Are Cheap Watches Worth It?
No.
That's the short answer without beating about the bush.
A cheap timepiece comes with poor parts, an ineffective movement, poor value for money even at the low-price tag, and fails to bring out the class on your wrist.
You should avoid confusing an inexpensive timepiece like we are discussing here with cheap watches.
Inexpensive watches source the best materials at the point of value, combining that to make a high-end luxury and functional watch. They are also backed by some of the top manufacturers in the world, unlike cheap watches, which are brainchildren of nameless watch brands of ill-repute.
Now that we have that out of the way…
What's the best watch for the money?
Getting an inexpensive watch is not an exact science as there are quite a lot of them out there.
However, they are not all right for you. So that you don't just put your money on any watch because it is priced right, here is a guide to the factors you need to consider before buying.
Purpose
A wristwatch might tell the time, but that is not the only purpose it achieves on the wrist most of the time.
For some, the watch will also be an official partner, something to wear outdoors, or an everyday unit. That defines the build, quality, and material of the watch that you should pick.
For example, women love our Unika and Native line of watches as dress watches because of the simplistic build they bring to the table. When we move to the Philosopher line, they see something that they can wear to the office, slap on at any time of the day, and still get away with when going to an impromptu dress function.
Strap/Band
The functionality of a watch is also stepped up with its choice of band.
A bracelet watch is a fine pick for dress functions and works well for the office too. There, you have the extra choices of a solid stainless steel strap watch or mesh bracelet, depending on your preferences.
When going for an outdoor watch, we have seen nylon, leather, and rubber band materials to fit best. These guys can take a beating and still come out on top.
That said, the argument for a leather timepiece goes beyond being an outdoor watch. This band has been here for a long time and infuses a modern, elegant appeal into your look. Thus, it works as well as a stainless steel watch, making it one of the most diverse straps.
Movement
Do you consider your watch movement before purchasing at all?
If you don't know which one does it best for you, we have put together a guide on the basic watch movement types and what they all bring to the table for you.
The lowdown on that piece is how a quartz movement is a winner on most days.
Although a mechanical movement also brings some spice to the table, you get stability, longevity, durability, and affordability on a watch with quartz movement.
Seeing as affordable timepiece options for women are our focus here, it is a no-brainer that this movement is the best for you.
Color
The color of the watch is sometimes a measure of the material – or what it is plated with.
At Nordgreen, we have a combination of both for you.
Our stainless steel wristwatches come with an assortment of colors and tones – from the pink-like rose gold, classic gold color, and silver to gunmetal grey. If you choose to have a bracelet watch band, you can have the same color on the watch case as the bracelet too.
In most official settings, a dual-tone stainless steel watch is considered tacky, so you might want to stay off them. Thus, make sure the color on the watch face matches the bracelet too.
This rule can be waived if you are not buying a bracelet watch. For example, a silver watch can have a brown leather strap and look chic still.
Dial Color
Women's watch color options are not limited to the case and the band alone these days. You can also decide what you want on the dial, provided your manufacturer of choice offers that range.
Most of the best women's timepieces that we carry here at Nordgreen come in different dial colors to choose from. The most common is the black and white colors which go with just about any other combination you want to make on the watch face and strap.
Next up is the blue dial, which only makes its way to some select wristwatches in our catalog. To spice things up even further, we introduced the mother of pearl dial on select watches.
You can find a comprehensive guide to our mother of pearl wristwatches for women here.
Price
The entire aim of this piece is to find a watch that does not make you break the bank.
That said, though, the term 'affordable' means different things to different people.
This is not the tricky part where we introduce otherwise high-end luxury watches to you and somehow pass them off as being the best at their price tag.
Going by what works for most people, we would peg our picks between $300 - $500. This is a wide enough range for you to choose from, and there is a huge chance that you get what you are looking for here.
Brand
It is no news that some wristwatches sell for a premium just because of the watch brands behind them.
If you want one of those fashion watches for yourself, there is nothing wrong with that. Only know that you won't be getting the best value for your money.
To do the latter, look for reputable watch brands that have years of experience, design excellence, and great quality control behind them. It should also be a brand that stands behind their watches, offering support to buyers and not just leaving them out to hang after collecting the purchase money.
Everything Else
The above make strong points for choosing a watch. But that's not all.
Some smaller points that you should also consider in line with the above include:
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Durability – if choosing a stainless steel watch, make sure the steel is of high quality. The display crystal should also be scratch-resistant and durable enough against drops. It would not hurt to have some mild water resistance rating, at least.
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Style – that you are looking for an affordable watch doesn't mean you should throw style considerations out of the mix. You would be surprised at how many stylish watches that can fit into your fashion sense are available in this price range.
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Quality – from the choice of brand to the suggested price tag, everything we have been saying here speaks of going for high quality. Don't compromise on that.
Best Women's Watches in 2021
This selection of women's timepieces takes the guesswork out of securing a truly affordable timepiece.
Look through the various quality timepieces described below, see what makes them special and why you need to have them in your arsenal too.
Infinity Women's Watches
Unlike our other unisex lines, the Infinity range of wristwatches was designed for modern, fashionable women alone.
The sturdy watch frame makes this a perfect everyday driver, which remains fashionable to be paired with just about any outfit. The build of the Infinity analog quartz movement watch range means they can function great as a leather strap watch or bracelet watch, as you see fit.
Gazing into the crystal window, the watch lacks any complications, and the face is bare save for the watch brand information and hour markers. It doesn't get simpler than this – making it a great contender against the Native range of watches for dress functions.
Packing different case finishes – from rose gold-tone/ gold-tone watch hue to silver and gunmetal grey – the one-size design complements any woman's wardrobe/
Unika Women's Watch
Yet another exclusive to the women is this stylish Unika line.
As the name implies, they are as unique as they come. But how so?
Well, it is not for the fact that it has a Japanese quartz movement under the hood, comes in different color finishes, or sells at a reasonable price. It is for the elegant design element between the watch case and the stainless steel bracelet, which makes it stand out instantly.
We would say that you should make this a daily driver, but it is best suited for special events. Thanks to a bare dial that only carries the watch brand tag, using it this way is not out of the ordinary.
Speaking of dials, the Unika does have the pick of them: black, brushed metal, polished metal, rainbow black, and white dial. None of these dial picks are less inferior to the other, but some will surely stand out to you more than the others.
Pairing well with a mesh or leather strap, style and modern appeal is not lost on this watch when sitting pretty on your wrist.
Philosopher's Women's Watches – Best for Women with Larger Wrists
Being a crossover watch that serves both genders allows the Philosopher range to have a special feature: usability for women with bigger wrists.
Starting at 32mm, the options on this analog quartz movement watch go up to 40mm.
It is also the desired watch for those that want more than the brand name on their dial. Here, there is a date window protected by the scratch-resistant crystal watch face.
Just like the Infinity watches above, the stainless steel case on this timepiece is as sturdy as they come. This case can be chosen to make either a silver, rose gold, gunmetal, or gold-tone watch.
While we would prefer this to remain a leather strap watch, we see what a stainless steel mesh bracelet does on it too, and it is amazing. Likewise, you can get away with a stainless steel bracelet of the same hue as the watch case or go the two-tone way. If you know you can pull that off, that is.
Besides that, you have options for vegan leather straps and nylon band materials in different colors.
Native Women's Watches
Seeking a high-end luxury watch that doesn't come screaming for attention? We made the Native line of watches for you.
Yet another unisex pick, the Native line excels in its simplistic elegance and close attention to detail.
The stainless steel case on this watch might wear thinly, but that does not take anything away from the quality of the build and the materials that went into it.
This Japanese quartz watch sells with a mother of pearl dial, among other options, making it even more desirable. You can experiment with that dial and different case options, from gold/ rose gold to silver and gunmetal. Move to the straps, and you have even more picks to consider.
You'll especially love the classic appeal that this watch brings to the table, alongside promises of effortlessly matching any outfits that you throw at it. Those are promises you don't want to give up on.
How Many Watches Should a Woman Have?
In the opening parts of this piece, we mentioned how going the affordable way is the right way to build a watch collection.
That said, though, how many watches should make up that collection?
There is no definite answer to this. Furthermore, no laws are limiting how many women's watches anyone can buy, thankfully. However, there is a minimum requirement.
Here are the kinds of watches we believe every woman should own:
Dress Watch
Going on dates? Got a late evening dinner party? Invited to a work function holding in the evening? Seeing a concert, show, or going to the opera?
These are all situations that call for dress watches, so you should have one handy.
Pick from either the luxury-looking Native or Unika line, and you are good to go.
Outdoor Watches
There are a series of reasons to spend some time outdoors.
It could be taking your kids or pets to the park, going mountaineering, hiking during your vacations, swimming on the holidays, going to visit, or anything else.
In these situations, you need a wristwatch that completes your dressing and won't break easily. Not to mention that it doesn't have to be flashy either.
That is where picks like the Philosopher watch comes into play.
Pair that watch with a leather strap for outdoor activities not involving water. Otherwise, you are better off with a nylon strap.
Office Watches
Dress watches are also great for office runs, but that does not mean that they have to be the same wristwatch.
An office watch should also be simple enough that it doesn't draw too much attention to itself but fashionable enough to complement your outfits.
That kind of crossover demands an Infinity, Native, or Unika watch. No matter which one you pick, you can't go wrong.
P.S. Get with a stainless steel band (mesh bracelet works too) or use it as a leather strap watch for the best effects.
Get Buying
We believe you now have all you need to buy yourself the most inexpensive watches for women at the best price. Your watch collection awaits.
Explore our small women's watches here
