Entry Level Watches to Start a Collection

Quick Comparison of Entry Level Watches

Reliable Entry Level Watches to Start a Collection

These ten watches give you proven quality, strong resale demand, and a clear role in a future collection.

Casio G-Shock DW-5600E: About $60 (AED 220)

The Casio G-Shock DW-5600E has features like shock resistance, 200m water resistance, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, a multi-function alarm, and an electroluminescent backlight. It is tough, affordable, lightweight, and slimmer than most G-Shocks.

Most people think that the buttons are small and hard to press, and it lacks modern upgrades like solar power or world time. But I bought this watch from my friend a few years ago and wore it for a few months. I loved its classic retro square aesthetic and comfort.

However, Casio discontinued the original DW-5600E and replaced it with a nearly identical watch called the DW-5600UE. That’s why buying a brand-new original DW-5600E from official authorized retailers is very difficult due to stock drying up. But you can easily buy the brand-new Casio G-Shock DW-5600UE.

If you could not find DW-5600E, you can buy the DW-5600UE as the case, dimensions, strap, resin aesthetics, and functions remain exactly the same.

Casio Duro MDV-107: About $65 (AED 240)

Collectors nickname the Duro “the Marlin” for its fish logo. It offers a rotating bezel, 200m water resistance, and a quartz movement. It shows whether you like the diver look before you spend more.

Macro testing by a watchmaker Aiman Moner who works at ChronoStreet revealed that MDV-107 features thicker and brighter luminous paint application on its hour indices than the older MDV-106.

Although Casio did not market this as an official upgrade, the application on the newer MDV-107 charges faster and retains its glow longer into the night.

Timex Weekender: About $60 (AED 220)

The Weekender pairs a clean 38mm case with swappable NATO straps. The Indiglo backlight helps you read it in the dark. If you change the strap, you can change the whole look for a few dollars.

If you purchase a Weekender, you should know that its analog quartz mechanism ticks very loudly. You will hear it in a completely silent room or on a nightstand.

Orient Bambino: About $170 (AED 625)

The Bambino is powered by the motion of your wrist unlike the most budget watches that rely on electronic quartz batteries. Orient designs and manufactures its movements in-house, a level of vertical integration usually reserved for high-end luxury watch brands.

The Orient Bambino is the ultimate entry-level dress watch, says Iain Cahill, our sales manager at WatchMaestro. It has a stunning vintage domed dial, amazing reliability, and immense style value.

However, it has stiff factory leather straps and an awkward 21mm lug width. Cahill says it punches above its weight, often drawing more compliments than luxury Swiss watches.

Seiko 5 Sports (SRPD Series): About $300 (AED 1,100)

Most people praise the Seiko 5 Sports for its reliable, hacking, and hand-winding 4R36 automatic movement, vibrant dial variations, legendary Lumibrite lume, and exceptional wrist comfort. The exhibition caseback and drilled lugs make strap-swapping effortless.

However, you must avoid this watch if you dislike the lack of a screw-down crown and its downgraded 100m water resistance, which means it is not a true ISO diver like its SKX predecessor. The Hardlex mineral crystal scratches easily, and the stock metal bracelet feels flimsy.

Orient Kamasu: About $300 (AED 1,100)

Iain Cahill and I agree that the Kamasu spoils you, making it hard to justify buying anything more expensive in the entry-level bracket. It features a sapphire crystal, mechanical automatic, in-house movement, double lock buckles for the price of AED 1,100 or $300.

And it is cheaper than most Seiko watches available on the market. It has a green dial that looks fantastic, and one thing that makes the Orient Kamasu stand out for an entry level watch is its shifting dial color depending on the light. It can change from black to soft or subtle green.

Citizen Promaster Diver BN0150: About $250 (AED 920)

Watch enthusiasts, including Iain Cahill, consider the Citizen Promaster a low-maintenance entry-level “beater” watch. It features an eco-drive movement, which charges with any light source, removing the need for mechanical winding or battery swaps.

Another unique feature is its deceptive 44mm fit, which is compact and has short lugs, so it remains comfortable on the wrist, wearing closer to a smaller 41mm profile.

The professional ISO 6425 status offers legitimate, factory-sealed 200m water resistance, unlike fashion-oriented divers. Enthusiasts love this watch for its vibrant blue lume and celebrate it for its unique, intense glow that remains highly readable at night.

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time: About $450 (AED 1,650)

I no longer wear Seiko Presage Cocktail Time because I am more of a high-end Audemars Piguet guy now. However, I praise the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time for its beautiful and multi-layered sunburst dials and breathtaking indices.

The gorgeous textured dial catches light beautifully, making this elegant mechanical dress timepiece look like a high-end luxury watch that punches far above its actual price tag.

This watch also has a few downsides, and I have experienced them. For instance, the factory leather straps and metal bracelets are stiff, cheap, and flimsy.

I also don’t like the choice of a Hardlex mineral crystal over premium, scratch-resistant sapphire glass. There is a complete lack of any dial luminosity for reading time in dark environments.

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical: About $625 (AED 2,295)

The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical is famous for its rugged, historic military heritage and low-profile design. It features 80-hour power reserve, lightweight matte-blasted case, and legible dial. It is one of the most reliable daily beater watches that pairs with diverse NATO straps.

However, it has low 50m water resistance, which will make you hesitant to swim with it. You may also not like the lack of AR coating on the sapphire crystal, causing annoying glare. The manual-hand winding ritual is tedious compared to some other affordable automatic watches.

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80: About $775 (AED 2,845)

This one is a premier entry-level luxury watch due to its price-to-value proposition. It provides a prestigious Swiss-made automatic movement boasting a massive 80-hour power reserve.

You will love the beautiful waffle Tapisserie dial and the well-finished integrated steel bracelet that offers comfort and light reflection. Besides, this watch is backed by an anti-magnetic Nivachron hairspring, sapphire glass, and robust 100m water resistance. Thus, it delivers true high-end sports watch specifications for under $800.