Buying a new watch, for yourself or for a loved one, can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many to choose from, all the different styles, types, features… Sure, a fixed budget can help you out a bit, but there are limits. Our article can help.
A nice wristwatch can refresh and upgrade your entire style, making you stick out more, and just serve as a wonderful addition to any outfit. It’s also a thing of beauty and precision.
Check out our guide on the best watches for men, read our guide, and we’re certain you’re going to make the right choice.
The Top 10 Watches For Men
We may earn a commission when you buy certain products through the links on this page. Note that this does not influence the content created by our team. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure. D6 Chrono [47mm] - Rose Gold
One Of The Most Most Popular Watches For Men
- Very durable thanks to its gold-ion plated case
- Chronograph features ads stopwatch functionality
- Luxurious design
M20 GMT DIVER [42MM]
Among The Best Waterproof Watches For Men
- Tells two time zones at once
- 200-meter water-resistance rating
- Scratch Proof sapphire crystal
Logic Black-ion [42mm] - Wood
Among The Best Budget Watches For Men
- Low maintenance
- Accurate
- Comfortable
- Slim and professional looking
Deep 6 Vision SE [47mm]
One Of The Best Sport Watches For Men
- High-legibility
- Unique “sharktooth” design
- Durable
- Comfortable
Atlas [38mm] - White Full Lume
One of the best titanium watches for men
- Lightweight, elegant watch
- Titanium case for ultra durability
- Luminous dials for extra legibility
- Titanium is non-allergenic
FitBit sense
One Of The Top Best Smart Watches For Men
- Multitude of specific phone-like features
- GPS tracking
- Music player
- Used for calls
- Track sleeping patterns
ScanWatch
Best Digital Watches For Men
- Irregular heartbeat detection
- Oxygen saturation test
- Activity tracking
- Actually looks like a watch
M30 Automatic [44mm]
The Best Military Watch
- Dive watch used by professionals
- Used by military and tactical teams
- Incredibly durable and tough
Logic Chrono [42mm] - Wood
One Of The Best Luxury Watches Anywhere
- Elegant, vintage design
- Minimalist
- Chronograph stopwatch function
Splash [38mm] - White Full Lume
Among The Best Watches For Young Men
- Affordable
- Flashy design
- Unisex design
A List of the Best Watches For Men and Their Reviews
D6 Chrono [47mm] - Rose Gold
One Of The Most Most Popular Watches For Men
- Movement: Japanese, Quartz, Miyota 6S50
- Type: Dive
- Complications and extra features: Chronograph, Dates
- Materials: Rose Gold-Ion Plated Stainless Steel, Mineral/Sapphire
First up, we have the Deep 6 Chrono. This watch has a beautiful stainless steel case that gives it a great deal of durability. The gold-ion coating means it’s going to keep its shine for a very long time. Furthermore, the mineral/sapphire crystal covering its face is very scratch-resistant. Finally, the watch can withstand pressure at a depth of 200 meters.
Besides the beautiful design and high-level quartz craftsmanship, this one is on our list of the best watches for men because of its clear chronograph stopwatch functionality. It’s perfect for checking how much time you spent underwater. You can also use it to check the date.
This elegant watch is at home at a business meeting, a semi-formal gathering, or 200 meters underwater if you just feel like diving. It’s going to make you feel like James Bond.
The materials used also make it less flashy than one might think. It doesn’t so much shine as it gleams in various lighting conditions. The large date window is clear while still staying unobtrusive.
This is one of the best gold watches for men that money can buy, being borderline luxurious, while still not breaking the bank. However, people have reported that it is sometimes hard to tell the exact time at a glance.
You can order an extra band, and have the watch engraved.
Pros
- + Very durable thanks to its gold-ion plated case
- + Chronograph features ads stopwatch functionality
- + Luxurious design
Cons
- − Somewhat hard to read at a glance
M20 GMT DIVER [42MM]
Among The Best Waterproof Watches For Men
- Movement: Swiss, Quartz, Ronda 515.24H
- Type: Dive
- Complications and extra features: GMT function
- Materials: Stainless Steel, Sapphire
The M20 GMT Diver is not only a good looking piece of craftsmanship, it also has a host of features that make it stand out. First, it’s very durable thanks to its construction and design. The stainless steel casing, along with the sapphire crystal, make it scratch-resistant and damage-resistant.
Furthermore, it’s among the best quality watches for men because of its added features. It has a 200-meter water-resistance rating, allowing you to go diving guilt-free. Its GMT function has a 24h hand that lets you tell the time in two separate time zones at once.
The markers are made clear by the ultra-legible SuperLuminova design, so you can tell the time at glance, no matter where you are.
The watch itself is very accurate, requires little maintenance, and is powered by a Swiss quartz movement.
What makes it among the top wrist watches for men is that, while bulky, its sleek design hides its size, making it look very elegant. However, some people have reported that it feels a bit heavy.
You can get this engraved for an extra twenty-five dollars, as well as order an additional band.
Pros
- + Tells two time zones at once
- + 200-meter water-resistance rating
- + Scratch Proof sapphire crystal
Cons
- − Bulky
Logic Black-ion [42mm] - Wood
Among The Best Budget Watches For Men
- Movement: Japanese, Quartz, Epson VX32G
- Type: Field
- Complications and extra features: N/A
- Materials: Black-Ion Plated Stainless Steel, Mineral/Sapphire
The Logic Black-ion is among the best wrist watches for men looking for variety and adaptiveness. It has a timeless, minimal design that can be worn at both formal gatherings, and at casual meetings. It’s simple, slim, and professional. The entire watch, with its dark and wooden tones, radiates warmth and class.
This watch is one of the more affordable timepieces on our list, but that doesn’t mean it’s of a lower quality. It has solid durability, and for an added investment, you can get scratch-proof sapphire crystal to protect its face and hands. Furthermore, it’s Swiss quartz, so you know it’s going to be highly accurate, and low-maintenance.
Its crown has a 4 o’clock position that helps avoid that dreaded wristbite as well.
However, while it is one of the best analog watches for men, it has solid, though somewhat mediocre, water resistance. Still, taking a quick dip in the pool won’t hurt it at all.
You can invest in scratchproof sapphire crystal. The dial comes in either black or wood color, while the band comes in black rubber, and brown or black leather.
Pros
- + Low maintenance
- + Accurate
- + Comfortable
- + Slim and professional looking
Cons
- − Mediocre water resistance at 100 meters
Deep 6 Vision SE [47mm]
One Of The Best Sport Watches For Men
- Movement: Japanese, Quartz, Miyota 2453
- Type: Dive
- Complications and extra features: N/A
- Materials: Stainless Steel, Mineral/Sapphire
The Deep 6 Vision SE is all about practicality while still staying stylish and, simply put, cool. This watch is the perfect timepiece for men who like to go out for a run on the beach and then jump in the water for a swim. Guys look
One of the most popular wrist watches for men, and for good reason. It’s a Japanese Quartz design, with black dials and impeccable water-resistance of 200 meters.
The case is made from black-ion steel. The indices are of a neon green luminosity, in a “biting” sharktooth style, giving you a very clear, easy-to-read face. This is made especially evident when you see just how much it contrasts with the black face and casing. In fact, it probably has the highest legibility of all the watches reviewed here.
However, there is no accounting for taste. While it is among the top watches for men, some people are not thrilled by its design. It is, as we’ve mentioned before, one of the more sporty watches, with its minimalistic, black design, its neon green luminosity, and the “shark tooth” markers. It’s not really something you can wear comfortably at a business meeting, or at a black-tie event.
The bands come in black-ion stainless steel, black rubber, as well as NATA nylon that is either green and black, or pure black.
Pros
- + High-legibility
- + Unique “sharktooth” design
- + Durable
- + Comfortable
Cons
- − Some find the design bland
Atlas [38mm] - White Full Lume
One of the best titanium watches for men
- Movement: Japanese, Quartz, Epson VX32G
- Type: Field
- Complications and extra features: N/A
- Materials: Titanium, Mineral/Sapphire
Simple, affordable, iconic – the Atlas is a must for any man who needs something stylish on the move. This lightweight watch might feel flimsy, but it’s actually very durable, thanks to the titanium used in its manufacture. As a nice bonus, titanium is naturally non-allergenic, which will come as a relief to those who like classic watches, but can’t wear them.
It’s one of the best titanium watches for men all around not only thanks to its sturdiness and lightness, but also thanks to the design. It carries the simple, classic field watch shape and aesthetic. Its lightness however means that you can wear it all day.
The Atlas is further improved by the high-contrast and high-legibility dials used. You can check the time, day or night, it doesn’t matter.
This is one of the classic timepieces for men who like to be on the move, maybe get some work done around the house, while still being able to wear a watch that works in a nicer (albeit casual) setting.
People have expressed frustration when it comes to the band. Men with smaller wrists had to have it shortened.
The dials come in white, green lime, black, and blue colors. The bands come in black rubber, black or brown leather, and in black Cordura.
Pros
- + Lightweight, elegant watch
- + Titanium case for ultra durability
- + Luminous dials for extra legibility
- + Titanium is non-allergenic
Cons
- − The band can be too long for some users
FitBit sense
One Of The Top Best Smart Watches For Men
- Movement: Smart Watch/Digital
- Type: Smart Watch/Digital
- Complications and extra features: N/A
- Materials: Aluminium, corrosion-resistant stainless steel finish
Now for something a bit different. No good list of watch reviews can work without mentioning smartwatches. These deserve special mentions on our lists due to how unique they are.
With the FitbitSense, one of the best fitness watches for men, you get an advanced smartwatch that can help you keep an eye on your health, all the while serving as a watch and smartphone. While its calling functionality is great, we would like to talk a bit about its fitness features.
The Fitbit has a built-in GPS, with multiple exercise modes. However, it shines when it comes to stress management. The watch tracks your heart rate, sleep patterns, and your activity levels. Its Electrodermal Activity Sensor helps detect the intensity of the emotions you feel (based on small electrical currents and sweat secretion). This, coupled with other standard metrics like measuring your pulse while you work out, can give you unique insight into your health.
We consider this one of the best outdoor watches for men simply due to how useful it is when it comes to your workouts. Turn on the GPS, go for a run, and let the FitBit measure your pulse, your speed, skin temperature… You can even put on some tunes while you go for a run through its music player app.
Oh, and it also tells time.
Pros
- + Multitude of specific phone-like features
- + GPS tracking
- + Music player
- + Used for calls
- + Track sleeping patterns
Cons
- − Not really fashionable
ScanWatch
Best Digital Watches For Men
- Movement: Smart Watch/Digital
- Type: Smart Watch/Digital
- Complications and extra features: N/A
- Materials: Stainless steel
The (relatively) new Withings ScanWatch is a strong rival to the popular FitBit, as far as fitness watches are concerned. If the FitBit sense is all about stress, then the ScanWatch is all about sleep. But, we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
First, it has all the standard fare – activity tracking, a digital screen, GPS… We should point out right away that it doesn’t have a music player, and you can’t make a phone call. It’s among the top smart watches for men because of sleep.
The watch uses medical grade ECG systems that, along with its pulse oximeter, can help you keep an eye on your health. The pulse oximeter measures your oxygen saturation levels. This is useful for detecting any breathing disturbances while you sleep, which can serve as a warning sign for issues like sleep apnea.
Finally, it’s among the best workout watches for men because it actually looks like one. It has an old school, vintage design that makes it look like an analogue watch.
Pros
- + Irregular heartbeat detection
- + Oxygen saturation test
- + Activity tracking
- + Actually looks like a watch
Cons
- − Not nearly as many features as the Fitbit
M30 Automatic [44mm]
The Best Military Watch
- Movement: Japanese, Automatic, Seiko NH35A
- Type: Dive
- Complications and extra features: N/A
- Materials: Stainless Steel, Sapphire
This one is a no-nonsense, serious watch used by the pros. Pure stainless steel with a scratch proof sapphire crystal, 300-meter water resistance and a self-winding mechanism. It’s one of the most popular watches for men for a reason.
Thanks to its water pressure resistance, it’s used by military and tactical teams, as well as professional divers. It’s so durable that it can withstand pretty much anything. The stainless steel case, along with the automatic self-winding truly makes this one dependable even under the harshest of conditions.
However, being one the most popular watches for men, and having all this durability and features, comes at a cost. It is one of the more expensive watches on our list for a reason
Its bands come in either black hyper rubber, or stainless steel.
Pros
- + Dive watch used by professionals
- + Used by military and tactical teams
- + Incredibly durable and tough
Cons
- − Hefty price
Logic Chrono [42mm] - Wood
One Of The Best Luxury Watches Anywhere
- Movement: Japanese, Quartz, Epson YM91
- Type: Dress
- Complications and extra features: N/A
- Materials: Stainless Steel, Mineral/Sapphire
The Logic Chrono is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful watches on the list. It’s a very simple, very old-school watch with a vintage design. You can wear this one practically anywhere, and yes, this includes ultra-formal events. If you care about fashion, this is the watch to choose.
Its one the best formal watches for men not only due to its elegance and beauty, but also for its durability and strength. The dial has a warm, wood color to it, while the entire thing is powered by a Quartz system. It has a solid (for its use and type) water resistance of up to 100 meters.
However, being one of the best dress watches for men does come with a slight drawback. This watch, while sturdy and durable, isn’t as tough as some other watches on this list. Its water resistance, while keeping you (and it) safe in a pool, won’t really be useful for any kind of serious diving.
You can get this watch in black, gold, and wood (our personal favorite), with a stainless steel bend. It can also come with a black or brown “Missisiie” leather strap as well.
Pros
- + Elegant, vintage design
- + Minimalist
- + Chronograph stopwatch function
Cons
- − Not as durable as the other watches on this list
Splash [38mm] - White Full Lume
Among The Best Watches For Young Men
- Movement: Japanese, Quartz, Epson VX32G
- Type: Dive
- Complications and extra features: N/A
- Materials: Stainless Steel, Sapphire
Last, but certainly not least, we have the Splash 38 millimeter. A special item on our list, this flashy unisex watch looks playful, but it means business. It’s made from stainless steel, with a sapphire crystal. Its design makes it one of the best watches for young men looking for something flashy, but also high quality. It has a surprising depth resistance, rated at 200 meters.
Not only do its colors make it unisex, but so does the size, being at a solid middle of the road 38mm.
Now, this is a watch that is not for everyone. If you’re going for a kind of youthful, flashy look, then go for it. However, people going for a classic, professional vibe won’t really make much use of its flamboyant style. It’s one of the more popular watches for men for a reason.
Coming in too many colors to count, you can also get your dial in a black “Midnight Splash” or white. The bands are either stainless steel or a special rubber.
Pros
- + Affordable
- + Flashy design
- + Unisex design
Cons
- − The design is not for everyone
What Makes A Good Watch Good For You?
In order to make an educated decision you need to, well, be educated. That’s what this short guide is here to do. We have outlined some key points we believe are valuable and necessary to keep in mind when buying a wristwatch. Check them out below.
Types of Watches – “Movements”
All popular watches for men fall into three core types – automatic, quartz, and mechanical. The other, more popular and technical term is “movements”.
To put it simply – a movement is how the watch’s hand moves, as well as the mechanism that helps it move.
Automatic
These watches are powered by a mainspring and mechanical gears, the same way mechanical watches work. However, what makes them special is that you don’t have to wind them up.
Also known as self-winding watches, this type uses a small weight (the rotor) inside that winds the mainspring when you move your hand. And don’t worry, these watches have a part that prevents them from over-winding.
However, even the best automatic watches for men need to be tuned-up every once in a while. They lose accuracy over time, and you will need to get them to a shop sooner or later. Furthermore, you might also need to use a watch winder if you don’t wear your automatic watch that often.
These wristwatches don’t require batteries, the hands move smoothly thanks to the gears, and are wonderful pieces of craftsmanship.
Quartz
Quartz timepieces are affordable, sturdy, and very accurate. Instead of using springs and gears, these watches are powered by electricity coming from a small battery. Most of the worst and best watches for men you see around are quartz watches.
The battery sends an electrical current to the quartz crystal, which makes it vibrate (32,768 times in a second, to be precise). Then a circuit measures these vibrations and converts them into a pulse that powers the watch hand.
All of this makes their hand movements less smooth, but they are much more accurate, and are far more durable than mechanical and automatic watches. You’ll notice that any field, dive, and sport watches use quartz movement.
However, what they have in accuracy and durability, they like in the looks department. For most people, watches are more of a fashion choice instead of a tool for keeping time (we have our phones for that). For some people, these lack the craftsmanship and beauty found in watches with different movements.
Mechanical
Finally, a note on the classics. We have reviewed the best mechanical watches for men above, but let’s talk about this movement type itself.
These, like automatic watches, have their hands powered by a collider wire of metal that you need to wind by hand. As the coil unwinds, it slowly moves the gears within the watch, letting the clock hand circle around the watch’s face smoothly.
What distinguishes these watches from others is the craftsmanship and pedigree that is significantly greater than those surrounding automatic (and certainly quartz) watches. The beauty and craftsmanship of this type are hard to ignore, but we need to take into account the lower accuracy and the price. You also have to wind these up, but many people enjoy that ritual and see it as a bonus.
Complications
Our best watches for men reviews went into individual watches, but there is something to be said about their “complications”. Another technical term, it includes extra features like:
- Alarms
- Power reserve indicators
- Stopwatches
- Dates
- Moon phases and cycles
- Tachymeters
Styles
There are many styles of watches, and listing them all here would be impossible. Things like digital and tactical watches, as well as those completely specialized for, just as an example, deep scuba-diving or ultramarathon running, are far outside the scope of this article. We have, however, analyzed the most common ones, like:
Dive Watch
A very popular watch for men who spend a lot of time near, or in, the water. Most dive watches are water-resistant up to 100 meters. High-end watches have titanium and stainless steel bands and cases, while lower-end watches use silicone and rubber (so they can resist corrosion).
The face is protected by sapphire or mineral glass. These are medium-sized, with easy-to-read faces, and a bezel that helps them see how long they’ve been in the water. Their straps are usually longer, allowing the user to wear them over diving equipment.
Field Watch
Not counting specialized timepieces, these are the best running watches for men who want to wear them to more formal affairs as well.
Descending from watches used by WWII officers, these are rugged, functional, and also classy.
Usually small to medium size, easy to read, they are often built so they can be read at night. Their durability comes from their materials – stainless steel or titanium. Their straps are most often either leather or canvas.
Dress Watch
The best dress watches for men are all about class and elegance. Their style hinges more on subtlety rather than flashiness and bulkiness. They are relatively small and thin, with cases that vary in shape – circular, rectangular, square, it all goes.
More expensive dress watches are made from silver or gold, and their bands are exclusively made from leather. They are usually worn at fancy, formal occasions.
Pilot Watch
Pilot watches are perhaps the most difficult to define, with the greatest variety to their designs. Still, these are very good watches for men who care about a more casual style. Usually medium to large size, they have luminous hands and are supposed to be easy to read. Just like dive watches, they have longer than average bands so they can go around a fighter pilot’s jacket (and that’s how they got their names).
These often have chronographs and dates as complications, with bands made from leather.
Racing (Driving) Watch
These were made to help keep track of horse races – later people swapped horses for cars. These are top timepieces for men who care about accuracy. Usually medium to large in size, with large dials, made from stainless steel, with steel or leather bands.
They usually have a chronograph, as well as dates, as complications.
These are very flashy and very bold, and go better with casual wear.
Taste, Straps, and Accuracy
As far as accuracy is concerned, while quartz watches are more accurate than other movement types, it’s not like you’re going to lose an hour every week. However, if you are looking for a mechanical watch that is incredibly accurate, find one that is certified by the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres).
An article that includes a list of the best watches for men reviews needs to take into account straps. When thinking about style, straps are almost as important as the face of the watch itself. For example, metal straps (or rather, bracelets) go well with large watches, while leather is far more elegant. A strap can also serve as an accessory with the rest of your outfit.
Finally – there is no accounting for taste. The above best watches for men reviews try to be objective as possible, but simply put – if you like it, buy it. If you prefer quartz to mechanical, if you value durability over elegance, then more power to you, and don’t let anybody tell you different.
A Quick Word on Pricing
You might be thinking – why do some watches cost thousands upon thousands of dollars, while some set you back, at most, a couple of hundred dollars? In fact, why not get one that costs fifty bucks, or twenty? After all, our reviews do include the best affordable watches.
First of all – craftsmanship. A properly, uniquely designed watch is a piece of art. A hand-made watch from Switzerland has a degree of precision and intricacy that cannot be ignored.
Luxury and brands also influence watch prices. Watches often serve as status symbols, and everybody knows what wearing a Rolex means.
Then, the materials and the durability are important. Decorations such as diamonds, the use of silver and gold parts, extra features, these all add up. Furthermore, properly made watches can last for a very long time.
In fact, the best name brand watches for men can last for years, and are often bought as something that will be handed down from generation to generation, with only minimal maintenance required.
Conclusion
We don’t doubt that all of this information, while overwhelming, will help you make the right choice. Above are the best watches for men you can find on the internet. The wide variety will definitely help you find exactly what you need, quickly and easily.
FAQs
What are the best watches for men?
The best watches need to be well-made, precise and have their price match the quality of their craftsmanship. We believe the products above are in line with these criteria. However, to put it bluntly – the best watches are those that best suit your needs.
While we have mentioned relevant criteria in our guide above, at the end of the day the best watch is the one that works for you. That can be something luxurious, or affordable, something fancy, or something practical…
Why are watches a status symbol for men?
This is a broad question that is difficult to answer. If you’re asking “why watches specifically”, the answer is probably for the same reasons the color blue is for boys, and the color pink is for girls – arbitrary rules of society.
However, watches are a status symbol, in general, signifying wealth. Often they are expensive, beautiful, finely crafted, and can serve as a fashion statement.