A daily watch is something that means just that, something that you can comfortably wear every single day. Whether it be while toiling away at your 9 to 5, adventuring through South America, enjoying the Mediterranean sun during a sweltering Europe summer or simply just around the house during the odd job, your daily watch shouldn't be something you're afraid of banging about, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring.
Here are 13 of the best daily watches under $500.
Seiko SUR375 Titanium
The Seiko SUR375 Titanium is one of only a few Quartz watches on this list, but as far as a daily wearer goes it's hard to look past a sub-$500 titanium watch, which is why I've included it in this list.
Tissot T-One Day-Date
Tissot's T-One Day-Date presents tremendous value as a very capable mechanical daily watch option, especially given the immense practicality of a day-date function.
Tissot Gentleman
It took the world by storm when it was released, and in 2024 the Tissot Gentleman reigns supreme as one of the finest sub-$500 daily watches money can buy.
Mondia 1946 Automatic
The Mondia 1946 Automatic is a choice out of left field, but I particularly like its vintage charm, the silver coloured sunburst dial and those sleek hour indices. I think on a NATO strap this would look fantastic.
Seiko 5 SNKE03-4
Another Seiko, this time with the very stealthy SNKE03-4. I'm super fond of this model for a few reasons. One, that black on black aesthetic. Two, the touches of red. And three, the super comfortable size that makes it the perfect modern daily watch you can buy for under $500.
Seiko 5 SNKK27
Pops of colour from the blue dial and orange area between 12 and 4 o'clock along the rehaut make the Seiko SNKK27 one of the funkier daily watches you can buy.
Orient Active Classic Sport
The Orient Active Classic Sport has a lot going for it and is available in a variety of dial and case colours. This particular model carries the same stealthy look as the Seiko 5 SNKE03-4, albeit with a different dial layout that really looks epic.
Seiko Prospex SRPE93
This Seiko addition is one of the beefier ones, with the Prospex SRPE93 offering plenty of bang for your buck alongside its enhance durability, making it one of the most batter-proof daily watches on this list.
AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane Kent
Completely out of left field, but still a worthy consideration. The AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane Kent has all the appeal of the perfect daily watch for our aviation-enthused aficionados.
Seiko 5 SNK375K
With the same layout as the SNKK27 albeit with a different colour palette, the Seiko 5 SNK375K is a very cool daily watch in any variation.
Seiko 5 SNK809K
When you think of the Seiko 5, this is the reference that almost always pops into people's minds. The Seiko 5 SNK809K is the king of the sub-$500 daily watch domain, offering immense amounts of bang-for-your-buck quality. Really a no-brainer for someone wanting a daily wearer they can use day in and day out.
Iron Annie Dessau
I came across this piece and really took a liking to it. It has really sleek chronograph pushers, a tri-compax style dial and an aesthetic that pairs well with any colour strap or NATO option. A daily watch that is a bit outside-of-the-box but perhaps well worth considering.
Boldr Field Medic II
Another odd one, the Boldr Field Medic II boasts a titanium case, adding to its already very modern look. A daily watch that you might not have ever considered before now.
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