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One of the world’s largest and most renowned watchmakers is the Japanese brand Seiko. The brand offers a wide range of outstanding watch models, including professional dive watches that are loved by watch enthusiasts worldwide. On top of that, Seiko is also known globally for its introduction of the quartz movement in the sphere of horology. Thanks to its ceaseless innovation and consistent production of high-quality watches, many watch aficionados have developed an inclination toward the brand’s products over the years.  Of all the dive watches in Seiko’s catalog, one particular standout is the Seiko Marinemaster. Powerful and robust, the Seiko Marinemaster is a distinctive timepiece that has carved out its own place in the brand’s history. Without further ado, let us get better acquainted with the Seiko Marinemaster, its history, achievements, and the best Marinemaster models that money can buy you.  Seiko Marinemaster: A Brief History First released in 1968, the Seiko Marinemaster has been around for a very long time, with many new Marinemaster models being released over the years. Because of the extensiveness of its history, we will only be discussing a few of the Marinemaster’s significant milestones, particularly those that relate to the models we will be discussing in greater detail later in this article:  1968: Seiko releases its first Hi-Beat dive watch, the Marinemaster. Launched just three years after Seiko first ventured into the dive watch market, the 1968 Marinemaster Ref. 6159-7001 showed off a monobloc case and an impressive 300-meter water resistance capacity. The high-beat frequency of this Marinemaster’s new, built-in driving system also ensured exceptionally precise timekeeping, even when used underwater.  1975: The first Seiko “Tuna” Marinemaster Ref. 6159-7010 was born. It came in a chunky yet lightweight titanium build and was made especially for professional diving. This Seiko Marinemaster model had an outstanding 600-meter depth rating and its outer case was bolstered by a thick shroud which provided additional protection from scratches and impacts.  1978: Three years later, an upgraded timepiece with a similar build to the 1975 Seiko “Tuna” Marinemaster Ref. 6159-7010 was released. This new Marinemaster was the first saturation diving watch ever to utilize an in-house quartz movement. It continues to epitomize Seiko’s dedication to never-ending innovation.  2005: Fast forward to thirty years later, and the Marinemaster Spring Drive Ref. Ref. SBDB001 was introduced. This watch was crafted using lightweight titanium and equipped with a luxurious sapphire crystal, which served to protect the watch’s dial. This watch was well-suited for saturation diving with its water resistance capacity of 600 meters. Today, the Seiko Marinemaster sub-collection has expanded to hold a wide variety of timepieces, all of which fall under the extensive Seiko Prospex series. These, of course, include the “Tuna” Marinemaster models. Fun fact: the “Tuna” nickname awarded to these timepieces is a witty reference to the cylindrical shape of a tuna can. The Seiko “Tuna” Marinemaster watches showcase round, shrouded cases that are said to resemble actual tuna cans, hence the nickname. This tuna can design continues to be used in modern Marinemaster models today.  In addition, there are two distinct features that tie every Marinemaster watch together. The first is an aesthetic one: the off-center placement of the Marinemaster’s huge crown on the right side of the case, at 4 o’clock. Secondly, each Marinemaster variant also possesses an excellent water resistance capacity that exceeds 200 meters.  Now that we are more familiar with the collection as a whole, let us take a look at some of the best Marinemaster models on the market.  Best Seiko Marinemaster Models 1. Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Ref. SBBN035 First on this list is the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Ref. SBBN035, which is also famously known as the “Ninja Tuna.” The striking all-black theme is what this timepiece is all about. This watch comes in a bulky 47.7mm case made of stainless steel. Not only is the case wide, but it is also quite thick, with a height of 14.7mm. This gives the Ninja Tuna a nice, substantial heft on your wrist. The black-tone case is coupled with a matching black silicone bracelet which is durable enough to carry the weight of the timepiece.  As per its all-black theme, the dial of this watch also comes in matte black. It has a fairly simple layout, with geometric hour markers and broad arrow-head hands, all of which are generously coated with lume. A day-date window is also located next to the 3 o’clock marker. Placed atop the case is an 120-click rotating bezel with a black insert for its elapsed time scale.  The Ninja Tuna is driven by a Seiko 7C46 quartz movement. Held together by seven jewels, this movement has an excellent battery life of five years. On top of that, the Ninja Tuna also has a respectable depth rating of 300 meters.  If you want a tough yet subtle-looking dive watch, you can get the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Ninja Tuna Ref. SBBN035 for $1,149 USD. 2. Seiko Prospex Diver Marinemaster Ref. SBDX017 Next on this list is the Seiko Prospex Diver Marinemaster Ref. SBDX017. This Seiko Marinemaster watch is packed in a 44.3mm stainless steel case, along with a three-link case made of the same material. Both the case and bracelet are treated with Seiko’s unique Diashield coating. This enhances their resistance to scratches and protects the elegant, brushed mirror finish of the watch’s exterior.  The watch’s gear-edged elapsed time scale bezel and dial, on the other hand, come in jet-black. The dial is adorned with geometric hour indices and thick sword hands, all of which are coated in the brand’s patented LumiBrite material, allowing for optimal legibility even in the dark. A small date display, outlined in silver, also sits at 3 o’clock.  Driving this Seiko Marinemaster piece is the brand’s in-house 8L35 automatic movement. Based on the Grand Seiko 9S55 caliber, this movement has a solid 50-hour power reserve. The Seiko Prospex Diver Marinemaster Ref. SBDX017 is also able to withstand water pressures of up to 300 meters.  This luxurious Seiko Marinemaster watch sells at around $2,999 USD. 3. Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Ref. SLA021J1 In this entry, we have what is perhaps the most popular Marinemaster model ever: the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Ref. SLA021J1. This watch is presented in a 44.3mm stainless steel case with a bracelet made of the same material. The 15.4mm width of the case makes this watch thicker than the average dive watch.  As with the previous Marinemaster models, this watch shows off a stark black dial. It is furnished with LumiBrite-coated geometric indices, satin-finished hands, and a date complication at 3 o’clock. The yellow seconds hand also stands out clearly with its lovely, bright yellow tone, which adds a burst of vibrancy to this monochrome watch face.  This watch runs on the Seiko 8L35 automatic movement. Aside from having a reliable 50-hour power supply, it also has a depth rating of 300 meters.  This powerful Seiko Marinemaster classic is priced at approximately $2,399 USD.  4. Seiko Prospex Ref. SPB077J1  The next timepiece on this list is the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Ref. SPB077J1. More commonly known as the Seiko Baby Marinemaster, this is a modern re-interpretation of Seiko’s 1968 Marinemaster 300m dive watch. It is housed in a 44mm stainless steel case that measures 13.1mm thick, making it relatively smaller and slimmer compared to other Seiko Marinemaster models. This is coupled with a sleek three-link stainless steel bracelet and a black elapsed time scale bezel.  Complementing the bezel is a matte black dial. This dial follows a straightforward design, comprising circular and trapezoidal hour indices, thick arrow-headed hands, and a compact date aperture at 3 o’clock. The hands and indices are all treated with Seiko’s LumiBrite material for optimal legibility at all times.  Underneath this simple watch face, you can find the brand’s in-house 6R15 automatic movement. This caliber possesses a 50-hour power supply and is equipped with hand-winding and hacking capabilities. Finally, as a “baby” version of the Seiko Marinemaster, this dive watch comes with a depth rating of just 200 meters.  The Seiko Prospex SPB077J1 costs $1,595 USD. It is a great choice for those seeking a more budget-friendly Seiko Marinemaster option.  5. Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Spring Drive Ref. SBDB011 Next up, we have the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Spring Drive Ref. SBDB011. This watch comes in a robust titanium case measuring 46mm wide and 17mm thick, along with a bracelet made of the same material. Despite its large size, however, the watch’s titanium construction makes it quite lightweight compared to other stainless steel watches.  Standing out against the watch’s all-silver exterior is a black elapsed time scale bezel and a matching black dial. This dial has a slightly more complicated layout compared to the aforementioned Seiko Marinemaster models. It consists of LumiBrite-coated hour indices in various geometric shapes, broad sword hands, a date window at 3 o’clock. An arcing power reserve indicator is also located near the 9 o’clock marker.  This watch is powered by an in-house Seiko 5R66 movement. As an automatic movement, this caliber provides an extended power reserve of 72 hours. It also possesses an impressive depth rating of 600 meters, so you can easily use this watch for deep-sea saturation diving.  With its lightweight build and powerful movement, the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Spring Drive Ref. SBDB011 is definitely a great pick. The price of this watch costs $3,699 USD. 6. Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Ref. SBDX014  The next watch on this list is the Seiko Marinemaster Ref. SBDX014, which is more commonly known as the “Emperor Tuna.” As befitting its name, this watch is encased in a majestic 48.2mm titanium case. Adding to its already massive size is the black ceramic shroud that surrounds the watch, giving it its robust “tuna can” shape. Despite its large build, however, the Emperor Tuna is actually quite light, thanks to its lightweight titanium case construction and sturdy black silicone bracelet.  The dazzling contrast between the black and rose gold hues of this watch is easily one of its most fascinating features. The lovely rose gold accents on the Emperor Tuna’s bezel and crown truly help make it distinct from its Marinemaster peers. This effect is enhanced by the watch’s geometric, LumiBrite-coated indices and rose gold-tone arrow hands, which stand out cleanly against the dial’s black finish. A tiny date display can also be found between the 4 and 5 o’clock markers.  Inside this luxurious-looking timepiece, you can find an in-house Seiko 8L35 movement, which possesses a reliable 50-hour power supply. In addition, the Emperor Tuna is also able to withstand water pressures of up to 1000 meters, which is excellent for saturation diving.  Priced at $3,149 USD, this one-of-a-kind Seiko Marinemaster watch is a must-have for any dive watch collector. 7. Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Ref. SBEX005 Joining this list is the Seiko Marinemaster Ref. SBEX005, which stands out with its stylish silver-and-blue colourway. This watch utilizes a chunky 48.2mm titanium case which measures 19.77mm thick and a bracelet made of the same material. While its oversized case gives this watch a considerable presence on your wrist, its lightweight titanium build ensures that it is not too heavy to tote around. Fixed atop the case is a titanium bezel with a metallic blue elapsed time scale insert and a diagonal-cut design that adds more personality to this stylish watch.  Another highlight of this Seiko Marinemaster watch is its lovely blue dial, which showcases an alluring, ocean-inspired wave texture. This dial is beautifully contrasted by satin-finished sword hands and LumiBrite-covered geometric indices. A small date aperture can also be found between the 4 and 5 o’clock markers. Driving this watch is an in-house Seiko 8L55 automatic movement. Held together by 37 jewels, this calibre can last for up to 55 hours when fully wound. Like the Seiko “Emperor Tuna” Marinemaster, this watch also has an excellent depth rating of 1000 meters.  The Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Ref. SBEX005 is worth approximately $5,089 USD, making this one of the more expensive Seiko Marinemaster pieces available.  8. Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Hi-Beat Ref. SLA025 Image by: eBay Eighth on the list is the limited-edition Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Hi Beat Ref. SLA025. As a homage to the 1968 Seiko Hi-Beat, this is a modern take on the aforementioned vintage dive watch. It uses a 44.7mm monobloc stainless steel case and a pyramid silicone strap in black. On top of the case, you can find a 120-click unidirectional bezel. This bezel is fitted with a black ceramic insert, bearing exquisite gold indicators for its elapsed time scale.  Like many other Marinemaster models, this watch also showcases a simple black dial. However, this watch distinguishes itself with the luxurious gold accents peppered across the dial. The dial’s luminous geometric indices and sword-shaped hands are all encased in gold plating, while the date complication at 3 o’clock is also framed in gold. This Marinemaster piece runs on the brand’s in-house 8L55 automatic caliber. This gives the watch a 55-hour power supply and a reliable depth rating of 300 meters.  As a limited-edition gem, there are only 1,500 pieces of the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Hi Beat Ref. SLA025 available in the world. It retails at around $4,900 USD. 9. Seiko Prospex Ref. SBDX043 Image by: Seiko Watches For the next watch, we have another limited edition timepiece, the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Ref. SBDX043. Released in honor of the brand’s 140th anniversary, this Marinemaster model is one of three limited-edition divers launched by Seiko under the branding of “Iriomote Island.” It is housed in a 44.3mm polished stainless steel case and a matching stainless steel bracelet. Fixed on top of the case is a black elapsed time scale bezel, with ridged edges that provide wearers with a better grip.  The star of this watch, without a doubt, is its mesmerizing green dial. Boasting a rich green hue, this dial contains geometric hour indices and satin-finished hands that are filled with LumiBrite, maximizing legibility in the dark. Its seconds hand comes in a distinctive, bright yellow hue, adding a hint of vibrancy to this dark watch face. You can also find a compact date window located at 3 o’clock as well.  Like many other Seiko Marinemaster models, this timepiece is powered by the brand’s in-house Seiko 8L35 automatic movement. Aside from possessing a 50-hour power supply, this watch also has a solid 300-meter depth rating.  Seiko produced only 3,000 pieces of the Seiko Prospex Ref. SBDX043. Thanks to its exclusivity and its charming design, this Marinemaster model sells at $2,509 USD. 10. Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Ref. SBBN027 For the last watch in this list, we have the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Ref. SBBN027, popularly known as the “Yellow Tuna”. This watch is presented in a colossal 49.3mm black-tone case and a robust silicone strap in black. Surrounding the case is a glossy black shroud made of ceramic which adds to the watch’s heft and protects it from any impacts or scratches. You do not have to worry about the Yellow Tuna’s large size, however, as it is actually quite light and comfortable to wear — thanks to its titanium build.  On top of the watch’s case, you can find a 120-click unidirectional bezel with a funky yellow insert for the elapsed time scale. This vibrant bezel helps give the watch a certain lively personality. Yellow accents can also be found scattered all over the watch’s black dial, in particular, on its minute and seconds hands, further enhancing the watch’s quirky vibe. Aside from that, this dial is also decorated with geometric hour markers in white, an arrow-headed hour hand, and a day-date display at 3 o’clock.  Driving all of these functions is the brand’s in-house Seiko 7C46 movement. This automatic movement carries a power reserve of about 50-hours. This is complemented by the watch’s incredible 1000-meter depth rating, which makes it well-equipped for long-distance saturation diving.  If you want a powerful yet fun dive watch, you can buy the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Ref. SBBN027 for approximately $2,049 USD. Final Thoughts The Seiko Marinemaster models are indeed amazing and innovative timepieces that have helped exhibit the excellence of Seiko’s craftsmanship over generations. Without a doubt, these Marinemaster pieces are a great inclusion to one’s growing dive watch collection. With their robust movements and impressive water-resistance capacities, you would definitely not want to miss out on these Seiko Marinemaster watches.  All images courtesy of WatchShopping website, unless otherwise stated. Photo Credits: eBay and Seiko Watches. Featured image courtesy of ludalmg90 on Flickr. Are you interested in military-inspired digital watches? Check out our review of the Nixon Regulus.

For many video game and arcade game enthusiasts, watch collectibles made in honor of their favorite games are some of the best forms of memorabilia. Most of the time, these items serve as a token of sentiment for gamers and also give wearers a tinge of nostalgia for the time that has passed. Seiko, a leading watch manufacturer, has collaborated with Capcom, the popular Japanese distributor of several popular video and arcade games, to introduce a lineup of six watch collectibles from the famous video game, Street Fighter V. The Seiko Street Fighter V watches serve as a gift for all the fans who have a deep affection towards the iconic fighting game and also for collectors intrigued by such watch memorabilia Seiko Street Fighter V Collection Released in 2020, the Seiko Street Fighter V collection consists of six watches that pay homage to six of the most-loved characters from the Capcom video game, Street Fighter V. Each of the six Seiko Street Fighter watches corresponds to the respective personalities, attributes, and colors of the referenced characters. This is an exclusive, limited-edition lineup, with only 9,999 pieces available per model.  The Seiko Street Fighter V watch series is housed under the Seiko 5 Sports collection. The Seiko 5 Sports is a massive lineup of very affordable timepieces with modern designs, catering to people of all ages. In fact, the Seiko 5 Sports range is also home to the limited-edition Seiko Naruto and Boruto watch series from the hit manga and anime show, Naruto.  The Seiko Street Fighter V Watches 1. Seiko 5 Sports RYU – Unshakable Fist (Ref. SRPF19K1) First up, we have the Seiko 5 Sports Ryu, which embodies Ryu, a fan-favorite character who is considered one of the best fighters in the Street Fighter video game. With its red, white, and black themes, this watch is entirely designed according to the distinct color scheme of Ryu.  This watch comes in a 42.5mm stainless steel case and a white nylon-leather strap that is patterned to look like Ryu’s white karate gi. Fixed on top of the case is a two-toned red and black unidirectional rotating bezel, which introduces a spray of color to this watch. This bezel bears an unusual pattern of scratches and cuts, which symbolize the wounds that have been inflicted upon Ryu during his struggles and his journey as he trains to become a better fighter. The watch’s silver case and white strap go well with its clean white dial, which also showcases a cloth-like texture that is quite particular to Ryu’s white attire.  This dial is furnished with rectangular hour indices, thick lume-covered hands, a day-date display at 3 o’clock, and a set of four Kanji characters at 9 o’clock. These four stylized Kanji characters, which can be found printed on both of Ryu’s red gloves, translate to wind, forest, fire, and mountain. Combined, they make up the concept of “Furinkazan”, which conveys the concept of “as fast as the wind, as quiet as the forest, as daring as fire, and immovable as the mountain”. This is a reference to Sun Tzu’s The Art of War and a representation of Ryu’s impressive skills.  This watch is powered by Seiko’s in-house Caliber 4R36. Held together by 24 jewels, this automatic movement has a solid power reserve of 41 hours. The serial number of this limited edition watch can also be found engraved onto its caseback.  A robust watch that truly epitomizes a strong fighter, the Seiko 5 Sports Ryu can be yours for around $469 USD.  2. Seiko 5 Sports KEN – Rush ‘n’ Blaze (Ref. SRPF20K1) Next up, we have the Seiko 5 Sports Ken. With its striking combination of red, black, and gold, this watch is a homage to Ken Masters, showcasing a completely different motif compared to his longtime best friend and rival, Ryu. Ken Masters is the total opposite of Ryu in terms of personality and this can be seen through the rugged, aggressive Seiko 5 Sports Ken.  This Seiko Street Fighter watch is presented in a 42.5mm black-tone stainless steel case and a vibrant red nylon and leather strap with contrasting black stitching. The underside of this strap is made of black leather material with a golden print of Ken’s company’s logo, the Masters Foundation. This stylish feature enhances the visual quality of the watch as a whole, while also paying tribute to Ken’s character beyond his status as a fighter.  Fitted on top of the watch’s case is a gorgeous unidirectional bezel with luxurious gold-rimmed sides, much like Ken’s beautiful, lustrous blonde hair. This bezel bears a black insert, with stark red indicators that stand out clearly for the elapsed time scale. A layer of Hardlex crystal, which is an identifying feature of most Seiko watches, also helps shelter the dial from any scratches and impacts.  In opposition to the Seiko 5 Sports Ryu, the dial of this watch shows off a matte black finish. It is elegantly decorated with sizeable geometric hour indices in red, mimicking the patterns that can be found on Ken’s red-and-black fighting attire. This dial also contains lovely gold skeletal hands and a handy day-date window at 3 o’clock.  Through the watch’s see-through caseback, you can admire its in-house Seiko Caliber 4R36. This automatic movement possesses a depth rating of 100 meters and can last for up to 41 hours when fully charged. If you want to feel the presence of a fierce and suave timepiece, you can buy the Seiko 5 Sports Ken for $449 USD. 3. Seiko 5 Sports CHUN-LI – Blue Jade (Ref. SRPF17K1) Chun-Li, the first-ever female character introduced in the whole Street Fighter series, shows what it means to be an empowered woman: bold, brave, and beautiful. The elegance and poise of Street Fighter’s main female protagonist are manifested through the alluring Seiko 5 Sports Chun-Li. Through its stylish blue and gold motifs, this watch mimics Chun-Li’s iconic blue Chinese dress.  This Seiko Street Fighter watch is housed in a 42.5mm stainless steel watch, coupled with a posh blue calf leather strap with white stitching. The underside of the strap is decorated with the enchanting sight of a hovering dragon, an aesthetic which can also be seen on Chun-Li’s white belt. The case is also affixed to a blue bezel with stylised Roman numeral markers in gold that simply ooze luxury and glamor. Like other Seiko Street Fighter models, this watch’s face is protected by a Hardlex crystal, which is as strong as Chun-Li’s ability to defend herself from her enemies The dial of this watch boasts a royal blue hue with a gorgeous sunray finish. It is adorned with jewel-like dot indices, luminous arrow and syringe hands, and a day-date aperture outlined in silver at 3 o’clock. At 12 o’clock, you can find an exquisite gold emblem that recreates the pattern of Chun-Li’s collar. The 6 and 9 o’clock markers are also replaced with sharply beveled triangle markers in silver, which reference the large spiked bracelets that Chun-Li wears while fighting.  Inside this Seiko Street Fighter piece, you can find the brand’s Seiko Caliber 4R36. This self-winding movement beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz) and possesses a 41-hour power supply.  The Seiko 5 Sports Chun-Li is priced at $379 USD.  4. Seiko 5 Sports GUILE – Indestructible Fortress (Ref. SRPF21K1) Cool, patriotic and loyal, Guile, a Major in the US Air Force, is one of the eight original characters released in the first Street Fighter game. What better way to give tribute to such a fearless man than to create a watch solely in honor of him? Hence, we have the sporty Seiko 5 Sports Guile, which looks extraordinarily like a military watch.  This Seiko Street Fighter piece utilizes a 42.5mm black-tone stainless steel case and a solid brown calf leather strap with contrasting white stitching. On top of the dial is an olive green unidirectional bezel with indicators in neat white and red typefaces for the countdown scale.  The military camouflage of Guile’s attire is especially illustrated through this watch’s dial. Arranged on its camouflage-patterned dial are luminous white Arabic numeral markers, skeletal silver hands, and a day-date complication at 6 o’clock. The golden patch that Guile wears on his uniform is located at 6 o’clock, while the military dog tag that he wears in honor of his late best friend in the Air Force, Charlie Nash, can be found at 9 o’clock.  Underneath this stoic watch face, you can find the brand’s in-house Caliber 4R36. Beating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz), this automatic movement possesses a 41-hour power supply and a depth rating of 100 meters.  Thanks to its earthy tones, the Seiko 5 Sport Guile is probably the most versatile timepiece in the Seiko Street Fighter collection and can be paired with virtually any outfit. It sells at just $369 USD.  5. Seiko 5 Sports ZANGIEF – Iron Cyclone (Ref. SRPF24K1) The Seiko 5 Sports Zangief is based on Street Fighter’s Zangief, a professional wrestler with a massive, brawny build that is terrifying to his fellow fighters and enemies. This watch is encased in a 42.5mm stainless steel case in matte yellow, coupled with a red and yellow nylon strap. The great thing about this nylon bracelet is that it shows off a design that is almost identical to the red and gold wristbands wrapped around the wrestler’s wrists. With this watch, you will be able to possess an image just like Zangief himself.  The glossy red paint of the watch’s dial and its circular pattern is reminiscent of Zangief’s special attack move, “Cyclone Lariat”, which invokes a cyclone. This dial is ornamented with black Arabic numeral markers and rectangular indices that are accented with gold, along with black arrow and syringe hands. A day-date window can be found at 3 o’clock, with a magnifier lens above it for greater legibility. Fixed on top of the case is a layer of hardlex crystal and a gold-toned unidirectional bezel. This bezel is inspired by Zangief’s studded gold belt, which makes the watch appear sturdier and more durable. This watch is driven by an in-house Caliber 4R36. This automatic movement beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and is held together by 24 jewels. The watch itself also has a reliable depth rating of 100 meters, which makes it a great choice for watersports activities.  The Seiko Sports 5 Zangief costs approximately $359 USD.  6. Seiko 5 Sports BLANKA – Call Of The Wild (Ref. SRPF23K1) From the jungles of Brazil, Blanka is the mean and green feral man who has powerful electric abilities that can stun any fighter down. With his thick orange locks and green skin, Blanka is a truly distinctive character, and those eye-catching traits are passed down to the Seiko 5 Sports Blanka too. Indeed, the vibrant colors of the watch are as electrifying as Blanka’s electric powers This watch is presented in a 42.5mm gray-tone case with a vibrant green and red nylon strap. The case is also affixed to a gray unidirectional bezel. This bezel bears a green insert that has been painted with yellow strikes of lightning. This design is an allusion to one of Blanka’s special attacks, “Electric Thunder”, which he uses to create a massive volt of electricity that can zap any enemies who come close to him.  The dial of this watch also comes in a flamboyant, bright green hue. It showcases a spiral pattern that references the rolling attacks of Blanka as he charges toward his enemies. This dial also comprises silver and yellow hands and a day-date window outlined in silver at 3 o’clock. Along the rim of the dial, you can find sharp triangular hour indices that mimic the razor-sharp teeth of the ferocious fighter.  Underneath this vivid watch face, you can find the brand’s in-house Caliber 4R37. This automatic movement possesses a 100-meter water resistance capacity and can last up to 41 hours when fully wound. If you are into a watch that has electrifying features and an ostentatious design, the Seiko 5 Sports Blanka retails at $369 USD. Final Thoughts The Seiko Street Fighter V watches paves the way for lovers and enthusiasts of watches, video games, and arcade games to relive the precious memories of their beloved interests. For Seiko Street Fighter watches in particular, the relatively affordable prices of the watches pose a great element of added opportunity for their fans and gamers worldwide to invest in such noteworthy watch collectibles. Considering their inexpensive prices, the Seiko Street Fighter watches are no doubt a great investment and a nice addition to any fan’s watch collection.  All images courtesy of WatchShopping website, unless otherwise stated. Featured image courtesy of Seiko Watches. Are you a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Check out our article on the epic Citizen x Marvel Watch collection!

Grand Seiko has always been about packing stylishness and quality into a single watch. Those familiar with the watch industry probably know that this Japanese watchmaker has consistently created timeless pieces that leave an indelible mark on the whole watch market. Apart from its famous roster of dress watches influenced by nature’s grandeur, which includes models like the Grand Seiko White Birch and Grand Seiko Snowflake, this luxury watch brand is also known for producing vintage-inspired timepieces. In this article, we will be taking a look at one of Grand Seiko’s most popular vintage-influenced watches — the Grand Seiko SBGM221. Elegant and handsomely built, the Grand Seiko 9S Mechanical Ref. SBGM221 clearly epitomizes the brand’s distinguished reputation for making exceptional watches. As a GMT watch, the Grand Seiko SBGM221 is easily on par with some of the most famous GMT luxury watches. Hailing from the brand’s 9S Mechanical series, this timepiece is especially notable as it is powered by Grand Seiko’s outstanding, state-of-the-art Hi-Beat caliber.  Without further ado, let us delve deep into the details of what the Grand Seiko SBGM221 has to offer.  A Closer Look at the Grand Seiko SBGM221: Case and Caseback The Grand Seiko SBGM221 is housed in a 39mm stainless steel case, with a height of 13.7mm. With these dimensions, this Grand Seiko watch fits well on small-to-average-sized wrists, especially for men with slimmer and more slender wrists. The entire case is polished with the brand’s in-house Zaratsu polishing technique. Thanks to Grand Seiko’s Zaratsu polishing technique, the Grand Seiko SBGM221 has a glossy, mirror-like shine. So, if you are looking for a truly lustrous and luxurious timepiece, then this is the perfect watch for you.  When you flip the Grand Seiko SBGM221 over, you will find a transparent caseback made of stainless steel and sapphire crystal. Like the rest of the watch case, this caseback is embellished with the brand’s Zaratsu finish, so it has an impeccable glamor when viewed under the light. Through the sapphire crystal insert, you get to see a full view of the powerful in-house movement that drives this watch.  This caseback is also screwed in using six sizable bolts, which keep the caseback firmly secured to the rest of the case, protecting the watch’s inner mechanisms from any dust or moisture exposure. Thanks to its screw-down caseback, the Grand Seiko SBGM221 has a depth rating of 30 meters. This is a fairly standard water resistance capacity for a dress watch like the Grand Seiko SBGM221, allowing it to withstand any splashes or showers.  Crown Tucked on the right side of the Grand Seiko SBGM221’s case is a polished screw-down crown. This crown is quite thick and is designed with a grooved pattern, giving wearers an easy grip so they can hold and turn the crown with little trouble. As is the tradition with most luxury timepieces, the top of the crown is stamped with the brand’s iconic “GS” emblem, marking this as a uniquely Grand Seiko timepiece.  Unlike most watches, the Grand Seiko SBGM221’s stout crown can be used to set not just the time, but also the timezone of the watch. When the crown is wound to the first position, you can turn it to move the hour hand and set the intended hour. When wound to the second position, the turning of the crown determines the minute and GMT hands, allowing you to set your desired time and timezone.    Dial Image by: user/torpedo109 on Reddit A glorious sight to behold, the Grand Seiko SBGM221’s dial is easily its most aesthetic component. Unlike the snow-covered dial of the Grand Seiko Snowflake or the azure sky-inspired backdrop of the Grand Seiko Skyflake, the Grand Seiko SBGM221’s dial shows off a clean, rich ivory ensemble. Although it has a fairly simple layout, the interior elements of this dial come together to create a very enchanting, well-organized watch face.  This ivory dial is adorned with thick, silver applique indices and razor-sharp dauphine hands, all of which are nicely beveled and completely polished. This ensures that the hands and indices of this watch all show off the same mirror-like finish as the case, so that they shine just as exuberantly when this dial is viewed under the light. A rectangular date display is also placed at 3 o’clock, encased inside a polished stainless steel frame. In addition, the rim of the dial is furnished with simple black stick indices for the minute track.  You probably also noticed that, apart from its usual stainless steel hands, the Grand Seiko SBGM221 also has a fourth hand made of blued steel. This thick, arrow-headed hand is the watch’s GMT hand. It is the very feature which makes this timepiece so intriguing. This hand points towards the printed 24-hour GMT scale, which is located near the applique hour markers. As a GMT watch, the Grand Seiko SBGM221 uses this display to keep wearers updated on a second time zone.  Strap A dress watch would not be as classy as it is if it is not paired with a stylish, elegant strap. Grand Seiko lives up to expectations by pairing the Grand Seiko SBGM221 with a handsome brown leather strap. This durable band is made from calfskin leather. It bears an aged crocodile pattern that adds to the watch’s vintage aesthetic. It also comes with a convenient stainless steel deployant clasp, so you can easily slip the watch on and off your wrist at any time.  Movement Visible through the watch’s see-through caseback, the Hi-Beat Caliber 9S66 that powers the Grand Seiko SBGM221 is truly a well-engineered one. The Caliber 9S66 is a state-of-the-art GMT movement that is crafted entirely in-house.  As one of the brand’s exclusive, innovative Hi-Beat movements, this movement is incredibly efficient, beating at a breathtaking frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (5Hz). Held together by 35 jewels, it offers an accuracy rate of -3/+5 seconds per day. When fully wound, the Caliber 9S66 can also last for up to 72 hours, or approximately three days, which is extremely impressive for a high-beat movement.  Price The price for the Grand Seiko SBGM221 is set at around $4,889 USD. For a high-end luxury timepiece equipped with an appealing Zaratsu finish and a highly advanced movement, you will find that this is actually quite a reasonable price.  Alternatives to the Grand Seiko SBGM221 If you think that the Grand Seiko SBGM221 is a little too exorbitant for you, fear not! We have prepared a few alternatives to the Grand Seiko SBGM221 that you might be interested in. Coming from highly-recognized watch companies in the industry, all of the dressy timepieces below show off the same vintage appeal as the SBGM221 and are also set at more budget-friendly price points.  1. Omega De Ville Ref. 424.13.40.20.02.001 First up, we have the Omega De Ville Ref. 424.13.40.20.02.001. This is a classic dress watch with very minimalistic features, boasting a quiet simplicity that is reminiscent of the German Bauhaus watches.  This Omega De Ville timepiece is presented in a 39.5mm stainless steel case, coupled with a quintessential black alligator leather strap. While its case is only half a millimeter larger than the Grand Seiko SBGM221, this watch also has a height of just 10mm. On the whole, this is a much slimmer timepiece, which you can easily and unobtrusively slide under the cuff of your shirt.  Complementing the sleek silver case of this Omega watch is a clean, silver-white dial. It contains Roman numeral hour markers, slender applique indices, beveled dauphine hands, and a date complication at 3 o’clock. All of these dial components come in sleek silver, which blends well with the rest of the dial, creating a very consistent color theme.  Underneath this straightforward watch face, you can find an in-house Omega Caliber 2500. Based on the ETA 2892-AT movement, the Caliber 2500 has been modified to fit this Omega watch. Held together by 27 jewels, it offers a reliable power supply of 48 hours or two days. The Omega De Ville Ref. 424.13.40.20.02.001 sells at about $3,750 USD.  2. Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Ref. 112520 Next up, we have the Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Ref. 112520. Like the aforementioned Omega piece, this watch has a very simple and classic appeal. That said, it offers a different, slightly more ostentatious style, with its colorful dial components and livelier watch face.  This Montblanc timepiece is packed in a 38mm stainless steel case, with an extremely slim height of just 7.65mm, and an alligator leather strap in black. Of all the dress watches listed in this article, this is by far the smallest one. As such, this watch is best suited for smaller wrists with measurements that are on the slender side.  The dial of this watch comes in a soft white finish, which stands out well against the black strap. It is decorated with slim applique indices in rose gold, Arabic numeral markers in a rounded typeface, and rose gold dauphine hands with sharp, well-beveled edges. A rectangular date window, outlined in rose gold, can also be found at 6 o’clock. These rose gold accents, along with the single, blued steel seconds hand, add an exquisite, luxurious edge to this watch face.  Driving this Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie watch is the in-house Montblanc Caliber MB 24.09. Consisting of 25 jewels, it has a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and sustains an average power reserve of up to 42 hours.  The Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Ref. 112520 retails at approximately $2,835 USD.  3. Seiko Presage Ref. SARW049  A sibling brand of Grand Seiko, Seiko is another very reliable brand when it comes to suave dress watches. The Seiko Presage lineup offers elegant, dressy pieces with varying price points that range from as low as $300 USD, up to as high as $3000 USD.  The Seiko Presage Ref. SARW049 utilizes a 40.6mm stainless steel case, paired with a deep brown crocodile leather strap. That makes this Seiko Presage watch the largest timepiece to show up in this article.  The dial of this watch comes in a lovely porcelain white finish, which looks almost snow-white when viewed under the light. It is filled with Roman numeral hour markers in thin black font, blued steel leaf hands, and two sub-dials at 6 and 9 o’clock. The sub-dial at 6 o’clock serves as the pointer date display, while the sub-dial at 9 o’clock indicates the watch’s power reserve. At 12 o’clock, you can also find a Roman numeral marker in bright red, adding a burst of vibrancy to this watch face.  This watch runs on an in-house Seiko Caliber 6R27. Wearers can admire this movement in all its glory through the watch’s transparent caseback. Moreover, this movement also provides a power reserve that lasts up to 45 hours when fully wound, and you will be able to check this anytime using the sub-dial at 9 o’clock. Finally, although this Seiko Presage timepiece is designed as a dress watch, it actually has an excellent depth rating of 100 meters. As such, you can bring this watch with you to your swimming adventures without any fear.  The Seiko Presage Ref. SARW049 costs just $1,859 USD, making it the most affordable alternative to the Grand Seiko SBGM221.  Final Thoughts There is no doubt that the Grand Seiko SBGM221 is indeed one majestic dress watch. What better way to pair your formal attire than with an elegant timepiece that exudes great charm?  When it comes to aesthetics, the shine that radiates from the Grand Seiko SBGM221 and its captivating dial is just one of the reasons why you should not miss out on this watch. It also offers top-notch functionality, with its useful GMT feature and efficient, innovative Hi-Beat caliber. On the whole, the Grand Seiko SBGM221 is definitely a superb dress watch that is worth investing in.  All images courtesy of WatchShopping website, unless otherwise stated. Photo Credits: Reddit and Grand Seiko. Featured image courtesy of Grand Seiko. Interested in a very flamboyant luxury dress watch? Read our article about the Rolex Rainbow Daytona!

Watches come in all shapes and sizes. Aside from the usual round builds that most timepieces use, some are also molded into quirkier and more distinctive shapes. For instance, you have probably seen a number of square watches or rectangular watches. At some point, you might even have glimpsed the unique shape of the Hamilton Ventura watches from the movie franchise Men In Black. The Italian luxury watch brand Bvlgari even has a lineup of winding watches with a snake-like construction through its Serpenti collection.  In this article, we will be going through a roster of tonneau watches. But what exactly is a tonneau watch? Stick around as we find out just what is so special about this intriguing type of watch and its case shape. We will also be taking a look at the 15 best tonneau watches on the market.  Tonneau Watch: What is It Exactly? Image by: WatchTime Tonneau watches refer specifically to watches that come in tonneau-shaped cases. The French luxury watch brand Cartier was the pioneer of tonneau watches. Back in 1906, the brand was in the process of experimenting with timepieces that came in various shapes and dimensions.  Cartier’s efforts paid off with the release of a watch in the shape of what seemed to resemble a barrel: the Cartier Tonneau. Its name was derived from its unique look, as ‘tonneau’ is actually the French word for ‘barrel’. As one of Cartier’s earliest watches, the Cartier Tonneau certainly made an impact in the field of watch manufacturing. Even now, more than a hundred years later, tonneau-shaped cases are still used by watch brands worldwide, as part of a continuing trend.  Strictly speaking, the tonneau shape is neither a square nor a rectangle. Instead, it comes in a rectangular shape with curved edges and rounded corners, with a consistent smooth pattern that runs all throughout its figure. Tonneau watches are designed to rest as comfortably as possible on your wrist. Thanks to its level, curved outlines, the edges of this watch do not dig too deeply into your skin, unlike square or rectangular watches.  Now that we have a better idea of what tonneau watches are and where they came from, let us proceed with 15 of the best tonneau watches you can find on the market today. This list contains not just superb dress watches for men, but also wonderful women’s accessories that you could gift to the lovely ladies in your life. 15 Best Tonneau Watches: 1. Fossil Wallace Ref. ES3174 A perfect and very affordable gift for ladies with exquisite tastes, the Fossil Wallace Ref. ES3174 comes in a slender 28mm x 29mm stainless steel case, along with a three-link stainless steel bracelet. On top of the watch case, you can find a fixed bezel which is studded with crystals that run all the way down to the watch’s lugs, adding to the watch’s look of refined luxury.  This Fossil watch’s all-silver exterior is complemented by a plain white dial. It is composed of silver-tone Roman numeral markers in a slim typeface and elegant pencil hands. Underneath this watch face, you can find a battery-powered quartz movement that is very easy to maintain.  The Fossil Wallace Ref. ES3174 is a wonderful dress watch that looks far more than it costs. You can purchase this Fossil Wallace timepiece for just $109 USD.  2. Emporio Armani Retro Ref. AR2489 The Italian fashion brand Emporio Armani does not just make posh clothing and perfume, but it also offers a wide variety of timepieces. Through the Emporio Armani Retro watch collection, you can choose from a wide variety of timepiece options at very decent prices.  The Emporio Armani Retro Ref. AR2489 is a delightful tonneau watch that blends well with the skin, thanks to its warm brown leather strap and light brown sunray dial. These earthy tones give it a soothing look that is very pleasing to the eye. The dial has a fairly simple layout, comprising thin hour indices and Arabic numeral hour markers in gold, as well as luminous black pencil hands. The watch is also presented in a 37mm x 33mm stainless steel case, which is quite a large size for a tonneau watch.  The Emporio Armani Retro Ref. AR2489 retails at a very cheap price of $129 USD.  3. Emporio Armani Retro Ref. AR2491   A twin of the previous Emporio Armani timepiece, the Emporio Armani Retro Ref. AR2491 shows off a more masculine, handsome demeanor. Encased in a 37mm x 33mm stainless steel case, this watch is coupled with a stark black leather strap.  The dial, on the other hand, comes in a more vibrant blue finish that is sure to draw the eye. It is decorated with silver-toned hour indices, Arabic numeral markers, pencil hands, and the brand’s iconic eagle logo at 12 o’clock. Although this watch’s depth rating is quite subpar, coming in at just 30 meters, it is still more than enough to withstand any light showers or splashes.  The Emporio Armani Retro Ref. AR2491 is slightly more expensive than its twin, selling at around $139 USD.  4. Hamilton American Classic Ref. H13431553 Did you know that one of the first watchmakers to follow in Cartier’s footsteps of making tonneau watches was the American brand Hamilton? Hamilton has been making tonneau watches since as early as the 1920s, and this case design continues to be utilized in its watches today.  The Hamilton American Classic Ref. H13431553 is sheltered in a 27mm x 31.6mm gold-tone stainless steel case, which is topped with a layer of mineral crystal. A very luxurious-looking piece, this watch’s white dial is furnished with gold-tone Arabic numeral markers in a stylized typeface, alpha hands, and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock. All of these functions are powered by a battery-operated ETA Caliber 980.163 quartz movement. Paired with a brown leather strap, this watch is a charming timepiece that is sure to elevate your style.  The Hamilton American Classic Ref. H13431553 costs approximately $625 USD. 5. Longines La Grande Classique Ref. L47054116   Hailing from one of the oldest watch brands in the world, the Longines La Grande Classique Ref. L47054116 is a classy and professional-looking watch that is perfect for the workplace.  This Longines timepiece utilizes a 29.7×32.5mm stainless steel case and a multi-link bracelet made of the same material. Its clean white dial is ornamented with Roman numeral markers in a very slim, slanting typeface, along with silver-tone stick hands. A layer of sapphire crystal safeguards the dial from any scratches or impacts. Inside this watch, you can also find a robust Caliber L209 quartz movement.  This Longines La Grande Classique is worth about $839 USD.  6. Hamilton American Classic Ref. H13519711  The next entry in this list is another offering from the Hamilton American Classic collection. The Hamilton American Classic Ref. H13519711 sports a 34.5mm x 38mm stainless steel case paired with a smooth black leather strap. It runs on a reliable in-house Hamilton Caliber H-50, which possesses an outstanding 80-hour power reserve.  Complementing the watch’s silver case is a classic white dial, which consists of bold black Roman numeral markers and elegant blued steel Alpha hands that stands out clearly against the rest of the watch face. You will not have any trouble reading the time with this Hamilton watch, thanks to its highly legible hour markers and dial. A layer of durable sapphire crystal is also used to guard the dial.  The Hamilton American Classic Ref. H13519711 has a price tag of $895 USD. 7. Hamilton Boulton Ref. H13519641  Tonneau watches can also be found in other Hamilton collections, such as the Hamilton Boulton. Here, we have the Hamilton Boulton Ref. H13519641, which shows off a stylish blue motif that is perfect for both the dance floor and for everyday wear.  This Hamilton watch is packed in a 34.5mm x 38mm stainless steel case, coupled with an alligator leather strap in dark blue. This strap is complemented by a dial with a matching sunray blue finish. It is adorned with sizable Roman numeral markers and sleek Alpha hands, all of which come in lovely silver. It is important to note that this watch does not come with any lume, so it is not really intended to be used in dark places.  Driving this watch is the brand’s in-house Caliber H-50 movement. Based on the ETA 2801-2, it boasts a power reserve of up to 80 hours when fully wound.  You can get your hands on the Hamilton Boulton Ref. H13519641 for about $895 USD.  8. Longines Longines Evidenza Ref. L21424736 Another exquisite timepiece that caters exclusively to women is the Longines Longines Evidenza Ref. L21424736. It uses a slim 26mm x 30.6mm stainless steel case and a bracelet made of the same material. Both the case and bracelet have a polished finish that adds to the enchanting luster of the whole timepiece. The dial of this watch shows off a mesmerizing, textured beige finish that enhances the watch’s vintage vibe. All of its components effortlessly exude elegance, from its Arabic numeral markers in a slanting, cursive font down to the striking blued steel hands. A compact date aperture can also be found at 6 o’clock.  This Longines Longines Evidenza watch runs on an in-house Caliber L595. Held together by 20 jewels, this movement has a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). In addition, it has a standard power supply of 40 hours. With such a sleek, ravishing design, this Longines timepiece is definitely one that should not be missed.  The Longines Longines Evidenza Ref. L21424736 retails at $2,150 USD. 9. Longines Longines Evidenza Ref. L21428732   There is no denying that rose gold watches have a distinct aura unlike any other. For instance, the rose-gold Longines Longines Evidenza Ref. L21428732 is a timepiece with exceptional poise. This watch comes in a 26mm x 30.6mm rose gold-tone stainless steel case, coupled with a crocodile leather strap in dark brown. This leather bracelet is patterned with cream-colored stitching, which enhances its glorious composition.  The warm, rich tones of the watch’s exterior go incredibly well with its soft beige dial. Like the previous Longines offering, this dial contains cursive Arabic numeral markers, blued steel hands, and a small date window at 6 o’clock. Inside this watch, you can also find an in-house Caliber L595 that can last for up to 40 hours when fully wound.  The Longines Longines Evidenza Ref. L21428732 is priced at $4,800 USD.  10. Franck Muller Vanguard Ref. V45 SC DT TT NR BR NR  At first glance, this watch might look quite heavy and chunky. However, this timepiece is the perfect one to prove that first impressions are not always correct. Crafted using titanium, which is lighter than stainless steel by 45%, the Franck Muller Vanguard Ref. V45 SC DT TT NR BR NR is a lightweight timepiece packed in an all-black ensemble. This Franck Muller watch is presented in a 44mm x 53.7mm matte black titanium case and a black leather strap. Arranged on its brushed black dial are large, stylized Arabic numeral hour markers, blunt black hands, and a circular date display at 6 o’clock. The outer rim of the dial is also surrounded by a handy compass scale.  An in-house Franck Muller Caliber FM0800 powers this watch, giving it a standard power rating of 42 hours. Exuding charisma and vigor, black watches like this Franck Muller Vanguard timepiece wear extremely gloriously on the wrist.  You can get the Franck Muller Vanguard Ref. V45 SC DT TT NR BR NR for $5,389 USD. 11. Franck Muller Vanguard Ref. V41 SC DT Yachting  For a more stylish, glamorous Franck Muller offering, check out the Franck Muller Vanguard Ref. V41 SC DT Yachting. This watch utilizes a 41mm x 50mm stainless steel case that boasts a neatly polished surface, giving it a fashionable radiance. The dark blue dial is filled with stylized Arabic numeral markers in white, silver-tone hands that are placed on top of a compass rose, a circular date complication at 6 o’clock, and an internal compass bezel. This watch is also accompanied by a blue rubber strap, which is patterned to resemble a leather bracelet. Considering this watch is designed for those who own yachts, it is quite unfortunate that it only has a 30-meter depth rating. Nevertheless, this is still a majestic watch to be dressed up in, not just for formal affairs but also for daily routines.  The Franck Muller Vanguard Ref. V41 SC DT Yachting sells at $6,549 USD.  12. Franck Muller Casablanca Ref. 6850Casa  Timeless and gorgeous, the Franck Muller Casablanca collection holds a lineup of watches that are inspired by the look and feel of vintage timepieces. In this entry, we will be looking at the Franck Muller Casablanca Ref. 6850Casa in particular.  This watch is housed in a 34mm x 47mm stainless steel case, coupled with a matching stainless steel bracelet. Its sharp black dial contrasts sharply with the all-silver exterior, giving the watch a very quintessential look. This dial is also slightly simpler compared to the previous Franck Muller timepieces mentioned. It comprises just stylized Arabic numeral markers in white and luminous Alpha hands that are outlined in blue.  The watch is also driven by an in-house Caliber FM0800 which offers a 42-hour power supply. If you are into timepieces with vintage makeup, this Franck Muller Casablanca piece is a great option.  The Franck Muller Casablanca Ref. 6850Casa costs around $7,189 USD.  13. Franck Muller Vanguard Ref. V45 SC DT TT NR MC VE Camouflage A robust timepiece that is inspired by military watches, the Franck Muller Vanguard Ref. V45 SC DT TT NR MC VE Camouflage boasts a rugged camouflage touch. Despite its sturdy build, however, this watch actually looks quite funky, thanks to the bright colors of its dial.  This Franck Muller timepiece utilizes a solid 45mm case made of black-toned titanium, along with a military green strap. This strap is topped with a layer of leather and has black-toned rubber lining its underside. The colorful camouflage dial, on the other hand, shows off lively hues of green in various shades. It is decorated with stylized black Arabic numeral markers, luminous black hands, and a circular date aperture at 6 o’clock.  The Franck Muller Vanguard Ref. V45 SC DT TT NR MC VE Camouflage is worth $8,749 USD. 14. Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Ref. 665.NE.2010.RW.1204  The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Hublot is widely recognised for its robust Classic Fusion and Hublot Spirit of Big Bang series. While both of these collections are best known for their titanium-clad watches, some of their timepieces are also notable for being enveloped in diamonds.  The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Ref. 665.NE.2010.RW.1204 is constructed in a 39mm titanium case that showcases a mix of satinized and polished sides, coupled with a clean white rubber strap. When taken as a whole, this mix of textures creates a very intriguing look which gives the watch a premium aesthetic. Furthermore, the fixed bezel is also embedded with fifty sparkling diamonds that only bolster the lavish vibe of this timepiece.  Complementing the silver and white exterior is a matching matte white dial that simply exudes purity. This dial is ornamented with applique silver-tone indices and sword hands, all of which are generously coated with luminous pigments. A small square date display is also located at 6 o’clock.  For obvious reasons, diamond watches like this Hublot timepiece do not come at cheap prices. Nevertheless, looking at the exquisite elegance of the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Ref. 665.NE.2010.RW.1204, most would agree that it is surely worth the investment. This watch has a hefty price tag of $16,700 USD.  15. Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Ref. 665.NX.7170.LR.1204  For another diamond-studded Hublot watch, check out the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Ref. 665.NX.7170.LR.1204. While the previous Spirit of Big Bang watch showcased a more serene vibe with its white hues, this watch boasts a more rugged and stylish aura. It is encased in a 39mm titanium case, paired with a blue rubber strap. Fitted on top of the case is a fixed bezel, which is also embellished with fifty lavish diamonds.  The dial also shows off a dark blue finish, matching the watch’s strap. It is furnished with silver applique indices, luminous sword hands, and a date complication at 6 o’clock. Underneath this simple watch face, you can find an in-house Hublot Caliber HUB1710, which possesses a 50-hour power supply. This watch is also water-resistant up to depths of 100 meters, making it one of the tonneau watches best suited for any water adventure.  The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Ref. 665.NX.7170.LR.1204 can be purchased for $17,200 USD. Final Thoughts Generally, while it is true that the main function of a wristwatch is basically to tell the time, sometimes it can also be used as a fashionable wrist accessory. The tonneau watch is a magnificent creation that wears satisfyingly on the wrist and is a delightful sight to the eyes. Given these fifteen tonneau watches with varying price ranges, we are sure that any one of these deserves a space in your growing inventory of watches. All images courtesy of The Watch Company, unless otherwise stated. Featured image courtesy of WatchTime. Interested in finding out more about an underrated Swiss watch brand? Read our article about Gevril Watches and some of their best pieces!

Considering how popular this Swiss watch brand is with celebrities, it is not a stretch to say that we have probably all heard of Richard Mille before. From Canadian rapper Drake and social media influencers like Logan Paul to K-pop idols like G-Dragon, Richard Mille watches have been spotted on the wrists of a great many famous stars.  However, if we are talking about the most influential name that pops up whenever Richard Mille is mentioned, then it would have to be the Spanish professional tennis superstar, Rafael Nadal. As the only male tennis player who has set a record of winning 21 grand slam titles, it is hardly an exaggeration to say that Rafael Nadal is one of the most celebrated figures in the world. As such, it is little surprise that even an exclusive luxury watch brand like Richard Mille has chosen to pay tribute to Rafael Nadal with the release of the Richard Mille Rafael Nadal.  In this article, we will be taking a look at the Richard Mille Rafael Nadal timepieces dedicated to the tennis superstar. In particular, we will review two of the most outstanding pieces in the lineup, the RM 27-04 and the RM 35-03, while also briefly going through the history of the long partnership between the Swiss watch brand and the legendary tennis icon. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the Richard Mille Rafael Nadal watches! Richard Mille Rafael Nadal: Partnership Through Time and Sports All the most iconic timekeepers in the world have their own unique backstories and the Richard Mille Rafael Nadal is no different. The partnership between Richard Mille and Rafael Nadal began in 2008 when the tennis star met watch brand Richard Mille’s founder and namesake for the first time.  It is said that for a long time, Nadal had refused to wear watches in general and that he was especially uncomfortable wearing watches while playing matches. Mille saw Nadal’s aversion to wristwatches as a challenge to overcome, making it his mission to persuade the world’s top male tennis player about the benefits of watches.  Mille’s efforts eventually paid off. In 2010, two years after their first encounter, Mille presented Nadal with a timepiece created specifically for him: the RM 027 RN Tourbillon. This timepiece was the first watch to be known as the Richard Mille Rafael Nadal. In the same year, Nadal began sporting Richard Mille watches and became the official ambassador of the luxury watchmaker, a title which he continues to hold to this very day.  RM 027 RN Tourbillon Image by: Richard Mille The RM 027 RN Tourbillon was the first-ever watch dedicated to the tennis legend. At first glance, the watch appears to be on the heavy side because of its apparent chunky size. It is housed in a  48mm x 39.7mm x 11.85mm case, giving it quite a substantial presence on the wrist. That said, this watch is actually made out of a black carbon composite material which makes it much lighter than it looks. Weighing only 18 grams, this timepiece is a highly efficient accessory both on and off the tennis court. Its sophisticated skeleton dial only adds to the stylishness of the piece.  This all-black glory was a limited-edition watch, with only 50 pieces released worldwide. As befitting its exclusive status, the RM 027 RN Tourbillon had an exorbitant price tag of around $525,500 USD. Images by: WatchProSiteUpon its release, Nadal started to continuously wear the RM 027 RN Tourbillon in his games. Fun fact: he even wore it during the 2011 Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters Open, where he won and secured the grand title. In the same year, after Nadal had won this tournament and played in several more games, Richard Mille personally donated his version of the RM 027 RN Tourbillon to be auctioned off in Monaco. By the end of the auction night, it had been sold for a price of €510,000 euros, or around $530,000 USD. In the next section of the article, we will be discussing two more Richard Mille Rafael Nadal timepieces that honor the world-renowned professional athlete: the RM 27-04 and the RM35-03. Make sure to stick around as we delve deep into these awesome watches.  RM 27-04 & RM 35-03: First Impressions RM 27-04 Tourbillon (left) and RM 35-03 (right) Images by: Richard MilleAs part of its ongoing collaboration with and tribute to the distinguished athlete, Richard Mille has continued releasing more Richard Mille Rafael Nadal timepieces. Two of these watches include the RM 27-04 Tourbillon and the RM 35-03. RM 27-04 Tourbillon: The RM 27-04 Tourbillon was released in September 2020. It is a limited-edition Richard Mille watch, with only 50 pieces released worldwide. It was launched in celebration of the tenth anniversary of the partnership between Richard Mille and Rafael Nadal. This timepiece has a rather funky appeal, with a soft, blue tone strap blends in well with the skin when worn. On top of that, the RM 27-04 Tourbillon also shows off vibrant red and orange accents, which add to the visual appeal of the watch while also giving it more of a quirky edge.   RM 35-03: The RM 35-03 is one of the most recent Richard Mille Rafael Nadal timepieces, released in just December 2021. This watch exudes a sturdy, masculine vibe, all thanks to its robust, meticulously textured case ridges. The watch itself is a refreshing sight with its clean white casing and light blue strap. Despite its rugged build, the white and light blue color combination provides an extraordinary charming aesthetic.  On the whole, you can tell that both of these Richard Mille Rafael Nadal timepieces simply ooze elegance and grandeur. With the RM 27-04 Tourbillon and the RM 35-03, the brand has excellently encapsulated the idea of luxury and power into two fashionable timepieces.  Without further ado, let us have an in-depth look at the RM 27-04 Tourbillon before we proceed with an examination of the RM 35-03 afterward.  Anatomy of the RM 27-04: Case and Caseback Image by: Richard Mille The case of the RM 27-04 comes in the usual Richard Mille tonneau shape, which is an identifying trait of all of the watches from the luxury brand. This dark brown case is made from a well-built construction composed of titanium and an exact 38.5% carbon fiber content. Patented as the “TitaCarb”, these materials give the RM 27-04 an extraordinarily lightweight yet durable build. This case weighs a feather-light 30 grams. To give context, it weighs just as much as a slice of one single loaf of bread!   In addition, the brand’s use of the TitaCarb technology also makes this case incredibly robust. It is extremely resistant to impacts, shocks, sweat, and moisture. This makes the RM 27-04 perfect for sports activities and worthy of the tennis champion that it is named after. This TitaCarb material is also very effective in combating fluctuating temperature changes. The durability of the RM 27-04 is a testament to how meticulously Richard Mille crafts its timepieces.  On the underside of the RM 27-04, you can find a sapphire crystal caseback. This protects the watch’s inner mechanisms while also giving wearers a clear view of the movement inside. The caseback is also carefully engraved with the name of the Richard Mille brand, along with the serial number of the watch.  Crown Image by: Richard Mille A highlight of the RM 27-04, the watch’s large, orange-toned crown is a magnificent beauty in itself. This chunky crown has a concave black tip and is surrounded by a layer of thick orange rubber, with textured sides that allow wearers to grip and turn the crown without any hassle. The bright orange of the crown stands out clearly against the darker watch case, making for a lively contrast. This crown is also safely secured by a nitrile o-ring seal, which prevents any moisture from getting into the watch.  Dial Even with the vibrancy of the rest of the watch, the RM 27-04’s dial is still a true highlight. It showcases a prominent string pattern that cleverly mimics the net of a tennis racket. The cable of the string pattern is made from a flexible steel material, which completely achieves its goal of initiating a racquet’s mesh.  This dial also shows off a sophisticated skeleton display, which is one of Richard Mille’s trademark aesthetics. This dial is decorated with small triangular hour indices, along with arrows and turnbuckles that all come in a vivid red hue. The skeletal red and silver hands also help add to the stylish look of this watch. A layer of sapphire crystal guards the watch face, keeping it safe from any scratches or impacts.  Strap The RM 27-04 is coupled with a handsome, pastel blue nylon strap. Thanks to its fabric makeup, the strap is able to resist water quite well, so you do not have to worry about sweating when you are wearing this watch. Even if it ends up becoming damp due to moisture, this nylon strap will dry out quite fast.  This strap is also equipped with velcro closures on both ends, which makes it very easy to both wear and remove. Not only does it provide a very snug fit, but these velcro fasteners also come in handy when the strap needs to be adjusted from time to time.  Water Resistance Despite being a very sporty timepiece, the RM 27-04 is not actually designed as a waterproof watch. As such, while it is very lightweight and easy to wear, the RM 27-04 is bound by some limitations that make it less suitable for use in water. This watch has a depth rating of 50 meters, so it can only survive some light splashes and showers. Wearers are not advised to wear the RM 27-04 when they go for their swimming or diving trips.  Movement Image by: Richard Mille The RM 27-04 is driven by an in-house Richard Mille Caliber RM 27-04. Fitted with 19 jewels, this is a tourbillon movement that beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz). It also has an adequate power reserve of 38 hours.  The best part about the Richard Mille Caliber RM 27-04 is that it is capable of withstanding extreme acceleration forces of up to 12,000 g’s. As a result, no matter what kind of extreme pressure you put this watch under, this durable caliber will stay suspended and intact under the exposed steel mesh of the dial.  Price Given that the RM 27-04 is from an ultra-luxury watch brand and that it is an exclusive model with only 50 pieces available globally, it is no surprise that this watch retails at quite an exorbitant price. Indeed, this Richard Mille Rafael Nadal watch is only really intended for those who can afford Richard Mille’s sky-high price tags. The price for the RM 27-04 is set at a whopping $1,050,000 USD. Anatomy of the RM 35-03: Case and Caseback Image by: Richard Mille The soft white case of the RM 35-03 is made up of a combination of quartz TPT and carbon TPT.  These two materials produce an ultra-lightweight and thin byproduct, which serves as the main makeup of the watch case. This byproduct can also be easily molded, which is why the case of this watch has very robust, cleanly structured edges. Furthermore, due to the expensiveness of quartz TPT and carbon TPT materials, Richard Mille is known for being the only brand in the world to use them in its watches. This adds to the exclusive status of the RM 35-03.  This watch case also comes with two pushers. Unlike most timepieces which place all the pushers on the right side of the case, the RM 35-03 has a Selector button at 2 o’clock and another push button at 7 o’clock which you can use to control the timepiece’s Sport Mode function.  Flipping the RM 35-03 over, you will see a transparent sapphire crystal caseback. Aside from giving you a clear view of the spectacle that is the RM 35-03’s movement, this caseback is also engraved with Richard Mille’s brand stamp.  Crown Image by: Richard Mille A sizable crown sits on the right side of the RM 35-03’s watch case, placed neatly next to the Selector button. It is rubbed in a layer of light blue rubber, which provides wearers with a good grip when setting the watch. The textured molding of the rubber coating also prevents your fingers from slipping as you wind this crown.  Dial Like the RM 27-04, the dial of this watch shows off a complex skeleton display. This display takes the shape of a subtle yet enchanting butterfly silhouette, adding to the sophistication of the RM 35-03. It is also furnished with white Arabic numeral markers and tiny triangular indices in bright yellow.  Along with silver skeleton hands for the hours and minutes, this dial also contains two small red hands. The hand between 2 and 3 o’clock indicates which of the three modes the watch is currently in winding (W), neutral (N), or hand-setting (H). These modes can be operated using the Selector button at 2 o’clock. A second red hand, placed at 6 o’clock, is used to indicate whether the rotor is turned or not. This can be controlled using the Sport Mode pusher on the left side of the case.  Strap The RM 35-03 is equipped with a light blue strap that is made from high-quality rubber. Designed to wrap tightly around the wrist, the ends of the watch are firmly secured using a stainless steel metal buckle. As a nice touch, this strap also matches the color of the watch’s crown, creating a nice visual symmetry.  Water Resistance Just like any other Richard Mille watch, the RM 35-03 can easily be used as a versatile sports watch or a dress watch. That said, with a depth rating of only 50 meters, the RM 35-03 is not a great choice for wearers who frequently engage in water-based activities.  Movement Image by: Richard Mille The RM 35-03 is powered by an in-house Richard Mille Caliber RMAL2. Held together by 38 jewels, this movement has a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). In addition, it boasts an impressive power supply of 55 hours.  The most striking thing about the Richard Mille Caliber RMAL2 is its eye-catching butterfly build, with the rotor designed to resemble a butterfly’s wings. Using the watch’s Sport Mode function triggers the movement of the rotors, causing them to create the shape of a butterfly in flight.  Wearers can also use the Selector pusher at 2 o’clock to change the mode of the movement. You are given three options, winding (W): the watch can be wound; neutral (N): the watch is in an idle working state; and hand-setting (H): manual setting of time.  Price If there is such a thing as an entry-level watch in the Richard Mille Rafael Nadal collection, then this timepiece is surely it. The RM 35-03 sells at around $220,000 USD. While it is certainly not cheap, the RM 35-03 is still much more affordable than some of the other entries in the Richard Mille Rafael Nadal lineup.  Final Thoughts Even in the world of horology, which is dominated by known luxury watch brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe, Richard Mille definitely triumphs when it comes to establishing itself as the ultimate luxury watch brand. Known for its complex, luxurious designs and out-of-this-world prices, Richard Mille has loudly defined itself as more than just another luxury watch manufacturer.  The Richard Mille Rafael Nadal collection is a testament to the brand’s status and prestige. This collaborative effort between Richard Mille and one of the world’s greatest tennis players has produced a series of extremely well-crafted watches, including the RM 27-04 and the RM 35-03. If you are a superfan of Rafael Nadal, or if you want a high-caliber watch that aptly represents your lavish lifestyle, then these Richard Mille Rafael Nadal watches should definitely be on your radar.  All images courtesy of Richard Mille and WatchProSite. Looking for an affordable everyday watch? Check out our detailed article on the best Swatch Watches on the market!

Most of the time, dial colors play a huge role in influencing one’s preferred watch choice. Many watch enthusiasts and collectors select specific models and timepieces based almost entirely on the design, color, and finish of the watch’s dial.  Aside from playing an aesthetic role, the color of a dial can help to determine what type of personality one has. It is a popular opinion in the watch community that other than telling the time, watches also serve to highlight their wearer’s character. All-black watches, for instance, evoke seriousness and authority, while red-dial watches are perfect for people who have more flamboyant, vibrant styles. In this article, we will be taking a look at white watches for men, what they offer, and some of the best models available in the market today.  White Watches for Men: The Quintessential Stylish Partner White watches for men occupy a rather unique space in the watchmaking world. The color white tends to be associated with cleanliness and purity, traits that are not commonly attributed to men. As such, white watches for men tend to offer a very refreshing visual appeal, elevating your outfit in a very unexpected way.  Furthermore, white is a very neutral color. White watches, therefore, show off a stylish and pristine look that is very versatile and can be paired well with virtually any kind of clothing. For example, white watches blend well with lighter-colored getups, but they also provide an intriguing, eye-catching contrast against darker-toned attires. On the whole, white watches are a fashionable accessory option that you can wear to just about any occasion.  Without further ado, let us take a look at some of the finest white watches for men that money can buy today.  15 Best White Dial Watches for Men 1. Seiko Presage Ref. SRPC79J1  For the first watch on this list, Seiko graces us with an elegant dress watch, the Seiko Presage Ref. SRPC79J1. Much like the other timepieces from the brand’s Presage lineup, this watch exhibits a very classy, elegant vibe. It is housed in a 41.7mm stainless steel case coupled with a five-link bracelet made from the same material.  The white dial of this watch shows off an eye-catching pattern of recurring downward arrows. This unusual texture gives the watch a more sophisticated vibe than just a simple, plain white dial. The dial is also adorned with silver-tone Roman numeral hour markers, a date window at 3 o’clock, and blued steel leaf hands that add a burst of color to this watch face. The dial is protected by a double-curved sapphire crystal, which keeps it safe from any scratches or impacts.  This watch is powered by Seiko’s in-house Caliber 4R35. Held together by 23 jewels, this automatic movement has a power reserve of about 41 hours. This Seiko Presage timepiece also has a mediocre water resistance capacity of 30 meters, which is quite typical for dress watches.  You can purchase the Seiko Presage Ref. SRPC79J1 for just $490 USD.  2. Tissot T-Classic Ref. T065.430.11.031.00  Typically, Swiss luxury watches tend to come at very exorbitant prices. But if you are looking for an entry-level Swiss watch that offers the same luxurious style at a much more affordable price, the Swiss brand Tissot is a great option. In particular, the brand’s Tissot T-Classic Ref. T065.430.11.031.00 is one of the best white watches for men you can find.  This T-Classic timepiece utilizes a 39.7mm stainless steel case that measures just 9.5mm thin. It is a relatively slender timepiece that fits well on small-to-medium-sized wrists. This watch also boasts an ultra-clean white dial which is decorated with silver-tone stick indices, a day-date window at 3 o’clock, and sweeping, lume-coated pencil hands.  All of these functions are driven by the watch’s ​​ETA Caliber 2836-2, which can be admired through the transparent caseback. With a power supply of 42 hours, this watch can last for about two days before you have to wind it up again.  If you want a truly efficient white watch accessory, the Tissot T-Classic Ref. T065.430.11.031.00 can be yours at $595 USD.  3. Citizen Eco-Drive Ref. AW1640-83A  A trustworthy Japanese watch brand since time immemorial, Citizen is truly the epitome of affordable watchmaking. The Citizen Eco-Drive Ref. AW1640-83A is an excellent white watch option for men, with an all-silver exterior that goes well with its soft white dial.  This Citizen Eco-Drive timepiece comes in a 42mm titanium case and a matching titanium bracelet. Since titanium weighs a lot less than stainless steel, this gives the watch a very lightweight build that is extremely easy to tote around. A layer of scratch-resistant mineral crystal is also used to guard the watch face.  The dial of this watch is composed of black Arabic numeral hour markers, silver dauphine hands, and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. All of these components blend nicely into the clean white finish of the dial. One of the most iconic things about this Citizen watch is also its incredible, solar-powered engineering, through its usage of an Eco-Drive movement. With its in-house Eco-Drive J810 Caliber, this watch can charge itself using simple solar energy. On top of that, it also has an impressive power reserve of 180 days or six months.  The Citizen Eco-Drive Ref. AW1640-83A sells at a budget-friendly price of just $199 USD.  4. Emporio Armani Kappa Ref. AR80004  The Italian brand Emporio Armani might be best known for its clothing line, but it also offers a vast arsenal of accessories, including timepieces. With a rugged and outdoorsy aesthetic, the Emporio Armani Kappa Ref. AR80004 is a rather different kind of white watch for men.  This Emporio Armani Kappa watch is presented in a 41mm black-tone stainless steel case and a sporty, black and white textile strap. The black-coated body of the case allows the watch’s white dial to stand out clearly against it, creating a striking contrast. This dial is also furnished with black stick indices, Roman numeral hour markers in a very slender typeface, luminous pencil hands, and the brand’s trademark eagle logo at 12 o’clock. This watch also runs on a quartz movement, which requires the use of a battery in order to function.  The Emporio Armani Kappa Ref. AR80004 retails at $119 USD. 5. Festina Acero Clasico Ref. F16875/1 Despite being a lesser-known brand for timepieces, Swiss watchmaker Festina actually houses a massive catalog of affordable watches, with prices ranging from just $100 USD to $300 USD. In terms of white watches for men, one timepiece from the brand that is truly worth giving a shot is the Festina Acero Clasico Ref. F16875/1.  This Festina timepiece uses a 40mm round stainless steel case and a three-link stainless steel bracelet. This bracelet shows off a very intriguing visual appeal, with gleaming silver outer links and center links that are painted ceramic white, matching the hue of the snow-white dial. It is a look that is very reminiscent of Rolex’s white Rolesor watches, such as the Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126334-0005. The white dial of this watch is quite simple, filled with just slanting Arabic numeral hour markers and slim pencil hands in silver. Underneath this straightforward watch face, you can also find an efficient quartz caliber.  For those who are into budget-friendly timepieces with dapper styles, the Acero Clasico lineup from Festina is definitely a perfect choice. This Festina Acero Clasico Ref. F16875, in particular, is priced at an inexpensive $109 USD.  6. Emporio Armani Sportivo Ref. AR6103 The next entry on this list is the Emporio Armani Sportivo Ref. AR6103, which is a rugged white-on-white watch. This watch is encased in a 44mm stainless steel case, coupled with an outdoorsy white rubber strap. On the right side of the case, you can find a chunky crown and two stout and flat pushers which are used to operate the watch’s chronograph functions.  The brushed silver case also shelters a large white dial with extremely practical features. Arranged on this dial are silver-tone hour indices, large white sword hands, a date complication at 4 o’clock, and an internal count-up bezel on the rim of the dial. In addition, it also contains three chronograph sub-dials in silver and white for the 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour counters. Although the robust look of this oversized Emporio Armani Sportivo watch can be a little intimidating, its clean white aesthetic enhances its pristine aura and more versatile style.  For a timepiece that resembles the luxurious Hublot Classic Fusion watches but is offered at a more affordable price, the Emporio Armani Sportivo Ref. AR6103 has an estimated price tag of $239 USD. 7. Marc By Marc Jacobs Larry Ref. MBM5030  From the famous, worldwide American clothing line Marc Jacobs, the Marc by Marc Jacobs series incorporates several stunning designer watches. One great offering by the brand is the Marc By Marc Jacobs Larry Ref. MBM5030. This timepiece sports a massive 46mm stainless steel case and a three-link bracelet made from the same material. With an impressive water resistance capacity of 100 meters, you can easily take this durable Marc By Marc Jacobs Larry watch with you when swimming or snorkeling.  As a chronograph piece, the white dial of this watch has a slightly crowded layout. It comprises Arabic numeral hour markers in a bold black font, thick white sword hands, and a date display outlined in black at 3 o’clock. On the upper and lower halves of the dial, you can find two chronograph sub-dials for the 60-second and 60-minute counters respectively. This Marc by Marc Jacobs watch costs around $189 USD.  8. Victorinox Alliance Ref. 241871  For a more classic white watch for men, take a look at the Victorinox Alliance Ref. 241871. Victorinox is a brand that knows how to create simple yet well-built timepieces that can survive both outdoorsy adventures and everyday routines, and this Victorinox Alliance watch is a testament to that.  This watch has a very traditional build, with a 40mm round stainless steel case partnered with a comfortable black leather strap. The case of this watch measures just 9mm thin and weighs 75g, so it feels quite slight and lightweight when worn. This makes it great for small-to-average-sized wrists.  The watch’s white dial also has a very straightforward and uncluttered design. It is decorated with slim, silver-tone Arabic numeral hour markers, beveled applique indices, a date window at 6 o’clock, and the brand’s distinctive shield logo at 12 o’clock. Underneath this simple watch face, you can find an ETA Caliber 2892. Complete with 21 jewels, this movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and has a standard power supply of 42 hours.  The Victorinox Alliance Ref. 241871 is worth approximately $595 USD.  9. Mido Baroncelli III Ref. M8600.4.21.4  Over the years, the Swiss brand Mido has captured the hearts of many watch enthusiasts through its famous dive watch collection, the Mido Ocean Star. Unbeknownst to some, however, Mido also creates some remarkable dress watches through its Baroncelli III series.  The Mido Baroncelli III Ref. M8600.4.21.4 comes in a 38mm stainless steel case, paired with neat straight lugs and an elegant alligator leather strap in black. The white sector dial is ornamented with stylish blue Roman numeral hour markers, beveled dauphine hands, and a compact date display that sits between 4 and 5 o’clock. A high-performing ETA Caliber 2824-2 drives this timepiece. Fitted with 25 jewels, it has a modest power reserve of 38 hours. You can also admire this movement through the watch’s see-through caseback.  The Mido Baroncelli III Ref. M8600.4.21.4 sells at $800 USD. 10. Hamilton Jazzmaster Ref. H32505511 Next up, we have the Hamilton Jazzmaster Ref. H32505511 — an elegant dress watch with a lovely vintage look. This Hamilton watch is presented in a 40mm stainless steel case and a refined brown leather strap with vibrant orange stitching, which gives the watch a slightly more playful vibe.  The dial of this Hamilton Jazzmaster watch has a pure white finish and houses gold-toned dagger indices, beveled dauphine hands, a day window at 6 o’clock, and an elongated date-of-the-week aperture at 12 o’clock. It is guarded by a layer of luxurious sapphire crystal, which keeps the watch face safe from any scratches or impacts. Inside this watch, you can also find an in-house Hamilton Caliber H-40, which you can observe through the transparent caseback. This movement has an outstanding 80-hour power supply.  If you love fancy dress watches, you can purchase the Hamilton Jazzmaster Ref. H32505511 for around $799 USD.  11. Hamilton American Classic Ref. H13519711  Rectangular watches are always a treat to the eyes because they offer a distinctly unique style. Hamilton’s American Classic collection includes various timepieces that express grandeur and class, and a few of these are lavish rectangular-shaped watches. The Hamilton American Classic Ref. H13519711 is housed in a slender 34.5mm stainless steel case and is shaped in a charming rectangular form. The design of its slender build and gently curved sides allows this watch to fit much more snugly when worn on the wrist. The white dial of this watch is also a little crowded, with large, slanting Roman numeral markers and blued steel lancette hands that add to this watch’s sophistication.  Driving this watch is a Hamilton in-house Caliber H-50, which also possesses an outstanding 80-hour power supply. In addition, since this is a dress watch, it is no surprise that it has a modest depth rating of just 50 meters. The Hamilton American Classic Ref. H13519711 has a retail price of $895 USD. 12. Junghans Max Bill Ref. 027/4007.04  German luxury watch brand Junghans is renowned for its legendary Bauhaus watches, which set the standard for timepieces with simple and minimalistic designs. One exceptional timepiece from the brand is the Junghans Max Bill Ref. 027/4007.04. This is a versatile option that is sure to appeal to those who love quiet and understated styles.  This Junghans Max Bill watch has a very slender build, encased in a 38mm stainless steel case that measures just 10mm thin. This is coupled with an unadorned calfskin leather strap in grey and a straightforward, minimalistic white dial. The dial is ornamented with black Arabic numeral markers in a neat typeface, a date aperture at 3 o’clock, thin pencil hands in black, and a subtle minute track. On top of the case is a domed plexiglass crystal, which safeguards the dial from any bumps or scratches. This watch also runs on an in-house Caliber J800.1, which has a standard power reserve of 42 hours.  The Junghans Max Bill Ref. 027/4007.04 costs about $929 USD.  13. Longines Flagship Ref. L49844122  One of the oldest and most celebrated watch brands in the world, Longines has become the epitome of world-class watch craftsmanship. Longines is known for its collections created solely for the field of equestrian sports (Equestrian) and diving (Hydroconquest). But today, we will be looking at a different offering from them: the Longines Flagship Ref. L49844122. Hailing from the brand’s Flagship series, this is an unassuming and refined dress watch that exudes minimalistic charm. It utilizes a 40mm stainless steel case and an alligator leather strap in black. The silver-white dial of this watch contains just applied dauphine indices, polished silver pencil hands, and a date complication at 3 o’clock. An anti-glare sapphire crystal is used to both protect the dial and provide wearers with a clear, legible view of the watch face.  Through the watch’s sapphire crystal caseback, you can also observe the watch’s in-house Longines Caliber L888. This powerhouse movement is held together by 21 jewels and has a stellar 72-hour power supply.  This distinguished white dress watch is worth $1,429 USD.  14. Omega Aqua Terra Ref. 522.10.41.21.04.001  The Omega Aqua Terra Ref. 522.10.41.21.04.001 is a special edition timepiece from the Omega Aqua Terra series. Designed exclusively for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in China, this luxury watch is also referred to as “Beijing 2022”. It sports a 41mm stainless steel case and a matching three-link stainless steel bracelet, both of which are finely polished.  Unlike most Omega Aqua Terra watches which show off a distinctive teak pattern, the dial of the Omega Beijing 2022 is made from white ceramic, giving it a snowy-white, porcelain-like look. This dial also consists of applique blue indices, blue arrow-headed hands, and a trapezoidal date display at 6 o’clock. Adding to the visual contrast of the timepiece is its double-digit minute markers, which come in a mix of blue and red hues. The hands and indices of this watch are all generously coated in lume, allowing for optimal readability.  Flipping this Omega watch over, you will see a solid steel caseback. This caseback bears an engraved stamp of the five-ring Olympics emblem, as well as the Chinese character for “winter,” and of course, the “Beijing 2022” label. Underneath this caseback is the brand’s Omega Caliber 8900, which can last for up to 60 hours when fully wound.  The Omega Aqua Terra Ref. 522.10.41.21.04.001 sells at $6,200 USD. 15. Rolex Datejust Ref. 116300/White Stick  For the last watch on this list, we have a magnificent Rolex timepiece, the Rolex Datejust Ref. 116300/White Stick. This is a handsome mid-range dress watch that is perfect for those who are just starting on their luxury watch collections.  This Rolex Datejust watch uses a 41mm Oystersteel case and a three-link Oyster bracelet made of the same material. Its all-silver exterior is complemented by a white dial that simply radiates purity and cleanliness. This dial is composed of thick baton indices, slender blunt hands, and a magnified date window at 3 o’clock. At 12 o’clock, you can also find Rolex’s iconic crown logo.  This Rolex watch is powered by an in-house Rolex Caliber 3136. Equipped with 31 jewels, it has a power supply of 48 hours and a remarkable accuracy rate of +/-2 seconds a day. On top of that, this movement is also extremely durable. It has a water resistance capacity of 100 meters and its resistance to strong shocks and magnetic fields is bolstered by its patented Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers.  The Rolex Datejust Ref. 116300/White Stick can be bought at $7,799 USD. Final Thoughts In this article, we have shown you fifteen of the best white watches for men that money can buy. With their sleek and prim looks, these white watches for men are unquestionably lovely choices for timepieces. From lesser-known watchmakers to famous luxury watch brands, one thing is for sure: simply sporting a refined white dial watch on your wrist is more than enough to elevate your attire.  All images courtesy of the WatchShopping website.  Want to add more timepieces to your growing watch collection? Read our article on 20 of the Best Timex watches today. 

Over the years, Casio’s well-received G-Shock collection has grown extensively, both in breadth and in popularity. Home to some of the toughest, most well-built watches, the G-Shock series is famous for offering distinctively rugged and high-utility tool watches.  Out of all the watches in the G-Shock collection’s lineup, one of the best offerings is the Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V. With its tough yet understated features and very budget-friendly price tag, this is a highly practical timekeeper that is one of the best watch options for casual, everyday use. Without further ado, let us get to know more about the top-of-the-line features offered by the Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V. Specifications Case and Bezel In terms of its design, the Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V has a very rugged yet subtle all-black build. This watch is presented in a 42.5mm squround case that is made out of sturdy black resin. It measures 13.4mm thick, so this watch’s case has a rather standard size that allows it to fit well on wrists of all sizes. The watch’s lightweight resin composition also means that the Casio DW5600E-1V wears quite lightly on the wrist, allowing you a very comfortable wearing experience. This resin case is extremely durable, offering exceptional shock resistance. Wrapped around the front of the watch case is a sturdy bezel, which is also crafted out of black resin. This bezel enhances the robust build of the watch, providing the watch face with more protection against impacts and scratches. Thanks to its digital dial and distinctive case, the Casio DW5600E-1V boasts a very retro vibe that allows it to stand out from the other chunky and more modern G-Shock timepieces. Digital Dial Image courtesy of eBay The Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V showcases a classic LCD digital display in a square shape. This display is consistent with the squround build of the case, creating a nice visual symmetry that is pleasing to look at. In its default configuration, you can view the date, time, and day of the week on the watch’s LCD screen. That said, the Casio DW5600E-1V also comes with a litany of other incredible functions, which you can also set to be viewed on the screen.  The Casio DW5600E-1V is a high-utility timekeeper jam-packed with a plethora of practical features. These include a countdown timer, an auto-calendar, multiple alarms, a 1/100th of a second stopwatch, an hourly time signal, and both 12-hour and 24-hour formats. These can all be controlled using push-buttons that are found on the left and right sides of the watch case. While all of these different abilities and modes might seem a little confusing at first, you do not have to worry, as the push-buttons are all carefully labeled with their different functions. As such, you will learn how to use the Casio DW5600E-1V in no time. This watch also comes with a green electro-luminescent backlight for its LCD display. By pressing the pusher located on the top right side of the case, you can activate this backlight, causing the LCD display to be illuminated in green. This allows for optimal legibility, so you can read the watch face more easily under all sorts of lighting conditions. A layer of mineral glass is also added to protect the dial from any external threats. Movement The Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V runs on an impressive quartz movement. It delivers a respectable accuracy rate of +/-15 seconds per month, which allows for timekeeping that is more precise than that of most automatic watches. It is also quite resilient, offering great resistance against shocks, impacts, and even magnetic fields. This quartz movement is also powered by a CR2016 lithium battery. According to Casio, this battery is capable of lasting for around two years if you use the alarm and backlight features at least once or twice a day. If you use these functions even less than that, then you can expect this watch’s battery to last for up to an outstanding three to four years without having to be changed.  Strap The Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V is offered with a removable black resin strap. It perfectly blends in with the striking all-black look of this watch. This strap is accompanied by a steel buckle and polymer strap keeper, which help keep it securely fastened around your wrist. Lightweight yet rugged, this strap is both comfortable to wear and highly durable.  Water Resistance Despite being a digital watch, another impressive feature of the Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V is its excellent depth rating. The Casio DW5600E-1V is able to withstand water pressures of up to 200 meters. For context, this exceeds even the capabilities of some dedicated dive watches. With this depth rating, you can easily bring the Casio DW5600E-1V to your next snorkeling or diving adventure.  Price Perhaps the best thing about the Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V is its incredibly affordable price. The Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V retails at just $50 USD, making it an extremely value-for-money piece of hardware.  Alternatives to the Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V 1. Casio Pro Trek Ref. PRW-3100T-7JF Image courtesy of Watchshopping If you want a fancier, more high-end watch alternative from Casio, then check out the Casio Pro Trek Ref. PRW-3100T-7JF. This model comes with a sleek, professional design and a number of top-tier features to boot. This Casio Pro Trek timepiece is a hefty watch, boasting a case that measures 47.1mm in diameter and 12mm in thickness. This makes it best suited for wearers who have larger and thicker timepieces. The case and bracelet are made using both stainless steel and lightweight titanium. As a result, this watch possesses superior durability and a relatively lighter build. This makes it strong enough to withstand all sorts of impacts and scratches, while also not wearing too heavily on the wrist. Affixed to the top of the case is a wide and flat stainless steel bezel. This highly-practical bezel is separated into two sections: a silver outer ring that bears the watch’s tachymeter scale and an inner ring that showcases indicators for the watch’s different modes. Along with a layer of transparent inorganic crystal, this bezel surrounds the watch’s digital LCD dial, protecting it from any external damage. Unlike the Casio DW5600E-1V, the dial of this watch comes in a clean, round shape. It is fully fitted with an LED Super Illuminator Backlight that keeps the watch face well-lit and readable, especially in low-light conditions. In addition, this watch is also equipped with pABC sensors, GPS, location memory, sunrise and sunset time displays, time calibration signal reception, and more. For frequent fliers, this watch also comes with world time capabilities, offering 31 different time zones that include 48 cities and Coordinated Universal Time. A battery life indicator, power-saving function, and full auto-calendar up to 2099 are also available inside this device. All of these impressive abilities are driven by a tough solar movement. This type of mechanism can convert any light source into energy to power the watch, so you do not have to worry about changing this timepiece’s battery. It also possesses an accuracy rate of +/-15 seconds per month, much like the Casio DW5600E-1V. Finally, this hardy movement comes with resistance to low temperatures of up to –10°c and a depth rating of 100 meters.  The Casio Pro Trek Ref. PRW-3100T-7JF sells at $489 USD.  2. Tissot Touch Collection Ref. T013.420.47.202.00 Image courtesy of Watchshopping Next up, we have the Tissot Touch Collection Ref. T013.420.47.202.00. This is an exquisitely designed hybrid sports watch with both analogue and digital features. This timepiece sports a 42mm lightweight titanium case, which is highly resistant to magnetic forces, along with a black rubber strap. The case is embellished with a bidirectional compass bezel made of solid titanium and thick watch lugs. These give the watch a more chunky, substantial presence, so it offers a more solid weight on your wrist. As mentioned, this Touch Collection watch is a hybrid timepiece. As such, its dial consists of both analogue features and a digital display. On the upper half of the dial, you can find slanting Arabic numeral markers and white sword hands, while the lower half of the dial is occupied by a digital LCD screen. The rim of the dial is also adorned with rectangular hour indices and minute stick indices in white. The hands and indices of this watch are all coated in white lume, allowing for optimal legibility at all times. The main highlight of this Tissot watch is its incredible touchscreen capability, which allows you to operate the dial functions with just a touch. On top of its time-telling abilities, this watch comes with an altimeter, a compass, an altitude variance meter, a barometer, a dual degree thermometer, and many more features. Enclosed within this hybrid watch is a first-class ETA Caliber E48.351. This is a Swiss quartz movement that offers a useful 100-meter depth rating and a battery life of one year.  You can get your hands on the Tissot Touch Collection Ref. T013.420.47.202.00 for about $739 USD.  3. TAG Heuer Connected Modular Ref. SBG8A81.BT6222 Image courtesy of Watchshopping Last but certainly not least, we have the TAG Heuer Connected Modular Ref. SBG8A81.BT6222. This is the perfect watch for those seeking a high-tech digital timepiece to help with their everyday routines.  This TAG Heuer watch is housed in a sturdy 45mm case made of sand-blasted titanium, coupled with a comfortable black rubber strap. Fixed to the top of the timepiece is a count-up bezel made of scratch-resistant black ceramic, which further reinforces the watch’s toughness and durability. Most of this watch’s face is taken up by a digital display. However, unlike the aforementioned timepieces with their LCD displays, this timepiece shows off an advanced, high-tech OLED touchscreen. This colorful touchscreen is both practical and extremely pleasing to the eye. It is protected by a layer of sapphire crystal, which guards the watch face against any scratches or impacts. In terms of its features, this TAG Heuer Connected Modular watch is equipped with Google’s Wear OS system, which allows it to benefit from all the extensive Google tools. This means that you have access to all sorts of maps, translation and digital contactless payment functions, and you can even access Google Assistant using the microphone located on the left corner of the case. Aside from that, this watch is also fitted with a built-in GPS, a compass, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope. Sports enthusiasts will also enjoy this watch, as it comes with heart-rate sensors, a calories burned tracker, integrated sports sensors, and access to over 39,000 golf course maps. Underneath this watch’s vibrant OLED screen is a robust quartz caliber. Driven by a 440 mAh battery, this watch delivers a full day’s life, which includes multiple hours of sports sessions. It has 4 charging pins with LED indicators, which enable you to charge the watch to full battery in just an hour and 30 minutes. In addition, this time-telling device is compatible with Android 6.0 and above, as well as iOS 12.0 and above, so you can easily connect it to your phone for smart notifications and alerts. The TAG Heuer Connected Modular Ref. SBG8A81.BT6222 costs an estimated $2,299 USD.  Final Thoughts Casio certainly never disappoints with its series of tough, durable, and budget-friendly tag watches. The Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V, in particular, testifies to the brand’s ability to produce top-grade watches with robust builds and high-tech features. On the whole, the Casio DW5600E-1V is an affordable and practical all-rounder device that serves as a wonderful everyday watch companion. All images courtesy of Amazon.com unless otherwise stated. Featured image courtesy of (Apia Créations) on Flickr. If you prefer a more fancy outdoor watch packed with utilitarian features, then do not miss out on our review on the Suunto Core.

Since 1881, Seiko has had an undisputedly amazing and long history of creating innovative timepieces. In fact, the Japanese brand’s consistency in delivering reliable dive watches is recognized by watch enthusiasts worldwide. Also known for its budget-friendly timepieces, Seiko is one of the most popular watchmakers in the world, especially for those who are just starting out their watch collections.  In this article, we will be taking a look at an outstanding limited edition dive watch from Seiko: the Seiko Prospex Ref. SPB149. Hailing from the sports series of Seiko’s Prospex lineup, this watch was released recently in 2020. Since the Seiko SPB149 was launched in celebration of the 55th anniversary of Seiko’s first-ever dive watch, the 1965 Seiko Prospex Diver 62MAS Ref. 6217-8000, this timepiece is also known as the “1965 Diver’s Modern Re-Interpretation”. It perfectly encapsulates the original look and features of the 1965 Seiko Prospex Diver 62MAS, while also incorporating modern design elements and technology.  It should be noted that this particular Seiko Prospex model actually has three reference numbers: SPB149, SPB149J, and SPB149J1. For the sake of clarity, however, we shall henceforth refer to this watch as the Seiko SPB149. Without further ado, let us take a closer look at the Seiko SPB149, including its specifications, capabilities, and a brief foray into its Seiko 62MAS lineage.  The Seiko 62MAS Lineage Seiko Prospex 62MAS Ref. 6217-8000 (1965) Image by: bigsom from watchuseek The extensive history of Seiko’s dive watches dates back to its very first dive piece, the Seiko Prospex 62MAS Ref. 6217-8000. Who would have thought that this watch, created nearly 60 years ago, would have such an impact on the watchmaking world? Nevertheless, the influence and iconic design of the Seiko Prospex 62MAS has continued for years after its launch. As such, it is no surprise that Seiko chose to release the Seiko SPB149 in celebration of the Seiko Prospex 62MAS’s 55th anniversary.  Encased in a slender 38mm stainless steel case, the original Seiko Prospex 62MAS came with a textured black silicone strap and 150m of water resistance. It was powered by an in-house Seiko Caliber 6217, which possessed a power reserve of 31 hours. Today, the Seiko Prospex 62MAS is incredibly rare. It can be extremely hard to find the Seiko Prospex 62MAS, and as a result, resellers often sell this vintage watch quite expensively. The price for the Seiko Prospex 62MAS usually begins at $5,000 USD and can trend higher depending on the condition of the watch and the seller in question.  A Quick Look at 62MAS Descendants  Given the continuing legacy of the legendary Seiko 62MAS, Seiko has decided to capitalize on this by issuing several modern editions of this particular dive watch. These contemporary re-issues include: Seiko Prospex Ref. SPB051 / SPB051J1 (2017)Seiko Prospex Ref. SPB053 / SPB051J / SPB053J1 (2017)Seiko Prospex Ref. SLA017 / SLA017J1 (2017)Seiko Prospex Ref. SLA037 / SLA037J / SLA037J1 (2020)Seiko Prospex Ref. SPB143 / SPB143J1 (2020)Seiko Prospex Ref. SPB145 / SPB145J1 (2020)Seiko Prospex Ref. SPB147 / SPB147J1 (2020)Seiko Prospex Ref. SPB149 / SPB149J / SPB149J1 (2020) Seiko Prospex Ref. SPB213 / SPB213J1 (2021)In this article, we shall discuss the two limited-edition 55th-anniversary models that were released in 2020: the Seiko Prospex Ref. SLA037 and the Seiko Prospex Ref. SPB149. Anatomy of the Seiko SPB149 (2020): Case and Caseback The Seiko Prospex Ref. SPB149 shows off a majestic all-stainless steel build. This watch utilizes a 40.5mm stainless steel case with a height of 13.2mm. Despite being larger than the Seiko 62MAS, this is still quite a slim size for a watch, so the Seiko SPB149 is best suited for those with small-to-average-sized wrists. This case is completely brushed all over, while also bearing a smooth, polished finish on the upper sides of the watch case. This makes up an elegant combination of alternating matte and shiny tints, giving the Seiko SPB149 an impeccable luster that is incredibly satisfying to look at.  Affixed to the top of the watch case is a 120-click unidirectional rotating bezel. The brushed black finish of the ceramic bezel insert nicely contrasts against the white print of its elapsed time scale. This bezel also has coin-like edges, which makes it easier for wearers to hold and turn. This is a handy, hassle-free feature that provides wearers with a better grip, especially if they are wearing diving gloves. On the underside of the Seiko SPB149, you can find a solid stainless steel caseback that has been smoothly polished. At the center of the caseback is an engraved emblem of Seiko’s ocean wave logo. This elegant crest can also be found on the casebacks of most Seiko dive watches, with one example being the Seiko Monster. The watch’s serial number is also engraved on its caseback, making it feel more special and unique.  Crown Tucked on the right side of the case is a protruding screw-down crown. The subtle, grooved edges of the crown give wearers a better grip when turning the crown. As mentioned, this crown is firmly screwed down, safeguarding the watch’s inner mechanisms from the potential entry of any dust or moisture.  More importantly, this crown is also used to wind the mainspring of the Seiko SPB149, along with its date complication. If you want to use this crown to set the correct time, you have to first pull the crown out to the first position. Turning the crown while it is in the first position allows you to control the hour and minute hands. To set the correct date, pull the crown out to the second position and rotate it to choose the right date.  Dial In keeping with the Seiko SPB149’s ocean-inspired theme, the dial of this watch showcases a striking matte blue finish. The layout of this dial is incredibly reminiscent of the Seiko 62MAS’s, incorporating thick, rectangular hour indices and chunky blunt hands. A date window also sits at 3 o’clock, helping you keep track of which day it is. This dial is accented by a pale gold-toned seconds hand, which adds a softer touch to this dark watch face.  Seiko’s use of its LumiBrite technology also ensures that this dial is highly legible, even in poor visibility conditions. The hands and hour markers of this watch are all generously coated with lume, keeping the watch face well illuminated in the dark. A layer of sapphire crystal is also used to protect the dial, keeping it safe from any scratches or impacts.  Bracelet The Seiko SPB149 is offered with a three-link bracelet made of hardy stainless steel. Like the watch case, this stainless steel bracelet boasts alternating matte and polished sides. The front and back of the bracelet are well-brushed and play well against the polished finish applied to the bracelet’s sides.  This bracelet is secured by a clamshell lock with Seiko’s brand name subtly printed on it. The clasp has a double buckle feature, which allows wearers to quickly and effortlessly wear or remove this bracelet. In addition, this bracelet is equipped with a handy built-in dive extension. This is an incredibly useful function, enabling wearers to adjust the length of the bracelet for a more snug fit on their wrists.  Water Resistance Designed as a dive watch, the Seiko SPB149 boasts excellent waterproof capabilities. It possesses a solid water resistance capacity of 200 meters, which is double that of the ISO 6425 standard for dive watches. Moreover, the Seiko SPB149 is appropriately equipped with a luminescent dial and a reliable elapsed time scale bezel. These elements make the Seiko SPB149 a great companion for all your watersports activities like swimming and diving. Movement The Seiko SPB149 is driven by Seiko’s in-house Caliber 6R35 movement. This same in-house movement is also used in a number of other Seiko watches. These include the Seiko Alpinist models and some pieces from the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged series. As expected, Seiko makes sure that its timepieces are fully equipped with dependable mechanisms that power them. The Caliber 6R35 is a robust automatic movement that provides high performance and accuracy. Held by 24 jewels, this movement has a beat frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz). On top of that, it has an outstanding power reserve of 70 hours. This exceeds the average power supply of most dive watches, making it an excellent choice for wearers who like to go on long adventures. Price As a limited edition piece with only 5,500 pieces available, the exclusive Seiko SPB149 is a special treasure to avid watch collectors. That said, the Seiko SPB149 actually retails at a relatively affordable price despite its quality and 62MAS heritage. The price for this watch ranges from $1,400 USD to $2,000 USD.  Moving on, let us take a look at the rubber strap counterpart of the Seiko SPB149: the Seiko Prospex Ref. SLA037.  Seiko Prospex Ref. SLA037 (2020) Image by: Seiko Watches The second watch Seiko introduced in celebration of the Seiko 62MAS’s 55th anniversary is the Seiko Prospex Ref. SLA037. Also referred to as the “1965 Diver’s Recreation”, this watch effortlessly mimics the quintessential design and durability of the original Seiko 62MAS. Instead, the Seiko SLA037 distinguishes itself by shying away from its predecessor’s black theme, opting instead for a blue-on-blue watch makeup.  This watch comes in a 39.9mm stainless steel case, making it just slightly bigger than the Seiko 62MAS. It is fitted with a box-shaped sapphire crystal and a textured blue rubber strap. On top of its dial is a unidirectional rotating bezel with an elapsed time scale insert in black. The dial of this watch also comes in a gorgeous sunray blue finish, complementing the strap. Aside from having an improved 200m depth rating, this watch runs on an in-house Seiko Caliber 8L55, which has an outstanding 70-hour power supply.  Like the Seiko SPB149, the Seiko SLA037 is a limited edition timepiece, with only 1,100 pieces available worldwide. Since it is more exclusive, it is also priced slightly higher, costing around $6,300 USD.  Alternatives to Seiko SPB149: 1. Bell & Ross Vintage Ref. BRV292-BU-G-ST/SST On the hunt for a fancier alternative? The Bell & Ross Vintage Ref. BRV292-BU-G-ST/SST is packed in a 41mm stainless steel case, paired with a bracelet made from the same material. On top of the case is a coin-edged unidirectional rotating bezel. Its metallic blue bezel insert is nicely contrasted by the lovely, rose gold tones of its elapsed time scale insert.  Complementing the watch’s bezel is its dark blue sunray dial, which looks almost black in the dark. It is adorned with luminous rose gold stick indices, large Arabic numeral hour markers, and sweeping pencil hands. Additionally, a small circular date aperture sits between the 4 and 5 o’clock markers. All of these elements come together to make up a very stylish, elegant watch face.  Inside this Bell & Ross timepiece, you can find an in-house Bell & Ross Caliber BR-CAL.302. It can last for up to an average of 38 hours when fully wound. In addition, as a sturdy military timepiece, this watch is able to withstand water pressures of up to 100 meters. You can easily use this watch in light water activities such as swimming and snorkeling, although it is not recommended for diving purposes.  This Bell & Ross Vintage watch costs approximately $3,300 USD.  2. TAG Heuer Formula 1 Ref. CAZ101K.BA0842  For another dependable alternative to the Seiko SPB149, take a look at the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Ref. CAZ101K.BA0842. While a lot of timepieces from the Formula 1 lineup are racing watches, this versatile watch also doubles as a dive piece. It is presented in a 43mm stainless steel case with a matching stainless steel bracelet. Fixed on top of the watch case is an oversized tachymeter scale which bolsters the watch’s toughness. A screw-down crown on the right side of the case also provides the watch with a solid 200-meter water resistance capacity.  The dial of this watch shows off a beautiful sunray blue finish. It is packed full of complications, including trapezoidal applique hour markers, thick sword hands, and a date complication at 4 o’clock. A large Arabic numeral hour marker can also be found at 12 o’clock. As a chronograph piece, this watch also incorporates three chronograph sub-dials for the 60-second, 30-minute, and 10-hour counters. These sub-dials come in a lighter shade of blue, adding more of a contrast to the watch face. Driving all of these functions is a handy quartz movement.  This TAG Heuer watch sells at around $1,700 USD.  Final Thoughts The Seiko SPB149 is both a historical and a modern timepiece built into one. As a tribute to the legendary Seiko 62MAS, the Seiko SPB149 demonstrates how the important feats in Seiko’s watchmaking history are honored in this modern climate. At the same time, it is also a powerful and durable timepiece that is great for those seeking a reliable entry-level dive watch.  With its surprisingly budget-friendly price and stylish design, the limited edition Seiko SPB149 is an excellent dive watch choice. All images courtesy of the Watch Shopping website, unless otherwise stated. Featured image courtesy of Seiko Watches and watchuseek. Interested in the famous Star Wars film series? Read our article on the watch collaboration between Citizen and Star Wars!

Ever heard of a watch with a rotating dial inside? How about one that has an oil-filled dial? While these concepts might seem strange and even avant-garde, you might be intrigued to know that they have been made possible by the Swiss luxury watch brand, Ressence. Through constant technological advancement and design innovation, the marvelous, minimalistic Ressence watches have been made into existence. Read on to find out all you need to know about the one-of-a-kind Ressence watches.  What is Ressence? Established in just 2010, Ressence is a relatively new luxury microbrand when it comes to the industry of watchmaking. Benoît Mintiens, the founder of the brand, was an industrial designer who sought to craft innovative watches that mirrored the modern aesthetics of the 21st century. To that end, Mintiens successfully introduced a lineup of timepieces that possessed an utterly unique oil-based design, while still showcasing the same functionality a traditional watch had.  Interestingly, while Belgium is the birthplace of this luxury watchmaker, all Ressence watches are actually meticulously manufactured in Switzerland. This ensures that each Ressence piece meets all the stringent quality control standards a Swiss-made watch model is required to meet.  Fun fact: Ressence is a creative combination of the words “renaissance” and “essence.” The brand’s name perfectly encapsulates how it has revitalized the watchmaking art, through its introduction of a breed of watches that capture the very soul of timekeeping in a whole new way. This is demonstrated by Ressence’s creative invention of a watch with a revolving dial and its launch of the world’s first-ever oil-filled watch dial.  But just what exactly is so special about these Ressence watches? Let us find out.   How Do Ressence Watches Work? Image by: Ressence Watches One thing you can be sure of is that the design of Ressence watches is brand new, even when taking into account the entire history of watch manufacturing. You might wonder how exactly a Ressence watch manages to achieve its rotating, oil-filled dial; the answer lies in what the brand calls “ROCS”.  ROCS, which stands for “Ressence Orbital Convex System”, is Ressence’s patented in-house module. The ROCS utilizes custom-modified movements, based on the ETA 2892/2 and ETA 2824/2 calibers, as the very foundation of the Ressence watches’ whole structure. These movements are carefully adapted by Ressence in order to deliver impressive mechanisms which are able to power its watches’ signature rotating dials.  Rotating Dial In terms of motion and display, all Ressence watches share the same signature dial display. This includes a minute hand that is rotated alongside the main disc, as well as smaller individual rotating discs that house the hours, seconds, day-of-the-week, and AM/PM markers.  The hour ring is slightly larger than the two discs that contain seconds and day-of-the-week markers. The day-of-the-week ring is also rather distinctively designed. Instead of bearing any numerals, it consists of seven arcs that make up a circle: five portions that are filled in white indicate the weekdays, while the two empty segments indicate the weekends. All of these components circle around the main dial as the watch performs its function of reliably displaying the time.  All of the movements within the Ressence watches’ dials are powered through the usage of the ROCS. In particular, the operations of the co-planar rotating discs and rings that orbit the dial make up an intricate arrangement that includes more than a hundred pieces of gear. These elements are deliberately, meticulously organized in a convex manner. In fact, unlike traditional timepieces, these gears are laid out in several layers. This makes it easier for these different components to keep moving cleanly around the dial.  Oil-filled Dial Another selling point of the Ressence watches is their unusual oil-filled dials. Ressence’s main goal in utilizing oil was to ensure the readability of the watch face, so that wearers would have a clear view of the dial from any angle. In particular, the use of oil was meant to prevent the refraction of light when it hits the dial’s protective layer of sapphire crystal.  Thanks to Ressence’s unique employment of oil in its watches, every oil-filled Ressence watch is divided into two chambers. The upper half of the case, which is visible to viewers, is filled with oil and contains the ROCS, while the lower half of the dial remains dry and houses the watch’s caliber. In order to maintain the smooth rotation of the dial and its components, Ressence utilizes strong magnets which keep the two different chambers connected.  Caseback Crown Yet another remarkable trait of all Ressence watches is the placement of the crown. Conventionally, with traditional timepieces, the crown can be found on the right side of the watch case, either at 3 or 4 o’clock. Ressence, however, has opted to place its crowns on the casebacks of its watches instead.  A simple lever is located on each Ressence watch’s caseback and can be used to manage and wind the watch’s functions. This innovative crown placement serves to give the watch a more minimalistic appearance, while also emphasizing the alluring display of the dial. According to the brand, this caseback crown also allows wearers a certain degree of freedom. Whether you are a lefty or a righty, you will have zero trouble operating the crowns of Ressence watches.  Best Ressence Watches on the Market As we have established, Ressence is known for producing luxury timepieces that boast high-end, intricate mechanisms and stylish, avant-garde designs. Despite all their complexity and innovation, however, Ressence watches are also known for clean, uncluttered layouts that exude a very minimalistic appeal. Without further ado, let us take a look at some of the best watches that Ressence has to offer.  1. Type 1 Slim Image by: Ressence Watches First on the list is the sleek Ressence Type 1 Slim. This titanium watch is a redesign of Ressence’s first-ever release of the Type 1. Measuring 42mm in diameter and just 11mm thick, this slender watch comes in a case made out of robust grade 5 titanium and a snug black leather strap. Its lightweight titanium build ensures that this watch is incredibly easy to carry around all day, an effect which is bolstered by the watch’s incredible slim lugs.  Complementing the watch’s black leather strap is a striking matte black dial. This dial is furnished with a sweeping white minute hand and co-planar spheres containing the hours, seconds, day-of-the-week, and AM/PM indicators. Boasting a clean minimalism that rivals even the German Bauhaus timepieces, this dial is remarkably easy to read at a glance, even with its curious design. A double-domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating is also used to protect this watch face from any impacts or scratches.  The Ressence Type 1 Slim runs on the brand’s in-house ROCS 1.3, which has a solid power supply of 36 hours. It is important to note that this watch is not particularly designed to withstand extreme water conditions as it only offers 10 meters of water resistance. While this water resistance capacity is quite typical for a dress watch like the Ressence Type 1 Slim, you should still be extra careful when using this watch.  You can purchase this watch for around $20,000 USD.  2. Type 1² Squared  Image by: Ressence Watches For a more stylish blue dial watch option, check out the Ressence Type 1² Squared. This timepiece is presented in a square cushion-like design measuring 41mm in diameter. Its case, which is made from stainless steel, bears a gleaming, polished finish that adds to the luster of this Ressence timepiece. This is coupled with thin straight lugs and a handsome blue leather strap.  The highlight of this watch is easily its elegant blue dial, which boasts a lovely, swirling sunray finish that looks extremely well brushed. This dial is decorated with three discs for the hours, seconds, day-of-the-week, and AM/PM markers, while a long white minute hand can also be found on the upper right side of the dial. You will notice subtle orange accents on the day-of-the-week and small seconds rings, which help add a distinct, vibrant edge to this timepiece. Each disc also bears its own sunray finish, creating an interplay of blue shades that is incredibly satisfying to look at under the light.  Like the Type 1 Slim, this watch is powered by the brand’s patented ROCS 1.3. Customized from a base ETA 2892 Caliber, the ROCS 1.3 offers a 36-hour power reserve and a 10-meter depth rating.  The Ressence Type 1² Squared is priced at approximately $20,000 USD. This fashionable luxury dress watch would be the perfect companion for any formal event or dinner party.  3. Type 2 Image by: Ressence Watches Our next timepiece is a first of its kind. The Ressence Type 2 is a particularly innovative watch because it prides itself on being the first mechanical watch to come with a smart crown. This watch is housed in a large 45mm case made of lightweight grade 5 titanium, coupled with a matching gray leather bracelet.  A matte gray dial finishes off the watch’s monochrome look, giving it a consistent, uniform aesthetic. This dial is adorned with a white-coated minute hand, along with rings for the hours, seconds, and AM/PM markers. The Ressence Type 2, however, does away with the day-of-the-week indicator seen in previous Ressence watches. Instead, it replaces this with a mode selector disc which displays the current function of the watch. These include the local timezone (yellow), a second time zone (green), bluetooth connectivity (blue), and the e-Crown (indicated by the white downwards arrow).  Wearers can use the unique e-Crown on the dial to automatically set the correct time of the watch, so you do not have to manually wind the levered crown on the caseback. In this way, the e-Crown provides wearers with more user-friendly engagement. You can activate it by simply tapping on the sapphire crystal of the dial and the discs will swiftly rotate to show you the correct time. In addition, this e-Crown can also be operated to show you a second time zone through a smartphone app via Bluetooth. All of these functions are driven by the brand’s in-house ROCS 2 module, which can last for up to 36 hours when fully wound.   For a more extravagant, high-tech watch with a handy smart crown, the Ressence Type 2 retails at a costly price of $48,800 USD. 4. Type 3 Image by: Ressence Watches Next up, we have the world’s first-ever oil-filled dial watch, the Ressence Type 3. Released in 2015, this watch is an updated version of the first Type 3, which was initially launched in 2013. This watch utilizes a 44mm case made of grade 5 titanium, coupled with a matching titanium caseback and a rugged black leather strap. This case is especially in a curved shape, almost like a small pebble; this ensures that the oil-filled dial is clearly legible from every angle. The whole watch face is also kept safe by a layer of sapphire crystal, so you do not have to worry about any scratches or impacts.  The star of the Ressence Type 3, of course, is its oil-filled dial. This dial follows a layout that is incredibly similar to other Ressence watches, comprising separate discs for the hours, seconds, AM/PM, and day-of-the-week indicators, along with a long white minute hand. Scattered across the dial are bright yellow, blue, and red accents, which help add a touch of vivid color to this otherwise monochrome watch face.  This dial is also filled with 37.5ml of oil, although you will hardly feel the weight of this timepiece at all, thanks to its lightweight titanium construction. Ressence made sure to include an oil temperature disc. This is a helpful safety aspect, especially for wearers who frequently travel to places with varying temperatures, as it keeps the oil from freezing or overheating.  Inside this sophisticated timepiece, you can find an in-house ROCS 3.5 module. Based on a standard ETA 2824-2 base caliber, this movement provides the watch with a 36-hour power supply.  If you are looking for a truly out-of-this-world timepiece that wears very light, the Ressence Type 3 is an excellent choice. It is worth an estimated price of $42,200 USD.  5. Type 5 Image by: Ressence Watches In this entry, we will be looking at Ressence’s first-ever dive watch, the Ressence Type 5. This watch comes in a bulky 46mm case made of lightweight grade 5 titanium. It is offered with two different straps: a supple black leather bracelet, which can be utilized for formal events and office use, and a black nylon strap which is great for everyday, casual routines.  The watch also comes with a jet-black dial, which matches wonderfully with its bracelet. This dial consists of a minute hand, along with different discs for the hours, seconds, and temperature gauge. It is also decorated with colorful yellow, red, and blue accents, which add a hint of vibrancy and liveliness to this watch face. Even when underwater, this dial can be read with optimal legibility from any angle, thanks to the oil inside the dial and the anti-reflective sapphire crystal that protects it.  As a dive watch, the Ressence Type 5 comes with a slender rotating bezel marked with green and white indicators for its elapsed time scale. It also has a reliable 100-meter depth rating, which allows you to use this watch for watersports activities such as swimming and recreational diving. Inside the Ressence Type 5, you can find the brand’s in-house ROCS 5 module. Held together by 41 jewels, this module offers a power supply of 36 hours.  The Ressence Type 5 can be yours for around $35,800 USD. 6. Type 8 Image by: Ressence Watches Last on this list is the luxury brand’s latest addition to the Ressence collection: the Ressence Type 8. Of all the Ressence watches, the Type 8 has to be the very definition of what a minimalist watch is all about.  This watch is encased in a 42.9mm grade 5 titanium case that measures a slim 11mm in thickness. Its thin, straight watch lugs are barely visible, hidden under the round titanium case. This helps reinforce Type 8’s sleek and slender look. A smart blue leather strap is used to keep this watch securely fastened around your wrist.  Turning our eyes to the Type 8’s watch face, its matte cobalt blue dial is luxurious in its simplicity. This watch does away with all the additional complications and discs. Instead, it keeps things straightforward with just white minute indices on the rim of the main dial and a single disc bearing hour markers and an hour hand, all in white. In low-visibility conditions, these elements all glow brightly, thanks to their Super-LumiNova coatings. Underneath this minimalistic watch face, you can also find an in-house ROCS 8 module, which possesses a 36-hour power reserve.  The Ressence Type 8 sells at just $14,800 USD, making it one of the more affordable Ressence watches.  Final Thoughts Where design and innovation meet, technological creations are born. However eccentric some concepts of Ressence watches may be for some, you cannot deny that the ideas behind their products deserve to be lauded. For a luxury brand, Ressence sure knows how to serve its customers well with well-made and unique high-end watches. All images courtesy of Ressence Watches and Flickr.  Want more watches with unique dials like this? Check out our articles about the Swatch Sistem51 and Gorilla Watches.

Have you ever gone hiking outside and wished you had a smart tool that can help you navigate your way? Or have you ever gone through a full workout session and realized that you want to know your physical stats in real-time? Well, these are only some of the reasons why we now have smartwatches like the Coros APEX Pro. This handy sports smartwatch was designed with athletes in mind so that they would be able to go through rugged environments as conveniently and easily as possible. With that in mind, let us delve a little deeper into the details of the reliable Coros APEX Pro and everything it has to offer.  Overview of the Coros APEX Pro  The Coros APEX Pro was originally released back in September 2019. This sports watch made quite an impact on both patrons of the brand and the general public because it was equipped with all sorts of impressive features that allowed it to stand out even amongst a veritable crowd of smartwatches in the horology industry. In fact, just a month after it was officially introduced to the world, the Coros APEX Pro became the recipient of the Best in Gear award by BelieveInTheRun running blog. This just shows that there is far more to the Coros APEX Pro than meets the eye. In-Depth Look at the Coros APEX Pro First things first, the Coros APEX Pro is actually an improved version of the Coros APEX, which was launched just a year prior to the Pro. It is classified as a Premium Multi-Sport Watch that is designed for athletes and those who love going on outdoor adventures. Now, let us take a closer look at the extraordinary features of the Coros APEX Pro. Case and Dial The Coros APEX Pro is presented in a 47mm titanium alloy case with a durable, scratch-resistant aluminum cover. Its bulky size makes this watch best suited for those with average-to-large-sized wrists. However, it is also made from titanium alloy, which weighs 45% less than regular stainless steel. As a result of its titanium composition, the Coros APEX Pro has a rather lightweight build, so even those with smaller wrists can easily wear this watch around all day. The Coros APEX Pro is offered in three different colorways: white, silver, and black. Each option is incredibly sleek and classic, showcasing a sporty exterior that is perfect for that athleisure style. On the right side of the case, you can also find a stout crown which is surrounded by two smooth pushers. The crown has wide, deeply grooved sides, which provides wearers with a better grip so they can hold and turn it more easily. The functions of the two pushers are also carefully engraved in black on the watch case. This facilitates ease of use and ensures that you will not be confused by the Coros APEX Pro’s many functions. Meanwhile, the dial of this watch showcases a Touch Screen Memory LCD display with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels. It offers a colorful and vibrant display screen that is highly legible, whether under bright light or in the dark. This dial is also protected by a layer of sapphire glass, which boasts unmatched robustness and scratch-resistant properties. This means that you can peacefully work out and exercise without having to worry about damaging your watch in the process. Band  The Coros APEX Pro comes with a high-quality black silicone band that measures 22mm long, so it fits snugly around your wrist. You also have the opportunity of adding a nylon strap to your purchase, in case you ever want to swap out the original bracelet and try a different style. Both the nylon strap and silicone bracelet are great, practical options for sports and outdoor activities, so you can choose whichever one best suits your personality and preferences. Technical Specifications  The most important part, when talking about an outdoor smartwatch, is what technical specifications it has to offer. These details would determine whether the smart accessory is worth it or not. Luckily, the Coros APEX Pro is equipped with numerous functions that are perfect for all kinds of adventures and activities. In fact, it was designed specifically with athletes enduring harsh conditions in mind.  First of all, the Coros APEX Pro has an in-depth navigation system that supports offline mapping, which means you can keep track of your routes in real-time. This model also comes with an extensive training mode that covers different sports like cycling, running, swimming, and strength training. It offers over 200 accessible workouts and exercises that range from simple running and trekking to more niche activities like speed surfing, catering to just about any sport you could think of. With the Coros APEX Pro, you also get state-of-the-art sensors such as an oximeter, a heart rate monitor, a barometric altimeter, a compass, and many more. This watch also possesses a water resistance capacity of up to 100 meters, which makes it quite a reliable underwater companion as well. All of these functions are powered by a rechargeable battery that boasts superior quality. You can wear the Coros APEX Pro continuously for 30 days in regular use mode, for 40 hours in full GPS mode, and for 100 hours in UltraMax mode. When you finally do need to recharge this Coros APEX Pro, it will take only up to two hours for you to get a full battery charge. Price  With the range of high-tech features they offer, smartwatches tend to come at fairly exorbitant prices. That said, the Coros APEX Pro breaks from the mold, offering a very reasonable price tag of just $399 USD. It almost sounds too good to be true when you think about all the functions and capabilities the Coros APEX Pro comes with. 3 Alternatives to the Coros APEX Pro  Below are some alternative models to the Coros APEX Pro that you should also keep on your radar.  1. Suunto 9 Ref. SS050450000F    First, we have the Suunto 9 Ref. SS050450000F, which is a staple smartwatch amongst outdoor enthusiasts and those with active lifestyles. Much like the Coros APEX Pro, it is equipped with excellent features that would make your adventures even more fun and convenient. On top of that, this timepiece also doubles as a great everyday watch, as it comes with handy functions that you can use daily. This Suunto 9 watch comes in a glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide case, which is paired with a textile strap in a bright lime hue. The touchscreen dial is made of sapphire crystal, which is a material known for its durability and scratch resistance. It showcases an LED matrix display with a decent resolution of 320 x 300 pixels, providing wearers with a vibrant color display. The biggest reason why this Suunto watch is a great alternative to the Coros APEX Pro is because of all its impressive functionality and multitude of features. These include 24/7 trackers and numerous outdoor modes for trekking, hiking, and other such activities. For instance, if you like exploring the great unknown, you can feel at ease with this watch as it has an elaborate GPS and navigation system. It also offers access to different environmental trackers such as a barometer, a thermometer, a weather radar, and more. When it comes to exercise and training, this Suunto 9 watch comes with multiple sports modes that cover both land and water activities. If you are currently in recovery, you can also manage your physical stats through the watch’s impressive health trackers. Finally, this watch runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that allows for a lifespan of one to 14 days, depending on the mode in use. If you do not mind forking out more money, you should definitely consider getting this excellent $640 USD smartwatch. 2. Alpina AlpinerX Ref. AL-283LBBO5SAQ6 Next up, we have the Alpina AlpinerX Ref. AL-283LBBO5SAQ6. This is perfect for those who want something as powerful as the Coros APEX Pro, but with a more traditional, classic aesthetic. Highly-advanced smartwatches are great, but they are not for everyone, so this Alpina watch serves as a great middle-ground for those who want the best of both worlds. This Alpina AlpinerX piece is housed in a 45mm stainless steel case, coupled with a thick black rubber strap that gives the watch a very sporty and robust look. Affixed to the top of the watch case is a thick, rotating stainless steel bezel. Unlike most smartwatches that come with fixed bezels, the Alpina AlpinerX Ref. AL-283LBBO5SAQ6’s bezel shows off indicators in black for its compass scale. The dial, likewise, distinguishes itself from traditional smartwatches by showing off a hybrid layout with both analog and digital displays. It contains pointed hour indices and Arabic numeral hour markers in a bold white typeface, all of which are generously coated with lume. Located on the top half of the dial are luminous sword hands outlined in vivid orange, which add a more playful, vibrant edge to this timepiece. On the lower half of the watch face, you can also find a simple black digital screen. Thanks to this digital screen, this watch can do a lot more than your average analog timepiece. Its functions include activity and sleep tracking, dynamic coaching, a Worldtimer, a smart alarm, notifications for calls and messages, a UV indicator, an altimeter, a thermometer, a barometer, and a time recorder. All of these features can be helpful when you are out and about in nature or in everyday life. Our very favorite thing about this Alpina watch is that you do not have to constantly charge it, as it is powered by an MMT-283-1 quartz movement. This quartz caliber has a battery life of more than 24 months, so you just need to get the batteries changed every couple of years. You can also use this watch for all sorts of water activities as it has a 100-meter water resistance rating. The Alpina AlpinerX Ref. AL-283LBBO5SAQ6 retails at $1,195 USD. 3. TAG Heuer Connected Ref. SBR8010.BT6255 Last but not the least, we have the TAG Heuer Connected Ref. SBR8010.BT6255, which serves as the most luxurious option on this list. It belongs to TAG Heuer’s acclaimed selection of smartwatches, which is known for being equipped with top-of-the-line specifications. Like the Coros APEX Pro, this watch comes with a very chic and modern design that is easy to pair with any style. This TAG Heuer Connected Modular watch utilizes a 42mm stainless steel case and a smooth black rubber strap, enhancing the watch’s sophisticated yet sporty vibe. The dial features a boxed sapphire crystal, which allows for a clean and clear screen view. While it does have a full touchscreen display, you also have the option of using the crown and pushers to navigate this watch too. Moreover, it is powered by a rechargeable battery that boasts a 330 mAh capacity, which can be charged to full in just one hour and thirty minutes. When it comes to functionality, this TAG Heuer Connected watch showcases high-level innovation. Its features include fitness tracking, health monitoring, and seamless WiFi connectivity. If you like to exercise or play certain sports, you can easily track your performance through TAG Heuer’s optimized sports system, too. You can also connect it to your smartphone, so you will have access to smart notifications and other downloadable apps for your watch. The TAG Heuer Connected Ref. SBR8010.BT6255 might be considerably more expensive than the Coros APEX Pro. That said, it is only to be expected, considering you are paying both for the watch’s impeccable specifications and for its prestigious TAG Heuer branding. You can get your hands on this watch for approximately $1,830 USD. Final Thoughts The Coros APEX Pro is one of the best smartwatches you can get on the market, especially for its value. Despite its reasonable price, it is equipped with quality features that are on par with big names like Suunto and Garmin. In fact, the Coros APEX Pro serves as a safe choice for those who are not comfortable spending over $500 USD on a smartwatch. Despite its affordability, you can rest assured that the functionality and reliability of the Coros APEX Pro are not compromised in any way.  Photo Credits: Coros Website and WatchShopping Site If you are sporty and like playing golf, check out this piece on the 10 Best Golf Watches!