Budget mechanical watches rise

Entry-level mechanical watches keep getting better and cheaper, with major brands offering quality timepieces under $500.

Caravelle Sea Hunter

Bulova's $300 Sea Hunter dive watch has 200 meters waterproofing, 120-click bezel, and 42-hour power reserve.

Orient Bambino Version 7

The $295 Orient Bambino features a 38-mm white dial with leather strap and 30 meters water resistance.

Brew Metric Lite Retro

Mike Christensen chose this $375 30-mm retro watch with sapphire crystal and 50 meters water resistance.

“This li'l Brew number is so retro they decided to call it exactly that”

Timex Marlin 1965 Reissue Hand-Wound

Chris Hall recommends this $259 Timex Marlin 1965 Reissue Hand-Wound with 34 mm case and 30 meters water resistance.

Sea-Gull 1963 International Edition

The $269 Sea-Gull 1963 International Edition has 38-mm size and ST1901 movement.

Baltic HMS 002 Silver

Robin Swithinbank picked this $430 Baltic HMS 002 Silver with Miyota 8315 movement and 60-hour power reserve.

Baltic HMS 003 Salmon

Tim Vaux chose this $430 Baltic HMS 003 Salmon with Miyota 8315 movement and 36.5 mm size.

Bulova A-11 Hack Watch

Felix Scholz selected this $357 Bulova A-11 Hack Watch with military history and blue dial.

Citizen Tsuyosa

The $396 Citizen Tsuyosa has 40-mm case, 50 meters water resistance, and 42-hour power reserve.

Vostok Amphibia

This $151 Vostok Amphibia has 200 meters water resistance and was worn by Bill Murray in Wes Anderson's film.

“This watch needs no other justification for inclusion on this list other than it was worn by Bill Murray as Jacques Cousteau-alike Steve Zissou in Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic”

Seiko 5 Sports

Two experts picked the Seiko 5 Sports for $320 and $385 with mechanical movements and durability.