The subject of integrated bracelets or integrated bands can harbor much debate within the watch enthusiast community. On one hand, an integrated band could be defined as one that is not easily replaced by aftermarket straps of standard lug widths. Sometimes, an extra protrusion of a lug in the midspan of the case can prevent a standard-size strap from fitting properly. On the other hand, an integrated band could be defined as one that aesthetically carries the design of the watch from the case down through the band. The debate lives on!
What isn’t up for debate is that the integrated bracelet watch style was born in the 1970s and so many brands offered their own approach to the design. The style remains super popular today among both luxury brands and affordable models. If you’re looking to add one to your collection, here are six top budget watches with integrated bands, priced at less than $1,000.
1. G-Shock DW5600PT-5
Price starting at $120 USD
Not every integrated band watch has to be steel on steel. Sometimes it can be resin on resin, as is the case for this G-Shock DW5600PT-5. The classic G-Shock square design comes with a slew of functions at a more than affordable price point. The case and band are rendered in an attractive sandy-yellow shade while the bezel is branded with “PROTECTION” and “G-SHOCK” in coral-colored text.
The positive digital display is easy to read, and some additional protection is provided by the golden-yellow bull-bars equipped around the case. This G-Shock is purposeful without a whole lot of extra frills and whistles. But most importantly, it has an integrated resin band that fits around your wrist so comfortably that the 55 grams of weight just disappears despite its generous 48.9mm × 42.8mm × 14.8 mm case dimensions.
2. Timex M79
Price starting at $289 USD
A great option for an affordable automatic steel watch with an integrated bracelet is this Timex M79. The stainless steel case is 40mm across and 14.5mm in thickness. A red and black split color timing bezel encircles the black dial, where you will be able to find the time, day, and date displays. Of course, that red and black bezel colorway is reminiscent of the Rolex “Coke” GMT, but this one comes in at a fraction of the price.
Turning the case around, you will find a display caseback showing the automatic movement that keeps the whole show running. The stainless steel woven bracelet merges into the top and bottom flanks of the case and continues down uniformly to the “TIMEX” label on the clasp. As promised by the brand, the watch is built to take a licking and keep on ticking.
3. Citizen Super Titanium Armor
Price starting at $460 USD
Citizen has been releasing several models using their super titanium material, which is claimed to be five times more scratch resistant and 40% lighter than stainless steel. This model, the Citizen Super Titanium AW1660-51H, uses super titanium for the 41mm case and the integrated bracelet. The geometric dial design is black and gray, accented with a color-matched date window at 3 o’clock, stick indices, and lumed stick hands.
The bezel has graduations alternating between indices and Arabic numerals every 5 minutes. The crown is tucked out of the way at 4 o’clock, ensuring a comfortable wearing experience. Behind the closed caseback is the J810 Eco-Drive movement, which will keep the hands ticking along without a sweat for years to come as long as it gets the occasional sunlight. With its 100m of water resistance and sapphire crystal, this is a solid option for a budget watch with an integrated band — especially if you aren’t afraid of its unique design motif.
4. Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
Price starting at $650 USD
Tissot has been turning heads over the past few years thanks to releases like this PRX Powermatic 80, the integrated bracelet sport watch which is a smash hit for the company. The stainless steel case comes in at 40mm wide and 10.9mm thick. The integrated stainless steel bracelet flows off of the case down to a butterfly clasp securely holding it all to your wrist.
The Powermatic 80 automatic movement offers 80 hours of power reserve and anti-magnetic properties at a relatively low price of $650. (However, there’s also a more affordable quartz option if that’s more your speed).
A beautiful blue dial lays under the stick indices and hands, while a date at 3 o’clock stands out against the dial as well with its white background. A display caseback allows you to see where the timekeeping magic happens. 100m of water resistance and a sapphire crystal make this hard to beat for a daily wearer that can go anywhere.
5. Le Jour Coral Diver
Price starting at $800 USD
Another slightly higher-priced but awesome watch on this list is the Le Jour Coral Diver LJ-CD-003. If you’re unfamiliar with the brand, they offer Swiss-made mechanical watches at sensible prices. The Coral Diver is a 42mm stainless steel dive watch, but unlike many other dive watches, it’s designed to stay on the integrated H-link bracelet. No one-piece NATO straps for this one.
A workhorse Sellita SW-200 automatic movement gives this 200m water-resistant diver reliable timekeeping abilities while the hands, stick indices, and bezel markers are all luminous for optimal legibility — so there will be no squinting deep underwater (or in the middle of the night in bed) to check the time. The 120-click unidirectional bezel has a ceramic insert and the highlight of the package has to be the textured gray dial, which gives a hint of charisma to the otherwise business-like design. This Le Jour offers a whole lot of value for not a whole lot of money.
6. Yema Wristmaster Traveller
Price starting at $899 USD
On the highest end of our price range (but still affordable) is the Yema Wristmaster Traveller. While it may look familiar to other watches on this list, the Yema has several unique elements that make it stand out. The 39mm stainless steel case is asymmetrically octagonal and features a bezel with visually interesting cutouts, angles, and finishing. The case and bracelet end links pair seamlessly where each link looks like a continuation of the case geometry, tapering down towards the clasp.
The screw-down caseback is closed, punctuated with Yema’s crest at the center, to protect the YEMA2000 automatic movement underneath with 42 hours of power reserve. The movement has a maximum deviation of +/- 25 seconds per day but is adjusted to +/- 10 seconds per day for normal wear. The glossy black dial is home to a date window at 3 o’clock and creamy-colored printed hour markers coated with 13 layers of Super-Luminova. Color-matched lumed Superman hands complete the timekeeping functionality under the raised sapphire crystal.
That wraps up our list of best watches with integrated bracelets under $1,000. Do you enjoy wearing integrated bracelets? Or do you prefer standard straps? Do you have another recommendation for affordable integrated bracelet watches that we might have missed? Let us know in the comments below!