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First, let’s go over what a watch bezel is for those who are not familiar with the various parts that make up watches. The watch bezel is the ring surrounding a watch that holds the crystal in place above the dial. Depending on the watch, they can be made from a variety of material. The most common are steel and ceramic, but some pieces use more expensive metals like silver or gold. Now that you understand what a watch bezel is, we can move on to the history of them. This history is somewhat unclear, but sometime around the 1950’s, watch companies began adding additional information to their bezels. They already had a basic function and an aesthetic appeal, but this shift brought a whole new level of utility. In the modern era, there are many auxiliary functions a bezel can be crafted to carry out. We explain the five most common bezel styles below. 1: GMT GMT bezels allow the wearer to keep time in two different time zones at once. The way it does this is by engraving a 24-hour timescale on the bezel, which is in addition to the typical 12-hour scale on the dial. While all GMT bezels have this, there are two different variants for actually keeping the time. First, your watch might have a GMT hand that tracks the time without you having the move the bezel. Second, you might have a bezel that rotates and no additional hand. Typical types of people who use GMT watch bezels are pilots and those who do a lot of business in other time zones. 2: Elapsed Time While certain watches have a chronograph to carry out the function of precise timekeeping, many of them do not. What an elapsed time bezel does it make it easy for you to count seconds or minutes passed, rather than needing to do arithmetic in your head. All you do is turn the bezel until zero matches up with the current time. These types of watch bezels are frequently found in dive watches due to a diver’s need for exact timekeeping. One fun fact about these bezels is that they only turn clockwise. This is a safety feature for divers who rely on their bezel to time how much oxygen they have left. If they bump their watch and the bezel shifts, it will tell them that they have less time, rather than more. 3: Compass Some watch bezels come with compasses drawn on them. They will feature indicators of North, South, East, and West, and often will have markings in between those indicators for more precise measurement. To use one of these, you need to orient yourself correctly. The best way to do so is by using the sun. First, remember that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Next, figure out if the sun is rising or setting. Last, orient yourself so that east or west is pointed at the sun. You now know which direction to head. These types of bezels are most often used by outdoor adventurers. 4: Countdown Timer This type of watch bezel is the exact opposite of the elapsed time style. To use it, you need to match the number you want to count down from on the bezel to the current time. One use of this bezel is the ability to synchronize with others. This watch bezel comes in handy for people that work in aviation or the military. One more function is for runners or bikers who may want to time their workout. 5: Tachymeter The Tachymeter bezel is almost always found on watches with a chronograph because its function is to convert distance into speed, and vice versa. A chronograph is a very common watch feature that functions as a stopwatch. What the tachymeter does is let you find the unknown distance or speed, given that you have one of them already and combine it with time elapsed. One example of this is if you are a race-car driver and you travel for one mile in thirty seconds. Using these two metrics, you can find how fast you were going on your bezel. That number would be 120 MPH. This type of watch bezel is a favorite of driving enthusiasts and pilots. In the world of timepieces, you have a significant amount of choices. The most common are brand, price range, materials and style, but there are a few critical decisions that fly under the radar. One of them is watch bezel type. You don’t want to end up with a watch bezel that is of no use to you. When choosing your next watch, think about the utility and aesthetics of watch bezels and decide which serves your needs best. When you do, you will be one step closer to purchasing the perfect watch for your needs.

A lot of luxury timepieces are manufactured in Switzerland, which many connoisseurs call the “land of horology.” It has become widely accepted that many Swiss watch brands have already perfected the art of watchmaking. However, that does not mean we should count out Japanese watches just yet. Many other countries have been making big waves in the horology industry as well. The most famous of them is Japan. Japan is known for producing the majority of quartz watches we see in the market, along with some affordable automatic pieces too. For these reasons, taking a look at what Japanese watches have to offer is definitely worth your time. From the renowned Seiko and Casio to the underrated Frank Miura and Knot, here are some of the best Japanese watches you should consider. They come in different price points and designs, so you are bound to find one that fits your tastes and budget. Our Best Picks: 15 Japanese Watches Worth Your Attention 1. Seiko Prospex Ref. SLA021J1 What better way to begin this rundown than with an eminent brand best known for creating affordable timepieces that perform at a luxury level. Seiko is famous for creating the first Japanese dive watch in 1965. This is why its Seiko Prospex divers remain incredibly respected and popular to this day. One of the most prominent members of this collection is the Seiko Prospex Ref. SLA021J1. Versatile and robust, this watch is one of the most impressive releases of the brand to date. This Seiko model boasts a 44.3mm case and a black unidirectional bezel, both made out of stainless steel with super hard coating. Secured with a sturdy three-piece link bracelet, the timepiece also has a screw-down crown placed strategically at 4 o’clock for easier access. On the simple but striking matte black dial, you will find geometric hour markers and sword-shaped hands, all coated in LumiBrite. There is also a small date window on the right of the dial..  With a water resistance capacity of 300 meters, this Seiko watch can easily accompany you in various extreme watersports and diving activities. It relies on a 26-jewel automatic movement, which has a power reserve of 50 hours and an accuracy rating of +15/-10 seconds per day. Carrying a reasonable price tag of $3,150 USD, this is the ideal choice for those seeking a Japanese watch that is durable and long-lasting. 2. Casio G-Shock Gravitymaster Ref. GWR-B1000-1AJF Next up, we have a piece from Casio. Casio is a well-known brand from the East whose expertise lies in creating extraordinary and high-performing digital watches. Due to their solid builds and unparalleled quality, Casio’s near-indestructible flagship watches have become a staple in every serious watch collector’s closet. Among the Casio timepieces worth checking out is the Gravitymaster Ref. GWR-B1000-1AJF. As part of the premier Casio G-Shock collection, this Japanese men’s watch is a testament to the brand’s passion for innovation and pure Japanese craftsmanship.  This G-Shock watch comes in a 50.1mm black carbon monocoque case and bezel. These match well with a tough resin band sporting the same black hue. True to its name, this timekeeper has outstanding shock resistance and can even withstand water pressures up to depths of 200 meters. Continuing with the dark aesthetic, its dial features luminous black baton indices and sword hands, and a date component at 3 o’clock. It also has a Super Illuminator LED light and an afterglow that endorse great legibility in low-light conditions. When it comes to features, this Casio watch packs a lot. Aside from bearing a mobile link capacity, it also has a 1-second stopwatch, a countdown timer, a daily alarm, a battery level indicator, a full-auto calendar, a dual-time feature, and more. It is also solar-powered so you would not have to worry about its accuracy and durability. Indeed, Casio chose to prioritize function and ruggedness in this masculine $899 USD Japanese timepiece. 3. Citizen Promaster Aqualand Ref. BJ2167-03E When talking about Japanese watches with cutting-edge functionalities and commendable looks, Citizen is surely the first brand that comes to mind. They famously pioneered light-powered timepieces with their proprietary Eco-Drive movement. This company has also been at the forefront of GPS technology, with models such as the Red Arrows World Time chronograph and the Satellite Wave GPS dive watch. Right off the bat, you can tell that the Citizen Promaster Aqualand Ref. BJ2167-03E, priced at around $795 USD, will survive even the harshest circumstances. Coming from the brand’s famous Promaster collection, it has a beefy yet striking structure, which men with bigger wrists will surely appreciate. This watch features a stainless steel round case that is 50mm in size, and wide lugs that give the piece more edge. The majority of the watch sports a cool black tone, including the polyurethane strap, pushers and crown. However, there are also blue and red accents on the black bezel and dial that provide a youthful touch. The black dial with a matte finish bears thick hour indices and hands with luminous coatings. In terms of complications, it also features a  date window at 3 o’clock, a 60-seconds sub-dial, a power reserve indicator, and a 12/24 hour time display. Like most of Citizen’s products, this Japanese men’s watch relies on a movement equipped with the trailblazing Eco-Drive technology.  It also has a water resistance rating of 200 meters. On the whole, you should go for this one if you love playful Japanese watches loaded with useful features. 4. Grand Seiko Ref. SBGA211 Each of Seiko’s subsidiaries probably merits a lot more discussion than we have time for. However, if there is one worth emphasizing, it would be Grand Seiko. Established in 1960, this Japanese company produces luxurious yet extremely precise timepieces. Indeed, Grand Seiko watches could easily compete with Swiss-made timekeepers in terms of appearance and performance. Exuding simplicity and elegance, Grand Seiko watches have pristine finishes, straightforward layouts, and chronometer-grade movements. One of the brand’s most notable entries is the Grand Seiko Ref. SBGA211, popularly known as the Snowflake. This desirable gem comes in a 41mm high-intensity titanium case and a fixed bezel made of the same material. Its bracelet has thick, solid links that ensure a nice fit on the wrist, and it has a sizable teeth-edged crown which provides a good grip. Sporting soft textures that are reminiscent of snow, its milky white dial features silver baton hour markers and dauphine hands. There is also a date window with large black numbers at 3 o’clock, and a power reserve indicator sitting between the 7 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions.  This watch is powered by a Spring Drive movement with 72 hours of power reserve and a ±1 second per day accuracy rating. This timepiece is also water-resistant up to depths of 100 meters, making it suitable for snorkeling and swimming. With a hefty price tag of around $6,000 USD, this is one of the most expensive yet admirable Japanese watches  on this list. 5. Orient Star Ref. RK-AM0001S Evoking a lavish feel, the Orient Star Ref. RK-AM0001S runs on an in-house automatic movement and features a classic black crocodile leather band. You can glimpse the mechanism’s charms through the open-heart dial, which is protected by a resilient sapphire crystal. The crisp white face of this Orient watch sports large Roman numeral indices and blued steel hands. It also bears a moon phase display with blue and yellow accents, a power reserve indicator found below the 12 o’clock marker, and railroad-like patterns on its outer rim. The watch’s signature is also delicately engraved on the right of the dial, signalling this elegant Japanese watch’s identity. . Its 41mm round case, case back, lugs, and crown are all made out of hard and polished stainless steel, a material capable of withstanding impacts, corrosion, and scratches. On top of that, this Orient Star watch is both anti-magnetic and water-resistant up to depths of 50 meters. Priced at around $1,299 USD, this Japanese timepiece would look good with any ensemble, whether casual, business-themed, or formal. 6. Seiko 5 Sports Ref. SRPG33K1 Here we have another piece from Seiko, but this time with a more rugged and commanding look. While its daring aesthetics may not be everyone’s cup of tea, its well-executed dial layout and build are what makes this piece worth getting. With its handsome appearance, there is no doubt why this watch is one of the Seiko 5 Sports collection’s most popular members. Suitable for men with retro tastes, the Seiko 5 Sports Ref. SRPG33K1 boasts a 39.4mm brushed stainless steel case, a fixed bezel, and a crown with teeth-like edges for a secure grip. Matching the lightweight nylon strap, the dial sports a dark green hue which is surprisingly pleasing to the eye. Adorned with silver Arabic numeral hour markers in a 12/24 hour format and luminescent sword-style hands, it also features a day-date display at 3 o’clock and a seconds hand with subtle orange accents. As a finishing touch, Seiko added a curved Hardlex crystal on both the front and the back, to shield the watch from external threats like dust and moisture.  This Seiko 5 Sports watch relies on a 4R36 automatic movement with 24 jewels and 41 hours of power reserve. It also has a manual winding capability, giving you the best timekeeping experience you deserve. With a price of only $379 USD, this simple but sturdy Japanese timepiece can easily serve as a conversation starter.  7. Casio Edifice Ref. ECB-900DB-1B Although Casio is better known for their bulky resin watches, they also excel at creating trailblazing pieces with traditional looks. One good example is this motorsports-inspired Casio Edifice Ref. ECB-900DB-1B. It boasts a mesmerizing dark blue and silver color scheme, and combines the wonders of analog and digital displays all at once. Hailing from the brand’s reputable Edifice line, this watch comes with numerous state-of-the-art features and a bold, large watch face for optimal legibility. Dashing and attractive, this Japanese men’s watch has a 51.5mm stainless steel case and a tachymeter bezel adorned with legible medium-sized markings. This is paired with a brushed stainless steel bracelet with thick links for a better fit on the wrist. Since this piece takes inspiration from the world of racing, it is only natural that its black dial boasts a fancy, dashboard-like appearance. Bearing baton hour markers and luminous, sword-shaped hands with silver outlines, the watch’s face also features a double LED light, a battery level indicator, and sleek metallic blue accents. You will also notice that this watch has four round pushers and a crown with engraved details.  This Casio Edifice model is water-resistant up to depths of 100 meters, making it the perfect companion for your swims. What’s more, this solar-powered watch also comes with a world time function featuring 39 time zones, a 1/1000-second stopwatch, a countdown timer, a speed indicator, a full-auto calendar, a power saving mode, and several alarms. This Japanese watch retails at around $250 USD, giving you excellent value for your money.  8. Grand Seiko Solar Diver Chronograph When it comes to sports watches, you simply cannot go wrong with classic stainless steel ones. With its versatile aura and elegant finish, the Grand Seiko SBGE253 will surely look good with any outfit, whether formal or casual.  This Grand Seiko watch runs on a 30-jewel Caliber 9R66 automatic movement. It has 72 hours worth of power reserve and a ±15 seconds per month accuracy rating. With a water resistance capacity of 200 meters, this watch can be an instant diving companion. It boasts a stainless steel case that is 40.5mm in diameter, paired with a silver bracelet with a three-fold clasp and push button release. The brand also decided to craft the bezel using a black-colored ceramic, which makes the timepiece more high-tech and innovative.  Continuing with the minimalistic theme, the dial sports a chic black matte finish. This serves as a great backdrop to the luminous baton indices, hands, and the silver Grand Seiko signature. Apart from bearing a vibrant red GMT hand and an outer ring that displays 24-hour time, the face of this Grand Seiko watch also boasts a date window and a power reserve indicator. Enclosed in an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, this versatile men’s watch costs around $6,490 USD.  9. Citizen Satellite Wave GPS Ref. CC4004-58 Here we have another revolutionary timepiece that is worthy of hype and praise. The Citizen Satellite Wave GPS Ref. CC4004-58 adds a stylish and contemporary twist to the classic dress watch.  Everything about this Citizen watch screams lavish and timeless. Its exterior includes a 44mm black titanium case, paired with a sleek bracelet made of the same material. As a true chronograph piece, this men’s watch also has two pushers on the right and a large crown, giving it a 100-meter water-resistance rating. The textured black dial, however, is the true standout here. It boasts luminescent baton hour markers and sword-style hands, and a date window between the 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock positions. Other features it comes with include, a 1/20 second stopwatch, a world time feature, a Universal Coordinated Time (“UTC”) display, a perpetual calendar, a power reserve indicator, and more Like what its name suggests, this model has a satellite GPS timekeeping system that keeps the watch accurate at all times. It even runs on an Eco-Drive movement, meaning it relies on any light source for power. Priced at around $2,495 USD, this is another Japanese watch worth checking out. 10. Orient Bambino Ref. AC00003W Let us take a break from sporty timepieces and take a look at this sophisticated and graceful gem. It is no secret that Orient produces attractive watches that never go out of style. What’s more, their products all come with dependable in-house movements, making them good additions to anyone’s collection. One of the famous members of the brand’s current watch lineup is the Orient Bambino Ref. AC00003W. This is an affordable and stylish dress watch with exceptional attributes that are on par with its expensive Swiss counterparts. Exuding a classy aura, this 40.5mm watch boasts a gold-plated stainless steel case, a fixed bezel, a medium-sized crown, and nicely-shaped lugs. These match well with the cushiony crocodile leather strap in a dark brown color. When it comes to design, this Orient watch veers towards a vintage-inspired concept. Its faded silver-whitedial features triangle-shaped hour markers and sleek, gold-tone dauphine hands. One downside to this watch is that it does not have any luminous elements.  Nevertheless, the dial’s minimalistic aesthetic and polished finish  are enough to make this timepiece very desirable  Driven by a 22-jewel caliber F6724, this automatic Orient watch beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour. This Japanese watch retails at $230 USD only. Despite its affordable price, this is one of the best pieces the brand has to offer.  11. Naoya Hida NH Type 3A  For those who love sleek timepieces with a lovely pop of color, then the NH Type 3A from the young label Naoya Hida is the best option. Aside from embodying superb retro aesthetics, Naoya Hida watches are also equipped with highly reliable movements. These movements are made by Valjoux, an esteemed Swiss mechanical movement manufacturer which focuses on crafting intricate chronograph mechanisms. Apart from sporting a blue hand-sewn leather strap made of Alcantara, the Naoya Hida NH Type 3A also has a 37mm SUS904L stainless steel case, fixed bezel, and lugs. It also bears a curved sapphire crystal that provides optimal protection to the face of the watch. Exhibiting a vintage feel, the nickel silver dial with a micro bead blast finish features blued steel hands and hand-carved Roman numeral indices. To add, the dial boasts black dot markings on its outer ring and a delicate 18K gold moon phase disc at 6 o’clock. Aside from looking good, this watch can also withstand water pressures of up to 50 meters. It relies on a Caliber 3021LU hand-wound movement that beats at 28,000 vph and has 45 hours worth of power reserve. Priced at a whopping $23,071 USD, this Naoya Hida watch is a must-have for those who love refined Japanese dress watches with a twist. 12. Hajime Asaoka Tsunami If you are on the hunt for a versatile and ingenious timepiece that could easily impress onlookers, then Hajime Asaoka is a great place to start. The founder of the same name has been producing top-notch timepieces since 2005, becoming famous for his incredible watchmaking skills and philosophies.  Ideal for everyday wear, the Hajime Asaoka Tsunami comes in a 37mm polished stainless steel case and a bezel with the same finish. Its slim lugs ensure a nice fit on the wrist, while the large crown is easy for wearers to grip and adjust the watch’s settings. However, what truly makes this timepiece interesting is its neat and understated dial. Adorned with silver-colored hands and a mix dot and Arabic numeral indices, the dial sports a black and gray hue with sandblasted and matte finishes. It also features a railroad-like pattern on the outer rim, a small seconds counter at 6 o’clock, a red hand for the sub-dial, and a striking signature below the 12 o’clock marker. The brand also added a transparent case back, allowing wearers to admire the beauty of the watch’s reliable and intricate movement. In addition, this watch relies on an in-house engine, designed personally by Hajime Asaoka in his own atelier. Aside from boasting 40 hours of power reserve, it also beats at 18,000 vph. Falling on the more expensive side of the spectrum, this well-designed Japanese timepiece retails at around $22,000 USD. 13. Maker’s Watch Knot Ref. CC-39BKWH Many of you might think that only European watch brands can produce high-quality Bauhaus-inspired timepieces. That said, wait until you see this next model from the rising Japanese label Maker’s Watch Knot. Whether you need a chic dress timepiece with unusual dial layouts or a sporty watch you could proudly parade around, this brand has got you covered. The best part about Maker’s Watch Knot’s offerings is that they do not come with hefty price tags, making them true collectible pieces. The Maker’s Watch Knot Ref. CC-39BKWH, priced at around $200 USD, runs on an Epson YM91 movement with 5 years of battery life. It is also water-resistant up to 50 meters, which means that it is suitable for showering and even recreational swimming. In terms of design, it comes in a 39mm black stainless steel case and a tan leather strap with fine stitchings. Embodying a vintage aesthetic, the dial bears clear Bauhaus influences. It contains thin black baton hour markers and hands, sub-dials for the chronograph feature, and an understated date display at 3 o’clock. On the whole, this is a unique Japanese timepiece that definitely deserves a spot in your collection.  14. Minase Horizon Ref. VM02-R01KD This next piece from the underrated 58-year-old Japanese brand Minase will surely change your perspective about rose gold watches. The Minase Horizon Ref. VM02-R01KD is one of the brand’s best offerings to date, and it stands out effortlessly with its quirky but powerful shape. Bearing a futuristic and lavish look, this Japanese watch takes inspiration from Samurai swords and the horizon’s line over the ocean. This Minase watch comes in a 38mm box-shaped stainless steel case and has a black rubber strap with a stainless steel deployment clasp. Besides the baton hour markers and luminous hands, its three-dimensional gray dial also consists of an elongated date aperture and a simple signature at 12 o’clock. Endorsing comfort on the wrist, the timepiece has a lightweight profile, weighing around 150 grams only. Minase also added a sapphire crystal to the case back. This protects the watch from scratches and impacts, and allows wearers to view the movement at work. Moving on to its technical specifications, this Minase Horizon watch relies on a Caliber KT7001/1 automatic movement. It boasts 38 hours of power reserve and consists of hand-polished plates and bridges. Unique in all ways, this Japanese watch retails at around $3,700 USD and can withstand extreme wear and tear.  15. Masahiro Kikuno Sakubou Last on our list, we have a piece from another independent watchmaker, Masahiro Kikuno. Known for his incredible horological prowess, he produces watches that go beyond expectations by hand. The Sakubou watch serves as solid proof of the founder’s amazing artistry and attention to detail. With its intricate parts, lavish appeal, and stunning composition, it is a timepiece that will surely age well. Powered by a Caliber MK17 manual-winding movement that beats at 28,800 vph, this Masahiro Kikuno watch is quite slim, with a case diameter of just 38mm. It is secured with a brown leather band to finish off its daring but sophisticated look. This watch also has a Kuro-Shibuichi and white gold flower-shaped case with a flawless brushed appearance. The dial is the true show-stopper of this Japanese timepiece, sporting elegantly patterned black curves reminiscent of flowers and leaves. In addition, it boasts simpledot indices, thick maroon-colored hands, and an understated moon phase sub-dial at the 6 o’clock position. You just have to be cautious while wearing this delicate and opulent watch, as it is only water-resistant up to depths of 30 meters. This Sakubou timepiece costs around $44,000 USD, making it the most expensive piece in this list of Japanese watches. Final Thoughts If you still want to stick with Swiss watches after reading this article, we do not blame you. The manufacturers that operate there are some of the best in the world, and you cannot go wrong with choosing one of their masterful pieces.  However, as this article proves, timepieces made from the East can easily match the quality, form, and appeal of their Swiss counterparts. They deserve the same respect and consideration as Swiss timepieces, especially considering their more budget-friendly prices. With so many options out there, it is impossible not to find a Japanese timepiece to suit your exact tastes, which you can use for the decades to come. We hope that this list can help you choose the right Japanese masterpiece to add to your growing collection. Can’t get enough of Japanese-made watches? Make sure to check out our articles on the 5 Best Seiko Credor Watches, Seiko SNK809, Orient Kamasu, and Citizen NY0040. Photos from the aforementioned brands’ official websites, unless noted otherwise

For decades, we have been conditioned to follow and celebrate the design of round watches. It has reached a point where round watches are seen as the quintessential watch design. But sometimes, the endless parade of circular timepieces can get a little monotonous. For those who want a little horological variety, we have the perfect answer for you: square watches. Square or rectangular watches do not get the props they deserve, especially when compared to their rounded counterparts. They combine the classic style of the yesteryear with a modern appeal. These are versatile timekeepers that can be worn casually with jeans and a shirt, or dressed to the nines with a suit and tie. Not sure which square-faced watch to go for? Fear not, for we have collated a list of the 25 best square watches you should definitely consider.  25 Best Square Watches  More than just accessories to tell time, the best watches should also look attractive and make a statement. A square watch is not just trendy. It shows that its wearer is not afraid to wear something different, and to truly stand out from the crowd. These square watches promise to improve your fashion in the most sophisticated, statement-making way. Featuring outstanding quality, craftsmanship, and designs, take a look at a few of the most sophisticated square watches available today. 1. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Squadra Lady Duetto Ref. 235876 Photos by Jaeger-LeCoultre Jaeger-LeCoultre is known for creating what is perhaps the most famous square watch of all time. 85 years ago, the brand released the legendary Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso,  an iconic luxury sports watch with a reversible square case. The reversible case was invented for wearers to protect their watch’s face during polo matches. This innovative design has been a statement timepiece ever since then. One standout model, the Reverso Squadra Lady Duetto Ref. 235876, has a 29mm stainless steel case and a double-fold clasp bracelet. Moreover, its automatic self-winding movement is as precise and sophisticated as you would expect from any Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece. It boasts a clean white dial with Arabic numerals and the familiar JLC bold handset. Lined at the top and bottom of its square case are rows of exquisite crystals, which add to the watch’s aura of glamor. This Jaeger Le-Coultre watch retails at $7,500 USD.  2. Cartier Tank Solo Ref. W5200024 Photos by Watchshopping Cartier is one of the first brands that comes to mind when it comes to square watches. It represents the perfect balance between technical excellence and geometrical style. The modest, modern design of the Cartier Tank, specifically the Tank Solo, is an instantly recognizable one. This particular model is a well-known watch from Cartier because of its exquisite, vintage looks.  This Cartier Tank Solo W5200024 can be bought for around $5,500 USD. It has a 31mm stainless steel case with a coating of 18K rose gold. It wraps comfortably around your wrist with its quintessential alligator leather band. An instant classic, this watch has a rectangular face and bold, slanted Roman numerals.  A quartz movement is used to power this watch, giving it accurate seconds, minutes, and hour functions. This elegant watch is perfect for any upcoming dinner parties, as it will certainly elevate your style.  3. Cartier Tank Ref. WSTA0055 Photo by Watchshopping When it comes to square watches, we have already established that the Cartier Tank is an icon of modern watchmaking. This next piece is a minimalist model with an all-blue look and silver accents. It is perfect for women who are into classy and elegant timepieces. It is not too loud, but it is definitely a head-turner on your wrist.  For $4,499 USD, the Cartier Tank Ref. WSTA0055 comes in a 33.7mm stainless steel case, with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal to protect the watch face. The dark blue dial features a stainless steel handset, with the Cartier brand name printed above it in silver. It does not have any indices and hour markers, making it a very clean and uncluttered dial indeed. A blue leather band is also used to match the dial and the iconic Cartier crown which is placed at the 3 o’clock position.  4. Bulova Classic Ref. 96L138 Photo by Bulova Another minimalist yet unique square watch is the Bulova Hack Ref. 96L138. More than having a square dial, it also has a unique bracelet which makes it stand out from other timepieces. This model perfectly epitomizes Bulova’s mastery of the watchmaking arts through advanced technology and excellent craftsmanship.  For approximately $150 USD, you get a rectangular 18.2mm stainless steel case with a fixed bezel. It has a textured crown at the 3 o’clock position, which provides you with a better grip when adjusting the time. These features surround the jet-black dial, which is protected by a mineral crystal. The dial also boasts sleek silver-toned hands and hour markers at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock. Lastly, this Bulova timepiece is powered by a  Japanese quartz movement.  5. Emporio Armani Ref. AR11207 Photo by Watchshopping Emporio Armani is one of the most popular brands for square watches. It is a well-established name in the fashion industry, and it features a variety of watches that fit everyone’s style and designs.  For instance, the Emporio Armani Ref. AR11207 features an understated pink-and-white dial. For an affordable price of $129 USD, you get a 24mm stainless steel case with a soft pink calfskin leather band. Powered by a quartz movement, this watch’s minimalist dial does not have any numeral hour markers. Instead, it only features the silver-toned handset, the iconic Emporio Armani logo, and quarterly hour markers.  6. Kate Spade New York Women’s Kenmare Ref. 1YRU0926 Photo by Kate Spade You might know Kate Spade for their gorgeous bags, but did you know that they also sell beautiful wristwatches for women? As a famous fashion brand, it ensures that all its watches come in very stylish designs, just like its other products.  The Kate Spade Kenmare Ref. 1YRU0926 women’s watch comes in a gorgeous off-white color scheme, with a design meant to resemble a large bow on the wrist. It is an excellent option for women looking for a sophisticated and distinct timepiece for any occasion.   Retailing at $126 USD, this Kate Spade watch comes with a 55mm x 16mm stainless steel case with an off-white leather band. It features hours, minutes, and seconds functions that are all powered by a quartz movement. The off-white dial has a minimal design, displaying only the brand logo, quarterly hour markers, and silver-toned hands.  7. Citizen Chandler EM0490-08A Eco-Drive Photo by Citizen The Citizen Chandler EM0490-08A is one of the most timeless watches ever produced by Citizen. For $175 USD, it features a 32mm x 23mm stainless steel square case paired with a brown leather strap. This combination gives the watch a vintage look, echoing old timepieces from the 1970s. In addition, the melamine white dial matches the silver-toned hands and simple indices.  Making this watch stand out is the Eco-Drive technology that Citizen is known for. It is powered by solar energy, which means you never have to worry about running out of battery.  8. Seiko Lukia Ref. SSVW175 Photo by Watchshopping Are you looking for an elegant square watch? The Seiko Lukia Ref. SSVW175 is here to give you what you need. It has an exquisite design, which is perfect for formal events. Pair this one with your fancy dress and high stilettos, and you are good to go. For $2,249 USD, you can get this square women’s watch with a 23mm stainless steel case and lavish diamonds embedded in its bezel and lugs. Its white mother-of-pearl dial is styled with Roman numeral markers and sleek Losange-style hands. This Seiko Lukia watch is highly functional, with a perpetual calendar up to the year 2100 a strong resistance to magnetic fields. It is also radio-controlled, which ensures that its time display remains accurate and precise.  9. Hamilton Jazzmaster Ref. H32251135 Photo by Hamilton Watch The Hamilton Jazzmaster collection is a reflection of the brand’s rich history, excellent craftsmanship, and consistent innovation. This particular model, the Hamilton Jazzmaster Ref. H32251135, boasts a jet-black dial in a stainless steel square case and exudes a very simple yet elegant vibe.  For $495 USD, you get a 29mm square watch with a 50-meter water resistance rating. It has a stainless steel bracelet that has no harsh edges and is very comfortable on the wrist. This women’s watch is powered by a Swiss-made quartz movement.  10. TAG Heuer Monaco Ref. WAW131E.FC6420 Photo by Watchshopping Are you looking for a vintage-style square watch? TAG Heuer has a retro dress watch, retailing at around $2,389 USD, that perfectly fits the bill. The TAG Heuer Monaco Ref. WAW131E.FC6420 comes with a 37mm stainless steel case paired with a brown alligator leather strap. It features a matching brown sunray-brushed dial, with 12 diamond-tipped indices and luminous rose gold-toned hands.  Moreover, this piece is also one of the most comfortable square watches on this list. It uses a folding clasp to allow for a more effortless and secure fit on the wrist. It is powered by a quartz movement which allows for a date display and a small seconds sub-dial.  11. Casio Ladies Ref. LTP-V007L-9E Photo by Casio One of the most affordable square watches on the list is the Casio Ladies Ref. LTP-V007L-9E. This model boasts a 22mm chrome-plated case and bezel. This is paired with a classy brown leather band. That said, there is another variant of this Casio timepiece, which offers a blue case with a striking black dial.  This Casio square watch has a simple yet elegant design. On the exquisite sunray champagne dial are bold black indices and gold-plated hands that set up a delicate contrast. This watch is powered by an analog quartz movement with a water resistance rating of 30 meters and a battery life of 3 years.  12. Marc Jacobs Ref. MJ3530 Photo by Watchshopping A rose gold-toned watch would be an excellent pick for formal events, right? Take a look at the Marc Jacobs Ref. MJ3530, which is sold at just $139 USD. This watch boasts a 20mm rose gold-tone stainless steel case and matching bracelet. It also has a rose gold-tone bezel with a textured silver dial. On its dial lies quarterly Arabic numeral hour markers and thin blunt hands. Furthermore, this solid Marc Jacobs watch has a quartz movement. It boasts water resistance of up to 50 meters and has a pull/push crown at 3 o’clock for more effortless time adjustment. A deployment clasp with a push-button release is also used to provide wearers with a more secure fit around the wrist.  13. TAG Heuer Monaco Ref. WAW131A.FC6177 Photo by Watchshopping Released in 1969, in honor of the Monaco Grand Prix, the TAG Heuer Monaco is a truly revolutionary watch. It is notable for being both the first automatic micro-winding chronograph and the first square watch to have a chronograph complication. Weighing in at 37mm in size, this TAG Heuer Monaco Quartz is equipped with a quartz movement, instead of the Monaco collection’s usual automatic Caliber 11. As such, the watch is more affordable, retailing at just $1,859 USD.  14. Bell & Ross Golden Heritage Ref. BR0392-ST-G-HE/SCA/2 Photos by Watchshopping The Bell & Ross BR 03 Golden Heritage Automatic timepiece comes in a 42mm satin-brushed steel case. It features golden appliqué indices, Arabic numerals, and golden sword-shaped hands against a patterned dark-brown dial. Between 4 and 5 o’clock lies the date aperture. A brown calfskin leather strap with a hot-stamped finish completes the vintage look of this Bell & Ross Instruments watch. At the heart of this pilot watch runs an automatic movement. You can get all of these great features for around $2,969 USD. 15. Casio General Ref. EAW-DB-360G-9A Photo by Casio The Casio General EAW-DB-360G-9A is one of the best-selling men’s watches from the brand. Retailing at $54 USD, it comes with a 38mm gold-plated stainless steel case and a matching gold bracelet for a more elegant look. It has a digital dial with a built-in alarm function, hourly chime function, and a 24-hour stopwatch. This watch also comes with a data bank function to store important phone numbers, which makes it an essential alternative to your mobile phone. Moreover, this watch is equipped with an LED light, ensuring that it is still legible even in the dark.  A quartz movement is used to give you essential watch functions such as dual time display, calendar, and stopwatch. Most importantly, it has a power reserve of 7 years, so you do not have to worry about this square watch running out of power. .  16. Seiko Recraft Ref. SNKP27 Photo by Seiko The Seiko Recraft Ref. SNKP27 is an automatic dress watch for men. It is sold for $221 USD and features a 39.5mm case with a brown calfskin strap. The highlight of this timepiece is its unique, alluring dial, which boasts gold-toned hands and indices against a green sunray finish.  The dial also displays a day and date window located at the 3 o’clock position.  Furthermore, dress watches usually do not have any significant water resistance capabilities, but this Seiko watch can provide water resistance up to 50 meters. Its movement is held by 21 jewels, which are used to lessen the friction, hence giving the watch a more accurate time display.  17. Casio G-Shock Ref. GW-5000-1J Photo by Watchshopping The Casio G-Shock Ref. GW-5000-1JF belongs to the Origin collection, which features durable and reliable timepieces. For $499 USD, this model has a solar-powered battery and a digital dial that displays the date, time, day, and seconds. As a sports watch, this Casio square watch is highly shock-resistant and water-resistant up to depths of 200 meters. It is also very comfortable against the wrist, with its 46mm slim and lightweight resin case. Its bezel and bracelet are also made of the same resin material, which is very durable and highly shock-resistant.  18. Bell & Ross Instruments Ref. BR0392-BL-CE Photo by Watchshopping Another outstanding square watch from the Bell & Ross is the Instrument Ref. BR0392-BL-CE. This model comes in all matte black and costs around $2,849 USD. On the whole, it boasts a smooth finish and superior comfort thanks to its synthetic fiber strap.  This watch is presented in a 42mm black ceramic case. A matte black dial is used to contrast against the Super-LumiNova-coated white hands and hour indices. You can also find a small date display at 4 o’clock.  19. Nixon Ragnar 36 Ref. A985513 Photo by Nixon Elegance is what the Nixon Ragnar 36 Ref. A985513 is all about. For $145 USD, it comes in a 40mm stainless steel case with a golden finish on the bezel, lugs, and crown. Its black leather strap delicately contrasts against the gold-tone case, balancing elegance and casual style. Meanwhile, the minimalist black dial features gold and white accents. Its Arabic hour numerals, second hand, and time display are all white, while the indices, and hour and minute hands are all in gold hues.  This Nixon model uses a Japanese quartz movement, giving it up to 50 meters of water resistance, a date display, and the hours, minutes, and seconds functions. This is an excellent pick if you are looking for an affordable square watch that can be used for your formal events.  20. Timex Ironman Transit Ref. TW5M19000 Photo by Timex Another affordable men’s square watch is the Timex Ironman Transit Ref. TW5M19000. Despite its very budget-friendly price tag of only $54 USD, this watch is known to be very durable. This Timex model is crafted using high-quality resin, with a 40mm black case and 20mm black strap. The dial is protected by an acrylic lens, which serves as reliable protection against bumps and scratches.  A quartz movement powers the watch, giving it functions such as a customizable alarm, 24-hour military time mode, two time zones, day, date, and month calendar. It also features a 100-hour chronograph with 10-lap memory and a 24-hour countdown timer.  21. Glashutte Original Vintage Seventies Chronograph Ref. 1-37-02-01-02-30 Photo by Watchshopping Looking for a more classic square watch? The Vintage Seventies Chronograph Ref. 1-37-02-01-02-30 from Glashutte Original might just be what you need. It is priced at around $9,579 USD and has quite a sporty, vintage style.  The watch comes with a 40mm stainless steel case, with a screw-down crown and a water resistance rating of 100 meters. This is paired with a gray Louisiana alligator leather strap, making it  perfect for everyday wear. This watch comes with a variety of functions including a 30-minute counter, 12-hours counter, panorama date, power reserve display, stop-second chronograph, flyback chronograph, and the standard seconds, minutes, and hours. All these can be  seen on a grey dial with silver-toned accents. This square timepiece is powered by the automatic caliber 37-02. 22. Cartier Santos de Cartier Ref. W20106X8 Photos by Watchshopping Another sophisticated men’s square watch is the Santos de Cartier Ref. W20106X8, which retails at $6,369 USD. This is one of the most famous, sought-after luxury watches in the world. It is the perfect piece for men who regularly go on office and business trips. This model comes with a 35.6mm stainless steel case and a black leather band, which is a versatile combination that can fit in with any style. Powering this Cartier watch is the automatic Cartier caliber 076 with a 38-hour power reserve. Lastly, it features the iconic Cartier dial, with the familiar oversized black Roman numeral hour markers and sword-shaped hands.  23. NOMOS Glashutte Tetra Neomatik 39 Ref. 422 Photos by Watchshopping Slim and sleek is what this model is all about. The Tetra Neomatik 39 Ref. 422 is the midnight blue edition of the collection. This NOMOS Glashutte model is worth $3,159 USD. It comes in a 33mm stainless steel case, which is very thin for a men’s watch. It has a 20mm lug width and 7.3mm height, including the Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan black leather strap.  Its midnight blue square dial has subtle green minute markers paired with larger white hour markers. The hour and minute hands are rhodium-plated, while the seconds hand comes in neon orange, adding a splash of vibrant color to this timepiece. Operating the watch is an in-house caliber DUW 3001, which boasts high precision and is equipped with the NOMOS swing system. 24. SevenFriday “Spaceship” M-Series M3/01 Photos by Watchshopping The SevenFriday M-Series M3/01 is a very unique square watch. It is a truly creative piece that espouses the artistry of SevenFriday timepieces. For $699 USD, you can have a square watch that is a perfect example of innovation. This timepiece is designed to look like a spaceship, with its rugged 47mm stainless steel case. It has no hands or indices at all. Instead, it has a distinct and unusual time display, with red highlights, placed at 9 o’clock. The outermost arc, on the left of the dial, represents the hour, while a red arrow on the right shows the minutes. Finally, floating increments are used to indicate the seconds.  This watch is powered by the Miyota Caliber 8215. . Its robust, sturdy look is completed with a PVD gunmetal-treated bezel and a black calf leather strap.  25. Hublot Spirit Of Big Bang Ref. 601.NM.0173.LR Photos by Watchshopping Last but not least is the Hublot Spirit Of Big Bang Ref. 601.NM.0173.LR. It costs around $17,079 USD. This is quite an exorbitant price, but it is well worth it, considering the innovative artistry of the watch’s skeleton dial. This watch is powered by the Hublot Caliber HUB4700. Its highlight, without a doubt, is its complex-looking dial, which comes with silver-tone hands and broad index hour markers, and allows you to view the movement at work. The complicated skeleton chronograph is equipped with silicon regulating elements to provide more precise and accurate timekeeping.  The case of this watch is crafted from satin-finished, lightweight titanium, which makes it extremely light on the wrist. In addition, this Hublot watch has a polished bezel and a black rubber strap. The grade 5 titanium case also provides resistance to corrosion, allowing it to maintain its quality for a longer time.  Final Thoughts The 25 square watches we have listed above were specially chosen to fit the preferences of many. Each and every model featured is reliable, accurate, and aesthetically pleasing. So, whether you choose the most affordable option or the most expensive one, you will never go wrong with your choice. Furthermore, these square watches are timeless pieces that will not go out of fashion in the foreseeable future.  Do you want to see more watches? Check out our list of the top 20 eco-friendly watches and see which one suits you best.  Photo Credits: Featured image from Cartier’s official website.

Between athletes, actors, CEOs and everyone in between, it seems like almost every person that has a passion (and is willing to spend the money) for watches is a Rolex owner. It is natural to wonder why this is, and where it all began. You might ask, “Was it just a big marketing scheme, or is the respect that Rolex receives well deserved?” Below, we detail the a brief history of Rolex and get into why this famous Swiss manufacturer deserves every bit of the credit it gets. History of Rolex Watches What is the history of Rolex? When did Rolex come out? At the young age of 24, Hans Wilsdorf founded a timepiece company. This business was not Rolex, though. At first, it was only a distributor of watches, not a designer or producer. Still, he had bigger dreams. What he wanted most was to not only dominate, but practically build the wristwatch market from the ground up. The reason he had this opportunity was that, at the time, pocket watches still had supremacy due to style trends and superior function. To counteract this trend, he first targeted the issue of reliability. Where is Rolex made? This entailed him partnering with the Swiss manufacturer Bienne to create an incredibly precise movement that could, unlike his competitors, fit in the small package that is a wristwatch. When choosing the now iconic name “Rolex,” Rolex founder Wilsdorf spent many hours combining various letters of the alphabet in endless combinations. Instead of selecting an existing word, he wanted to dream one up that would become a powerful, singular brand. Eventually, he came up with the name we all know today. The history of Rolex is one you should know about. The Rolex brand was not built with just a name, though. What came next was carrying out the task of creating incredibly precise movements for wristwatches, something that had not been done before. Within just a few years, that goal was met, as Rolex watches began receiving certificates of precision from various watch rating organizations. Eventually, Wilsdorf settled his company in the famous watchmaking city of Geneva. History of Rolex, Creating a Tradition of Excellence Though waterproof watches are commonplace in the modern age, they were not during the early history of Rolex. This is why the creation of the waterproof “Oyster” model was such an achievement. To prove their point, Rolex outfitted Mercedes Gleitze with one and had her swim across the English Channel. At the end of the 10-hour journey, the watch was still in working condition. If you have an automatic watch, you likely never wind it by hand. That said, if you lived in the early 1900’s, this would not be the case. That is why when Rolex invented their self-winding mechanism in 1931, which changed the entire wristwatch world. This is now standard in every automatic watch, but it all started with Rolex watches. Around this time, as a brand, Rolex company also began outfitting race car drivers and pilots with their shockingly versatile timepieces. The result was a further refining of their products and a significant amount of advertising material. One of these drivers was Sir Malcolm Campbell, one of the most famous of all time. Domination of Land and Sea The next era of Rolex is defined by its creation of watches that could withstand the elements. That included a trip to Mt. Everest in 1953, deep scuba dive expeditions to places like Marianas Trench, and transcontinental flights. Unlike every other manufacturer in the world, Rolex watches seemed invincible. This time in the Rolex story is also filled with the creation of some of their most iconic watches. Those included the Explorer, Submariner, GMT-Master, Day-Date, Cosmograph Daytona and Sea-Dweller models. Each of these pieces rose to the top of the watch market due to their aesthetics and capabilities. What happened next was the beginning of distinguished men and women choosing Rolex over every other brand. Separation From Competitors Starting in the 1970’s, Rolex began to truly dominate the luxury watch market. Not only did they design more famous models, such as the Yacht-Master, but their efforts to distinguish from other manufacturers began to take hold. One change they made at this time was using 904L steel, which is regarded as one of the best watchmaking materials in the world. In this era, Rolex rose above the crowded timepiece market and began to be a true icon. Widening the Gap In the modern era, Rolex is furthering their growth and tradition of excellence. First, they continue to improve their technology with innovations like the 4130 movement, cerachrom bezels, parachrom hairsprings, and even greater deep sea capabilities. Next, are innovating old models and creating new ones that dazzle the watch world. Lastly, the legend behind their brand continues to grow with the help of elite endorsements like the US Open, Formula 1, Wimbledon and many more. History of Rolex Conclusion Now that you know a bit about Rolex’s background and Rolex’s beginning, you can start to understand why it has perhaps the most esteemed reputation of any watch brand. What is so impressive about Rolex watches is that it never had any significant hiccups or setbacks. Instead, it has been an elite manufacturer since the very beginning and shows no signs of slowing down.

So many watches and so many occasions. It can get hard to know how to navigate the almost overwhelming number of combinations there are between timepieces and social situations. So below is a (loose) watch guide that will hopefully help you out when you need to put together your next outfit with your watch. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re thinking of different types of watches for men’s fashion!  Simple and Elegant for Black Tie Looking for watches for a fancy occasion? Formal events call for a formal watch. From elegant weddings to galas and high-end business gatherings, these dress-to-impress events begin after six in the evening and the invitation will be clear about the black-tie status. There are types of watches every man should own, like a casual watch and a formal watch. Men don black suits and women wear evening dresses or ball gowns in dark colors. Watches need to reflect this style.  Watch colors should match the wardrobe, so black for men and complementary colors for women. A timepiece with a simple black leather strap and an uncomplicated dial in a dark color is most appropriate. A slim watch is best. You are going for elegance and want to avoid flash. While a more-elaborate dress watch may seem upscale and fitting for a fancy night out, it’s not. Best not to wear a watch at all than to sport a timepiece that will call attention to itself. An example of a black-tie friendly watch is the Movado Red Label with its minimalist black Museum dial and understated black alligator strap. The German watchmaker A. Lange & Söhne has a line of elegant watches with dark faces and leather straps that are perfect for black-tie affairs. Bold Without Flash for Business Formal Different people like different kinds of watches. Sharing some style attributes with black-tie watches, business formal watches should be simple and classic. Leather straps are best but you don’t have to stick with a dark dial as you would with black tie. It’s best if the watch matches and complements the wardrobe so you have any number of options with the watch’s face. From the boardroom to lunches with important clients, you want a timepiece that’s both conventionally elegant and a nod to your personal style. This watch is meant to make an impression and convey a sense of confidence. You can go with cases of silver and gold that lean to the bold side but keep the faces complication free. German watchmakers excel at striking this balance. NOMOS Glashütte has mechanical watches that are bold enough to get noticed but have a subtlety that says you’re not trying to draw attention.   Freedom to Choose with Business Casual How many different watches are there for different occasions? A lot. There is a lot more liberty when you accessorize for business-casual ensembles. You’re in the everyday wear realm so you can go with either a metal bracelet or a leather strap that matches your wardrobe, generally brown, black or a neutral hue. Best where office dress codes are employed but not overly rigid, a business-casual timepiece can range from a field watch, pilot, or even an upscale chronograph.   Your work watch also depends on the impression you are trying to make at work . An up-and-comer may wish to grab attention by sporting something like an IWC Portugieser Automatic with a rose-gold case and silver-plated dial. The more-established members of the office favor classic designs with styles that don’t need to broadcast fashion statements. While a Tag Heuer Carrera may lean to the sporty side, more-subdued models with leather straps lend themselves perfectly to the workplace. Of course, business casual isn’t just for days at the office. Casual occasions can mean a relaxed evening out with friends, brunch at a bistro or a dinner date. There are all different types of watches for occasions where you can show some style without looking like you’re trying too hard. Sports Watches for Active Outings As you may suspect, a sports watch is best when you are active. You don’t want to be hiking up a mountain trail with a leather strap or a dress watch made of precious metals. Optimally you are looking for something with a rubber or nylon strap and rugged features such as water and shock resistance. A stainless steel bracelet could work, depending upon the activities you’re engaged in. But keep in mind that you want a watch with a strap you can replace as active adventures can take a toll. Sports watches are all about versatility. You can swap in a leather strap and turn a sports watch into a dress or casual watch. Durable sports watches have a long and esteemed history and some of the world’s most famous (and most worn!) watches fall into this category. A classic since the 1950s, the Rolex Submariner is the epitome of high-end sports watches. Omega’s Speedmaster is another choice that’s been taken on active outings for decades, with nylon straps for function and dressed up with leather. Hublot is another watch brand that favors activity, notably the Big Bang and dressier Classic Fusion collections. What Do You Want on Your Travels? There are two divergent paths when talking about travel watches. You can go with classic types of watches that were designed with travelers in mind or with smartwatches. These type of watches are as much about style as the functionality. They capture the essence of travel with designs while providing functions that travelers can use. Rolex was a pioneer in travel-friendly timepieces with the Rolex GMT Master (for Greenwich Mean Time) that allows you to track different time zones with a 24-hour bezel. Vintage style is great for traditional travel watches. The maritime-inspired Hamilton Khaki Navy UTC also tracks time zones and has a wonderful throwback vibe. Originally made for the military, the Glycine Airman has since won favor from travelers of all stripes for a globe-trotting style that harkens to the 60s and 70s. But its hard to beat the functionality of a smartwatch for traveling. Get directions, book a hotel room or search for the best Mai Tai in town. It’s all right there on your wrist! The waterproof Apple Watch Series 3 receives navigation prompts, email and texts and even streams music. With a 4G signal, you can make phone calls on the go! And the hospitality industry is tailoring their services to smartwatch wearers. You can use your Apple Watch to unlock your door at Starwood Hotels. Scan airline boarding passes from your wrist with Apple’s Passbook app. Virgin Atlantic have features that work with Sony’s SmartWatch 3.  The All-Around Watch Like white t-shirts, little black dresses and good friends, some things just go with everything. A few versatile watches fall into this category (well, almost everything). The most versatile watches have stainless steel cases and leather straps. They’re simple but not stylistically minimalist. These types of watches have face functions but don’t draw attention with an assortment of complicated features. One of the more-subtle Breitling Chronomats is a versatile option. Bell and Ross have square-case watches that can be worn almost anywhere. Panerai Luminor is another brand with watches that go with a variety of occasions. However you match your watch to its appropriate occasion, don’t forget the most important aspect — you! Whatever type of watch you decide to get, the watch needs to complement your personal style and the way you wish to be perceived by the world as much as matching a specific event.

You’ve got a problem with your watch. You’re handy. You’re pretty sure you can fix it yourself… but have you asked yourself “how do I fix my watch?” Watch problems and issues might be more common than you think. Here are some common issues and tips on how to fix a watch. Before you begin, it’s important to understand that fixes done by anyone other than a watch-repair professional can affect the worth of your watch. The resale value of a luxury watch is highest when you have service records and its best that those services are performed by the manufacturer. But if that’s not a concern – roll up your sleeves and try to learn how to repair a watch! How to Open a Case It all starts with opening up your watch. A few exceptions aside, there are four kinds of watch cases you will encounter when you’re learning how to fix a wrist watch. 1. Snap-Back: To open a snap-back case use a penknife or similar thin, flat blade to pry open the case at the raised lip with a twist of the blade. 2. Screw-Back: You’ll want to pick up a screw-back removal tool for this type. Resembling a pair of pincers, the tool slips into slots on the perimeter of the case. Twist counterclockwise to open, finishing with your fingers after the tool has loosened the cover. 3. Case with Screws: These cases generally have four Phillips-head screws that can be removed with a small screwdriver. 4. Swatch-Style Case: These ports can be twisted open using a coin. You don’t actually remove the cover of the sealed case but do get access to the battery. My Watch Has Stopped Ticking Wondering how to fix a watch that stopped ticking? Or your automatic watch stopped working? Hint, it’s probably the battery. This may sound like a simple watch fix, but it’s something you might overlook. Check the battery. Many watch batteries have lives of about two years. That number can go up to three years or more with a quartz watch that’s designed to run longer. But chances are if your watch has stopped, you need to replace the battery. The case removed, you can see what’s holding the battery in place. With a spring clip or loose installation, you have easy access. Many batteries are held in place with a screw and cover that will require a small screwdriver. It’s best to use non-conductive watch tools to avoid damaging your watch with an electric shock. The same is true for the tweezers you’ll want to use for removing the battery. Plastic is best to avoid shock. Before removing the battery check the position of the writing on the back. You want to set the replacement battery in the same manner. The information on your old battery will tell you what replacement you’ll need. Even the most common watch battery will eventually give out. You can get a new one at a jewelry store, an electronics store, drugstore or online. Use the same plastic tools to set the new battery in place and your watch should spring back to life. If not, you may have inserted the battery upside down or the connection is broken. In the latter case, you may have to take it to a watch-repair shop. If it’s an extra pricey watch, you might want to get some help from the professionals too. The Second Hand is Skipping Did your automatic watch movement stop working? Or is it skipping? This is a sign that your battery is near the end of its life. It’s also a warning to address the issue as soon as possible. An ailing battery could leak acid into your watch and do damage. If the second hand is locked in a back-and-forth movement in one spot, there’s likely an issue with the movement that’s beyond a simple home repair. My Watch is Running Fast (or Slow) Do nothing. This isn’t necessarily a watch problem. It’s common for watches to gain or lose a little time every day. While the changes are tiny and incremental, over time it can make it seem like you have a big problem. But unless you are losing more than a few seconds each day, there is likely no issue. The Buttons Won’t Bounce If buttons on your watch don’t pop out after they’re pushed in, the most likely culprit is dust. Even though your watch case is sealed, dirt can accumulate over time and get lodged in the springs that make the buttons pop out. Professionals use ultrasonic cleaners to safely remove the dirt. But you can use plastic tweezers and a tiny piece of absorbent material to remove the dirt. If you can’t easily access the tube that contains the spring, take it to a professional. Do not touch the spring with your fingers as you could introduce oils that will make the problem worse. Smartwatch Solutions I’m Always Recharging Much like your mobile phone and tablet, if your watch isn’t holding a charge for long you should look at what’s draining the battery. Remove apps you don’t need. Turn off features you aren’t using and dim your screen’s brightness. Voice Command Problems: If your smartwatch is having trouble recognizing voice commands, it could be background noise. Make sure your voice isn’t competing with other sounds. Some trial and error with tone and pacing will also be needed to make your voice commands instantly recognizable. I’ve Got a Sticky Apple The crown on the Apple Watch is notorious for sticking and ceasing to register each click. Turn off the watch and pour warm water on the whirligig for about 15 seconds. Bluetooth Won’t Connect Simple as it sounds, turn your Bluetooth off and on again to reconnect. But perhaps the best advice when attempting to repair your own watch is caution. A few pennies saved with home maintenance could do damage that could cost you quite a few dollars.

Watches have been around for a long, long time. But what is the actual history of watches? Ever asked yourself, “When was the watch invented?” Or wondered how they’re made? Watches today are not what they used to be. Take a look at a smartphone for example. What we know is that it can take calls, send texts, track fitness data, and carry out scores of other functions. At this point of highly advanced technology, it is interesting to look back throughout history and understand where watches came from in the first place. Below, we briefly go over the history of watches from when were watches invented to now. Invention of the Clock Before we talk about watches and the invention of them, we must go over the history of timekeeping devices. Though early civilizations used primitive time-telling devices, such as sundials, the first clock was invented by the English in 1275. In the beginning, they were so basic that all they could do was ring a bell at every hour. Still, engineers and blacksmiths collaborated for hundreds of years and eventually were able to build clocks that looked roughly like the mechanical ones we have today. They also started to experiment with metals outside of the traditional material, steel. That included silver, bronze and brass. Pocket Watch History When was the pocket watch invented? These were such primitive times that the famous religious figure John Calvin actually banned the wearing of jewelry in Switzerland. This opened up a massive opportunity for anybody in Switzerland that could create pocket watches. Historically, the first of them was produced in the late 1500’s and like the earliest clocks, only had an hour hand. As the utility and popularity of pocket watches became apparent, the industry was further funded and advanced. The result was more reliable pieces, the inclusion of minute and second hands and a growing consumer base. Widespread Adoption In the 19th century, the industrial revolution had taken hold and every industry was experiencing massive improvements. Many changes took place, but the most prominent were superior products, lower prices and mass production. One sector that was swept up in this wave of productivity was pocket watches, and they finally reached the mass market. Before this, only the wealthy could afford such expensive and luxurious timepieces. Now, commoners could afford them too. The Wristwatch History  Though wristwatches had been around for centuries, their use was not widespread. In fact, they were primarily worn by wealthy women. The reason was that at first all watches were too expensive for common people. Then, after the prices fell, there were still very few people wearing them because they were considered a women’s style, and not many women chose to wear watches. What shifted this trend was the adoption of men using wristwatches in the military. This began in 1880 when Constant Girard decided to outfit his German naval officers with wristwatches. In the following years, doing so became more and more popular. Use on the Battlefield We’re talking about the history of watches, but watches have a history with history itself. Though WWI had many massive implications, one of the less significant ones was the use of military wristwatches. What happened is that soldiers in the trenches did not want to take a watch out of their pockets every time they needed to check the time. They opted for the more functional wristwatch, which could be checked immediately and did not require the soldier to take one of their hands off their weapon. Beyond convenience, having the time handy was a critical factor in making military maneuvers. The reason is that different groups of soldiers could coordinate attacks even if they could not communicate. Instead, they would agree to attack at a particular time and use their watch to confirm coordination. Wristwatches Take Over After the war, it was now acceptable and trendy for men to wear wristwatches.  Watch company marketing departments began to use depictions of soldiers wearing wristwatches to sell them to other men. Additionally, men who had worn them throughout the war had become accustomed to doing so and wanted to continue that habit. The result was an explosion in the popularity of wristwatches, which allowed them to nearly take over the entire pocket watch market. Technological Developments Once watches became a massive industry, money came pouring in for research and development. This led to added features such as chronographs, quartz movements, useful bezels, and more. The result was a diversification of the functions watches could carry out, which further expanded the market for them. Watches Get Smarter In the last twenty years, computers have been getting smaller and smaller. First, they went from the size of entire rooms to personal computers. Next, we developed laptops and smartphones. Now, in the modern age, we can fit advanced computers in tiny compartments that fit on our wrists. The result is smartwatches like the Apple Watch. There is still a large market for vintage style watches, but smart innovations are changing the watch industry in rapid fashion. When you go shopping for watches online, most of the pieces you come across are vastly different than timepieces were throughout history. The reason is that what you see today is the accumulation of hundreds of years of advancements. Now, whoever you are and whatever you are looking for, there is a piece for you. You just have to go find it.

The question “how are watches made?” is a bit too general to answer as is. Instead, we should focus on a specific type of watch. Luckily, there is one that is profoundly more interesting than the rest: Mechanical. Lets look into how to make a watch. Generally, the most expensive and sought-after watches are mechanical, as opposed to quartz or digital. If you browse the website of a genuine luxury brand, the odds are that the vast majority of their pieces are mechanical and have a hefty price tag. The reason is that the inner workings of these watches are incredibly intricate, and many consumers see them as works of art. For this reason, we will point our focus to mechanical watches, with a few ending notes on other variations. Aesthetic and Functional Vision Watches have been around for a long time. Ever thought about how watch parts are made? Before any production begins, the watch manufacturer needs to have a plan. One part of that plan is deciding on the aesthetics and functionality of the watch. As far as aesthetics, they need to focus on issues like color, size, buckle type, and more. For functional aspects, the manufacturer has many options such as bezel function, showing the date, being water resistant to great depths, or having a chronograph. These decisions are important because they change the personality of the watch entirely. If you go one direction, you get a minimalist watch that just tells the time. On the other side of the spectrum, you might get a piece with a significant amount of functions and a design that turns heads. Once the manufacturer decides precisely what they’re trying to do with a piece, they can move on to the next step. High-Tech Movement Design The second aspect of pre-production planning is designing the movement of the watch, which is defined as the mechanics behind its various functions. Generally, this is some combination of springs, screws, wheels, and other typical mechanical pieces. Of course, not every watch is the same. Sometimes a manufacturer will want to create a unique movement, or they will include a difficult function like a full year calendar or chronograph. To do this, manufacturers use computer programs. This allows their engineers to develop perfect systems that are sure to function correctly. Once the movement is settled on and designed, it’s almost time for production to get started. Choosing Materials The last decision watchmakers need to make before beginning production is what material they want to use. (The standard is stainless steel.) Those include precious metals, ceramic, leather, expensive plastics and more. Again, these decisions are based on what the manufacturer’s goals are with the watch. If they want to create a bare bones model that is meant to solely tell time without costing too much, they will choose steel. If they are in the luxury space and want to create a piece with some flash, they may choose gold or silver. In-House or Partnership? Ever wondered how to build a watch? At this point, the manufacturer has a plan for the aesthetics, functionality, movement, and materials. Finally, they can move on to producing the watches. There are two ways to go about this. First, they can create the watch entirely or mostly in-house. This means that rather than sourcing their parts and materials from other businesses, they build a watch from the ground up. This is typical of luxury manufacturers, who pride themselves on controlling every aspect of production. The alternative is choosing a partner to produce some or all of the watch. That can mean contracting out individual pieces then assembling in-house, or submitting a design to a factory and having them build the entire watch. This practice is generally characteristic of more affordable brands. Hand or Machine? The final step in production is to decide which aspects of their watches will be hand built versus which will be built by machines. As with the former point, there is a split here for luxury and affordable pieces. In general, expensive pieces have more handmade aspects, while affordable watches are entirely machine-made. How Quartz and Digital Differ The other primary movement type, quartz, undergoes a similar process. The only difference is that the inner workings of those watches are usually less complicated than mechanical. For digital watches, the steps are again roughly similar, but when creating the dial and inside of the watch, they opt for digital circuitry. If you’ve ever wondered why watches are so fascinating, perhaps this article has answered that question. The potential reason is that an incredible amount of time, effort, and creativity goes into making a timepiece. The manufacturer must make choices regarding aesthetics, functionality, movement, materials, and production specifics. Of course, you don’t see any of this when you make your purchase. Instead, you see only the result: A masterpiece. Now that you know how watches are made and the watch making process, maybe you’ll appreciate the little wrist pieces a little more.

One of the hardest aspects of purchasing a watch is simply knowing where to start. There are thousands of watch brands out there, so it is normal to be overwhelmed by choosing which to buy from. The good news is that you are not shooting in the dark when you make this decision. Instead, there are a handful of timepiece companies that have separated themselves from the rest of the market due to their excellent reputations. Below, we go through those best watch brands and options and different price ranges as well. Affordable – $100 USD and Below Looking for good watch brands? If you don’t have a lot of cash  to invest in your watch, this is a good price range to look into. Alternatively, if you need any everyday watch that is likely to get dirty or beat up, you probably don’t want to spend a significant amount of money on it. Either way, you can still purchase a high-quality watch, even if you are only paying a double-digit sum. Timex – This watch brand has gained a well-deserved reputation for producing reliable watches at the most affordable price possible. Their two specialties are simple quartz movements and digital displays, both of which shouldn’t cost you more than $50 USD. While Timex may not be the top watch brands for men, it’s definitely liked by many. Casio – Though some of the most versatile Casio watches push $100 USD, most of their pieces come in at under $50 USD. Just like Timex, they are a well-respected name in the watch world and make reliable products that are built to last. Casio definitely falls in the category of good watch brands for men. Entry Level – $1000 USD and Below This price range comes with a bit more craftsmanship and design. The movements in this category are often quartz, but many of these brands also produce reliable automatic watches. This is an excellent tier for shoppers that have a bit of money to spend but don’t prefer to go more than $1,000 USD. Fossil – This watch brand has gained a reputation for producing trendy, well-made watches in a variety of price ranges. At the lower end, you’ll find simple quartz watches for around $75 USD. On the upper end, you can purchase automatic watches for $200 USD. Seiko – Perhaps the most respected watch name in this tier is Seiko, who famously makes ultra-reliable Japanese movements. In fact, this brand invented the quartz movement, which has taken over the affordable watch market. If you opt for a higher priced piece, you can also get a well-made automatic piece. Starter Luxury – $10,000 USD and Below This price range includes watches that eclipse $1,000 USD, but usually not by too much. Unlike other tiers, these watches often include handmade aspects and almost always have automatic movements. If you have some money to spend and want excellent quality, the following companies are fantastic choices. Oris – This Swiss watch brand is famous for producing luxury quality pieces at a somewhat lower price point than competitors. The combination of reliability and attractive designs makes this brand an excellent choice. Omega – Not only is this watch brand the official sponsor of James Bond, but it also was the first on the moon. Flashy accolades aside, it has a long history of success and customer satisfaction, allowing you to shop worry-free. Omega is definitely one of the best watch brands for men. Mid-Tier Luxury – $20,000 USD and Below This tier includes some of the most famous and well-known watch brands on the market. Here, you’ll be shopping for products that are primarily handmade, have incredible craftsmanship, and boast extraordinary quality. They won’t come cheap, though, as many of them cost upwards of $10,000 USD. Rolex – Though there are many watches in this price range, Rolex separates itself from the rest. Not only are their pieces incredibly reliable and attractive, but the reputation surrounding their brand is simply unmatched. When you choose Rolex, you know exactly what you are getting. It’s in the top 10 watch brands and is a top tier timepiece. Ultra-Luxury – More Than $20,000 USD If you can afford this price range, you are most likely to get a top-quality watch. Not only are they well built, but they are often made from ultra-expensive materials like pure gold or precious stones. If you choose this tier, you’ll likely spend more than $20,000, but the quality will match the price tag. These take nice watch brands to another level. Audemars Piguet – Two things make Audemars Piguet watches utterly irresistible. The first is their distinct aesthetic, which is instantly recognizable. Second, they take incredible care in crafting each piece to be an embodiment of perfection. These two factors combined make AP a great option. Patek Philippe – This famous luxury watch brand has been seen in the wrists of Ellen DeGeneres, Kevin Hart and countless other celebrities. In the watch world, it has an unassailable reputation for producing elegant, attractive watches. If you ever get your hands on one, you will understand where this prestige comes from. While the watch market may seem intimidating at first, once you understand the basics, you can purchase with confidence. We hope this article has done that for you. Now it’s time to get shopping! Remember you have so many options when it comes to nice watch brands. Just choose your desired price range and don’t just choose popular watch brands because of their names.

Watches have come such a long way. Before we discuss the world’s most expensive watches in the world, we should explain what exactly gives a watch a higher price than another.  So how does a watch be considered one of the most expensive watches in the world? There are six primary factors: Technology – This describes the various functions of the watch. One example of technology that will drive the cost of a piece up is having a perpetual calendar. While this might sound relatively simple, building the movement for this function is incredibly difficult, and it has the price tag to match. Craftsmanship – This is defined as how the watch is built. It refers to features like complicated movements and deep-water resistance. If it’s going to be in the expensive watches category, it should have the finest craftsmanship, right? Materials – This aspect is easy to understand. Pieces made of standard stainless steel will be cheaper, while ones that incorporate precious metals and stones will be more expensive. Brand – What are some of the most expensive watch brands? Expensive watches for men and women come in different varieties. Certain companies garner a higher price tag because of the mystique and reputation they have built. Age – If a piece is incredibly well made, age will only increase its value. Historic pieces often sell for incredible sums. Scarcity – Sometimes, a watch is one of a kind or produced in small batches. As you might imagine, this drives up the price. Now that you understand what makes a watch expensive, let’s move on to take a look at some of the world’s most expensive watches: 1: The Hallucination – $55 million This isn’t the world’s most expensive watch, but it’s definitely wayu up there. Some watch enthusiasts think that including this piece on this list is “cheating.” The reason? The watches themselves aren’t anything special besides the fact that they are riddled with diamonds. Still, this piece comes with an unbelievable price tag and a colorful, gaudy aesthetic. 2: Breguet No. 160 – $30 million Taking a brief break from diamond-laden pieces, we have the Breguet No.160. What makes this watch so expensive is its history. The story behind it is that a lover of the famous Marie Antoinette commissioned this piece as a gift. Unfortunately, she died before it was produced and never saw the finished product. Today, it is displayed in the Mayer Museum. It’s cased in 18-karat gold and sapphires, has 23 complications and over 800 parts. Talk about one of the most expensive watches in the world. 3: Chopard 201-Carat Watch – $25 million This Chopard easily lands on our most expensive watches in the world list. It is very similar to the Graff Diamonds pieces described above. In fact, it looks nearly the same as the Hallucination. It features scores of precious jewels, which result in a colorful, glimmering piece. 4: Patek Philippe Supercomplication – $24 million Patek Philippe created this custom piece for the ultra-wealthy banker Harry Graves Jr. It took a full five years to design and produce, but it was worth the wait. The end product was a pocket watch with incredible technology for its time, which holds up well even in the modern age. This may not look like it immediately, but it’s one of the most expensive watches out there. 5: Jacob & Co. Billionaire Watch – $18 million While most of these watches have diamonds on them, none look as surreal as this Jacob & Co. model. The reason is that it looks like the entire piece of made of diamonds, rather than having them as decoration. Another thing that separates it from pieces like the Hallucination is that the movement is on display and quite beautiful. 6: The Paul Newman Rolex Daytona – $17.8 million Celebrities have worn Rolex watches for ages, but perhaps the most famous of all was Paul Newman. His signature piece was the Daytona, which was recently auctioned off. The price that an anonymous collector paid for it was 17.8 million dollars. This proves that diamonds and ancient history are not required to make a watch incredibly expensive. 7: Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 – $11.1 million This Patek Philippe is another historic piece that recently sold for millions at auction. The reason is that it was a groundbreaking technological masterpiece when it was built. Its claim to fame is being the first watch with a chronograph and perpetual calendar. 8: Vacheron Constantin 57260 – $8 million This gorgeous piece actually does not have an exact price, but it definitely should be included in the most expensive watches list. The $8 million we listed above is merely an estimate, as a private buyer commissioned the piece without publicizing the price. What makes it so expensive is its impossibly complex craftsmanship, which features 57 complications and 2,826 components. The care that went into this piece matches its price tag, as it took roughly 8 years to produce. Most Expensive Watches Conclusion If you’re every able to afford one of the watches on this list, you’ve probably done very well with your life. Of course, the vast majority of us never will. Still, it’s entertaining to learn about these pieces, look at pictures of them, and fantasize about one day being able to have them. Until then, looking is free, so don’t hesitate to research them further!