Affordable watches for the office


Affordable watches for the office

It is important to wear the right watch for the right occasion. Whether you’re going to the office, to an interview or to a wedding, a dress watch can complement your style and help you make a good impression.

It is important to wear the right watch for the right occasion. Whether you’re going to the office, to an interview or to a wedding, a dress watch can complement your style and help you make a good impression.

In certain sectors, people will care about the type of watch you wear at work. For example, if you work in a corporate office, having a decent dress watch can definitely play in your favor, and can even be used as a conversation starter.

Dress watches usually have smaller dimensions than other categories of watches such as divers and pilot watches. They aim to be simple yet functional, which is ideal for the office. You will find in this article affordable dress watches that have been carefully selected for their build quality and value for money.

Dress watches usually have smaller dimensions than other categories of watches such as divers and pilot watches. They aim to be simple yet functional, which is ideal for the office. You will find in this article affordable dress watches that have been carefully selected for their build quality and value for money.

Orient Bambino

Although it is less famous in Europe than Seiko or Citizen, Orient is nevertheless a very impressive watch manufacturer offering amazing watches for the money.

The Orient Bambino is an affordable dress watch that can be bought in the $150 range. Orient is one of the rare affordable watch manufacturers developing their own in-house movements.

  • Ref: FAC00009N0
  • Diameter: 40.50 mm
  • Thickness: 11.80 mm
  • Lug width: 21.00 mm
  • Caliber: Orient F6724

The Orient Bambino 2nd-Gen automatic dress watch with cream dial and blue hands FAC00009N0. Available on eBay
The Orient Bambino 2nd-Gen automatic dress watch with cream dial and blue hands FAC00009N0. Available on eBay

This Orient Bambino is elegant and understated, although is has a significant wrist presence with a diameter of 40.5mm without crown. The thickness is 11mm, making it easy to hide under a sleeve.

Our favourite is the version 2 generation 2, which is already a few years old. It has a cream dial and gorgeous blue hands. If you're willing to overcome the 21mm lug width, it's a perfect watch collection starter.

Here are 8 suggestions on eBay for the Orient Bambino:
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Orient Executive Sun and Moon 2 and 3

Here again Orient shines with this timepiece. There are 3 versions of this model, we will focus on the latter one. Our favorite is the reference FAK00002S0 which is an absolutely gorgeous and classic design. The well-executed white dial and its applied Roman numeral hour markers are protected by a scratch-resistant glass. This timepiece offers great complications for its price with (1) a date display between the 7 and 8 o'clock positions (2) the day of the week and (3) a sun and moon indicator!

  • Ref: FAK00004B0, FAK00005D, FET0T001W, FAK00002S0
  • Diameter: 42.50 mm
  • Thickness: 14.10 mm
  • Lug width: 22.00 mm
  • Caliber: Orient F6B24

Different models of the Orient Executive Sun and Moon from left to right FAK00005D0, FAK00001Y0, FAK00004B0. Available now on eBay.
Different models of the Orient Executive Sun and Moon from left to right FAK00005D0, FAK00001Y0, FAK00004B0. Available now on eBay.

Those features are provided by the Orient automatic calibre F6B24 (46B46 for version 2) which has a 40h power reserve. This movement can be seen through the transparent case back. The case is 42.5mm wide and 14.1mm thick, offering a generous wrist presence. The lug width is 22mm and the water resistance is 50m, which is more than enough for this type of watch. This Orient timepiece will definitely get a lot of compliments! The amount of complications that you get for the price is astonishing, you can easily get one in the $250 range on eBay.

  • Ref: FET0T002S0, FET0T002B
  • Diameter: 42.50 mm
  • Thickness: 14.10 mm
  • Lug width: 22.00 mm
  • Caliber: Orient 46B46

Here is 1 suggestion on eBay for the Orient Executive Sun and Moon 2 and 3:

Mido Baroncelli II and III

The Baroncelli model from Mido is a very elegant and sophisticated dress watch. The timepiece is less than 10mm thick (7mm for Baroncelli II) and yet has a lot of wrist presence with its 40mm diameter. The calibre 80 automatic movement, offering a generous 80-hour power reserve, can be seen through the glass case back. The sapphire crystal protects the clean looking dial, which feature a date window which located either at 3 or 4 o'clock depending on the model reference.

  • Ref: M027.408.16.058.00
  • Diameter: 40.00 mm
  • Thickness: 9.70 mm
  • Lug width: 20.00 mm
  • Caliber: Mido Calibre 80

No lume is present in the hands nor on the dial, which is not surprising since this is a dress watch. The water-resistance of this watch is 30m. The latest versions of this timepiece (like the M027.408.16.058.00) have a silicon balance spring and are COSC certified. The lug width is 20mm and it is available with either leather strap or steel bracelet. For a retail price in the $1000 range, you get a classic design that will definitely stand the test of time.

Here are 8 suggestions on eBay for the Mido Baroncelli II and III:

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Series

The Presage SRPB Cocktail Time Series from the Japanese manufacturer Seiko offers amazing timepieces for the money, we love the SRPB41 and SRPB77 models. The design looks dressier than the SARB033 but can definitely be worn on a daily basis. The watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet but can also be had on a leather strap depending on the reference. The cocktail time series have a distinctive sunburst dial, we find the blue dial of the SRPB41 is gorgeous and plays with the light nicely.

  • Ref: SRPB41, SRPB43, SRPB44, SRPB46, SRPB77
  • Diameter: 40.50 mm
  • Thickness: 11.80 mm
  • Lug width: 20.00 mm
  • Caliber: Seiko 4R35

The Seiko SRPB41 from the Presage Cocktail Time series. Available now on eBay.
The Seiko SRPB41 from the Presage Cocktail Time series. Available now on eBay.

The dial and hands are protected by a hardlex crystal. The automatic movement is a reliable Seiko 4R35 offering a 41hour power reserve at 21600vph. The case is 40.5mm wide (without crown) and 11.8mm thick, meaning it has a healthy wrist presence. The lug width of the SRPB41 is 20mm and it offers a 50m water resistance.

The Blue Moon Cocktail model from Seiko Presage is characterized by its blue dial inspired by a cocktail, the blue moon. It is definitely a watch that will receive compliments!

Here are 8 suggestions on eBay for the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Series:
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Seiko SARX013 & SARX015

The Seiko SARX013 and SARX015 have a pattern of vertical stripes on their dial. Those models share the same handsomeness and differ on the color of their dials: the SARX013 has a black dial, whereas the SARX15 has a white dial. They both offer a date function, visible through a framed window at 3 o'clock. Those models house the renowned Seiko 6R15 automatic movement providing hacking and hand winding with a power reserve of 50 hours. You can observe this movement though the hardlex mineral glass of the case back. We love the masculine design of the case with a diameter of 40mm and a thickness 11.2mm, it has ideal proportions for most wrists.

  • Ref: Seiko SARX013, SARX015
  • Diameter: 40.00 mm
  • Thickness: 11.20 mm
  • Lug width: 20.00 mm
  • Caliber: Seiko 6R15

The Seiko SARX015. Available now on eBay.
The Seiko SARX015. Available now on eBay.

The vertical teak-style dial combined with the silver hands looks very luxurious and makes either of those Japanese models a great affordable alternative to the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra. This timepiece is designed to be worn at all occasions and will suit all types of outfits. The hour markers and hands are lumed, offering decent legibility in the dark. They are protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

The Seiko SARX013. Available now on eBay.
The Seiko SARX013. Available now on eBay.

The black and white siblings have a 50m water resistance, we would not recommend them for crazy activities in the water, although they will survive splashes. From our experience, the SARX013 is harder to find than the SARX015. However, both models have been discontinued for a while but are still highly sought after so they definitely are part of the affordable watches that will retain their value. The lug width is 20mm, also a very popular dimension, the watches come with an elegant stainless steel bracelet. Those Seiko models had a retail price of $600 which means you get a lot of watch for the price, a great choice for sure!

Here are 8 suggestions on eBay for the Seiko SARX013 & SARX015:
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Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80

The Tissot brand is very respectable and comes with its rich Swiss heritage, which the Le Locle incarnates proudly. Indeed, the Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 is a great Swiss watch that packs a lot of value for its $500 retail price. First, let's address the elephant in the room: 80 hours of power reserve. Yep, that's right, the new Powermatic models provide this amazing stamina. This watch has a lot of cool features too: a very nicely executed dial, we like the black one with its applied silver Roman numerals contrasting gracefully with the rest (ref T006.407.11.053.00). Along with the white date wheel, those markers provide a highly legible yet elegant display.

  • Ref: T006.407.11.053.00, T006.407.16.033.00
  • Diameter: 40.00 mm
  • Thickness: 9.75 mm
  • Lug width: 22.00 mm
  • Caliber: Tissot Powermatic 80

The Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80. Available now on eBay.
The Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80. Available now on eBay.

The proportions of this watch tick a lot of boxes: with a conservative 40mm diameter and very honest 9,75mm thickness it will accommodate a lot of happy wrists. It has a 30m water resistance, so it's definitely not made for deep-sea diving but rather office meetings. It comes with a leather strap or on a stainless steel bracelet, although with the 20mm lug width you can easily swap either of them. If you're looking for an elegant and classic timepiece that offers a lot for the money, that one should surely be on your list!

Here are 8 suggestions on eBay for the Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80:
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Orient Star Classic

As you have probably noticed, we like Orient here, this manufacturer offers affordable watches with their own in-house movement. Their sub-brand Orient Star is no exception, and on top of that, their Orient Star Classic model comes with a power reserve complication! The watch sports an Orient 40N52 caliber which you can admire through the transparent case back. The lens is made of mineral crystal and it’s available with a black, blue or white dial.

  • Ref: SAF02003W0
  • Diameter: 38.50 mm
  • Thickness: 13.10 mm
  • Lug width: 20.00 mm
  • Caliber: Orient 40N52

This timepiece has a very refined look, the model with white dial and blue hands (SAF02003W0) is a stunner. Dials with Roman numerals are present on the Orient Star Elegant Classic models like the SEL09004W0. The Orient Star Classic has no lume, and is designed to be worn at the office: with a diameter of 38.5mm and 13.4mm, it will easily slide under the sleeves of a suit. The water resistance is 50m, meaning it will handle water splashes with confidence, but not follow you in a dive. It retails at around $650 but you can easily find it for less on eBay.

Here are 2 suggestions on eBay for the Orient Star Classic:
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Seiko Presage SARX019

The SARX019 is another gem from the Japanese manufacturer Seiko, it provides you with a gorgeous enamel dial for an amazing price. The 6R15 automatic movement powers this timepiece, providing a date function, a power reserve of 50hours reserve and an accuracy of +25/-15 sec a day. Moreover, this high-end Seiko caliber supports hacking and hand winding. You can observe it at work through the hardlex window of the case back. The white enamel dial along with its black Roman numerals hour markers elevate this watch, giving it an impressive and luxurious look. The face of the Seiko Presage SARX019 is protected by a sapphire crystal which is scratch-resistant. The water resistance is a reassuring 100m, not bad at all for a dress watch!

  • Ref: Seiko SARX019
  • Diameter: 40.00 mm
  • Thickness: 13.30 mm
  • Lug width: 20.00 mm
  • Caliber: Seiko 6R15

The case is finely brushed and polished, measuring 40mm of diameter and 13.3mm thick, giving it a healthy wrist presence. Producing enamel dials is a very difficult process requiring a full mastery of the iron-based enamel baking process, enamel dials are only reserved for very expensive watch models. Seiko has really impressed us here: at a retail price of $990, this watch is a viable competitor to higher-end swiss models that are worth 3 times its price. Within the 20mm lug width of the SARX019, you will find a leather strap which has a deployment buckle equipped with a handy deployment buckle. Although it's been discontinued for some time, you can still find it on the used market, it's a real challenger that is worth its price. We expect this timepiece to hold its value very well.

Here are 8 suggestions on eBay for the Seiko Presage SARX019:

Seiko Presage SARX049

The Seiko SARX049 is a very classic looking watch that will be ideal for the office and formal occasions. It has a distinctive white enamel dial which you will find amazing for its $600 price range. The case is 40.5mm wide and 12.4mm thick with a length of 47.8mm tip to tip. It comes with a leather strap, which will be easy to replace with the 20mm lug width. Under the protective scratch-resistant sapphire crystal you will find blued hands, playing very well with the light, they match perfectly with the white enamel dial and its Roman numerals. A date function is present too, surrounded by a discrete black frame.

  • Ref: Seiko SARX049
  • Diameter: 40.50 mm
  • Thickness: 12.40 mm
  • Lug width: 20.00 mm
  • Caliber: Seiko 6R15

The watch is powered by the renowned Seiko 6R15 automatic movement offering hand-winding and hacking functionality with 50 hours of power reserve. This fine calibre can be admired through the transparent exhibition case back. The signed crown looks amazing on this watch, it is very easy to grip and reinforces the classical look of this gorgeous timepiece. The water resistance is 100m, more than enough for most formal activities. The Seiko SARX049 is simply a timeless watch that offers great value for money.

Here are 8 suggestions on eBay for the Seiko Presage SARX049:
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Christopher Ward C5 Malvern Automatic MkII or MkIII

Christopher Ward is a relatively young brand that offers a lot of value for money in their watch models. This C5 Malvern Automatic MKII is a perfect example of that. With a stainless steel case that has dimensions of 39 x 47mm this dress watch definitely has a healthy presence on the wrist while remaining discrete and classy. It has a simple yet elegant shape and is all polished. The silver sunray dial makes it a timeless classic watch, it is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. This dress watch has no lume, and it has a 50m water resistance.

  • Ref: C5 Malvern Automatic MKII, C5 Malvern Automatic MKIII
  • Diameter: 39.00 mm
  • Thickness: 10.80 mm
  • Lug width: 18.00 mm
  • Caliber: Selitta SW200-1

The strap is made of leather and has a crocodile pattern, if that’s not your cup of tea the 18mm lug width will definitely accommodate something else that will suit your taste. The thickness is 10.8mm, which is 0.8mm thicker than the Hamilton Intra-matic but is clearly not chunky. The crown is screwed down which is surprising on such watch design, but it adds to the quality and durability of the watch. The see-through case back lets you witness the decorated Selitta SW200-1 powering this timepiece. This movement has blued screws, features a 38h power reserve and has a date function which can be seen through the rounded date frame. The polished steel hands give the watch a modern and refined look. This watch retails around $400 which we think is an amazing price for all those features!

Here are 2 suggestions on eBay for the Christopher Ward C5 Malvern Automatic MkII or MkIII:
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Orient Star Elegant Classic

As its name suggests, the Orient Star Elegant Classic is the Elegant version of the Orient Star Classic - thank you Captain Obvious! This watch is indeed holding a lot of elegance, mainly due to the dial featuring a studded pattern accompanied by Roman numeral hours markers. This automatic watch offers the same complication as the Orient Star classic: a date and a power reserve.

  • Ref: SEL09001W, SEL09004W0, SEL09003D0, SEL09002W0
  • Diameter: 38.70 mm
  • Thickness: 12.80 mm
  • Lug width: 20.00 mm
  • Caliber: Orient F6N43

The Orient Star Elegant Classic has Roman numerals, a power reserve indicator and a date function (SEL09003D0, SEL09001W). Picture credits: eBay listings
The Orient Star Elegant Classic has Roman numerals, a power reserve indicator and a date function (SEL09003D0, SEL09001W). Picture credits: eBay listings

Through the display case back you can witness the F6N43 Orient in-house caliber at work. This latter will provide you with 50 hours of power reserve while oscillating at 21600vph. The lens is made of sapphire crystal and the dial has 2 color variations: blue (SEL09003D0) or white (SEL09004W0). The dimensions of the case are very comfortable with a diameter of 38.7mm and a thickness of 12.8mm. The lug width of the Orient Star Elegant Classic is 20mm, accommodating many straps. The water-resistance of this watch is 50m. Overall, this watch is a stunner, and it can be found well below its $810 RRP.

Here are 2 suggestions on eBay for the Orient Star Elegant Classic:

Seiko Presage SARW011

The Seiko Presage SARW011 provides also an amazing bunch of luxurious features for its $1000 retail price. Similarly to the SARX019, it holds a perfectly crafted white enamel dial with black Roman numerals accompanied with blue hands. This Seiko model provides a power reserve indicator at the 9-hour marker: an interesting and useful complication. This elegant ensemble of features is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. At the heart of the SARW011 beats a Seiko 6R27 (29 jewels) high beat automatic movement providing a 45-hour power reserve at 28800bph with a +25/-15 sec/day accuracy. You will be able to witness its work through the hardlex exhibition case back.

  • Ref: Seiko SARW011
  • Diameter: 40.00 mm
  • Thickness: 13.30 mm
  • Lug width: 20.00 mm
  • Caliber: Seiko 6R27

The proportions will accommodate most wrists: the case has a very fine-looking brushed finish with a diameter of 40mm and a thickness of 13.3mm. This timepiece has a crocodile strap equipped with a convenient deployment clasp. The 20mm lug width will leave you plenty of options for other straps. The water resistance is 100m, which is high enough for a dress watch. To sum up, with its perfectly executed enamel dial and Roman numerals, the SARW011 is one of the finest dress watches ever produced by Seiko in this price range. The Japanese manufacturer over-delivers with this model and it easily dominates Swiss watches in this price range. An excellent choice for sure.

Here are 5 suggestions on eBay for the Seiko Presage SARW011:

Hamilton Intra-matic

The Hamilton brand comes with a rich American heritage and is now owned by the Swiss Swatch Group. The Hamilton intra-matic is a very elegant dress watch that was first introduced in the 1960’s. This new version features an automatic movement ETA 2892-2, in a steel case with gold PVD coating. The crown can be screwed down and is reasonably sized. The sapphire crystal glass protects the silver sunburst dial that looks very vintage and elegant. The intra-matic has a water resistance of 50m which is more than enough for a dress watch.

  • Ref: H384550, H387550
  • Diameter: 38.00 mm
  • Thickness: 10.00 mm
  • Lug width: 20.00 mm
  • Caliber: ETA 2892-2

At 10mm thickness this watch is relatively thin, it can easily slip under sleeves. The dimensions are 38 x 44.25mm which we find classy and understated, as a proper dress watch should be. The lug width of 20mm makes it convenient for you to try different strap combinations. The provided leather strap is of good quality and soft to the skin. This watch has a timeless design and offers good value for money. With its high quality components, brand history and a good price point, the Hamilton intra-matic is a very serious contender to a place in your collection.

Here are 8 suggestions on eBay for the Hamilton Intra-matic :
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