Whether you’re on the hunt for a precise timekeeper, stylish accessory or starter piece for a new collection, the best watches for men don’t need to cost a fortune or command crazy-long waitlists—many do, of course, but you likely already know about those watches. Instead, we set out to the find the best attainable watches that you can buy now and experts respect for their design, mechanics and good looks. Among our top picks: Shinola’s Runwell is an excellent everyday watch that’s rugged and handsome, Rado’s Open Heart watch stands out for its “see-through” style and Seiko 5 Sports Watch is an enduring classic you can’t go wrong with.
To discern the exceptional from the merely ordinary, we rigorously reviewed the market and analyzed all the cogs and springs so you don’t have to. Then we turned to Ron Gordon, owner of Ron Gordon Watch Sales and Service in New York City, James Lamdin, founder and vice president of vintage and pre-owned timepieces at Watches of Switzerland Group, and Keith Gray, president and founder of Gray & Sons in Miami Beach, Florida, to get their take. While no single watch is perfect for every guy, there are certain standouts. Here, our definitive guide to the best watches for men.
- Best Casual Everyday Watches: Shinola The Runwell Watch, Timex Marlin Watch
- Best Dress Watches: Bulova Marine Star Series C Watch, Tissot T-Classic Gentleman Bracelet Watch
- Best Sport And Dive Watches: Seiko 5 Sports Watch, TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Watch
- Best Field And Military Watches: Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic Chronograph Watch, Timex X Todd Snyder Blackout Expedition North Watch
- Best Pilot And Aviator Watches: IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Watch, Laco Paderborn Type B Dial Automatic Pilot Watch
- Best Stylish Watches: Rado True Square Automatic Open Heart Watch, Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression Watch
- Best Luxury Watches: Breitling Superocean Automatic, Longines Master Collection
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
To find the best watches for men, the Forbes Vetted team spent hours researching the top watchmakers in the market, considering the technical, aesthetic and brand-related features. We’ve published numerous articles on luxury items, including our guide to the best watches brands. Our writers and contributors interview leading watch experts to get their insights and advice on choosing the best watch for your needs and budget.
How We Chose The Best Watches For Men
We considered the advice and opinions of various experts to find out which watches best met our criteria for functionality and style.
- All picks were selected by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar, who has been covering fashion and lifestyle topics for more than 20 years and holds a certificate in fashion styling from the Business of Fashion.
- We interviewed watch experts to get their take on what makes each of these watches unique and noteworthy. We spoke to Ron Gordon, owner of Ron Gordon Watch Sales and Service in New York City, James Lamdin, founder and vice president of vintage and pre-owned timepieces at Watches Of Switzerland Group, and Keith Gray president and founder of Gray & Sons jewelers and watch experts in Miami Beach, Florida.
- We carefully researched each watch brand, and then sifted through customer reviews to ensure that these watches are reliable, and that the buying process was seamless.
What To Consider About Watches
When considering different models, we kept a variety of features in mind. Here’s some of the criteria we used when evaluating the watches in this guide, and useful shopping pointers to help you find the best watch for your personal needs and budget.
Movement: There are four different types to consider. A quartz movement is a battery powered watch that is known for being very accurate; it’s also the least expensive type of watch movement. Solar powered watches are similiar to quartz watches, but their battery is rechargable using light energy. An automatic movement is a type of mechanical movement that winds itself using the motion of the wearer’s arm, and a mechanical movement is powered by a mainspring and requires manual winding.
Materials: High-quality watches often use stainless steel, titanium, ceramic or precious metals like gold and platinum for the case. For the face, sapphire crystal is the gold standard for quality watches due to its scratch resistance. Mineral and acrylic crystals are other options, with varying degrees of durability.
Craftsmanship: Signs of detailed workmanship, especially in high-end mechanical watches, include hand-finished components, polished edges and intricate designs that indicate superior craftsmanship. A watch’s weight can sometimes (but not always) be an indicator of its quality. A watch made of durable materials will generally feel more substantial.
Accuracy: While no watch is 100% accurate, a quality timepiece will have minimal time deviation. COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) certification is one indicator of accuracy for Swiss watches.
Brand Reputation: Established brands with a long history of watchmaking often have a reputation for quality and reliability, which you can often see in the finishes touches—polished surfaces, beveled edges and attention to detail in the dial, hands, and markers. Consistency is key.
Water Resistance: While not an indicator of overall quality, a watch’s water-resistance can be crucial depending on its intended use. Dive watches, for example, should have a higher water resistance rating. The watches on this list have varying degrees of water resistance. For example, Gordon points out that the Timex Marlin “has a water resistance of up to 30 meters which means its good for everyday wear and the Boluva Marine Star Series C has 200m for water resistance.” Here’s how it breaks down:
- Below 30m: Avoid getting it wet.
- 30m to 50m: You can wash your hands while wearing it, and don’t panic if it gets rained on.
- 50m to 100m: It will hold up during light swimming.
- 100m to 200m: Showering, swimming and even snorkeling are OK, but no hot water—watches don’t like heat.
- 200m to 500m: You can participate in water sports and dive in the pool, no problem.
- Over 500m: This kind of watch is made for deep water diving.
Complications: These are the additional functions on a watch beyond just telling time, such as chronographs, moon phases, or calendars. The complexity and smooth functioning of these features can indicate a watch’s quality.
Strap And Bracelet Quality: The materials used (for example, genuine leather, high-grade stainless steel) and the finishing touches can indicate the overall quality of the watch. While leather is rugged and attractive, be aware that it wears down over time, especially if it’s exposed to water.
Service and Warranty: A quality watch often comes with a comprehensive warranty and has accessible service centers for maintenance and repair. Also, consider the resale value. While not an immediate indicator of quality, watches from prestigious brands or limited editions often retain or appreciate in value over time.
Which Brand Is Best For Watches?
Rolex is known for being the premier watch brand (with Omega coming in at a close second), but there are other brands that are just as high quality. For example, Breitling, Tag Heuer and IWC are known for their precise time-keeping, superior craftsmanship and great style.
Do You Need More Than One Watch?
One watch is all you really need, but some men have a wardrobe of watches to compliment different looks (casual, dressy, sporty), or to keep time while doing different activities (travelling, sailing, diving, running and so on).
How Long Should A Watch Last?
Watches should last a lifetime, with proper care. Store your watch in a moisture-free location out of direct sunlight (watch boxes and pouches or even the original box the watch came in are safe bets); have it serviced every three to five years; and gently clean the face and band periodically with a soft cloth to remove dirt and dust. One little known fact is that it’s important to keep your watch away from magnetic surfaces (smartphones, tablets, speakers) that can interfere with time keeping. And consider your watch’s water resistance before jumping in the shower or a pool while wearing it.
Is A Watch A Good Investment ?
Luxury watches tend to be a very good investement. For example, Gray notes that preowned models of the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun are selling for about $7500 online—not bad when the current list price is $8750. “While resale value may be a factor for some collectors, we always recommend choosing a watch that you enjoy wearing. If you are able to get some or most of your money back, or possibly even make some money, in a few years when you resell the watch, that’s a bonus,” says Gray.
What Is The Point of An Automatic Watch?
Several of the watches on this list are automatic and with good reason—they are elegant, but low maintenance. They are powered by a spring that winds automatically every time you move. On the flip side, quartz watches are battery powered, which means you have to replace the battery every so often, and mechanical watches require hand-winding.