Seven men’s watches. One mission. A list of affordable timepieces 007 would wear on a budget.
The watches of James Bond have always been more than accessories. They’re tools. Statements. Extensions of his character. From the stark elegance of GoldenEye to the sharp modernity of Casino Royale, each timepiece has said something different and suited the scenario at hand. But style like that doesn’t have to come at a premium. You don’t need an MI6 expense account to wear something worthy of 007. This curated selection of the best affordable men’s watches blends presence and precision with timeless design – each one a sleek, masculine option for the man who values style without breaking the bank.
Below is a curated list of seven watches, each selected for its blend of style and practicality, arranged in ascending price to suit a range of budgets without compromising character.
1. Orient Bambino
The Orient Bambino is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to look classy. Priced between £150 and £300 depending on the variant, it offers a wide range of dial colours, case finishes, and subtle design details – including options with a small seconds hand. Case sizes range from a refined 38mm to a more traditional 40.5mm, so it’s perfect for all wrist sizes. It’s quietly elegant and effortlessly versatile. The kind of watch that doesn’t chase attention but earns it.
Orient Bambino Model: RA-AC0024L30B. (Source: @orientwatch via Instagram)
When to Wear It
- Evening events, dates, or formal dinners
- Smart-casual settings where a standard tool watch feels out of place
- A sharp choice for weddings or events with a dark dress code
Style It With
- A tailored navy or charcoal suit
- Crisp white shirt, open collar or slim black tie
- Polished leather oxfords or loafers
- Optional: dress it down with a dark knit polo and trousers for casual refinement
2. Seiko 5 Sports
The Seiko SRPE57K1 is a masterclass in quiet versatility. Its black sunburst dial is paired with gold-tone indices and hands, giving it just enough contrast to catch the eye without ever demanding attention. At 40mm in diameter and just under 12mm thick, it wears comfortably and discreetly – with no rotating bezel, the clean case silhouette feels considered and modern.
This is a watch designed for daily wear. The 4R36 automatic movement offers hacking and hand-winding, while the 100m water resistance adds peace of mind. On the bracelet, it feels crisp and utilitarian. On a nylon strap, it leans into something a little more tailored and travel-ready.
It’s the kind of watch that transitions effortlessly. Work to weekend. Coffee to cocktails. Airport lounge to evening dinner. If your collection starts or ends with a single piece, this would be a smart choice. Plus, you’ll be able to find one of these for less than £250.
Seiko 5 Sports Model: SRPE57K1. (Source: @seikowatchuk via Instagram)
When to Wear It
- Office or client meetings
- Casual dinner, bar, or gallery opening
- Travel days when you want something smart but comfortable
Style it with
- Charcoal sweater, dark jeans and boots
- Black nylon strap (to elevate it further)
- A black knit polo, field jacket, or tailored overcoat
3. Seiko Presage Cocktail Time
The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time series offers some of the most visually distinctive dress watches in its price range. Inspired by classic cocktails and the atmosphere of a Tokyo bar after dark, each model features a textured sunburst dial that plays with light in unexpected ways. The SRPB43J1, known as “Skydiving,” showcases this perfectly with its soft ice-blue tone – a nod to the vodka-based cocktail of the same name.
The collection is designed around polished 40.5mm stainless steel cases, domed Hardlex crystals, and automatic 4R35 movements with a 41-hour power reserve. While the aesthetics are the draw, the specs hold their own – dependable, wearable, and sharply finished. These watches pair well with tailoring, but they don’t feel out of place with more relaxed, off-duty looks either. For men who appreciate thoughtful design and value in equal measure, the Cocktail Time range is one of the best-kept secrets under £500
Seiko Presage Model: SRPB43J1. (Source: @seikowatchuk via Instagram)
When to Wear It
- Formal dinners, weddings, or evening events
- Date nights where you want to dress up with intent
- Smart-casual days
Style It With
- A navy or medium grey suit with white or light blue shirt
- Black leather strap or Milanese mesh (if replacing the bracelet)
- Can also work with a turtleneck or mockneck for cooler months
Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium
The Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium is a near-perfect blend of modern engineering and understated design. Its deep blue sunburst dial offers just the right amount of visual interest, while the polished bezel and 40mm stainless steel case maintain a clean, balanced profile that slips easily under a cuff. This is a watch that looks sharp without chasing formality.
Inside, the Swiss-made Powermatic 80 movement delivers up to 80 hours of power reserve and features a Silicium balance spring, giving it impressive resistance to magnetic fields and long-term accuracy, a rare technical upgrade at this price point. The sapphire crystal and 100m water resistance add to its practical appeal.
Whether worn on the bracelet for a crisp, contemporary feel or on leather for something more relaxed, the Gentleman covers every base. It’s smart enough for the office, capable enough for travel, and refined enough for wherever the evening leads. A daily companion for the man who values quiet detail over loud design.
Tissot Gentleman Powermatic model: T1274071104100. (Source: @tissot_official via Instagram)
When to Wear It
- Weekdays with office attire
- Evenings out or business dinners
- As an everyday watch that doesn’t look “everyday”
Style It With
- Charcoal or navy suiting
- Business casual (oxford shirt, knitwear, tailored trousers)
- Dark denim and suede jacket for a relaxed, elevated weekend look
5. Certina DS PH200M
The Certina DS PH200M is a modern reissue of the brand’s original 1960s dive watch – a tool built for purpose, now updated with refined materials and considered detailing. Its 43mm stainless steel case houses a domed sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel, and Certina’s dependable Powermatic 80 automatic movement, offering an 80-hour power reserve and reliable Swiss performance.
While it holds onto its vintage dive watch DNA, the execution feels elevated. The matte dial, slim sword hands, and subtle indices give it a restrained, functional elegance that looks just as at home with a suit as it does with a field jacket. With 200m water resistance and Certina’s signature Double Security system, it’s ready for more than just aesthetics.
This is a watch built for movement. For the man who wants heritage styling with real-world practicality. Whether worn on a NATO, leather strap or its retro steel bracelet, the DS PH200M delivers rugged capability without sacrificing style.
Certina DS PH200m Model: C036.407.11.050.01. Source: @certina via Instagram)
When to Wear It
- Travel days, city exploration, weekend missions
- Casual suits, knitwear, or smart layered outfits
- Anytime you want sport function in a more formal silhouette
Style It With
- A field jacket or pea coat and Chelsea boots
- Wool trousers or dark denim
- Olive, grey, or navy layering pieces
- Looks great on a NATO, tropic rubber, or brown leather strap
6. Hamilton Jazzmaster Automatic (H32475520)
The Hamilton Jazzmaster Automatic line reflects everything the brand does well – clean design, reliable mechanics, and effortless versatility. Though originally American, Hamilton has long since established itself as a respected name in Swiss watchmaking, now operating under the Swatch Group with full access to Swiss movements, materials, and manufacturing.
With case sizes typically around 40mm, slim profiles, and sunburst dials in tones like silver, black, or blue, the Jazzmaster is designed for men who prefer their style sharp but subtle. Each model is powered by the H-10 automatic movement, offering up to 80 hours of power reserve, making it as functional as it is refined.
This is a watch that works across your week, from suit and tie to knitwear and suede boots. Reliable. Polished.
Hamilton Jazzmaster Auto Model: H32475520. (Source: @hamiltonwatch via Instagram)
When to Wear It
- Client meetings, gallery openings, refined evenings out
- Paired with smart tailoring or classic knitwear
- An ideal everyday dress watch with staying power
Style It With
- Grey or navy tailoring
- Black or brown leather oxfords
- A fine merino or cashmere sweater under a tailored coat
- Pairs exceptionally well with minimal, monochrome looks
7. Mido Ocean Star 200c
The Mido Ocean Star 200C is a modern dive watch that blends technical performance with understated design. Its 42.5mm stainless steel case is complemented by a ceramic bezel and a textured dial featuring a subtle wave pattern. The watch is powered by Mido’s Caliber 80 automatic movement, offering an 80-hour power reserve and enhanced accuracy thanks to its antimagnetic Nivachron balance spring.
With 200 meters of water resistance, a sapphire crystal, and a screw-down crown, the Ocean Star 200C is built for durability. Its clean lines and balanced proportions make it versatile enough for both professional settings and casual wear. Whether paired with a suit or a wetsuit, this timepiece delivers reliable performance without compromising on style.
Mido Ocean Star 200c Model: M042.430.11.041.00. (Source: @midowatches via Instagram)
When to Wear It
- Weekend travel, coastal getaways, smart-casual occasions
- Casual suiting or elevated off-duty looks
- Anytime you want a diver with polish and heritage
Style It With
- A navy or black Harrington jacket, open-collar shirt, and tailored chinos
- Suede boots or low-profile white leather trainers
- On bracelet for crispness, or swap to rubber/NATO for a rugged twist
Final Word: Style Is the Mission
You don’t need Q Branch funding to dress with precision. Good style has never been about the price tag, it’s about knowing what to wear and why.
Each of the seven watches in this list offers something distinct. From refined dress pieces to capable divers, they all share the same fundamentals. Style. Versatility. Quiet confidence. These are watches for men who understand that details matter. Men who dress with intent. Men who don’t need to announce themselves.
Whether you’re in a suit or a Henley, in motion or off the clock, there’s a watch here that fits the moment and fits the man.
And like any good Bond accessory, they look just as right with a drink in hand as they do behind the wheel.
Want to know which Fragrances Bond would choose depending on the setting? Check out this post here:
7 Best Men’s Fragrances James Bond Would Wear – Andre Baverstock
