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The 10 Best Budget-Friendly Mechanical Watches

  • Writer: Jamie Doe
    Jamie Doe
  • Sep 22, 2023
  • 4 min read



If you're new to the world of watch collecting and have a budget of £700 or less, you're in luck! There are plenty of remarkable mechanical watches available that combine affordability with style and craftsmanship. We've curated a list of the 10 best budget-friendly mechanical watches to help you kickstart your collection. Let's dive in:


Please note, we have chosen our personal favourite colour schemes for the watches included. Other dial options are available.


1. Vostok Amphibia

£140



The Vostok Amphibia 170548 is a rugged dive watch with a striking black dial. it offers an impressive water resistance of up to 200 meters, much deeper than most would ever venture! Its Automatic Vostok 2415.01 movement, although not entirely accurate, is made in-house... more than some luxury brands can say!


Vostok Amphibia with black dial and black leather strap.
Image Credit: Evan Kaspar, WatchClicker: https://shorturl.at/lzBG8

Specifications:

  • Reference Number: 170548

  • Crystal: Acrylic Glass

  • Case Diameter: 42mm

  • Case Thickness: 15mm

  • Material: Stainless Steel, Leather Strap

  • Dial Colour: Sea Blue

  • Complication: Minutes/Hours

  • Movement: Automatic Vostok 2415.01

  • Water Resistance: 200m


2. Seiko SNXS73k

£150



The Seiko SNXS73k is an exceptional entry-level automatic watch. With its classic Rolex-like silhouette, silver dial and day/date complication, it's a versatile choice for everyday wear. This watch features a sapphire crystal and is powered by the reliable Automatic Seiko Caliber 7S26 movement that can be admired through the sapphire case-back.


Seiko SNXS73k with silver dial.
Image Credit: NorthSide400, Redit: https://shorturl.at/jENR7

Specifications:

  • Reference Number: 7S26-0481

  • Crystal: Sapphire

  • Case Diameter: 37mm

  • Case Thickness: 12mm

  • Material: Stainless Steel

  • Dial Colour: Silver

  • Complication: Day/Date

  • Movement: Automatic Seiko Caliber 7s26

  • Water Resistance: 30m


3. Seagull 1963 Mechanical Chronograph

£180



The Seagull 1963 Mechanical Chronograph is a tribute to vintage aviation watches. The 1963 was developed for the Chinese airforce in 1963. It boasts a cream dial with a charming retro appeal. The manual wind Seagull ST1901 (derived from a Venus Swiss movement) Chronograph movement powers this timepiece, giving it a unique character and possibly the cheapest mechanical chronograph on the market. Not to mention the stunning case-back!


Seagull 1963 with the classic cream dial and brown leather strap.
Image Credit: Shane Lin, Flickr: https://shorturl.at/mz248

Specifications:

  • Reference Number: 1963 AG-W

  • Crystal: Sapphire

  • Case Diameter: 38mm

  • Case Thickness: 14mm

  • Material: Stainless Steel

  • Dial Colour: Cream

  • Complication: Chronograph

  • Movement: Manual Seagull ST1901

  • Water Resistance: 50m


4. Timex Expedition North Field

£210



The Timex Expedition North Field is a rugged yet stylish mechanical watch. Its black dial and brown leather strap offer a classic look, while the sapphire crystal ensures durability. Inside, the watch houses the Manual Wind Miyota 8215 movement.


Timex Expedition North Field with a black dial and brown leather strap.
Image Credit: Michael Aos, Watchuseek: https://shorturl.at/muDGW

Specifications:

  • Reference Number: TW2V64300

  • Crystal: Sapphire

  • Case Diameter: 38mm

  • Case Thickness: 13.5mm

  • Material: Stainless Steel, Brown Leather

  • Dial Colour: Black

  • Complication: Hour/Minutes

  • Movement: Manual Wind Miyota 8215

  • Water Resistance: 100m


5. Citizen Tsuyosa

£299



The Citizen Tsuyosa is a sporty watch with a yellow dial and a stainless steel case. Like the SNXS73, the Tsuyosa follows similar design to Rolex models. It features a date complication and is powered by the Automatic Citizen 8210 movement. This watch offers a bold and dynamic look.


Citizen Tsuyosa with yellow dial.
Image Credit: Teddy Baldassarre, Twitter: https://shorturl.at/dDF13

Specifications:

  • Reference Number: NJ0150-56Z

  • Crystal: Sapphire

  • Case Diameter: 40mm

  • Case Thickness: 11.7mm

  • Material: Stainless Steel

  • Dial Colour: Yellow

  • Complication: Date

  • Movement: Automatic Citizen 8210

  • Water Resistance: 50m


6. Orient Bambino

£299



The Orient Bambino is a classic dress watch with a white dial and gold-plated stainless steel case. It offers a date complication and runs on the Automatic Orient F6724 movement. The brown leather crocodile print strap adds a touch of sophistication. This watch is the perfect accompaniment with a suit.


Orient Bambino with a white dial, gold plated case and brown leather strap.
Image Credit: TUSwatches: https://shorturl.at/npCNY

Specifications:

  • Reference Number: RA-AC0M01S

  • Crystal: Sapphire

  • Case Diameter: 38.4mm

  • Case Thickness: 12.5mm

  • Material: Stainless Steel, Brown Leather.

  • Dial Colour: White

  • Complication: Date

  • Movement: Automatic Orient F6724

  • Water Resistance: 30m


7. Seiko Presage Cocktail Skydiving

£350



The Seiko Presage Cocktail Skydiving watch is an elegant choice with its blue dial and black leather strap. It features a date complication and runs on the Automatic Seiko Caliber 4R35 movement. This watch is perfect for dressier occasions and is guaranteed to be a conversation starter!


Seiko Presage Cocktail Skydiving with a light blue sunburst dial and black leather strap.
Image Credit: Worn & Wound: https://shorturl.at/ctz27

Specifications:

  • Reference Number: SRPB43J1

  • Crystal: Sapphire

  • Case Diameter: 40.5mm

  • Case Thickness: 11.8mm

  • Material: Stainless Steel, Black Leather Strap

  • Dial Colour: Blue

  • Complication: Date

  • Movement: Automatic Seiko Caliber 4R35

  • Water Resistance: 50m


8. Seiko SSK GMT

£420



The Seiko SSK GMT watch is a versatile timepiece with a black dial and GMT function, allowing you to track two time zones. It features a date complication and is equipped with the Automatic Seiko Caliber 4R34 movement. The SSK GMT is also one of the cheapest mechanical GMTs available on the market.


Seiko SSK GMT with a black dial and bezel.
Image Credit: Will, WatchClicker: https://shorturl.at/ouLXZ

Specifications:

  • Reference Number: SSK001K1

  • Crystal: Sapphire

  • Case Diameter: 42.5mm

  • Case Thickness: 13.56mm

  • Material: Stainless Steel

  • Dial Colour: Black

  • Complication: Date, GMT

  • Movement: Automatic Seiko Caliber 4R34

  • Water Resistance: 100m


9. Selten Series 00 Natural Meteorite

£605



The Selten Series 00 features a natural meteorite dial from the Muonionalusta meteorite that hit earth over a million years ago. The meteorite dial ensures each piece is unique. The Series 00 features a day/night indicator also made from the Muonionalusta meteorite and is powered by the Automatic Miyota 9132 movement. For the price, there is truly no other watch like it.


Selten Series 00 with a natural meteorite dial.
Image Credit: Blake Buettner, Worn & Wound: https://shorturl.at/juyA2

Specifications:

  • Reference Number: 00.00

  • Crystal: Sapphire

  • Case Diameter: 40mm

  • Case Thickness: 13mm

  • Material: Stainless Steel

  • Dial Colour: Natural Meteorite

  • Complication: Day/Night Indicator

  • Movement: Automatic Miyota 9132

  • Water Resistance: 50m


10. Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 - 40mm and 35mm

£640



The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is a stylish sports watch available in both 40mm and 35mm case sizes. The PRX's timeless design dates back to the 1970s and was revived in 2021. With multiple dial options (of which blue is the most versatile) and a date complication, it's a sophisticated choice for a beginner collector. It runs on the renowned Automatic Powermatic 80.111 movement.


Tissot PRX with a dark blue waffle patterned dial.
Image Credit: Brice Goulard, Monochrome Watches: https://shorturl.at/joqvE

Specifications:

  • Reference Number: T137.407.11.041.00

  • Crystal: Sapphire

  • Case Diameter: 40mm or 35mm

  • Case Thickness: 10.9mm

  • Material: Stainless Steel

  • Dial Colour: Blue

  • Complication: Date

  • Movement: Automatic Powermatic 80.111

  • Water Resistance: 100m


11. Bonus Watch: Orient Mako

£395



For an extra treat, consider the Orient Mako. This diver's watch features a bold red dial, a day/date complication, and a robust stainless steel case. It's powered by the in-house Automatic Orient F6922 movement and offers an impressive water resistance of 200 meters.


Orient Mako with a sunburst red dial and black bezel.
Image Credit: PhongWatch: https://shorturl.at/eflE3

Specifications:

  • Reference Number: RA-AA0003R

  • Crystal: Sapphire

  • Case Diameter: 42mm

  • Case Thickness: 12.8mm

  • Material: Stainless Steel

  • Dial Colour: Red

  • Complication: Day/Date

  • Movement: Automatic Orient F6922

  • Water Resistance: 200m



Final Thoughts


These budget-friendly mechanical watches offer a range of styles and features to suit your preferences. Whether you're looking for a classic dress watch or a durable dive watch, there's a timepiece on this list that's perfect for you. Start your watch collection with these affordable yet high-quality options.


Remember to choose a watch that not only fits your style but also suits your lifestyle. Happy watch collecting!

 
 
 

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