YOU DON’T NEED to have Rolex money to buy a nice watch. Having said that, some of our favorite watch brands will usually cost you a pretty penny. You can still find a solid heritage watch for under $500 most of the time, and right now is one of the best times to do just that.
Nordstrom’s Anniversary sale is still going strong and runs through August 9. We’ve highlighted quite a few standout deals across men’s fashion, grooming, and athleisure, but there was one underrated but crucial omission: watches. With so many insanely good deals to choose from, this flew totally under our radar—until now.
Some of our favorite watch brands are on rare discount, including pieces from Tissot, Shinola, Movado, and Timex. They’re fantastic entry-level heritage options for the aspiring watch collector that don’t totally break the bank. I listed some of my favorites, but feel free to browse the full sale. Yes, it’s that good.
I’ll quickly go through some of my personal favorites. Swiss watches are a thing of beauty, and Tissot is easily one of the best entry-level options. Prices typically range from $450-$1,200, but right now you can take a big chunk off that. One of its most popular models, the Seastar 2000, is now just $700, which is around $500 off retail. It’s a sleek, sporty watch with a water resistance up to 600 meters. For something a little dressier, the PR 100 is now just $300. The unique blue face gives off serious Omega Seamaster vibes.
One of my favorite brands actually isn’t technically considered a heritage brand, but its pieces will make you think twice. Shinola has been a true disruptor in the space since its 2011 inception. The Detroit-based brand blends a rugged, American heritage-inspired style with luxury design and craftsmanship. I wear a couple of watches from the popular Runwell line, but one of its higher-end models, the Canfield Sport, might be the crown jewel of the bunch. The chronograph watch will typically run you over $1,000, but right now it’s a little over $700 at Nordstrom.
Movado is another name to look out for. The ultra-sleek Swiss watches were originally developed in the late 19th century and maintain the same sleek, timeless appeal. You can immediately spot a Movado in the wild, thanks to its unique no-number dial, and it’s a rare luxury heritage brand that’s typically pretty affordable. A few of its best sellers from the Bold Echo line are 33 percent off, including the Bold Echo Leather Strap (now $400) and the Bold Echo Bracelet Watch (now $533). They’re both available in a couple of different styles, so now’s a good time to upgrade.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Timex World Time Reissue is a great one for collectors, and it’s now under $150. It features a hardwearing stainless steel and leather construction and goes with just about anything. For something a little more eye-catching, the Philipp Plein $Keleton Royal Stainless Steel Watch is also now 35 percent off and represents a solid change of pace from your classic luxury sports watch. Nearly $250 off also helps.