The 5 Best Watches Under $150

The Duro delivers exceptional value with its stainless steel case, rotating bezel and 200 metres of water resistance. Its only obvious budget compromise is the basic resin strap, but swap it for a quality rubber strap and the watch immediately feels like a more expensive package.

The SNKA05K1 proves that an automatic watch from an established Japanese manufacturer can still be found within a $150 budget. Its compact proportions, blue dial and day-date display give it more character than its price might suggest.

Simple proportions and a clean white dial make the BI5000-01A an easy choice for anyone looking for a traditional dress watch on a limited budget. It does not try to do too much, and that restraint is exactly what makes the design work.

The Expedition Scout keeps things simple: excellent readability, classic field-watch styling and Timex's useful Indiglo backlight. Its materials are basic, but for the price it is a practical and characterful everyday watch.

Cheap does not have to mean forgettable. The A168WA has remained relevant for decades because its compact digital design is instantly recognisable, easy to wear and difficult to replicate at this price.