Best Watches from Switzerland Under $500 (2024): Top 10 Picks

Switzerland is known the world over for producing luxury watches.

Their meticulous attention to detail and impeccable qualities are second to none.

However, one major problem with Swiss watches is their high price points.w

Most Swiss timepieces can go for around $5,000 - $10,000.

Not all of us can afford a watch that expensive.

Fortunately, most Swiss brands have manufactured high-quality watches that are priced more affordably.

These timepieces offer practicality, affordability, and style.

Victorinox Swiss Army I.N.O.X. Watch: Top Rated

Victorinox is known for handcrafting luxury watches that can withstand extreme weather conditions. The I.N.O.X. collection is the most superior timepiece on the list.

The sandblasted titanium case gives your watch a smooth matte finish and a versatile design. You can wear your Victorinox timepiece at home, in the office, on bike trails, or wherever you are.

Expect precise and accurate timekeeping thanks to the watch's reliable Swiss quartz movement.

Another important feature to note is the watch strap which is made of the same leather used for firefighter boots. This being so, it can withstand fire, water, and chemicals.

It has superior water-resistant qualities of up to 200 meters. Unlike most watches that have a 100-meter water-resistance depth, you can use this watch for more extreme water activities such as deep-sea diving.

Together with all its top-rate features, the Victorinox I.N.O.X comes with a 3-year warranty.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 4/5

• The watch can withstand extreme conditions such as a 10-meter drop and two hours in a washing machine at 90 degrees, proving its durability and ruggedness.
• The quartz movement of the watch produces a consistent and accurate tick, which is impressive for a quartz watch.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 4/5

• The striking contrast between the brushed and polished finishes, along with the sharp angles on the bezel, make this watch a handsome addition to any outfit.
• The watch's loom illuminates the Victorinox shield nicely, adding to the watch's already impressive design features.

Tissot Dress Watch: Premium Value

Tissot is another top-tier manufacturer of Swiss-made timepieces under 500. Major sports leagues such as the NBA, FIBA, Tour De France, and MotoGP have been in partnership with the watch brand. [R]

The Tissot Dress watch is a high-quality timepiece that gives you the best value for money. Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal encases your dial and luminous hands for easy readability.

The watch’s butterfly clasp closure, leather bracelet, and weight of 2.4 ounces provide overall comfort for your wrist.

Superior timekeeping results are the name of the game with this dress watch, along with its Swiss automatic movement and 80-hour power reserve.

The Roman Numerals and date display by the 3 o’clock position enhance the watch dial, giving it an elegant style. Overall, this Swiss-made watch does not fail to impress with Tissot's groundbreaking features and abilities.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 3/5

• The Tissot Le Locle watch's modern feature of almost 1 cm thickness adds to its durability and robustness.
• The ETA 2824-2 standard movement, visible through the sapphire glass, adds to the Tissot Le Locle watch's reliability and precision, having won the classic watches competition in 2012.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 3/5

• The white dial and metal bracelet version of the Tissot Le Locle watch offers a clean and sophisticated look that is sure to impress.
• The guilloche pattern on the center of the Tissot Le Locle watch's dial adds intricate detail and artistic flair to its design.

Invicta II - Ultimate Budget Pick

The Invicta II does not only go for under $500, but it's also the lone timepiece under $100. If you want to save extra loads of money for a high-quality watch, then the Invicta wristwatch is your greatest bet.

The stainless steel bracelet and case provide top-notch protection against external damage like rust and hard falls. These also complement your silver dial, giving it a monochromatic look.

60-second, 60-minute, and 24-hour sub-chronograph dials improve your overall user experience. Its flame fusion crystal can protect your dial from scratches.

The 100-meter water resistance lets you wear your Invicta watch while swimming and snorkeling. While you're at it, you can use the tachymeter to keep track of your speed.

Adjusting time is no difficult task because of the watch's built-in push crown type. We cannot deny that Invicta packs a lot of punch for a watch that costs less than $100.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 5/5

• The investment in this watch was definitely worth it. It boasts a durable and robust construction that can handle any situation. It's also precision-engineered to provide accurate timekeeping that never fails.
• Its scratch-resistant sapphire crystal provides added durability and protection.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 5/5

• In-person, this watch is even more stunning than in pictures, and I've received numerous compliments on its eye-catching appearance.

Wenger Sea Force 3H

Wenger may be an underrated brand, but the straightforward design and detailed craftsmanship of its high-performing Swiss timepieces cannot be undervalued. One example is the Wenger Sea Force 3H timepiece.

Let's start by discussing the different watch band options. The Swiss-made watch comes in both a silicone strap and a stainless steel bracelet. You can choose between the two types of straps.

The watch also contains both a blue and black dial. These colors beautifully complement the colors of the sea.

You can keep track of the time elapsed underwater with the unidirectional bezel. Speaking of underwater, you can go a little bit deeper with its 200-meter water-resistant depth.

The 43-mm case diameter is perfectly suited for those with big wrists. Its sapphire-coated mineral crystal can resist scratches and improve the readability of your watch dial.

NanaDC Badass Rating: 3/5

• I've put this Wenger watch through everything from pouring concrete to installing new plumbing systems to drywall and painting, and it has held up beautifully. It's an incredibly durable and robust timepiece that I can wear all day without worry.
• appreciate the secure and counterclockwise rotating bezel on this Wenger watch. It ensures that I don't accidentally overestimate my remaining air time. This is a sturdy and reliable watch that I can trust on any dive.

NanaDC Suave Rating: 3/5

• The band on this Wenger watch is not only good-looking, but it also looks like leather from a distance. It's comfortable to wear, with plenty of adjustment holes to ensure the perfect fit.
• Wearing this Wenger watch has been a real pleasure. It has a satisfying heft that makes it feel like a high-quality watch.

Quick Verdict: Dive into style and reliability with the Wenger Sea Force 3H. Multiple options, water-resistant, and durable craftsmanship. Your perfect companion underwater.

Stuhrling Original Swiss Quartz Aquadiver Watch

The Aquadiver series incorporates all the features you want from a sports watch. The dive watch also amplifies your fashion statement with its classy look. It is another solid watch option worth considering.

Unlike most watches that use sapphire or mineral crystal, the Aquadiver watch from Stuhrling makes use of a Krysterna crystal dial window.

It is more shatter-resistant compared to sapphire crystals. Therefore, it can withstand more serious damage such as cracks from impact and water pressure.

The Stuhrling watch is easy to read thanks to its luminous hands, analog display, Arabic numbers, and hour-line markers. The adjustable bracelet provides an allowance for different wrist sizes of up to 4.5-7.5 inches.

You are also guaranteed reliable time derivations thanks to its Swiss quartz movement. Since it is a dive watch, a unidirectional bezel and screw-down crown are useful inclusions.

Glycine Incursore PVD Coated Watch

Established back in 1914, Glycine is another Swiss made brand that lives up to its name as a respectable timepiece manufacturer. The Incursore PVD can hold its own, making it another viable timepiece.

The watch sports an all-black design, giving it a minimalist look that can complement any outfit. It employs a Swiss mechanical movement of up to 25 jewels and has up to 38 hours of power reserve.

With its genuine leather strap and stainless steel case, you get to experience comfort when wearing the Glycine watch.

You can also wear it during underwater activities because it can withstand water pressures on par with a depth of 200 meters.

Unlike most brands, Glycine gives you a 2-year warranty. You may return your watch if starts getting defective or if you simply do not like your product.

Raymond Weil Toccata Watch (5588-STC-20001)

Raymond Weil is one of the last independent, family-run Swiss timepiece manufacturers in operation today. [R]

Indeed, the brand lives up to its motto "Independence is a state of mind", with its influx of watches that combine graceful design and cutting-edge technology.

The Toccata watch stands out as one of Raymond Weil's finest watch creations. You are treated to a classy look with its black dial, silver-tone hands, line markings, date display by the 3 o’clock marker, and logo at the noon/midnight position.

The black leather strap and 42 mm case diameter provide comfort to your wrist. A quartz motion is responsible for accurate and precise timekeeping duties.

Its anti-reflective sapphire crystal and stainless steel case shield your watch from external damage like scratches and rust. A 50-meter water resistance lets you immerse your watch for brief periods of surface-level swimming.

You can also rely on top-notch quality control because a Raymond Weil watch needs to undergo 350 tests before getting sold on the market. Therefore, you cannot question its authenticity and commitment to excellence.

Hamilton Jazzmaster Thinline Watch

Hamilton has had an impressive track record of manufacturing operative and stylish watches. The Jazzmaster Thinline watch is a case in point.

For starters, the timepiece makes use of a silver-plated dial and luminous hands. This goes well with its highly durable brown leather strap. The date display can be located at the 6 o'clock position.

Aside from the smooth leather band, its unobtrusive 1.65-ounce weight guarantees comfort on your wrist. Additional features include a case made out of stainless steel, an anti-reflective sapphire window, and a buckle clasp.

You also get a water-resistant depth of 165 feet. With so many watch brands all over the market, you can't go wrong with a Hamilton watch.

Burberry Large Check Bracelet Watch

The Burberry Large Check Bracelet watch is another timepiece perfectly suited for the office setting, graveyard shift, or "happy hour".

What makes this watch stand out from other timepieces is its complementary features.

The black dial, line markings, and luminous hands go well with the watch's stainless steel bracelet. The overall design imbibes the essence of royalty.

An anti-reflective sapphire crystal makes reading time in direct sunlight or artificial light easy.

The timepiece is easy to fasten and unfasten thanks to its push-button deployment clasp. With a weight of 1.1 ounces, you can keep track of time while hardly feeling anything on your wrist.

Burberry delivers the goods and checks all the boxes when it comes to handcrafting an affordable high-end watch.

Quick Verdict: Experience the essence of royalty with the Burberry Large Check Bracelet watch - a lightweight, stylish timepiece for any occasion.

Bulova Accu

Last but not least, we have the Bulova Accu. Although Bulova is based in the US, the AccuSwiss series is a watch line that creates some of the most superior Swiss timepieces.

Its reliable timekeeping ability is undeniable. Thanks to the automatic Swiss movement, the watch’s accuracy, and precision are top-notch. The nicest part is it doesn’t need batteries in order to function.

The power reserve indicator at the 9 o'clock position lets you know when you need to wear your watch as it relies on wrist movement for power. Other features include a deployment clasp, a brown leather strap, and a white dial.

The Arabic numbers and luminous hands enhance time readability. It is also water-resistant to up to 50 meters.

Worst Swiss-Made Wristwatch Under $500 - Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Sub-Seconds

The Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Sub-Seconds watch garners mixed feelings. While some appreciate its attributes, several aspects leave users wanting more:

• Unimpressive Crown: The push/pull crown, while nicely textured and easy to grasp, could have been a screw-down type for enhanced water resistance, making its functionality less than ideal for a watch with sporty aspirations​​.
• Dial Design: The large 40mm watch with small markers creates an unsettling, open space on the dial, feeling almost too vacant and lacking in visual balance​​.
• Date Window Conundrum: While the positioning of the date window maintains symmetry, it uncomfortably crowds the numeral 6. The addition of "ghost" numerals for texture is so subtle that they often go unnoticed, failing to significantly improve dial aesthetics​​.
• Strap Quirks: The black leather strap, featuring an unconventional deployant clasp design, tends to catch on things more frequently than one might prefer, adding a slight annoyance to daily wear​​.
• Sizeable Proportions: Despite fitting well, the watch's size, particularly its length, feels somewhat oversized for its vintage-inspired design. A more compact size might have been more appropriate for its aesthetic​​.

Why Should You Buy Top-of-the-Line Swiss-Made Watches Under $500?

Each timepiece offers top-notch features and superb qualities. If you are still not convinced, here are some reasons why you should grab yourself one of many Swiss timepieces under $500:

Precise Swiss Movements

Regardless of whether they apply an automatic or quartz movement, Swiss-made watches provide outstanding timekeeping precision and reliability.

These watches never display inaccurate time, meaning you won't experience five to ten-minute delays. Indeed, the accuracy of Swiss timepieces is unparalleled.

Robust Construction

The most amazing watches are stylish on the outside and sturdy on the inside. The most excellent watchmakers and brands emphasize manufacturing watches with utmost craftsmanship embedded in an exquisite design. "Half-baked products" are not in their vocabulary.

From handpicking the strongest materials to putting the pieces all together, you get treated to stunning watches that are capable of lasting multiple years with little to no defects.

Affordable Price Tag

As the title of our review suggests, top-tier Swiss brands make it a point to create luxury watches that fit the budget. You get most of the features a $10,000 vintage timepiece would possess for a fraction of the price.

With the latest developments in technology, you can even argue that Swiss wristwatches that are under $500 provide more features than more expensive timepieces. [R]

How to Pick the Perfect Swiss Wristwatch Under $500 for You?

With so many top-tier Swiss-made watches at your disposal, it can be hard for you to pick the one that perfectly suits your needs and style. Finding a watch that you will commit to for the long run is a daunting task.

Here are some tips that may help you narrow down your choices and select your desired Swiss timepiece:

Color Scheme

As you know, Swiss timepieces can come in multiple colors. An excellent way for you to limit your options is to look for timepieces that either feature your favorite color or have an appealing color pattern.

If you ascribe to minimalism, I suggest going for watches that have monochromatic design patterns. If you love shiny colors like rose gold or plated silver, then go for these types of watches.

Wrist Size

You would not want to buy a watch that does not fit comfortably. Before you confirm your order, you need to measure your wrist. You can use a measuring tape to do this.

Another alternative to measuring your wrist dimension is by wrapping around a 6-inch US dollar bill on your wrist. If these fit your wrist, then you should buy watches that have a size of 38-42 mm. [R]

Wrap Up

Hopefully, you were able to enjoy reading about the most amazing Swiss timepieces under $500. Indeed, the different features they possess are capable of optimizing your user experience.

The choice is entirely yours, but consider buying a Swiss timepiece below $500 that satisfies your needs and fashion taste.