Best watches under £500 in the UK (2026)
The best watches from £250 to £500, from the Tissot PRX and Hamilton Khaki Field to Bulova's Lunar Pilot and the big G-Shocks. We haven't tested them by hand: we chose by maker, movement, specs and what each watch is for, one model per line, with today's UK prices.
By The Watch Sorted desk · Updated 6 November 2026 · 77 products, all price-tracked
Our picks
Photo: AmazonCitizen Promaster Diver BN0150-28E
Our pick of the affordable dive watches: solar, properly water resistant and tough.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Photo: AmazonTissot PRX T137.410.11.041.00
The watch we'd point most people to at this price.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Photo: AmazonOrient Kamasu RA-AA0002L19B
A great-value automatic diver.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.All 77 compared
Photo: AmazonOur top pickOur pick of the affordable dive watches: solar, properly water resistant and tough.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
Our pick of the affordable dive watches: solar, properly water resistant and tough.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
Photo: AmazonRunner-upThe watch we'd point most people to at this price.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The watch we'd point most people to at this price.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
Photo: AmazonAlso goodA great-value automatic diver.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A great-value automatic diver.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want time to the second: an automatic gains or loses a few seconds a day and needs a service every few years.
The PRX in green.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The PRX in green.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
The PRX for smaller wrists.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The PRX for smaller wrists.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A Swiss diver at a fair price.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A Swiss diver at a fair price.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A good Swiss watch for the office.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A good Swiss watch for the office.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
The best Speedmaster alternative for the money.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The best Speedmaster alternative for the money.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical movement: this is quartz.
A big, capable outdoor G-Shock; overkill for an office.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A big, capable outdoor G-Shock; overkill for an office.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a small wrist: the case is 50 mm across.
A solar chronograph that also sets itself.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A solar chronograph that also sets itself.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A very low-effort chronograph: no battery, no setting.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A very low-effort chronograph: no battery, no setting.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A good-value automatic with sapphire.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A good-value automatic with sapphire.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want time to the second: an automatic gains or loses a few seconds a day and needs a service every few years.
A cheaper automatic diver than the Kamasu.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A cheaper automatic diver than the Kamasu.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want time to the second: an automatic gains or loses a few seconds a day and needs a service every few years.
The PRX in black.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The PRX in black.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A gold watch from a Swiss maker.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A gold watch from a Swiss maker.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
The Lunar Pilot, slightly cheaper on leather.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The Lunar Pilot, slightly cheaper on leather.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical movement: this is quartz.
The CB5000 in blue.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The CB5000 in blue.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A smarter radio-controlled Citizen.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A smarter radio-controlled Citizen.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A capable pilot's chronograph that sets itself.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A capable pilot's chronograph that sets itself.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A big pilot's watch with every function you'll need.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A big pilot's watch with every function you'll need.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a small wrist: the case is 46 mm.
A sporty Swiss chronograph.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A sporty Swiss chronograph.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
The Gentleman, dressier.
Our verdict
The Gentleman, dressier.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A sporty Bulova with a sweeping seconds hand.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 11:48 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A sporty Bulova with a sweeping seconds hand.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A lot of Swiss chronograph for the money, if you like them big.
Our verdict
A lot of Swiss chronograph for the money, if you like them big.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a slim wrist: at 45.5mm it's one of Tissot's largest.
The PRX look for the least money, with a sapphire crystal and Swiss quartz.
Our verdict
The PRX look for the least money, with a sapphire crystal and Swiss quartz.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical movement: the Powermatic 80 PRX costs more and has one.
The PRX look for the least money, with a sapphire crystal and Swiss quartz.
Our verdict
The PRX look for the least money, with a sapphire crystal and Swiss quartz.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical movement: the Powermatic 80 PRX costs more and has one.
A lot of Swiss chronograph for the money, if you like them big.
Our verdict
A lot of Swiss chronograph for the money, if you like them big.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a slim wrist: at 45.5mm it's one of Tissot's largest.
A Swiss chronograph diver for the price of a basic automatic.
Our verdict
A Swiss chronograph diver for the price of a basic automatic.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a slim wrist or want something low-profile: it's a big, tall watch.
A Swiss-made diver that costs less than most automatics and asks nothing of you.
Our verdict
A Swiss-made diver that costs less than most automatics and asks nothing of you.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want an automatic: the Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 costs more.
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Our verdict
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you prefer smaller watches: at 45mm it lives up to the XL.
A Swiss chronograph diver for the price of a basic automatic.
Our verdict
A Swiss chronograph diver for the price of a basic automatic.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a slim wrist or want something low-profile: it's a big, tall watch.
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Our verdict
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you prefer smaller watches: at 45mm it lives up to the XL.
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Our verdict
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need accuracy to the second: automatics drift several seconds a day.
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Our verdict
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need accuracy to the second: automatics drift several seconds a day.
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Our verdict
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need accuracy to the second: automatics drift several seconds a day.
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Our verdict
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need accuracy to the second: automatics drift several seconds a day.
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Our verdict
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need accuracy to the second: automatics drift several seconds a day.
A Swiss chronograph diver for the price of a basic automatic.
Our verdict
A Swiss chronograph diver for the price of a basic automatic.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a slim wrist or want something low-profile: it's a big, tall watch.
The PRX look for the least money, with a sapphire crystal and Swiss quartz.
Our verdict
The PRX look for the least money, with a sapphire crystal and Swiss quartz.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical movement: the Powermatic 80 PRX costs more and has one.
A Swiss-made diver that costs less than most automatics and asks nothing of you.
Our verdict
A Swiss-made diver that costs less than most automatics and asks nothing of you.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want an automatic: the Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 costs more.
A lot of Swiss chronograph for the money, if you like them big.
Our verdict
A lot of Swiss chronograph for the money, if you like them big.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a slim wrist: at 45.5mm it's one of Tissot's largest.
A lot of Swiss chronograph for the money, if you like them big.
Our verdict
A lot of Swiss chronograph for the money, if you like them big.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a slim wrist: at 45.5mm it's one of Tissot's largest.
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Our verdict
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you prefer smaller watches: at 45mm it lives up to the XL.
A Swiss-made diver that costs less than most automatics and asks nothing of you.
Our verdict
A Swiss-made diver that costs less than most automatics and asks nothing of you.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want an automatic: the Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 costs more.
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Our verdict
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you prefer smaller watches: at 45mm it lives up to the XL.
One watch for work and weekends, Swiss-made and easy to live with.
Our verdict
One watch for work and weekends, Swiss-made and easy to live with.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a dive or sports watch: this is a dress-leaning everyday watch.
A Swiss-made diver that costs less than most automatics and asks nothing of you.
Our verdict
A Swiss-made diver that costs less than most automatics and asks nothing of you.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want an automatic: the Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 costs more.
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Our verdict
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need accuracy to the second: automatics drift several seconds a day.
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Our verdict
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need accuracy to the second: automatics drift several seconds a day.
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Our verdict
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need accuracy to the second: automatics drift several seconds a day.
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Our verdict
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need accuracy to the second: automatics drift several seconds a day.
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Our verdict
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need accuracy to the second: automatics drift several seconds a day.
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Our verdict
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need accuracy to the second: automatics drift several seconds a day.
A tidy, mid-sized Swiss chronograph for every day.
Our verdict
A tidy, mid-sized Swiss chronograph for every day.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a simple three-hand watch: the Gentleman costs less.
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Our verdict
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you prefer smaller watches: at 45mm it lives up to the XL.
A motor-sport chronograph with Swiss quartz inside.
Our verdict
A motor-sport chronograph with Swiss quartz inside.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want something understated: this is a busy, sporty dial.
A racing-style chronograph with real Tissot history behind the name.
Our verdict
A racing-style chronograph with real Tissot history behind the name.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical chronograph: this one is quartz.
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Our verdict
A big, easy-to-read Swiss chronograph at a fair price.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you prefer smaller watches: at 45mm it lives up to the XL.
A tidy, mid-sized Swiss chronograph for every day.
Our verdict
A tidy, mid-sized Swiss chronograph for every day.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a simple three-hand watch: the Gentleman costs less.
A dependable, water-resistant Swiss chronograph for every day.
Our verdict
A dependable, water-resistant Swiss chronograph for every day.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a slim watch: chronographs like this are thick.
A small, elegant Swiss watch to wear every day or give as a gift.
Our verdict
A small, elegant Swiss watch to wear every day or give as a gift.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that's easy to read at a glance: the dial is very small.
A small, elegant Swiss watch to wear every day or give as a gift.
Our verdict
A small, elegant Swiss watch to wear every day or give as a gift.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that's easy to read at a glance: the dial is very small.
The PRX look for the least money, with a sapphire crystal and Swiss quartz.
Our verdict
The PRX look for the least money, with a sapphire crystal and Swiss quartz.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical movement: the Powermatic 80 PRX costs more and has one.
A small, classic Seiko automatic that goes with anything.
Our verdict
A small, classic Seiko automatic that goes with anything.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you like big watches: this is a compact, low-key design.
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Our verdict
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need accuracy to the second: automatics drift several seconds a day.
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Our verdict
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need accuracy to the second: automatics drift several seconds a day.
A small, classic Seiko automatic that goes with anything.
Our verdict
A small, classic Seiko automatic that goes with anything.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you like big watches: this is a compact, low-key design.
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Our verdict
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need accuracy to the second: automatics drift several seconds a day.
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Our verdict
The classic first automatic: Japanese-made, tough and easy to wear.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need accuracy to the second: automatics drift several seconds a day.
A good-value automatic field watch from Japan.
Our verdict
A good-value automatic field watch from Japan.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a dressy watch: this is a casual, outdoorsy design.
A good-value Japanese automatic sports watch.
Our verdict
A good-value Japanese automatic sports watch.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want sapphire glass: this one uses mineral crystal.
A good-value Japanese automatic sports watch.
Our verdict
A good-value Japanese automatic sports watch.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want sapphire glass: this one uses mineral crystal.
A real Gucci, Swiss made; you're paying for the name and the design, not the movement.
Our verdict
A real Gucci, Swiss made; you're paying for the name and the design, not the movement.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want the most watch for the money: a Tissot PRX costs about half as much and is the better watch on paper.
A real Gucci, Swiss made; you're paying for the name and the design, not the movement.
Our verdict
A real Gucci, Swiss made; you're paying for the name and the design, not the movement.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want the most watch for the money: a Tissot PRX costs about half as much and is the better watch on paper.
A chance to buy a Burberry watch new, now that the brand has stopped making them.
Our verdict
A chance to buy a Burberry watch new, now that the brand has stopped making them.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want after-sales care from the maker: Burberry no longer makes watches, so repairs depend on the shop and independent watchmakers.
Loud Versace styling, Greek key and Medusa included; it's the look you're paying for.
Our verdict
Loud Versace styling, Greek key and Medusa included; it's the look you're paying for.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want value: at this price a Tissot or a Hamilton is the better Swiss watch.
Loud Versace styling, Greek key and Medusa included; it's the look you're paying for.
Our verdict
Loud Versace styling, Greek key and Medusa included; it's the look you're paying for.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want value: at this price a Tissot or a Hamilton is the better Swiss watch.
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We pick from what UK shops actually sell, compare the makers' published specs (movement, size, water resistance, glass) and check UK prices and price history through the day. We don't have every watch in hand: a pick is marked hands-on only when we have worn it. Commissions never change a pick or its place on the list. Read our full methodology →