Top 11 Best Affordable White Dial Watches [List & Guide]
Black dials are the go-to choice for most watches on the market today. It is the most classic dial color, and it allows for a very versatile look.
At the same time, since most watches have black dials, building a collection of solely black watches can become a bit boring. The good news is that in addition to black dial watches, there is a lot to choose from. If you want something different than a black dial watch, but don’t want the vibrant of a colorful dial watch, you may want to opt for a white dial instead.
White dial watches retain a classic look, but stand out from the crowd and create a more eye-catching appearance. A white dial watch is a perfect complement to a collection of mostly black dial watches, but also for those who only use one watch, but still want something more unique than a black dial watch.
In this article, we will look closer at the best and most popular affordable white dial watches. In this list, you’ll be able to find white dial watches with all kinds of different designs for different tastes and preferences. This includes sports watches, dive watches, dress watches, and more.
Best affordable watches with white dials
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Tissot Tradition T0636101603800
First up on this list is the Tissot T0636101603800. This is a watch with a classic design made as a simple yet elegant dress watch.
It is presented with a simple dressy case design with a polished finish that is meant to complement its look without stealing the show. It is also made to be slim so it can slider under a cuff without any issues. This is a good choice for formal occasions but also as an everyday watch for those who tend to wear formal attire.
The case has a thin rounded bezel which leaves all the focus on the large white dial that it features. This isn’t just any boring dress watch, but Tissot has also done a great job with the finishing and details of this watch. The center of the dial has a textured pattern and applied metal Roman hour markers. It has beautiful and elegant polished metal hands with bevels which go very well with its dressy purpose. Positioned at 3 o’clock, it has a date window.
The watch is powered by a quartz movement and a water resistance of 100 feet.
Specifications
- Diameter: 42mm
- Water resistance: 100 feet
- Movement: quartz
Seiko SUP880 Quartz
If you’re looking for a classic and elegant dress watch with a white dial, the Seiko SUP880 is a watch worth considering. For a more elegant look, it has a rectangular case with a yellow-gold finish. The case has a diameter of 28.5mm, but because of its case shape, it obviously wears differently than a regular round case shape.
It has a striped patterned white dial with black contrasting leaf-shaped hands and black Roman numerals printed on the dial. The striped pattern on the dial ensures that the watch doesn’t get too plain or boring.
Another nice feature about this watch is that it has a solar quartz movement which means it gets its energy from solar and ambient light, thus eliminating the need for replacing the battery.
The water resistance of this watch is 30m/100 feet which means it is splash-proof.
All in all, this is an elegant and dressy timepiece with a white dial that is perfect for formal occasions.
Specifications
- Diameter: 28.5mm
- Water resistance: 30m/100feet
- Movement: Solar quartz
- Power-reserve: 6 months
Tissot Tradition Chronograph T0636171603700
The Tissot Tradition T0636171603700 is a dress watch based on the model we looked at earlier, but this timepiece also incorporates a chronograph function which gives it a more sporty and versatile look.
The watch has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42mm and has a polished finish with a thin rounded bezel which puts the focus on the dial. Because of the thin case shape, it has a large white dial with three sub-dials. The dial has applied arrow-shaped metal hour markers which match perfectly with the sharp sword-shaped hands. Positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock, we also have a date window discreetly integrated into the dial. The white dial together with its polished metal accents allows for a clean and refined look. On top of the case sits an anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
Powering this watch is a Swiss quartz movement and it has a water resistance of 30m/100 feet.
All in all, this watch has a stylish and refined design that has an overall classic look, but also a touch of sportiness which makes it more versatile and suitable for everyday wear.
Specifications
- Diameter: 42mm
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Crystal: anti-reflective sapphire
- Movement: quartz
Bulova Classic Quartz 97A123
The Bulova is a classic and traditional dress watch with an elegant and refined design.
It features a 41mm stainless steel case with a yellow gold-tone case which gives a more luxurious and elegant look. The case has a beautiful short lug design which complements the case perfectly. On top of the case sits a mineral crystal. The case has a slim case profile that slides under a cuff without any issues.
The watch has a white dial with a silvery pearlescent finish which makes it more vibrant and interesting compared to a flat white dial. Around the outer edge of the dial, it has black applied Roman numerals. The yellow gold case is paired with matching yellow gold sword-shaped hands with a beautifully beveled design.
Powering this watch is a quartz movement.
To go with the elegant theme, it is presented on an alligator-embossed leather brand with a buckle. Unexpectedly for a dress watch, it has a water resistance of 30m/100 feet.
Specifications
- Crystal: flat mineral
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Movement: quartz
- Diameter: 41mm
Citizen Eco-Drive Garrison Quartz AW1430-86A
The Citizen Eco-Drive Garrison AW1430-86A is a sporty yet elegant and versatile timepiece with a white dial that makes it perfect for everyday wear but also for sportier occasions.
The watch features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 43mm which combines brushed and polished elements with beveled lugs. The case has a beautifully beveled lug design which also shows that Citizen has paid great attention to the details, giving it a more luxurious and elegant look, despite its affordable price. The crown at 3 o’clock is also protected by crown guards. To go with the sporty theme, it is presented with a three-link Oyster bracelet with a folding clasp.
The dial is painted white and has a beautiful brushed/striped finish which makes it more vibrant and interesting. The brushed finish reflects the light beautifully. At 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, it has applied Arabic numerals with black color. Between these Arabic numerals, it has rectangular hour markers. Positioned at 3 o’clock, we also find a date window. The watch has sword-shaped hands filled with luminescence and black frames which provide a great contrast against the dial and provides excellent legibility.
The watch has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet which means it is splash-proof and can handle short periods of swimming.
Specifications
- Diameter: 43mm
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Crystal: Eco-Drive quartz
Orient ‘2nd Gen. Bambino Ver. 2’ Automatic
Next up, we have what is perhaps the most popular affordable dress watch on the market. It is one of the most affordable dress watches on the market, but it still offers exceptional value for money when it comes to its quality and attention to detail. This model is also available with a white dial.
The 2nd Gen Bambino Version 2 is a stainless steel case that has a diameter of 40.5mm and a sleek and elegant case design. The case has slim lugs and a thin polished bezel which leaves all the focus on the dial. On top of the case, it has a domed mineral crystal. The case also has a domed dial design which, together with the crystal, makes for an elegant and classic look.
The watch has a white dial with applied metal Roman hour markers and thin, blued hands which reminds of vintage dress watches. Positioned at 3 o’clock, it has a date window which is practical to have for everyday wear.
Another factor that makes this watch so popular is the fact that it is powered by an automatic movement. Specifically the Orient in-house caliber F6722. This movement is known for being a robust and reliable workhorse and has both a hacking and manual-winding function.
The watch is water-resistant to 30m/100 feet which is decent for a dress watch.
All in all, it’s easy to see why this watch is so immensely popular. Its amazing attention to detail and high quality in relation to its price is impressive, and there are few watches in this price range with an automatic movement that can compete with the Bambino.
Specifications
- Crystal: domed mineral
- Water resistance: 30m
- Movement: Automatic F6724
- Diameter: 40.5mm
Tissot T-Classic Automatic III Day Date T065.930.11.031.00
Next up, we have the Tissot T-Classic Automatic III Day-Date T065.930.11.031.00 is another white dial watch but with a slightly sportier appearance which makes it very versatile and suitable for everyday wear.
It has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 39mm which is a popular size that suits many different men’s wrists. Tissot has done a great job with the attention to detail of the case finishing and it has polished beveled edges contrasted by brushed elements. The crown at 3 o’clock sits somewhat protected by an extension of the case which works as a crown guard. The bezel is made quite thin which puts all the focus on the white dial. On top of the case sits a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal which is more exclusive than mineral glass.
Speaking of the dial, this watch has a beautifully executed white dial with a striped pattern at the center and a matte finish around it. It also has applied metal hour markers and thin pencil-style hands with applied luminescence.
Being a day and date watch, it has a day window at 12 o’clock and a date window at 6 o’clock which makes it rather suitable for everyday wear.
The water resistance is decent but not really impressive for an everyday watch at 30m/100 feet.
Another nice feature of this watch is that it has an automatic Swiss movement. Last but not least, it is presented on a nice stainless steel bracelet which goes well together with its sporty and versatile purpose.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Movement: Automatic
- Diameter: 39mm
- Thickness: 9.5mm
Seiko 5 Automatic SNKL41K1
The Seiko SNKL41K1 is one of the most popular affordable automatic watches due to its very low price. It also happens to have a white dial.
The watch has a simple and small stainless steel case with a diameter of 38mm which will fit both men and women and is particularly great for men who enjoy slightly smaller watches. The case is also nicely finished with brushed lugs at the top and polished beveled edges. The crown is positioned at 4 o’clock and has a crown that is integrated into the case. On top of the case, it has a Hardly crystal.
The white dial has a slightly matte and textured finish with applied metal hour markers and sharp sword-shaped hands with luminescence applied to them. At 3 o’clock, it has a day and date window. Overall, the dial is simple and clean.
The water resistance is 30m and can handle water splashes, but it is not suitable for swimming and diving.
It is presented on a stainless steel bracelet, and unsurprisingly for affordable watches, this is the part of the watch that receives the most complaints. The links are not solid which gives it a slightly cheap feel, but it is also what we expect from a watch in this price range.
All in all, if you’re looking for a very affordable automatic watch with a white dial and a slightly smaller case design, this is a great choice.
Specifications
- Diameter: 38mm
- Water resistance: 30m
- Crystal: Hardlex
Seiko 5 Automatic SNXF05
The Seiko 5 SNXF05 is a versatile watch that works perfectly for everyday wear and many different occasions. It has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 37mm which is a size that suits many different wrist sizes and can even be worn by both men and women.
The case is rounded but has a squared-off lug design which gives it a sleek yet sporty look. The case combines both brushed and polished elements which gives an elegant appearance. On top of the case sits Seiko’s signature Hardlex crystal.
Something that makes this watch especially appreciated by watch enthusiasts is the fact that it is powered by an automatic movement. Whilst it is not the most accurate or technically advanced movement, it is one that has proven to be a durable and sturdy workhorse that can continue to tick for many years to come. It has 21 jewels. The movement can also be viewed through the see-through case back.
The watch has a white dial with an interesting square ”checkered” pattern which keeps it from being plain and boring. Seiko has also paid great attention to legibility by making black parts on the applied metal hour markers and using black frames around the sword-shaped hands. Around the outer edge of the dial, it has dots of luminescence which also helps with legibility. A classic signature of Seiko 5s is also that it has a day and date window which can be practical to have for everyday wear.
The water resistance isn’t the best, but it is what we can expect from this type of watch, 30m/100 feet.
Specifications
- Diameter: 37mm
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Movement: Automatic
Seiko Chronograph SSB095
If you are looking for a classic yet versatile everyday watch with a white dial and a chronograph function, you may want to consider the Seiko SSB095.
This watch has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42mm and a thickness of 11mm with a nice finish with brushed and polished elements and beveled edges. It is of course presented with a chronograph function and has a tachymeter scale around the outer edge of the dial. On the classic white dial, it also has three sub-second dials. Between 4 and 5 o’clock, there is also a date window discreetly integrated. Unsurprisingly, it uses Seiko’s proprietary Hardlex crystal.
The watch is powered by a quartz movement and has a water resistance of 100m/330 feet.
To give it more of an elegant and classy look, it is presented on a brown embossed leather strap.
All in all, this is a great choice if you just want something simple and stylish that can work on most occasions without being boring, partially thanks to its dial being white and not black.
Specifications
- Diameter: 42mm
- Thickness: 11mm
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Movement: quartz
Seiko 5 Automatic SNK789
Lastly, we have the Seiko 5 SNK789. This is one of the most sold Seiko 5 watches in Seiko’s collection of watches, and it is easy to see why. It offers everything that we have come to expect from a Seiko 5 including durability, an automatic movement, a versatile design, and an automatic movement. Like all Seiko 5s, it also offers excellent value for money.
The watch has a 36mm stainless steel case which is suitable for both men and women and fits many different wrist sizes. The case has a simple design and there’s not much to say about its design. The crown is positioned at the signature 4 o’clock position. It uses Seiko’s signature Hardlex crystal.
The dial design is also quite simple and straightforward. It has a flat white color and applied metal hour markers. At 3 o’clock, it has a day and date window with a metal frame around it. The hands are simple with a pencil-shaped design and applied luminescence.
The water resistance is the standard 30m/330 feet.
All in all, this watch is a stylish and versatile timepiece that works great on many different occasions and not the least for everyday wear. It is robust enough to handle harsh conditions but also looks great on formal occasions too.
Specifications
- Diameter: 38mm
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Thickness: 11mm
- Movement: Automatic
- Water resistance: 30m
Why buy a white dial watch?
Most watches on the market today have black dials. Whilst black dials allow for a classic and discreet appearance, a lot of people can find them a bit boring at times. This is particularly true if you have a collection of multiple timepieces where all of them have black dials and you now want something different.
White dial watches stand out in a world of black dial watches and give a fresh, modern appearance. White dial watches become much more refreshing and may complement your style better. In some cases, white-dial watches just make more sense. For example, if you wear a white outfit, a white-dial watch may pair better with your outfit than a black-dial watch.
White dials are more cheerful than their black counterparts and they are also perceived as more modern. At the same time, with the right watch design, they can look perfectly subtle and elegant as well.
White dial watch – buyer’s guide
As you can see, white dial watches come in all kinds of different designs, shapes, and forms. This is great news as it means you’ll be able to find the perfect watch for you, regardless of your taste. In addition, white dial watches are available in all kinds of price categories, from less than 100 dollars, up to tens of thousands.
Some of the things you want to take into consideration when choosing your white dial watch are:
Style and design: As mentioned, watches come in all kinds of different styles and designs. From dress watches to sports, watches, dive watches, and everything in between. Deciding on the style of watch will allow you to narrow down your options and find the perfect watch for you. If you plan to wear it as an everyday watch and on casual occasions, it makes more sense to buy a sporty watch, perhaps a dive watch. But if you want something that goes well with a suit, you need to opt for a dress watch.
Size and dimensions: The size of your watch will, to some extent depend on the type that you choose. But most importantly, it will depend on your wrist size. Consider your wrist size and whether you like large or small watches so you know what to look for.
Movement: White dial watches are available with all kinds of movements so consider which type you prefer. Do you want quartz, automatic, or hand-wound? Each of these has both pros and cons.
Water resistance: Depending on how you plan to use your watch, the importance of water resistance will vary. If you only plan to go swimming occasionally, you need a watch that can handle this. But if you plan to go diving, you need a robust dive watch that is built for diving. On the other hand, if a dress watch is what you are looking for, you may not need water resistance at all.
Which is the best white dial watch?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on your needs and wants. Since we are focusing on affordable watches in this article, I can say, however, that Seiko is one of the best options. Seiko watches are affordable, but they are also known for offering great quality and exceptional value for money. If you have a bit more to spend, you can’t go wrong with a watch from Tissot. This way, you’re also getting a Swiss watch and the prestige that comes with it.
But the bottom line is that the most important part is that you choose a watch that matches your needs and requirements, as discussed above.
