Whether you’re on the hunt for a precise time-keeper, stylish accessory or reliable tool for specific tasks, a good men’s watch is more than just a time-telling device—it’s an extension of your life and personality. We sought out the best watches for men that feature impeccable designs, smart mechanics and good looks. After evaluating dozens of timepieces while tapping into my market knowledge of men’s accessories, I landed on 14 winners (and some great runners up, too). Among my 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 the Seiko 5 Sports Watch is an enduring classic you can’t go wrong with.
The best watches for men blend craftsmanship and style.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES/PHOTO: RETAILERS
To determine the exceptional from the merely ordinary, we rigorously reviewed the market and analyzed all the cogs and springs so you don’t have to. In particular, we analyzed the movement type, materials and case size (typically measured in millimeters). Here is our definitive guide to the best watches for men.
High-quality leather strap and stainless steel plating
Bold, easy-to-read numerals
Luminescent hands
Keep in mind:
Expensive
May feel slightly bulky for those with slender wrists
Shinola, based in Detroit, is a relatively young brand that’s quickly gained recognition for its American craftsmanship and emphasis on local manufacturing. The Runwell is the brand’s most popular watch, outfitted with a hand-assembled Aragonite movement, bold numerals and luminescent hands. The rugged leather strap also makes this pick suitable for daily wear.
Timex: Simple, Modern Timepieces That Won't Break The Bank
Timex
Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm Leather Strap Watch
Movement: Mechanical automatic | Case size: 40mm | Strap: Leather
What you’ll love:
Vintage-inspired design
Stainless steel watch case
21-jewel automatic movement stores 40 hours of energy
Keep in mind:
Acrylic crystal not as scratch-resistant as sapphire or mineral crystal
Leather band might show wear faster than expected
Timex, an American watch brand with a history dating back to the 1850s, is known for producing reliable, affordable and diverse timepieces. The Marlin is a reissue of a classic 1960s Timex design that’s popular with watch enthusiasts for its vintage-inspired looks and sleek design. It has a domed acrylic crystal face, leather strap and a lightweight build that makes this watch comfortable wear throughout the day.
Best Affordable Watch For Men
Fossil: Classic, Rugged Looks At A Great Price
Fossil
Fossil Minimalist Three-Hand Brown Leather Watch
Movement: Quartz three-hand | Case size: 44mm | Strap: Leather
What you’ll love:
Hardened mineral crystal lens that’s resistant to most scratches
Stylish and minimalistic design
Easy to read numerals
Keep in mind:
Movement not as high-quality as some other watches in this price range
Fossil’s Minimalist watch is a stylish and affordable timepiece for everyday wear. It features a 42mm stainless steel case with a brown leather strap, a white dial with black numerals and a three-hand movement with a date window. It’s water resistant to 30 meters, comfortable to wear and comes in different colors, depending on your taste.
Silver and rose gold-tone stainless steel bracelet
Keep in mind:
Expensive
Can feel heavy due to its solid construction
New-York-based Bulova, a brand with a rich history dating back to 1875, has several collector-worthy dress watch options: The Marine Star Series C has a stainless steel case paired with subtle but sophisticated gold-toned details and a bracelet strap that’s both comfortable and resilient. The nautical design is water resistant with chronograph functionality, bold hour markers and a date window, all set against a detailed dial.
Best Luxury Watch For Men
Breitling: A Diving Watch With A Cult Following
Reeds
Breitling Superocean Automatic 44 Black Dial Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch
Movement: Automatic | Case size: 44mm | Strap: Stainless Steel
What you’ll love:
Hands and numerals are coated in luminescent Super LumiNova for readability
Unidirectional rotating bezel tracks underwater time
Shock, sand and saltwater resistant
1,000 feet of water resistance
Keep in mind:
Breitling's premium positioning means the watch comes with a significant price tag
Luxury Swiss watchmaker Breitling first introduced the Superocean in 1957, originally designed for professional and military divers. Over the decades, it has evolved in design and technology but has always maintained its core identity as a reliable dive watch. Different models offer varying degrees of water resistance, ranging from 200 meters to an impressive 2,000 meters. Some models also come equipped with a helium escape valve, a diving feature that allows helium to escape from the watch during decompression, preventing potential damage to the watch. You can also expect bold, legible dials with large luminescent markers and hands, and a unidirectional rotating bezel to track underwater time safely.
Longines: Intricate Complications With Swiss Design
Movement: Automatic | Case size: 40mm | Strap: Stainless Steel
What you’ll love:
Classic, timeless design is easy to wear
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
Keep in mind:
The multitude of features might be overwhelming to look at
Longines’ Master Collection is often regarded as a flagship collection for the Swiss watchmaker, which was founded in 1832. It's known for its classic and timeless designs combined with intricate complications, such as chronographs, moon phases and multiple time zones. It also emphasizes brand's watchmaking expertise with automatic movements and high-quality finishes. The transparent case back offers a view of its intricate workings.
Oris: Square Design That Stands Out In Formal And Casual Settings
Mr Porter
Oris Rectangular Automatic 25.5mm Stainless Steel And Leather Watch
Movement: Automatic | Case size: 38mm | Strap: Leather
What you’ll love:
Sleek rectangular face
Power reserve is about 38 hours
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal case
Keep in mind:
Not water resistant
Brightly colored leather might not appeal to everyone
The Oris Rectangular Automatic 25.5mm is a solid choice for anyone looking for a stylish and versatile dress watch. It is well-made and durable, and it is suitable for both formal and casual situations. The watch is also relatively affordable for a luxury pick, making it a great value for the money. It features a rectangular stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal, a white dial with black roman numerals, and a black leather strap. The watch is powered by a Swiss automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve.
Best Bracelet Watch For Men
Tissot: Elegance, Functionality And Swiss Quality
Nordstrom
Tissot T-Classic Gentleman Bracelet Watch
Movement: Quartz | Case size: 40mm | Strap: Stainless steel
What you’ll love:
Looks great with formal attire
Stainless steel bracelet strap is adjustable
Date window
Keep in mind:
Polished finish is prone to visible smudges
Clasp might require frequent adjustments for the best fit
Crafted by Swiss watchmaker Tissot, the T-Classic Gentleman has all the core qualities of a great dress watch: It’s elegant, unobtrusive and complements formal attire without overshadowing it. The design is understated—with a clean dial, minimalistic hour markers and a date function—and the craftsmanship speaks to those who appreciate well-made watches.
Best Sport Watch For Men
Seiko: Great Entry Level Watch With Technical Prowess
MOST POPULAR
Seiko
Seiko 5 Sports Stainless Steel Case And Bracelet
Movement: Automatic | Case size: 43mm | Strap: Stainless steel
What you’ll love:
Large date window
Includes GMT timing
Keep in mind:
Lacks a sapphire crystal face or advanced movement technology
Japanese watchmaker Seiko has several models that are consistently recognized as standouts for enthusiasts and collectors. Among the most notable is the Seiko 5 line, which was first introduced in the 1960s. The “5” represents the five key features Seiko prioritizes: automatic winding, day and date display, water resistance, recessed crown and durable construction. It does all this at a budget-friendly price point, too.
Best Dive Watch For Men
TAG Heuer: Highly Water Resistant And Stylish For Everyday
Reeds
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Stainless Steel Watch
Movement: Solar quartz movement | Case size: 40mm | Strap: Stainless steel
What you’ll love:
Durable and rugged
Solargraph movement uses the sun’s energy
Includes an adjustable extension link
Keep in mind:
Expensive
The watch is relatively thick, which might be cumbersome on the wrist
TAG Heuer is known for its sporty yet sophisticated timepieces.The Aquaracer Professional 200 is tailored for diving enthusiasts and those with an active lifestyle. It has a water resistance of up to 200 meters, sleek stainless steel case and bracelet and luminescent dial for optimal visibility in low-light underwater conditions. Its unidirectional rotating bezel, a hallmark of dive watches, ensures safety during underwater adventures.
Best Military Style Watch For Men
Hamilton: Utility Features And High Performance Details
Nordstrom
Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic Chronograph Silicone Strap Watch
Movement: Automatic movement | Case size: 42mm | Strap: Silicone
What you’ll love:
Displays the day and date
Antireflective sapphire crystal face
Keep in mind:
Silicone strap is not as durable as leather
Watch face may appear cluttered for some
During World War II, Hamilton ceased consumer production of watches to focus solely on supplying the U.S. Armed Forces with reliable timepieces. The Khaki Field line draws inspiration from theose wartime watches, emphasizing durability and precision. The chronograph subdials are strategically placed to ensure easy readability andmeasure elapsed time, similar to a stopwatch. The dial is clear and legible, often in muted colors like black, green or brown, and luminescent hands and hour markers ensure visibility in low-light conditions.
Best Aviator Watch For Men
IWC: A Blend Of History, Functionality And Style
Reeds
IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 Top Gun Watch
Movement: Automatic movement | Case size: 41.9mm | Strap: Rubber
What you’ll love:
Sporty design
IWC bracelet quick-change system
Ceramic case is highly durable and scratch-resistant
Keep in mind:
May feel heavy on the wrist due to its intricate mechanics
High-end price tag might be prohibitive for some
Founded in 1868, the International Watch Company (IWC) specializes in aeronautical-inspired designs. The "Top Gun" series pays homage to elite jet pilots, combining technical sophistication with a design that mirrors the instruments found in a cockpit. This Swiss-made watch is anti-magnetic, a crucial feature for aviators, with a soft-iron inner case that protects the movement from magnetic fields to ensure accuracy. The sapphire crystal glass is also secured against drops in air pressure on flights.
Laco: Authentic Reconstructions Of Original Pilot Watches
Amazon
Laco Paderborn Type B Dial Swiss Automatic Pilot Watch
Movement: Automatic | Case size: 42mm | Strap: Leather
What you’ll love:
Reconstruction of observation watches from the 1940s
Decorative rivets on the leather strap
Numbers and figures are illuminated with Superluminova C3
Keep in mind:
Might appear oversized on smaller wrists
Established in 1925, Laco has deep roots in aviation, producing watches for Luftwaffe pilots during WWII. Laco’s bold numerals are a nod to vintage pilot watches and the Swiss movement delivers both accuracy and durability. The “Type B” dial is a distinctive feature of this watch, characterized by an inner hour circle and an outer minute circle.
Best Stylish Watch For Men
Rado: Open Design And Impeccable Quality
Rado
Rado True Square Automatic Open Heart Ceramic Bracelet Watch
Movement: Automatic | Case size: 38mm | Strap: Ceramic
What you’ll love:
Comfortable ceramic bracelet
Distinctive shape makes a style statement
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Keep in mind:
Unconventional shape might not suit everyone
Power reserve of 80 hours is not as long as some other automatic watches
Rado's unique square design is a conversation starter, and the open heart dial offers a glimpse into the watch's mechanics. It’s designed with sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, which provides clarity and the ceramic case is scratch resistant.
Author of this piece and former deputy editor Kari Molvar previously managed the fashion section for four years. She hold certificates in jewelry essentials from the Gemological Institute of America and design history from Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
Deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the fashion vertical along with beauty and travel, edited this story. She has two decades of experience reporting on men’s, women’s and kids’ fashion and accessories.
We regularly refresh this story to ensure all picks are currently in stock and all product information is accurate. It was last updated in June 2025 by commerce editor Katherine Louie, who added more information to the buying guide and helpful specifications for each product, including case size and movement.
How We Chose The Best Men’s Watches
To find the best watches for men, we considered several factors: movement, case size, style, strap and water resistance.
Our fashion editorial team focused on top-rated brands and retailers known for high-quality watches, such as Shinola, Fossil and Timex.
We read through hundreds of customer reviews for standout product traits and essential details and only featured brands with straightforward return and exchange policies, should you need to make any swaps.
The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writers and meticulous vetting by our fashion editorial team.
What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Men’s Watches
When considering different models, we took into account a variety of features, including the movement type, materials, craftsmanship and more. “When looking at a watch, it’s important to distinguish its purpose,” says stylist Joseph Episcopo. “Do you need a fancy watch to elevate your new Brunello suits? Are you taking a dip in the ocean while on vacation? Watches are not built the same, and certain materials work best for the type of environment you’re in.” Here’s what to consider.
Movement
There are three different types to consider. A quartz movement is renowned for its accuracy and low maintenance requirements; it’s powered by a battery and is generally more affordable. A mechanical movement is powered by a mainspring and requires manual winding. This type is appreciated for its craftsmanship and tradition. An automatic movement is a type of mechanical movement that winds itself using the motion of the wearer's arm.
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. “The more precious the metal, the more desirable (or expensive) the watch can be,” says stylist Morgan Bienvenue. “But if you want to wear your watch all the time—to work, to the gym, on the weekends—a stainless steel watch may be the best option because it’s more durable and therefore cost-effective.” She adds that gold is timeless, but it’s prone to scratches, so it’s best saved for special occasions.
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. Additionally, a watch made from durable materials (such as genuine leather or high-grade stainless steel) will typically feel more substantial. “Another thing to pay attention to [besides materials and heritage] are finishing details,” says Bienvenue. “How a watch is brushed or beveled can also indicate craftsmanship, as well as any precious stones or intricate designs on the face.”
Accuracy
While no watch is 100% accurate, a quality timepiece should have minimal time deviation. A COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) certification is one indicator of accuracy for Swiss watches.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
All of the brands highlighted in this guide make excellent watches, but some of our favorites include Shinola, Timex, Fossil, Bulova and Tissot. These brands all use high-quality materials (stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, or precious metals like gold and platinum for the case), feel substantial without weighing down the wrist, and have minimal time deviation.
Tissot, Bulova and Hamilton offer affordable luxury watches that will stand the test of time. In particular, we recommend the Tissot T-Classic Gentleman Bracelet Watch, which features a quartz movement and an elegant design that complements formal attire.
Stylists agree that entry-level is subjective to each person’s budget, but certain brands offer better mid-priced options that can work for someone just getting into watches. “Some of my favorite entry-level watches are from brands like Timex, Hamilton, Tissot and Seiko.” says Episcopo. “You can find an array of styles ranging in price from $150 to $1,000, so you can wear something that suits your personality without breaking the bank.”
We updated the prices and added helpful specifications for each product, including case size and type of movement. We also added more details on the criteria we used when evaluating the watches in this guide.
