10 Best Sapphire Crystal Watches Under $300 in 2023
Wristwatch dials are divided into three main types: plastic, mineral crystal, and sapphire crystal. While watches with sapphire crystal glass under $300 are very good 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 2023
In this article, we will take a look at the 10 best sapphire crystal glass watches under $300 for sale in 2023. To meet different needs and styles, each watch listed below comes with a unique set of features.
1. Seiko Automatic Dress Watch (SARB033)
This version of Seiko’s ever-popular SARB watch range ticks almost all the boxes when it comes to a 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 really shines is the price. It offers not only a Japanese automatic movement with a 50-hour power reserve, but also a synthetic sapphire crystal that takes the watch to the next level.
At 38.5mm in diameter, it is also the very small size you would expect from a dress watch. And 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 color, the SARB035 is also available in white.
2. Invicta Pro Diver
Invicta produces very affordable watches with amazing 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 comes with easy-to-read luminous time displays and a unidirectional bezel to display the remaining time. The rest of the watch is fairly standard in terms of features, with a large 52mm steel case, Japanese quartz movement, and rubber strap.
3. Tissot T0384301103700
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 quite a few sapphire crystal watches under $300 to its name.
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 while doing everyday household chores or even at formal occasions.
The watch comes with 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 very unified and minimalist design that is 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 color-coordinated indices that highlight 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 respectively.
This Tissot model is powered by a Swiss automatic movement in the form of ETA caliber 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 per day.
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
One of Seiko’s most popular field watches, having gone through many reincarnations over the years. But the classic will always be the SARB017 with a green face and brown leather strap.
If you are interested in 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, and a stunning green dial with gold hour markers and a subtle train of minute markers around the bezel.
It’s definitely a field-style watch, but it’s much more stylish than most and is perfect for anyone who needs 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 is filled with 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 when it comes to 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 popular chronograph models in the entire Edifice collection. The watch comes with a fairly massive 47mm stainless steel case that is 12mm thick and has a sturdy case back with water resistant up to 100 meters. It also includes a black ion-plated non-rotating bezel that can be used to measure elapsed time.
The case back and main crown located at 3 o’clock are both screw-type. The black dial is clearly 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 located on either side of the main crown.
The analog dial includes three hands, two of which glow in the dark. There is a date window at 4 o’clock. It’s packed with so 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
If you like elegant, eye-catching yet minimalist watches, you will love this watch. This particular model comes from Seiko, one of the most well-known brands in the industry. Despite its enormous reputation and long standing in the market, the brand offers a lot of affordable watches.
Featuring a brown leather strap with a standard buckle closure, the Seiko SNE529 looks incredibly stylish. The watch comes with 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 analog 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 own caliber V158. What’s unique about this quartz movement is that it’s solar-powered. In other words, the clock is fueled by light energy. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but 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 basically expect your watch to run perfectly even if you live in your basement for that period of time. Provides quartz standard accuracy of +/- 15 seconds per month.
7. Orient RA-AA0004E19B
If you value the more complex movements of an automatic watch over the exceptional accuracy of a battery-powered (quartz) timekeeper, this sapphire glass watch from Orient is worth considering in 2023.
Orient is also watching manufacturer that offers well-made watches that will last for years without breaking the bank. The RA-AA0004E19B model included here comes with a stainless-steel case measuring 42mm long and 12mm thick.
The case includes a unidirectional bezel that can be used to measure elapsed time. In water or while cooking. The options are endless. The watch has a sturdy screw-down caseback and crown.
Orient watches use a three-link bracelet made of stainless steel with an invisible clasp of a discreet type. The analog 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 caliber equipped on this model is Orient’s own 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 not only boasts a military look but also 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 other tough jobs, such as EMT, firefighter, or construction worker. The watch comes with 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 is equipped with a removable bumper. The uniquely shaped strap is made from durable braided fabric and comes with a hook buckle clasp.
The dark gray dial is color-coordinated with the strap and includes a three-hand configuration. The hour and minute hands are made of silver-toned luminous material, and there is also a red arrow-shaped hand that measures seconds.
To complete its impressive durability, this model is equipped with a 20ATM/200m water resistance rating. Like the two main 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
Especially in these difficult times with the global warming problem we are experiencing now, we can never be more environmentally friendly. 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 in diameter 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 the 7 days of the week at noon. 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 aforementioned GMT 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 make 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.
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