20 Best Cheap Old Money Watches | Achieve The Luxury Look For Less!
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From hour-long cat compilations to the ‘ice bucket challenge,’ social media has generated some unusual trends over the past decade or two. The fashion scene isn’t exempt either, where an unusual phenomenon called the ‘old money aesthetic’ has been gaining traction.
A quick Google search suggests this is essentially the ‘trust fund baby’ look, and despite lacking nuance, it’s not all that far off. While high-end brands may be preferred, the style focuses heavily on quality, tradition, and discretion rather than giant diamonds and Lamborghinis. Subtle flexes over flashy flaunting.
Now, I don’t endorse the idea of faking wealth through material possessions (a la Anna Delvey), but the old money trend does involve timeless, versatile designs well-suited to those after understated clothing and accessories. When it comes to wristwatches, many sites would have you believe a pricey Rolex or Cartier is the only way to achieve this look. However, it can be done far more affordably...if you know where to look!
Now, a quick shout-out goes to preowned, vintage watches. Some of these could be ideal for your use case; however, they are tricky to widely recommend due to their inconsistent condition, varying availability, and the prevalence of Frankenwatches. I’ll be keeping to new watches that are more readily available year-round.
So, here are 20 of the best old money watches that won’t get you in trouble with the tax man. The list is split into categories for dress watches, everyday watches, chronographs, dive watches, military watches, and GMT watches. These are all ideal if you’re after a watch that will be stylish in a decade’s time or simply one to trick your friends into thinking you spent more on it!
Dress Watches
Dress watches are the bread and butter of the old money theme, so that’s where we’ll begin.
Casio Tank LTP-B165L
The most obvious candidate for the best cheap old money watch is the Casio LTP-B165L. Widely-known as the ‘Casio Tank’, this piece is the latest Cartier Tank homage from the famous Japanese company. While availability is still limited at the time of writing, and the watch is often listed as a ‘ladies’ watch at some retailers, the B165L nonetheless offers a near-identical design language and rectangular shape but for far, far less money.
The Casio Tank is available in three colors, with my pick being the cream dial, closely followed by the navy and lastly the tiffany dial. Unlike some Casio watches at this price, which we’ve criticized previously, this model is thankfully constructed of stainless steel, meaning it should be relatively durable and corrosion-resistant. Given the case shape and completely flat profile, the Tank will fit a large variety of wrists, provided you are accepting of the naturally compact proportions inherent to these rectangular watches.
As you may expect, the watch uses only a quartz movement and a low-tier acrylic crystal, so it is lightweight. It also lacks a good quality stock band, so don’t expect a quality feel straight out of the box (such options are mentioned later on). Nevertheless, it has good water resistance and a classic look that belies its price tag.
The inclusion of a second hand on a design that typically involves only two hands may be seen as excess clutter, but it has at least been shortened to suit the narrow dial. It’s hard to be too picky for well under £100.
Bulova Sinatra My Way 97A158
For a similar shape with more premium execution, it’s worth considering the Bulova ‘My Way’ 97A158. Part of the little-known Sinatra collection, this piece offers a comparable JLC Reverso, and Cartier-inspired design, but with a slightly different handset and marker array. There are certainly art deco vibes here, with a geometric subdial surround and retro typefaces, though my favorite part of this model is the vertically brushed dial surface, which provides a touch of quality when viewed up close.
Unlike the Casio, LTP-B165L, this Bulova is automatic and boasts a much more durable sapphire crystal, which is far less susceptible to scratches, meaning the Sinatra will look better for longer. It’s got a plusher strap, too, whose croc surface matches the look perfectly. It’s similar to that which shipped with the Bulova Hack that I reviewed, only a two-piece instead, allowing the ‘My Way’ to maintain its slimness; the included butterfly-style deployant clasp is greatly appreciated too.
It’s only real weaknesses are the low water resistance and, potentially, availability. The Sinatra is buyable from a range of grey market sites at the time of writing, such as Amazon, but the official Bulova site no longer has it listed, indicating that quantities may be limited. It’s currently available in white/gold and black/silver, though I’m unsure which I prefer.
Seiko SRK050
I featured the SRK050 in our recent Seiko roundup for one primary reason. It offers a design that’s rarely (if ever) seen outside of luxury watches. Perhaps most similar to the Patek Philippe Calatrava, this Seiko is adorned with Roman Numerals and slim spade hands that add to the pocket watch vibe.
The standout feature, in more ways than one, is the gold-tone stainless steel case. Ironically, this is the worst-built part of the watch, with a disconcertingly lightweight feel and bang-average finishing. Nevertheless, it still looks surprisingly premium, with elegant twisting lugs, a black-tipped crown, and a wafer-thin 8mm profile that disappears under sleeves with ease. At 39mm, it is a little wide considering the styling but is still compact enough to avoid drifting into ‘flashy’ territory.
Unlike most similarly priced Seikos, the SRK050 comes surprisingly fitted with a sapphire crystal too, which will outperform the widely-used Hardlex (you can view our scratch test results for more).
This model is quartz, has a reasonable 5-bar water resistance, and comes fitted on a run-of-the-mill brown croc-style leather strap.
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time
The range perhaps best suited to the old money aesthetic is Seiko Presage, with the lower-cost versions, in particular, prioritizing looks over everything else. You will have to be selective when choosing one of these, as many, including the 39mm Cocktail Time I reviewed, are a little too punchy for the sedated old money aesthetic; subdued colors, like brown, white, and dark green, are consequently the way to go with the Cocktail Time watches. I’d probably go for as small a version as you can fit into – larger, clunkier pieces stray further from the old money theme. The SRPE and SRPJ designations, at 38.5mm and 39.5mm, respectively, are your best bets.
As the name implies, these pieces are directly inspired by beverages, with each version having a unique, and elaborate dial surface that provides a great deal of character for the money. These genuinely look like luxury watches from afar, though their case finishing is basic, and they usually only ship with Hardlex, Seiko’s proprietary hardened mineral crystal (as opposed to sapphire).
Orient Bambino 38mm
A great, lower-cost alternative to the Seiko Presage is the Bambino, from their sister brand Orient. This line of timepieces has featured numerous times on Ben’s Watch Club before, and while there are many to pick from, the 38mm version is the best suited to this list. It may lack the elaborate dials of the Cocktail Time, but they are otherwise just as well constructed, perhaps moreso, for less money.
You can read my full review here for a more in-depth analysis, but in short, the Bambino 38mm is a compact, affordable choice that provides classic styling for very little money. All four colors in the current lineup easily suit the upper-crust art style, with my favorite being either the silver or black options. It’s worth noting that the cream dial variant while seeming the best online, doesn’t look quite as good in person, so perhaps steer clear of that one.
The steel case on this model is better finished than the Cocktail Time, and within is even an in-house Orient caliber F6922 automatic movement, which also rivals the Seiko. This version of the Bambino even has an exhibition rear window, so you can see this whirring away, unlike some of the larger variants. While the 38 also boasts standard 20mm lugs, an improvement over the other Bambinos, the stock strap is mid-tier at best, so it could do with being upgraded at some point.
If you’d ideally prefer something larger, I’d urge you to consider the hugely underrated Bambino Small Seconds, which has a gorgeous sunburst dial.
Everyday Watches
While you could wear these watches to a fancy restaurant, their styling also makes them well-tailored for a wider range of use cases.
Timex Marlin Mechanical Reissue 34mm
When crafting this list, this was the first watch that jumped to mind. I’ve looked at some of the Timex Marlin range before, but primarily the reimagined modern versions, which aren’t totally faithful to older models. Undoubtedly, the best Timex for a list like this is the 34mm Marlin Reissue.
Unlike the others, this one is a carbon copy of a watch originally launched back in the 1960s, with a diminutive mid-century case size and a croc leather bank; this is very much a portal to a different generation of watchmaking. This one even contains a hand-wound Seagull ST6 movement, giving you a truly authentic experience. It’s fun to use, but don’t expect particularly accurate timekeeping from this budget caliber.
It’s got a charming appearance, akin to something you’d see in The Talented Mr Ripley, with a champagne-silver sunburst dial and a bubble-effect crystal. Switching out the 18mm strap could also help it straddle between the everyday and dress categories, hence its inclusion at this point in the list. The Marlin 34mm was available in three colors during its original run, though nowadays, the black and silver versions are more challenging to find.
It’s no spec monster, but it is one of the best old money style watches for men, so long as you don’t have a big wrist. There are a few larger Marlin variants that offer a similar vintage-inspired dial, some in more elaborate colors, too, if you fancy widening your horizons.
Q Timex 1978 Day/Date (Green)
A more recent Timex daily wear option is the Q Timex 1978 Day/Date. Now, I have pretty much reviewed this model before, and you’d think from my mixed conclusions that the watch isn’t worth considering. From a build quality and finishing perspective, it was okay, but the visuals were all too vanilla. Nevertheless, the day before preparing this article, I got an advert for the revamped version of this piece in a dashing sunburst green, which looks far, far more enticing.
The new 1978 also has minor visual tweaks to the handset, case, date window, and markers, which marginally improve the visuals. It also has a better-looking croc strap. If anything, it’s closer to the 1975 reissue from a few years prior, despite the differing monicker.
Again, this is a nice hybrid dress-everyday watch, but with some extra girth, mainly due to the cushion case shape. It’s not large by any stretch, at just 37.5mm across, but is more inclusive than the tiny 34mm Marlin.
Unlike the Marlin, this Day/Date is quartz, though it still has the same acrylic crystal, which looks fabulous but will scratch easily.
Tissot PRX
Probably the most successful affordable watch of the past 5 years, the Tissot PRX saw mass adoption following its launch back in early 2021. In many people’s eyes, this was a luxury watch killer. An integrated bracelet watch from a major Swiss brand with good finishing and a relatively low price tag.
A remake of a 1978 model, which itself was surely inspired by the similarly-styled AP Royal Oak, the new PRX does look a lot like a string of far more expensive sports watches, from some even higher-end brands. While it is priced slightly higher than other options on this list, it is pretty affordable as far as Swiss watches go, with the quartz version of this watch coming in even cheaper. Indeed, there are both battery-powered and automatic variants of the PRX available, as well as two sizes; 40mm and 35mm.
The automatic contains the Powermatic 80 movement; a modified ETA-2824 clone with a whopping 80-hour power reserve. This extended power reserve does result in a lower beat rate (and less smooth seconds hand), but it will come in useful if the watch sees infrequent usage. While servicing is a touchy subject in online forums, accuracy is generally very good with Powermatic.
Inside the quartz is the ETA F06.115, a Swiss movement with an interesting low battery life indicator, where the second hand will begin to jump every four seconds to indicate a cell replacement is due. It’s more expensive and superior to most lower-end Chinese quartz alternatives.
Aside from that, you can grab this one with multiple dial finishes and in a range of colors. The waffle dial is the most popular among collectors, partly due to its resemblance to the aforementioned Audemars Piguet, though they do stock others, such as a standard sunburst and mother of pearl. I think the optimal combination for the old money look is either the standard or waffle dial in a dark colorway and the unisex 35mm size, though 40mm is still recommended if you have a larger wrist.
Something to bear in mind with this Tissot, as well as other integrated link watches for that matter, is that your strap options will be heavily limited; an unfortunate by-product of the satisfyingly clean look.
Bulova Jet Star
One of the most stunning watches I’ve reviewed on Ben’s Watch Club was the Bulova Precisionist 96B158. For a relatively low cost, that watch boasted an intoxicatingly smooth seconds hand sweep, only beaten by the Grand Seiko Spring Drive. It used the special Japanese-made P102 quartz movement with an extreme beat rate that trounces any mechanical watch, and while it also had an intricate dial, the large 42.3mm width didn’t lend itself well to a list like this.
Fortunately, Bulova has more recently released a different watch using this same movement; one that’s smaller and arguably more attractive. The Jet Star is based on an iconic model from 1973 and, like others on this list, does have vintage watch design cues.
It may cost a chunk more than the version I originally looked at, but the Jet Star has improved case finishing, a sapphire crystal, higher quality stock bands, and a cleaner design with broader appeal. At 40mm in diameter, it has a greater chance of fitting you, too.
Ideally, this one could still be smaller (for the sake of this article, at least), though the watch does look more expensive than it is, meaning it’s still a good way to feign wealth if that is your objective!
Initially, I thought that the butterfly clasp bracelet could be an issue, as it lacks a traditional micro-adjustment hole system; however, it is supplied with a mini link that can be added or removed to make fine alterations. Getting a good fit will be of little concern with the Jet Star.
It’s available in a variety of interesting colors, all of which are viable for the old money aesthetic, though the silver/red is a limited edition model, so it may become challengeing to obtain.
Chronograph Watches
Given their traditionally larger sizing, there aren’t many chronographs that fit the bill for a list like this; however, here are the three I think are head and shoulders above the rest.
Nezumi Tonnerre
Nezumi Studios is arguably the most stylish microbrand I’ve reviewed, with racing-themed designs that wouldn’t look out of place at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Their Tonnerre chronograph is inspired by a string of mid-century timepieces from some of the industry’s most revered watchmakers, with three colored subdials and a telemeter that harkens back to the days of old.
At 38mm, its reserved size is spot on for most arms, and the cream-based color schemes are a staple old money choice. Each has the same Seiko mecha-quartz movement and specifications, including sapphire, 5bar water resistance, and stainless steel construction. Impressively, the Tonnerre is also assembled in Germany, despite the competitive price tag.
The only notable weakness of the Tonnerre I reviewed was legibility, though the navy alternative bypasses this issue. You can read my full review for more information on this great microbrand choice.
Vaer R1 USA Racing
With a barrel case shape, the Vaer R1 USA Racing Chronograph was one of two watches that, quite frankly, blew me away when I unboxed them on my In The Loupe channel. While its specifications can be beaten for the money, it’s the only chronograph that’s made me question my preference for the Nezumi Tonnerre. I think the R1 is marginally a better-made watch, with more experimental case finishing and an additional layer of depth in and around the subdials.
It is slightly more expensive than the Nezumi but ships with increased water resistance, partially thanks to the screw-down crown.
Of course, the visuals are of most interest. The R1 Racing is Americana on your wrist, with small flecks of bright color invoking visions of sponsor-plastered vehicles and grandstands.
Given its bulbous case shape, this Vaer may not be for everyone, though its contours wear surprisingly well on the wrist (at just 38mm across), and it’s begging to be paired with a rolled-up long-sleeve shirt on a weekend in the sun.
Dan Henry 1937
Dan Henry is a brand that takes a completely different approach to their product stack. They were founded by one of the world’s most renowned watch collectors, and he devised an ingenious product naming strategy. Each watch bears the monicker of a particular year and is consequently designed in accordance with the overarching trends of that era.
While there are several viable candidates for this roundup, the 1937 dress chronograph offers a sought-after Art Deco look for a very competitive price. Unlike the mechanical watches that inspired this piece, the 1937 is equipped with a modern mecha-quartz VK61 movement (for accurate timekeeping), as well as modern materials such as a steel case and a sapphire-coated K1 mineral crystal.
The version I previously looked at was the gilt dial, which is conveniently the most obvious match for a list like this, its copper tones oozing with cocktail party chic.
From afar, the 1937 looks like a valuable family heirloom, and your friends or colleagues will be none the wiser.
Dive Watches
A staple of the luxury watch genre in modern times, dive watches are a familiar sight on the wrists of the rich.
San Martin SN004-GA & SN004-G-B
I was first introduced to San Martin while hunting for an alternative to the Invicta 31290 ‘1953’. That watch, which almost squeezed in here, had some minor frustrations that were hard to ignore considering the antique design; primarily the fairly large proportions and green-lumed markers, which both looked ill-suited. I noted my full impressions in the full review here.
Following this, I landed on the San Martin SN004-G. Rather than being a homage to a 1953 model, this one takes direct inspiration from a comparable 1958 model instead, a design that Rolex has never reintroduced.
The SN004-G is a dive watch with top-tier specifications and outrageously good case finishing. Sapphire crystal, high water resistance, screw-down crown, the works.
When conducting my review of this one, I found that other strengths included quality control, low-light performance, and the fantastic bracelet. A key advantage of the San Martin (versus the Invicta) was also size; its 38.5mm case size and 45.8mm lug-to-lug make this one wear much more like the original Rolex.
These days, there are actually two versions of this watch: the lower-cost SN004-GA, which is the one I initially reviewed, and the newer SN004-G-B. The latter ships with the updated hexagonal logo, applied markers, and with a choice of two movements, the PT5000 (which is the one I would go for) or the premium Sellita SW200. It may be worth checking your listing to see which variant you are looking at.
Since my review, both SN004s had their bracelets updated to house female end-links, to better accommodate slimmer wrists as well.
Seiko SRPD73
More of a dive-style watch than a true diver, the Seiko 5 SRPD is a decent choice that is available in a huge variety of colors and styles. Admittedly, most of these are too brash for a list like this. However, the SRPD73 version, in particular, has a beautiful, yet more reserved color scheme comprising of faux patina lume and a sleek gradient dial, which is very well-executed for the price.
The K2 variant we reviewed is the one that ships on a silicone band, while the K1 (which I think better suits this context) has a mesh bracelet instead. You can view our writer Chris’s honest thoughts here.
With a design handed down and iterated upon across several decades, it’s a true fan favorite that looks great and feels substantial with the automatic movement.
The only thing threatening the old money illusion here is size. The SRPD is a chunky little thing and notably larger than many of the ‘skin divers’ of years past. A smaller version, the ‘SKX Midi’, is now available; however, it lacks the exclusive dial that makes the SRPD73 a standout in the range.
Field/Military Watches
I wouldn’t typically associate these traditionally rugged designs to be appropriate for this list. However, during my research, I was pleased to rediscover several that remarkably fit the bill. You’ll soon see why!
Hamilton Khaki
Widely considered the most beautiful field watch, the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical is far from the most practical choice by modern standards. Its hand-wound movement isn’t as accurate as quartz. Its 5-bar water resistance rating is low by field watch standards. The default strap? Well, it’s nothing short of dreadful.
One look at the Khaki Mechanical forgives all, however. The character-rich design comes as a result of the original being built to GG-W-113 military specifications, a designation also produced by other brands, such as Marathon. While the latter has some similarly attractive models, Hamilton’s approach has resulted in a more versatile final product, especially the most popular version, which features a sheet-white dial and amber-toned luminescence across the hands and indices. This variant has a gorgeous 50s feel, matched by the small 38mm case, which houses the manual wind Hamilton H-50 movement, boasting a stunning 80-hour power reserve.
While that is impressive, the standout element of the Khaki Field is its sheer slimness. At under 10mm, including the domed crystal, and with elegantly swooping lugs, it sits beautifully flush to the wrist and cleanly follows the contours of your arm. The steel has been bead-blasted to provide somewhat of a mattified finish, which should help to hide scratches.
This is one of the few military-themed watches that can pull through off the battlefield, too, especially with a switch to a dressier two-piece leather band. You can grab the Hamilton Khaki in black and white. There’s also an automatic version, though its larger size dilutes the old-money vibe.
Avi-8 Flyboy Airmaster Sector
One of the best-looking low-cost watches, the Avi-8 Flyboy Airmaster Sector may be a bit of a mouthful, but its design truly is delicious.
With an Art Deco take on a military pilot watch, the Airmaster Sector looks even better than the already decent Flyboy Automatic I reviewed a few years ago, with a much more compact size and a range of colors that seem tailor-made for a list like this. While I tried the navy blue offering, I’d say the creamy ‘silver feather grey’ is probably the one to get, with a neutral palette that screams sophistication.
The Airmaster has an impressively detailed dial, with each section offering up a differently carved surface (hence the ‘sector’ name). It’s clearly inspired by both pilot watches and divers, with prominent Blancpain and Baltic vibes present in the bezel, handset, and chapter ring.
I currently have an active 20% discount code for the Airmaster too, so you can get this sub-$200 for even less money. The code is BENJAMINARTHUR20 (enter at checkout); this is for all full-price watches on the Avi-8 site, not just this one!
My main gripe with this piece is the crystal. For some reason, Avi-8 has chosen a mineral crystal with a strangely strong blue AR coating. This hue is so prominent that it impairs legibility rather than aiding it; I’d love to see it altered at some point.
Baltany W10
Baltany is a far-east brand that you’ll likely be unfamiliar with. They primarily sell through AliExpress and focus almost exclusively on military specification watches.
Unlike some others, they don’t just copy the big brands 1:1 (or at least, not all the time). There are two that I think are worth looking up. The first is the Baltany W10. You may have heard of the ‘W10’ codename before, as a couple of other brands, including Hamilton, also produced one of these at some point in their history.
This version looks rather like the Hamilton, as well as it’s more recent reissue, as you’d expect given that it’s built with the same designation in mind. As such, it still feels like something your grandfather would pass down to you, hence the inclusion in this write-up.
There are some differences, however. The case shape is more heavily curved and slightly thicker, partly because this Baltany is powered by a Seiko automatic, as opposed to a manual wind mechanical.
It’s got a grained matte dial that aids legibility, as well as precisely inked text and markers.
If you feel like stretching your budget, the Hamilton Pilot Pioneer is the better watch, no doubt. However, for a fraction of the price, this Baltany does an excellent job of making you feel like top gun.
Baltany ‘D12’ S182025B
While the previous Baltany did look pretty similar to some other military watches, this model is one of the most unique takes I’ve seen in the genre. The S182025B is their interpretation of the ‘Dirty Dozen,’ or ‘D12’, watches commissioned by the British Ministry of Defense during World War II. While those timepieces, manufactured by twelve brands, were exclusively black with cream or white accents, this Baltany has an inverted take on the design, with a cream dial and black numbers.
I say cream, but in truth, it’s more sand-like, with a mildly flecked finish akin to a smooth piece of limestone. Legibility is still excellent, and this unique choice helps the Baltany D12 stand out in what is a very crowded ‘Dirty Dozen’ niche. To be clear, you can grab this one in the typical black colorway, too, though lower-cost and more easily accessible alternatives do make this a less tempting proposition.
The ST1701 automatic movement within isn’t particularly accurate and lacks hacking, though the case is precisely cut and is sealed to a robust 100m water resistance rating when the screw-down crown is engaged. With its period-accurate 36mm size and impressively clear domed sapphire crystal, this Baltany looks even more retro than the previous one and is my preferred pick. Both models are featured in my small field watch roundup, which you can read here.
There’s also a lower-priced quartz version of this watch, but it lacks the spacialized textured finish.
GMT Watches
San Martin SN0116
The San Martin SN0116 was one of the real inspirations for this article. When unboxing the watch, I was (yet again) shaken by how premium the watch felt and looked. The design for this model is clearly inspired by some 70’s diver and GMT designs, with a touch of Tudor in there as well, though for the most part, it is an original design, a rarity for Chinese brands like San Martin. Some have described this piece as being a ‘luxury watch for under $300’, and honestly, they aren’t far off. From a distance, at least, it looks exactly like something you’d see on the wrist of a trust fund toddler, with a steel case that’s arguably better finished than many true luxury watches.
You’d only realize this was a three-figure watch (and not a four-figure one) if viewed through a macro lens, as the rather plain dial surface is the only giveaway of this watch’s budget origins. That and the occasional QC error, such as the slightly stiff bracelet link I experienced, though these issues often still crop up with the big brands.
There are a range of colors and styles available, though I’d highly suggest the ‘root beer’ variant with the seductive black-brown bezel. It really is a looker!
As with other San Martin watches, you get monstrous specs, such as a full steel case, 100m water resistance, and a double-domed sapphire crystal, all powered by a trusty Seiko NH34 movement. It measures in at 39.5mm too, a very versatile size.
Q Timex GMT
A follow-up to the highly-regarded Q Timex 1979 Reissue, the GMT improves on the original in a few ways, including a nicer Swiss movement, punchier colors, and applied markers to give a more upmarket feel. The bracelet is far better, too, with solid steel that won’t pinch your arm hairs.
Of course, these days, you don’t buy a Timex because of how they stack up on the spec sheet; it’s all about the look. Like the original Q Timex’s from the 70s, this is very much a Rolex homage, with a similar layout and selection of colors. If you prefer a flashier appearance (or just quartz accuracy), this could be a better match than the previously mentioned San Martin GMT.
It’s got great proportions for most wrists, at 38mm, though the watch does look a tad larger due to the squared-off hooded lugs.
The main downside of this watch is simply that the specifications can be beaten by other brands, with the low water resistance being the main headache, given the sporty styling.