Though your dream watch may cost more than most house deposits (Patek Philippe, we’re looking at you), there’s a strong selection out there which come in at a much more affordable price point.
While they may not boast the elevated technicality of the Swiss grails, they do what watches do best for thousands less – and you can’t argue with that. In fact, you can get reliable timepieces for under £100.
This year, the general watch direction is understated. On the red carpet, it seems like Cartier in the hot seat – from Omar Sy’s minimalist Santos de Cartier to Paul Mescal’s rectangular Tank, so follow the same style cues if you want a timeless and versatile design for all occasions. At this under £100 price point, we advise avoiding anything overly brash as it won’t hit the same as a statement timepiece by the likes of Chopard or Audemars Piguet.
For inspo, look no further than TikTok’s favourite Old Money Aesthetic trend. This look, which has over 263.8K posts, takes its cues from JFK Jr. and the New York preppy movement encapsulated by legendary fashion labels Aimé Leon Dore and Drakes. It’s characterised by timelessness and subtlety over flashy displays of wealth. If you stick to watches which fit with this agenda, you’ll never go wrong.
There are some brands which do well-priced watches best. If you’re in the market for digital, Casio’s the go-to. Or, for the classics, it’s Timex which should be on your wishlist. For a fun tongue-in-cheek take, look no further than Swatch.
Our top tip? Always keep an eye out for sales at H.Samuel or Goldsmiths where you could bag a Rotary or Fossil for just under £100, even though their RRP tends to be much higher.
Whether you’re saving for the ticker of your dreams or simply want to bulk out your wrist-candy collection, keep scrolling for the best watches under £100 available to buy now.
Tommy Hilfiger Brown Croco-Print Leather Strap Watch
Featuring a real leather strap and stainless steel case and bezel, Tommy Hilfiger’s classic watch punches far above its £99 price point. And we love the unexpected navy sunray dial.
Buy now £99.00, Tommy Hilfiger
Casio A168WG-9EF
Casio’s the Japanese timepiece giant that’s been at the top of the digital watch game since the 80s. Worn by Marty in Back to the Future and Saltburn’s Oliver Quick as well as Dustin in Stranger Things, it’s a brand that’s just as popular on screen as it is off. Our favourite? The brand’s vintage collection, which leans into the retro aesthetic.
Buy now £60.00, Casio
Swatch Once Again
A label which boomed in the Nineties, Swatch has been a go-to for affordable time-keeping ever since. This monochrome Once Again is one of the brand’s classics featuring the signature numerical face and a date window. It has stood the test of time for a reason.
Buy now £54.14, Amazon
Timex Weekender 38mm Fabric Strap Watch
For a military aesthetic, Timex’s Weekender is worth your consideration. The timepiece is defined by its khaki strap, minimal design and sans-serif numbers. Better yet, you can easily change the slip-thru strap depending on your ‘fit.
Buy now £60.00, Timex
Rotary Men's Red Bezel Stainless Steel Bracelet Diver's Watch
Though it’s rare to find a Rotary watch under £100, H.Samuel’s current sale is offering the brand’s diver’s watch for a third of the original RRP. So, if you like your watches on the sporty side, there’s no time like the present. Pun intended.
Buy now £99.99, H.Samuel
Limit Men's Brown Faux Leather Strap Watch
From the scratch-resistant glass to the mock-croc strap, Limit’s watch boasts both form and function. All for just £13.99.
Buy now £13.99, Argos
Accurist Classic Men's Watch Silver Case & Two Tone Stainless Steel Bracelet with Lawn Green Dial
Taking style cues from the Rolex, Accurist’s watch is a colourful update on a stone-cold classic. And, since it’s on the affordable end of the spectrum, why not opt for something a little different?
Better yet, thanks to the two-tone finish, this will seamlessly slot into your accessories arsenal regardless of your metal preference.
Buy now £84.00, Accurist
Casio Watch
If you’re into the look of the Cartier Tank but not the price point, this rectangular take by Casio is the dupe you need on your radar. The Roman numerals and navy face take it to the next level.
Buy now £75.99, Amazon
Sekonda Classic Men's Watch
If you’re in the market for wallet-friendly watches that span the entire range of sporty, modern and heritage, Sekonda is the brand for you. This time, it’s a classic dress watch, with understated Roman numerals and a dark brown mock-croc strap. One for those who exclusively wear gold jewellery.
Buy now £44.99, Sekonda
The Camden Watch Company No.88 Steel and Red & Black Nato
The Camden Watch Company’s watch takes its style cues from the past. The face is inspired by old dials found on steam train gauges while the case is a recreation of a traditional ‘wire lug’ watch where the strap is held in place by a single wire on either end. The second hand is the same turquoise as the iconic Camden Lock bridge.
Buy now £95.00, The Camden Watch Company
