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10 Best Men's Watches for Under $300

A good watch matches your personality and lifestyle, and some might even say that a good watch is priceless. Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you want to drop a small fortune on a Rolex or Cartier. Fortunately, quality wrist watches for less than $300 are readily available. Right here we have assembled 10 quality timepieces that all cost less than $300. The only issue you'll have is figuring out which one you will try first!

Here are some great watches that look awesome but won't cost you an arm and a leg.

Nixon Sentry – $150

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Though Nixon doesn’t come with the brand recognition of more established watch manufacturers, they still produce extremely popular pieces. The Sentry is one of their more conservative watches, but that’s not to say this isn’t an attractive one. The Nixon Sentry features a stainless steel case, screw-down crown and caseback, mineral crystal and luminous hands. It is also water resistant to 100 meters and comes with Miyota quartz movement. All in all, this watch possesses all the elements you would associate with a high quality piece, and its simple yet elegant design means that it looks great both in the office and out at the bar. Clocking in at $150, the Sentry is a diamond in the rough.

MVMT Chrono - $135

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MVMT Watches started with a simple concept; design a great looking watch, crowdfund the production, manufacture the watch yourself and sell directly to consumers. The result is a bold, stylish watch that is also the least expensive option on our list. MVMT has since expanded their line of watches and wrist strap combinations to include the Chrono Watch. While the chronograph dials don't necessarily provide much functional use, they definitely add to the aesthetic appeal of the large watch face. MVMT Watches all have a nice hefty feel to them and a minimalist design that is sure to stay in style for years to come.

 

Seiko SKX007 – $170

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If you’re looking for a watch that’s as tough and hardy as you are, but that doesn’t skimp on the looks (again, like you) then the Seiko SKX007 is probably the watch for you. Coming from the internationally known watchmaker, Seiko, the SKX007 is a diving watch with all the aesthetics of a more expensive, luxury watch. It has a simple stainless steel case and “Jubilee” link bracelet that make for a comfortable watch to wear. Its Hardlex crystal can absorb impacts and abuse with little problem, and it is water resistant to 200 meters- making it a great diving watch. To aid with diving, the SKX007 also has unidirectional, killer-bright lumed hands and markers that make this watch readable at any depth. The SKX007’s Japanese automatic movement makes this watch accurate and reliable without any need for a battery. With a tough watch that looks this good you’re going to be feeling like Bond himself.

Marathon General Purpose Mechanical – $180

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Any watch aficionado will tell you that the Marathon General Purpose Mechanical is one of the greatest utility watches ever. This watch was developed for Allied Troops in 1941 and is waterproof, dustproof, and impact resistant. It has a 34-hour run time with its 17-jewel mechanical movement, and is accurate to within half a minute per day. You may have only been an elite soldier in Call of Duty, but now you can look like one too.

Mondaine Swiss Railways Watch – $219

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If minimalism appeals to you, then go no further than the Mondaine Swiss Railways Watch. The design of this piece is based on Swiss railway clocks- a clean, white face with succinct, black hands. With a clean, uncluttered face this watch offers a simpler aesthetic while remaining extremely stylish. It has a beautiful stainless steel bezel and a scratch resistant mineral crystal. Coming in at 42mm, this watch is larger without being too big.

Casio G-Shock G-Aviation Atomic – $230

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The Big Casio G-Shocks G-Aviation Atomic might be a mouthful, but it might also be fitting seeing as this is an aviation themed watch that is powered by the sun. This watch will never need a replacement battery or, for that matter, any manual time change at all since it automatically syncs with the worldwide atomic transmission stations. The G-Aviation Atomic is accurate down to 1/1000 of a second, has 29-city world time and is even water resistant down to 200 meters. While we aren’t sure if the G-Aviation Atomic is vulnerable to kryptonite, this is certainly the superman of watches.

Orient Curator Automatic – $230

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Orient is not immensely well known, but they have made their brand famous in the value-watch industry. The Orient Curator Automatic features a gold tone, 41mm, stainless steel case that makes it hard to believe this watch is sold for under $300. The Curator is powered by 21 jewels (made in-house by Orient) and has attractive, Dauphine-style hands. The Curator has a 40-hour power reserve meter nestled just below the 12 marker, giving this watch an appealing, symmetrical design. Topped off with high-quality sapphire crystal and an Alligator leather strap, you’ll find this watch punches far above its price league.

Suunto Core – $239

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You want see the Suunto Core in many board meetings, but it’s priceless when you’re out in the Serengeti. Featuring a barometer, thermometer, altimeter, compass, and weather indicator, this good-looking watch is perfect for mountaineering, hiking, and battling the elements in the Outback. And should you succumb to a Black Mamba bite in Angola? Well, whoever finds you will know you had a terrific taste in fashion.

Citizen Eco-Drive Professional Diver – $270

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The Abrams of diving watches, the Eco-Drive Pro Diver is also lovingly referred to as the “Eco-zilla.” The Pro Diver more than lives up to its name. Tough and resistant, you can’t beat this piece when it comes to diving watches. The Pro Diver has large hands and a big bezel that make it easy to read underwater, which is great because with this watch you can hit 300 meters below the surface. It has Japanese quartz movement that makes it a very accurate, and you can easily replace the already comfortable rubber strap.

Hamilton Khaki Field Watch – $270

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The Hamilton Khaki Field Watch is perfect for anyone who spends more nights under a tent and around a fire than under a roof and around the TV. This timepiece is straight to the point- a 38mm stainless steel case, canvas strap, and simple military numerals make this watch easy to use and read. This watch is a favorite of campers and hikers, but with its handsome style this piece is useful for more than just casual wear. So whether you’re decked out in tweed or North Face, the Khaki Field Watch is a great selection.

Sources: Primer Mag , GQ

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