8 Watches We Love Under $200

"You'll notice many of these watches are quartz-powered, which is often what keeps them under $200. So when evaluating those quartzes, we paid close attention to whether the rest of the watch truly delivers on that low-maintenance promise. A quartz watch should be accurate, durable, and easy to live with. We don't want it to feel flimsy or disposable. From there, it comes down to build and aesthetics."

"We looked for cases that feel solid, straps that don't feel plasticky or pinch the wrist, and bracelets and leathers that punch above their price. Nylon field straps should feel utilitarian, steel bracelets should feel smooth and substantial, and leather should break in, not fall apart. In a nutshell: we looked for dependable, well-designed watches from brands that have earned their place."

"We're not going to say something is great unless it's actually great. Every product in Esquire's round-ups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams. These are brands we've been testing and wearing for years. Across Esquire, different editors have their personal favorites in this lineup, and that familiarity matters. We're not pulling from mystery manufacturers here. These are companies with legacy, track records, and actual integrity."

Many affordable watches use quartz movements, which helps keep prices under $200. When evaluating quartz watches, attention should focus on whether the rest of the watch delivers on a low-maintenance promise. A quartz watch should be accurate, durable, and easy to live with; it should not feel flimsy or disposable. Build and aesthetics matter: cases should feel solid, straps should avoid plasticky feel or pinching, and bracelets and leathers should punch above their price. Nylon straps should feel utilitarian, steel bracelets smooth and substantial, and leather should break in rather than fall apart. Dependable, well-designed watches from reputable, proven brands offer the best value.

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