The Best Watches Under $50: Top 10 Affordable Timepieces

When it comes to budget-friendly watches, many people assume that you have to compromise on quality. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth! There are plenty of fantastic watches available for under $50 that offer style, durability, and great functionality. Whether you're looking for a dive watch, field watch, dress watch, or chronograph, there's something in this list for you. Let's dive into the top 10 best watches under $50!

1. Militado ML05 – The Affordable Vintage Field Watch

The Militado ML05 is an absolute gem, bringing 1960s field watch vibes at a fraction of the price. With a period-correct 38mm case, decent lume on the hands and dial, and a stunning double-domed sapphire crystal, this watch offers incredible value. It even boasts 100 meters of water resistance and a screw-down crown. Powered by the Seiko VH31 Mega Quartz movement, it has a smooth sweeping second hand that mimics the look of a mechanical watch. At under $40, this is a steal!

2. Casio W217H – The Digital Powerhouse

Casio is well known for making reliable and affordable watches, and the W217H is no exception. Originally meant as a successor to the legendary F91W, this watch has a slightly larger case, better LED backlight, and improved water resistance at 50 meters. It features a countdown timer, stopwatch, and alarm, and at just $17, it's a fantastic daily wear digital watch with a battery life of up to 10 years.

3. Pagani Design Chronographs – Budget-Friendly Luxury Looks

Pagani Design offers a range of stylish and affordable chronographs that often mimic luxury Swiss timepieces. These watches feature stainless steel cases, sapphire crystals, and reliable Seiko VK quartz movements. Whether you want a Rolex Daytona look-alike or a Speedmaster homage, there’s a Pagani Design chronograph for you, usually priced right around the $50 mark.

4. Casio MDV106 "Duro" – The Ultimate Budget Dive Watch

For those who love dive watches, the Casio MDV106, also known as the "Duro," is a must-have. With 200 meters of water resistance, a screw-down crown, and a unidirectional rotating bezel, it’s a true dive watch for just $50. The only drawbacks are its larger 44mm case size and a mediocre stock strap, but those are easy to overlook given its quality.

5. Armitron Griffy – Retro and Fun

The Armitron Griffy is a stylish digital watch with an old-school LED display reminiscent of the 1970s. Unlike many other budget digital watches, this one has a proper metal case instead of plastic, and it comes with 50 meters of water resistance. While the LED display requires a button press to read the time, it's a fun and unique watch that can be found for as little as $28.

6. Casio G-Shock DW5600 – The Toughest Watch for Under $50

G-Shock watches are known for their durability, and the DW5600 is a classic. With 200 meters of water resistance, shockproof construction, and a battery life of around 10 years, this watch is built to last. Originally released in 1987, it has stood the test of time as one of the best value-for-money digital watches available.

7. Bertucci Field Watch – A Classic Military-Inspired Piece

Bertucci’s field watches are simple yet rugged, offering a reliable quartz movement, hardened mineral crystal, and 50 meters of water resistance. Their polyresin case makes them lightweight, and their military aesthetic appeals to those who love a classic field watch design. With a 4-year battery life and a 3-year warranty when purchased directly from Bertucci, this watch is a great deal at under $50.

8. Casio AE1200 "Royale" – The Feature-Packed Digital King

Nicknamed the "Casio Royale" for its resemblance to a Seiko watch worn by Roger Moore in Octopussy, the AE1200 is packed with features. It includes world time functionality, 100 meters of water resistance, a 10-year battery life, and multiple alarms and timers. At under $50, it’s one of the most feature-rich watches available at this price point.

9. Timex Expedition – A Great Everyday Quartz Watch

Timex’s Expedition range offers durable and affordable quartz watches with classic outdoor styling. With 50 meters of water resistance and an acrylic crystal, these watches are functional and stylish. The standout feature is Timex’s signature Indiglo backlight, making it incredibly easy to read in the dark. They are widely available for under $50 and come in various colors and styles.

10. Casio F91W – The Iconic Budget Classic

No budget watch list is complete without the Casio F91W. This legendary digital watch is simple, reliable, and incredibly cheap—often available for under $15. It features a stopwatch, alarm, and a backlight, all in a slim and lightweight case. While it only has 30 meters of water resistance, it's still a fantastic everyday watch for those who appreciate minimalism and affordability.

---

Final Thoughts

Finding a quality watch under $50 is easier than you might think. Whether you prefer the classic styling of a field watch, the rugged durability of a G-Shock, or the functionality of a digital watch, there’s an option for you. Brands like Casio, Timex, Bertucci, and Pagani Design offer some incredible choices that prove you don’t need to break the bank to own a great watch. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!