There’s no question about it: shopping for a quality men’s watch requires a Rolodex of expertise, a keen eye for top brands and a great understanding of what allows one beautiful face and band to stand out from the pack.
Oh, and we’ll knock our pun out of the way: watches are timeless. Now, back to our usual reporting.
Not only does a sharp and handsome watch make a great gift for the man in your life but there are also a wealth of options to choose from, making it virtually impossible to not find a style that would suit his tastes.
“What makes a good watch is very personal,” Edouard Caumon, U.S. country manager of Watchfinder & Co., told the New York Post. “Particularly if you aren’t someone with a multi-piece collection, you are going to want a watch that you can enjoy for years — style-wise and quality-wise.”
Ahead, our professional watch expert details everything you need to know about watches (we certainly learned a thing or two!) and the 30 best options on the market, including why they made the New York Post-exclusive cut. Plus, Caumon shares his expertise in our in-depth FAQ section.
Click to jump to a specific type of watch:
- Best Diver’s Watches
- Best Dress & Luxury Watches
- Best GMT Watches
- Best Pilot’s Watches
- Best Travel Watches
- Best Budget Watches
Best Diver’s Watches
1. Omega 2021 Seamaster Diver Titanium & Nato Watch, $8,400
Why we love it: It’s an expert-recommended brand, has a top-rated titanium and NATO band and a sharp-looking design that’s versatile for any occasion.
Though pre-owned, the Omega 2021 Seamaster Diver Titanium & Nato Watch is a snazzy option and recommended by our professional watch expert as a leading brand. Not only that, but it boasts 35 jewels, aluminum and beige hands and a 300-meter water resistance
When shopping pre-owned, be sure to ensure you’ll receive a certificate of authentication. Some models will also issue a brand new, two-year warranty (or something similar, if at all).
2. Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch, $318 to $340
Why we love it: Its black and stainless design is sharp for any occasion, and it’s water-resistant — making it a true diver’s watch.
The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch is a snazzy option just under $350. Namely, it boasts a three-hand face, is plated with silver-tone super titanium and is water-resistant up to 200 meters.
3. Shinola The Sea Creatures Watch, $450
Why we love it: Its design was consciously curated with the ocean in mind, from its blue look to its water-resistant make — and even up to its ocean bound-plastic resourced materials.
For a supreme diver’s watch, look no further than the slim and shap Shinola. The Sea Creatures Watch is unique in that it’s water-resistant up to 100 meters but was built from ocean-bound plastic to help lessen the amount of oceanic waste in our ecosystem.
4. Gucci Diver Black Watch, $1,750
Why we love it: It’s a polished watch with a timeless black and gold design, with intricate snake and sapphire crystal detailing.
With a luxe design, you can’t pass up the Gucci Diver Black Watch. If its stunning black and gold design it’s enough to sell you, then it’s sapphire crystal detailing, water-resistant design (up to 200 meters) and Switzerland-made black leather strap will.
5. Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Pro-Diver Automatic Stainless Steel Watch, $1,695
Why we love it: It’s a popular option that boasts quality geometric accents and an elegant, fine jewelry style that’s not characteristic of some other models we’ve seen.
The Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Pro-Diver Automatic Stainless Steel Watch is generating much buzz at Neiman Marcus — and for a good reason. Its rotating diver bezel is a unique feature, along with its sunray dial, geometric indices and water-resistant make (up to 200 meters).
6. MIDO Ocean Star Diver Bracelet Watch, $970
Why we love it: It’s a sharp option — thanks to the navy and stainless coupling — with a true diver’s watch water resistance and ocean-inspired design.
Fairly priced and sharply made, the MIDO Ocean Star Diver Bracelet Watch makes a phenomenal gift, much ado to its unidirectional rotating bezel, robust crown guard and sleek and slender silhouette. Not to mention, it’s inspired by the structure of the Europa Pint Lighthouse.
Best Dress & Luxury Watches
1. Cartier Tank Louis Cartier 18-Karat Gold & Alligator Watch, $11,500
Why we love it: It’s a beloved, watch (and namely, the Tank model is what Cartier is practically known for), putting the T in timeless. Plus, it’s an expert-recommended brand.
For a decades-adored splurge worth every penny, consider the Cartier Tank Louis Cartier 18-Karat Gold & Alligator Watch. Uniquely, the Tank watch was designed by Louis Cartier, who designed it after the tanks of WW1 battlefields, per the brand’s site. It also marked the shift away from the classic circular shape of many watches of the time.
2. IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Automatic Chronograph Watch, $7,300
Why we love it: Its luxury-leaning design, coupled with the fact that it’s expert-recommended and that it’s one of IWC’s most popular and versatile styles, make our cut.
For a sharp-looking watch with a minimalist edge, look for no other than the IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Automatic Chronograph Watch. Namely, it boasts 30-second and 60-minute chronographs for accurate timekeeping, while it’s brushed band completes the look.
3. Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 Hand-Wound Watch, $30,400
Why we love it: It’s the most expensive option on our list, but if you’re really into watches, this well-esteemed, hand-wound design and 21-jeweled make renders it an option worth snagging.
OK, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 Hand-Wound Watch is a pricey option but, for the person you know — perhaps yourself — who’s beyond obsessed with watches, this is a treat. Namely, it features a grained silver dial, an 18-karat white gold case and an Ardillon buckle-fastening brown leather strap. Plus, it’s a Net-A-Porter exclusive.
4. Rolex Datejust Mother of Pearl Emerald Wristwatch, $7,050
Why we love it: It’s one of the most (if not the most) sought-after men’s watch brands to date, with this model boasting a stunning emerald-accented design and a fully authenticated certificate from Walmart.
Yes, you can buy pre-owned Rolex watches at Walmart. Be sure to look at the specific watch’s product description to ensure it comes with the certificate of authenticity and watch appraisal included, as this one does. Plus, its Automatic 3035 Caliber is both sharp and convenient.
This watch also comes with an included three-year warranty upon purchase, making this one we wholeheartedly recommend.
5. Versace Sport Tech Chronograph Bracelet Watch, $1,795
Why we love it: It’s a durable, sharp and sporty option with gold, black and stainless accents that’ll garner plenty of compliments (and plenty of wear).
When we’re talking about dress watches, you can’t pass up Versace. Its shiny gold, black and stainless trifecta is a force to be reckoned with, and we adore its masculine yet contemporary look, its sapphire crystal design and water-resistant design up to 500 meters.
6. Ferragamo Sapphire Chrono Watch, $1,495
Why we love it: It has a slim design with complimentary gold and navy hues, along with one of the most durable faces and band combinations we’ve seen.
If there’s a designer we’re consistently on the lookout for, it’s Ferragamo. The brand’s Sapphire Chrono Watch is one of the most popular, thanks to its handsome navy and gold design, sapphire glass top ring and water-resistant design up to 50 meters. It’s one of our top recommendations.
7. Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield Watch, $229
Why we love it: It’s a brand we’ve repurchased from (that’s how good it is!) and is a years-long favorite among our loved ones — plus, it has an ever-so-timeless design.
Meet the bracelet we’ve personally purchased for our boyfriends and dads, from Christmas to birthdays: the Daniel Wellington Sheffield Leather Strap Watch. We also recommend its stainless band, but the leather make is one of the most classic on this list (and, one of the most versatile).
8. Orient Bambino II Automatic Leather Dress Watch, $210
Why we love it: Its adoring vintage design evokes the passed-down-by-your-grandfather feel, and for that, we can’t shy away.
For a dress watch that’s just over $200, add the Orient Bambino II Automatic Leather Dress Watch to your online shopping cart. Specifically, we adore its vintage and retro look, along with its roman numeral markers and array of leather band colors to choose from.
9. Tissot Auto Swiss Dress Watch, $567, original price: $795
Why we love it: Its forest green and stainless duo is so unique, we can’t stop staring at it for practically any man in our life who’s requesting (or eyeing) a new watch.
Stainless steel and forrest green are an unbeatable and sharp pair, so much so that we are considering buying the Tissot Auto Swiss Dress Watch for our brothers. Notably, it boasts a standard face, durable butterfly clasp closure and timeless look.
Best GMT Watches
1. Longines Spirit Zulu GMT Chronometer Watch, $3,150
Why we love it: Its slim design and well-made detailing make it a top option on our list, comparable to Rolex and other top brands.
When scouring the internet for a top-rated GMT watch for men, you’ll likely come across Longines. The brand’s Spirit Zulu GMT Chronometer Watch is a splurge, but a good one at that, much ado to its handsome stainless and navy coupling, sapphire crystal detailing and Switzerland-made automatic design.
2. Breitling Montbrillant Datora GMT Watch, $8,210
Why we love it: Its intricate detailing and expert-recommended model make it a top choice for us, while its thick band adds a dressy, elegant touch.
As recommended by our watch expert, Breitling is a great idea if you want to splurge on something comparable to Rolex (just look at its intricate detailing!) Its silver-toned band and matching face are sleek and luxurious, too. You can purchase it from Breitling’s official Amazon store, most impressively.
3. Timex Waterbury Traditional Stainless Steel GMT Watch, $229
Why we love it: Its relatively affordable price point is appreciated, while its color combination is a handsome sight unseen.
If you want to switch up the drab black and brown watch options the man in your life currently sports, opt for the Timex Waterbury Traditional Stainless Steel GMT Watch. Uniquely, it features a brushed navy, red, gold and stainless design that’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen.
4. Versace Sport Tech GMT Bracelet Watch, $1,495
Why we love it: It boasts that seamless, light and dressy aesthetic we all know and love, making its gold accents pop like no other.
For a crisp, light-toned option that’s still supreme quality, run to the Versace Sport Tech GMT Bracelet Watch. For Versace, it’s reasonably priced and we can’t stop glossing over all the intricate detailing, from its gold chips to its numbering at the face’s border.
5. Hamilton Khaki Aviation GMT Leather Strap Watch, $995
Why we love it: It’s designer-led without costing more than $1,000, and we love its navy and brown leather design.
Sophisticated and versatile, the Hamilton Khaki Aviation GMT Leather Strap Watch is one of the best options that’s designer-leaning without retailing for more than $1,000. You can’t go wrong with an intricate navy face and brown leather strap, either.
Best Pilot’s Watches
1. Torgoen T9 Pilot Watch, $198
Why we love it: Its incredible retro face resembles a collector’s accessory more like any other watch — and it doesn’t cost thousands of dollars.
For a pilot’s watch that’s top-rated on Amazon, the Torgoen T9 is the way to go. We love its retro face that makes us all want to tour an aviation school (seriously, it’s perfect for the pilot you know, or if you simply love the look of pilot-inspired watches). Plus, it’s less than $200.
2. Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph Watch, $500, original price: $625
Why we love it: Its sleek and modern face with its polished leather band make it a quality option for the man in your life who loves wearing black accessories.
For an all-black look you can’t turn down, the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph Watch is a splurge worth making. Namely, it’s water-resistant up to 500 meters, is crafted with Japanese quartz and boasts three sun dials with black bezel and tachymeter scale.
3. MVMT Airhawk Pilot Bracelet Watch, $228
Why we love it: It has an almost ombré face, and we love its simplistic nature paired with its relatively affordable price point.
This sunset hour-inspired watch (as we call it) is so unique and affordable, it had to make the cut. Shop MVMT’s Airhawk Pilot Bracelet Watch. Available at Nordstrom, you’ll appreciate its polished accents, moody tones and slender cutout hands on its face.
4. HUGO BOSS Pilot Edition Chronograph Watch, $380
Why we love it: It’s designed with a mix of sporty durability and an aviation-heavy make, rendering this watch to serve a versatile purpose in any man’s wardrobe.
For a durable option that’s both great for everyday and for formalwear, the HUGO Boss Pilot Edition Chronograph Watch is so intricate, we can’t believe it’s less than $400, either. This retrograde chronograph model marries aviation-inspired functionalities with a sporty aesthetic, for sure.
5. Fossil Retro Pilot Chronograph Leather Watch, $140
Why we love it: It’s intricate face detailing is impressive (compared to the price point of the watch) — oh, and we also love Fossil and all of its watches.
When in doubt, opt for Fossil. The brand is beloved by many people we know IRL, and its vibrant navy face paired with a brown leather band is the definition of *chef’s kiss*. Plus, it looks like many of the high-end models we listed (and we love it just as much).
Best Travel Watches
1. Apple Watch SE, $240
Why we love it: It’s one of the most popular models we see on commuters and travelers, offering a quick time-check, along with a slew of other features.
When on the market for a quality travel watch (you know, one you don’t mind wearing twenty-four/seven), you can’t forego the best-selling Apple Watch. Its SE model is less than $250, helps you track your heart rate and calories burned and has a beyond-comfortable band.
2. Shinola The Traveler Watch, $850
Why we love it: Its slim, unobtrusive design paired with its incredibly comfortable canvas strap make it a no-brainer option for traveling.
Fittingly dubbed ‘The Traveler Watch,’ Shinola had the jet-setter in mind when crafting this timeless style. It’s a road-ready timepiece that features paper vellum-textured dials, classic chronograph pusher buttons and an unbeatable (and oh-so-comfortable) canvas strap.
3. Garmin fēnix 7X GPS Smartwatch, $800, original price: $1,000
Why we love it: It’s a spruced-up version of any typical smartwatch, offering a dressy yet perfect-for-everyday type of wear.
There’s no surprise about it — we love Garmin smartwatches. They’re one of the leading products in the tech and men’s fashion spaces, respectively, and have a durable face and band that’ll stand the test of time (more specifically, your travels).
Best Budget Watches
1. Casio F91W Classic Resin Strap Watch, $13, original price: $23
Why we love it: It’s a no-frills option that won’t break the bank, all while offering a digital interface and comfortable band.
If you just want to tell time (and that’s it), pick up this less-than-$15 watch with more than 42,000 rave reviews. It’s an Amazon best-seller, has a simple design and we won’t be upset if we lose it (because we can always buy another for the same price as three Starbucks lattes).
2. By Benyar Chronograph Watch, $40, original price: $50
Why we love it: It’s a dupe for so many designer watches we’ve rounded up in this edit, with a suede band and intricate face.
With a shockingly similar look and feel to designer options in this edit, the By Benyar Chronograph Watch checks off our boxes: it’s budget-friendly at less than $50, has a sophisticated look and boasts a comfortable band.
An FAQ on Men’s Watches
Ahead, Caumon details what to look for in a quality men’s watch — along with outlining different types on the market.
What to look for in a watch, according to an expert
The golden question, right? Luckily, our professional watch expert explains what the average consumer keeps at top of mind when searching for a brand-new watch.
“Shoppers will want to look into factors such as the materials of the watch, the watch’s movement, and its level of water resistance to ensure it’s a good match for their lifestyle,” Caumon adds. “I think the sign of a good watch is one that someone continues to go back to time and time again — no pun intended.”
The different types of men’s watches, explained
Ahead, we broke down the different types of men’s watches based on popular models on the market — from dive watches to dress watches:
- Diver’s watches: This is a timepiece designed with the necessary features to be utilized underwater and are required to have a water resistance of at latest 100 meters. Many allow divers to go well beyond that measurement, too.
- Dress & luxury watches: This popular option for men typically has less strike classifications. For many, they feature a minimal design, are offered in smaller cases sizes and most often feature precious materials and are presented on a leather strap.
- GMT watches: This type of watch features an additional 24-hr hand, allowing the wearer to display two time zones at once.
- Pilot’s watches: Unlike dive watches, there aren’t standardized qualifications for pilot’s watches. The difference? A Pilot’s watch is often marked by having a larger face with contrasting numbers that allow for easy legibility.
- Travel watches: This type of watch typically depends on preference, many of which featuring a slim band, an easy-to-read interface (likely digital) and one with a comfortable band.
- Budget watches: While everyone’s budget is going to look different, typically a budget watch is less than $100.
What are the best watch brands for men?
According to Caumon, there’s a great variety of watch options, namely fromfan-favorites like Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet.
“I recommend shoppers also look into brands like A. Lange & Sohne, Breitling, Omega, Cartier, Panerai, IWC, Vacheron Constantin and independent brands like Ressence and Girard-Perregaux,” he offers.
What does ‘mm’ mean when referring to a watch?
Mm refers to a watch case’s diameter in millimeters. “42mm is a watch size that I would categorize as large,” Caumon notes. “You can find an array of watch sizes from under 20mm to above 50mm.”
According to Watchfinder & Co., watches run by Small (<31mm), Medium (31-39) and Large (>39mm), which is a good rule of thumb to follow when shopping for one online.
What type of watch band is best for men?
“Steel sport watches are extremely popular right now and are great for everyday wear but there is nothing more elegant than a leather strap dress watch for evening,” Caumon says. “Another great option are NATO straps; they’re extremely durable for someone looking for a nonprecious band option.”
Not to mention, some leather and stainless steel bands, respectively, are versatile enough to take you from your 9-to-5 to an after-work formal party.
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.