In any kind of watch purchase, bang for buck is something you should be looking for. However, in tough economic times it can be all the more critical — young graduates entering the workforce, for example, might particularly need to look smart without over-spending. This doesn’t necessarily mean a formal dress watch is the right choice, but you don’t want to come off as a schlub — and we’re here to help you stretch that watch budget and make the right impression. The five watches below are a perfect starting place in your hunt for something classy yet affordable, and run the gamut with respect to style and looks.
Orient Bambino
At this price, you’re not going to find much competition among mechanical watches — especially automatic dress watches that’ll look this good around the office. It shouldn’t be a surprise that such value is coming from a Japanese brand, nor that Orient is a subsidiary of Seiko Holdings. When you have a tasteful watch that represents money well spent, like the many options in the Bambino collection, you look not only smart, but also sensible.
Movement: Orient F6722 Automatic
Diameter: 40.5mm
Price: $150
Seiko 5 Sports
Just about any of Seiko’s collections, from its Prospex or Presage lines all the way up to Grand Seiko, will have offerings that punch way above their price. Even at the very bottom of the brand’s range, however, you’ll find the build and refinement of watches that are significantly more expensive. The Seiko 5 Sports collection has details and quality that are unbeatable at this price, and evident to both the onlooker as well as the wearer.
Movement: Seiko 4R36 Automatic
Diameter: 42.5mm
Price: $295
