A hundred dollars buys more watch today than ever before. Japanese quartz movements, mineral crystals, decent water resistance—all available at budget pricing. These aren't disposable fashion watches; they're legitimate timepieces that can last years with basic care.
What $100 Gets You
- Reliable quartz movements: Japanese or Swiss Ronda
- Mineral crystal: Adequate scratch protection
- Water resistance: 30-100m depending on model
- Established brands: Casio, Timex, Seiko—not fashion knockoffs
Best Digital Watches
Casio F-91W
$15 - $25
The most iconic budget watch ever made. Light, comfortable, reliable. The F-91W has been in continuous production since 1989. Stopwatch, alarm, LED backlight—everything you need, nothing you don't.
Best for: Everyone. Seriously. Own one as a beater.
Casio W800H
$20 - $30
The F-91W's more capable sibling. 100m water resistance for actual swimming, larger display, 10-year battery. Same Casio reliability in a more robust package.
Best for: Those wanting F-91W capability with real water resistance
Casio G-Shock DW5600
$50 - $70
The original G-Shock design from 1983. 200m water resistance, shock resistant, legendary durability. This is the watch that created the indestructible digital category. Often on sale under $50.
Best for: Anyone needing genuinely indestructible watch
Best Analog Watches
Casio MTP-1183
$25 - $35
Clean dress watch aesthetics at throwaway pricing. Date function, genuine leather strap, mineral crystal. Looks far more expensive than it is. Perfect for interviews, occasions, or daily wear.
Best for: Dress occasions on extreme budget
Timex Weekender
$35 - $50
Iconic casual watch with Indiglo backlight. Easy-swap NATO straps let you change looks instantly. The loud tick is either charming or annoying—your call. American heritage brand, made overseas.
Best for: Casual wear with easy strap customization
Timex Easy Reader
$30 - $45
Exactly what the name says. Large, legible numerals that actually are easy to read. Date window, Indiglo backlight. No pretension—just tells time clearly. Great for older eyes or anyone wanting simplicity.
Best for: Maximum legibility, all ages
Casio MDV-106 "Duro"
$45 - $60
The legendary budget diver. 200m water resistance, rotating bezel, screw-down crown—genuine dive watch specs at unbelievable pricing. Looks like a $500 watch. Often called the best value in watches, period.
Best for: Best overall value under $100
Best Field/Military Style
Casio MRW-200H
$20 - $30
Diver styling on a tiny budget. 100m water resistance, day-date, rotating bezel. The resin case keeps weight down. Available in multiple color combinations.
Best for: Diver looks on extreme budget
Timex Expedition Scout
$40 - $55
Field watch aesthetics with date function and Indiglo. The fabric strap gives military vibes; leather versions also available. Solid outdoor companion that doesn't fear scratches.
Best for: Outdoor use, camping, hiking
💡 The $100 Strategy
At this price, buy multiple watches for different purposes: F-91W ($20) for beater/gym, Casio Duro ($50) for casual, MTP-1183 ($30) for dress = $100 total, three-watch collection covering every situation.
What to Avoid Under $100
- Fashion brand watches: Overpriced for inferior quality
- No-name Amazon listings: Zero quality control
- Fake luxury brands: Illegal and embarrassing
- "Automatic" under $100: Chinese movements with poor reliability
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Casio Duro MDV-106 — dive specs at ~$50
- Best Digital: Casio F-91W — legendary for a reason
- Best Dress: Casio MTP-1183 — clean looks, tiny price
- Best Durability: G-Shock DW5600 — indestructible classic
- Best Casual: Timex Weekender — strap-swap versatility