Top 13 Best Affordable Black Watches [All-Black Men’s watches]
All-black watches have become increasingly popular in the last couple of years.
When most watches have a regular stainless steel finish, all-black watches stand out with their bold and striking aesthetics. The all-black design allows for a sporty and masculine appearance.
All-black watches come in many different shapes and forms, and the only thing that really unites them is that many, or all of their parts are black. A precondition is that it has a black case. This is usually done by using a ceramic case or PVD or DLC-treating stainless steel. Some have gone so far as to make the hands and markers black, which can make it a challenge to read the time, but it does result in a really cool appearance.
All-black watches certainly stand out from the ordinary and can be a fun addition to any watch collection. Whether you want a discreet and sophisticated timepiece for formal occasions or a sporty and bold timepiece for casual events.
In this article, we take a closer look at the best and most popular affordable black watches. Further on, we’ll also go through everything you should have in mind when making your pick.
Whilst some watch trends come and go, the all-black look of watches seems like one that isn’t going any time soon. And considering their simple and toned-down designs, it’s likely a style of watch that will remain relevant for a long time to come.
Best affordable all-black watches
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Hamilton HML-H70575733 Khaki Field Black
First up, we have the Hamilton Khaki Field HML-H70575733. This is a bold all-black men’s watch with a pilot-inspired design that goes well with Hamilton’s heritage and history, whilst resulting in a versatile timepiece that works great as an everyday watch.
It features a 42mm black PVD titanium case paired with a fixed black PVD titanium bezel. The use of titanium results in a super comfortable and light timepiece that you almost forget is on your wrist. It is presented with a black textile bracelet for a matching black and sporty look.
Inside beats a Swiss automatic movement and on top of the case sits a durable sapphire crystal. The movement can also be seen via the see-through case back.
The watch has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet, making it suitable for swimming.
Everything about the dial is black except for the markers and luminous mass on the hands which helps with the legibility. The white markers and hands provide excellent contrast and make it easy to read the time. The luminescence also glows quite strongly which also helps with legibility in low-lit environments.
Positioned at 3 o’clock, we have a date window for convenience as well.
All in all, this is just a great versatile everyday watch that is perfect for many different occasions. And its titanium construction also makes it super comfortable to wear.
Specifications
- Diameter: 42mm
- Movement: Swiss automatic
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Crystal: Sapphire
Timex MK1 Aluminum
Timex is known for making affordable and stylish watches that offer great quality. It has a military field-watch-inspired design which makes it great for casual everyday occasions.
The watch has a classic military-inspired case with a sleek profile and squared-off lug. It measures 40mm in diameter and has a black finish. On top of the case is an acrylic lens. It is also rather slim at
Timex has designed this watch with great inspiration from military watches and thus has both 12 and 24-hour Arabic numerals and triangular hour markers with luminescence. The frames of the hands are painted white to create a better contrast against the background. For improved legibility in low-lit conditions, Timex also uses its Indigo light-up technology.
It is presented on a black fabric strap which goes well with the all-black look, and also the military style and nature of this timepiece. The strap choice makes it comfortable to were but also suitable for many different occasions.
The watch has a water resistance of 30m/100 feet and is therefore not suitable for swimming, but can withstand water splashes.
In Timex’s own words, it ”finds its appeal and strength in pure utilitarian design. Equally at home on the field or in the city, the military-inspired watches are built rugged enough to withstand anything life throws its way” and I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Specifications
- Diameter: 40mm
- Thickness: 11mm
- Movement: quartz
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
Seiko SRPD79 Seiko Sports 5
The new Seiko 5 collection is appreciated for its affordability and great quality. It has a timeless, stylish design, and a sporty, dive-inspired case design. The case measures 43mm in diameter and has the crown positioned at the 3 o’clock position which is a signature design trait of many Seiko watches. The case is completely blacked out, including the bezel. As a matter of fact, almost every single detail about this watch is black. Although it is not the most practical from a legibility standpoint, it makes for a unique and bold appearance.
The watch is powered by the Seiko in-house caliber 4R36 and can be seen via the see-through case back.
To make it more versatile, it is presented on a matching black NATO strap.
The Seiko 5 has always been appreciated for its balance between quality and price, but also for its versatility. This is the sort of watch that works really well on many different occasions and for many different purposes.
Specifications
- Movement: automatic caliber 4R36
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Diameter: 43mm
- Power reserve: 41 hours
- Crystal: Hardlex
Movado 3600261 Bold
The Movado 3600261 is a minimalistic and modern timepiece that is meant to be sleek and contemporary. It has a large case with a diameter of 44mm, but most of the case’s size is taken up by the dial. With that said, it features a really large dial which makes the watch look more elegant and refined, compared to if it would have a smaller dial and a larger case. Of course, the case is black ion-plated for an all-black look and it is presented on a black mesh bracelet to match. For the crystal, Movado uses a durable mineral crystal.
This watch really goes all-in on the all-black concept as both the dials and hands are black. In fact, every single detail about the dial is. Whilst it does limit the legibility, it does make for a really cool look.
It is powered by a Swiss quartz movement and has a water resistance of 100 feet.
As an everyday watch, and also as a watch that can work well on formal occasions, this Movado timepiece is a great alternative if you’re looking for a watch that is truly all-black with no single detail in any other color.
Specifications
- Movement: Swiss quartz
- Crystal: mineral crystal
- Diameter: 44mm
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
Luminox Navy Seal Black Out XS.0301.BO / 0300 Series
As the name suggests, this is a tough and durable timepiece that is built for the extremes. And if it is good enough for the Navy SEALs, it is probably good enough for everyone else.
The watch is built for the outdoors and to withstand all kinds of different harsh environments. It has a 39mm case all-black ultralight Carbonox case with a black unidirectional rotating bezel. On top of the case is a hardened mineral crystal with 550-600 Vickers. The water resistance is 100m/330 feet which is good enough for swimming.
The dial is mostly black, except for the luminous hands and luminous tubes that sit on the outer part of the dial. Thanks to a light-up function, the dial of the watch can light up, making it possible to read the time in any environment.
Last but not least, it is presented on a black rubber strap for performance and functionality.
All in all, the all-black look goes very well together with the purpose of this watch and gives it a very masculine and functional appearance.
Specifications
- Crystal: hardened mineral
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Diameter: 39mm
- Movement: quartz
Timex Expedition Acadia
The Timex Expedition Acadia, is meant as an explorer’s watch, thereby focusing on legibility and performance. It is designed as a field watch and therefore does not have a bulky design and presence on the wrist.
It has an all-black resin case measuring 40mm in diameter with an acrylic crystal on top. The crown sits protected between crown guards which are good to have in a functional timepiece.
Since this is a field watch, it only has a water resistance of 50m/165 feet, but it should still be enough for most occasions on which this watch will be used.
The dial has a military-inspired design with large white Arabic numerals for both regular 12-hour and 24-hour military time. Thanks to the black background and large markers, the watch gets rather good legibility. To further improve legibility, the watch has an Indigo light-up watch dial and luminous hands which ensures good legibility in all environments.
The watch is also extremely light which makes it super comfortable on the wrist.
In Timex’s own words: ”This clean, simple, military-inspired Timex Expedition Camper watch hasn’t changed much since 1918. We made it a little lighter, added a nylon Fast Wrap strap with Velcro fastener, and our signature Indiglo night-light.”
Apart from the hour markers and hands, this is a watch whose functional, sport-watch look improves thanks to the all-black look.
Specifications
- Diameter: 40mm
- Water resistance: 50m/165 feet
- Crystal: acrylic
- Movement: quartz
Fossil Machine
If a masculine, bulky, and bold watch appeals to you, the Fossil is a watch that fits into this description.
It has a 42mm case with black plating and a distinct knurled bezel. To go with the all-black sporty look, it is presented on a three-link bracelet with straight-end links and black plating. On top of the case sits a hardened mineral crystal.
The watch features a quartz movement and offers a water resistance of 50m/165 feet.
The dial design is relatively simple but does have a few details to make it more interesting. It is also mostly black except for the tip of the hands and the hour markers to help improve the legibility. To make the watch more practical, it also has a date window at the 6 o’clock position. What is nice about the dial is that it is divided into different ”sections” to keep it from being plain and boring. The center of the dial has a striped pattern and the second section of the dial is slightly raised with a matte finish. And lastly, the rehaut of the watch sits on top of the second section. The result is a clean, all-black timepiece that is sporty, but also interesting due to the details that Fossil has integrated into the watch design.
Specifications
- Diameter: 42mm
- Movement: quartz
- Thickness: 10mm
- Water resistance: 50m/165 feet
Timex Expedition Gallatin Solar
If you like the idea of an all-black watch but also want something sporty, robust, and functional, the Timex Expedition Gallatin solar may be the watch for you. As the name suggests, this is an outdoor watch that is built for functionality and to handle harsh environments.
The watch has a black 45mm resin case with an acrylic lens on top. It is also equipped with a rotating bezel which is also black. As is the aluminum insert.
The unique thing about this watch is that it is powered by a solar quartz movement. Being a functional outdoor watch, this is a great thing as it ensures the watch is charged by solar and ambient light, and therefore does not run out of energy. It has a power reserve of two months when fully charged.
The water resistance of this timepiece is 50m/165 feet which is decent, but it would have been nice if it would have at least 100m. But considering the fact that it only costs around 50 USD, it is something that can be overlooked.
The dial is also mostly black, featuring a honeycomb pattern at the center and large grey numerals, partially Arabic. The dial has a few touches of orange to make the watch more interesting and sporty which works really well.
Last but not least, it is presented on a functional fast Wrap strap which is durable and extremely practical for outdoor use, for example when hiking.
Specifications
- Diameter: 45mm
- Water resistance: 50m/165 feet
- Crystal: acrylic
- Movement: solar quartz
Invicta Specialty Chronograph 13785, 13787
If pilot watches speak to you and you want a watch with a sporty all-black design, this Invicta watch could be for you. The watch is presented with a sporty 45mm black case with a fixed bezel and knurled edges. Since it is a chronograph it features chronograph push buttons and crown guards. The case has a thickness of 12mm. On top of the case sits a flame fusion crystal.
The watch is powered by the Japanese quartz caliber VD51.
For added sportiness and versatility, it is fitted on a black stainless steel bracelet.
In terms of functions, the chronograph measures 60min and 60sec. The dial also has a date window at 3 o’clock. Since it is a pilot watch, it puts the utmost importance on legibility with large luminous hands and large Arabic numerals. Also, on the outer part of the dial, it has a tachymeter scale for measuring average speed.
The water resistance of this timepiece is 100m/330 feet, making it suitable for swimming.
Specifications
- Movement: Japanese quartz VD51
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Diameter: 45mm
- Thickness: 12mm
Timex Weekender XL 43mm
If you want something a little more elegant and versatile, but at the same time want an all-black design, the Timex Weekender XL is the answer to your needs.
This watch has a 43mm brass case with black plating. On top of the case sits a mineral glass crystal. The actual case design is simple and sleek with a rounded shape and slim lugs. Since this is an XL watch, the case is relatively big, but most of the case’s property is taken up by the dial and not by a bulky case.
For added elegance, it is presented on a black 20mm leather strap which helps make it more formal and suitable for elegant occasions as well.
The dial is black except for the 12-hour and 24-hour military hour markers which are printed in white for good contrast and legibility. Timex has also included its signature Indiglo light-up feature which makes it easier to read the time in low-lit environments.
Since this isn’t a sports or diving watch, it ”only” has a water resistance of 30m/100 feet, meaning it can withstand water splashes but should not be submerged underwater.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 30M/100 feet
- Diameter: 43mm
- Crystal: Mineral glass
- Movement: quartz
Citizen Eco-Drive Axiom Quartz AU1065-58E
The Citizen Eco-Drive Axiom AU1065-58E is a watch that has gone its own route and created its very own unique design. If you’re looking for a watch that stands out from the ordinary and has its very own look and design, this is a great choice. As Citizen describes it:
”An ultra-modern design and spare, streamlined dial lend masculine sophistication to this Citizen Eco-Drive watch. ”
The watch has a 40mm case with a black coating. What stands out about the case design is that it has virtually no bezel. All the property at the front is taken up by the dial. The bezel only comes in the form of a thin frame. On top sits a mineral crystal.
As mentioned, this is an Eco-Drive timepiece, meaning it is powered by solar and ambient light. This is a very practical feature as it means you will not have to replace its batteries.
The dial is extremely minimalistic. The dial has no details apart from the date window at 3 o’clock and the logo at 12. The hands are black and therefore blend in nicely, but naturally, this watch doesn’t offer the best legibility as a result.
Specifications
- Diameter: 40mm
- Movement: Eco-Drive Japanese quartz
- Crystal: Mineral glass
Casio Classic Quartz MW240-1BV
Next up on this list, we have the Casio Men’s classic MW240-1BV. If you’re looking for a durable and extremely affordable black watch, this is one of your best options. With a price tag of around 20 USD, it is hard to beat in terms of price.
Considering its low price, it is a great watch for when you just want something that you won’t have to worry about and a convenient way fo telling the time. The watch has a resin case with a diameter of 44.6mm as well as a resin glass. It offers a water resistance of 50 meters – suitable for short swims or water splashes. Powering this watch is a quartz movement.
The dial design is very simple. It has a black background with large white Arabic numerals and white hands which provide excellent contrast and legibility. As a trusted companion for occasions when you want something reliable and durable, this is a great choice.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 50m/165 feet
- Movement: quartz
- Diameter: 44.6mm
- Battery life: 3 years
Fossil Nate Stainless Steel Quartz Chronograph
As if an all-black design wasn’t enough, the Fossil Nate takes things one step further by also creating a bold design that is out of the ordinary.
First off, it has a large case size with a diameter of 50mm. Most of the watch’s property is taken up by the dial, but it has a bezel with large knurled edges, large crown guards, and oversized push buttons for the chronograph.
The dial is black and has a nice texture to it. The dial features large grey Arabic numerals and three chronograph sub-dials positioned at the center. Between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions. The hands are also oversized, and whilst they are grey and not white to blend in better with the dial, their large size does provide relatively good legibility.
The water resistance of this watch is 50m/165 feet which is to be expected from a non-dive watch, and it is powered by a quartz movement.
Last but not least, it is fitted on a black stainless steel bracelet with a deployment clasp.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 50m/165 feet
- Movement: quartz
- Diameter: 50mm
Buying an all-black watch – buyer’s guide
All-black watches have increased in popularity over the years. In a world where most watches are made of steel and look very similar, an all-black watch can be an interesting alternative that stands out from the ordinary and has its very own unique appeal. Due to the nature of an all-black design, black watches tend to be versatile and a great choice for a watch that can work on any occasion – both sporty, casual, and formal. And since their design becomes rather discreet, they work just as well with a t-shirt as they do with a suit.
The perhaps most appreciated aspect is the fact that they stand out from the ordinary and give you a watch that is totally unique.
All-black watches criteria
Technically, an all-black watch is a watch where everything about it is black. Meaning the hands and markers as well. Whilst more of these watches have come to the market in recent years, and whilst they look very cool, they are not always the most practical in terms of legibility. This is why the most popular all-black watches have a black case, strap, and dial, but contrasting hands and markers to allow for a sporty and rugged look, but also to provide better legibility.
The most important part, however, is that the case of the watch is black, and not made in steel or gold tone. The most common method to achieve a black case is to use ceramic, PVD treatment, or DLC coating.
Are all-black watches a good choice?
Yes, most certainly! If you’re looking for a cool watch that stands out from the ordinary yet still has a design and look that works on most occasions, an all-black watch can be a great choice. All-black watches have a ton of personality and give a striking impression. If you want something different yet stylish, all-black watches are definitely the way to go.
When can you wear all-black watches?
As discussed earlier, all-black watches are generally extremely versatile. Because they are black, they tend to be rather discreet and therefore work exceptionally well on many different occasions.
Black is a color that works anytime and anywhere, which is what makes them so great for sporty occasions as well as for a cool and masculine look on formal occasions. Frankly, you can never go wrong with an all-black watch.
Black dial watch or all-black watch?
The fact of the matter is that most watches today feature black dials. It is the go-to, classic dial color of choice. With that said, a black dial by itself is nothing special, even though it can obviously make for some really nice watches.
But it is when you combine the black dial with a black case and perhaps other black details that the watch becomes something extraordinary that stands out from the usual. If you want a classic watch that blends in, you can absolutely choose a black dial watch. But if you want something special and unique, an all-black watch is the way to go.
