Top 10 Budget Watches (2026)
Finding a quality watch that doesn't break the bank can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With so many options claiming to be "affordable" while still costing hundreds, it's easy to get overwhelmed. You want something reliable, stylish, and built to last, but you don't want to spend a fortune on features you'll never use.
That's why we've put together this list of the top 10 budget watches for 2026. We looked at hundreds of models, read thousands of reviews, and considered everything from basic digital timepieces to hybrid smartwatches. Each watch here delivers exceptional value for its price point, whether you're looking for legendary reliability, solar convenience, or mechanical charm.
Quick Comparison
| Product Details |
|---|
|
1. Casio F91W-1 Digital Watch
★ 4.8/5
|
|
2. Casio G-Shock DW9052-1BCG
★ 4.5/5
|
|
3. Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180-03E
★ 4.6/5
|
|
4. Seiko 5 Sports Automatic SRPD55
★ 4.4/5
|
|
5. Orient Symphony Gen II Automatic
★ 5.0/5 (Top Rated)
|
|
6. Timex Weekender Chronograph
★ 4.3/5
|
|
7. BY BENYAR Analog Quartz Chronograph
★ 4.2/5
|
|
8. Fossil Neutra Quartz Chronograph
★ 3.8/5
|
|
9. Bertucci DX3 Plus Performance Field Watch
★ 4.5/5
|
|
10. Skagen Hald Hybrid Quartz Smartwatch
★ 4.0/5
|
1. Casio F91W-1 Digital Watch
Price: $15 | Rating: 4.8/5
This little legend proves you don't need to spend much to get a watch that lasts. For under $20, you get 7-10 years of battery life, basic digital functions, and a design that's been trusted by everyone from students to presidents. It's the perfect grab-and-go watch that just works, day after day.
Key Specs: 33.5mm case, 7-10 year battery life, 30m water resistance, digital stopwatch
Pros: Unbeatable price under $20, legendary reliability that lasts for years, lightweight comfort for all-day wear, timeless design that works anywhere
Things to Consider: The backlight isn't super bright, and it's got basic features compared to modern smartwatches
Best For: Anyone wanting maximum reliability for minimum cost
2. Casio G-Shock DW9052-1BCG
Price: $48 | Rating: 4.5/5
Want G-Shock toughness without the G-Shock price? This model delivers serious durability for under $50. With 200m water resistance and shock protection, it can handle swimming, hiking, and everyday bumps without breaking a sweat. The pivoting strap makes it comfortable for all wrist sizes too.
Key Specs: 43mm case, 200m water resistance, shock resistant construction, EL backlight
Pros: Built to survive years of abuse, full water resistance for swimming and diving, comfortable pivoting strap, essential outdoor functions
Things to Consider: No Bluetooth or smart features, and it's bulkier than regular watches
Best For: Active folks needing a tough, reliable outdoor watch
3. Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180-03E
Price: $99 | Rating: 4.6/5
Never change a battery again with this solar-powered field watch. The Eco-Drive technology converts any light into power, giving you reliable timekeeping without maintenance. At just 9.5mm thick, it's comfortable for daily wear, and the 100m water resistance means you can swim with it too.
Key Specs: 37mm case, 9.5mm thin, 100m water resistance, solar-powered movement
Pros: Solar power means no battery changes ever, thin profile comfortable for daily wear, excellent legibility with luminous hands, day/date function adds practicality
Things to Consider: The nylon strap runs a bit short for larger wrists
Best For: Anyone wanting solar convenience in a field watch style
4. Seiko 5 Sports Automatic SRPD55
Price: $225 | Rating: 4.4/5
This is your gateway to mechanical watches without breaking the bank. The automatic movement means no battery - it runs on the motion of your wrist. With 100m water resistance and a versatile dive-style design, it works for both casual days and dressier occasions. The bracelet feels solid and comfortable too.
Key Specs: 42mm case, Seiko 4R36 automatic movement, 100m water resistance, 41-hour power reserve
Pros: Automatic movement offers mechanical charm, excellent value for Japanese watchmaking, versatile design works anywhere, reliable timekeeping
Things to Consider: Uses Hardlex crystal instead of sapphire
Best For: First-time automatic watch buyers wanting quality
5. Orient Symphony Gen II Automatic
Price: $108 | Rating: 5.0/5
Getting sapphire crystal under $150 is rare, but this Orient delivers exactly that. The scratch-resistant crystal combined with a thin dress watch profile makes it perfect for office wear or formal events. With a perfect 5.0 rating from thousands of buyers, it's clearly hitting the sweet spot for value.
Key Specs: 41mm case, 12mm thickness, sapphire crystal, 50m water resistance
Pros: Sapphire crystal exceptional at this price, thin profile ideal for dress wear, perfect 5.0 average rating, reliable automatic movement
Things to Consider: Non-hacking movement means you can't stop the seconds hand
Best For: Dress watch lovers wanting sapphire crystal on a budget
6. Timex Weekender Chronograph
Price: $104 | Rating: 4.3/5
This clean-looking chronograph gives you stopwatch functionality without the fuss. The white dial works with pretty much any outfit, and the eco-conscious fabric strap feels comfortable all day. Timex's Indiglo night-light makes it easy to read in low light, which is a nice touch at this price.
Key Specs: 40mm case, quartz chronograph movement, 50m water resistance, 30-minute chronograph
Pros: Clean, versatile design works with many outfits, reliable quartz accuracy, comfortable fabric strap, Indiglo night-light for low-light visibility
Things to Consider: 50m water resistance means it's not for swimming
Best For: Casual wearers wanting chronograph features
7. BY BENYAR Analog Quartz Chronograph
Price: $29 | Rating: 4.2/5
If you want the look of an analog chronograph but only have $30 to spend, this is your best bet. The three sub-dials and polished finish give it an upscale appearance that belies its price tag. The silicone strap is comfortable, and the big 44mm face makes a statement without costing much.
Key Specs: 44mm case, 12mm thickness, mineral glass crystal, 30m water resistance
Pros: Unbeatable price for analog chronograph, surprisingly upscale look for cost, comfortable silicone strap, big-face aesthetic
Things to Consider: Build quality feels basic compared to mid-range watches
Best For: Budget shoppers wanting chronograph style
8. Fossil Neutra Quartz Chronograph
Price: $120 | Rating: 3.8/5
Fossil brings fashion-forward design to the budget chronograph category with this versatile piece. The interchangeable strap system lets you switch up your look, and the sculpted case has a nice mix of brushed and polished finishes. It's a solid choice if you want a watch that can transition from work to weekend easily.
Key Specs: 44mm case, Japanese quartz movement, 5 ATM water resistance, interchangeable strap system
Pros: Versatile styling works for many occasions, comfortable fit and reliable timekeeping, interchangeable straps offer customization, solid build quality
Things to Consider: The design feels a bit bulky on some wrists
Best For: Style-conscious buyers wanting customization options
9. Bertucci DX3 Plus Performance Field Watch
Price: $95 | Rating: 4.5/5
This specialized field watch is built for outdoor adventures without the outdoor price tag. The fiber-reinforced polycarbonate case keeps it lightweight at just 50g, while 100m water resistance means it can handle rain, sweat, and splashes. The legible numerals make it easy to read at a glance, which is exactly what you want in a field watch.
Key Specs: 38mm case, 100m water resistance, quartz movement, 50g lightweight construction
Pros: Exceptionally lightweight at 50g, solid construction and reliable timekeeping, comfortable nylon band, good value under $100
Things to Consider: The 38mm case might feel small for larger wrists
Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts needing durable field performance
10. Skagen Hald Hybrid Quartz Smartwatch
Price: $179 | Rating: 4.0/5
Want smartwatch features without the smartwatch charging? This hybrid gives you activity tracking, notifications, and sleep monitoring in a classic analog package. The Scandinavian design looks sharp, and with 5-6 months of battery life, you won't be plugging it in every night like regular smartwatches.
Key Specs: 40mm case, quartz movement with Bluetooth, 5 ATM water resistance, 5-6 month battery life
Pros: Classic Scandinavian design aesthetics, no regular charging required, accurate step and sleep tracking, long battery life
Things to Consider: No heart-rate sensor and limited on-watch interaction
Best For: Those wanting discreet activity tracking in traditional watch form
What to Look for in a Budget Watch
Choosing the right budget watch comes down to matching features with your lifestyle. You don't need to spend hundreds to get something reliable and stylish.
1. Movement Type: Quartz watches are accurate and low-maintenance, while automatic watches offer mechanical charm without batteries. Solar watches like the Citizen eliminate battery changes entirely.
2. Water Resistance: 30m handles rain and splashes, 50m works for swimming, and 100m+ is good for serious water activities. Match this to how you'll actually use the watch.
3. Case Material: Resin is lightweight and durable, stainless steel looks more premium, and specialized materials like Bertucci's polycarbonate offer unique benefits.
4. Crystal Type: Mineral glass is common in budget watches, while sapphire crystal (like on the Orient) offers better scratch resistance at slightly higher prices.
Pro Tip: Don't get caught up in features you won't use. If you just need reliable timekeeping, a simple quartz watch like the Casio F91W delivers incredible value. Save the extra money for straps or other accessories.
Our Top Picks
🏆 Best Overall: Casio F91W-1 Digital Watch. For just $15, you get legendary reliability, 7-10 year battery life, and a design that's stood the test of time. It's the perfect first watch or backup piece that just works.
💰 Best Value: Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180-03E. At $99, the solar-powered convenience means no battery changes ever, plus you get 100m water resistance and a comfortable thin profile.
⭐ Best Premium: Seiko 5 Sports Automatic SRPD55. For $225, you're getting into mechanical watch territory with Seiko's reliable automatic movement and versatile dive-style design.
No matter which you choose, every watch on this list delivers quality and value. Click any link above to check current prices and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best budget watch in 2026?
Based on our research, the Casio F91W-1 Digital Watch is the best choice for most people, with a 4.8/5 rating and incredible reliability at just $15.
How much should I spend on a budget watch?
You can get a great watch for anywhere from $15 to $250. The sweet spot is around $50-$150, where you'll find solar-powered options, automatic movements, and better materials. Even the $15 Casio delivers amazing value.
Which budget watch offers the best value?
For the best balance of quality and price, we recommend the Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180-03E at around $99. It delivers solar convenience and 100m water resistance without the premium price tag.
Rankings based on expert analysis and user reviews. Updated regularly for accuracy.