Watches. They’re great fashion accessories, and incredible tools. Capable of everything from telling the time, to maximizing your workouts, to impressing your date on a night out. Best of all, you don’t have to break the bank when it comes to building a quality watch collection.
Here’s how you can create the perfect, versatile 3 watch watch collection for under $100.
Why Buy A “Cheap” Watch?
Watch collecting is a fun hobby.
But there are also a lot of watch snobs who look down at anything less than a Rolex.
That’s stupid.
Affordable timepieces are often better than their luxury counterparts. And, for a number of reasons completely unrelated to price.
Allow me to explain…
Entertainment Value – Many people who own expensive watches keep their timepieces in a safe. They might have a Rolex or Patek, but they rarely wear it. And when they do wear it, they’re nervous about scratching the case or damaging the strap.
Scuffing the case on your Rolex might knock $1,000 off the watch’s value.
Scratching your $20 Casio won’t ruin your day.
Affordable watches get more wear. And you don’t have to worry about damaging them. Also, the lower cost makes it easier to take your Casio or Timex on vacation. Because you don’t have to fill out customs paperwork or get special watch insurance like you might if you’re wearing a Rolex or Patek.
Functionality – Most mechanical watches are limited to one or two special features. Buying a mechanical watch with a built-in alarm is hard to do.
In fact, I don’t think there’s a Rolex model with this option.
Meanwhile, features like alarms and chronographs are incredibly common on digital and quartz timepieces. There’s an Armitron watch on today’s list with more functionality than a $300,000 Patek Philippe, and it costs less than $20.
If you want a watch for timing your workouts or keeping track of important events, an affordable digital or quartz piece is your best option.
Safety – A friend of mine is a multi-millionaire. When we hung out in Chicago last week, I noticed my friend was wearing a $40 Timex Ironman (great watch, but not on today’s list).
I asked him why he ditched his Submariner. And he told me that he did it for safety reasons.
Apparently someone he’s friends with was wearing their Rolex, and a group of criminals decided to rob him. They beat this friend with an iron pipe, sending the guy to the emergency room. All because of his watch.
The economy is tanking and people are desperate.
Crime is booming around the world, and anyone wearing a Rolex or Patek is in grave danger.
Just Google “Miami Watch Robberies” for proof.
Wearing an affordable watch takes the heat off you. And, you can still look good while staying safe.
How To Build The Perfect 3 Watch Watch Collection
Watches are like shoes. Each piece has a different function. You wouldn’t wear loafers on a treadmill. And you wouldn’t wear a fancy dress watch into the ocean.
If you like wearing a watch, you’re going to want to build a watch collection.
This way you have different timepieces for different activities.
The three watches below cover everything from exercising at the gym, to being outdoors, to dressing up for dates.
And the combined cost for this entire three watch watch collection is currently less than $100 on Amazon.com. That’s right, you can be fully covered in any situation for under a hundred bucks.
Here we go!
1. Armitron Sport Chronograph
This Armitron Sport Chronograph is one of the best watches you can buy for under $20.
It competes with many higher priced Casio and Timex watches. And even offers more functionality than a six-figure Patek Philippe.
The Armitron has 100 meters of water resistance, making it perfect for swimming. It also has a lap-timer, chronograph, alarm, backlight, and dual time function. In other words, this is perfect for working out or playing sports.
You can use this watch to time yourself when you’re running or swimming.
And the Armitron Sport Chronograph comes on a comfortable nylon strap that’s built to get sweaty.
You can buy this watch for under $20 on Amazon.
Making it the perfect sports beater watch for your watch collection.
2. Casio Men’s MRW200H Dive Watch
No watch collection is complete without a diver.
And the Casio MRW200H is an extremely affordable and functional dive watch.
There are numerous YouTube videos of people using this piece as they SCUBA dive or snorkel.
When it comes to functionality, the MRW200H offers 100 meters of water resistance. A rotating bezel. Day/date display. And quartz movement with a three-year battery life.
This is a durable watch you can wear swimming or hiking. And it’s got a long lasting battery.
You can buy this watch in a number of different colors (personally, I think the blue dial looks the best) for $20 – $25 on Amazon.
If you want a fun and functional daily diver, this is a fantastic choice.
3. Timex Men’s Expedition Field Chronograph Watch
Chronograph watches are expensive.
A Rolex Daytona costs $25,000. And even most quartz fashion watch chronographs (from brands like Michael Kors or Armani Exchange) cost $200+.
The Timex Men’s Expedition Field Chronograph is a fraction of that price.
This is a watch costing less than $60, while offering a chronograph and Indiglo light-up dial. The Timex Men’s Expedition Field Chronograph is also rated to 100 meters of water resistance. And, it looks stylish.
You can definitely wear this piece casually, formally, or on a date.
The Timex Men’s Expedition Field Chronograph is a fantastic addition to any watch collection.
You can get this piece for under $60 on Amazon.
And it’s a terrific value.
Final Thoughts
(This Watch Collection Totals $97.74)
You don’t have to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a watch collection. Or even hundreds of bucks.
Building a 3 watch watch collection for under $100 is easy. And there are a lot of great, practical options in this price range. Many of which offer more functionality than their high-priced counterparts.
Digital watches like the Armitron Sport are great for timing workouts and bodyweight exercises.
While the Casio Men’s MRW200H Dive Watch is a durable, analog watch with 100 meters of water resistance.
And the Timex Men’s Expedition Field Chronograph is stylish and functional. Offering a high-quality chronograph movement, for less than $60.
Affordable watch collecting is fun.
And “cheap watches” get a lot of use. Either at the gym, the beach, or while traveling.
So if you’re looking for some fun and affordable new watches. Consider these.