Best Mens Watches Under $200

Just last week, in the end of my 4-days trip I managed to broke my favorite dive watch from Casio, that served me well for about three consecutive years. It was not some luxury timepiece. Quartz mechanism, stainless steel case, nylon strap, 200$, but when I think how long it took me to pick out what to buy… If I recall, it was about five days of internet surfing, 100 or even more different watch models, 1000 comments, feedbacks, and reviews. That time is was Casio (as I said before), and this time… you can read it below. So, just yesterday I finished my second crusade for my new favorite wrist watch, that have to serve me well again for at least four years (I hope).

A little bit about myself. I like to go on long off-road trips to see some hard-to-reach areas. Also in my every quarter list are fishing, camping and mountain trips. But not all life is made up of weekends. Black tie events occur regularly and you have to look the part – business suit, dress watch, black shoes and all that, you know. So, I need one watch for my hard trips and one for my business meetings. If you happen to put your sport watch on with your business suite, some people may think it frivolous, and you can lose the order, you were hunting for.

May be I am biased against swiss watches, although I can afford timepiece for $3000-$5000. But in any case I prefer to spend my money reasonably. I would by new LED headlights for my Jeep rather than to burn my dough trying to stand out from the crowd. And hardly anyone can make the difference between $3000 and $300 watch. So, this review is about my take on the best men’s watches under $200. So, let’s go.

Timex Weekender Watch

Timex is a true American heritage brand—headquartered in Connecticut, they’ve been making affordable watches since the mid-1800s. The Weekender is arguably their most iconic watch, and it certainly “takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’” like the brand’s famous slogan professed. The best part about the Weekender (aside from its price) is the ability to easily swap out different watchbands whenever you get the itch, and this particular model pairs a rugged leather strap with a classic Timex face, making it quite literally the perfect weekend and everyday watch. Simple and sturdy everyday stylish watch, good for men and women.

• Price – $30
• Weight – 4.8 ounces
• Mechanism – Quartz
• Case – 40 x 9 mm

Timex Intelligent Quartz Chrono Watch

Steampunk style

One of Timex’s more sturdy feeling models. Second time zone indicator, chronograph, indiglo, and that dark dial looks terrific up against the surprisingly supple brown leather band. 43mm in diameter but doesn’t wear too big or clunky. Would look great with shorts and a polo, as well as dark jeans, well made boots, and a warm sweater come fall. Other dial/strap color combos available. Oddly priced pretty high, at $120, direct through Timex, but it worth every dime. The face is a little bit overwhelmed, but everything is on it’s place and in general watch looks cool. Stitched leather strap is just as it shown on the pictures.

• Price – $120
• Weight – 6.4 ounces
• Mechanism – Quartz
• Case – 43 x 12 mm

Seiko Adventure Solar Chronograph Watch

Since Seiko opened its first shop in Tokyo in the late 1800s, they’ve been creating quality watches that blend craftsmanship with the very best technology available. With this Adventure Solar watch, Seiko offers a solar-powered watch featuring a compass dial, luminescent hands, a protective Hardlex crystal window, and an alarm chronograph. It’s a truly men’s watch.

• Price – $199
• Weight – 2.8 ounces
• Mechanism – Quartz
• Case – 42 x 13 mm

Seiko Diver Watch

Best mechanical watch for men

Another offering from Seiko, this watch is a bit more rugged than other Seiko dive watches you’ll find, with its metallic bracelet, red and blue bezel, and Hardlex crystal coating on the face. It’ll be perfect for any adventurous activity you throw at it, and because it’s a dive watch, it’s water-resistant for up to 656 feet, so you can wear it anywhere near water and not worry about ruining it.

• Price – $183
• Weight – 7.1 ounces
• Mechanism – Japanese automatic movement self wind
• Case – 42 x 12 mm

If you want something big and show-off-y, but don’t have several grand to blow on a Hublot, this piece from designer Michael Kors should do the trick. The luxury watch not only looks good, but also provides maximum functionality with a clear chronograph movement and date window at 6 o’clock. The chunky 48mm rose gold case is water resistant to 10 ATM, and attaches to a comfortable black silicon strap.

• Price – $155
• Weight – 9.6 ounces
• Mechanism – Quartz
• Case – 48 x 14 mm

Seiko has been known for precision, reliability and excellence since 1881, so just because this piece is inexpensive, don’t think it’s not a well-made watch. It’s the everyman’s Rolex, if you will. This particular model features a sporty face and chronograph movement. The bezel rotates, and most importantly of all, it’s waterproof to 100 metres. Only for men. It can be shiped with metallic bracelet or leather strap. Window is made from mineral glass.

• Price – $189
• Weight – 10.5 ounces
• Mechanism – Quartz
• Case – 45 x 13 mm

Casio Dive Watch MDV106-1AV

This thing is not for a dinner, but it is great timepiece

Almost certainly the best bang-for-the-buck watch on the market today. For $150 you get 200m of water resistance, a stainless steel case, sleek and solid design and rotating bezel that feels much more expensive, and classic looks that at a glance look like this thing cost a heck of a lot more than a quick trip to the ATM. Even the stock rubber strap that it comes on is decent (soft-ish, not rigid plastic). Throw an aftermarket strap on there to boost its already good looks to the next level. It was tested in a workshop with all its oil, saw and metal dust. And, of course, some underwater experience. My favorit. The best budget dive watch I’ve ever seen. Must have.

• Price – $148
• Weight – 2.89 ounces
• Mechanism – Japanese Quartz
• Case – 44 x 12 mm

Casio G-SHOCK GD-100MS-3ER

If you need something that can take a bashing – look no further than G Shock. This affordable model is looks great, with both the case and strap made from matt green resin, and the lens featuring protective mineral glass. This surmounts to a watch which is submersible to 200 metres and is pretty much explosion proof. If you have desires to join the SAS (I had the same experience), or become a survival expert like Bear Grylls (almost did it), buying this watch is the first step on that journey. Just slipping it on will make you feel more extreme. The piece also packs in number features, including multiple timezones, a stopwatch, auto light, timer and five alarms – so you can wake up in time for your mission, then time how long it takes to take out a terrorist cell. Battery lasts more then two years. The glow is orange. I can say it’s awesome looking watch. If you fell yourself like an army man you definately have to buy this timepiece.

• Price – $70
• Weight – 2.57 ounces
• Mechanism – Quartz
• Case – 51 x 18 mm

My conclusion

So, I’ve made my own choice. It’s Casio Dive Watch (MDV106-1AV) for everyday use and Timex Expedition Scout for black tie events. But I think this Casio timepiece is well worth to be a “dress watch”. It’s stylish and looks expensive enough. I need to try it on my next meeting and see what will happened.