The Expert: Best Watches Under 500 Euros (2026)
What does 'best watch' actually mean?
There is no such question as: 'What is the best watch?'. That would be like asking: 'Which football club is the best football club?'. For some, 'FC Barcelona' or 'Ajax' is the best football club, while for others, 'Real Madrid' or 'Feyenoord' is definitely the best football club. 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 can go underwater and opt for a 5 ATM watch. Do you prefer a more classic look? Then you'll probably also be quicker to choose a watch with a more classic appearance. Do you have a bit more to spend and want to spend a bit more on your watch? Then a Rolex might be for you...
👍 Expert tip: Choose a watch that you feel comfortable with. Choose a watch that suits your own style and budget.
Wear a watch that suits your style and budget
We stand by the fact that you should wear what you feel comfortable with. If you're willing to buy a more expensive watch... great! If you have a smaller budget, then it might be interesting to check out our other blogs. We also have a list of watches under 300 euros.
Overview of 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 |
List of general watches under 500 euros
Here is a list of general watches that are definitely worth checking out.
1 Tissot Seastar 1000 40mm
💶 Price from: € 475,-
The Tissot Seastar 1000 40mm is a popular dive watch that is part of 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
⏱️ Movement: Swiss quartz movement
🔍 Glass: Sapphire crystal
- Interchangeable strap with quick release
- 316L stainless steel case
- Screw-down crown and caseback
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective coating
- Water-resistant up to 30 bar (300 m / 1000 ft)
2 Zephyr 2.0 - Chocolate
💶 Price : € 189,- Now € 169,-
Let's be honest... a chocolate watch should not be missing from your watch collection!
The Zephyr 2.0 - Chocolate from Urban Ace should not be missing from this list. The looks of this watch are beautiful. The watch is affordable, which is also important, and what is very well received is the chocolate dial. With a diameter of 40 mm and a timeless, streamlined design, this watch will immediately attract attention, also due to the rose gold strap. The watch is entirely made of the highest quality 316L stainless steel, making it durable, corrosion-resistant, and unparalleled in its shine and finish. Here are some of its key features:
📏 Diameter: 40 mm
⏱️ Movement: Miyota Quartz
🔍 Glass: HQ Mineral Crystal
- Watch color: Rose Gold
- Dial color: Brown
- Strap width: 18 mm
- Case: 316L Stainless Steel
- Strap: 316L Stainless Steel
- Hands and Index: Luminous
- IP Plating: Yes
- Water resistant: 5 ATM
3 Seiko Presage
💶 Price from: € 480,-
The Seiko Presage is made by the Japanese company Seiko. This company has existed since 1880 and has been making clocks, watches, and other electronic devices ever since. The Presage automatically charges itself while being worn by converting the arm and wrist movements of the wearer into energy. This is also called an automatic watch. The movement of the watch ensures that the mainspring of the watch is wound. This keeps the watch running. The watch looks beautiful and you have multiple colors in this series, which makes choosing easier. Here are some of its key features:
📏 Diameter: 40 mm (now also smaller)
⏱️ Movement: Automatic
🔍 Glass: Hardlex mineral glass
- Case material: Steel
- Case shape: Round
- Dial color: Green
- Case color: Silver-colored
- Water resistance: Up to 100 meters
- Watch type: Analog
7 Redenen waarom jij een Urban Ace horloge wilt!
✔ Tijdloos design
✔ Hoogwaardige materialen
✔ Waterbestendig en betrouwbaar
✔ Precieze quartz uurwerken
✔ GRATIS verzending
✔ Veilig achteraf betalen
✔ Urban Ace - Nederlands horlogemerk
Wat klanten over Urban Ace horloges zeggen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Klanten beoordelen ons 4.8/5, gebaseerd op 348 reviews.List of sports watches under 500 euros
Here is a list of sports watches under 500 euros that are definitely worth checking out:
1 Garmin sports watch Forerunner 265
💶 Price from: € 489,-
Do you want a sports watch under 500 euros? Then check out the Garmin Forerunner 265. This sports watch is made for runners. It has an AMOLED touchscreen, which is incredibly handy during exercise. Everything is digitally tracked during your workout, so you always have your training statistics insightful. Here are some of its key features:
📏 Diameter: Screen size: WxH 32.5 mm (1.3") diameter
⏱️ Battery life: (smartwatch mode: Up to 13 days
🔍 Glass: Gorilla Glass 3
- Sleep score and insights
- Music storage
- Watch display type: AMOLED; optional 'always-on' mode
- Touchscreen color display
- Water resistance: Swimming, 5 ATM
- Strap material: Silicone
- Bezel material: Fiber-reinforced polymer
- Quick-release bands: Yes (22 mm, industry standard)
- Fits wrists with a circumference of 135-205 mm
- Screen resolution: WxH 416 x 416 pixels
2 Apple Watch Series 9
💶 Price from: € 439,-
The Apple Watch should not be missing from this list. An Apple Watch is available in multiple price ranges. You have the somewhat more 'simple' version and the 'superior' version of the Apple Watch. Namely, the 'SE' and the 'Ultra 2' lines. All these watches are, of course, available in multiple colors. In these series, you can choose from 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 influence the price of the watch. But if you are an Apple fan, this watch is a must-have when you go sports. Here are some of its key features:
📏 Diameter: 45 mm or 41 mm case
⏱️ Battery life: 18 hours with normal use
🔍 Glass: LTPO OLED always-on Retina display
- 50m water resistant
- Aluminum or stainless steel
- Speaker
- Microphone
- Edge-to-edge display
- Ion-X glass front (aluminum cases)
- Sapphire crystal front (stainless steel cases)
- Up to 2000 nits maximum brightness
- Minimum brightness of 1 nit
3 Enigma - Rosé Gold
💶 Price : € 159,- Now € 139,-
The Enigma... sporty, practical and streamlined!
Our Enigma watch also belongs on the list of sports watches. Although this watch has an analog clock and it will be difficult to digitally track your sports activities on it. But the Urban Ace Enigma has a sporty look, a silicone strap, and a sleek, streamlined design. The strap is light and ideal for wearing your watch for longer. This watch not only feels good but is also a style statement. Here are some of its key features:
📏 Diameter: 40 mm
⏱️ Movement: Miyota Quartz
🔍 Glass: HQ Mineral Crystal
- 50m water resistant
- Watch color: Rosé Gold
- Dial color: Black
- Strap width: 22 mm
- Case: 316L Stainless Steel
- Strap: Silicone
- Hands and Index: Luminous
- IP Plating: Yes
- Water resistant: 5 ATM
List of men's watches under 500 euros
Here is a list of men's watches under 500 euros that you should check out:
1 Zephyr 2.0 - Royal Edition
💶 Price : € 179,- Now € 169,-
Stylish but practical... what a man wants!
The Zephyr Royal Edition is the undisputed winner when it comes to men's watches under 500 euros. This watch has a beautiful luxurious look but is at the same time affordable without sacrificing quality. What is very beautiful are the 2 colors silver and gold. This combination of colors makes this watch very tough. And the light 'Pearl' dial ensures that the index and hands are easy to read. Stylish but practical... what a man wants! Here are some of its key features:
📏 Diameter: 40 mm
⏱️ Movement: Miyota Quartz
🔍 Glass: HQ Mineral Crystal
- Watch color: Silver / Gold
- Dial color: Pearl
- Strap width: 18 mm
- Case: 316L Stainless Steel
- Strap: 316L Stainless Steel
- Hands and Index: Luminous
- IP Plating: Yes
- Water resistant: 5 ATM
2 Zephyr Legacy - White Gold
💶 Price : € 179,- Now € 169,-
A gold watch for real men!
A gold watch, what man doesn't want that? The Zephyr Legacy - White Gold is also a piece of pure quality at a very affordable price. The watch case is made of 316L stainless steel and can take a beating. In the Zephyr collection, we have various watches. Black, silver, gold, and/or a combination of these colors, there is also a difference in dial colors. The watch has a diameter of 40mm. Do you want more information about which watch diameter you should choose? Then read our blog: which watch diameter you should choose. Here are some of its key features:
📏 Diameter: 40 mm
⏱️ Movement: Miyota Quartz
🔍 Glass: HQ Mineral Crystal
- Watch color: Gold
- Dial color: Light gold
- Strap width: 18 mm
- Case: 316L Stainless Steel
- Strap: 316L Stainless Steel
- Hands and Index: Luminous
- IP Plating: Yes
- Water resistant: 5 ATM
3 Nemesis - Silver
💶 Price : € 149,- Now € 109,-
A silver watch is a true 'Must have' for every man!
A silver watch is truly a "must-have" for every man. If you want to go out in style or have a business meeting, the Nemesis Silver is the watch you should buy. The watch has an average case size, which ensures that it doesn't immediately stand out. Are you looking for a stylish watch in a silver color? Then look no further and choose the Nemesis Silver. Here are some of its key features:
📏 Diameter: 42 mm
⏱️ Movement: Miyota Quartz
🔍 Glass: HQ Mineral Crystal
- Watch color: Silver
- Dial color: Black
- Strap width: 20 mm
- Case: 316L Stainless Steel
- Strap: 316L Stainless Steel
- Hands and Index: Luminous
- IP Plating: Yes
- Water resistant: 5 ATM
List of automatic watches under 500 euros
Here is a list of automatic watches under 500 euros. Automatic watches are often a bit more expensive and sometimes slightly less accurate than a Quartz watch. But these are certainly also worth checking out.
1 Seiko Presage SRPK46J1
💶 Price from: € 499,-
The Seiko Presage... multiple watches have been made from this. This popular model is made of stainless steel in gold color. The movement is automatic and it has a date display. The watch automatically charges itself while being worn by converting the arm and wrist movements of the wearer into energy. This means the watch does not need a battery. Here are some of its key features:
📏 Diameter: 40.5 mm
⏱️ Movement: Automatic
🔍 Glass: Mineral glass
- 5 ATM water resistant
- Butterfly or folding clasp
- Stainless steel case
- Dial color: champagne
- Analog time display
2 Maserati Sfida
💶 Price from: € 430,-
When you think of Maserati, you don't immediately think of a watch... more of a sporty, fast car. Nowadays, they also make watches. Since its foundation, the brand has grown into an icon in the automotive world and is known for its focus on design excellence, innovation, and over a century of experience. These values are not only reflected in Maserati's luxury cars but also in their accessories, including watches. Maserati watches are specially designed for enthusiasts and collectors of the brand. They feature the same technical expertise and design mastery as the cars. A key feature of the watches is Maserati's iconic trident logo, proudly displayed on every watch. Here are some of the key features:
📏 Diameter: 44 mm
⏱️ Movement: Automatic
🔍 Glass: Mineral glass
- 10 ATM water resistant
- Screwed crown, Screwed case back
- Mineral glass
- Stainless steel casing
- Link bracelet
- Analog time display
3 Citizen Automatic NK5010-01H Tsuyosa
💶 Price from: € 365,-
This Citizen watch features a stainless steel case with a 40 mm diameter and a stylish leather strap. Inside is a high-quality Miyota movement, protected by a mineral glass finish. The watch has a water resistance of 5ATM, meaning it is suitable for showering. Here are some of the key features:
📏 Diameter: 40 mm
⏱️ Movement: Automatic
🔍 Glass: Mineral glass
- 5 ATM water resistant
- Screwed case back
- Stainless steel casing
- Leather strap
- Analog time display
- Folding clasp
FAQ: What no one tells you about watches under €500
Do you finally want to buy a watch that costs less than 500 euros? We still have some advice. Advice you won't see everywhere:
Does a €500 watch sometimes feel lighter than a cheaper watch?
Weight is not always equal to quality. Very cheap watches often use solid but lower-grade steel or even weighted alloys to fake a luxurious appearance. A high-quality watch under €500, such as our Maverick series, uses 316L stainless steel which you really need for a watch.
Can a watch in this price range really become a heirloom?
Absolutely. A watch will not necessarily increase in value. So it won't be an investment. But if you look at the finish and construction of a watch, you simply see that a watch will last longer than you yourself, instead of just a few seasons.
Why do I sometimes see dust particles under the glass with some watch brands?
This is a sign of poor 'clean room' assembly. Even with well-known brands, this happens due to mass production. We apply strict quality control to every Urban Ace watch to guarantee that the dial remains sterile.
Does a watch under €500 lose its value?
Let's be honest. Most of them do. But a watch remains a watch. If you maintain your watch well, you can still sell it for a 'fair price'. But of course, you won't do that because you wear an Urban Ace for life!
👍 The biggest mistake men make under €500? Choosing a fashion brand instead of a watch brand. Often these watches are of inferior quality.
Best watch price-quality ratio
Regardless of your budget, whether you are looking for an affordable watch brand or a high-end watch, the most important thing is to choose a watch that perfectly suits 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 best materials at an affordable price, ensuring our watches remain affordable. Our watches look stylish and can be worn for both business outings and a night out with friends.
👍 Expert tip: Choose a watch made of 316L stainless steel. You won't regret it!
Men's watch under 500 euro
It can be a challenge to find the best watch for yourself. You have renowned brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe, but these watches are usually on the pricey side. This is simply not for everyone. This is also one of the reasons why Urban Ace was founded. The frustration of why these watches are so expensive led us to launch 5 models on the market.
Namely the following collections:
All our Urban Ace watches are under 500 euros, also under 400 euros... even under 300 euros! Urban Ace watches are affordable without compromising on luxury or quality. If you are looking for an affordable luxury men's watch that radiates class and is robust, then Urban Ace is the ultimate choice.
Urban Ace is and remains the ultimate choice! See our reviews for a better idea of our shop!
Conclusion 'best watch under 500 euro'
There is no universal "best" watch. The best watch for you depends on your personal needs and preferences. For a classic and luxurious statement, you could choose a Rolex or Patek Philippe. If you are looking for something for sports or technology, then a Garmin or Apple Watch might be more suitable. If you choose style, luxury, affordability, and a statement, then you choose Urban Ace.
