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The best watch under $100 for most people is the Casio Duro MDV-107: a steel dive watch with 200m water resistance and a screw-down crown for well under a hundred dollars. If you want something smaller, cheaper or dressier, there are excellent affordable watches from Casio and Timex for every style, and some cost less than a pizza.
Cheap watches have a bad reputation, and much of it is earned. The market is full of fashion brands selling forgettable quartz watches with a logo markup. But a handful of models have earned cult status by being tough, accurate and genuinely well designed. Below are the 10 we would actually buy, how they compare, and what to watch out for when shopping on a budget.
Quick Picks: Best Watches Under $100
- Best overall: Casio Duro MDV-107. A real 200m dive watch in steel.
- Best digital: Casio F-91W. The most famous cheap watch ever made.
- Toughest: Casio G-Shock DW-5600UE. Shock-resistant, 200m and a 5-year battery.
- Best everyday analog: Timex Weekender 38mm. Simple, light and easy to read.
- Best dress watch: Timex Easy Reader 38mm. Classic, clean and smart enough for the office.
Check Price on AmazonCasio Duro MDV-107D
Best Watches Under $100 Compared
| Watch | Type | Case size | Water resistance | Typical price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casio Duro MDV-107D | Analog quartz diver | 44.2mm | 200m | $70 to $90 | Best overall |
| Casio F-91W | Digital | About 35mm | Splash resistant | $15 to $25 | Digital icon |
| Casio A168WA | Digital, steel | 36.3mm | Splash resistant | $25 to $40 | Retro style |
| Casio G-Shock DW-5600UE | Digital | 42.8mm | 200m | $50 to $60 | Toughness |
| Timex Weekender 38mm | Analog quartz | 38mm | 30m | $40 to $60 | Everyday wear |
| Timex Expedition Scout 40 | Analog quartz field | 40mm | 50m | $50 to $65 | Outdoors |
| Invicta Pro Diver (quartz) | Analog quartz diver | About 40mm | 200m | $60 to $90 | Classic diver look |
| Casio Edifice EFV-610D | Quartz chronograph | 43.8mm | 100m | Often just under $100 | Chronograph |
| Timex Easy Reader 38mm | Analog quartz dress | 38mm | 30m | $40 to $60 | Dress watch |
| Casio AE-1200WHD | Digital world time | 42.1mm | 100m | $30 to $50 | Travel |
Prices are typical US street prices and change often, so check the current price before you buy.
The 10 Best Watches Under $100
1. Casio Duro MDV-107 — Best Overall
- Movement: Japanese quartz, about 3-year battery
- Case: 44.2mm stainless steel, 12.1mm thick
- Water resistance: 200m with screw-down crown and caseback
- Bezel: 120-click unidirectional
No watch under $100 offers more real capability than the Duro. You get a steel case, a proper rotating dive bezel and genuine 200m water resistance, the kind of specs that usually cost several times more. The MDV-107D on a steel bracelet is the version to get if you want one watch for the office, the beach and the weekend.
The trade-offs are size and lume. At 44.2mm it wears big, and the luminous paint fades quickly at night. On wrists over about 7 inches, though, it is hard to beat.
Owners often call it the best-value dive watch ever made. Many keep the steel bracelet for everyday wear and swap to a NATO or rubber strap for summer, which the common 22mm lug width makes easy.
- Pros: 200m water resistance, screw-down crown, steel case and bracelet, excellent bezel
- Cons: large case, weak lume
Check Price on AmazonCasio Duro MDV-107D
2. Casio F-91W — Best Digital Watch
- Movement: Digital quartz, about 7-year battery
- Case: about 35mm resin, 8.5mm thin, around 21g
- Features: alarm, 1/100-second stopwatch, LED light
- Water resistance: splash resistant only
The F-91W has been in production since 1989 and remains one of the best-selling watches in the world. It is tiny, almost weightless and so cheap that you can stop worrying about it entirely. Accuracy is excellent for a watch at any price, and the battery lasts for years.
It is not built for water. Hand washing and rain are fine, but leave it off for swimming. The light is also weak by modern standards.
Casio rates the battery at about seven years, and many owners report that it simply keeps going. The resin strap is usually the first part to wear out, and replacements cost very little.
- Pros: incredibly cheap, light, accurate, iconic design
- Cons: not for swimming, dim light, resin feels basic
Check Price on AmazonCasio F-91W
3. Casio A168WA — Best Retro Style
- Movement: Digital quartz, about 7-year battery
- Case: 38.6 x 36.3 x 9.6mm with steel bracelet, about 50g
- Features: EL backlight, alarm, 1/100-second stopwatch
- Water resistance: splash resistant only
The A168WA takes the F-91W formula and dresses it up with a steel bracelet and a chrome-plated case. The result looks like a 1980s classic because it essentially is one, and it works with a T-shirt or a shirt and blazer. The electro-luminescent backlight lights the whole display evenly, which is noticeably better than the F-91W.
Owners consistently note that it is smaller than it looks in photos, and the mesh-style bracelet can pull arm hair. Like the F-91W, it is not meant for swimming.
Many owners keep one as a beater alongside more expensive watches. If you prefer warmer tones, the gold-tone version of the same design is just as popular.
- Pros: steel bracelet, great backlight, timeless retro look
- Cons: small, splash resistant only, bracelet can pinch
Check Price on AmazonCasio A168WA
4. Casio G-Shock DW-5600UE — Toughest Watch Under $100
- Movement: Digital quartz, about 5-year battery
- Case: 48.9 x 42.8 x 13.4mm resin, 52g
- Features: shock resistance, LED light, alarm, 1/100-second stopwatch
- Water resistance: 200m
- Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month
The square 5600 is the original G-Shock shape and still the best value in the range. The newer DW-5600UE updates it with a brighter LED backlight and a longer battery life of about five years. It survives drops, knocks, swimming and anything a normal day can throw at it.
It is chunkier than the slim Casio digitals, and the strap is plain resin. But if you need a watch that will not die, this is it.
The 5600 has long been a favorite with people who work outdoors or in tough jobs, which is the best endorsement a rugged watch can get. Swimming, gym sessions and yard work are all fair game.
- Pros: almost indestructible, 200m, long battery life, better light than older 5600s
- Cons: bulkier than slim digitals, plain looks
Check Price on AmazonCasio G-Shock DW-5600UE-1CR
5. Timex Weekender 38mm — Best Everyday Analog Watch
- Movement: Analog quartz
- Case: 38mm
- Features: INDIGLO backlight, 24-hour markings
- Strap: 20mm slip-thru fabric strap
- Water resistance: 30m
The Weekender is the watch to buy if you want something simple, light and easy to read. Its 38mm case suits almost any wrist, the slip-thru strap is comfortable and easy to swap, and Timex's INDIGLO dial lights up evenly at the press of the crown.
The ticking seconds hand is audible in a quiet room, and the 30m rating means splashes only, not swimming. For daily wear, it is one of the best bargains around.
Owners like that the strap changes in seconds, and the Weekender has become a popular canvas for colorful NATO straps. It is one of the easiest ways to have several looks from one cheap watch.
- Pros: light, legible, comfortable, easy strap swaps
- Cons: audible tick, not for swimming
Check Price on AmazonTimex Weekender 38mm
6. Timex Expedition Scout 40 — Best Field Watch
- Movement: Analog quartz with date
- Case: 40mm brass case, mineral crystal
- Features: INDIGLO backlight, 12/24-hour dial
- Strap: 20mm leather
- Water resistance: 50m
The Expedition Scout is a classic field watch: full Arabic numerals, a military-style 24-hour track and an easy-to-read dial. It is a little larger and tougher-looking than the Weekender and adds a date window and better water resistance.
Timex rates the 50m as suitable for light swimming. The brass case and leather strap are fine for the price but will show wear over time.
Owners praise the legibility and the handy date window. A common upgrade is a NATO strap, which suits the field-watch style and makes the watch even more comfortable.
- Pros: very legible, date window, 50m, rugged look
- Cons: brass case, basic strap
Check Price on AmazonTimex Expedition Scout T49963
7. Invicta Pro Diver (Quartz) — Best Classic Diver Look
- Movement: Japanese quartz
- Case: about 40mm stainless steel
- Features: unidirectional bezel, luminous markers, date
- Water resistance: 200m
If you love the look of a classic luxury dive watch but not the price, the Invicta Pro Diver delivers that style for a fraction of the cost. The 40mm quartz version wears well on most wrists and is simple to own.
Invicta divides opinion among watch fans. The brand's list prices are inflated, and quality control varies more than with Casio or Timex. Buy it for the look and the value, and check the reference before you order, because Invicta sells many similar models in different sizes.
Owner reviews are mostly positive for the price, but some report bezel alignment or bracelet issues. Buy from a seller with easy returns and check the watch carefully when it arrives.
- Pros: classic dive watch style, comfortable 40mm size, 200m
- Cons: inconsistent quality control, inflated list prices
Check Price on AmazonInvicta Pro Diver Quartz
8. Casio Edifice EFV-610D — Best Chronograph
- Movement: Quartz chronograph, 1/10-second stopwatch up to 60 minutes
- Case: 43.8mm stainless steel, 11mm thin
- Features: date, luminous hands and markers
- Water resistance: 100m
The Edifice EFV-610D is the most "grown-up" watch on this list. It has a slim steel case, a brown sunburst dial in the version we link, three subdials and a matching steel bracelet. At 11mm thick, it slides under a cuff more easily than most chronographs.
It sits right at the top of this budget and sometimes goes above $100, so watch for sales. The lume is modest and the bracelet is basic.
Owners like how slim it wears for a chronograph and how easily it moves from office to weekend. Some find the bracelet clasp basic, which is typical at this price.
- Pros: slim steel case, dressy look, 100m
- Cons: price hovers around $100, modest lume
Check Price on AmazonCasio Edifice EFV-610D-5CV
9. Timex Easy Reader 38mm — Best Dress Watch Under $100
- Movement: Analog quartz with date
- Case: 38mm, mineral crystal
- Features: INDIGLO backlight, full Arabic numerals
- Strap: 20mm black leather
- Water resistance: 30m
The Easy Reader has been a Timex staple for decades, and the name says it all: a white dial, bold numerals and nothing in the way. The 38mm size is classic for a dress watch, and on its black leather strap it looks right with a suit or a sweater.
It is not fancy, and the case finishing is simple. But as a clean, inexpensive dress watch, it is hard to argue with.
It is a favorite gift and a common first watch. Owners love that it does exactly what the name promises: you can read the time at a glance, even in poor light, thanks to INDIGLO.
- Pros: very legible, classic proportions, smart on leather
- Cons: simple finishing, not for swimming
Check Price on AmazonTimex Easy Reader TW2P75600
10. Casio AE-1200WHD — Best for Travel
- Movement: Digital quartz, about 10-year battery
- Case: 45 x 42.1 x 12.5mm with steel bracelet
- Features: world time for 48 cities in 31 time zones, 4-city display, 5 alarms, LED light
- Water resistance: 100m
Nicknamed the "Casio Royale", the AE-1200 packs a world map, four city times and a 10-year battery into a retro instrument-panel design. It is a genuinely useful travel watch, and the steel bracelet version looks better than its price suggests.
The small digits and busy display take some getting used to. Once you learn the buttons, it does far more than most watches costing three times as much.
Owners love the 10-year battery and the world map, and many say it becomes their go-to watch for travel and the gym. Set it up once, and it keeps working for years without attention.
- Pros: world time, 10-year battery, 100m, unique look
- Cons: busy display, small digits
Check Price on AmazonCasio AE-1200WHD-1AV
How We Chose These Watches
We did not hands-on test these watches for this guide. We selected them by comparing official specifications from Casio and Timex, years of owner reviews, current US prices and the most recommended budget watches in enthusiast communities. Every pick had to be widely available new, cost around $100 or less, and come from a brand with a solid record for reliability.
Affordable Watch Brands Worth Knowing
A few brands deliver real value at this price. Others mostly sell logos.
- Casio: the king of cheap watches. Accurate quartz movements, long battery life and models that stay in production for decades.
- Timex: classic American designs, INDIGLO backlights and simple, legible analog dials.
- Seiko: a little above $100 for most new models, but worth stretching for if you want an automatic. See our Seiko 5 Sports review.
- Citizen: solar Eco-Drive watches occasionally dip close to $100 on sale and never need a battery change.
- Invicta: good-looking divers at low prices, but expect variable quality and ignore the list price.
The brands to approach with caution are fashion labels, where you pay for the name on the dial rather than the watch itself.
What to Look for in a Watch Under $100
- Quartz movement: at this price, quartz is more accurate and more reliable than almost any mechanical alternative.
- Water resistance: 30m means splashes only. Look for 100m or more if you swim.
- Size: most wrists suit 36mm to 42mm. Check the case size, not just the photos.
- Battery life: Casio digitals often last 5 to 10 years on one battery.
- Crystal: mineral glass is standard. Resin crystals on digitals scratch more easily.
- Lume or backlight: INDIGLO and LED lights make a cheap watch far more useful at night.
Quartz or Automatic Under $100?
For most buyers under $100, quartz is the better choice. It is more accurate, cheaper to run and tougher than budget mechanical movements. Genuine automatic watches at this price are rare, and the few that exist, such as the automatic Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB, often sit right at or above the $100 mark.
If you want an automatic, it is usually worth spending a bit more for a proven Seiko or Orient movement. Under $100, buy quartz and enjoy a watch that simply works.
What to Avoid
- Fashion-brand watches with big logos and low-grade movements. You pay for marketing, not quality.
- No-name sellers with suspiciously low prices for famous models. Counterfeit Casio watches exist, so buy from reputable sellers.
- "Waterproof" claims without a depth rating. Check the actual water resistance in meters.
- Oversized cases you have not measured against your wrist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you choose the right brand. Casio, Timex and similar brands make accurate, durable quartz watches under $100 that can last for many years.
For most people, the Casio Duro MDV-107. It offers a steel case, 200m water resistance and a screw-down crown at a price well under $100.
The Casio G-Shock DW-5600UE. It is shock-resistant, water-resistant to 200m and has a battery life of about five years.
Rarely. A few models, such as the automatic Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB, come close to $100, but most quality automatics cost more.
Casio offers the widest range of reliable cheap watches, with Timex close behind for simple analog designs.
Choose a watch rated to 100m or more, such as the Casio Duro, G-Shock DW-5600UE or Casio AE-1200WHD.
Final Verdict
You do not need to spend a lot to own a great watch. The Casio Duro MDV-107 is the best all-rounder under $100, the G-Shock DW-5600UE is the toughest, and the Timex Weekender is the easiest to wear every day. If you just want a fun, nearly free watch, the Casio F-91W is a classic for a reason.
Pick the one that fits your wrist and your life, and spend the money you saved on a couple of extra straps.
Check Price on AmazonCasio Duro MDV-107D
Image credits: John Booty / Flickr (CC BY 2.0); Multicherry, Md. Rifat Hasan Jihan, Andrew J. Kurbiko, Clyde94 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0); Stefan Bellini via Wikimedia Commons (CC0).