Budget Bling: The Best Watches You Can Buy for Under £50
Think getting a great watch means spending a small fortune? Think again! The world of watches under £50 is bursting with fantastic, reliable, and stylish options. Forget fleeting fashion trends and focus on heritage, durability, and classic design.
Whether you're after a reliable daily beater, a nostalgic retro piece, or just need to save your wrist space for something pricier, here are the top affordable timepieces that won't break the bank.
The Unbeatable Classics: Casio and Timex
When operating with a tight budget, two brands consistently deliver quality and history: Casio and Timex.
1. The Digital Legend: Casio F-91W (£10 - £20)
No list of budget watches is complete without the iconic Casio F-91W.
- Why it's a winner: It's practically indestructible, water-resistant for daily use, has an alarm and stopwatch, and the battery lasts for years. Its slim profile is comfortable, and its low price point is almost unbelievable for the quality you get. It’s an absolute classic that crosses all fashion boundaries.
- The Vibe: Pure retro cool. A piece of history you can wear.
- Look for: The classic black resin strap, but Casio also offers this model and similar digital styles (like the A158W or A168W with steel bracelets) often within the £30-£45 price range.
2. The Everyday Analogue Hero: Timex Easy Reader (£35 - £50)
For those who prefer a traditional analogue display, the Timex Easy Reader is an excellent choice.
- Why it's a winner: As the name suggests, it's incredibly legible, often featuring a clean, minimalist dial. Crucially, many models feature Timex's famous Indiglo backlight, which illuminates the entire dial at the press of a button – a huge practical benefit at this price point.
- The Vibe: Clean, classic, and dependable. Perfect for work or weekend.
- Look for: Models with leather straps or simple steel bracelets. You might also find other Timex classics like the Weekender or certain Expedition models dipping into this price bracket, offering versatility with quick-change straps.
Stylish & Modern: Sekonda and Limit
Stepping away from the vintage crowd, there are plenty of contemporary-looking watches that still offer great value.
3. The All-Rounder: Sekonda (Various Styles, £25 - £50)
Sekonda is a massive player in the UK's budget watch market, known for its sheer variety and value for money.
- Why it's a winner: You can find almost any style here: classic analogue, modern digital, chronographs (often quartz), and even simple smartwatches/fitness trackers. They offer reliable quartz movements and a huge range of finishes and straps.
- The Vibe: Trendy and diverse. Great for finding a specific aesthetic on a budget.
- Look for: Their Classic or Easy Reader collections for reliable analogue watches, or search their Digital or Smart range if you need those features.
4. The Minimalist Pick: Limit (£10 - £30)
Limit offers some of the lowest prices while still providing functional, stylish wristwear.
- Why it's a winner: Fantastic for a no-frills, clean, and simple look. Many of their watches feature clean dials, often with minimalist markings, making them look far more expensive than they are. They are a perfect entry point for someone who just needs a straightforward time-teller.
- The Vibe: Simple, sophisticated, and discreet.
- Look for: Their slim-profile watches with mesh or simple leather-look straps.
Top Tips for Buying Under £50
- Prioritise Quartz: At this price, quartz (battery-powered) movements offer the best accuracy and reliability. While you might find a very used, non-working vintage mechanical watch for this price, you won't find a reliable new one.
- Focus on Brands: Stick to established names like Casio, Timex, Sekonda, and Lorus (Seiko's budget brand, often also in this bracket). They have the scale and reputation to deliver a decent product at a low cost.
- Check the Strap: The biggest difference between a £50 watch and a £500 watch is often the strap/bracelet quality. If the provided strap feels flimsy, remember you can always swap it out for a cheap, high-quality aftermarket NATO or leather strap for an easy, cost-effective upgrade.
- Manage Expectations: Water resistance is likely to be 'splash-proof' (30m or 3 ATM). It's fine for washing hands or rain, but leave it on the side when swimming!
A great watch doesn't measure your wealth; it measures your time. With these budget-friendly picks, you can own a piece of horological history or a sleek modern piece without compromising your wallet. Happy hunting!