The Expert: Best Watches Under 500 Euros (2026)
What does 'best watch' actually mean?
There's really no such question as "What's the best watch?" That's like asking "Which football club is the best?" For some, "FC Barcelona" or "Ajax" are the best football club, while for others, "Real Madrid" or "Feyenoord" are truly the best. In short, "the best watch" doesn't exist. At least, you can make a choice for yourself. Or perhaps you have a preference for a brand or a specific type of watch... Do you like swimming? Then you'll probably choose a watch that's underwater and opt for a 5 ATM watch . Do you prefer a more classic look? Then you'll probably also choose a watch with a more classic look. Do you have a bit more money to spend and are you willing to spend a bit more on your watch? Then a Rolex might be just what you're looking for...
The most important thing when choosing a watch is personal style, budget and what you feel comfortable with!
We maintain that you should wear what you feel comfortable in. If you're willing to spend a bit more on a watch, great! If you're on a tighter budget, you might want to check out our other blogs. We also have a list of watches under €300.
Overview of the best watches
General watches
| Brand | Watch |
| 1: Tissot | Seastar 1000 40mm |
| 2: Urban Ace | Zephyr 2.0 - Chocolate |
| 3: Seiko | Presage |
Sports watches
| Brand | Watch |
| 1: Garmin | Forerunner 265 |
| 2:Apple | series 9 |
| 3: Urban Ace | Enigma - Rosé Gold |
Men's watches
| Brand | Watch |
| 1: Urban Ace | Zephyr 2.0 - Royal Edition |
| 2: Urban Ace | Zephyr Legacy - White Gold |
| 3: Urban Ace | Nemesis - Silver |
Automatic watches
| Brand | Watch |
| 1: Seiko | Presage SRPK46J1 |
| 2: Maserati | Sfida |
| 3: Citizen | Automatic NK5010-01H Tsuyosa |
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Here is a list of general watches that are definitely worth checking out.
1 Tissot Seastar 1000 40mm
Price: €495,-
The Tissot Seastar 1000 40mm is a popular diving watch from Tissot's Seastar collection. This model combines Swiss precision with a robust and sporty design, making it an excellent choice for both divers and watch enthusiasts looking for a stylish and reliable timepiece. Here are some of its key features:
- Diameter: 40 mm
- Interchangeable strap with quick release
- 316L stainless steel housing
- Screw-down crown and caseback
- Swiss quartz clockwork
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective coating
- Water resistant up to a pressure of 30 bar (300 m / 1000 ft)
2 Zephyr 2.0 - Chocolate
Price: € 179,-
Let's face it... a chocolate watch is a must-have for your watch collection!
The Urban Ace Zephyr 2.0 - Chocolate is a must-have on this list. This watch looks beautiful. It's also affordable, which is important, and what really appeals is the chocolate dial. With a 40mm diameter and a timeless, streamlined design, this watch will immediately grab attention, especially thanks to the rose gold strap. Crafted entirely from the highest quality 316L stainless steel, it's durable, corrosion-resistant, and has an unparalleled shine and finish. Here are some of its key features:
- Clock diameter: 40 mm (diameter)
- Watch color: Rose Gold
- Dial color: Brown
- Strap width: 18 mm
- Casing: 316L Stainless Steel
- Strap: 316L Stainless Steel
- Movement: Miyota Quartz
- Glass plate: HQ Mineral Crystal
- Hands and Index: Luminous
- IP Plating: Yes
- Waterproof: 5 ATM
3 Seiko Presage
Price: €480,-
The Seiko Presage is made by the Japanese company Seiko. This company has been around since 1880 and has been manufacturing clocks, watches, and other electronic devices ever since. The Presage automatically charges while worn by converting the wearer's arm and wrist movements into energy. Also called an automatic watch, the movement of the watch winds the mainspring, keeping the watch running. The watch is attractive, and the series is available in several colors, making it easier to choose. Here are some of the key features:
- Case material: Steel
- Case shape: Round
- Dial color: Green
- Case color: Silver
- Water resistance: Up to 100 meters
- Watch type: Analog
- Type of glass: Hardlex mineral glass
- Technology: Automatic
List of sports watches under 500 euros
Here's a list of sports watches under 500 euros that are definitely worth checking out:
1 Garmin sports watch Forerunner 265
Price: €499,-
Looking for a sports watch under €500? Then check out the Garmin Forerunner 265. This sports watch is designed for runners. It features an AMOLED touchscreen, which is incredibly convenient while exercising. While you're exercising, everything is tracked digitally, so you always have access to your training stats. Here are some of the key features:
- Sleep score and insights
- Battery life (smartwatch mode): Up to 13 days
- Music storage
- Watch display type: AMOLED; optional 'always on' mode
- Touchscreen color display
- Water resistance: Swimming, 5 ATM
- Strap material: Silicone
- Lenses: Gorilla Glass 3
- Edges: Fiberglass reinforced polymer
- Quick Release Tires: Yes (22mm, Industry Standard)
- Fits wrists with a circumference of 135-205 mm
- Screen size: WxH 32.5mm (1.3") diameter
- Screen resolution: WxH 416 x 416 pixels
2 Apple Watch Series 9
Price from: € 449,-
The Apple Watch shouldn't be missing from this list. Apple Watches are available in several price ranges. There's the more basic version and the superior version, specifically the SE and Ultra 2 lines. All these watches are, of course, available in multiple colors. Within these series, you can choose between an aluminum case, a titanium case, or a stainless steel case. There are also differences in the size of the digital display. All these choices affect the watch's price. But if you're an Apple fan, this watch is a must-have for any workout. Here are some of its key features:
- 50m water resistant
- Battery life of 18 hours with normal use
- 45 mm or 41 mm case
- Aluminum or stainless steel
- Speaker
- Microphone
- LTPO OLED always-on Retina display
- Edge-to-edge display
- Ion X-glass front (aluminum cabinets)
- Sapphire crystal front (stainless steel cases)
- Up to 2000 nits maximum brightness
- Minimum brightness of 1 nit
3 Enigma - Rosé Gold
Price: € 159,-
The Enigma... sporty, practical and streamlined!
Our Enigma watch also deserves a spot on the list of sports watches. While it has an analog clock, it's difficult to track your workouts digitally. However, the Urban Ace Enigma has a sporty look, a silicone strap, and a sleek, streamlined design. The strap is lightweight and ideal for extended wear. This watch isn't just comfortable; it also makes a style statement. Here are some of its key features:
- 50m water resistant
- Clock diameter: 40 mm (diameter)
- Watch color: Rose Gold
- Dial color: Black
- Strap width: 22 mm
- Casing: 316L Stainless Steel
- Strap: Silicone
- Movement: Miyota Quartz
- Glass plate: HQ Mineral Crystal
- Hands and Index: Luminous
- IP Plating: Yes
- Waterproof: 5 ATM
List of men's watches under 500 euros
Here's a list of men's watches under 500 euros that you should check out:
1 Zephyr 2.0 - Royal Edition
Price: € 179,-
Stylish yet practical...what a man wants!
The Zephyr Royal Edition is the undisputed winner among men's watches under €500. This watch has a beautiful, luxurious look yet remains affordable without sacrificing quality. The two-tone silver and gold finish are particularly striking. This combination gives this watch a very cool look. And the light "Pearl" dial makes the indices and hands easy to read. Stylish yet practical... just what a man wants! Here are some of the key features:
- Clock diameter: 40 mm (diameter)
- Watch color: Silver / Gold
- Dial color: Pearl
- Strap width: 18 mm
- Casing: 316L Stainless Steel
- Strap: 316L Stainless Steel
- Movement: Miyota Quartz
- Glass plate: HQ Mineral Crystal
- Hands and Index: Luminous
- IP Plating: Yes
- Waterproof: 5 ATM
2 Zephyr Legacy - White Gold
Price: € 179,-
A gold watch for real men!
What man wouldn't want a gold watch? The Zephyr Legacy - White Gold is also a piece of pure quality at a very affordable price. Crafted from 316L stainless steel, it's built to withstand wear and tear. The Zephyr collection includes various watches in black, silver, gold, and a combination of these colors. The dial also varies in color. The watch has a diameter of 40mm. Want more information about which watch diameter is best for you? Then read our blog post: What watch diameter should you choose ? Here are some of the key features:
- Clock diameter: 40 mm (diameter)
- Watch color: Gold
- Dial color: Light gold
- Strap width: 18 mm
- Casing: 316L Stainless Steel
- Strap: 316L Stainless Steel
- Movement: Miyota Quartz
- Glass plate: HQ Mineral Crystal
- Hands and Index: Luminous
- IP Plating: Yes
- Waterproof: 5 ATM
3 Nemesis - Silver
Price: € 169,-
A silver watch should not be missing from your collection!
A silver watch is a true must-have for every man. If you want to go out in style or have a business meeting, the Nemesis Silver is the watch for you. Its average case size ensures it doesn't immediately stand out. Looking for a stylish silver watch? Look no further than the Nemesis Silver. Here are some of its key features:
- Clock diameter: 42 mm (diameter)
- Watch color: Silver
- Dial color: Black
- Strap width: 20 mm
- Casing: 316L Stainless Steel
- Strap: 316L Stainless Steel
- Movement: Miyota Quartz
- Glass plate: HQ Mineral Crystal
- Hands and Index: Luminous
- IP Plating: Yes
- Waterproof: 5 ATM
List of automatic watches under 500 euros
Here's a list of automatic watches under €500. Automatic watches are often a bit more expensive and sometimes slightly less accurate than a quartz watch. But these are definitely worth checking out.
1 Seiko Presage SRPK46J1
Price: €499,-
The Seiko Presage... several watches were made of this type. This popular model is made of stainless steel in gold. The movement is automatic and features a date display. The watch charges automatically while worn by converting the wearer's arm and wrist movements into energy. This means the watch doesn't require a battery. Here are some of its key features:
- 5 ATM waterproof
- Diameter 40.5 mm
- Butterfly or folding clasp
- Mineral glass
- Stainless steel housing
- Dial color: champagne
- Analog time display
2 Maserati Sfida
Price: €430,-
When you think of Maserati, you don't immediately think of a watch... more like a sporty, fast car. These days, they also make watches. Since its founding, the brand has become an icon in the automotive world, known for its focus on design excellence, innovation, and over a century of experience. These values are reflected not only in Maserati's luxury cars but also in its accessories, including watches. Maserati watches are specially designed for enthusiasts and collectors of the brand, incorporating the same technical expertise and design mastery as the cars. A key feature of the watches is the iconic Maserati Trident logo, which is proudly displayed on every watch. Here are some of the key features:
- 10 ATM waterproof
- Diameter 44 mm
- Screw-down crown, Screw-down watch case
- Mineral glass
- Stainless steel casing
- Link bracelet
- Analog time display
3 Citizen Automatic NK5010-01H Tsuyosa
Price: € 365,-
This Citizen watch features a 40mm stainless steel case and a stylish leather strap. Inside, it houses a high-quality Miyota movement, protected by a mineral glass finish. The watch is 5 ATM water resistant, making it suitable for showering. Here are some of its key features:
- 5 ATM water resistant
- Diameter 40 mm
- Screwed watch case
- Mineral glass
- Stainless steel housing
- Leather bracelet
- Analog time display
- Folding clasp
Best watch price-quality
Regardless of your budget, whether you're looking for an affordable watch brand or a high-end piece, the most important thing is to choose a watch that perfectly complements your style and lifestyle. Invest in a watch that offers the best value for money, so you can enjoy your purchase for years to come. At Urban Ace, we choose the finest materials at an affordable price, keeping our watches affordable. Our watches look stylish and are suitable for both a business outing and a night out with friends.
Men's watch under 500 euros
Finding the perfect watch for yourself can be a challenge. While renowned brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe are often quite pricey, they're simply not for everyone. This is one of the reasons Urban Ace was founded. Frustration over the high cost of these watches has led us to launch five models.
That is, the following collections:
All our Urban Ace watches are under €500, even under €400... even under €300 ! Urban Ace watches are affordable without compromising on luxury or quality. If you're looking for an affordable luxury men's watch that exudes class and is robust, then Urban Ace is the ultimate choice.
Urban Ace is and remains the ultimate choice!
Conclusion 'best watch under 500 euros'
There's no universally accepted "best" watch. The best watch for you depends on your personal needs and preferences. For a classic and luxurious statement, you might choose a Rolex or Patek Philippe. If you're looking for something sporty or technological, a Garmin or Apple Watch might be more suitable. If you're looking for style, luxury, affordability, and statement, choose the Urban Ace.






















