I like watches, but I have never believed you need to spend a fortune to wear a good-looking one. Over the years I’ve tried different affordable styles, and the thing I notice first isn’t the name on the dial. It’s whether a watch makes sense with what I’m wearing.

Here are five watches I’d consider under C$150. They do different jobs. A watch for a jacket and shirt isn’t necessarily the watch I’d take travelling — and that’s fine.

Editor’s note: These are personal-style observations, not laboratory tests. Check current Canadian prices before ordering; the under-C$150 budget depends on the seller and variant.

Casio AE-1200WHD — The Casio Royale

Best worn as: Everyday / travel / retro casual.

If I had to keep just one digital watch from this list, this would be it. It looks a bit like a tiny control panel, in the best possible way. I like the silver bracelet version: with jeans and a plain shirt it feels deliberate, not cheap.

People call it the Casio Royale, and there is a Bond story behind that name. In 1983’s Octopussy, Roger Moore actually wore a Seiko G757 — not this Casio. The AE-1200 has a similar multi-display look, and watch enthusiasts combined that resemblance with the film title Casino Royale. The nickname stuck.

You get world time, five alarms, a 10-year rated battery and 100m water resistance. The catch: the case is resin, not steel. I would wear it travelling, at work or at the weekend. I would not pretend it is a dress watch.

Quick specs: 45 × 42.1 × 12.5 mm case · CR2025 battery (approx. 10 years) · 100 m water resistance

Casio MTP-V002L — A Proper Budget Dress Watch

Best worn as: Dress / smart casual.

This is the one I would reach for with a blazer, a button-down shirt or a suit. No tricks. Black dial, leather strap and sensible proportions.

It is not a luxury watch, and the strap will not fool anyone who knows expensive leather. But that’s not the point. On the wrist it has a calm, traditional look that many oversized watches miss.

I would happily wear this to dinner or a meeting. For swimming or rough outdoor use, pick something else.

Quick specs: 37 mm case width · SR626SW battery (approx. 3 years) · Mineral glass

Timex Weekender 38mm — Easy to Wear

Best worn as: Everyday / preppy casual.

Some watches only work with one outfit. The Weekender is not one of them. The simple dial and fabric strap look right with chinos, a polo, an Oxford shirt or just jeans.

The 38mm size is a good middle ground and the strap is easy to change. I also appreciate the INDIGLO dial after dark.

One warning: it is a casual watch, despite how clean it looks. I wouldn’t choose this particular fabric-strap version for a formal suit. Timex rates it at 30m water resistance, so keep it away from swimming.

Quick specs: 38 mm case · CR2016 battery · 30 m water resistance

Timex Expedition Scout — For the Weekend

Best worn as: Field / outdoors / casual.

A field watch should be easy to read. The Scout understands that. Big numerals, a straightforward dial and a strap that looks good with denim, boots and a heavier jacket.

I like this style in autumn particularly. It has character without trying to look expensive. The INDIGLO light is genuinely useful.

Would I put it on with a three-piece suit? No. With a sweater and jeans, absolutely. Think of it as a practical casual watch, not a dress watch.

Quick specs: 40 mm case · CR2016 battery · Mineral glass

Casio Duro MDV-106 — The Sports Option

Best worn as: Sports / weekend / casual.

The Duro is the watch I would choose when I want something more substantial. The rotating bezel, black dial and 200m water resistance give you a proper sports-watch look without the usual price tag.

There is one drawback that matters more than a long list of specifications: size. At about 44mm, it can look too big on a smaller wrist. Try it on before buying if you can.

Wear it with a T-shirt, denim or relaxed weekend clothes. I know people wear divers with suits, but personally I’d choose the smaller Casio above for a genuinely dressy outfit.

Quick specs: 44.2 mm case width · SR626SW battery (approx. 3 years) · 200 m water resistance

If I were buying just one

For sheer character, I’d take the Casio Royale. For a shirt, jacket and a smarter evening, the MTP-V002L. And for something you can put on without thinking, the Timex Weekender is hard to beat.

A watch doesn’t need to look expensive. It needs to look right.