Summer Beaters: 10 Tough Watches for Under $500

Withings Activité Pop

Departing from the norm, these $150 health tracker watches are, in my opinion, a great option for those looking for something simple, but functional. They are minimal, but sporty and have those great “analog feedback loop” sub-dials that give them a cool look. We got to briefly handle some in Basel this year, and I honestly liked them quite a bit. But what really sets them apart is their health tracker capabilities… track your walks, jogs, swim, sleep, etc… and log it with their app (which also automatically adjusts the time). And no worries about having to charge it daily as they use button cell batteries that should last 8-months. A great option if you do plan on being active this summer.

Citizen Nighthawk

The ‘ol Nighthawk makes its way into many a guide because it’s just one of those watches that succeeds at so much. Multiple timezones, calculator bezel, 200m WR, good lume, and mean looks just to start. Yes, it’s quartz, but it’s an eco-drive, so no battery and a long-life on a little charge…and naturally, very accurate. Heck, even the bracelet is nice. It’s simply a go anywhere, do anything watch…perfect for summer, or any other time of year for that matter. Coming in just shy of $300, it’s a lot of watch for a good price. Read our review here

Aevig Valkyr

For an option with a bit more style, the Aevig Valkyr get’s the job done. A vintage-inspired sport watch, the Valkyr was one of the more original designs I came across this last year, especially at the price. It’s small at 39mm, but chunky, being made of a solid block of either stainless or CuSn8 bronze, giving it some nice mass. Perhaps the coolest detail, however, is the simply single color bezel that is used to compliment the tones of the case and dial. While this one is a bit less rugged than others on the list, it still sports a 100m WR, sapphire crystal and a Miyota 9015 movement, making it a solid everyday watch.

G Gerlach Navigator

The Navigator pulls from pilot and dive watches for something vintage inspired and stylish. The dual crown design clearly speaks to 60’s divers while the column-like markings and cream lume of the dial have a more military feel, giving it it’s own, interesting aesthetic. While the 100m WR and lack of screw-down crowns makes this one better above water, the overall look and feel is that of a solid sport watch, which is reinforced by the sapphire crystal and workhorse Seiko NH35A movement inside. At $375, it’s another great value, one that you can dress up with leather or down with nylon to suit your mood.

Marathon Mid-Sized Tsar

This is a curious watch. It’s got all the trappings of Marathons mil-spec SAR dive watches, but comes in at 36mm. Though called “mid-sized” that really is quite small, but its such a beefy little watch that it carries well. It has a great bezel, a sapphire crystal, 300M WR and tritium tubes, which I personally love. Throw this one on nylon and you’re set. The MSRP is $450, but you can grab it for $396 at LIWatch. For summer, should you want the functions of a tool dive watch but not so much the bulk, or you simply have smaller wrist, this is a fantastic option.