In this “affordable” listicle, I’m rounding up five of my favourite underrated Singaporean watch brands. What many may not realise is that Singapore is home to a growing watchmaking scene, with over 80 local brands currently in operation—each striving to carve out its own place in the industry. From these, I’ve shortlisted five personal favourites: brands I believe have strong potential for future success. Importantly, these brands remain highly accessible. Every watch highlighted in this listicle can be purchased for under $500. Yet, many of them still fly under the radar, with most Singaporeans—and even seasoned watch enthusiasts—unlikely to have heard of them. Hopefully, this article helps change that.
With that in mind, these are the 5 affordable Singaporean watch brands that I respect and believe in.
1) Aries Gold
The “biggest” brand on this list, Aries Gold is a brand that some of us would be familiar with. If you didn’t know it is a Singapore watch brand, well, now you do.
My opinion: Aries Gold is a brand often dismissed by watch enthusiasts—and I think that’s a shame. In my view, it offers some of the strongest value propositions in the $300+ segment. Take the Voltramic (pictured above), for instance. It’s arguably the brand’s most striking design to date, combining a skeletonised dial with a faceted octagonal bezel and an integrated bracelet. The specifications are equally compelling for the price: sapphire crystal, a reliable Seiko movement, and Super-LumiNova lume. I’m particularly drawn to the blacked-out variant with the gold dial—it strikes a fine balance between stealth and sophistication, offering visual impact without tipping into ostentation.
Review: I reviewed the Aries Gold Jolter here, the Aries Gold Cruiser here, the Aries Gold Roadster here, the Aries Gold El Toro here, the Aries Gold Vanguard here, the Aries Gold Black Sea here, the Aries Gold Dreadnought here, the Aries Gold Diplomat here, the Aries Gold Great White here, and the Aries Gold Voltramic here. I also did an article on why I believe that they are one of the best watch brands under S$200 here.
Where to buy: Aries Gold’s web-store. Aries Gold is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers can enjoy 20% off all products on their web-store. Simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” upon checkout to enjoy the discount.
2) Vesuviate
Vesuviate offers some of the most sturdy, bang-for-buck watches that I’ve personally reviewed.
My opinion: I have deep respect for Vesuviate’s brand mission: to create robust watches built to withstand the demands of real-world adventure. In that regard, the Volare GMT is a clear triumph. It is, quite simply, the best put-together watch I’ve encountered at the S$500 price point, with its heat-treated case and bracelet placing it well ahead of the competition. If you’re after a no-nonsense GMT that won’t break the bank, it’s hard to do better than the Vesuviate Volare GMT. I have little doubt it will hold up reliably for years to come. For those seeking something more unconventional, the brand also offers the dual-time Attivo-Duplex.
Reviews: I reviewed the Vesuviate Volare GMT here, and the Attivo-Duplex here.
Where to buy: Vesuviate’s web-store. Vesuviate is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy 10% off products on their web-store. Just quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy the discount.
3) Kent Hall & Co
Perhaps the best value proposition I’ve reviewed, Kent Hall & Co’s Nova Skeleton series offers a lot for very little.
My opinion: Integrated sports watches are very much in vogue, and Kent Hall & Co offers a way to tap into the trend without spending a small fortune—or enduring an interminable waiting list. Priced at under S$250, the Nova Skeleton delivers impressive value, featuring a sapphire crystal, an automatic movement, Swiss Super-LumiNova, and a solid metal bracelet. Its skeletonised dial and integrated bracelet give it strong visual appeal, and it may well be one of the most affordable watches of its kind on the market. As such, it serves as an excellent entry point into the world of mechanical watches.
Review: I reviewed the Kent Hall & Co Nova Skeleton here. I also reviewed the Revival Gunmetal here, the Paragon Liberty here, and the new Kent Hall & Co Revival II here.
Where to buy: Kent Hall and Co’s web-store. Kent Hall and Co is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy 10% off products on their web-store.
4) Reverie
Reverie made a huge splash in the microbrand community with its debut watch -the Reverie Sea Spirit- due to its unique guilloche dial. Since then, this Singaporean brand has continued to make guilloche a mainstay in its designs.
My opinion: Known for its beautifully executed guilloché dials, Reverie offers watches that feel a touch more refined than the norm. Take the Reverie Diver, for example. Affordable dive watches are plentiful, but the Diver distinguishes itself with a striking guilloché dial and a 12-hour bezel—details that set it apart from its peers. The specifications are equally compelling for the price: sapphire crystal, a 200 m water-resistance rating, a solid bracelet (with an additional rubber strap), a Miyota 9039 movement, and dual Swiss Super-LumiNova. For those less inclined towards dive watches, the Reverie GT is also worth a look—a well-executed, dress-leaning sports chronograph that showcases the brand’s design sensibilities.
Review: I reviewed the Reverie GT here, and the Reverie Diver here.
Where to buy: Reverie’s web-store. Reverie is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy $30 USD off products on their web-store.
5) Ratio Watches
Those with a tight budget and looking for absolute value will love the strong value propositions of Ratio Watches.
My opinion: If I had to sum up Ratio Watches in one word, it would be value. The brand offers automatic dive watches—with sapphire crystals and reliable Seiko NH35 movements—for around US$100, available in a range of eye-catching colourways and designs. My standout pick is the Street Racer chronograph (pictured above), featuring a bold red dial and an impressive spec sheet: sapphire crystal, 200 m water resistance with a screw-down crown, Seiko VK64 mecha-quartz movement, Jubilee bracelet, and Swiss BGW9 Super-LumiNova. For anyone seeking an affordable racing chronograph, it’s hard to imagine a stronger option at the sub-US$200 price point.
Review: I reviewed the Ratio Watches Street Racer Chronograph here.
Where to buy: Ratio Watches’ web-store. Ratio Watches is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy 10% off products on their web-store.
Other listicles
If you found this Singapore watch brand listicle helpful, do check out some of my other listicles below:
- 12 Best Affordable Tailors in Singapore
- 7 Best Affordable Watch Straps Brands in Singapore
- 3 Best Affordable Dress Shoes Brands in Singapore
- 3 Best Affordable Perfume Brands in Singapore
- 5 Best Affordable Wallets Brands in Singapore
- 4 Best Affordable Men’s Work Bags Brands in Singapore
- 9 Best Affordable Hotels in Singapore for Daycations and Staycations in Singapore
- 7 Best Affordable Web Design Companies in Singapore
- 3 Best Affordable Tailors in Bangkok
- 3 Best Affordable Perfume Workshops in Singapore
- 4 Best Affordable Aesthetic Clinics and Treatments for Men in Singapore
- 3 Best Affordable Spectacles Shops in Singapore
Conclusion:
Hopefully, this article demonstrates that homegrown watch brands not only exist but are thriving. As microbrands continue to gain traction amid the steadily rising prices of luxury timepieces, I’m confident that some—if not all—of the Singaporean brands featured above will carve out a meaningful niche, if they haven’t already. As mentioned earlier, I’ve met with most of the founders highlighted here. Their passion for what they do is unmistakable and genuinely heartening to see. I wish them every success and hope that this platform can play a small part in helping these brands reach even greater heights.
P.S: Check out The Shiok Store here – it serves as a curation of my favourite products from my favourite brands.
P.P.S: Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wah so Shiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
P.P.P.S: If you haven’t already, do follow my social media channels on Facebook here, on Instagram here, and on Youtube here.
P.P.P.P.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
