Key takeaways
- You do not need to spend a lot on a watch that looks and feels good.
- Look for a stainless steel case, a quartz movement and an adjustable bracelet.
- Pick the style first, then the size that suits your wrist.
- Every DIFFRNT order comes with a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee.
A good watch does not have to cost hundreds. Under $100 you can find watches in 316L stainless steel with a reliable Japanese quartz movement and a design that looks far more expensive than it is. Here are our top picks, by style.
In this guide
What to look for under $100
- Case material: stainless steel lasts and keeps its shine. Many of our watches use 316L stainless steel.
- Movement: a quartz movement is accurate, low-maintenance and keeps the price down. Read more in Automatic vs quartz.
- Water resistance: 3 ATM is fine for rain and washing your hands. See Watch water resistance explained.
- Fit: a metal bracelet can be adjusted by removing links.
Best watches under $100 for men
Best integrated bracelet: Caspian ($79.99)
A 40 mm cushion-shaped case in 316L stainless steel, a textured gradient dial and a bracelet that flows into the case. A very contemporary look. Six colours, from Emerald to Ice.
Best classic: Nassau ($79.99)
A timeless round watch with a 40 mm case and a choice of silver or gold. Easy to wear to work, dinner or a wedding.
Best slim everyday watch: Fortuno ($79.99)
Sporty but refined, with an integrated bracelet and a slim 10 mm profile that slides under a shirt cuff.
Best multi-dial look: Prague ($89.99)
A three-subdial dial layout in a 40 mm case, 10 mm thin. Available in gold and silver versions.
Best day-date: Brone ($79.99)
Day and date at a glance, luminous hands for low light and ten colours, including gold two-tone versions.
Best for larger wrists: Regent ($89.99)
A 44 mm case with a strong presence, for anyone who likes a bigger watch.
Best watches under $100 for women
Best slim watch: Venoria ($79.99)
A 30 mm case only 8 mm thin, in gold, silver and two-tone versions. Elegant enough for evenings, simple enough for every day.
Best petite watch: Calista ($79.99)
A 25 mm case, 8 mm thin, for a small and refined look. Available in gold and silver.
Best everyday classic: Thea ($79.99)
A 27 mm case in silver, gold or rose gold. Small, polished and easy to match with jewellery.
Best modern design: Lyra ($79.99)
A sculpted, compact case on an integrated bracelet, with a softly textured dial in six colours.
Best statement piece: Kera ($89.99)
A petite dial on a bracelet with multicoloured stone-set links. A watch that doubles as jewellery.
Our picks at a glance
| Watch | Best for | Case | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caspian | Integrated bracelet | 40 mm | $79.99 |
| Nassau | Classic, any occasion | 40 mm | $79.99 |
| Fortuno | Slim everyday | 40 mm, 10 mm thin | $79.99 |
| Prague | Three-subdial dial | 40 mm | $89.99 |
| Regent | Larger wrists | 44 mm | $89.99 |
| Brone | Day-date | 40 mm | $79.99 |
| Venoria | Slim, women | 30 mm | $79.99 |
| Calista | Petite, women | 25 mm | $79.99 |
| Thea | Everyday, women | 27 mm | $79.99 |
| Lyra | Modern, women | Compact cushion case | $79.99 |
| Kera | Statement, women | Petite | $89.99 |
Top picks under $100
Is a watch under $100 worth it?
Yes, if you choose well. A quartz watch with a stainless steel case and a good fit can be worn every day for years. Keep it clean with a soft cloth (see How to clean a stainless steel watch) and replace the battery when it runs out. Browse all men's watches and women's watches.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best watch under $100?
It depends on your style. For a modern look, an integrated bracelet watch like the Caspian. For a classic look, a round watch like the Nassau. For women, the slim Venoria or the petite Calista.
Are quartz watches under $100 accurate?
Yes. A quartz movement is driven by a battery and a quartz crystal, which makes it very accurate and low-maintenance.
What size watch should I get?
Many men's watches are between 38 and 44 mm and many women's watches between 25 and 36 mm. Our guide What size watch should I get? has a full size chart.
Can I return a watch if it does not suit me?
Every DIFFRNT order comes with a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee. See our refund policy for the conditions.
