Top 7 Good Watches Under $100: Ultimate Tips & Tricks

If you’re looking for an affordable watch that offers quality, durability, and style, you don’t have to spend a fortune. Many well-respected brands like Casio, Citizen, and Beams offer excellent timepieces under $100 that provide great value. Below, we review the top 7 good watches under $100, covering their features, pros, and why they stand out.

Before diving into our top picks, here are some essential factors to consider when buying an affordable watch:

Look for watches made with durable materials such as resin, stainless steel, or tough mineral glass to ensure longevity.

Quartz movements are the most common in budget watches due to their accuracy and low maintenance.

If you need a watch for everyday wear, consider models with at least 3 ATM (30m) water resistance. For swimming or water activities, look for at least 10 ATM.

Choose a watch that fits your personal style—whether it's classic, digital, sporty, or minimalist.

Some watches offer additional features such as alarms, timers, backlighting, or chronograph functions, adding to their value.

Why it’s great: Simple, lightweight, and ultra-affordable, the Casio MQ-24 is a timeless classic for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic.

Key Features:

• Quartz movement for accurate timekeeping

• Durable resin case and strap

• Water-resistant (splash-proof)

• Classic analog display with clear hour markers

Pros:

✔️ Extremely affordable
✔️ Lightweight and comfortable
✔️ Easy-to-read dial

Cons:

❌ Not suitable for swimming or heavy water exposure
❌ Basic design with no extra features

Why it’s great: This is another variation of the MQ-24 series, offering the same lightweight design but with a slightly different face and finish.

Key Features:

• Resin case and strap for durability

• Quartz movement for precision

• Sleek black dial with gold-tone accents

• Water-resistant (for minor splashes)

Pros:

✔️ Elegant and simple design
✔️ Reliable and long-lasting
✔️ Comfortable for daily wear

Cons:

❌ Lacks extra functionalities
❌ Not suitable for heavy water exposure

Why it’s great: This updated model from Casio offers a larger dial with bold numerals, making it highly readable and stylish.

Key Features:

• Large 44.6mm resin case

• Easy-to-read white dial with bold numerals

• Quartz movement

• Water-resistant up to 50m (5 ATM)

Pros:

✔️ Sporty yet classic design
✔️ Good water resistance for daily use
✔️ Affordable and reliable

Cons:

❌ Strap may feel stiff initially
❌ No date function

Why it’s great: A perfect unisex digital watch that combines retro charm with modern functionality.

Key Features:

• Digital display with time, date, alarm, and stopwatch

• Lightweight resin case and bracelet

• LED backlight for nighttime visibility

• Water-resistant (splash-proof)

Pros:

✔️ Stylish vintage aesthetic
✔️ Useful features like alarm and stopwatch
✔️ Comfortable and lightweight

Cons:

❌ Display can be hard to read in bright sunlight
❌ Not suitable for water activities

Why it’s great: This casual sports watch offers great water resistance and a stylish design.

Key Features:

• Water-resistant up to 100m (10 ATM)

• Analog display with date function

• Durable resin case and strap

• Rotating bezel for timing functions

Pros:

✔️ Excellent water resistance
✔️ Sporty yet stylish
✔️ Lightweight and comfortable

Cons:

❌ Bezel rotation is not very smooth
❌ Plastic construction might feel less premium

Why it’s great: A budget-friendly watch with Citizen’s reputation for reliability and durability.

Key Features:

• 10 ATM water resistance (100m)

• Classic analog design with a sporty feel

• Quartz movement

• Comfortable strap for daily wear

Pros:

✔️ Great water resistance
✔️ Stylish and versatile design
✔️ Reliable movement

Cons:

❌ Limited extra features
❌ Basic design compared to other Citizen models

Why it’s great: A stylish and retro-inspired gold digital watch that stands out with its unique vintage charm.

Key Features:

• Classic gold-tone stainless steel bracelet

• Digital display with time, date, alarm, and stopwatch

• Backlight for low-light readability

• Water-resistant (for minor splashes)

Pros:

✔️ Eye-catching gold aesthetic
✔️ Practical digital functions
✔️ Lightweight and comfortable

Cons:

❌ Gold plating may wear over time
❌ Not suitable for swimming

Yes, many affordable watches from brands like Casio and Citizen offer accurate timekeeping and solid build quality.

The Citizen Q&Q Wristwatch and Casio LRW-200H-7E2JF both offer 10 ATM water resistance, making them great for swimming.

Most quartz watches under $100 have a battery life ranging from 2 to 5 years, depending on usage.

The Casio MQ-24 Resin Wristwatch is a great choice for a timeless, minimalist style.

Finding a good watch under $100 fro YOYOJAPAN store is easier than ever with so many high-quality options available. Whether you want a classic analog design, a sporty waterproof model, or a retro digital watch, there’s something for everyone. Casio dominates the list with its unbeatable value, while Citizen and Beams provide excellent alternatives. Choose the one that best fits your style and needs!