10 Best Everyday Dress Watches Under $500 - Classy & Stylish Pieces That Looks More Expensive
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
- In response to much demand asking me to address this topic, today I take a look at the top 10 best value dress watches under $500 available to buy new in 2018.
Dress watches are supposed to be slender enough to slide under the cuff of more formal attire but this can also work wonderfully with casual/smart clothing for everyday wear. Stylistically, they should be elegant but not too flashy, while still managing to look more expensive than they really are.
Less is always more when it comes to a good dress watch. This purity in design also allows for more versatility with regards to strap options, which is always one of the most enjoyable aspects of complementing one’s sartorial ensemble.
Join me as I look at 10 affordable options in a variety of sizes, prices, and styles that I am sure will help you in your quest to find that perfect addition to your own collection.
Please add your suggestions in the comments for this video so that we may help as many of the good Gentry as possible!
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2:04 Zepplin
4:36 Swatch
7:15 Tissot
10:06 Frederique Constant
12:52 Hamilton
15:06 Junghans
18:12 Junkers
19:57 Timex
22:22 Orient
24:18 Seiko
You are a god
Thanks fam. We don't deserve you.
You're the man. Thx
God bless you my friend
Someone give this a prize
00:54 wrist watch check, Lorier
10. 2:00 Graph Zeppelin Hindenburg Swiss quartz moon phase calendar dress watch
9. 4:37 Swatch YAS100D released in 2017
8. 7:20 Tissot T-Classic Automatic Le-lock powermatic 80
7. 10:06 Frederique constant geneve classic index
6. 12:53 Hamilton valiant
5. 15:06 Junghans Maxbill
4. 18:14 Junkers bauhaus automatic 6060.2
3. 19:58 Timex Marlin
2. 22:22 Orient Bambino
1. 24:19 Seiko Subzero 33
You're welcome. I was bored anyways.
PS. I'm not really a watch enthusiast just looking for something for my dad so sorry for any mishaps. Have a nice day!
As a beginner $500 is my limit. Will be referring to this list upon purchasing my next watch. Thanks a million for the work done on putting this together.
So glad to hear I could help.
Thank you for sharing that,
Best regards,
TGV
You can do well with a $500 limit even when you're well past being a beginner. :)
Joel did you ever buy a dress watch? Update the community please
Joel its time to let us know what you bought
This channel is my TH-cam discovery of the year.
I am deeply honored.
Thank you Younes,
Best regards,
TGV
Same. I’m recently getting into watches and this guy is the best. Excellent knowledge and passion for timepieces. Hope to see more content.
mine too
The presentation on these videos are so professional. I feel.. quite refined.
I just discovered this channel most recently. I am hooked. Havent been able to stop watching all of the many entertaining, yet informative shows. I like how he presents himself in a modest, yet elegant way and shows no sense of snobbery..
Just got myself a SARB033 and now I see what all the good comments were about. I can't be happier with it and it is definitely the best piece I've owned!
For me, it’s the SARB017 Alpinist. 10/10 watch.
Dressy enough to get through all but the most formal occasion - tough enough to wear absolutely anywhere. Beautiful enough to keep you happily looking it over.
Cheers, mate.
A very wise choice, if I ever do top field watches, that will be top of the list too.
Wear it with pride, they are going to sky rocket soon just like their previous versions.
Thank you Taylor, excellent suggestion.
Best regards,
TGV
Just got my hands on my first ever automatic, after a lot of research I decided on the Le Locle. I 100% recommend it, it's so classy but it's not in your face. One of those watches that people might not notice but as soon as they do they're blown away.
A few months ago I purchased a Tissot Le Locle (after previously owning a few armani watches). The choice was greatly inspired by your channel. It delights me to see it actually made your list this time round. Many thanks for the time and effort you put into this channel, your enthusiasm is contagious.
It's amazing how enthused you get me about watches I never would have considered. Another great video TVG.
TGV, i would love to see videos about culture, music, art and yourself! This channel has so much potenial, it's a pity that we only can enjoy only a portion of it!
Not to despise the incredible content that you make!
Cheers
That Tissot Le Locle is a beautifully elegant dress watch, and one I've had my eye on for a while. I may have to bump it up my ever-expanding wish list after watching this vid. Another great top ten list with a number of examples (such as the Zeppelin) that I hadn't even considered before now. Keep up the great work, my friend!
I love your channel. A month or two ago I was going to get a Vincero watch just because I was completely new to watches. I found your channel and started doing research. I'm glad I didn't get the Vincero. Now I have the Blue Moon Presage and a vintage Junghans. I'm really looking to get a vintage King Seiko now. Thanks so much for the great videos.
With the other videos I’ve just skipped through to see the watches that are on the list, but I love how passionate this man is about watches and how thoroughly he makes his cases as to how great these watches are. 28 min well spent.
There was no better timing for this video. Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you again for giving me my 29 minutes delectation TGV!
THAT makes it all worth it.
Happy hunting my friend, I hope this helped.
Thank you Leo,
Best regards,
TGV
We like lists. We like TGV's lists even more.
I’ve been watching the channel when it first came out and tgv has inspired me to create my own collection of seiko I now own the gold tone flightmaster a guigario a skx both 007 and 009 and many more vintage pieces thank you so much and keep up the good work.
I love it!!! You have great taste my friend.
Thank you Max for sharing that, it inspires me greatly.
Enjoy your collection, you should be very proud.
Onwards and upwards,
Best regards,
TGV
I have a seiko SCED029 see what you think it’s a bit different from the seed 035 that you have it’s limited to only 300 pieces I also have a very rare seiko navigator time reference 6117-8000
Feeling quite proud seeing this as the Tissot Le Locle and the Frederique Constant Classic Index were my two first automatic watches. I've done my research it seems!
I would love to see a top 10 beater watches. Amazing video by the way!
I was looking for a dress watch... So video was very useful.
Liam Visser. My son has a youtube channel called william and co its about watches but he needs help so please sub to him thank u.
Excellent idea, thank you Liam,
I will see what I can do.
Thank you
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry I know you are a busy man, but I just thought I would let you know what video I would like to see in the future. However, every video of you is a must see for me at this moment in time. I just got into watch collecting and I really enjoy it.
All the best,
L
Liam Visser
You are gonna laugh at me, but my current fav beater is an older out of production Invicta diver model 1902. Quartz. Huge dial. Got it off eBay a couple of years ago for less than $50. New battery and strap and has been great. No worries. ❤⌚
Seiko 809
The Tissot Le Locle was my first watch, I bought in back in March of this year. I absolutely love it, it has to be one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.
I only wish they would have blued the hands, would have been so sweet!
I have one as well and totally agree. It is a great watch and well made in almost every way for the price.
Super happy with my Cocktail Time on a lizard strap. Awesome list!
With all your reviews (I'm a Seiko guy) I had to be the low class one to bring in the Bulova Precisionist 96B158. Pardon me. but this is one gorgeous dress watch that is also an astounding timekeeper. It's size is leaning to the large side but it is quite thin and wears well from my perspective. This watch is an attractive and durable piece. Most of Bulovas' line for men are stylish, clunky man hole covers for the wrist, just proportioned way beyond reason.
This Bulova is slim, sleek and attractive giving credit to the exceptional accuracy of its movement. Can hardly wait to see the new Citizen/Bulova 8ghz Eco-Drive movement.
I am very happy with the 96B158 for style and functionality.
This is so unbelievably perfectly timed for me. I’m just going to buy my first real watch and i want a dresswatch and what’s more is that my budget is exactly 500 dollars. Great one TGV much love to you
Thank you Henrik, enjoy the hunt :D
I am so glad I could help.
Best regards,
TGV
Henrik Uggelberg Don’t overlook the Orient Star Classic in black or white dials - TGV reviewed the white one a while back! He was mightily impressed. Although It is perhaps not quite as cool as the Bambino, it is nevertheless of a higher level of quality.
Nice to see these. $500 is my limit right now and I thought only spec’d out with seagull movements were possible. Now I can get more than Chinese watches. Thanks!
Great video! For the Swatch it is not mineral glass but plastic on both sides of the case. Can be polished if scratched / replaced if cracked.
Thank you Lionel :D
Best regards,
TGV
Love the new intro and pleased to once again see Tissot in the list.
Thank you JCH :D
Best regards,
TGV
Hi TGV
Junkers, Zeppelin...all we need now is the Messerschmitt and the Focke Wullf watches - just to complete the selection of deadly German aircraft watches😂
It’s a joke - I really like those wonderfully crafted and engineered timepieces. So clean and no nonsense in their attitude. Simply timeless style...
I like what Tissot is doing. A prestigious company taking serious care of the technical development in the more affordable layer too - and making those watches look like a million $.
Really like that stylish Hamilton too...
But off cause, your listing is spot on. It’s hard to compete with the perfect Japanese watches in this price layer🇯🇵
Keep up the good work👍
Haha, funnily enough Point-Tec also own Messerschmitt watches too. Very well made German watches too.
www.longislandwatch.com/Messerschmitt_German_Pilot_Watches_s/1831.htm
So glad you appreciate Tissot too, it is a gateway for so many into Swiss watches, for me included!
As for the Japanese, yup, so true!
Thank you Kjeld, I hope you are well my gentry brother.
Best regards,
TGV
Another classic video. This is not only the best watch channel on TH-cam -- it just might be the best channel on TH-cam period. I live about 45 minutes from the Timex museum -- which I didn't realize is also a watch shop with first class customer service. You should definitely visit it when you get a chance (it's less than 2 hours away from NYC).
FINALLY someone mentions the Hamilton Valiant. I bought the black dial one with roman numerals and I absolutely love it. Ive always wondered why I never see it in stores and why no one ever mentions it. The look, the movement, so underrated!
The Zeppelin Hindenburg lz129 just blowed my mind. It is EXACTLY what I'm looking for. Even as a german I was still ignoring Zeppelin/Junkers for their bad marketing and product politics.
I needed a watch who gave me all informations about a date and time which are possible. But the most where just to expensive or the dial looked just to packed. But this is a perfect combination of information and a as clean as possible dial while looking elegant.
Thank you so much for opening my eyes.
By the way.
In Germany the the week number is essential in Business and organisation.
We usually communicate in Germany our meetings in Weekdays (KW = Kalenderwoche = Calendar Week).
"Next meeting: KW 34, Wednesday, 10:00"
So there can be no misstake.
But only a second time zone is missing.
TGV, your taste in watches is so apparent from this video, you’re a real “less is more” kinda guy! I, on the other hand, can’t resist “more is more”, if a watch hasn’t got complications and a busy dial I’m bored. Subtlety is wasted on me unfortunately ......keep up the good work!
I really liked the Junghans, and the Zeppelin the most. You’re intros never disappoint. Thank you from Sunny South Florida
Thank you so much Rudy,
Gotta love those German watches, the purity of their form and function, always good taste!
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry The same applies to there approach to designing cars. Form always follows function
OH YEAH THE CLARINET IN THE BEGINNING THATS MY INSTRUMENT
As time continues to “tick”, your channel continues to “sweep” toward authenticity! Well done.
Thank you Zachary, I am deeply flattered.
Only a true gent would be capable of such a compliment.
Onwards and upwards!
Best regards,
TGV
Who wouldn't like to see a 39mm Bambino?
HELL YES!!!!
Thank you my friend, I hope you are well.
Best regards,
TGV
i think 40.5 mm is fine !
Not only 39mm but hand wind only. Losing the rotor should shave a bit off the depth of the watch. I've got one and it really is too tall.
38 mil or even 37 mil would be class
crimson kes absolutely, 37mm would be glorious!! And I'd be willing to sacrifice the rotor for a slimmer case, for 200 it would be unbeatable. ( Would be even better if they stuck with normal lug widths instead of their odd widths).
Great selections TGV! I think Tissot did an amazing job putting in that powermatic 80 movement in their affordable line. It's extremely accurate for its price! However, there is a trade off. Hand doesn't move as smoothly as other movement. For people who aren't bothered by that, I think Tissot Le Locle would be the best choice in $500~$600 range!
This is my ideal topic. I'm not comfortable wearing an expensive watch. . . and the joy of the "affordable" area is that there really ARE elegant watches in this price range if one does the work of looking for them.
Before I even finish this video I'm gonna guess Orient Bambino is on the list lol
Donn Testa I second that!
he right
Tell me my future! Good call it happened lol
The Colony , you're gonna make tons of money and need to beat the ladies away with a stick!
I was surprised cocktail time wasn’t in the seiko spot
I bought my Sarb033 December 2016 and wear it every day! I love it, perfection. So happy to see it as number one!
Nice choices. Agree 100% with the SARB033/035.
Zeppelin are amazing watches! Even being a dress watch, it's numerals have Flieger-DNA
It would be great to have 36mm versions.
Really enjoyed these 10 reviews. Following on from DuKirpalani’s comment below, I also would have put the Orient Star Classic in somewhere. I bought it on your recommendation and am blown away by the finish. Sensational for the price though perhaps not quite as cool or iconic as the Bambino range....
There are some amazing choices here. I've never heard of the Zeppelin before, but I'll keep it in mind, especially with the gold tone case and silver dial. It has a very nice vintage style.
So glad I could help, thank you Kris, LOVE the gold tone one too.
Best regards,
TGV
The change that you have been instrumental in making in my interests is simply amazing. Earlier this week if you'd have told me I'd be entertained for hours at a time watching videos about watches (of all things) I'd have not only thought you were insane, but I'd have been insulted.
Wow. I wonder just how many watch sales for which your channel is distinctly responsible?
Thank you for opening my eyes.
Great video for a watch noob like me. Been rocking my tissot prc100 crono for anout 10-11 years, and when ever Im without it, I feel naked and like a piece of me is missing. But you made me order my first automatic within a few weeks of browsing your videos. No shocker, a seiko 5, snk793, even ordered a colareb strap from your store :)
So thanks alot for showing that theres so many affordable options for us that cant afford watches like rolex etc.
That intro music was pure class.
Seiko sold 1 pair of sarb 033 & 035, because of TGV. Now im with 033 for about a month and i love it every single day!
i have a 1960's hand wind Oris dress watch i paid 30 pounds for, perfect condition and well maintained. I love it and the girlfriend donated me the money so its very sentimental. when she saw how i went crazy excited at seeing an Oris for £30 it was one of those memorable moments.
Mathew Searle you got a frankenwatch mate
Great detail in your material Chief. This history on each of these brands is fantastic. You have basically given each of these brands and models a personal story. I really appreciate these videos.
The Swatch was a really nice surprise! Great find, and keep up the phenomenal videos!
I taught my girlfriend everything I leaned about watches from these videos, got her hooked on watches just like me, she bought me a lovely times weekender last year, great timepiece, very reliable and stylish, (now of course I’d like to expand my collection to an skx) now I want to get her, her first watch, but I don’t know what brands or models to consider (price modest)
Thanks tgv for drawing me into this hobby!
Since you’ve mentioned that you could literally make an entire collection out of solely Seikos, your #1 pick here got me thinking... what if you were to do a video about this “entire collection” of just Seikos? I love my SKX and more recommendations would be great! Another great video
Just when I was searching for a dress watch with that budget... Always a good timing 😂
julien francon. My son has a youtube channel called william and co its about watches but he needs subs so please sub to him it would mean alot. Thank you
Haha, fantastic.
Thank you
Best regards,
TGV
Great video and insight as usual. I got tell you the number 1 Seiko really surprised me: what a dress watch! Wow! I didn't even know about that option (or options). The more a learn about Seiko the more I am astonishing. Seiko is a real universe. Wide and complex. I would like just to mention a new brand that makes excellent dress watches powered by Miyota 9122, that is Melbourne, an Australian company. Microbrands are serious value for dollar and this company has something to say so if someone wants to check this out they will be surprised (this company is planning events around the world in the next 12 months including one in New York City). I love microbrands (NTH, Hemel, Magrette, and Lorier my favorite but there is a lot out there) and they are one of my recent real focuses. I love companies that have courage and work hard and well to establish a reputation and be successful. Great review Sir.
My Swatch just just been delivered: what a beauty! Thank you for all the videos, just great stuff, keep up the good work. Now I just need an occasion to put on a jacket etc...
Dan Henry 1964 at $250 is really hard to beat.
I have a Seiko Presage and I love it more every time I put it on.
Excellent point, linking Tissot’s cutting-edge developments in the 1960s and 1970s to the birth of Swatch.
Just got the Frederique Classic Index you recommended for $345. Thanks for the video!
Calling Seiko Sarb number 1 before I watch. No pun intended 🤦♂️
Yet another excellent video, thank you TGV and keep up the outstanding work.
Just brought my first luxury watch! I got hold of the omega seamaster 300 (blue face), thank you for helping me decide what Luxury watch to buy! As soon as I saw it in your older video I fell for it instantly!
I've been wearing the Junkers Bauhaus automatic mentioned in the video for a few weeks now - couldn't be happier with my decision. Great video, TGV.
I've been wearing my Orient Bambino v2 cream dial for about half a year. I acquired it through a generous trade and have never regretted it. The watch is an absolute strap monster and I often get complements with my various straps combinations. In my personal opinion, I think the Bambino is the best dress watch out there. They have a plethora of style options, are around a $150 price range depending on the style, and keep GREAT time.
You were describing Tissot’s role in the world of horology. I believe the word you were looking for was “Trailblazer.”
Tissot Tradition 5.5 (the all black one), the best dress watch I've ever seen and worn. It's amazing the feeling I had wearing it.
Very impressed with Frederique constant. Absolutely beautiful
TGV, please make a top 10 of solar watches under $500 !!! Love your videos!
Thank you Jomuel, great idea!
I will certainly look into it.
Best regards,
TGV
Well, I guess that's true. Thank you :)
SARB033 is absolutely king in this price range. I've just bought the SARB035 brand new for a bargain and also own the SARX013 - three of my favorite watches swimming in a pool of Rolexes, Omegas and Breitlings!
The one watch I have on this list is the Orient Bambino version 3, I believe. The Bauhaus inspired one, and I love it! It's the perfect size for a dressy watch to me. Now, I want the sub seconds version with the cream dial. Also, I'm a bit surprised there were no Citizens that made the list. Oh well, I suppose It's like the All Star game, not everyone who is deserving makes it.
I adore my Citizen Eco-Drives.
Wrist watch check today is the Sieko Padi Samurai. Also I’m such a fan of what Oreint is doing and I’m so happy with my Orient Bambino Gen2 with the White dial & blue hands. I’m in the market for a nice dress watch & behold... my favorite channel is doing the best dress watches for under $500 and that is exactly my budget. I was thinking about a Sieko Cocktail or the Orient Classic but I must watch the rest of the video to get some awesome advice!! Take care!!
Thank you sir,
Hearing this makes my day, it really does.
Happy hunting for that dress watch :D
Best regards,
TGV
Great work as always! I'd mention Certina, great swiss quality and that Double Security, saphire cristal...
Managed to get hold of a Seiko Brightz SDGM001. Not the slenderest watch on the wrist but the dial, it’s just beautiful!
I went to german watches. Laco and Nivrel. Both well built and reliable. Very classy without bracking the budget. Versatile, they can easyly be on natos too.
Finally, a mention of the SARY057 on the channel! I have the SARB033 too, but much prefer the SARY. No lume on the hands, more refined indices, it's actually thinner so lies nice and flat, and has a much better-looking bracelet. Just wish it had the SARB's needle minute hand. Yeah it is 41mm but has a day-date as justification.
Just did a bunch of research for a new professional/recreational watch, all of that in addition to this video I decided to order the Seiko Sarb033, thanks for the recommendation.
Love those Zeppelin watches and very reasonable prices as well.
The Hamilton Field, the entry level one, with its 38 mm not giant case its hand winding mechanical movement is so elegant casual and so classy! It’s perfect to me 😍!
Me too. Maybe my next purchase.
I always check with this channel before I buy a timepiece to see if it's actually worth while or just hype
I always learn from you. Great great review, I always love them. In my childhood I waited for the fairy tales, now I’m waiting for your reviews!
Your watch reviews represent an absolute standard level on the youtube.
I love to see you in your own room! :)
Best, Robert
Thank you Robert,
You inspire me!
Onwards and upwards,
Best regards,
TGV
Great choice of intro music by the way. Best again. R :)
Amazing video, honestly I couldn’t appreciate your videos when I started to have interest in watches, and now after two years, when I know a thing or two, you’re one amazing passionate watch collector. Keep up with this videos. 👍
Started watching your vids lately! Will be a watch collector when I get a job! Thanks, TGV!
So glad to hear, welcome aboard!
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
I love your intros, TGV. They're all so... Soothingly trippy
I've been following this TH-cam channel for a while. I appreciate the quality of your videos, especially the effort made in your argument for the choices. I still think the junghans form c deserves its place in this top.
That intro is pure class
Love my Bambino 5
Dream Watch: Elgin 1893 11J 31mm wrist watch. In between merely mounting a pocket watch on your wrist and the modern style cases. Best of both worlds. Old face, hands, and movement. New case and band.
Hello TGV, loved the intro. Happened to be wearing my SARB035 haha,. Excellent list of watches and the life time servicing of these watches won't brake the bank either.
What a great list! Thanks for looking au quartz watches too .. for dinner reason everyone disregards them
Citizen Corso with the day date complication is a nice choice
I'm getting a very early 70's vibe from that Seiko Presage line. I like it.
4:09 The calendar week is an important parameter in German industry.
An enjoyable video. Always so much to discover in the watch world.
Proud to finally have made one of your top tens! :D I got the Hamilton Valliant silver this spring. It is totally gorgeous and I couldnt be happier with it. I get a lot of compliments for it as well. It is my fist quality watch and searching for it really got me hooked on this world of great watches. Thanks for the videos! Very entertaining.
Typing before I hear the count, hope my fav Tissot Viso makes. OK, now hearing it got an honorary rest this time. The mag with Spanish text looked familiar, if it's the same one with front cover of a Sultan/Harem Girl/Air Bombardment (great art work), you might want to include it at some point. Appreciate your integrity, TGV, in knowing all of the pieces featured. Con Admiracion, JP
It just goes to show you dont have to spend a fortune to get a great watch,my favourite is the marlin that art deco dial is pure class.Great video onwards and upwards!
It's bugging me, is that Hungarian rhapsody? The SARB definitely deserves the top spot, I want one badly! Great video TGV, keep them coming!
YES!!! Very well spotted.
I am honored to have such cultured Gentry out there.
Thank you my friend, you fill me with hope for the world.
Best regards,
TGV
I've love that song since I was a kid, Tom & Jerry did it best!
I really love your channel! I’m specially glad that the watch I chose has your stamp of approval which is the Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80. Initially I was skeptical if I bought the right piece instead of a PR100 or a Certina when I was shopping for a dress watch. The last time I bought a watch was 20 years ago and it has been a long time since I wore a watch specially with a handy cellphone in my pocket. Your channel sparked my interest in watches again and I am currently looking for a cheap everyday watch and planning on getting a Timex. Will check some more of your videos. Thanks again for your passion on horology! I’m learning a lot!