We’ve said it before on this site, but we believe this is the golden age of watches as a hobby. The explosion of interest in watches over the last few years has fueled a resurgence of brands and models across every price point. More than ever, enthusiasts can choose from myriad styles and kinds of watches at the more affordable end of the spectrum. These are, in fact, some of the most satisfying watches you can own. Certainly the bang for buck factor is the greatest here. Without further delay, here are five great watches from the Windup Watch Shop under $300. Don’t forget to sign up for our rewards program to earn points and save with each purchase!
Casio A1000
If today’s ubiquitous digital watches had a shared ancestor, the Casio A1000 would certainly be one of them. Based on one of Casio’s very first digital offerings, the A1000 maintains a compact but classic look – think of it as a dressed-up F-91W. Its gold ion plated stainless steel case is eminently wearable, and the alarm-stopwatch functionality is exactly what you can expect from a retro-cool digital watch straight from the firm who was, and still is, among the biggest players in the game.
Timex Expedition North Field Post Solar
Timex Expedition isn’t just a name; it’s a model and a collection in its own right. Beloved the world over for its ruggedness and reliability, the Expedition line carries its rich lineage into the future. Today’s Expedition is 41mm of bead-blasted steel and features 100 meters of water resistance and enough mid-century charm to be featured in MoMa. You can rely on its solar quartz movement to keep accurate time, and its legible cream-colored hands and Arabic numerals result in a fuss-free watch that makes for a strong addition to the Expedition namesake.
Seiko Essentials Chronograph
Chronographs are historically among the most interesting – and expensive – categories of watches, but that doesn’t seem to have fazed Seiko in the slightest. The brand’s Essentials Chronographs, references SSB425 (silver dial) and SSB397 (black dial) are shining examples of affordable excellence. Both watches are conservatively designed, with angular cases and attractive 5-link bracelets. Subdials at three, six, and nine o’clock allow wearers to measure elapsed minutes, running seconds, and 24-hour time. Whether you choose the panda or stealthed-out black variation, you’re getting all of Seiko’s reliability and design in a chronograph that will not let you down.
Citizen Promaster Dive Eco-Drive
The dive watch is a fan favorite of all the archetypes of watches, and it’s easy to understand why. You can count on a dive watch to be there for you no matter the depth or height. The bezel makes for a great fidget but is also useful, and the watches just always seem to ooze cool. Japan-based Citizen knows a thing or two about making dive watches, and it certainly knows how to harness solar technology. The Citizen Promaster Dive Eco Drive combines the firm’s expertise into one competent unit of dive watch. The watch comes on a rubber strap and has all the hallmarks of a proper diver: legible hands and markers, chunky rotating bezel, and a more-than-adequate 200 meters of water resistance. Happy diving – just don’t forget to come up for sun and air.
Timex x Worn & Wound WW75
Collaboration watches are often an expensive proposition, but not in the case of this Timex. We're very proud to offer the second series of WW75 watches, this time with white/pink and blue dials. Based on watches from the 1970s, the WW75 wears wonderfully thanks to its mid-century dimensions and comfortable beads of rice bracelet. Powered by the manually-wound Sea-Gull TY6 movement, this Timex is an incredible value proposition, a unique design, and a memorable partnership. The collection is limited to only 500 pieces in each color, thereby proving rarity and interesting design don't have to come at great cost.
