The Best Designer Watches For Men

A watch is a classic accessory that every man should have in his closet. From sporty styles that you can wear while working out to more traditional alternatives with sophisticated leather bands, there's a wide range to choose from. From dial type and color to water resistance, watches have dozens of different styles and features that you can mix and match to find the ideal design for your lifestyle. That way, whether you're headed into casual settings or to fancy cocktail parties, you can always have a watch that effortlessly complements your ensemble.

What to Look For

When you’re looking for a new watch, we suggest focusing on three important factors: size, durability, and material. Each of these is crucial, so we tried to find watches that balanced these qualities well. For example, the Fossil Gen 5E smartwatch is a great all-around option for most folks. It can help you always stay connected thanks to its comprehensive app library and integrated features that can track your sleep, exercise, and more. But for a more traditional style, you can’t go wrong with the Timex Expedition Scout 40, which is the perfect everyday watch that can be worn wear anywhere. Check out these picks and more to find the ideal new addition to your watch collection.

Fossil Gen 5E Smartwatch

Get smart

This watch is powered by Google to provide unbeatable features.
Best Overall

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This smartwatch tracks all of your activities, helping you live a healthier lifestyle. From your steps to your sleep to your heart rate, it keeps track of everything using advanced sensors. It also displays all of your calls and texts so that you can more easily stay connected, and it even has a library of hundreds of apps so you can customize the watch to suit your exact needs. Simply pair it with your Android or iPhone to unlock endless possibilities.

Pros:

  • We love that you can answer phone calls directly from your watch, so you don’t need to have your phone nearby. That way, you can be sure you never miss an important message.
  • It has all of the features of similar watches that are double or triple the price, delivering amazing value and functionality.

Cons:

  • Unfortunately, it doesn’t have long battery life.

Timex Expedition Scout 40 Watch

About time

This classic watch works for every occasion.
Best Classic

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This watch is a traditional timepiece that will never go out of style. Full Arabic numerals, a light-up dial, and luminous hands make it easy to read in any environment for a piece that’s equally practical. Not only is it stylish, but it’s also durable; in fact, it’s even water-resistant up to 50 meters to ensure it doesn’t break or wear easily. Choose from dozens of different color combinations to find the perfect watch for your wardrobe.

Pros:

  • The watch is very simple and straightforward. Though it doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles like smartwatches, it is very stylish and sophisticated enough to wear for even formal occasions.
  • It’s very lightweight and easy to wear. It won’t weigh you down or feel uncomfortable, even when you’ve been wearing it all day.

Cons:

  • The crown is very delicate and could break fairly easily.

Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle Smartwatch

Smarty pants

Stay connected even on the go with this smartwatch.
Best Smart Features

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With hundreds of apps to choose from and integrations with both Androids and iPhones, this watch does it all. Designed to track your fitness and sleeping activity and connect with music, social media, games, and news apps, you’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips. The band is also interchangeable with all 22mm Fossil bands, allowing you to totally customize your look.

Pros:

  • The battery is designed to last 24 hours, giving you plenty of power from a full charge.
  • It has a built-in speaker and microphone, so you can take phone calls or play music without carrying your phone for added convenience.

Cons:

  • The screen doesn’t get very bright.

Fossil Nate Stainless Steel Quartz Chronograph Watch

The dark side

This all-black watch is a stylish and practical accessory.
Best Chronograph

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This oversized watch is an easy way to make a statement. The bold, military-inspired design has rugged hardware and oversized numerals for a one-of-a-kind look. The 50mm case makes the watch easy to read, even from afar, and the scratch-resistant lens and stainless steel case add durability. You can even get it engraved at your local Fossil store free of charge to add a personalized finishing touch.

Pros:

  • It’s very large, making it an amazing option for gents who are especially tall or have large wrists and hands. It gives the watch a very masculine and sturdy look.
  • The casual, matte black design makes this the perfect everyday watch. The color easily pairs with any outfit.

Cons:

  • The pins on the closure may loosen over time and need to be adjusted.

Tommy Hilfiger Watch

Back to black

With a black leather band and minimal black face, this watch offers a sleek and modern look.
Best On A Budget

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This watch is sophisticated in its simplicity. The black dial has an Arabic index and luminous hands, ensuring you can read it even in the dark. The textured leather strap is a timeless design that works as well with jeans as it does with a suit. The best part? This affordable watch won’t break the bank, making it a practical option for everyday wear.

Pros:

  • Even though the watch is affordable, it looks much more expensive than it is. The all-black style and leather band give it a more upscale look.
  • It’s very lightweight and easy to wear. The leather band is breathable and won’t dig into your wrist, even after hours of wear.

Cons:

  • The body is made of plastic instead of stainless steel like more expensive watches.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big are men’s watches?

Typically, men’s watches range anywhere from 37mm to 45mm. Everyday watches tend to be on the smaller side, while sports watches tend to be on the larger end of the range.

What wrist do men’s watches go on?

Most people wear their watch on their non-dominant wrist. Right-handed people should wear their watch on their left wrist, while left-handed people should wear their watch on their right.

How are watches measured?

The size of a watch typically denotes the diameter of the watch case. Usually, this is measured in millimeters.

About the Author

Hannah has always had an eye for fashion and beauty and is often inspired by the styles she sees on the streets of her beloved New York City. She closely follows the top fashion blogs and icons, and her goal is to help everyone look and feel their best through their clothing choices. Hannah’s work can be found in Boston Magazine, Hamptons Magazine, and more.

Why Trust Us

Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.