When you're just getting into the world of watches, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. So many brands, styles, and price points — where do you even start? And more importantly, how do you know you're buying a good watch without spending a fortune?
The good news is: quality doesn’t always mean thousands of euros. With a bit of knowledge and attention to key details, you can find a well-made, reliable and stylish watch that fits your budget — often in the €300 to €500 range.
Movement: The Heart of the Watch
A watch’s movement tells you a lot about its quality. Most watches under €500 come with either a quartz or automatic movement.
Quartz movements are battery-powered and known for their accuracy. They’re ideal if you want a hassle-free watch that just works. Brands like Citizen, Casio Edifice, and Daniel Klein offer reliable quartz options.
Automatic movements (mechanical, self-winding) are more traditional and often preferred by enthusiasts. In this range, look for models from Orient, Seiko, or Tissot. The Orient Bambino or Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 are both great examples of mechanical quality on a budget.
Watch Materials Matter
Even from the outside, you can often tell a watch’s value by the materials used.
316L stainless steel is a sign of quality, offering resistance to wear and corrosion. Avoid watches with unknown alloys or that feel too light.
Sapphire crystal glass is a premium feature at this price point. It’s scratch-resistant and long-lasting. If a watch has it, it’s a strong signal that quality was a priority.
Also, check for solid metal bracelets rather than folded links, which tend to wear down faster.
Design and Finishing
It’s not just about looks — though that matters too. High-quality watches have attention to detail:
Aligned hands and markers
Smoothly rotating crowns or bezels
Clean finishing on the case edges
Consistent branding (no spelling mistakes or crooked logos)
Sometimes a watch looks good from afar but feels cheap up close. Trust your instincts — and your hands.
Water Resistance
You don’t need a diver’s watch unless you’re actually diving, but some water resistance is important for everyday use.
30 m means splash-resistant (not for showering or swimming)
50 m or more is safer for casual water exposure
100 m and higher is excellent for sport or beach use
Not every great watch needs to be waterproof, but if it's advertised as “sporty” or “durable,” check the numbers.
Brand Reputation
This doesn’t mean buying only luxury names — there are many affordable brands with a track record of making great watches.
Brands like Orient, Citizen, Tissot, and Casio have built trust over decades. When you buy from a brand with history, you're also buying experience, service networks, and often better quality control.
Even newer names like Cluse or Fossil can offer good design and value — just make sure you're buying from an authorized seller.
Beware of Overmarketing
Some watches look amazing in ads but fall short in real life. “Luxury-inspired” doesn’t mean much if the build is poor. Instead of focusing on logos, look at reviews, forums, and YouTube videos from people who actually wear the watches.
You don’t need to be a watch expert — just be curious and do a little digging.
The Bottom Line
You don't need deep pockets to wear a good watch. A well-made, thoughtfully designed timepiece in the €300–€500 range can serve you well for years — and look great doing it.
Whether you're into minimalist design, vintage charm, or sporty features, there's something out there for you. And once you learn what really makes a watch worth your money, you’ll never fall for empty marketing again.
Start slow, trust your gut, and enjoy the journey — because collecting watches isn’t just about timekeeping. It’s about finding the ones that speak to you.