Stauer Watch Review: The Best Budget Swiss Watch Brand?

Who ever said you need to break the bank for a Swiss watch? Even if you are on a tight budget, you can still rock a Swiss watch on your wrist! Stauer is here to save the day, the perfect watch brand to provide you with a quality watch, while sticking to your budget.

I’ve often seen the community divided into two groups when it comes to cheap Swiss watches: enthusiasts and skeptics. However, even the enthusiasts can be quite skeptical about the quality and style of such an economical option too.

So to help provide a clearer picture, I took a closer look at some of the Stauer watches and want to share my results and experience with you.

Stay with me as I offer my Stauer watch review of what I believe to be the best 7 watches that this impressive brand has put on the market.

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS  Rating price
Overall BestStauer Men’s Stainless-Steel Evergreen Diver Watch Stauer Men’s Stainless-Steel Evergreen Diver Watch
  • Watch Movement: Quartz (Miyota Caliber 2115)
9.5
Stauer Men's Bimini Watch Stauer Men’s Bimini Watch
  • Watch Movement: Quartz (Miyota Caliber 2115)
9.5
Stauer Men’s Magnificat II Automatic Watch Stauer Men’s Magnificat II Automatic Watch
  • Watch Movement: Swiss Automatic with 27 Jewel
9.5
Stauer Men's Swiss Noire Bienne Gold Finished Watch Stauer Men’s Swiss Noire Bienne Gold Finished Watch
  • Watch Movement: Swiss Quartz (Rionda 505)
9.5
Stauer Men's Meteorite Watch Stauer Men’s Meteorite Watch
  • Watch Movement: Quartz (Miyota Caliber 2115)
9.5
Stauer Men's Automatic Gold-Finished Graves '33 Watch Stauer Men’s Automatic Gold-Finished Graves ’33 Watch
  • Watch Movement: Automatic 27 Jewel (Chinese)
9
Stauer Men's Alta Swiss Movement Gold Ingot Watch Stauer Men’s Alta Swiss Movement Gold Ingot Watch
  • Watch Movement: Swiss Quartz (Rionda 763)
9

Top 7 Stauer Watches Review

Stauer Men’s Stainless-Steel Evergreen Diver Watch – Overall Best

Stauer Men’s Stainless-Steel Evergreen Diver Watch

In the recent years, the most hyped watch from Stauer is the Stauer Men’s Stainless-Steel Evergreen Diver Watch. So, this was the first watch that I decided to review.

First of all, I want to make one thing clear: Stauer shouldn’t get all the credit for the amazing design of this watch. It is, in fact, another Rolex Submariner homage. Those of you who follow the watch industry know all about the Submariner homages. Almost all entry-level watch manufacturers have a Rolex Submariner model in their collection. But I must say that Stauer’s model stands out.

While the other manufacturers copy the same black and silver color combination, the Stauer Evergreen uses the emerald green color.

As a result, the watch becomes easily identifiable.

Being a diver-class watch, it offers superior water-resistance of 20ATM and has an extremely durable build. Overall, it’s a solid watch that should be on your watchlist.

Product Specification – Stauer Men’s Stainless-Steel Evergreen Diver Watch

  • Movement: Quartz (Miyota Caliber 2115)
  • Case Diameter: 44mm
  • Case Thickness: 14mm
  • Band Width: 19mm
  • Case Material: Stainless Steel
  • Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
  • Band Material: Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 141g (5 oz)
  • Water-Resistance: 20ATM (660ft.)
  • Model Year: 2018

Notable Features

  • Iconic Rolex Submariner inspired design and style
  • Screw down crown
  • Date window at 3 o’clock marker
  • Comes with Sony 377 SR626SW battery that lasts for about 3 years

Pros

  • Elegant and attractive, the emerald green dial and the gold-silver body gives the watch a premium look
  • The Miyota 2115 is a well-known quartz movement with ±20 sec/month accuracy
  • Durable build
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Great water-resistance performance

Cons

  • The watch bracelet feels tinny and fragile

Stauer Men’s Bimini Watch – The Vintage Classic

Stauer Men's Bimini Watch

Have you ever read any works by the talented Nobel laureate writer Ernest Hemingway?  Have you found yourself admiring his classic style? Well, I have an interesting watch for you – the Stauer Men’s Bimini Watch.

This watch from Stauer is a tribute to the legendary writer. It draws inspiration from Hemingway’s vagabond lifestyle on the Bimini island of the Bahamas.

The watch also resembles the design philosophy of the 1940s /military watches.

I love this vintage-looking watch – it is unquestionably unique and offers a sense of timeless elegance.  

Product Specification – Stauer Men’s Bimini Watch

  • Movement: Quartz (Miyota Caliber 2115)
  • Case Diameter: 42mm
  • Case Thickness: 14mm
  • Band Width: 20mm
  • Case Material: Stainless Steel
  • Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
  • Band Material: Distressed Italian Leather
  • Water-Resistance: 5ATM (165ft.)
  • Model Year: 2018

Notable Features

  • Tribute to great writer Ernest Hemingway and his vagabond lifestyle on the Bimini island
  • Case, bezel, and crown have matte rose-gold finish
  • Date display and 24h display follow the chronograph style dial display
  • Rich and glossy burgundy finish on the main dial
  • Soft and plush distressed Italian leather band
  • Comes with Sony 377 SR626SW battery that lasts for about 3 years

Pros

  • The antique look feels like a vintage classic
  • The Miyota 2115 is a well-known quartz movement with ±20 sec/month accuracy
  • Superior-quality build
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Great with casual and formal wear

Cons

  • Made in China, unlike some other models that are made in Switzerland or Germany

Stauer Men’s Magnificat II Automatic Watch – Best Automatic Movement Watch

Stauer Men’s Magnificat II Automatic Watch

Who doesn’t like an automatic watch? It’s an engineering marvel sitting right on your wrist. I would say that Stauer Men’s Magnificat II Automatic Watch is the best automatic watch from the brand.

Apart from offering original Swiss 27 jewel automatic movement, the watch is a treat for the eyes. The ivory guilloché watch face is premium and stunning.

It’s not only a great watch with functional precision, but a piece of art as well.

Sure, it lacks the robustness of other models, but I found that I don’t even mind as the design is a class apart!

Notable Features

  • High precision Swiss automatic movement with 27 jewels
  • Guilloche face with ivory-colored dial and azure-colored hands
  • Roman numerals on the hour markers
  • Case, bezel, and buckle are gold-fused
  • Exhibition style skeleton back
  • Day, date, and 24h dials with sun/moon display

Product Specification – Stauer Men’s Magnificat II Automatic Watch

  • Movement: Swiss Automatic with 27 Jewel
  • Case Diameter: 40mm
  • Case Thickness: 14mm
  • Band Width: 20mm
  • Case Material: Stainless Steel (Gold-Fused)
  • Bezel Material: Stainless Steel (Gold-Fused)
  • Band Material: Crocodile Embossed Leather
  • Water-Resistance: 3ATM (99ft.)
  • Model Year: 2018

Pros

  • Premium looking with artistic finish
  • The superior accuracy of the Swiss automatic movement
  • The comfortable band made of genuine leather
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Has some durability issues, definitely not suitable for sports or swimming
  • Poor water-resistance performance can only withstand watch splashes

Stauer Men’s Swiss Noire Bienne Gold Finished Watch – Best Unisex Model

Stauer Men's Swiss Noire Bienne Gold Finished Watch

One of the biggest letdowns of the Stauer watches is that in order to keep their products inexpensive, a lot of their watches come with Japanese or Chinese parts.

I mean, most people in the market for a Swiss watch are likely expecting Swiss parts from a Swiss brand, right?

If this sounds like you, the Stauer Men’s Swiss Noire Bienne Gold Finished Watch might satisfy your need: every tiny part of this watch has original Swiss parts.

So, in that sense, it’s a true Swiss watch!

Plus, the design factor of this watch is quite appealing. The 36mm watch face makes the watch suitable for both men and women. Its complete gold finish makes it both attractive and desirable.

However, to be completely transparent with you all, I need to warn you about something. Despite having all Swiss parts, this watch is actually assembled in China, not in Switzerland!  

Product Specification – Stauer Men’s Swiss Noire Bienne Gold Finished Watch

  • Movement: Swiss Quartz (Ronda 505)
  • Case Diameter: 36mm
  • Case Thickness: 8mm
  • Band Width: 19mm
  • Case Material: Alloy (Gold-Finished)
  • Bezel Material: Alloy (Gold-Finished)
  • Band Material: Gold-Finished Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 75g (2.64 oz)
  • Water-Resistance: 3ATM (99ft.)
  • Model Year: 2019

Notable Features

  • Parts made in Switzerland but assembled in China
  • Complete gold finish
  • Hand and hour markers illuminate in the dark
  • Date window at 3 o’clock marker
  • Unisex model

Pros

  • Premium look with rich gold tone
  • Ronda 505, well-received quartz movement in the community
  • Lightweight and sleek, suitable for both male and female
  • Very long-lasting battery (up to 10 years)
  • Great finish quality

Cons

  • The gold coating can scratch off easily
  • Very poor water resistance

Stauer Men’s Meteorite Watch – Most Unique Design

Stauer Men's Meteorite Watch

Okay, let me now take a moment to share with you my personal favorite watch from Stauer. This watch is completely out of this world – literally!

Sorry for the pun. But it’s remarkable: you can see genuine Muonionalusta meteor fragments in the Stauer Men’s Meteorite watch! You will fall under the spell of this unique watch after just one glance at the dial.

The texture of the Muonionalusta meteor gives off the impression of a Da Vinci work of art!

Product Specification – Stauer Men’s Meteorite Watch

  • Movement: Quartz (Miyota Caliber 2115)
  • Case Diameter: 44mm
  • Case Thickness: 3mm
  • Band Width: 22mm
  • Case Material: Stainless Steel
  • Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
  • Band Material: Genuine Leather
  • Weight: 88g (3.1 oz)
  • Water-Resistance: 10ATM (330ft.)
  • Model Year: 2019

Notable Features

  • Genuine meteorite dial, fragment of the Muonionalusta meteor
  • Screw down crown
  • Date window at 3 o’clock marker
  • Rotating unidirectional bezel
  • Luminous hands
  • Comes with Sony 377 SR626SW battery that lasts for about 3 years

Pros

  • One of the most unique looking watches – out of this world (!)
  • The Miyota 2115 is a well-known quartz movement with ±20 sec/month accuracy
  • Durable build
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Lightweight
  • Decent water-resistance performance

Cons

  • None!

Stauer Men’s Automatic Gold-Finished Graves ’33 Watch – Bringing Back the 1930s Classic

Stauer Men's Automatic Gold-Finished Graves '33 Watch

Have you ever considered which is the most important wristwatch in the history of the industry? Although the answer is subject to some debate, the most accepted answer is the legendary watch from Patek Philippe, created in 1933.

An American millionaire, Henry Graves went to the company with a long list of requirements and asked them to design him a very intricate watch. After seven years, the Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication came to being.

In 2014, that same watch was sold at $24 million – making it the most expensive watch ever. Later, the record was broken. However, it remains today the second most expensive watch on the market.

As you may have imagined, the Stauer Men’s Automatic Gold-Finished Graves ’33 Watch is a replica of that same watch.

In this watch, you’re getting the incredible precision of automatic movement with a timeless design. The intricacy is unbelievable: there are 210 tiny parts in the watch. If you are a collector or looking for great gift, this is the watch for you!

Product Specification – Stauer Men’s Automatic Gold-Finished Graves ’33 Watch

  • Movement: Automatic 27 Jewel
  • Case Diameter: 39mm
  • Case Thickness: 14mm
  • Band Width: 20mm
  • Case Material: Stainless Steel
  • Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
  • Band Material: Crocodile Embossed Brown Leather
  • Water-Resistance: 5ATM (165ft.)
  • Model Year: 2019

Notable Features

  • Inspired by the Iconic Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication, the 2nd most expensive watch in the world
  • Four subdials that indicate day, date, month, 24h time, and sun/moon dial
  • Roman numerals on the hour markers
  • Gold-toned bezel and crown

Pros

  • Resembles the look of one of the most important watches in history
  • Vintage look
  • High-quality material
  • Perfect gift item

Cons

  • Build quality is not satisfactory
  • The reliability of the Chinese automatic movement is questionable

Stauer Men’s Alta Swiss Movement Gold Ingot Watch – The Gold Standard!

Stauer Men's Alta Swiss Movement Gold Ingot Watch

When it comes to jewellery and luxury items, we as humans always seem to be mesmerized by gold.

Now, imagine having a watch placed on your wrist with a 99.99% pure gold ingot sitting in the middle!

Wait, there’s more!

The watch dial has 14K rose gold finish and the case and bezel is gold plated.

Intrigued?

The Stauer Men’s Alta Swiss Movement Gold Ingot Watch is the perfect watch for the gold lovers of the world. If I were to judge all the Stauer watches solely based on the choice of material, this watch would’ve stood out first.

Product Specification – Stauer Men’s Stainless-Steel Evergreen Diver Watch

  • Movement: Swiss Quartz (Rionda 763)
  • Case Dimension : 28mm x 33mm
  • Case Thickness: 6.9mm
  • Band Width: 22mm
  • Case Material: Rose Gold Plated Stainless Steel
  • Bezel Material: Rose Gold Plated Stainless Steel
  • Band Material: Genuine Leather
  • Water-Resistance: 3ATM (99ft.)
  • Model Year: 2018

Notable Features

  • 99.99% pure gold ingot in the center of the dial issued by Credit Suisse
  • 14K rose gold finished dial
  • Rose gold plated case and bezel
  • Protected by the sturdy Cotswold crystal
  • Rectangular watch face

Pros

  • Elegant and premium design that features pure gold
  • The extreme accuracy of the Swiss quartz movement (Ronda 763)
  • Top-shelf materials
  • Durable build

Cons

  • Expensive

Stauer Watches Reviews: Is It a Good Brand?

Before revolutionizing the watch industry, Stauer started as a jewellery brand.

So, let’s talk about their back story.

Michael Bisceglia is the visionary who started the story of this company back in 2001. He was looking for a bracelet for his wife and discovered that the jewellery market was quite overpriced. Such steep prices encouraged him to explore the market further.

Soon, he travelled to Bali, Indonesia and found that the local jewelers were making the same jewellery at only a fraction of the price of jewelers in Europe.

Realizing the market demand, Michael started the Stauer brand and began buying jewels and stones in bulk from different parts in the world. He could’ve established a luxury brand to sell those top-notch jewels, but desired to keep his products reasonably priced.

Later, the brand diversified and started exploring a different market. Thus, the Stauer watches were born.

Michael Bisceglia’s plan was quite simple. He wanted to offer high-quality Swiss watches at a lower price bracket. He also wanted his watches to be unique; one of the most interesting facts about their collection is that all of their watches come with an exciting story.

Interesting design and creative storylines behind every model are the identifiable traits of the Stauer brand.

More: What Is a Fold-Over Clasp Buckle? How Do You Wear a Fold-Over Clasp Buckle?

Where Are Stauer Watches Made?

Most of the Stauer watches are assembled in China with original Swiss parts. Stauer mainly relies on Ronda for their quartz movements. The casing and other parts are also made in Switzerland.

Then, all the parts travel to their China facility for final assembly.

However, a fair portion of their watches come with Japanese (Citizen Miyota) and Chinese movements. Not only the quartz models but also a lot of automatic watches use Chinese automatic movement.

So, if we’re being transparent, we can’t say that Stauer produces purely Swiss watches.

Still, users haven’t complained much about functional and build quality of the watches, so this reality doesn’t seem to affect Stauer’s clientele.

More: Curren Watches Reviews: A Chinese Brand with Good Quality?

So: Are Stauer Watches Any Good? What Do We Like About Stauer?

The unique designs and the tradition of creating stories to go with each of their watches are the most interesting features of Stauer watches. These watches have distinctive looks that are easily recognizable, and distinguishable from the other brands.

Plus, the background stories give the watches a sense of soul. People will always feel drawn to a product with a great story.

Also, it’s impossible to ignore the unbelievable pricing of Stauer watches. Imagine getting a Swiss watch at the price of a Citizen or a Seiko. Despite their aggressively low prices, Stauer doesn’t compromise on the quality either.

More: SMAEL Watch Review: Junk or Gem?

What Don’t We Like About Stauer Watches?

Like I said, Stauer is a jewellery brand first and a watch manufacturer second. That’s why most of their watches feel more like a piece of jewellery and less like an industrial, technological marvel.

With Stauer you get high quality materials, great craftsmanship, and beautiful polish. But none of the watches from Stauer feel like a piece of advanced technology.

In most cases, they buy movements from a third party like Ronda, Miyoko, or even an unknown Chinese manufacturer, a fact that may bother hardcore watch enthusiasts.

More: The Best Watch for Teens Boys and Girls

Conclusion

So, we’ve reached the end of today’s Stauer review. But don’t go yet, the main question still remains!

Which are the best Stauer watches?

Let’s rank the top three!

I would put the iconic Stauer Men’s Stainless-Steel Evergreen Diver Watch first, as it’s one of the best Rolex Submariner homages in the watch world. Plus, it’s the most popular watch produced by the brand.

In the second place, I would put the Stauer Men’s Bimini Watch. There’s no doubt about its stunning look; it is certainly eye candy for artistic watch lovers.

Finally, the Stauer Men’s Magnificat II Automatic Watch would claim the third spot for me. Because no matter what, automatic watches are king in the watch world today.

So, what do you think about this ranking and the overall Stauer watch review?

Let me know in the comment section, and good luck with your Swiss watch purchase!

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