Best Watches for the Modest Pastor (Under $500)
Let’s face it; We’ve all seen the pastor rocking the $10,000 Rolex here. Maybe we’re hit with a pang of jealousy? Maybe it’s disgust. But. Regardless, we’re all here because we love watches. One of the questions that I get day in and day out, is “What are some modest watches that I can pick up that’ll get a nod from enthusiasts, but won’t break the bank, and won’t get me a feature on your page?” The reality is none. I feature everyone. Big or small. But what I decided to do today, is put together a list of watches that you can easily get from a number of retailers that won’t break the bank, and won’t get a scoff from the watch community. Also, it’ll look dang good behind the pulpit.
So, without further ado: Let’s get into it.
Seiko Prestige Cocktail Time
Arguable one of the most iconic dress watches in the affordable space, the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time isn't only sought after in enthusiast circles, it comes in a variety of flavors, sizes, and configurations. I listed the most common as it's definitely amongst the most classic of the the models. It's relatively thin, automatic (with a 41 hour power reserve), and measures in at a modest 41mm - Making it quite a realistic watch if you're someone who likes to wear suits a lot. It's simply classic and doesn't break the bank, but will still be recognized by any watch enthusiast you encounter. You can pick up the Seiko Cocktail Time for around $320 USD.
Photo Courtesy of Hodinkee
Timex Q Series
When we're talking about vintage inspired affordablilty, with a noble aesthetic and a reasonable price-point, it's really hard to beat the Timex Q Series, not only in expectation, but also quality. Sure it's a quartz watch, and the stigma around that is lifting ever-so-slowly, but the quartz aspect is a further nod to the watches 60's era origins. Personally? I have 4 or 5 different Timex Q Series in various colors. I wanted something that would scratch the Pepsi, Rootbeer, and Polar itch, so naturally when a sale came around I scooped a few of them up way lower than the retail price suggests. I find that at 38mm, the watch is an almost perfect daily wear that I'm not afraid to take out on a hike, or just sit back and enjoy a movie in my home. Overall, it punches way above it's weight class. The Timex Q Series will run you between $100 and $400 USD depending on the color and congfiguration chosen.
Tissot PRX Line
Stainless Steel sport watches are amongst an elite class of their own in the watch industry. With many of the big guys selling stainless steel watches for well into the 5-figures, the aesthetic is hard to dodge amongst enthusiasts. One of the more reasonably priced option from a reputable swiss brand is the Tissot PRX line. There are literally dozens of color options that range anywhere from monochromatic to mint green, to candle apple red and glacier blue. I find that the PRX fits into a category for men and women who like to match outfits with dial colors. Yes, it's a little more of an expensive option, but the value proposition is there. It's a stainless steel sport watch, from a heritage brand that is trusted amongst professionals. While the sub-$500 model is a quartz model, For a couple hundred dollars more you can spring from the automatic (Tissot calls it a Powermatic 80) with a textured dial. Though, unless you're a snob for automatic movements, the Tissot PRX in Stainless Steel with a quartz movement will suffice just fine at $395 USD.
Orient Bambino
The second dress watch on our list here is a fan favorite among most of the wrist watch community as a whole. Orient in general has long been a solid value proposition for most people looking for an automatic watch with good specs, a good design, at a reasonable price. Swiss and Japanese watchmaking have long been competing, and Orient is one of the few Japanese watch brands making strides. The Bambino is a minimalistic dress watch with a nice movement and good measurements (a modest 41.5mm). While the brand considers it a Men's watch, I've found it to be thin enough and wearable enough to be unisex. Further, it comes in a slew of different color and strap combinations and won't destroy your saving account at between $150 and $210 USD.
Orient Mako Line
Let's move onto a more popular range of watches with the Dive Watch. The first I'll include on this list is the Orient Mako line. While the Mako Line features a dizzying array of options on everything from rubber straps to stainless steel bracelets (An absolute... well, steel for the price point) I'll include the more economical models in the link below. The Mako line measures in at a super easy to wear 41mm and comes with a whopping 200 meters of water resistance. This watch is just as comfortable deep in the ocean as it is at the church potluck. And with the actual ruggedness, the watch is set to absolute kill at the beach baptism service. I've had mine since 2016, it's been to multiple countries, and it's still ticking like the day I bought it. And because of the relatively reasonable price, it's essential inability to break, and an overall lovely aesthetic, it's hard to argue with it's modest price of just $210 USD.
Seiko Prospex "Turtle"
The Seiko "Turtle" is arguably the most iconic and recognizable Japanese sport diver on the market. The model has made its name for itself by being one of the most affordable dive watches by a reputable brand to have ever existed. It's oversized at 45mm, but I'd argue it wears a little bit smaller all things considered, and comes in a number of different colors and combinations (Though, the black and "Pepsi" configurations are the most popular and recognizable) and features 200 meters of water resistance. Because of the added value of coming on a steel bracelet (Though, I like to dress mine down on leather since I don't dive with it), you'd be hard-pressed to find similar value at under $400 USD.
Bulova "Devil Diver"
Sure, it may not exactly be the most "Church-y" name for a wrist watch, but the Bulova "Devil Diver" has a rich history and the specs to match it. The watch actually dates back to the early 70's, when there was a race to make a watch that surpassed 600 meters of water resistance amongst some of the major watch brands. The closest anyone got was 656 feet. Bulova made a watch that exeeded that depth by ten feet, giving it an ample 666 feet of water resistance. Controversy ensued and the watch was given the name the "Devil Diver" because the watch featured the "Number of the Beast" on the dial (666 Meters). The watch did fairly well back in the 70's, but fell off some. Recently the brand has relaunched the watch in it's original colors and configurations, as well as some additional colors that look really cool. Overall, it's a formidable dive watch for a reasonable price. You can pick up the Bulova "Devil Diver" for a modest $420 USD.
Photo Courtesty of Hodinkee
Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive
Similar in nature to the Seiko Turtle, Citizen's claim to fame as another Japanese watch brand is it's "Eco Drive" technology - Utilizing the suns rays to charge the watches battery. This provides a much longer life cycle than a standard quartz watch. The profile is similar to the Turtle, but the Citizen measures in a little smaller at 44mm - Though, don't be fooled, the Promaster is still a formidable dive watch used by experts all over the world. Price for the Promaster Eco-Drive is $200 - $300 USD depending on the color and configuration.
Vostok Amphibian
If Swiss or Japanese isn't exactly you're speed and you're looking for something a little more... Er... Soviet, the Vostok Amphibian might just be the watch for you. The Russian made brand has been making affordable and utilitarian dive watches with 200 meters of water resistance for a seriously long time. If you're looking for the Kia of dive watches, look no further. Will the movement rattle a little bit when you move your wrist? Yes. Does it tick pretty loudly? Sure. Can you whip it at a wall at 95 MPH and expect that it'll still keep running? Absolutely. The watch comes in a slew of different designs and really, is easy to wear all things considered. And the reality is, it's cheap enough that if you do somehow manage to nuke the watch into a non-working state, it won't break the bank to replace. You can get a Vostok Amphibian for anywhere from $70 - $200 USD depending on it's config.
Bulova Lunar Pilot
Everyone around the watch enthusiast circles has seen, desires to own, or loves a good Speedmaster. It's of only a handful of watches that have actually been to the moon, so it's a bit of an icon in and of itself. It's also just shy of $10,000 all said and done. But what if I told you there was another watch that went to space for significantly less, with the same vibes as a Speedy that actually went to space? The story goes that David Scott on the Apollo 11 mission had the crystal of his Speedy pop off. So he had to spring for his personal watch, a Bulova Lunar - A slightly less luxurious option, but still a unique tool for space exploration. Well? The brand has continued to make them and you can pick one up for just under $400 USD.
Bulova MIL-SHIPS-W
Originally designed by the US Navy, the Bulova MIL-SHIP unfortunately never saw the light of day. Bulova has a long history of military watches and is one of the more formidable brands when it comes to combat watches at reasonable prices. Further, Bulova utilizes quite a bit of technology when it comes to their military watches and their designs and utility. For the MIL-SHIPS, the brand included a slick paper applique that is applied to the dial. For Navy Seals, with tons of water missions and dives, the paper strip will let the wearer know if the watch has been compromised by moisture. And when paired with the rugged stainless steel case and thick textile bracelet, the watch is an all around tool watch designed specifically for field use, and in combat scenarios. Price for the Bulova MIL-SHIP-W is $499 USD , making it one of the pricier watches on this list, but almost half of what it is at retail. And for a designated tool watch? It's quite a catch.
Bulova Computron
Largely heralded as one of the most unique affordable watches on the market, the Bulova Computron is equal parts funky conversation starter, and retro wrist machine. The Computron looks like it walked straight out of a science fiction movie. Originally launched in the 70's, the Computron was a little ahead of its time, though it did make a lot of waves. It was featured in a number of movies and TV shows, but was eventually discontinued for the time being. The brand has recently relaunched the Computron is a more slimmed down and sleak case style, but still keeping that funky, futuristic retro aesthetic. Further, it's heavily discounted because it takes a lot of guts to pull it off, but you can be sure that when you do, you'll be the talk of the congregation. You can pick up a Bulova Computron for a $199 USD in stainless steel, or $225 USD in gold .
Casio World Time
Okay, this one is probably more for the youth pastors out there. You know, the hipster kind with the beenie in the middle of summer with rolled up slacks and a vintage (looking) polo that was probably thrifted, and some funky socks. This watch is the Casio World Time - A digital watch that's equally classic and useful. With the visualizer at the top of the face, you can easily swap between time zones without the confusion of math. You can literally see what time zone you've set the watch too. Further, the design hasn't really changed since the 60's, so the same gold bracelet and gold case are present which has become a favorite for those Stranger Things influenced wardrobes. And really, you can't go wrong at around $50 USD.
Nixon Time Teller
Continuing with the hipster style, the Nixon Time Teller is a solid quartz watch you can get for not a lot of money. If you're going for a specific aesthetic but don't have the money to front for a gold Rolex datejust, the Nixon Time Teller can give you all the vibes you're looking for without costing an obscene amount of money. It comes in a slew of different color and material combinations, so if you're like me, and want to match your watches to your sneakers or outfits, the Time Teller is an inexpensive way to accomplish just that. You can pick one up for about $125 USD.
Casio G-Shock "Casioak"
However, when it comes to quintessential digital watches, Casio is King, but the G-Shock takes all of the cakes. The sheer amount of options available within the G-Shock line is nothing short of dizzying. The most respected of the line is the Casioak. It's a little more streamlined and smaller in size but still maintains the resin/carbon fiber case and bracelet (though, metal options are available) to keep the watch both rugged and accurate. Further they aren't terribly expensive. You can typically pick them up for under $100 USD.
Vaer DS4 Solar Dive Watch
Vaer isn't exactly a household name in the mainstream of your run-of-the-mill collector, but amongst enthusiasts, it's considered one of the better options when it comes to solar powered dive watches. Especially when it comes to the outdoors-y type of people, the desire to have a go-anywhere-do-anything watch that is both water resistant, will likely never die in "the field", and last dang near forever, it's hard to argue with Vaer's value - 200 Meters of water resistance, sapphire crystal, solar movement, and retro design - All for under $300 USD.
