Best Watches for Men in the World
Men don't have a lot of fashion accessories to call their own, but watches have stood the test of time. And if you wanted to, you could spend a small college education (or the cost of a four-bedroom family home) telling time.
We have dive watches, dress watches, chronographs, GMTs, affordable watches and completely unaffordable timepieces. These are the best men's watches on the market, ranked from least to most expensive.
50. Fossil Forrester Chronograph
Price: $129-$169
Bottom line: Fossil is an American luxury goods company headquartered in Richardson, Texas.
They have established a reputation for making good-looking, affordable timepieces, and the Forrester Chronograph is no exception.
These are stylish watches that you probably won't give your grandkids (although they do have an 11-year warranty), but they'll complement your wardrobe.
Also available at: Amazon, Macy's
49. Zelos Chroma 2
Price: $270
Bottom line: A popular, affordable watch from Zelos is the Chroma 2.
This upgraded Chroma model features luminous paint on the hands for dark conditions, improved finishing and a cut-out rotor.
These are currently sold out on Zelos' website, so you'll want to find them on the secondary market. Or just wait for the Chroma 3s to drop.
Also available at: Time Bum, Serious Watches
48. Waldan Heritage Professional
Price: $300
Bottom line: Waldan Watches is a private, family-owned watch business that operates out of New York City.
It has an intriguing history. Its founder, Oscar Waldan, was a Polish watchmaker who learned the art of watchmaking while interned at the Buchenwald Concentration Camp.
Waldan's Heritage watches are understated and beautiful timepieces that are handmade and affordable.
47. Holzkern Altamira
Price: $319
Bottom line: If you're looking for something a little more offbeat, the Altamira by Holzerken might be for you. The case is made of mahogany wood and stainless steel while the dial is made of marble.
The look is inspired by the Spanish cave of Altamira, where Stone Age cave paintings were found.
46. Zelos Mako V3 40mm Diver
Price: $450-$600
Bottom line: Zelos is a new watchmaker that launched in 2014.
Based in Singapore, the company produces modern-looking timepieces with materials like bronze and carbon fiber. Their prices are reasonably affordable, too.
Their Mako V3 line is a crowd favorite. But they have limited release windows, and it might be difficult to snag one.
45. Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000RD
Price: $600
Bottom line: For those looking for a retro statement that can take a beating, consider the Casio G-Shock GMWB5000RD4.
It comes with solar-powered technology, so it'll run for as long as it's in the sun. It also has Bluetooth technology and a great burgundy color.
The downside: It smudges easily.
Also available at: Tilly's, Zappos
44. Zelos Mako V3 300M Bronze Meteorite
Price: $700
Bottom line: The Mako V3 300-M Bronze Meteorite from Zelos has a beautiful black meteorite dial and bezel with a bronze case.
You'll need to find this one on the secondary market as well. It's also currently sold out.
43. Christopher Ward C65
Price: $845-$2,170
Bottom line: Christopher Ward offers many variants in its C65 series. These watches are built on the C65 platform, which features, among other things, a baton-shaped hour hand and a thin bezel.
As a bonus, Christopher Ward is known to offer promo codes, so you don't have to buy these watches at full price if your timing is good. There's a lot to choose from, but the C65 Dartmouth received high marks in this review.
42. Sinn 809 Aut
Price: Approx. $1,000
Bottom line: The Sinn 809 Aut is a sleek diving watch that has developed a cult following among watch enthusiasts.
It's a slim watch, under 10mm in thickness and looks great both under the water and as a dress watch.
You'll need to find these watches on the used market, since they date back some time to the early 1990s, according to Worn and Wound.
41. Seiko Sarb005
Price: Approx. $1,100
Bottom line: The Seiko Sarb005s might look like it was made in the 1970s, but this faceted-crystal watch was created in the mid-2000s as a throwback piece.
The price for this watch varies since it's a seller's market, but one person on Reddit offered their timepiece for $1,200.
40. Damasko DS30
Price: Approx. $1,220
Bottom line: Damasko is a family-owned watch company based in Barbing, a small town in Germany near the Danube river.
The DS30 is a well-reviewed, understated watch with a simple but beautiful design.
39. Seven Friday Orange Carbon
Price: $1,650
Bottom line: Seven Friday is a new Swiss watch company that was founded in 2012.
They offer contemporary, almost futuristic watch designs with Japanese Miyota 82S7 movement.
38. Nomos Glashütte Ludwig
Price: $1,840
Bottom line: Nomos Glashütte is a German-based watchmaker that was founded just two months after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The classic Ludwig is Nomos Glashütte's most recognizable model. It's pretty much all dial, but it's a damn fine watch.
And it looks great, too.
37. Breitling Chronomat A13352
Price: $2,500-$3,000 (used)
Bottom line: This Breitling Chronomat watch is hard to find, but it's beautiful.
The luxe watch features a sapphire crystal with a screw-down crown that, like all Chronomats, is built to withstand even the harshest of conditions.
36. Tudor Black Bay 41
Price: $3,050
Bottom line: The Tudor Black Bay 41 is a self-winding watch with a clean, elegant look.
The royal blue dial option gives it a very striking look while never veering toward ostentatious.
35. Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight
Price: $3,700
Bottom line: Tudor's Black Bay Fifty-Eight is a blend of the Black Bay and original Tudor dive watches of the 1950s.
It's an exceptionally cool watch and was one of the most anticipated watches of 2018.
It's well on its way to becoming a modern classic.
34. Tudor Black Bay Bronze Bucherer Blue
Price: $4,150
Bottom line: In 2017, Tudor teamed up with Swiss-based watchmaker Bucherer to bring this watch to the market.
However, it was only available from Bucherer's retail stores and could only be purchased in the U.K.
This special edition watch features a deep, rich blue on the dial and an insert that looks incredible.
33. Tudor Black Bay Chrono
Price: $4,900-$7,000
Bottom line: Tudor is owned by Rolex and used to be Rolex's more affordable brand.
The company relaunched in 2009 and now produces luxury brands that are more style-focused than Rolex's offerings.
If you're looking for an in-depth look into getting a Rolex or buying a Tudor, Bob's Watches has a good breakdown.
32. Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36
Price: $5,600
Bottom line: Rolex's Oyster Perpetual 36 line comes in five different colors: candy pink, coral red, turquoise, yellow and green.
These watches are made with Rolex's classic, anti-corrosive "oystersteel" and have a Chromalight display that allows them to be easily read even 300 feet below the surface of the ocean.
31. IWC Pilot Chronograph Spitfire
Price: $5,950
Bottom line: The IWC Pilot Spitfire is a watch that draws its inspiration from the iconic Spitfire fighter aircraft, a British single-seater that was instrumental to fighting off Germany during World War II.
This is a beautiful watch with 41mm sizing and a 69000-series movement, the first time IWC has implemented such a device into a pilot's watch.
30. Omega "From Moon to Mars" Speedmaster
Price: Approx. $6,200
Bottom line: This Speedmaster features three different subdials (a seconds subdial, 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder) that have been designed as Earth, Mars and the Moon.
This limited edition Moonwatch is hard to find, but it sure is cool.
29. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch
Price: $6,300
Bottom line: The Omega Speedmaster is an iconic watch that was the first watch on the moon. It had to undergo rigorous watch trials put forth by NASA, beating out Rolex, Longines-Wittnauer and Hamilton, although the latter produced a pocket watch and disqualified itself.
This thing underwent torture tests, with degrees ranging from negative 260 degrees Fahrenheit to a boiling 260 degrees Fahrenheit. And it still worked.
The Moonwatch Speedmaster takes its inspiration from the same watch that successfully ventured into outer space nearly 60 years ago.
28. Omega Constellation Co-Axial Master Chronometer
Price: $6,500
Bottom line: This sleek, black-and-silver watch features a 41mm stainless steel casing with polished black ceramic bezel and a rubber-lined leather strap.
It's an absolute beauty.
27. Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic
Price: $7,050
Bottom line: Jaeger-LeCoultre is a Swiss watch and clock company that operates under Richemont. This is the company that made the near-perpetual motion clock, the Atmos clock.
The Polaris line comes in both automatic and chronograph styles, and you really can't go wrong with either one of them if you like large dial designs.
26. Santos de Cartier
Price: $7,150
Bottom line: The French luxury good company, Cartier, may be known more for women's watches than men's, but it has some pretty cool men's watches, too. In fact, founder Louis Cartier made the first pilot's watch, which was a square-shaped gold watch with exposed screws.
Santos de Cartier — or simply, the Cartier Santos — is a much more fashionable timepiece than that first iteration.
It's not for pilots, maybe, but hey, it looks good.
25. Breitling Aviator 8 BO1 Chronograph 43
Price: From $7,710
Bottom line: The Breitling Aviator 8 BO1 Chronograph 43 blends modern and vintage styles, creating a watch with aviator rather than nautical themes.
The 43 Mosquito, for instance, takes its inspiration from the De Haviland Mosquito, a twin-engine British combat plane that had a frame constructed from wood.
The 43 Curtiss Warhawk, on the other hand, has a matte military green dial and takes its inspiration from the American Curtiss P-40 Warhawk that was built in 1933.
24. IWC Portugieser Chronograph
Price: $7,950
Bottom line: This striking watch is a beloved timepiece from the Switzerland-based International Watch Company. The Portugieser's origins lie in it being a nautical precision instrument worn on the wrist.
The design has hardly changed over 25 years, because why change what just looks and works so well?
23. Rolex Submariner
Price: From $8,100
Bottom line: Rolex's Submariner has a history dating back to the post-war boom of the 1950s, when Rolex made its first moves into the sporting world.
Fun fact: In 1953, Rolex pulled off a risky marketing stunt by showing off its waterproof designs in real time, sending one of their watches 3,000 meters below the sea in a submarine. When the watch returned, it was working just fine.
The Submariner watches are pure classics.
22. Rolex Milgauss
Price: $8,300
Bottom line: The Rolex Milgauss comes with a green sapphire crystal that is Rolex's "secret" design. It's scratchproof and fade-proof and is exclusive to the Milgauss.
The watch also has a black dial with illuminated hour markers, while the sapphire crystal gives a soft green glow when lit up at night.
21. Breitling Navitimer 806 1959 Re-Edition
Price: $8,600
Bottom line: The Breitling Navitimer 806 1959 Re-Edition is an incredibly cool watch that is a recreation of the — you guessed it — original 1959 Navitimer. It's nearly identical to the original watch, and is just 12.5mm thick, making it a thinner version than the modern versions.
The dial is busy, sure, but you can't deny how cool it looks.
20. Rolex Explorer II
Price: Approx. $8,700
Bottom line: Rolex's Explorer II features easy-to-read Chromalight when it gets dark, and a 24-hour bezel and dedicated hour hand that circles the dial in 24-hour demarcations, rather than the usual 12.
It's tough, rugged and for those who like to explore the vast outside world.
19. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer
Price: $8,900
Bottom line: The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is a stunning timepiece that features a laser-ablated map on the dial and an amagnetic master chronometer.
There are several variants to choose from (or wait for, depending on the availability), with the most expensive of this line costing $40,300.
18. Gerald Charles Maestro Anniversary
Price: Approx. $9,600
Bottom line: The Maestro Anniversary was designed with harsh conditions in mind and is water-resistant for up to 100 meters.
Features of the watch include 27 rubies, a unique anti-shock system and a 42-hour power reserve.
17. Rolex Sea-Dweller
Price: $11,350+
Bottom line: The Sea-Dweller is branded as "the watch that conquered the deep" because it's waterproof to a depth of 4,000 feet. The Sea-Dweller launched in 1967 and remains a favorite among divers.
There are a number of variants and special edition Sea-Dwellers, including a Deepsea Black edition, which sells for over $18,000 on the secondhand market.
16. Panerai Submersible Bronzo 47mm
Price: $16,500
Bottom line: In 2011, Paneri chose to make a diving watch made of bronze. Why? Because over time, the material will develop a patina, eventually giving each watch a unique look.
The Submersible Bronzo 47mm is an updated version of the Italian watchmaker's original design and has a ceramic bezel.
15. Panerai Luminor Due 42mm PAM01042
Price: $18,400
Bottom line: Panerai has its roots back to 1860, when Giovanni Panerai opened his watch shop in Florence, Italy. This Luminor Due has modern features with a certain old-world charm.
The Arabic numerals and hour markings light up a pleasant green when needed, and we love the enclosed crown.
14. Rolex Cellini Moonphase
Price: $26,750
Bottom line: The Rolex Cellini Moonphase has a white lacquer dial with a blue enameled disc at the six o'clock position that shows a full moon made of meteorite.
Not everyone loves Rolex watches, but even the brand's biggest critics have to acknowledge the beauty of its Cellini line, and especially the Moonphase.
13. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Self-Winding Chronograph
Price: $29,600
Bottom line: The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Self-Winding Chronograph is an expensive watch, but it's also a beautiful one.
The Royal Oak line is Audemars Piguet's most popular line. Its blocky design and exposed screw was originally designed with traditional diving helmets in mind, giving it a nautical feel.
12. Czapek Faubourg de Cracovie
Price: $31,400+
Bottom line: Czapek has been in business since 1845.
Based in Geneva, the watch manufacturer offers luxury watches and several, high-end limited edition ones, like their Faubourg de Cracovie line.
Very few of these watches were made. For the serious watch collector, it's something to consider.
11. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Green Dial
Price: $36,650
Bottom line: Do you do a lot of high-speed racing? Then this watch might be for you.
Rolex's Cosmograph Daytona is a sport chronograph that was designed for endurance racing drivers.
This Daytona features a bright green dial, oyster bracelet, and an 18-carat yellow gold bezel with an engraved tachymetric scale.
10. Panerai Platinumtech PAM 1116
Price: $36,900
Bottom line: The Panerai Platinumtech PAM 1116 is a top-of-the-line model from the luxury Italian watchmaker Paneri.
This automatic watch is made with a hardened type of platinum and comes with a 70-year warranty. The timepiece maker is betting you it won't break during your lifetime.
The strap is made of alligator leather, and only 70 of these beauties are available.
9. Rolex Day-Date 40mm
Price: Approx. $37,000-$40,000
Bottom line: Billed as "the first waterproof and self-winding chronometer wristwatch to offer a modern calendar with an instantons day display," Rolex's Day-Date watches are flashy timepieces made of yellow gold, white gold, or platinum.
It is the iconic Rolex watch that has enduring popularity.
8. IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar
Price: $41,100
Bottom line: What can we say? We love these Portugiesers.
This one is the Perpetual Calendar version, which comes with an 18-carat white gold 44.2- millimeter case.
7. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked
Price: $57,900
Bottom line: The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked has a fantastic dial with pink gold hour markers and gold-colored gears.
It's truly a work of art, and you can see exactly how it works.
Of course, you'll need to pay a high price for such luxury.
6. Patek Philippe Nautilus 5726
Price: Approx. $100,000
Bottom line: Patek Phillippe is a Swiss-based clock and watchmaker that has been around since 1839 and is one of the oldest continually operating watch companies in the world.
This blue dial-beauty has a stylish moonphase feature with a 40.5mm case that is water-resistant to 120 meters.
This watch originally sold for $50,270, but sellers are asking for twice as much on the secondhand market.
5. IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph
Price: Approx. $117,800-$138,000
Bottom line: For those looking to spend, oh, about $110,000 or more on their Portugieser, there is this Tourbillion Retrograde edition.
Two models were made available: one with a platinum case with a silver-plated dial and the other made with IWC's proprietary Armor Gold, which the company says is five to 10 times harder than regular gold.
Only 50 of each watch were made.
4. F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain Calibre 1403
Price: $207,200
Bottom line: F.P. Journe is a Swiss high-end watch manufacturer that produces only 800 or so watches per year. They are known for their precise tourbillion mechanics. And if a watch company only produces 800 watches a year, you know they're going to be expensive.
The F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain Calibre 1403 has a dead-beat second (meaning the second hand won't move until the second has entirely passed) and is housed in either 44-millimeter platinum or 18-carat gold.
3. Richard Lange Tourbillon “Pour le Mérite”
Price: $212,900
Bottom line: The "Pour Le Merite" is a limited edition masterpiece watch with 18-karat white gold and a fuse/chain.
You can buy this, or you can buy a house.
Check it out in action.
2. Gerald Charles Maestro.99 Tourbillon
Price: $215,000
Bottom line: The Gerald Charles Maestro .99 Tourbillion comes in a 44-millimeter square pallidum case with a tourbillion ball between two sapphire crystals.
Only 12 of these masterpieces were made.
1. Richard Mille Limited Edition RM055 Bubba Watson
Price: Several hundred thousand dollars
Bottom line: This unique watch is a super exclusive timepiece that was inspired by a previous watch designed in conjunction with pro golfer Bubba Watson.
This watch came in several different colors and is extremely expensive, with prices ranging up to and over $400,000 on the secondary market.