The entrée into “proper” watch collecting (whatever the hell that is) needn’t take the form of some high-end, mechanical watch. All you need is something that fits your budget, that’s satisfying to wear and that, ideally, you can appreciate for more than simply telling the time. In other words: something that makes you happy. Among brands that are known to deliver this along with attractive design and affordable prices, MVMT is one of the most popular.
Pronounced like “movement,” MVMT is a young brand with an overwhelmingly young customer base that has had an impressive rise. Founded in California in 2013 by two college dropouts, the brand first raised money via crowdfunding site Indiegogo and only a few short years later sold the company to the Movado Group for $300 million in 2018. (Moral of the story: College is overrated. Found a watch company instead.)
Minimalist design that can function as part of your larger wardrobe is the brand’s calling card. That, and affordability, with prices that fall between roughly $100 and $300 and plenty to choose from: there are 19 men’s collections alone, each containing multiple models. Whether you’re just getting interested in watches, are looking for a gift, want a simple and affordable dress watch (there are even a couple automatic options) or just a weekend beater — MVMT’s got one to fit the bill. Check out some of our favorites below.
The thing about MVMT watches is that many are on the bold side in terms of size. “The 40” measures an easy-wearing 40mm, which is just about perfect for a dress watch.
Movement: Quartz
Diameter: 40mm
Ceramic is generally considered a premium material that significantly bumps up the price of a watch. If you can get a ceramic watch for under $200, that’s some solid value.
Movement: Quartz
Diameter: 41mm
A modern take on the classic military field watch, it’s hard to argue with the Field’s clean but interesting design. For an automatic option, see below.
Movement: Quartz
Diameter: 41mm
Minimal in design and size, the Bristol has a clean dial and a case diameter of 39mm. A steel bracelet only adds more value and versatility.
Movement: Quartz
Diameter: 39mm
Handsome, minimalist and affordable with a Japanese automatic movement, this MVMT would make a worthy gateway into mechanical watches (and maybe even future collecting). It’s available in several versions, too.
Movement: Miyota 821A automatic
Diameter: 41mm
It might be a bit bigger than your typical field watch and not quite as legible with dark lume on a black dial, but it’s got an automatic movement and plenty of style.
Movement: Seiko NH36 automatic
Diameter: 42.5mm
Chronographs with a white dial and black subdials are called “panda dials” by collectors. Something like this is called a “reverse panda” for obvious reasons.
Movement: Quartz
Diameter: 47mm
A sporty dive-style watch ready for action, this watch is made using recycled ocean plastic for its 45mm case and its fabric strap.
Movement: Quartz
Diameter: 45mm
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