Top 5 Most Affordable Watches With Sapphire Crystal

In the dynamic world of horology, the quest for the perfect blend of durability and elegance often leads enthusiasts and collectors to sapphire crystal watches. Known for being second only to diamond in hardness, sapphire crystal offers unmatched scratch resistance, ensuring that the watch face retains its pristine appearance over time. This resilience, coupled with technological advancements, makes sapphire crystal an ideal choice for both everyday wear and special occasions. Our curated list showcases a diverse range of sapphire crystal watches that are not only affordable but also embody the latest trends and innovations in watchmaking. These watches cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, providing options that range from robust diver watches to elegant, classically styled timepieces. This selection promises to offer insightful choices that align with the evolving landscape of 2024’s watch market.

Citizen BM7100-59E Corso

Never having to worry about purchasing batteries again, gives great piece of mind with the Eco-Drive Corso watch from Citizen. This medium sized 41mm case stainless-steel watch is powered by either artificial or natural light, making it easy to keep consistent time. The black textured dial is enhanced with luminous hands and hour markers for comfortable night viewing. An anti-reflective sapphire crystal dial window is scratch resistant, so you no longer should worry about hitting the face of your watch and seeing cracks or scratches.

With its Japanese quartz movement, the Citizen Men’s BM7100 – 59E Corso watch, has fluid movement on its analog display. This watch comes with a date window and stationary bezel for added function and has a water resistance rating of 100m/330ft that is perfect for water sports but no suitable for diving. The stainless-steel bracelet is easy to size with pins and has a fold-over push button clasp with a safety feature to keep it in place. The dial is large, and the weight is evident, but overall the Citizen 59E Corso is a reliable timepiece that has a masculine feel and a reliable design.

• Case Size: 41mm, Stainless Steel
• Movement: Japanese Quartz, Eco-Drive (powered by light)
• Dial: Black textured with luminous hands and markers
• Crystal: Anti-reflective Sapphire
• Features: Date window, stationary bezel
• Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)
• Bracelet: Stainless Steel with fold-over push-button clasp
• Special Features: Eco-Drive technology, suitable for water sports

Seiko SGG731

If you are looking for a watch with a smaller profile and lightweight design, the Seiko Men’s SGG731 watch is an excellent choice. With its 38mm titanium case, the watch sits nicely on the wrist and isn’t overpowering yet still has a noticeable profile. The black dial contrasts very well against the silver-toned hands and markers with luminous accents that turn a pale green in the dark. It has a stationary bezel for an added element and includes a day/date calendar which can be a little tricky to set at first but once you find the exact placement, is easier. This watch is a battery-operated model, and the quartz movement on the analog display is simple to read.

The anti-reflective dial window is placed below the bezel for added security, and you will find it can really take a beating without a single scratch appearing on the window. There are three hands on this Seiko SGG731, so measuring seconds can be done with ease. It is not recommended for diving, but with a water resistance rating of 100m/330ft, it is safe for all other marine or water sports. Overall the Seiko Men’s SGG731 watch is not anything fancy, but if you are looking for a classic style watch that can be worn daily, this watch is an excellent choice.

• Case Size: 38mm, Titanium
• Movement: Quartz, Battery-operated
• Dial: Black with silver-toned luminous hands and markers
• Crystal: Anti-reflective Dial Window
• Features: Day/Date calendar, stationary bezel
• Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)
• Bracelet: Titanium with three hands
• Special Features: Lightweight, classic design

Victorinox 241493 Chrono Classic

Are you drawn to chronograph watches? Watches that have dials for this and that? A watch that is both stylish and functional? If so, the Victorinox Men’s 241493 Chrono Classic is a great choice. The watch case measures 41mm in diameter and 12mm thick, so it is a pronounced watch on the wrist. The stainless-steel case is adorned with a tachymeter bezel for speed based travel, and the anti-reflective sapphire crystal case window is perfect to keep this watch looking new. No more worrying about scratching and breaking the watch from bumping its face. The date window is placed at 6 o’clock, which is different from most models, but the placement makes the overall design of the watch stand out from the rest.

Luminous hands contrast nicely on the black dial, and the Swiss quartz movement performs well. The accuracy of time does not seem to slip on the Victorinox Chrono Classic. If you do not like bracelet wristbands, the Victorinox Men’s 241493 Chrono Classic, comes with a soft black calfskin band with tonal stitching detail and buckle closure. This watch has a water-resistant rating of 100m/330ft and includes a stopwatch feature. This watch is both masculine and reliable for the price and with the few extra details that Victorinox has added into the watch, you will have everything you need for a wrist showpiece.

• Case Size: 41mm diameter, 12mm thickness
• Movement: Swiss Quartz
• Dial: Black with luminous hands
• Crystal: Anti-reflective Sapphire
• Features: Tachymeter bezel, date window at 6 o’clock, stopwatch
• Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)
• Strap: Black calfskin band with buckle closure
• Special Features: Chronograph functionality, tachymeter for speed calculation

Bulova 96B228

If you are looking for a unique men’s watch that has exceptionally bright luminous features, the Bulova Men’s 96B228 Watch is definitely the stand out selection! This is a monstrous watch with a stainless-steel case diameter of 48mm. It is the largest on our list, so if you do not shy away from big and flashy timepieces, the 96B228 from Bulova will be a go-to in your watch collection. Also, if you are looking for a true dive watch, this one can be used to a depth of 300m/984ft and is perfect for mixed gas diving! It comes with a screw-down crown to keep the water out and works well with the pressures of diving.

The case is comprised of a SC dial window, perfect to withstand scratches and blemishes, and the dial face is a medium black. The luminous hands and markers are a combination of pale green and orange and these really stand out against the black backdrop that also has a date window located between 4-5. The unidirectional bezel helps any diver measure time and is well marked for accuracy. The Bulova Men’s 96B228 comes with a comfortable rubber wristband but can be changed out if you are looking to add a bracelet style band on your own. This Divers Watch has exceptionally bright luminescence and packs a punch for both size and durability.

• Case Size: 48mm, Stainless Steel
• Movement: Quartz
• Dial: Medium black with exceptionally bright luminous hands and markers
• Crystal: SC Dial Window (Scratch-resistant)
• Features: Date window, unidirectional bezel
• Water Resistance: 300 meters (984 feet), suitable for mixed gas diving
• Strap: Comfortable rubber wristband
• Special Features: Suitable for diving, screw-down crown

Tissot T52542113 T Classic

Don’t want all the bells and whistles of a chronograph or divers watch? Is simple and classic more your style? Then the Tissot Men’s T52542113 T Classic Watch is our number 1 pick. The Swiss quartz movement that is battery operated keeps time accurately, and the movement is smooth on the Classic T. With a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, this watch can stand up to bumps and scuffs without defacing or affecting the crystal-clear dial window. The case is made of stainless-steel and is 34mm in diameter, so its footprint on your wrist is marginal. With a white face dial and black Roman Numeral markers as well as three hands to measure hours, minutes and seconds, the Tissot T Classic is exactly that, Classic!

There is a date function on the dial face that although small, is still relatively easy to read and the supple calf leather band is soft and molds well to your wrist. It comes with a regular clasp closure with a safety buckle. This wristband takes away all the fretting of your watch biting or pulling hairs from a metal linked bracelet! The Tissot does have a stationary bezel that simply adds to the design of this timeless watch but does give the white dial extra attention. This watch needs to be taken off even for showering and bathing because the water resistance rating is only 30m/99ft. That being said, the Tissot Men’s T52542113 T Classic Watch is a must have for any watch collector. The fluid lines and light weight make this watch perfect for the office or more formal affairs. It is a well-made watch that is both ageless and resilient!

• Case Size: 34mm, Stainless Steel
• Movement: Swiss Quartz, Battery operated
• Dial: White with black Roman Numeral markers
• Crystal: Scratch-resistant Sapphire
• Features: Date function
• Water Resistance: 30 meters (99 feet)
• Strap: Calf leather band with clasp closure
• Special Features: Classic design, suitable for formal wear

Final Thoughts

As we move further into 2024, the appeal of watches with sapphire crystal remains undiminished among watch enthusiasts and collectors. This selection of the most affordable sapphire crystal watches demonstrates that durability and elegance can be achieved without compromising on budget. Each model we’ve highlighted offers its own unique set of features, from the eco-friendly ingenuity of Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology to the classic Swiss precision of Tissot’s T Classic. These watches not only embody the resilience and clarity sapphire crystal is known for but also reflect the evolving trends and technological advancements in watchmaking. They are perfect for those who value both practicality and aesthetics in their timepieces. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of horology, these watches stand as a testament to the enduring quality and accessible luxury available in today’s market.