Luxury watch brands offer exclusivity and status that can be worn on your wrist, but few people can casually buy iconic watches on a whim. Even more 'reasonable' models with a four-digit or high three-digit price tag are generally unavailable to those with a strict budget. And while $250 is still a significant expense, it offers a legitimate benchmark in an industry where five- and six-figure prices are not uncommon. 

Many quality watches are available for less than $250, but the five on this list blend classic style with modern flair. You can dress them up or dress them down. Most importantly, though, they won't break the bank when you buy one.

In this week’s edition of t r e l e t:

Recently in Watches

• In case you missed it, Tag Heuer collaborated with lifestyle brand KITH to revitalize their line of classic Formula 1 watches in early May. These limited-edition pieces pay homage to KITH founder Ronnie Fieg’s first watch, one of the original Formula 1 watches from 1986.

• Want to find out how much the most luxurious watches will set you back? Patek Philippe is shedding the practice of displaying ‘Price on Request’ on its website and has recently included prices for the Grand Complications collection, according to a Hodinkee article. (Unfortunately for you and me, these watches have multi-comma price tags…)

• Want a watch with an exhaust? Maximilian Büsser and Friends (MB&F) thinks you do. For merely ~$80,000 hard-earned dollars, you can purchase one of the 33 limited-edition HM8 Mark 2 watches. Inspired by supercar bodywork, this sapphire blue timepiece features a speedometer-style display on the side of the case reminiscent of “the daring and futuristic design of the 1970s.”

The Five Best Watches Under $250

Many brands make great watches and sell them for less than $250. However, all the watches on this list are versatile, functional, and simple–the perfect recipe for a classic timepiece that will elevate your style this summer and beyond. Priced between $75 and $250, the pieces on this list all offer budget-friendly style and practicality without threatening the health of your bank account. These watches are great investments for anyone trying to enhance their jewelry game. And because of their more reasonable price tags, they make perfect gifts for birthdays, new graduates, and young professionals!

1. CASIO VINTAGE MTP-1302D-1AV1

Price: $75

Overview: The Casio Vintage is a simple yet elegant piece with effortless versatility. A go-to for formal wear or daily use, the MTP-1302D-1AV1 offers a silver stainless steel construction that contrasts nicely with the sleek black dial and luminous hands. Water resistant up to 5 bar and powered by a quartz movement, this Casio successfully blends sophistication and durability in a package that will surely appeal to almost any watch enthusiast. As the most affordable watch on this list, the Vintage provides an almost unparalleled value for money.

2. FOSSIL NEUTRA CHRONOGRAPH

Price: $160

Overview: Moving into the three-digit price range, the Fossil Neutra Chronograph has a timeless style that makes it a compelling piece for watch enthusiasts. With elements from “mid-century architecture,” the Neutra Chronograph maintains a minimalist feel with straightforward elegance created by the stainless steel case and simple leather band. When these elegant features meet a Japanese quartz chronograph movement and 5 bar maximum water resistance, this piece is a seamless blend of style and reliability.

3. SWATCH COBALT LAGOON

Price: $210

Overview: One of many Swatch pieces at this price point, the Cobalt Lagoon takes a mighty swing at appealing to fans of the Omega Speedmaster (in writing this, I discovered that The Swatch Group has owned Omega since 1998) and other luxury Swiss watches. With its 43mm cobalt face and utilitarian stainless steel construction, this classy piece is strikingly similar to several watches that cost exponentially more, making it a great buy for anyone trying to add flair to their collection. Powered by a quartz movement and resistant to water up to 30 meters deep, the Cobalt Lagoon is the perfect budget-friendly statement piece. Powered by a quartz movement and resistant to water as deep as 30 meters, the Cobalt Lagoon is the ultimate budget-friendly statement piece.

4. SEIKO SNKN37

Price: $225

Overview: Continuing the blue dial trend, the Seiko SNKN37 is a slightly funkier take on a classic-looking piece. The square-shaped 43.5mm stainless-steel case resists water up to 50 meters and offers a see-through back. Powered by an automatic movement with a claimed 40-hour power reserve, this watch has all the trappings of a perfect entry-level timepiece. With such striking features, any budget-restricted potential buyer should seriously consider putting a few extra eggs in this unique and eye-catching basket.

5. CITIZEN CLASSIC

Price: $250

Overview: Though technically not less than $250, the Citizen Classic was a necessary addition to this list of budget-friendly watches. Finished in stunning rose gold, the stainless steel case ensconces an elegant ivory face that dedicates no unnecessary space to telling time. This wristwatch harnesses the sun for power and resists water up to depths of 100 meters, making it the most technologically advanced of the five watches listed here. At 42mm in width, the Citizen Classic should sit comfortably on most larger wrists and enhance any outfit–day or night. Though it is the most expensive on the list, this watch more than backs it up with its unique combination of style and functionality.

Essential 🧊 For Your Wrist

This week, the featured watches are “honorable mentions” that didn’t quite make the cut for the list above. Priced under $250, these classic watches can take your collection to the next level without decimating your financial stability. Whether you want something classic or adventurous, tried-and-tested or cutting-edge, these two watches will have you covered.

Price: $225

Overview: Like the Eco-Drive Classic from the main article, this Citizen Corso is powered by the sun, eliminating the need to replace a battery in the future. The sleek metallic dial is complemented by sharp rose gold accents, giving the watch a sophisticated quality that is enhanced by the black leather strap. This unique pairing of colors culminates in an eye-catching piece that takes classic inspiration and brings it to the next level without becoming garish or gaudy. With a 40mm stainless steel case tying everything together, this watch is classy and practical for regular use.

Price: $189

Overview: Remarkably similar to a certain luxury watch often associated with a soft drink company (*ahem* Brad’s Drink iykyk), this Timex Harborside is a quality timepiece that is sure to stand out because of said distinctive style. One of the heavier watches in today’s newsletter, this quasi-icon is powered by an automatic movement and measures 43mm across the case. Its brightly colored bezel contrasts perfectly with the sleek black dial, and the steel construction makes this watch a timeless classic that will almost surely be in style for decades to come.

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