feel oh-so-cozy.

There’s seemingly no end to the warm accessories we choose from, but one of our favorites is the winter sock. Durable and plush, this cold weather must-have is as essential for roosting around an indoor fire as it is for trudging along the icy trails of a mountainside hike. But don’t get it twisted — not all socks fit the bill, which is why we’ve assembled some of the warmest winter socks on the market.

Read more
The 10 best corduroy pants for men (for when you want to be dressy and casual)
Upgrade your pant collection with these 10 corduroy classics
Best Corduroy Pants

Let's face it -- as much as you would like to, and the pandemic allowed you to, you can't live in sweats forever. We suggest turning to corduroy if you want to elevate your winter pants. Rethink everything you thought you knew about corduroy pants because the best ones are decidedly different than any pair you might have worn in the past. By that, we mean today's corduroy pants fit better than days gone by while also featuring more excellent fabric and refined styling potential.

Yes, the best corduroy dress pants for men merge designer sensibility with the old-school cool that seems to be everywhere these days. You can wear the right pair of corduroys like your favorite pair of jeans or treat them like a proper pair of dress trousers. There's no telling what the appropriate pick will do for your winter wardrobe, so get started with our choices below.

Read more