How Much Should You Spend on a Watch?

There is no correct amount to spend on a watch. A good watch doesn't have to cost thousands of dollars, and a more expensive watch isn't automatically the right one for you.

Instead, decide what you want from it. Here is roughly what each range offers in our catalogue (prices in Canadian dollars and subject to change).

Under $250

This range is excellent for practical everyday watches. You will often find:

• Casio classics and digital watches
• G-SHOCK
• Entry-level quartz watches
• Everyday sport watches such as the Casio Duro

For a first watch, a work watch, a travel or gym watch or a gift, there are excellent choices here. Browse watches under $250.

$250–$500

Moving up brings more materials, designs, features and movement options. This is a particularly interesting range for Citizen and Eco-Drive, and for Caravelle: watches practical enough for daily wear while feeling considerably more substantial. Browse $250–$500.

$500–$1,000

This is one of the most interesting ranges for buyers who want a more serious watch. Depending on the model you will increasingly see:

• Automatic movements
• Sapphire crystals
• Better bracelets and case finishing
• Advanced quartz technology
• Premium and full-metal G-SHOCK

Citizen Tsuyosa and Promaster, Bulova Sutton and Marine Star, and metal G-SHOCK all live here. Browse $500–$1,000.

Over $1,000

Crossing four figures doesn't mean entering Swiss luxury territory. Citizen and Bulova both offer higher-specification references with more advanced movements, higher-grade materials such as titanium, and more elaborate designs. At this stage buying becomes increasingly personal: movement technology, design, heritage, materials, collectability. Browse $1,000 and up.

Spend for your lifestyle

Instead of asking "how expensive a watch should I own?", ask "what watch will I actually enjoy wearing?"

A $150 watch you wear constantly can be a far better purchase than a $2,000 watch that never leaves its box.

Set a comfortable budget, decide which features matter, then choose the watch that fits your life. Whatever the price, buying from an authorized Canadian dealer means the full manufacturer warranty comes with it.