Best watches to buy in India under Rs. 5000 (updated)

I know there are people, who love watches, and want to own these classy timepieces, but don’t want to spend big bucks to get them right now, specially till the time they’re well settled. To your surprise, you’ll find that there are great brands that you can get for a  reasonable price and they’ll serve you for a long time. These are also perfect for those trying to start and build a watch collection. 
Now, there aren’t all brands and models available in India, which is exclaimed by foreign YouTubers and bloggers which is tough for those of us who love watches, and love those brands. You can get even a chronograph watch here (read about them here).

So, cutting it short, let’s find out which are the best watches to buy under Rs. 5000 in India.

If you want to read about different types and styles, read here.

Edit: I’m apologetic, but as I delve deeper into the world of horology, check out watches myself and listen to members of forums like watchuseek, I have to update the list. A top 2, followed by the next 10. (They are not necessarily in order of preference).

1. HMT Kohinoor : I realise how we underestimate our country’s own watch brands. HMT is a reputed brand, even abroad, while we seem not to care for it. With the HMT site uploading new models, or rather bringing to stock items we thought would never come back, it’s a blessing. Get an HMT while you can, it’s tough, resistant, has a whole load of history behind it. I’d put the HMT Kohinoor here, with the new sunburst dial here.

I’ve been on the lookout for a genuine HMT for a while. They can be found on Facebook pages primarily, even Amazon and Flipkart are selling non genuine ones (if at all). So when HMT itself is officially putting them up, take them by all means.

The HMT Kohinoor Saffron sunburst dial. It’s a beauty for Rs. 2444.

Check out for yourself : https://www.hmtwatches.in/3299/product-details/kohinoor-saffron-ss.htm

2. The Invicta Pro Diver 8932 (Quartz): I would like to add another great watch to the top of the list, my new favourite, the incredible Swiss Dive watch, The Invicta Pro Diver 8932. It’s worth about Rs. 5300 and a steal deal in all honesty. Do check out the link.

Before I begin, Another great watch, which should have merited a top spot in the lost, but did not due to its price sometimes being a tad bit above 5k, and most times below, depending on the offers, is the Casio G Shock 5600 All black version, which I adore. I had been looking for it for a while, but it was always out of stock. Here’s the link for it on Amazon: https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwj9ms_pz73sAhWPMyoKHYxsAkoYABAGGgJ0bQ&ae=2&sig=AOD64_3IJYWrWvGJYTHNHupc8fUFmyszUA&ctype=70&q=&ved=2ahUKEwiw2MTpz73sAhUOxTgGHR8lBK8Qwg96BAgBECQ&adurl=

1. Casio G-Shock 5600E-1VQ
   Buy online at : Rs. 3999-4999 https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.casioindiashop.com/amp/product-details.php%3fpr_id=G001&url_slug=Casio-G-Shock-DW-5600E-1VDF-G001-Digital-Men-Watch 

The G-Shock 5600 E

This is a G-Shock without hassles. Plain and simple, it lacks premium features like the world clock, the solar power and a bit more, but I’m sure you wouldn’t need this in your day to day or college life. 

Mineral glass, extreme water resistance, resin strap, resin bezel, it is as sturdy as it can be. It’s a G shock, throw it off a three storey building and I’ll bet it still works. I have my eye on this one, though in a negative dial. Versions are available for as less as 3999 update Rs. 3495!  Grab one now! 

 Though trust me, if you’ve got a 1000 bucks more and are into design, get this one, the DW 5600 BBM. 
Rs. 5999 update: Rs. 5395!

2. Skagen Analog Black Dial Men’s Watch-SKW6540

Buy online: Rs. 3,795– Amazon.

https://www.amazon.in/Skagen-Analog-Black-Dial-Watch-SKW6540/dp/B07RHGCFQY

This is an underrated and a massively upcoming brand in India. From Denmark, it brings simplicity and a touch of dress watches to it. It’s minimalistic design affords peace and looks tidy and clutter free. It’s round dial seems great and it also has a  sub dial.   
The colour combination is great with red and blue ones catching the eye. Great for casual meets and would go well with corporate suits. The strap looks flexible and comfortable and from the reviews I’ve seen and heard from people having Skagens, they’re pretty happy. 

Look at the broad dial and the simplicity, with a beveled protruding glass

3. The Casio Enticer series: MTP-1375D-1AVDF

Buy online: ₹ 4,495.00

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B00GRRSHQE/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00GRRSHQE&pd_rd_w=UkVv1&pf_rd_p=1801b34c-8af9-42b5-8961-11f124edc99b&pd_rd_wg=baipo&pf_rd_r=MB8867M9AG5Z94JXYN1N&pd_rd_r=ae660fec-38a4-46c2-9fce-a4bbeb8c3040&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzT0dLTklRTUJMUlhKJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzQ1MzM4MU5QU0xIRUtGOUJYViZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTA2Njk4MVlISk9DWDZKNkJaNiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

 Casio is a brilliant brand, a solid Japanese company and their watch mechanics are a source of envy for other brands. This splendid watch has a black dial which shifts light as it moves. To add to it, the silver embossed bezel will complete your glam look.
With a steel bracelet, it can take a few hits and will go on a long time. Your ideal everyday companion, you just can’t go wrong with it.

The steel strap is slightly heavy but the finishing is great.

4. Titan :  Workwear watch with brown dial NM1734WL01

Buy online at: Rs. 5,000

https://www.titan.co.in/product/titan-brown-dial-multifunction-watch-for-men-1734wl01?cm_mmc=GooWARPC-_-2051582043-_-70895836005-_-359368137290&gclid=CjwKCAjwnK36BRBVEiwAsMT8WLOw-6Q_MXbBsJ4caP11T5vXoRABx7wTGTNPrImyWh5KgA-tP_Yd5xoCsDgQAvD_BwE

 Titan is a brand that has the trust of households, the expertise of Tata, and a truly Indian brand, which makes the service accessible everywhere and at a low cost. This is a great option for a party watch. The bezel is pretty subtly sparkly when you see it up close and feels premium. The side buttons are super smooth and pressing them to change the date and day is pretty satisfying to the finger. It has three subdials, telling the date, the day and time in the 24 hour format. The dial is a beautiful brown shade with the light bouncing off and casting a sheen, will always attract attention.

It is really eye catching up close, the subdials glimmer separately..

You can change the strap to a chain, or a subtle light brown (my preference) strap. 

5. The Casio F91w: 

Buy online: Rs. 895/-only

https://www.casioindiashop.com/Watches/D002/Casio-Youth%20Series-F-91W-1DG-D002-Digital-Watch.html

Called the President’s watch (ref to Barack Obama wearing it) or Terrorist’s watch (see Osama Bin Laden wearing it) (used by terrorists in time bombs) this watch has a lot of history behind it, with the design almost unchanged since 1991. 
P.S. I wasn’t into digital watches too, but I loved it! Even the Urban Gentry and other watch YouTubers have given it the green go, and I just can’t see otherwise! 
 The king of watches! The most vintage AND affordable watch you can find! 
This is still the most sold model by Casio, and about 3 million are produced each year. Retailing under about Rs. 900, you can get this timeless sport classic either online or via a distributor. 
This has a Chronograph. For those who don’t know what it is, we’ve all been there 🙂 Read here.

The most reliable beater watch, EVER!

 So it has a stopwatch, an alarm, showing time with the seconds too, and a backlight. What else does a man need? You can take it to the shower, and I’m sure it’s pretty water resistant, but I wouldn’t throw it in a pond still. Swap the strap for a NATO or a needle strap and you’ll be golden. 

6. Timex T-80 x PacMan: 

Buy from Amazon at: Rs. 5,990

https://shop.timexindia.com/men/trending/timex-t80-x-pac-mantm.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwnK36BRBVEiwAsMT8WE2JfY3tPrZgHDDq1kWGELq_c6zE18REZtoIw6mTWEx5WuQwyHuAtBoCHuQQAvD_BwE

One, Timex is a great American brand, and secondly this watch has one thing to appeals to most of us- PacMan! I myself am a retro game nerd and stuff like this is what we live for! If you see a local lad wearing this, it could be me xD The old school look is sure to attract a lot of eyes. The gold chain looks classy, while it had every change of looking a cheap knock-off. It’s also available in silver and black.

It has the PacMan icons engraved on the back and the clasp too

It also has an alarm, a chronograph, different modes, a backlight and the cherry on the top: Pressing the bottom button plays the PacMan retro theme music! A shade above 5k, it can either fall in prices or go up, you can never tell with watches that have importance 🙂 

7. Timex Expedition Scout Chronograph: TWEG18200

Buy online : Rs. 3,717

https://shop.timexindia.com/tweg18200.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwnK36BRBVEiwAsMT8WLK3LI1UMQ98kNxWUpa2TToTZkLGNKG-oHONv-YLEHDfB_F_HlhqfRoCaQUQAvD_BwE

Here we have another reliable Timex, with a Chronograph at an unimaginable price. Timex watches are generally easy on the pocket, and serve well. The watch is clean with three subdials, including the chronograph. 

I’d prefer it over the Explorer Model, cause this looks mature.

The off white/cream dial looks great and coupled with the brown leather strap, it’s a casual watch that you can wear at a day out with friends. It won’t look bad with shorts on, but I’d not recommend it with a suit. It has Timex INDIGLO, which lights up at the touch of a button, useful in dark. 

P.S :Couldn’t find the Timex Weekender, a great dress watch in this bracket, which is out of stock 😦 

8. Fossil Belmar Three-Hand Date Black Silicone Watch:

Buy online at: Rs. 4,197
: https://www.fossil.com/en-in/products/belmar-three-hand-date-black-silicone-watch/FS5535.html?&gclid=CjwKCAjwnK36BRBVEiwAsMT8WLEmf1zuw78atn7k-7WFOq-hA96AtkQGwugjIgZzQ4TPEnkNnOFvIRoCpdAQAvD_BwE

 Fossil is a great brand, having established itself well in India. The watch looks cool, minimal and without sub-dials. The silver small bezel is great to look at and the adjusting button is smooth to use. The date slot is reminiscent of premium watches. Beware of fake Fossil watches though, they are ubiquitous. Do buy from a certified seller online, or offline if you can. I’ve seen people getting duped by fake watches, and Fossil is a popular brand to do so. 

The silicon strap looks great surprisingly, adding a sporty touch to your collection and helping it go with different outfits.

The strap is silicon based, which gives it a sporty look, and serves to protect from water. The watch is subtle, and makes a bold statement. Fossil, like the brand it is, never fails to live up to its fashion name. The dial is 44mm in diameter and good for most wrist sizes. 

There are various other great brands like Seiko, Citizen, Orient, Vostok, but these are a little upwards in price and most of their models aren’t available easily. 

So guys, as we can see, it’s easy to own good watches at reasonable prices, because it is not everyday we get a new watch, right?

I’ve covered these after much research, but if I’ve missed some watch or you know of another better, please do let me know in the comments.