The Best Watches For Men
Keeping time has been a quest of the greatest minds since the dawn of civilization. Since the invention of the wristwatch, we can all choose to wear a piece of this history and keep the passage of time just within arm's reach. Though precision and accuracy are key, a handsome timepiece can also add a delicate accent to any outfit. Whether you're drawn to them through pragmatism or for style alone, take a look at a few of our favorite watches on the market today.
What to Look For
With so many great designs out there, it can be difficult to sort the best from the rest. With three defining characteristics in mind, you might find it easier to find the one for you: weatherproofing, driving mechanism, and luminosity. Our favorite overall comes from Timex. This simple design pairs vintage style with a reasonable price for a deal that’s hard to pass up. But if you’re looking for a watch for the great outdoors, check out the tried-and-true offering from Casio. Read on below to discover the rest of our favorites.
Timex South Street Sports Watch
Timeless class
This certified classic from the venerable watchmakers Timex tops our list with its subtle, familiar dimensions at a surprisingly affordable price point. This bold, numerically labeled face does things by the book, offering superb clarity and a timeless design that’s classy through and through. And with a calendrical counter also neatly nestled between the hands, this understated watch is a powerful analog timepiece.
Pros:
- Choose between a range of brushed metal finishes
- Light-up dials are visible in the dark
- Water-resistant up to 30 meters
Cons:
- Metal straps aren’t for everyone
Fossil Minimalist Slim Casual Watch
Unless you already have a boundless collection of timepieces in your wardrobe, you’ll want to find a watch that pairs with any outfit you might find yourself in. This minimalist design from Fossil takes things back to basics, sporting a spacious, 44-millimeter unmarked face and delicate matte coloring. Don’t be put off by the dark palette here — this three-hand analog display absorbs light for optimal clarity even in the darkest conditions.
Pros:
- Case included for storage or display
- Fossil’s climate pledges are a win for the eco-conscious
- Rugged buckle with two straps for added security
Cons:
- The large face might be uncomfortable for some
Casio 10-Year Battery Watch
Delicate, jeweled watch faces aren’t the order of the day for everybody. If you have an active lifestyle, this durable wristwatch from Casio is sure to fit the bill. The durable plastic components are sure to withstand some punishment, even if you’re a little clumsier than average. And with an encased design boasting water resistance up to 100 meters, it’s also a great choice for those that don’t mind a splash.
Pros:
- Auto-calendar saves time manually adjusting for months and leap years
- 1/100-second stopwatch for pinpoint accuracy
- The extra-wide face displays more live updates than most
Cons:
- Low alarm volume might leave you running late
CakCity Digital Sports Watch LED
The mechanical whir of cogs and rotating hands might seem like an anachronism to some. If you’re looking for a sleek modern design, this LED sports watch from CakCity is sure to impress. Its bright and bold design prioritizes clarity above all else, and the result is a simple yet striking aesthetic. The resilient PC casing is as tough as it gets, making this a great choice for outdoor applications.
Pros:
- Calander, alarm clock, and stopwatch functionality
- Bright LED backlight for nighttime viewing
- Several bold color options including camouflage designs
Cons:
- At half an inch thick, this face is bulkier than most
Diesel Mr. Daddy 2.0
The open network of hands, dials, and meters on the detailed face of this showstopper from Diesel is a sight for any natural analyst to behold. We’d be surprised if you could easily count the number of operating faces at first glance, but once you get your head around this multifunctional timekeeping machine, you’ll be able to measure the flow of time in all manner of directions. And with a quartz mechanism behind the face, each hand and dial will glide with stable elegance.
Pros:
- Balanced, weighty face feels great on the wrist
- Detachable strap is easy to replace
- Handsome case is great for gifting
Cons:
- Multiple batteries make maintenance costly
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a quartz watch work?
We’ve developed many methods for measuring the passage of time over the years. Quartz watches are driven by piezoelectric quartz crystals. The mechanism that reads the stable vibrations of this moving crystal has fewer moving parts than the balance wheels of older watches, leading to more accurate performance over time.
Are water-resistant watches safe for submersion?
Though many watches boast water resistance as part of their design, it’s worth reading the small print before plunging into the deep end with your new timepiece on your wrist. Different standards of water resistance are suitable for either light coverage or complete submersion. If you’re looking for an option to wear underwater, you’ll also want to avoid leather straps.
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