Wristwatch dials are divided into three main types: plastic, mineral crystal, and sapphire crystal. While watches with sapphire crystal glass under $300 are excellent value for money, they don’t come close to those with sapphire crystal in terms of scratch and crack resistance.
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Sapphire Crystal Watches Under $300 in 2024
This article will look at the ten best sapphire crystal glass watches under $300 for sale in 2024. Each watch listed below has unique features to meet different needs and styles.
1. Seiko Automatic Dress Watch (SARB033)
This version of Seiko’s ever-popular S.A.R.B. watch range ticks almost all the boxes for the best elegant dress sapphire crystal watch. The face is a clean black with high-contrast, easy-to-read silver hour markers and hands. Of course, the simple oyster-style stainless steel band and case go well together.
But where it shines is the price. It offers a Japanese automatic movement with a 50-hour power reserve and a synthetic sapphire crystal that takes the watch to the next level.
At 38.5mm in diameter, it is also the tiny size you would expect from a dress watch. It has a 100m water resistance function, so you can use it without worry, even if it gets wet. And just in case you prefer your watch in a brighter colour, the SARB035 is also available in white.
2. Invicta Pro Diver
Invicta produces very affordable watches with unique features for the price. And that’s certainly the case with the popular Pro Diver series. It comes with a sapphire crystal, something you would never see on a watch of this level.
Since this is also a diver-style watch, it has easy-to-read luminous time displays and a unidirectional bezel to display the remaining time. The rest of the watch is pretty standard in features, with a large 52mm steel case, Japanese quartz movement, and rubber strap.
3. Tissot T0384301103700
It is one of the most famous Japanese watch manufacturers on our list of best Sapphire Crystal watches, so it’s only fair to include Tissot, one of the oldest Swiss watch manufacturers in the industry.
The T0384301103700 model belongs to Tissot’s T-One collection, which has several sapphire crystal watches under $300.
Also read: Are Tissot Watches Good?
Unlike the leather Seiko models discussed above, Tissot watches are for fans of stainless steel models. That doesn’t mean it’s any less elegant. It will look great during everyday household chores or even formal occasions.
The watch has a slightly smaller case measuring 38,5mm in diameter and 9,8mm thick. The case is made of stainless steel and features a transparent case back. The so-called skeleton-style caseback provides a glimpse into the complex workings of the movement.
The push/pull crown is in the standard position at 3 o’clock. The watch has a unified and minimalist design displayed on the dial. The silver-tone face features a three-hand configuration, with the hour and minute hands glowing in the dark.
The hands point to colour-coordinated indices highlighting 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. The clock includes a day and date window divided into two parts, placed separately at 6 o’clock and noon.
This Tissot model is powered by a Swiss automatic movement in E.T.A. calibre 2834-2. The movement is equipped with 25 jewels and has a power reserve of 38 hours. With this watch, you can expect an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds daily.
The watch has a water resistance rating of 5ATM/50m, making it safe to wear during short swimming sessions, but no more.
4. Seiko Alpinist SARB017
It is one of Seiko’s most famous field watches, having gone through many reincarnations. But the classic will always be the SARB017 with a green face and brown leather strap.
If you want a more detailed review of this watch, we previously covered it here. But needless to say, you get a lot of bang for your buck with this watch.
It has a 50-hour reserve, sapphire crystal, Japanese automatic movement with 200m water resistance, a stunning green dial with gold hour markers and a subtle train of minute markers around the bezel.
It’s a field-style watch, but it’s much more stylish than most and is perfect for anyone who needs a Sapphire Crystal watch for work or the weekend.
5. Casio EFS-S550pb
If you are someone who is physically active and loves to move, good news is coming. Casio’s world-famous Edifice collection has high-quality sapphire crystal watches priced under $300. Casio is one of those brands that needs no introduction.
The Japanese watch giant is one of the industry leaders in sporty watches that last and are affordable. The Casio Edifice model shown here was designed under the careful supervision of the Scuderia Toro Rosso racing team.
One of the most famous chronograph models in the entire Edifice collection. The watch has a reasonably massive 47mm stainless steel case 12mm thick and a sturdy case back with up to 100 meters of water resistance. It also includes a black ion-plated non-rotating bezel that can measure elapsed time.
The case back and central crown located at 3 o’clock are both screw-type. The black dial is inspired by car racing. It includes three chronograph sundials that resemble a car dashboard. Three additional dials display the 24-hour clock and stopwatch minutes and seconds. To operate the chronograph function, use the two buttons on either side of the central crown.
The analogue dial includes three hands, two glowing in the dark. There is a date window at 4 o’clock. It has many features, just like a proper sports watch should be. Naturally, the dial window is made of sapphire crystal glass.
Additionally, the Japanese quartz movement used in this model is solar-powered. Monthly accuracy is +/- 20 seconds.
6. Seiko SNE529
You will love this watch if you like elegant, eye-catching, minimalist watches. This particular model comes from Seiko, one of the most well-known brands in the industry. Despite its enormous reputation and longstanding position in the market, the brand offers a lot of affordable watches.
Featuring a brown leather strap with standard buckle closure, the Seiko SNE529 looks incredibly stylish. The watch has a stainless steel case measuring 40 mm in diameter and 9.7 mm thick. This size makes the watch a good option for people with thin and large wrists.
The case back is sturdy and threaded, helping to protect the watch during exposure to water. There is a push/pull crown at 3 o’clock. The analogue dial boasts a dark green background that combines neatly with the gold-tone hands and hour markers.
There is a day and date display window at 3 o’clock. Naturally, the glass that protects the watch face is made of anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
Movement-wise, the watch is powered by Seiko’s calibre V158. What’s unique about this quartz movement is that it’s solar-powered. In other words, the clock is fueled by light energy. It is environmentally friendly, and there’s no need to visit your local watch manufacturer to replace the battery.
The solar movement has a power reserve of 10 months. This means you can expect your watch to run perfectly even if you live in your basement for that time. Provides quartz standard accuracy of +/- 15 seconds per month.
7. Orient RA-AA0004E19B
Suppose you value the more complex movements of an automatic watch over the exceptional accuracy of a battery-powered (quartz) timekeeper. In that case, this sapphire glass watch from Orient is worth considering in 2024.
Orient is also a watch manufacturer offering well-made watches that will last years without breaking the bank. The RA-AA0004E19B model includes a stainless-steel case measuring 42mm long and 12mm thick.
The case includes a unidirectional bezel that can measure elapsed time in water or while cooking. The options are endless. The watch has a sturdy screw-down case back and crown.
Orient watches use a three-link, stainless steel bracelet with an invisible, discreet clasp. The analogue dial boasts a dark green background that complements the silver-tone hands and hour markers. All three hands and indices are luminous, making them easy to read even after dark. The dial at 3 o’clock includes a day and date window.
As already mentioned, the watch uses an automatic movement. The exact calibre equipped on this model is Orient’s production F6922. The movement contains 22 jewels and offers a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. Accuracy is -15 to +25 seconds/day.
8. Victorinox 241726.1
If you like a watch that boasts a military load and meets military-issued durability standards, Victorinox offers a variety of watches that are as durable as anything else. The Swiss brand, previously known for producing Swiss Army knives, continues to be popular among watch enthusiasts due to its affordable prices and outstanding looks.
Part of the ultra-durable I.N.O.X. collection, the Victorinox 241726.1 model is one of the most durable watches available in the sub-$300 price range. You can wear it without worry, even in the most demanding environments, such as combat.
You may also consider this model if you work in demanding jobs, such as E.M.T., firefighter, or construction worker. The watch has a 43mm stainless steel case that is just under 14mm thick. The case back is sturdy and screwed, similar to the crown at 3 o’clock.
The crown is a raised portion of the bezel that provides additional protection on both sides. As an added protection against scratches, the watch has a removable bumper. The uniquely shaped strap is made from durable braided fabric and comes with a hook buckle clasp.
The dark grey dial is colour-coordinated with the strap and includes a three-hand configuration. The hour and minute hands are made of silver-toned luminous material and a red arrow-shaped hand measures seconds.
This model is equipped with a 20ATM/200m water resistance rating to complete its impressive durability. Like the two central hands, the indices also glow in the dark. There is the iconic Victorinox Swiss Army logo at noon and a date window display between 4 and 5 o’clock.
Naturally for a Swiss brand, the watch is powered by a Swiss-made quartz movement. Accuracy is +/- 15 seconds per month.
9. Bering 16433-002
We can never be more environmentally friendly, especially in these difficult times with the global warming problem we are experiencing now. Ditching your standard battery-powered watch may not save the planet, but it certainly won’t harm it.
Bering is a little-known emerging watch brand from Norway. Over the past few years, Bering watches have been growing in popularity due to their eco-friendly approach. Most of these watches are solar powered and are very affordable, especially since almost all of them contain sapphire crystal glass.
The Bering solar watch I chose has a unique rectangular stainless steel case with a slightly vintage feel. The case is only 33mm long and 8mm thick, so it fits all wrist sizes. The case back is sturdy, but neither the case back nor the push/pull crown located at 3 o’clock are screwed in place.
With a modest water resistance rating of just 3ATM/30m, this watch probably isn’t the best choice if you’re a casual swimmer. The Milanese bracelet is made of stainless steel and has a safety clasp.
The classic-looking jet black dial features a three-hand configuration. The hour and minute hands glow in the dark like Arabic numerals. At the center of the dial is a rectangular-shaped subdial that displays military time. There is a date window at 3 o’clock.
The watch is powered by a solar quartz movement with a standard accuracy of +/- 15 seconds/month. On a full charge, your solar power reserve will be 6 to 12 months, depending on how often you are exposed to a light source during that period.
10. Invicta 80488
Invicta is probably the most affordable watches for under $300. The fact that the brand is still able to offer premium materials such as sapphire crystal at such an affordable price is one of the main reasons for its popularity.
Diving enthusiasts will especially love this watch. This model belongs to Invicta’s most advanced diving collection, SubAqua. The 80488 model here has an excellent 500m water resistance rating, making it suitable for professional diving activities, including saturation diving.
The watch comes with a large stainless-steel case measuring 52mm in diameter and 20mm thick. Due to these heavy parameters, this watch is best suited for men with medium to large wrist sizes. For maximum protection under water, the case back and crown located at 3 o’clock are both screwed in place.
The five-link bracelet is also made of stainless steel and uses a safety folding clasp. Both the bracelet and case are 18K gold ion plated.
Not only is this a very capable dive watch, but it is also an excellent budget choice for chronograph fans. The ocean blue dial features three chronograph subdials with 60-second, 30-minute and 1/10-second functions. For easy reading underwater or in the dark, the watch is equipped with three luminous hands.
There is also a date window at 6 o’clock and noon on the seven days of the week. The dial window is made of synthetic sapphire. The watch on the movement front is powered by a Swiss quartz caliber with an analog display and monthly accuracy of +/- 15 seconds.
11. Mattity Saw H903BBR
If you know how a GMT clock works, you’ll see how useful it can be, especially for those who travel frequently. Rounding out today’s list of the best sapphire crystal watches under $300 is a superbly crafted watch from Mathey-Tissot.
With a design inspired by the iconic Rolex Submariner, this watch is sure to turn heads. This model belongs to the Mathey-Tissot Rolly collection and boasts a 42mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 8.5mm. The sturdy case back is screw-down, as is the pull/push crown.
The two-tone stainless steel band features a deployment closure. The watch is equipped with the so-called Pepsi bezel (so named because of its blue and red theme). The bezel is unidirectional, measures elapsed time, acts as a compass, and, most importantly, allows you to use the GMT above function.
Since we are on the topic of GMT functionality, it is worth mentioning that the watch uses a four-hand configuration. In addition to the standard three hands that measure hours, minutes and seconds, the watch is equipped with a fourth red arrow-shaped hand that tracks the second time zone of your choice.
The GMT function combined with the stylish choice of a jet-black dial and white hands with gold-tone edges makes this watch suitable for more than one situation. There is a date window at 3 o’clock and Mathey-Tissot’s iconic signature at noon. Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass protects the dial from damage.
The Mathey-Tissot H903BBR has a water resistance rating of 10ATM/100m. The watch is powered by a Swiss-made quartz movement in the form of the Ronda caliber 515.24H. Provides an accuracy of -10/+20 seconds per month.
