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Contrary to what you’d gather from walking down any busy street, an Apple Watch isn’t the only watch for men to wear. And, much like the other Apple gadget sitting in your pocket, it can’t replace the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into the best watches for men.
In the grand scheme, some men’s watches are a financial investment. But even then, as much as you should treat it with care, Hodinkee style editor Malaika Crawford suggests that “watches are almost always purely decorative or sentimental in value, and you should treat a watch the way you would any other accessory or piece of jewelry.” Although there are hundreds of special features (and price points) to sift through, there’s no reason to feel intimidated when shopping for your new timepiece. “We need to remember that there is no intellectual barrier to entry when purchasing watches,” says Crawford. “It’s okay to buy a watch because you think it looks nice, as opposed to being functional in any real capacity.”
That said, a traditional watch can never go out of style. We’ve seen the likes of Tyler the Creator, Tom Cruise, Jay-Z and dozens of other celebrities bring their classic Cartiers out to play; to which Crawford implies this isn’t some big coincidence. “We are definitely seeing a return to the dress watch,” Crawford explains. “It’s a resurgence of more elegant timepieces that are more often than not vintage, from the likes of Cartier and Piaget.”
There are so many types of watches out there, from drivers and divers to pilots and GMTs, a few of which you’ll find included throughout the guide. As far as the specialized options go, driver’s watches feature an angular dial for easy reading when hands are on the wheel, while pilot’s watches boast ultimate legibility for when it gets too bright up there. All in all, while these hyper-specific variations put practicality at the forefront, there’s such an array of timepieces out there, you’re bound to find one thats right for you.
Below, we highlighted a variety of the best men’s watches that span various price points, styles, and functions.
Top Watches for Men of 2023
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Best Watch for Men Under $100
Timex Easy Reader 38mm Watch
Best for: Vintage aesthetic
Materials: Leather, brass
Colorways: Brown/Cream
Special features: Indiglo nightlight
Touted by the brand as “the world’s most perfect watch,” there’s no way to ignore the iconic Timex Easy Reader. The iconic accessory has featured all the same elements since the late ’70s, from its minimalist dial to an oiled, water-resistant leather strap. Plus, Timex is no stranger to pushing the needle in the affordable department, as its signature Indiglo dial lends a helping hand in the dark, serving as a simple on-off nightlight. That, in addition to its 30-meter water resistance, make it a worthwhile pick for under $100.
What testers say: “I’ve owned many Timex watches over the last 50 years and I’ve never been disappointed! High quality and a much better watch than other brands for the price you pay! Very happy with this purchase and buying directly from Timex the delivery was fast and the price was better than in a store! I will buy again in a few years after I wear this watch out”
Price upon publish date of this article: $56
Best Watch for Men Under $250
G-Shock GM110BB-1A Watch
Best for: Durability
Materials: Resin band, stainless steel case, mineral crystal
Colorways: Black, Blue, Purple
Special features: 31 time zones, shock-resistance
Casio Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
G-Shock watches have long been known for their toughness and resistance to various conditions. The GM110BB-1A is no exception, as it is designed to withstand rugged use, including up to 200 meters of water resistance. Moreover, its shock-resistant resin case guarantees defense in any environment, while the sturdy mineral crystal is an affordable alternative to pricier examples with sapphire. These outdoor-ready functionalities, on top of features like a stopwatch and the ability to check different time zones, make this one of the best value men’s watches you can find.
Price upon publish date of this article: $230
Best Watch for Men on Amazon
Orient Stainless Steel Japanese Watch
Best for: Water sports and activities
Materials: Stainless steel, sapphire crystal, leather
Colorways: Blue, Black, White
Special features: Water-resistant up to 50m
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
This option from Orient could’ve just as quickly been labeled the “best watch for the price,” because spending under $400 for something that looks so pristine would come as a surprise to many. The affordable day-date features the Japanese brand’s F6B24 automatic movement, making it one of the best automatic men’s watches on our list. It’s water resistant to 50 meters, to which its functionality stands out as much as its simple yet elevated aesthetic. When considering its price, look, and purpose, the only thing to complain about is that it’s not eligible for Prime shipping — but it’s worth the wait.
What testers say: “I could be not more pleased with this watch. The details on the face are clear and very well executed. It’s a beautiful watch and the coloring is perfect for the style and the match with the watch band. Aside from its looks, it keeps perfect time for up to two days. I could not be more pleased with the quality of the look and feel and regulation of this watch. Very much worth the cost.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $271
Best Watch for Men Under $500
Tissot PRX 35MM Watch
Best for: Luxury look on a budget
Materials: Stainless steel, sapphire crystal
Colorways: Blue, Green, Silver
Special features: Interchangeable bracelet
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
The Tissot PRX is uncannily similar to the ever-so-iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch, deeming it the glitziest alternative you’ll find at a much lower price. With water resistance up to 330 feet, this sleek option from Tissot is also a more affordable, quartz-powered version of the Swiss brand’s traditional PRX automatic model. On top of its undeniable inspiration from mid-century examples, Tissot’s popular timepiece boasts an integrated bracelet you can swap out to suit your style or outfit.
Price upon publish date of this article: $326
Best Watch for Men Under $1,000
Citizen Tsuki-yomi A-T Watch
Best for: Those looking for an affordable Moonphase
Materials: Titanium, sapphire crystal
Colorways: Blue
Special features: Day-date functionality
Citizen’s eye-catching array of timepieces almost have no excuse for being as affordable as they are, with the Tsuki-yomi A-T being a shining example — literally. Its “super titanium” encasement frames the brand’s signature H874 Eco-Drive movement, paving the way for over two years of power reserve. The stylish Moonphase watch also features a perpetual calendar and a whopping 24 time zones, giving you the world on the back of your hand.
Price upon publish date of this article: $850
Best Watch for Men Under $2,000
Doxa Sub 300T Watch
Best for: Timeless look
Materials: Stainless steel case, crystal
Colorways: White, Orange, Yellow, Turquoise
Special features: Helium release valve
Watches of Switzerland Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Doxa’s 3-hand dive watch is a refined spin on one of its most iconic examples: the SUB 300T Conquistador. Released under five years ago, the brand’s tribute to this ‘60s-era timepiece is machined from the highest quality 316L stainless steel and finished with a scratch-resistant crystal. Additionally, it features the original helium release valve and integrated dive time calculator, all the while offering up to 1,200 meters of waterproof prowess. Most of all, it’s available in seven striking colors that work with any look.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,890
Best Watch for Men Under $3,000
Oris Aquis Date Relief Watch
Best for: Daily wear
Materials: Stainless steel case, sapphire crystal
Colorways: Red, Black, Silver
Special features: Superluminova BG W9 hands
Mr Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Thanks to Oris’ signature automatic movement and variety of bands, the Swiss brand’s Aquis Date Relief is a great configurable diver at this price point. That said, it boasts a dependable 300m water resistance and sleek design, so it’s the best of both worlds. Moreover, the shining stainless steel case assures a sturdy, long-lasting piece. There are several dial options available, including silver, black, and a pop of red.
Price upon publish date of this article: $2,395
Best Watch for Men Under $4,000
Bulova Astronaut Accutron Watch
Best for: Long power reserve
Materials: Stainless steel case, sapphire crystal
Colorways: Black
Special features: Day/Night bezel, Super Lumi-Nova hands
Bulova’s innovative Astronaut model first hit wrists in the late ‘60s, garnering tons of attention for its bezel’s unique Day/Night design. Decades later, the re-issue serves as the first release in a new line of Accutron Astronaut watches. This particular model boasts a highly functioning SW330 GMT movement with precisely 56 hours of power reserve. To finish it off, the black dial boasts a set of Super Lumi-Nova hands for quality legibility in any scenario.
What testers say: “Great design, flawlessly executed. One of my favorite watches.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $3,500
Best Watch for Men Under $5,000
Grand Seiko Automatic SBGR307
Best for: Dressy occasions
Materials: Stainless steel, sapphire crystal
Colorways: Silver
Special features: 72-hour power reserve
Grand Seiko values perfection and precision, and the Automatic SBGR307 is an abiding example. It boasts an impressive 72-hour power reserve, which is pretty dependable, considering you’re spending under $5,000 for this particular option. With unwavering attention to detail, this chic dress watch’s ergonomic curve allows it to sit comfortably on your wrist, while a tempered-blue seconds hand assists in legibility for the long haul. Function-wise, it’s water resistant up to 100 meters, similar to most examples in this price range.
Price upon publish date of this article: $3,150
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duoface Watch
Best for: Duoface dials
Materials: Stainless steel, calfskin
Colorways: Blue
Special features: Two dials
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Mr Porter Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
JLC’s Reverso Tribute Duoface screams elegance and nostalgia, as it’s reminiscent of a classic 1930’s design. This remarkable timepiece is powered by a manual winding movement that animates two distinct dials, allowing for the display of two time zones and a practical day/night indicator. The front dial features blue hour markers with a sunray-brushed finish, while the reverse dial is silver with a signature “Velvety Clous de Paris” guilloché and applied hour markers. The finishing touch? A buttery calfskin band that’s interchangeable.
Price upon publish date of this article: $13,300
Best Cartier Watch
Cartier Santos De Cartier Chronograph Watch
Best for: Luxury watch under $10K
Materials: Satin-brushed silver, sapphire crystal
Colorways: Black/Silver
Special features: Quickswitch interchangeable band system
Eternally revered jeweler Cartier has undoubtedly spent the past few years in a rejuvenation period, although it never went out of style. Since 1847, Cartier has been at the forefront of luxury accessories, and the century-old Santos de Cartier is one of the many examples that speaks for itself. With its user-friendly bracelet adjustments, stark hands, and seven-sided crown, there’s virtually no room for error when buying this timeless watch. Having said all that, keep in mind that it’s on the larger side.
Price upon publish date of this article: $7,900
Best-Looking Men’s Smartwatch
Tag Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Watch
Best for: Athletes
Materials: Titanium, Steel, Rubber
Colorways: Black, Blue, Silver
Special features: Google-powered Wear OS, OLED Display
There’s no denying how functional a smartwatch can be, and Tag Heuer’s option is ideal for those seeking something with a more classic look than an Apple Watch. The sleek Connected Calibre E4 features Google’s latest operating system, assuring a quicker device complemented by several remarkable features. These include a gorgeous OLED display, a whole day’s worth of battery life, and newly improved sports tracking modes, like up to five hours of golf assistance. As a result, it’s an excellent option to wear next time you lace up your golf shoes or long-distance running sneakers.
Price upon publish date of this article: $2,050
Rolex GMT-Master II Watch
Best for: Statement piece
Materials: Stainless steel, sapphire crystal
Colorways: Black, Yellow
Special features: Chromalight display, two-color bezel, 24-hour Cerachrom insert
The Rolex GMT-Master is most easily recognized by its stainless steel bezel band, one of the prestigious manufacturer’s many famous moves in the watch space. While its functionality takes center stage — most present in its 24-hour hand and Chromalight display for unwavering readability — this watch’s style factor and overall stature maintains Rolex’s supremacy. All things considered, it’s a worthy investment.
Price upon publish date of this article: $2,459
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Watch
Best for: Diving and underwater activity
Materials: Stainless steel, sapphire crystal
Colorways: Black, Turquoise
Special features: Super-LumiNova-filled indexes
Omega Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
As a proven leader in watch design, Omega’s catalog has never been anything to scoff at, and so has been the case for over 150 years. Often pitted against the Rolex Submariner, which many tout as the more prestigious option, the Seamaster’s history goes back further than the former (plus, it’s reportedly far more legible underwater). Lore aside, the Professional Diver 300M has only been around since the early ‘90s and has garnered a massive following since its release. The watch features a set of rhodium-plated hands and Super-LumiNova-filled indexes for enhanced readability. Above all else, it’s the far more affordable choice between the two.
Price upon publish date of this article: $8,600
Best luxury Watch for men
Hermès Arceau Le Temps Suspendu Watch
Best for: Stopping time
Materials: Stainless steel, leather, sapphire crystal
Colorways: White
Special features: Manual time-stopping movement
Hermès Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
High-end fashion houses have invested far more into watch offerings in recent years. Crawford mentions that “brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Chanel are all making highly technical Swiss mechanical watches,” which typically guarantees a watch’s quality through and through. However, Hermès has been doing so for well over a decade, and none of its offerings are as iconic as the Arceau Le Temps Suspendu. This disruptive timepiece was the world’s first-ever watch that could suspend time — along with looking show-stopping.
Price upon publish date of this article: $20,300
What to Consider When Shopping for a Men’s Watch
- Size: As put plainly by Crawford, “Size definitely matters.” Overall, you should think of a watch on your wrist the same you would pants around your waist. “You should always consider the diameter in relation to your wrist size. And specs aren’t always the most accurate way of knowing what will work on you,” Crawford says. Though, some people still prefer an oversized look, as she mentions, “there is no strict rule of thumb.”
- Purpose: Since the rise of smartphones, a question that comes up often is, “Why even have a watch?” While it’s justified, many watches serve various purposes: Black-tie affairs, day-to-day wear, hyper-specific sports, and so much more. Ultimately, Crawford points out that “It’s also okay to wear watches as decoration.” And, whenever in doubt, they make a great gift for him.
- Finishing and closure: The finishing and closure of your watch play a substantial role in its overall look and feel. Pay close attention to the case and band materials, with one common combination being stainless steel for durability and leather for a lightweight feel. As far as the closure goes, you can often choose between a traditional buckle or a modern deployment clasp. If you’re trying the watch on in person, make sure it’s easy to fasten and secure.
- Price: Much like a leather designer wallet, a luxury bag, or sunglasses, price is crucial when you’re in the market for a watch. So, set a budget and stick to it. Luxurious timepieces are enticing, but countless affordable examples still assure nothing short of quality. It comes down to your priorities, such as brand reputation, craftsmanship, or specific features, and balance them with your price range. Also, don’t forget to account for peskier, long-term maintenance costs, like battery replacements or servicing, which will vary depending on the watch brand and model.
Best Brands for Men’s Watches: Top 10 Luxury Watch Brands for Men
- Audemars Piguet: Think bold, intricate, and iconic designs that have been imitated countless times but never to completion. Audemars Piguet, particularly famous for the Royal Oak series, creates high-end watches for those who love refined, edgy styles and top-notch engineering. They’re far from cheap, but not the very most expensive, with entry-level models starting from roughly $25,000.
- Cartier: Cartier has been at the helm of watch, jewelry, and accessory-making for well over a century. The French label’s sprawling catalog ranges from timeless classics to modern-chic, many of which celebrities have brought to light in recent years. Two primary examples include the Tank and Santos watches, which are each a respective icon in the world of luxury timepieces.
- Girard-Perregaux: Through its blend of history and modernism, Girard-Perregaux designs timepieces are perfect for collectors and those who appreciate classic yet innovative designs. Its Laureato and Vintage 1945 collections are favorites among watch enthusiasts. While prices certainly vary, they offer models catering to different budgets.
- IWC Schaffhausen: Renowned for its precision, IWC Schaffhausen offers a diverse range of high-quality watches that are suitable whether you’re into classic or contemporary styles. Typically, the Pilot’s Watch and Portugieser lines serve as the Swiss brand’s quintessential examples. You might need to dig deeper into your wallet for the latter, but the craftsmanship is worth it.
- Jaeger-LeCoultre: As one of the few legitimate luxury horology houses in our guide, JLC consistently fuses ageless looks with cutting-edge innovation. Its Reverso and Master (among countless others) are a testament to fine craftsmanship. These watches are best suited for those who like a somewhat eccentric look without getting too gaudy. They offer a wide price range, so there’s something for every enthusiast.
- Omega: Omega is ideal for anyone from watch lovers to genuine collectors. Whether tapping into the Space Race with its Speedmaster in 1957 or taking a deep dive wearing the aforementioned Seamaster, the manufacturer has seemingly seen every corner of the world and beyond. In addition to these world-famous examples, we’d be remiss to ignore the hype surrounding its BioCeramic collaboration with Swatch, its parent brand, which surprisingly took resale by storm.
- Patek Philippe: With prices that typically start on the larger side of $30,000, it’s clear that this selection is intended for connoisseurs and serious collectors. Patek Philippe’s watches are parallel to heirlooms that ooze class and quality, with two essential collections being the Nautilus and Calatrava. Expect to make a significant investment, but, in return, indulge in exceptional craftsmanship.
- Piaget: With its innovative, razor-thin movements, Piaget’s Altiplano and Polo collections are as elegant as they come. Like many luxury brands in this space, it’s been cranking out remarkable watches since the 19th century, and each holds its value to an eye-popping extent. The prices are higher, with the least expensive typically exceeding $10,000.
- Rolex: It’s a name that no watch list would be complete without and a brand that simply speaks for itself. From the Submariner to the Daytona and Datejust, Rolex can cater to many audiences, with certain options starting from less than $10,000, while others sell at auction for over $15 million. Sure, budgets may vary, but you can always depend on nothing short of reputation and reliability when picking up a new (or well-worn-in) Rolex.
- Vacheron Constantin: Since 1755, this luxury manufacturer has known no bounds, consistently releasing gorgeous watches that appeal to virtually anyone. Those loyal to the classics may prefer the Traditionnelle by default, while others may look to something like the Ègèrie moon phase line, which is a more whimsical option that the brand claims “recalls the delicate pleating of silk.” The price difference between these two is rather drastic, ranging from about $19,000 to as much as $107,000, but there are examples available across Vacheron’s catalog that start from around $12,000.
How We Selected the Best Watches for Men
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continue to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
To compose a guide of the best men’s watches, we conducted thorough research to discover the horology world’s leading timepieces. This included conducting expert interviews, sifting through customer reviews, and emphasizing the factors that truly determine what makes a great watch. Additionally, we accounted for special features and quality craftsmanship, such as power reserve, water resistance, and case material. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Expert
Malaika Crawford is a style editor at Hodinkee, the famed watch publication and e-commerce giant. Prior to her role as editor, she served as a watches and jewelry editor for Highsnobiety.
Meet the Author
Yoni Yardeni is a Los Angeles-based fashion and culture journalist who has written articles for publications including HiConsumption and Footwear News. Through prior stints, his work ranged from curating buyer’s guides for the fashion world’s best boots, sneakers and jackets to revisiting Lil Wayne’s quintessential mixtapes and albums. He conducted thorough research to narrow down the market’s best watches for men.
