Robin Nooy’s May 2023 Monochrome Watches guide asked what watches released in the first months of 2023 were available for less than €1,500. Its seven picks range from a compact Seiko 5 Sports at a listed €350 to a GMT-equipped Circula at a listed starting price of €1,299. Those are the guide’s 2023 euro prices, not verified current prices.
Seven early-2023 watches under €1,500
The comparison below summarizes the specifications and prices printed in Robin Nooy’s Monochrome Watches guide, published 14 May 2023. Prices are article-listed figures from that guide; they should not be read as current retail prices. The specifications are likewise the guide’s descriptions, not independent test results.
| Watch | Case and water resistance | Movement and functions | 2023 guide price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seiko 5 Sports SKX Sports Style 38mm | 38mm steel; 100m | Automatic Seiko 4R36; 41-hour reserve; date | €350 |
| Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Ice Blue | 40mm steel; 100m | Automatic Powermatic 80; 80-hour reserve; date; Nivachron hairspring | €745 |
| Depancel Serie-R 5th Anniversary | 43 × 36 × 12.95mm steel; 50m | Automatic Miyota 9122; day, date and month | €795 |
| Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel | 41.10mm steel or titanium; 200m | Automatic Powermatic 80; 80-hour reserve; Nivachron hairspring | €1,110 steel; €1,045 titanium |
| Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Green | 43mm steel; 300m | Automatic H-10; 80-hour reserve | €1,095 |
| Yema Urban Field | 37.5mm or 40mm steel; 100m | Manual Sellita SW210-1B; 42-hour reserve | €1,099 Bonklip bracelet; €1,249 multi-link bracelet with leather straps |
| Circula AquaSport II GMT | 40mm steel; 200m | Automatic Sellita SW330-1; 56-hour reserve; date and second-time-zone hand | From €1,299 |
Which one suits your priorities?
For the lowest listed price and a smaller case: Seiko 5 Sports
The 38mm Seiko is both the smallest and least expensive watch in the guide. It was offered in four dial colors: black SRPK29, cream SRPK31, mint green SRPK33 and orange SRPK35. The listed configuration pairs a three-link bracelet with the automatic 4R36 movement and 100m water resistance. Nooy singled out the mint-green version as his favorite; that is an editorial preference, not a performance distinction.
For an integrated-bracelet design: Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Ice Blue
The PRX combines a 40mm brushed-and-polished steel case with an integrated bracelet and ice-blue dial patterned with hobnails. The guide lists sapphire crystals at the front and back, 100m water resistance, a date and an 80-hour automatic movement with a Nivachron hairspring. It names reference T137.407.11.351.00 in an image caption.
#1 Best Overall
- ⌚ MENS WATCHES ANALOG: Mens military watches made with shock-resistant stainless steel case and anti-scratch mineral window, exquisitely crafted and durable. Men's watch strap width: 22mm / 0.86 inches, stainless steel case: 42mm / 1.65 inches.
- ⌚ MILITARY WATCHES FOR MEN: This mens field watch is very suitable for active lifestyles, with a comfortable double nylon strap, will suitable for personal use and good for anniversary, graduation, business, birthday , the father's day , Christmas .
- ⌚3 ATM WATERPROOF MILITARY WATCHES: 30M waterproof, sweat-proof, rain-proof and hand-washing for daily life, no problem. But NOT suitable for swimming, bathing, diving or touch hot water. Perfect for most of indoor / outdoor sports.
- ⌚ EASY TO READ TIME: 12 / 24 hrs military time and luminous dial. The mens watches equipped with date calendar can tell you the time quickly and accurately. Come with luminous function, easy to read the time even in the dark.
- ⌚ PURCHASE WITHOUT WORRY: Japan imported quartz analog movement and battery, long-term operation. for 1 years,24-hour customer service is at your service.
For a distinctive case and calendar: Depancel Serie-R
The limited-edition 5th Anniversary Serie-R stands apart through its radiator-shaped steel case and radiator-grille dial texture. Its 43 × 36 × 12.95mm dimensions describe an unconventional shape rather than a conventional round-case diameter. The guide lists sapphire crystals front and back, 50m water resistance, and an automatic Miyota 9122 displaying day, date and month. Blue-dial details include orange and white luminous accents; the watch was described with a leather strap or steel bracelet.
For a choice of metal and 200m rating: Certina DS-2 Turning Bezel
The DS-2 was listed in 41.10mm steel or titanium, with a unidirectional turning bezel, sapphire crystals front and back, and 200m water resistance. The described dial choices were blue or black for the steel case and black for the titanium case, with bracelet and strap options. Both versions use the Powermatic 80 with an 80-hour reserve and Nivachron hairspring. In the guide, titanium was listed at €1,045 and steel at €1,110.
Rank #2
- Classic Silver Men’s Watch: The stainless steel analog quartz watch features a elegant, minimalist design. The Luminous hands ensure easy visibility in the dark, while the handy date display keeps you on schedule. A reliable companion for everyday wear.
- Durable Stainless Steel Strap: Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, the strap is built to last and resists corrosion. An easy-to-use adjustment tool allows for a customized fit, ensuring maximum comfort for all-day wear.
- Precision Japanese Quartz Movement: Powered by a precise Japanese quartz movement, the watch delivers accurate timekeeping and long-lasting durability. With 3 ATM water resistance, it withstands splashes and light rain, making it perfect for daily use—though not suitable for swimming or diving.
- Waterproof Design for Daily Wear: Designed to withstand water pressure up to 100 feet, the stainless steel watch is perfect for daily activities. It handles splashes, brief immersion, and everyday water exposure with ease, making it a versatile and reliable accessory.
- Ideal Gift for Men: The analog watch is an excellent choice for your husband, father, son, brother, or boyfriend, it’s a versatile gift for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any special occasion, it’s a timeless accessory that suits professionals, students, and watch enthusiasts alike.
For the highest stated water resistance: Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Green
At 43mm, the Hamilton is the largest case among the seven selections and has the guide’s highest stated water-resistance rating: 300m. Its green ceramic unidirectional bezel, screw-down crown and sapphire crystal complement a three-link steel bracelet. The automatic H-10 calibre, described as derived from Powermatic 80, is listed with an 80-hour power reserve.
For manual winding and two case sizes: Yema Urban Field
Yema’s Urban Field offers 37.5mm and 40mm sizes, several dial colors, and leather-strap or bracelet configurations. The guide describes a polished steel case, sapphire crystals on both sides, 100m water resistance and a hand-wound Sellita SW210-1B with a 42-hour reserve. Its two listed price points correspond to different bracelet packages: €1,099 with a Bonklip bracelet, or €1,249 with a multi-link bracelet and complementary leather straps.
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Rank #3
- Classic, fashion, minimalist style, slim silver stainless steel case.
- Smooth glass, scratch-resistant, wear-resistance and easy to clean.
- Adopts advanced quartz movement to provide precise and accurate time keeping, energy saving.
- Soft and durable leather band, comfortable and durable to wear, not easy broken. Metal clasp, buckle closure, easy to put on or take off.
- In general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water. You can wash your face and hand when wearing it in daily life, but do not put it into water.
For a second time zone: Circula AquaSport II GMT
Circula’s 40mm AquaSport II GMT was described as a 2023 launch, with a petrol-blue dial, two-tone bidirectional bezel, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown and 200m water resistance. The automatic Sellita SW330-1 is listed with a 56-hour reserve, date and second-time-zone hand. The guide calls it an “office-GMT”; it does not establish independently adjustable local-hour functionality. Strap choices are a Tropic-style rubber strap or beads-of-rice bracelet, and the listed starting price was €1,299.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to read the prices and specifications
The €1,500 ceiling and all seven prices belong to a specific European-euro buying guide published in May 2023, covering watches from the first months of that year. They are not a current price comparison or a guarantee of present availability. Before buying, confirm the exact reference, size, material and included strap or bracelet with a retailer or manufacturer, since several picks have multiple configurations. The technical details here reflect the guide’s account and have not been independently rechecked against current specifications.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- CLASSIC RETRO CASIO DESIGN A timeless digital watch that has remained an icon for decades. The vintage square face and polished stainless steel bracelet deliver a clean, minimalist style that complements casual, business, and everyday wear for both men and women.
- RELIABLE EVERYDAY DIGITAL FUNCTIONS Stay organized with practical features including a 1/100-second stopwatch, daily alarm, hourly time signal, auto calendar, and selectable 12/24-hour time format—everything you need in a dependable everyday
- LONG-LASTING 7-YEAR BATTERY Powered by a dependable CR2016 battery designed to last approximately seven years under normal use, giving you years of worry-free performance with minimal maintenance.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMFORTABLE Weighing only 46 grams, the slim profile and adjustable stainless steel bracelet provide exceptional comfort for all-day wear. The self-adjustable clasp allows for a customized fit on a wide range of wrist sizes.
- TRUSTED CASIO QUALITY Built with Casio's legendary reliability, this water-resistant digital watch features a durable chrome-plated resin case, stainless steel bracelet, LED backlight for nighttime visibility, and quartz accuracy of approximately ±30 seconds per month.
Rank #4
- Crafted with an ultra-thin streamlined case that rests gently on your wrist, this watch avoids the bulky discomfort of traditional men’s timepieces. It slides easily under shirt and suit cuffs with a sleek profile, making it ideal for all-day commutes and long hours at work.
- Boasting a minimalist matte dial paired with crisp stick indices, the watch features a balanced, understated design. Free of flashy embellishments, it delivers premium aesthetics without ostentation and builds a calm, dependable gentleman’s style. True class never needs to shout for attention.
- The supple, fine leather strap conforms naturally to your wrist curve with a smooth, skin-friendly feel. It balances upscale business aesthetics and everyday comfort, avoiding uncomfortable pressure during extended wear and matching all kinds of outfits year-round.
- Powered by a dependable quartz movement for consistent accurate timekeeping, saving you the hassle of frequent adjustments. Built with 3ATM splash resistance to handle handwashing, light rain and everyday splashes. Do not wear it while swimming, showering or diving.
- This versatile minimalist watch transitions effortlessly across occasions, perfect for business meetings, daily commutes, weekend gatherings, trips and dates. It arrives in an elegant gift box with 2-year after-sales support, a wonderful choice for personal wear or as a thoughtful gift for fathers, husbands and friends.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
