13 Best Watch Brands for Men
Finding the Best Watch Brands for Men
These days, telling time is as easy as checking our phones. But, there are people out there, including myself, that still use an old-fashioned way of checking the time: wristwatches. They make a great accessory that can become a staple in your life for years.
The watch industry has evolved over the years with the introduction of digital and smartwatches. So, they might not be as much of a past-time as people think, especially when it comes to men’s watches.
13 Best Watch Brands for Men
With the growing market, you’re probably wondering—what are some of the best watches for men? From luxury designs to more simple models, there are many to choose from. So, join us as we take a look at 13 of the top watches for men.
1. Movado
Movado was founded in 1881 by Achille Ditesheim in a Swiss watch-making town called La Chaux-de-Fonds. Ditesheim was part of a Jewish watchmaker family that owned multiple companies in the area.
Movado translates to “always in motion” and their mission statement is “to be the leading company in the watch industry by building strong brands with the most sought-after images.” They also aim to offer high-quality products with innovative designs and high value.
Movado is a long-standing watch company with an extensive history. The brand’s most popular watch is the Museum Classic and they’ve also developed a smartwatch. Movado watches are most known for the singular metallic dot feature at 12 o’clock and the no-fuss style. It’s not necessarily a luxury watch brand anymore, but they’re praised by enthusiasts and watch-wearers alike.
Movado watches for men are considered more unique and they offer some excellent features. They’re also pretty minimalist for those people who don’t like flashy watches. Additionally, Movado watches are a bit more affordable than other Swiss made watches. Prices range between $395 to $3,295. The company also offers a 2-year limited warranty on their products.
2. Seiko
Next up in this best watches for men list is Seiko, another century old brand founded in 1881. Kintaro Hattori was 21-years-old when he founded the brand in central Tokyo. The brand is “dedicated to the perfection” that Kintaro always strived for.
Seiko is one of the leading watchmaking companies. Their catalog is vast, consisting of hundreds of watches from multiple collections and brands. This includes Astron, which is the world’s first GPS solar watch. They also offer other solar, diving, and the most popular Grand Seiko.
Seiko has built an amazing reputation for itself. Their watches are known for being tough, stylish, and well-made according to public perception. They’re even comparable to Swiss watch brands. Additionally, they’re the minds behind quartz movement watches, which have the most accurate timekeeping abilities because of the lack of friction.
Seiko offers a guarantee period and you can receive free repairs or adjustments through it. Their watches can range between affordable to luxury prices.
3. TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer is a Swiss watchmaker that was founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in St-Imier. Their sporty chronograph watches are courtesy of Edouard, who patented his first chronograph in 1882. He also patented an “oscillating pinion” that is still used by chronograph watchmakers.
The Swiss company is committed to “the world of sport”, specifically, motor racing. Through this dedication they’ve created the most accurate timepieces that have won them partnerships with Formula 1 drivers.
This is another watch company with a good reputation. Generally, their watches are appreciated for their style and great value. Their timepieces are accurate and they offer many types of watches, from quartz watches to more complicated sports watches. Each product also comes with a warranty that’s activated immediately upon purchase.
Prices for TAG Heuer’s best watches for men can total between $1k to $18k.
4. Patek Philippe
The Swiss watchmakers are really making a splash in this best watches for men list. Patek Philippe was founded in 1839 in Geneva by Franciszek Czapek and Antoni Patek. But, to this day, it’s still a family-owned, independent manufacturer, which helps preserve their creative freedom.
Patek Philippe states that the company “mentality is embodied” in ten different beliefs. This includes independence, tradition, innovation, quality and fine workmanship, rarity, value, aesthetics, service, emotion, and heritage. Through these pillars, they strive to maintain the brand’s legacy and traditions.
These Swiss watchmakers offer a vast collection of watch models. They’re most known for their rarity and value. It can take months to manufacture their simplest models, and other complicated models take about 2 years to complete. Basically, the manufacturers can’t take any shortcuts when creating their models.
There are 100+ models available, and prices range from $12k to $2m. It’s definitely one of the most expensive brands in the world. But, there are a few authorized dealers who may sell the same products for a bit less.
5. Skagen
Skagen Denmark was founded in 1989 by Charlotte and Henrik Jorst. They’re currently a subsidiary of Fossil as of 2012. The company’s aim is to bring Danish culture to other locations. They also emphasize being environmentally friendly and socially responsible when it comes to their impact.
Skagen’s mens watches are generally less popular than those from other brands. But, the general consensus is that their simple and elegant watches aren’t too intimidating and are sure to be a good investment. Additionally, the brand features award-winning Danish styles that are praised by experts and consumers.
Besides striving for sustainability, the brand offers quartz watches at an affordable price. Their included warranty lasts for 2 years and applies to product materials and defective parts. Depending on the situation, the company will decide to repair or replace your timepiece for free. They also sell jewelry and other accessories.
The men’s watches can total between $155 and $295, so they’re definitely a bit more budget-friendly.
Related: If you’d like to know more about Skagen, check out our Skagen Watches Review.
6. Omega
Who wouldn’t want the watch that James Bond wears in his movies? Omega is another Swiss watchmaker that was founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1848. Louis Brandt launched the brand with pocket watches made from local craftsmen’s supplies.
They’re now a subsidiary of the Swatch Group. The company’s cornerstone is innovative watchmaking and inspired by sports timekeeping and partnerships with NASA, armed forces, and more.
Omega is definitely one of the more recognizable watch brands. Connoisseurs recommend them for their accuracy and durability. They mainly sell automatic watches with rotor attachments for winding. They also offer quartz watches and manual wind items.
Additionally, Omega offers a 5-year warranty on all of its watches. This covers any manufacturing issues or defects after purchasing. The website also states that they will take care of it for free if you have problems during the period.
The general retail price range for Omega watches moves between $2k to $10k.
7. Hublot
Hublot is another luxury Swiss watchmaker in this best watches for men list. The company was founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco after he left a different timepiece company. He’s responsible for creating the first natural rubber strap in watchmaking.
There isn’t a clear mission statement on the company website. Still, from the looks of it, the company emphasizes craftsmanship, partnerships, and the “art of fusion.” They’re known to offer some of the most unusual material combinations and unique designs that set them apart from others in the industry.
Hublot watches are another sporty design that consumers seem to get behind. But, some experts and watch collectors seem to “love to hate” the brand. This is partly because they market most of their models as ‘limited edition’, which deters connoisseurs.
Regardless, the brand offers a 2-year warranty for their models, and prices are well within the luxury range. You can get a watch for five-figure to six-figure fees.
8. Bulova
Bulova is an American watchmaker that was founded in 1875 by Joseph Bulova. The company began in New York City, and their aim was and is “to craft supreme quality timepieces for an ever-changing and dynamic landscape.” The brand is built on this value, and it continues to progress through innovation and technology.
The company offers watches for both men and women, along with jewelry pieces. For men, they provide a broad range of timepieces, including quartz, 2-hand, chronograph, 3-hand, and calendar watches.
Because of its long run, Bulova is another reputable brand in the watch industry. Not only are their watches accurate and fashionable, but they’re accessible price-wise. It’s generally agreed upon that the brand makes good watches. They can even be compared to Movado watches, and they share a similar price range with Seiko.
Standard shipping is free at Bulova, and they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 3-year warranty. This covers workmanship or material defects upon delivery. In that case, the customer care team will work to replace your item with a comparable watch.
9. Breitling
Breitling was founded in 1884 by Leon Breitling in Saint-Imier, making it another Swiss brand on this best watches for men list. Their mission statement isn’t really clear on their website, but they’re a “chronograph specialist” and have been a part of the development of the complication. The company claims to have an “obsession with quality.”
Collectors generally find Breitling to be a reliable and accurate brand. Additionally, they have a reputation for designing watches for pilots, astronauts, the military, and more.
Breitling offers an international 5-year warranty that applies to manufacturing defects for their mechanical and quartz watches. Their products have also been worn by the likes of Brad Pitt, Adam Driver, and Charlize Theron.
The company offers watches and other accessories. In terms of men’s watches, they offer nine different collections and about 100+ watches. Prices range from $2k to $40k.
10. Audemars Piguet
The following Swiss brand on this best watches for men list is Audemars Piguet. The watchmaking company was founded by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet in 1875. They’ve continued to be family-owned since their founding. They’re best known for the introduction of the Royal Oak wristwatch in 1972.
The company’s values are similar to other brands, as they embody mastery, innovation, and independence. They offer high-end mechanical watches that include features like moon phase, dual time zones, chronographs, and more. Plus, they offer a 2-year warranty for the products with the option to extend to 5 years.
In terms of public perception, Audemars Piguet is considered one of the ‘big three’ in watchmaking. The brand is regarded as an exclusive and unique manufacturer by the timepiece community, and superior to other high-end companies.
There isn’t a specific price on the company’s website, but prices are generally in the five-figure range.
11. Apple
The next brand in this best watches for men list is famous for its smartwatches and other products. Apple was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. They began with computers, expanded into phones, the iPod, and more. As of 2021, they’re the world’s most valuable company.
Apple commits to “bringing the best user experience to its customers” with its technologically advanced hardware and services. As we said, the company offers several products aside from their smartwatches. This includes Mac laptops, iPads, iPhones, earphones, and TVs. They also provide a music streaming service for Apple users.
There’s no denying that Apple is a top-rated company. You can’t turn a corner without seeing an Apple product. As a result, the Apple Watch is considered one of the best smartwatch options, especially for iPhone users.
Some collectors even claim that the Swiss watch industry may be dying out due to Apple’s innovations. They’ve released 7 different series of smartwatches that include features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, GPS modes, heart monitors, and more.
Basically, if you’re into smartwatches, Apple is an excellent choice. They can be water-resistant and they’re easily customizable—several brands other than Apple sell bands for the watch faces. The current Series 6 Apple Watch can total between $529 to $2k. Any series below the newest will generally be cheaper. They also come with a 1-year limited warranty.
12. Timex
Timex is an American watch manufacturer founded in 1854 by the brass manufacturer Benedict & Burnham under its original name, Waterbury Clock Company. They pride themselves in turning the industry “upside down” by making their gears out of metal instead of carving them out of wood.
As the company grew, they made several innovations and strove to become “the leader in high-fashion watches.” They sell watches for both men and women, along with straps. They also offer a customization portal.
Timex watches for men are more affordable in price. This makes it a bit more popular among everyday consumers. They’re also considered one of the best options by a few bloggers if you’re not looking to fully invest in a luxury timepiece that’ll break the bank. Plus, it’s an older company that’s built a reputation on durable and simple designs.
Because of the company’s long history, they’ve also been able to collaborate with several companies. This includes playful brands like Peanuts and more high-end artists like Todd Snyder.
Price’s for mens watches generally fall between $50 and $850 depending on the model. You also get a one-year warranty from the purchase date.
13. Rolex
Last but not least in this best watches for mens list is Rolex. Rolex is one of the most sought-after and recognizable brands in the industry. It’s another Swiss watch company founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis.
Rolex’s mission is to make watches that embody their belief in “excellence, performance, prestige, and innovation.” Basically, they want to deliver the highest quality watches for their consumers. They also aim to ensure that the customer is always put first, resulting in satisfied and happy watch wearers.
Since the company is so well-known and mentioned throughout pop culture, it’s common knowledge that they distribute watches. This includes sports watches and classic designs that nearly every man seems to be seduced by. So, there’s also no denying that they’re a popular brand. Additionally, Rolex watches are considered to be one of the most reliable watches in the world.
Some people probably wonder what specifically makes Rolex so unique? Well, it generally keeps its value instead of going down in price. Additionally, there are a few perks, including a 5-year guarantee. So, it’s clear that they’re built to last for a long time.
When it comes to price, Rolex is a luxury brand. So, your total at checkout can be in the four to five figure range.
What Are the Different Types of Watches?
By now, you’re probably wondering: What are the different types of watches? How do I choose between the best watches for men? So, let’s answer those questions for you. Choosing a suitable watch for your style can be intimidating. Because of this, it’s good to familiarize yourself with the entire selection.
Some of the most popular watch types include the following:
- Automatic watches
- Quartz watches
- Smartwatches
- Chronograph Watches
- Solar-Powered Watches
- Dive watches
Automatic watch movements are also known as self-winding watch movements. Their operations are based on the motion of the wearer’s wrist. So, they don’t need daily winding to help with accuracy if worn every day.
Going a little deeper, an automatic watch uses a metal weight to power the timepiece. This weight spins every time your arm moves, and the energy is stored to be used at night or when you’re not wearing it. An automatic watch can be taken off for up to 48 hours.
A quartz watch is battery-powered. It’s powered by an electronic oscillator that works together with a quartz crystal. The current causes the crystal to vibrate quickly and precisely. These pulses drive a watch’s motor, allowing for accurate timekeeping. These watches occasionally need battery replacements.
Smartwatches are a more recent invention. Made to be worn like traditional watches, they obviously have several other features. Like smartphones, smartwatches have touchscreens and apps to track calories burned per minute, monitor your heart rate, and give statistics on other vitals. You can also connect these devices to your phone to answer calls and texts. You can even attach it to your bank cards to make contactless payments.
A chronograph watch or a stopwatch is ideal for athletic people. It has a built-in timekeeping mechanism that can be automatic, manual, or even quartz powered. It has three main functions, including:
- Start
- Stop
- Return to zero
You can operate a chronograph with the buttons or pushers on the side of the watch. It generally helps you time races and other sporting events easily.
The next type of watch is making some waves due to its eco-friendly power. Solar watches basically work by taking light energy and turning it into electronic energy, similar to a solar panel. Once light energy hits the solar cell, it creates a current that is then passed to the battery for slow release and storage to power the watch.
Generally, one single full charge can last a wearer months of power, even if it’s stowed away in a dark place. Additionally, you can expect about 7 years of use with these watches.
Lastly, we’ll discuss dive watches. As the name suggests, these timepieces are designed to be worn underwater. They typically look as sleek and stylish as traditional watches and are water-resistant up to at least 100m deep. They also feature magnetic, chemical, and shock resistance.
Diving watches should also include a way to track diving time, so divers know how long they’ve been underwater. There can be a digital timer or a rotating bezel, which allows for an easy reading of time. You’ll generally be able to find these watches in quartz, manual, or automatic designs.
Things To Consider When Buying Watches For Men
As we said, shopping around for the best watches for men in your life can be daunting. It’s not only essential to consider the type of watch you’re getting, but other factors can come into account, including style, customization options, price, warranties, and more. So, let’s talk about some of these factors so that you know what to ‘watch out’ for.
First up is style: You know about the different types, but watches can also be categorized into different designs such as sport, luxury, casual and vintage. It’s important to consider what types of occasions you generally wear your time-piece to.
Going to a black-tie event? Splurge for a luxury leather or metallic watch. If you’re looking for an everyday staple, a casual leather band watch might be your best option. If you’re an athlete, a sports watch with a durable chronograph design is your new companion. The band style can really make or break your accessory.
You’ll also want to keep an eye out for which brand helps you stay within the price range you’re comfortable with. For example, investing in a Patek Philippe watch might not be practical for everyday use, but their products can act as valuable family heirlooms. If you’re balling on a budget, you can go for more accessible brands like Skagen, Timex, or even Apple.
Additionally, you might want to go with a brand that offers a decent warranty. If you receive a defective product, it can be a pain to go through re-purchasing or paying for repairs. A good watch brand will offer you an excellent warranty to resolve any manufacturing issues free of charge.
Something else you might want to consider when buying a new watch: materials and durability. Depending on what’s most important to you, you’ll want to think about the number of materials that are used in manufacturing. You might also want to make sure they’re high-quality, durable, and ethically sourced.
Materials go hand-in-hand with the feel and look of your watch. If you’ve got a wider wrist, the standard watch face might look too small. In that case, it’s better to opt for bulkier or more average-sized watches depending on what works best for you aesthetically.
Regarding technical factors like delivery times and locations, the brands we discussed in this best watches for men list generally offer free standard shipping and returns. This is due to their higher price ranges. If that’s something you want to factor into your decision, any watch brand that offers these perks might be worth looking into.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, choosing the best watch for yourself comes down to personal preference and finances. It’s definitely an exciting purchase and often one that’s only made around special occasions—so it’s important to make an informed decision!
Whether you’re opting for luxury or simplicity, you’re bound to find the perfect watch that suits all of your needs. But, it’s essential to take these factors into account so you can treat yourself to a functional accessory that can (hopefully!) last a lifetime.
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