At this price range you can experiment having an automatic watch as well as potentially even getting watches with sapphire crystal. These watches are not only reliable but there is also a huge variation in different styles of watches available. These are just my own personal recommendations and all prices are in USD.
Islander Automatic Field Watch #ISL-42 ($189)
While Islander is a very new and upcoming watch brand it no doubt presents a lot of value at an amazing price. This being true to a field watch which is evident by the dial markings and style, but you also get an NH36 automatic movement, sapphire crystal, water resistant to 100m and an exhibition case back. It also features SuperLuminova on the hour and minute hands as well as the 12-hour numbers and markers around the dial. This particular model is with a blue dial, but you can also choose between black, white and green dials. I talk about it in more detail here (link).
Orient Contemporary RN-AC0E04L ($173)
If a dress watch is more suited to your style, then the Orient Contemporary will definitely be a must buy. There are two versions you can purchase while the quartz version is only $113, you can buy the automatic version for $173. Unlike the Islander however this does only come with mineral glass instead of sapphire crystal but being a dress watch it boasts an incredible 100m water resistance. As most dress watches it comes paired with a leather strap. There are a two other dial colours you can purchase of this watch such as black and white. However, if you do purchase the black or white dial it comes paired with a stainless-steel strap instead.
Swatch Sistem51 Waktu SO30N400 ($150)
While Swatch is often known for their quirky and brightly coloured styles, it is still hard to ignore them especially when recommending watches at this price range. It features the Sistem51 automatic movement which is an achievement in of itself as it consists of 51 pieces which are all machine-made and held together by one screw and has an incredible power reserve of 90 hours. It comes in a wide variety of colours as well as material, this one I have added is made out of bio sourced materials from the case to the strap. Keep in mind however, that the movement is not serviceable so the entire movement will need to be replaced if something does go wrong or you need it serviced.
Seiko Issey Miyake O Oh Yoshioka Tokujin Design NY0W006 ($156)
While the name is a mouthful it is a great ladies watch that is not afraid to push the boundaries of what a watch should be. It comes completely made out of polymer as the watch blends in with the band of the watch. From a distance it would seem that it is simply a band but closer you would see the dial of the watch. This watch definitely falls into the love or hate category but nonetheless it’s a great manufacturer and brand so the quality is not to be really questioned just more the aesthetic. There is a huge range of colours available from purple to green so it really just depends on what colour you would want.
Bulova Classic Quartz Ladies Watch 96L138 ($120)
If the last watch was a bit too much, then this Bulova goes back to its classic roots. It comes in a rectangular stainless-steel case and has a black enamel dial. As a true dress watch it features the hour and minute hand without a second hand and the silver hands and hour markers contrasts beautifully with the black enamel dial. It is a quartz movement, not that anyone will notice as it does not have a seconds hand, it is also water resistant to 30m. Bulova is a well respected brand in the watch industry and despite the price point their legacy and history alone are worth the price of owning one.
The Watchlist 