Finding the Best Watch Brands for Men
Nowadays, checking the time is as easy as looking at our cell phones. But there are people, including myself, who still use an old-fashioned method of telling the time: wristwatches. They are a great accessory that can become an integral part of your life for years to come.
The watch industry has evolved over the years with the introduction of digital and smartwatches. So they may not be as much a thing of the past as you might think, especially when it comes to men’s watches.
The 13 best watch brands for men
Given the growing market, you’re probably wondering: what are some of the best watches for men? From luxurious designs to simpler models, there is a wide range to choose from. So join us as we take a look at 13 of the best watches for men.
1. Movado
Movado was founded in 1881 by Achille Ditesheim in the Swiss watchmaking town of La Chaux-de-Fonds. Ditesheim came from a Jewish watchmaking family that owned several companies in the region.
Movado means “always in motion,” and the company’s mission statement is: “We want to be the leading company in the watch industry by building strong brands with the most desirable images.” Their goal is also to offer high-quality products with innovative designs and high value.
Movado is a traditional watch company with a long history. The brand’s most popular watch is the Museum Classic, and Movado has also developed a smartwatch. Movado watches are best known for their unique metal dot at 12 o’clock and their simple style. Movado is no longer necessarily a luxury watch brand, but it is appreciated by enthusiasts and watch wearers alike.
Movado watches for men are considered particularly unique and offer some excellent features. They also have a fairly minimalist design, making them ideal for people who don’t like flashy watches. In addition, Movado watches are slightly cheaper than other Swiss watches. Prices range from $395 to $3,295. The company also offers a 2-year limited warranty on its products.
2. Seiko
Next on this list of the best watches for men 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 “committed to perfection,” which Kintaro always strived for.
Seiko is one of the leading watch companies. The catalog is huge and includes hundreds of watches from various collections and brands. This includes Astron, the world’s first GPS solar watch. The company also offers other solar and diving watches, as well as the popular Grand Seiko.
Seiko has earned an excellent reputation. The company’s watches are known to the public for their robustness, stylish design, and high-quality workmanship. They are even comparable to Swiss watch brands. Seiko is also the inventor of the quartz watch, which offers the most accurate timekeeping due to its friction-free movement.
Seiko offers a warranty period during which you can take advantage of free repairs or adjustments. The company’s watches are available in various price ranges, from affordable to luxurious.
3. TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer is a Swiss watch manufacturer founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in St-Imier. The sporty chronograph watches are thanks to Edouard, who patented his first chronograph in 1882. He also patented an “oscillating pinion,” which is still used by chronograph manufacturers today.
The Swiss company is dedicated to the “world of sports,” particularly motorsports. Through this commitment, it has developed the most precise timepieces, which have earned it partnerships with Formula 1 drivers.
This is another watch company with a good reputation. In general, its watches are valued for their style and high value. The timepieces are precise and there are many different models, from quartz watches to more complicated sports watches. Each product comes with a warranty that is activated immediately upon purchase.
Prices for the best TAG Heuer men’s watches range from $1,000 to $18,000.
4. Patek Philippe
Swiss watchmakers dominate this list of the best watches for men. Patek Philippe was founded in Geneva in 1839 by Franciszek Czapek and Antoni Patek. To this day, however, the company remains an independent, family-owned manufacturer, which helps it maintain its creative freedom.
Patek Philippe explains that the “company’s mentality” is expressed in ten different beliefs. These include independence, tradition, innovation, quality and fine craftsmanship, rarity, value, aesthetics, service, emotion, and heritage. Through these pillars, the company strives to preserve the brand’s heritage and traditions.
These Swiss watchmakers offer an extensive collection of watch models. They are best known for their rarity and value. The production of their simplest models can take months, and other complicated models take about two years to complete. Basically, manufacturers cannot take any shortcuts in the production of their models.
There are over 100 models available, with prices ranging from $12,000 to $2 million. It is definitely one of the most expensive brands in the world. However, there are a few authorized dealers who may offer the same products at slightly lower prices.
5. Skagen
Skagen Denmark was founded in 1989 by Charlotte and Henrik Jorst. Since 2012, the company has been a subsidiary of Fossil. The company’s goal is to bring Danish culture to other places. They also place great importance on being environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
Skagen men’s watches are generally less popular than those of other brands. However, there is consensus that their simple and elegant watches are not too intimidating and are certainly a good investment. In addition, the brand offers award-winning Danish designs that are praised by experts and consumers alike.
In addition to striving for sustainability, the brand offers quartz watches at an affordable price. The included warranty is valid for 2 years and covers product materials and defective parts. Depending on the situation, the company will decide whether your watch will be repaired or replaced free of charge. Jewelry and other accessories are also sold.
The men’s watches cost between $155 and $295, making them definitely a little more affordable.
Related topics: If you want to learn more about Skagen, read our review of Skagen watches.
6. Omega
Who wouldn’t want to own the watch worn by James Bond in his films? Omega is another Swiss watch manufacturer, founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1848. Louis Brandt launched the brand with pocket watches made from the supplies of local craftsmen.
Today, the company is a subsidiary of the Swatch Group. The cornerstone of the company is innovative watchmaking, inspired by timekeeping in sports and partnerships with NASA, the armed forces, and others.
Omega is definitely one of the most famous watch brands. Connoisseurs recommend it for its accuracy and durability. The company mainly sells automatic watches with a rotor attachment for winding. It also offers quartz watches and hand-wound models.
In addition, Omega offers a 5-year warranty on all its watches. This covers any manufacturing defects or faults after purchase. The website also states that the company will take care of any problems that arise during this period free of charge.
The general retail price for Omega watches ranges from $2,000 to $10,000.
7. Hublot
Hublot is another Swiss luxury watchmaker on this list of the best watches for men. The company was founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco after he left another watch company. He is responsible for developing the first natural rubber strap in watchmaking.
There is no clear mission statement on the company’s website. Nevertheless, the company seems to value craftsmanship, partnerships, and the “art of fusion.” It is known for offering some of the most unusual material combinations and unique designs that set it apart from others in the industry.
Hublot watches are another sporty design that seems to appeal to consumers. However, some experts and watch collectors seem to “love and hate” the brand. This is partly because most models are marketed as “limited editions,” which deters connoisseurs.
Regardless, the brand offers a 2-year warranty on its models, and prices are in the luxury segment. A watch is available for five to six-figure sums.
8. Bulova
Bulova is an American watch manufacturer founded in 1875 by Joseph Bulova. The company was established in New York City, and its goal was and is to “produce watches of the highest quality for an ever-changing and dynamic landscape.” The brand builds on this value and continues to evolve through innovation and technology.
The company offers watches for women and men, as well as jewelry. For men, there is a wide selection of timepieces, including quartz watches, two-hand watches, chronographs, three-hand watches, and calendar watches.
Due to its long tradition, Bulova is another renowned brand in the watch industry. The watches are not only precise and fashionable, but also affordable. There is general agreement that the brand produces good watches. They can even be compared to Movado watches and are in a similar price range to Seiko.
Standard shipping is free at Bulova, and the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 3-year warranty. This covers manufacturing or material defects upon delivery. In this case, the customer service team will ensure that your item is replaced with a comparable watch.
9. Breitling
Breitling was founded in 1884 by Leon Breitling in Saint-Imier, making it another Swiss brand on this list of the best watches for men. The company’s mission statement is not really clear on its website, but it is a “chronograph specialist” that has been involved in the development of this complication. The company claims to be “obsessed with quality.”
Collectors generally value Breitling as a reliable and accurate brand. In addition, the company is known for designing watches for pilots, astronauts, the military, and others.
Breitling offers an international 5-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects in their mechanical and quartz watches. Their products have also been worn by Brad Pitt, Adam Driver, and Charlize Theron.
The company offers watches and other accessories. In the men’s watch category, they offer nine different collections and over 100 watches. Prices range from $2,000 to $40,000.
10. Audemars Piguet
The next Swiss brand on this list of the best watches for men is Audemars Piguet. The watch company was founded in 1875 by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet. Since its inception, the company has remained family-owned. It is best known for introducing the Royal Oak wristwatch in 1972.
The company’s values are similar to those of other brands, as they embody mastery, innovation, and independence. They offer high-quality mechanical watches with features such as moon phase, dual time zones, chronographs, and more. They also offer a 2-year warranty on their products with the option to extend it to 5 years.
In the public eye, Audemars Piguet is considered one of the “big three” watch manufacturers. The brand is regarded by the watch industry as an exclusive and unique manufacturer that is superior to other high-end companies.
No specific prices are listed on the company’s website, but prices are typically in the five-figure range.
11. Apple
The next brand on this list of the best watches for men is known for its smartwatches and other products. Apple was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne. They started with computers, then expanded into phones, iPods, and more. As of 2021, they are the most valuable company in the world.
Apple’s goal is to “provide the best user experience” to its customers with its technologically advanced hardware and services. As mentioned earlier, the company offers other products in addition to its smartwatches. These include Mac laptops, iPads, iPhones, headphones, and televisions. It also offers a music streaming service for Apple users.
It is undeniable that Apple is a world-class company. You can hardly turn a corner without seeing an Apple product. Therefore, the Apple Watch is considered one of the best smartwatch options, especially for iPhone users.
Some collectors even claim that Apple’s innovations are causing the Swiss watch industry to face extinction. Apple has launched seven different smartwatch series offering features such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, GPS modes, heart rate monitors, and much more.
If you are interested in smartwatches, Apple is generally an excellent choice. The watches are waterproof and easy to customize—in addition to Apple, several other brands sell watch bands for the dials. The current Apple Watch Series 6 costs between $529 and $2,000. All series below the latest are usually less expensive. There is also a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
12. Timex
Timex is an American watch manufacturer founded in 1854 by brass manufacturer Benedict & Burnham under its original name, Waterbury Clock Company. The company prides itself on having “turned the industry upside down” by making its gears out of metal instead of wood.
As it grew, the company produced several innovations and set itself the goal of becoming “the market leader for high-fashion watches.” The company sells watches for men and women, as well as bracelets. It also offers a portal for customization.
Timex watches for men are more affordable, which makes them slightly more popular with consumers. Some bloggers also consider them one of the best options if you’re not willing to spend a lot of money on a luxury watch. It’s also an older company that has built a reputation for durable and simple designs.
Due to the company’s long history, it has also been able to collaborate with several other companies. These include playful brands such as Peanuts and more high-profile artists such as Todd Snyder.
Prices for men’s watches typically range from $50 to $850, depending on the model. You also get a one-year warranty from the date of purchase.
13. Rolex
Last but not least on this list of the best men’s watches is Rolex. Rolex is one of the most sought-after and well-known brands in the industry. It is another Swiss watch company, founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis.
Rolex’s mission is to produce watches that embody their belief in “excellence, performance, prestige, and innovation.” Essentially, they want to provide their customers with watches of the highest quality. They also want to ensure that the customer always comes first, resulting in satisfied and happy watch wearers.
Since the company is so well known and frequently mentioned in pop culture, it is common knowledge that it sells watches. These include sports watches and classic designs that almost every man seems to be enthusiastic about. So it is undeniable that it is a popular brand. In addition, Rolex watches are considered to be among the most reliable watches in the world.
Some people probably wonder what makes Rolex so unique. Well, in general, it retains its value rather than falling in price. In addition, there are some perks, including a 5-year warranty. So it’s clear that they are built to last.
In terms of price, Rolex is a luxury brand. Therefore, the total price at the checkout can be in the four to five-digit range.
What Are the Different Types of Watches?
By now, you’re probably wondering: What different types of watches are there? How do I choose the best watches for men? We’ll answer these questions for you. Choosing a watch that suits your style can be intimidating. That’s why it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the entire selection.
The most popular types of watches include the following:
- Automatic watches
- Quartz watches
- Smartwatches
- Chronograph watches
- Solar watches
- Diver’s watches
Automatic movements are also known as self-winding movements. They work based on the movements of the wearer’s wrist. This means they do not need to be wound daily to ensure accuracy when worn every day.
More specifically, an automatic watch uses a metal weight to power the watch. This weight rotates with every movement of your arm, and the energy is stored for use at night or when you are not wearing the watch. An automatic watch can be taken off for up to 48 hours.
A quartz watch is battery-powered. It is driven by an electronic oscillator that works with a quartz crystal. The electricity causes the crystal to vibrate quickly and precisely. These pulses drive the watch’s motor and enable accurate timekeeping. The battery in these watches needs to be replaced occasionally.
Smartwatches are a newer invention. They are worn like traditional watches but have several additional features. Like smartphones, smartwatches have touchscreens and apps that allow you to track calories burned per minute, monitor your heart rate, and view statistics on other vital signs. You can also connect these devices to your phone to answer calls and text messages. You can even connect them to your bank cards to make contactless payments.
A chronograph watch or 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
- Reset
You can operate a chronograph using the buttons or pushers on the side of the watch. This usually makes it easy to time races and other sporting events.
The next type of watch is causing a stir due to its environmental friendliness. Solar watches basically work by absorbing light energy and converting it into electrical energy, similar to a solar panel. As soon as light energy hits the solar cell, it generates electricity, which is then transferred to the battery, where it is slowly released and stored to power the watch.
In general, a single full charge lasts for several months, even if the watch is stored in a dark place. In addition, you can expect these watches to last for about 7 years.
Finally, let’s talk about diving watches. As the name suggests, these timepieces are designed for use underwater. They usually look just as elegant and stylish as conventional watches and are water-resistant to a depth of at least 100 meters. They are also resistant to magnetism, chemicals, and shocks.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, choosing the best watch for you depends on your personal preferences and financial means. It is definitely an exciting purchase that is often only made on special occasions – so it is important to make an informed decision!
Whether you opt for luxury or simplicity, you are sure to find the perfect watch that meets all your needs. However, it is important to consider these factors so that you can treat yourself to a functional accessory that will (hopefully!) last a lifetime.
