Best watches under $100 (affordable & inexpensive)

FAQs in Watch Buying

Whether you’re spending $1000 or $100, you want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.

Spending your hard-earned money on a timepiece means making sure you’re completely happy with everything about it; from the style, size, quality, and functionality.

These FAQs are useful pointers to take along when buying a watch for the first time.

What Should I Know Before Buying a Watch?

#1: Function First

Before you step into a store or log onto a watchmaker’s website, consider why you’re buying a watch in the first place.

Are you just looking for a dressy accessory, a watch to take diving or a watch that has a world timer?

It helps to consider your lifestyle and everyday needs since this watch will be living on your wrist.

#2: Be Realistic With Your Budget

If you only have $50 to spare, that’s okay! There are several models available in a wide price range, and being firm with your budget actually helps narrow down the endless number of options out there.

That said, manage your expectations when you’re buying an economical watch. Don’t expect Rolex-levels of quality if you’re purchasing a watch for less than $100 bucks.

Knowing your budget also helps you decide which features you’re willing to forego and which ones you absolutely need to have.

#3: Materials Are Important

Thanks to improved technology and automated production, most watchmakers nowadays are coming out with more good quality products at inexpensive prices.

Generally, buyers would want to know the material of the watch case and strap.

Watches under $100 usually use either stainless steel, resin, or plastic for the watch casing. Meanwhile, straps are usually stainless steel, leather, nylon, silicone, rubber, or plastic.

Again, think of your function. If you intend to buy a beater watch for heavy-duty work, you don’t want to buy one with a stainless steel case and leather strap that would scratch easily.

#4: Take Note Of The Movement

A quartz movement watch gets its power from a battery and is known to keep more accurate time. Meanwhile, an automatic movement watch uses the energy from the wearer’s wrist movement.

While you won’t have to do battery changes with an automatic watch, you will need to replace the mainspring after mechanical wear and tear.

An automatic watch is also usually slightly off by a couple of seconds in timekeeping since motion affects the watch’s movement.

What Kind Of Watch Goes With Everything?

When considering dress watches or timepieces to go with everyday outfits, going with a watch that has a plain black or white dial is ideal.

Opt for a leather strap or stainless steel watch (whether one or two-toned), since both can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion you’re attending.

Is It Safe to Buy Watches Online?

Online shopping is undoubtedly a huge convenience to shoppers nowadays.

Not only does it save the time and effort of getting to a physical store, but it allows buyers to compare several models and prices at the same time.

However, there are always risks to transacting online since you can’t see your seller face to face. Consider these 3 tips when you’re shopping online for timepieces.

#1 It’s Best to Buy From an Authorized Dealer

Buying from an authorized dealer offers a greater level of comfort, especially when it comes to securing a warranty program and making sure you’re getting the real thing.

On the other hand, authorized dealers don’t have that much leeway when it comes to dropping prices since they earn an affiliate commission. You’ll see more flexible prices with unauthorized resellers.

Note that unauthorized resellers aren’t necessarily dangerous, either. It all comes down to ensuring the seller’s authenticity and legitimacy- which brings us to tip #2.

#2 Read Product and Seller Reviews

This is probably the most important tip to remember when you’re not buying from the brand’s actual site.

Several online retailers like Amazon carry a vast array of branded timepieces at varying prices, which is why it’s important to read buyers’ experiences with the product and transacting with the seller.

Buying from reputable sellers who have a track record gives you more assurance that they’re not going to rip you off.

#3 Understand The Seller’s Return Policy

Since you can’t try the watch on in-store, it’s crucial to know how the seller’s return policy works in case you don’t end up liking what you bought.

Knowing return policies is also necessary for instances when your watch arrives damaged, or for when you need a replacement part in case it breaks down.

It’s best to purchase from sellers who offer flexible return terms (such as paying for the shipping fees) and those who offer 100% money-back guarantees.