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G-Shock Takes Inspiration From Patek Philippe With a New Affordable Watch
Well, the rumors were true. After weeks of leaked images and social media teasers, G-Shock has officially introduced the new 2500 series. Nine models are scheduled to arrive in November, with prices ranging from $145 for the resin versions to $350 for those fitted with metal bracelets. I think there’s quite a bit to like here, especially if you’ve been waiting for G-Shock to try something different with an analog-only design.
Orient Enters the Affordable GMT Market With the New Kamasu
The affordable automatic GMT market has gotten pretty crowded since Seiko introduced the 5 Sports GMT back in 2022. The NH34 movement eventually made its way into countless microbrand releases, giving enthusiasts plenty of options for tracking a second time zone without spending a fortune. Four years later, Orient has finally joined the conversation with the new Kamasu GMT. I think this one was overdue, and I’m glad to see it happen.
Oris Takes the Green Dial Dive Watch in a Different Direction
Oris has a habit of getting creative with the Aquis, especially when there’s an environmental project attached. The new Aquis Kelp Forest Limited Edition continues that approach with a 3D-printed dial that looks quite different from the usual green dive watch. I think the result is pretty appealing, although I’m curious about how that unusual pattern will hold up once the initial novelty wears off.
Our Favorite Affordable Watches From October 2026
October brought fewer affordable releases than September, and a lot stranger ones. September kept pulling hardware down from pricier watches. The best cheap watches this month mostly bet on personality instead: a chronograph built to look like a panda, Breguet numerals on a Timex dress watch, and a titanium digital running a module its maker spent a year developing. Even the month’s most sensible release, a Casio Duro on fabric, came with a price increase attached. Fewer watches cleared our bar this time. Several of October’s best-looking releases went over $600 or launched without a US price, and I’ve rounded those up near the end. All four picks here cost less than $600 and have confirmed US pricing. Here are our favorite affordable watches from October 2026.
Casio Gives Its Affordable Dive Watch an Upgrade With a Catch
There are few watches that inspire the kind of enthusiasm we’ve seen for the Casio Duro. We’ve reviewed it here at TBWS, recommended it countless times, and I’ve spent more time than I’d care to admit browsing r/DuroGang (easily one of my favorite little corners of the watch internet). For a relatively inexpensive quartz diver, the Duro has developed a pretty entertaining community around it. Now, Casio is introducing the MDV-106C, complete with fabric straps and a dial design that gives this familiar watch a slightly different look.
