- Quartz or mechanical. Solar-powered or automatic. There are plenty of $500 options for every wrist and occasion.
- Timex, Citizen and Tissot are all heavy-hitters in the relatively-priced category.
- You can even bag an OMEGA with change to spare.
Watch collecting is a slippery slope. Of course, this enduring passion of ours can be an inherently rewarding experience; a timely reminder of where we were, either financially, emotionally, or even stylistically, at the moment of each purchase. But let’s face it, this isn’t exactly bird watching. It’s a potentially expensive obsession once that first gateway purchase has been made.
One minute you’re buying a Seiko on sale; the next, you’re justifying a five-figure Chrono24 bid as a long-term investment play that will pay dividends in the future. Forget the simple fact that you can also enjoy rocking it on the wrist while you humbly wait for your investment to come in…
Yet, despite what Instagram might suggest, collecting watches isn’t just about flexing precious metals and complicated movements. Even the most seasoned collectors, the ones who wax lyrical about their Lange chronographs or sip espresso while wearing a Vacheron 222, often have a soft spot for something far more humble.
We’re talking about watches at around the $500 mark. Not an afterthought, but a deliberately chosen daily driver, travel watch, or even a hidden gems that punch far above its humble price tag. And in 2025, that sweet spot of a reliable, stylish and versatile watch is more competitive than ever.
Quartz or mechanical. Solar-powered or automatic. There are options for every wrist and occasion. So we asked a few experts to share the entry-level watches they’d recommend… even when there’s a Swiss heavyhitter waiting in the wings.
Citizen Promaster Diver Eco-Drive
“For around $500 AUD, I think the Citizen Promaster Diver Eco-Drive (Ref. BN0150-28E) is a great shout, as it’s all the watch you’d ever need,” Jamie Weiss, Managing Editor of Time+Tide told DMARGE.
“A tough diver, this watch has a solar-powered Eco-Drive movement that will run for decades without a battery replacement; it’s water-resistant to 200 metres, and offers classic and handsome tool watch looks.”
Jamie’s not wrong. On a full charge, the Promaster can run for up to six months in complete darkness – one of those “set and forget” pieces that have gained traction in recent years.
“For the average punter, a solar watch is a no-brainer: mechanical watches are great, but solar watches are so low-fuss. Crucially, it doesn’t look like a solar watch – it’s a bit stealthy,” Jamie continued.
Add to that enviable features such as a solid water resistance, a unidirectional rotating bezel and luminous hands and markers, and you’ve got yourself a classy self-starter without breaking the bank… something watch expert Andy Green sees all too often with first-time watch collectors.
Q Timex GMT 38MM
“$500 isn’t what it used to be, but you can still find some excellent timepieces on a budget.”
Andy Green, OT the Podcast host
“The easy answer is ‘any Seiko’, but if you want more personality, look at Timex,” Andy Green told DMARGE. “This American watch brand has been pumping out some solid LEs lately, from NOAH to The New Yorker. But it’s hard to go wrong with a Q Timex GMT or one of their legitimately cool collaboration watches.”
We’ve looked at the Timex before and for good reason. Timex is one of the most iconic names in affordable watchmaking: an American-born brand with a rich history of making reliable, no-nonsense timepieces that punch well above their weight.
Since the brand started leaning into quartz technology in the 80s, it quickly became a wristroll staple for the middle-class; one of those plucky brands on the lower end of the scale that’s always worthy of a knowing nod from seasoned collectors.
“Another great alternative is the Glasgow-based brand, Paulin,” Andy continued. “They’re the little brother to anOrdain and do some killer designs. I suggest stretching the budget a little and grabbing a Modul in quartz. There are a bunch of fun designs and colours on offer.”
“Don’t let the quartz deter you. On display through a sapphire caseback is the “set and forget” ETA 955.112 quartz movement (a very reliable Swiss movement), which features enough decoration to make it enjoyable. I own one of the larger mechanical Modul’s, but if I had my time again, I’d grab the 35mm quartz option without a doubt.”
Tissot PRX 40
At $610 AUD, Luc’s pushing the upper limits of the game, but we’re glad he did. The Tissot PRX 40mm Quartz is an entry-level Swiss watch that doesn’t compromise on quality or design, boasting the brand’s 70’s retro flair, a reliable quartz movement, and a sharp integrated bracelet. It’s a no-brainer for anyone starting their collection.
“Ultimately, it wears like a luxury sports watch, without any of the financial guilt,” Luc said. “One of its biggest strengths is versatility: thanks to the quick-release system, you can effortlessly swap out the bracelet for a strap that suits the mood, the outfit, or the occasion.”
Swatch x OMEGA MoonSwatch Mission to Mars
Personally, it’s hard for me to look beyond the MoonSwatch collection, OMEGA’s answer to the sub $1000 market. Housed in bioceramic, these pieces are every bit as impressive as their Swiss luxury namesake, but for a fraction of the price.
At this price point, you’re entitled to take a few risks. Sure, you could play it safe with the Mission to the Moon or Mercury. Classic designs that would work with most outfits. But if you’re going to wear an OMEGA watch that isn’t a Seamaster or a Speedy, why not have a bit of fun with it?
With its fiery red case and spacecraft-shaped chronograph hands, a clever nod to the OMEGA Speedmaster Alaska II, the Mission to Mars is a conversation piece strapped around your wrist (yes, strapped: it’s velcro).
The white dial and matching strap offer a bright and clean look, while the Super-LumiNova® hands and markers give it that glow-up in the dark. Coupled with the contrasting red accents throughout, it’s bold, playful, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. In a world of same-same steel sports watches, the Mission to Mars is a solid pick for just $435 AUD.
