The world of watch collecting is vast, but there seems to be larger two categories: the high-end, high-cost collecting and more of the budget-friendly side. Over the last couple of years, I have noticed a massive rise in watch prices that led me down the path of vintage watches or brands that caused my wallet less pain than others. Today, I want to go over my pick for the top 5 brands in terms of new and vintage options, that won’t break the bank.
1 - Seiko
A 1969 Seiko Lord Matic 5606-7000 for sale on Toronto Vintage Watches.
This one is a no-brainer for me. While the cost of some Seiko models is on the rise (SKX, Samurai, SARB), many are still notable examples of being a bang for your buck watch. Various vintage models, such as the Lord Matic, Sportsmatic, and the Seiko 5, are $100 to $400. The 5KX (SRPD), the new SRPG line, and the SNK line fit in the same price bracket as the previous vintage examples but are current releases from Seiko, all fantastic choices.
2 - Bulova
Bulova Accutron Spaceview / Credit: The Discerning Collector
Unfortunately, Bulova has been accused of being a ‘fashion’ brand, which isn’t the case in my opinion. This one shouldn’t be that much of a shock. Bulova has produced stunning watches and their vintage models are beautiful works of engineering and usually affordable. They have re-released some vintage models with more modern material and movement choices, but those are pretty expensive, and I recommend staying in the vintage lane with Bulova if you’re not looking to spend much. You can find gorgeous Swiss Made manual wind dress watches from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s from $100 to $300.
3 - Timex
Timex Marlin / Credit: Hodinkee
Again, this is a no-brainer. Timex is one of the oldest and most popular watch brands that has been on the rise again since re-releasing their Marlin manual wind and automatic watches back in 2016. Collectors are now buying original Marlins from the ‘60s and ‘70s, and due to their mass production, the cost is still pretty low. The modern version can be purchased new for around $250, while the vintage will only cost about $50 to $100.
4 - Casio
The Casio 'Duro' Marlin Diver
Many people reading this list may torch my following comment, but I stand by it. Every collection needs some digital or quartz to be collected. And Casio has a plethora of watches ranging from $20 to $500 – It’s incredible. I recommend the Casio Duro, a dive watch with a quartz movement, 200m of water resistance, and that looks much more expensive than its $80 price tag. For a digital option, pick the GWM5610 for $110.
5 - Orient
Orient Bambino
We’ve all seen Orient at one point or another. It was a brand that was pretty unknown until a few years ago and now they make every budget watch list, for a good reason. Orient makes it all, from dive watches, dress watches, field watches, and everything in-between; all at a fantastic price point. Orient is the brand that I’d recommend for anyone just getting into the hobby that wants their first great mechanical watch.
Well, that wraps up my top 5 budget brands. Thank you to everyone who took the time to go over it, and maybe you’ll receive one this holiday season! Take care.
By: Tyler Frederick
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