The term ‘budget’ can mean different things to different people. And when it comes to the ridiculously expensive hobby that is collecting watches, we often convince ourselves and the people around us that something costing several thousand pounds is ‘budget friendly’. So, for this article we’ve decided to be a bit more self-aware, set a real budget of £150, and choose the best watches available for under this price.
To make things fair I am limiting my choices to one model per brand. But I am cheating a little by separating Casio and G-shock! Let’s get into my picks for best budget watches under £150.
Tom's Best Budget Watches Under £150
Casio Diver - MDV-107D-1A1VEF
The obvious choice for Casio is the magnificent F-91W. But, do you want a 200m steel diver with classic design language for the price of a train ticket to Edinburgh? Then look no further than the catchy named MDV-107D-1A1VEF. Featuring mineral glass, a screw-down crown, date complicating, and a full stainless-steel bracelet this watch built to go anywhere.
Available with several different bezel colours including the classic green as well as blue and red, my pick would be the no nonsense black dial black bezel. This truly is all the classic dive watch you could need. And Bill Gates used to wear the predecessor to this model so if it’s fit for a billionaire…
Price: £89.90
G-SHOCK GA-2100-1AER
The G-shock is the go-to indestructible watch used by construction workers, military personnel, and enthusiasts alike. There have been many iconic references throughout the years but my favourite of them all is one of the most recent models.
The 2100 series came out in 2021 and was an instant success. Their combination of analogue and digital readings with a case shape very much inspired by a watch named after a noble tree made them popular. But aside from the clear inspiration, I think they look great.
I own the GA-2110SU-3AER, the green version of this watch, and it was my beater during my time foraging through undergrowth looking for rare plants as an Ecologist. As cool as the green is, if this is your only G-shock, I would always recommend getting the black with white indices (the original with black indices is too hard to read!).
At 11.8mm thick and 45mm in diameter this isn’t as intimidating as some G-shock models to wear. 200m of water resistance and a shock resistant case, this watch will withstand anything, and I mean anything.
Price: £99.90
Sher Kids Watch
Yes, this is a watch designed for kids. But this is not a list of the best watches under £150 for grown-ups! It’s a list of the best watches for under £150 for anyone. And I do know of a few grown-ups that wear the Sher Kids Watch.
This is a full stainless-steel case with 100m of water resistance. Built to stand up against muddy puddles, paddling pools and falling out of trees. The dial has been cleverly designed to help younger users learn how to tell time from analogue watches. And the coolest feature is the full lume dial, so you can even keep track of time while hiding in a pillow fort! This watch is too cool for school, and probably too cool for me too.
Price: £95
Timex
Just like with Casio, this list could’ve easily been taken over by Timex. There are quite a few great choices from them for under £150. Something fun like the Peanuts Snoopy 38mm featuring Snoopy with his baseball gear telling the time with his arms for £65. Or you could go for something dressy like the Waterbury Classic Moonphase for £130.
I found it incredibly hard to choose between two models as Timex have recently increased their prices slightly, and so my first option is now just above budget. But this is my list, and I make the rules so I’m going to have my in-budget choice and then the one that if you saved just a little bit longer you could easily pick up.
For exactly £150 you cannot argue with the Legacy Day-Date. This classically styled, stainless-steel watch offers class and functionality. It’s water resistant to 50 meters, so perfect for everyday use but is also capable of looking great in formal situations. Available with either a silver or turquoise (which they incorrectly call green) dial, the latter being my preferred choice, this is a great option for a one-watch collection for sensible money.
Pushing our budget now, for just £25 more you could get the all-time classic Q Timex Reissue GMT. Featuring the classic red and blue colours as well as faux aged lume plots, this watch has all the vintage charm you could want without the vintage watch price tag. This is my favourite Timex model, I have seen many out in the wild and they always look great. So, I feel like it’s worth bending the rules a little just to include this watch.
Legacy Day-Date Price: £150
Q Timex Reissue GMT: £175
Seiko SNXS73K
This is a bit of a tricky one. You can find this model on Seiko’s Amazon store for under budget, but on Seiko’s website they are listed at much higher. But as long as stocks last on Amazon I’m including this in my list because it’s a killer watch and the only non-quartz option on this list.
This is a 37mm automatic watch with a day and date function. It’s 12mm thick and has a full stainless-steel bracelet. They wear brilliantly as the smaller case size is elegant and the steel bracelet, despite being cheap, looks the part with its three link design.
My Granddad used to own one of these and my Dad now has it. It’s quite old but it still runs and keeps reasonable time showing that even budget watches at this price point can last for many years.
Don’t expect any great accuracy from this movement, but that’s not why most of us buy mechanical watches anyway. We just want to watch that sweeping second hand!
Price: £149
Hopefully you can see here that you don’t need to spend out to get some great watches. And not only great watches but watches that make you feel excited to wear them. Use this list to keep your feet on the ground after trying to convince your loved ones that £44,500 is good value for a white gold Daytona!
And let me know in the comments which watches you would choose for under £150, as there’s so many great choices out there.
