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  2. 20 Best Bronze Watches For That Vintage Look

    20 Best Bronze Watches For That Vintage Look

    There are some people in the watchmaking community that would argue bronze watches are either a hit or miss. It has its fair share of pros and cons, but some folks are still likely to gravitate towards stainless steel models or one made out of precious metals like gold or platinum. That said, bronze watches certainly have their appeal too. One of the main reasons why some collectors and enthusiasts prefer bronze watches is because they are guaranteed to age well throughout the years. Bronze watches are capable of developing a patina over time, which allows for an exceptionally beautiful, vintage watch look. If your interest is piqued, just read on as we have curated a list of some of the best bronze watches you can find in the market today! 20 Best Bronze Watches 1. Tudor Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79012M-0001 First on our list is the Tudor Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79012M-0001. This robust, sophisticated timepiece is probably one of the most famous bronze watches of all time. Powerfully built with a sleek, professional style, this watch was designed to catch people’s attention. On top of that, the Tudor Black Bay Bronze is guaranteed to look great even 20 years from now, as it develops an exquisite layer of patina over time. This Tudor watch comes in a 39mm bronze case and bracelet. This is coupled with a unidirectional aluminum bezel in lovely chocolate brown. The dial, which comes in the same rich brown hue, showcases a very straightforward layout for optimal legibility. It comprises just luminescent dot indices, Arabic numeral markers, and the signature Tudor snowflake hands. All of these functions are powered by an automatic Caliber MT5400 with an extended 70-hour power reserve. This dive watch also boasts a 200-meter water resistance rating, making it suitable for all sorts of water activities.  If you are looking for a high-quality bronze watch, this $5,889 USD Tudor Black Bay watch is one you should not miss out on. 2. Zenith Pilot Flyback Bronze Ref. 29.2240.405/18.C801 The Zenith Flyback Bronze Ref. 29.2240.405/18.C801 is another well-crafted bronze watch for those who love luxury timepieces. This model has more of an antique, classy feel compared to the previous one because of its rustic design elements. This is the perfect choice for those who prefer timepieces that have old-fashioned aesthetics.  This Zenith Pilot watch is presented in a 43mm, aged-looking dirty bronze case, paired with a leather strap in brown and a black elapsed time scale bezel. On the right side of the case, you can find a stout screw-down crown and two pushers that control the watch’s chronograph functions. The dial of this watch, which shows off a rough-textured finish, is relatively crowded. It consists of bolded Arabic numeral markers, sweeping luminous sword hands, a minute track, and two sub-dials for the 60-second and 30-minute counters. Driving this Zenith watch is an impressive Zenith El Primero 405B Caliber, which has a 50-hour power supply. With a price tag of around $7,700 USD, this bronze watch is a must-have for all serious collectors out there.  3. Hamilton Khaki Aviation Ref. H76709530 Up next, we have the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Ref. H76709530 — a beautiful model that is inspired by the brand’s affiliation with aviation and the military. Just with that, you know you expect great things from this pilot model.  This Hamilton Khaki Aviation watch is housed in a 43mm bronze case along with a rotating black bezel and a brown leather strap. The black textured dial has a handsome luminescent display that includes fancy Squelette hands, Arabic numeral hour markers, and a small seconds counter at 6 o’clock. If you turn the watch around, you can find a transparent caseback that gives you a clear view of the manual-winding ETA 6498-1 caliber that runs inside. If you are an aviation fan with an affinity for bronze watches, you can get this Hamilton timekeeper for just $1545 USD. 4. Maurice Lacroix Aikon Ref. AI6058-BRZ0B-330-2 This cool and handsome Maurice Lacroix Aikon Ref. AI6058-BRZ0B-330-2 is all about rugged elegance. It can only be described as the perfect city watch, meaning it is a great companion for all your everyday metropolitan adventures.  This Maurice Lacroix Aikon watch utilizes a 43mm satin-brushed bronze case, paired with a rotating black elapsed time scale bezel and a sporty rubber strap in black. Its matching black dial boasts an exquisite, sun-brushed anthracite finish and is adorned with luminous geometric hour indices, sword hands, and a small date display outlined in gold. This model also runs on an automatic ML 115 Caliber. This movement has a 38-hour power supply and a 30-meter depth rating, which is quite standard for a lovely everyday watch. This $2,700 USD Maurice Lacroix watch is the ideal everyday timekeeper for all the city dwellers out there. 5. Rado Captain Cook Bronze Ref. R32504315 Next, we have the Rado Captain Cook Bronze Ref. R32504315, which is an instant stunner with its vivid emerald face. Just like some of the other bronze watches on this list, this piece is a modern interpretation of an older dive watch design from the 1920s. As a result, the Ref. R32504315 shows off a combination of vintage details and contemporary elements.  This Rado Captain Cook watch is encased in a 42mm bronze case, coupled with a supple black leather strap. Fixed on top of the case is a unidirectional elapsed time scale bezel with a gorgeous dark green insert made of ceramic. On the underside of the watch is a solid bronze caseback that bears the distinctive engraving of three seahorses found on most Captain Cook pieces. The dial of this Rado watch showcases an alluring emerald hue that goes wonderfully with the light bronze case. As a dive watch, this dial is also quite straightforward, consisting of bronze hour indices in various geometric shapes, oversized arrow hands, and a small date display with red text at 3 o’clock. Inside this watch, you can find a well-crafted ETA C07.611 movement. This self-winding ETA movement has an outstanding 300-meter water resistance rating and can last for up to an extended 80 hours when fully wound. If you are a fan of vibrant timepieces, this $2,600 USD bronze watch is certainly worth adding to your collection. 6. Yema Yachtingraf Bronze Ref. YYACZ21-AAS The Yema Yachtingraf Bronze Ref. YYACZ21-AAS is a beautiful, complex timepiece made for all the sailors out there. Just with one glance, you can already tell that this bronze sailing watch was designed to be worn and used in all sorts of yachting adventures.  This Yema Yachtingraf watch uses a 40mm bronze case, coupled with a quality vintage leather strap in black and a handy black GMT bezel made of scratch-resistant aluminum. The handsome black dial is packed full of features useful for sailing. These include luminous hour indices, slender sword hands, a small seconds counter, a date aperture outlined in gold at 6 o’clock, and a regatta timer in vibrant red and blue hues that add a pop of color to this mostly black watch face. Driving all of these functions is a Seiko NE86 Caliber. Held together by 34 jewels, this movement has a power supply of 40 hours. If you are a bronze watch enthusiast who also loves sailing, this masterpiece is available for around $1,699 USD.  7. Meistersinger Classic Plus Ref. AM1017BR_SVF02-1 The Meistersinger Classic Plus Ref. AM1017BR_SVF02-1 is a beautiful bronze watch with an exceptionally stylish look. It is a model that perfectly balances both excellent watchmaking and a captivating design, resulting in a great all-rounder timepiece. This Meistersinger Classic Plus watch comes in a 43mm bronze case, paired with a rustic brown leather strap. It has a gorgeous blue dial that is furnished with double-digit Arabic numeral hour markers and the MeisterSinger signature, a singular Old Radium hand, all of which are filled with Super-LumiNova pigment. On top of that, this watch face also showcases a unique date complication that is presented through an open disk around the center of the dial. Flipping this timepiece over, you can find a see-through caseback that gives you a clear view of the Sellita SW200-1 caliber powering this watch. This is a popular automatic movement that comprises 26 jewels and offers a 38-hour power reserve. Priced at around $2,200 USD, this MeisterSinger watch is a must-have for fans of classic, minimalistic timepieces.  8. Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Ref. BRV294-BLU-BR/SCA Next, we have the Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Ref. BRV294-BLU-BR/SCA. This stylish bronze watch boasts a fusion of sporty and classic design elements. It also comes with a tough, robust-looking exterior, so you can expect great durability from this timepiece as well.  This Bell & Ross timepiece is presented in a 41mm bronze case, coupled with a rotating blue count-up bezel and a matching blue leather strap. The fashionable sunray blue dial showcases a straightforward layout, comprising luminous blunt hands and golden stick indices, a circular date window, and a chronograph display with two sub-dials for the 30-minute and 60-second counters. Given all its functions, it is no surprise that this watch is driven by a well-crafted automatic movement and has an impressive 100-meter water resistance rating.  If you are on the lookout for a high-quality bronze watch, this $5600 USD Bell & Ross Vintage model should definitely be on your radar. 9. Bell & Ross Bellytanker Ref. BRV294-BC-BR/SCA The Bell & Ross Bellytanker Ref. BRV294-BC-BR/SCA, on the other hand, is a limited-edition model designed for all the serious racers out there. This model comes with a stylish and handsome exterior that looks like it came straight out of a James Bond film. It also flaunts excellent functionality and robustness, making it even more appealing to collectors and professionals.  This Bell & Ross watch is housed in a 41mm bronze case, along with a black tachymeter bezel and a supple calfskin leather strap in black. The black dial shows off a sleek, sporty display with luminous stick hands and gold-tone hour indices, a small date window between 4 and 5 o’clock, and two sub-dials with bright champagne finishes for the 30-minutes and 60-secound chronographs. This watch runs on an automatic BR-CAL.301 caliber, which guarantees a 42-hour power supply.  For around $5,600 USD, you can experience this masterful Bell & Ross chronograph firsthand!  10. IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Ref. IW501005 Tenth on our list of bronze watches is the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Ref. IW501005. Even with its rather large size, this model is nothing short of sophisticated and classy. It has a versatile appeal, pairing well with both casual and formal styles. This IWC watch utilizes a sizeable 46.2mm bronze case and a rich brown calfskin leather strap. This softer exterior is contrasted against a matte black dial, which is decorated with Arabic numeral hour markers, stylish blued steel hands, a date complication, and an unusual seven-day power reserve display. Underneath this sophisticated watch face, you can find a well-crafted 52110 Caliber. This automatic movement has a whopping 160-hour power reserve. In addition, it is also protected by a soft-iron inner case that possesses anti-magnetic properties. This IWC Pilot watch retails at around $10,500 USD. 11. Omega Seamaster Ref. 234.92.41.21.10.001 Next, we have another luxury bronze watch in the form of the Omega Seamaster Ref. 234.92.41.21.10.001. This is an especially popular model among enthusiasts and collectors because it uses a unique, patented bronze gold material developed by the brand itself. This Omega Seamaster watch is encased in a 41mm case and elapsed time scale bezel made out of luxurious 9K bronze gold, coupled with a dark brown leather strap. As a dive watch, the dial of this timepiece follows an uncomplicated layout, comprising luminous triangular hour markers, muted orange Arabic numeral markers, and pronounced arrow hands. Driving this watch is an OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 8912, which promises an exceptional accuracy rate of +/-5 seconds per day. This classy Omega timepiece has an estimated price tag of $11,600 USD. 12. Zenith Pilot Type 20 Ref. 29.2430.4069/63.1001 The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Ref. 29.2430.4069/63.1001 serves as the perfect rugged and casual accessory. It is the ideal bronze watch for everyday use because it is both multi-functional and highly durable. On top of that, it flaunts a very laidback aesthetic that would go well with any daily wear.  This Zenith Pilot watch uses a 45mm bronze case, along with a khaki green calfskin leather strap. The luminescent dial, which comes in the same muted color as the strap, contains bold Arabic numeral markers in a stylized typeface, retro-style hands, and two sub-dials for the 60-second and 30-minute chronographs. Underneath this fashionable watch face is a Zenith Caliber 4069. This is an automatic movement with a solid 50-hour power reserve. Priced at $7,700 USD, this Zenith piece makes for a great luxury bronze watch option. 13. Oris Big Crown Ref. 01 754 7741 3166-07 8 20 01 Next up, we have the Oris Big Crown Ref. 01 754 7741 3166-07 8 20 01. Unlike most of the other bronze watches on this list, this Oris Big Crown watch shows off a lovely, monochromatic all-bronze exterior that is sure to catch the eyes of bronze watch fans. This Oris watch is presented in a 40mm bronze case and matching bracelet that exude old money vibes through and through. Its dark brown dial is furnished with luminous Arabic numeral markers, vintage-looking Squelette hands, a 31-day scale on its outer rim, and an additional red-tipped hand for the date indicator. While this dial is quite simple, its unique date display makes this watch even more appealing. This watch runs on the Oris 754 Caliber. Based on the SW200-1 Caliber, this self-winding movement has a 38-hour power supply and beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). This elegant bronze watch is available for just $2,600 USD. 14. Longines Legend Diver Ref. L3.774.1.50.2 The Longines Legend Diver Ref. L3.774.1.50.2 is one of the best-selling bronze watches offered by Longines. As a modern interpretation of one of Longines’ iconic divers from the 1960s, this watch hails from the brand’s nostalgic Heritage collection. It is an undeniably handsome timekeeper that is bound to captivate people.  This Longines watch is housed in a 42mm bronze case, paired with a dark brown leather strap. Its deep green dial stands out nicely against the bronze case and is adorned with luminous arrow hands and stick indices, along with painted Arabic numerals. Performance-wise, this watch is powered by a self-winding mechanical calibre with an extended 72-hour power supply. Retailing for around $3,000 USD, you simply cannot go wrong with this suave bronze watch.  15. Tudor Heritage Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79250BA-0001 Here, we have another model from Tudor — the Tudor Heritage Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79250BA-0001. This bronze watch gives off a very different vibe compared to the previous Tudor piece mentioned. While it still shows off vintage elements, this watch also has a more casual aesthetic that is perfect for everyday wear. This Tudor Heritage Black Bay watch comes in a 43mm bronze case, alongside a textured black leather strap and a rotating bezel with a ceramic elapsed time scale insert in black. Complementing the strap and bezel is a matte black dial, decorated with oversized geometric hour indices, Arabic numeral markers, and large snowflake hands, all of which are coated in lume. Inside this watch, you can find a Tudor MT5601 Caliber, which is an automatic movement with a substantial 70-hour power supply. It also possesses a 200-meter depth rating, making it a great choice for any of your diving adventures. This bronze watch from Tudor is priced at around $4,250 USD. 16. Hamilton Khaki Field Ref. H69459530 The Hamilton Khaki Field Ref. H69459530 is a military-inspired field watch for bronze watch enthusiasts who love going on outdoor adventures. This watch’s main selling point is its simple, straightforward functionality. What you see is what you get with this sturdy, robust timepiece. This Hamilton watch is encased in a 38mm bronze case, paired with a brown leather strap and a fixed bronze bezel that protects the watch face from any scratches and impacts. The dial, on the other hand, shows off a simple jet-black finish. It follows a very straightforward layout, consisting of white Arabic numeral markers in a neat typeface, luminous triangle hour indices, lume-filled syringe hands, and a 24-hour display. This Hamilton Khaki Field watch runs on a manual-winding H-10 Caliber, which has an outstanding 80-hour power supply. The best part is you can get this affordable bronze watch for just $825 USD. 17. Tag Heuer Autavia Ref. WBE5191.FC8276  The Tag Heuer Autavia Ref. WBE5191.FC8276 serves as another vintage-inspired model that comes with modern-day specifications. Its design was based on retro pilot watches which explains its warm colors and old-school style.   This Tag Heuer watch utilizes a 42mm bronze case, a rotating dark brown ceramic bezel, and a matching brown leather strap. The chocolate dial shows off a luminous display that allows for optimal readability. It contains bolded Arabic numeral markers, a date aperture at 6 o’clock, and large bronze sword hands. Beneath this watch face is a COSC-certified Tag Heuer Caliber 5. This robust automatic movement can last for 38 hours when fully wound. This Tag Heuer Autavia watch sells at around $3,850 USD. 18. Bremont Automatic Ref. BROADSWORD-BZ-SL-R-S The Bremont Automatic Ref. BROADSWORD-BZ-SL-R-S is probably one of the most unique-looking timepieces on this list. Its color palette is made up of contrasting bronze and grey hues that come together to create an unusual, visually appealing timepiece. This Bremont watch comes in a 40mm bronze case and a dark grey leather strap. Its soft bronze case stands out against the light grey dial, which is adorned with Arabic numeral markers in white, luminous sword hands, a date complication at 3 o’clock, and a small seconds sub-dial. Underneath this striking watch face is a modified Caliber 11 1/2″ BE-95-2AV. This automatic movement possesses a decent 38-hour power supply. If you want a more unconventional bronze watch, this Bremont model retails at just $2,880 USD.  19. Ball Engineer III Ref. NM2186C-L3J-BK The Ball Engineer III Ref. NM2186C-L3J-BK, on the other hand, is a more quintessential bronze watch option. Like many bronze watches on this list, it has vintage-inspired elements that give it a refined, elegant vibe.  This Ball Engineer III watch uses a 43mm bronze case coupled with a genuine leather strap in brown. This brown-bronze exterior contrasts sharply against the matte black dial, which is furnished with broad sword-shaped hands, a day-date display, and large Arabic numeral markers that are fitted with luminous tritium gas tubes. At the rim of the dial, you can also find green hour indices, which add a touch of playful color to this otherwise monochrome watch face. This watch runs on an automatic Caliber BALL RR1102-SL. Aside from having a decent water resistance rating of up to 100 meters, this movement also has a 38-hour power supply. If you are into rugged and casual bronze watches, you can get this Ball piece for around $2,700 USD. 20. Panerai Submersible Bronzo Ref. PAM00968 Finally, we have the Panerai Submersible Bronzo Ref. PAM00968 — a chunky bronze watch perfect for those who love larger timepieces. Despite the ruggedness that comes with its size, this watch still manages to achieve an air of robust elegance. This Panerai Submersible watch comes in a 47mm square-shaped bronze case. This is paired with a supple calfskin leather strap in brown and a bronze bezel bearing a dark brown elapsed time scale insert. The matching chocolate brown dial has a simple display that consists of luminous dot and rectangle hour indices, broad skeletal sword hands filled with lume, a compact date complication at 3 o’clock, and a small seconds counter. An automatic P.9010 Caliber powers all of the aforementioned functions. This movement also offers a 72-hour power supply and an excellent 300-meter water resistance rating. If you are a fan of oversized bronze watches, this $18,650 USD Panerai model will prove to be worth every penny.   Final Thoughts  Ultimately, bronze watches are for those who really love vintage-inspired pieces that will age well over time. Each and every model in this list can develop a gorgeous patina, making them the perfect heirloom gifts you can pass on to your future bloodline. Discerning eyes will note that this also means bronze watches have the potential to be valuable investments decades from now.  Photo Credits: WatchShopping and Official Watch Brand Sites Hooked on watch lists? Check out this article on the Top 10 Rolex Movements!

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  4. Seiko Monster: A Guide To The Brand’s Most Robust Diver

    Seiko Monster: A Guide To The Brand’s Most Robust Diver

    Seiko is home to many excellent divers that are well-loved by both watch enthusiasts and diving professionals. One of their most renowned diver watches is the Seiko Monster — an exceptionally reliable, powerfully-built model that has caught the eye of many. In fact, the Seiko Monster has made such an impact that numerous variations of this timepiece have been released since it first came out. Without further ado, let us find out more about this robust icon, including its history, features, and why it is so highly regarded in the watch community. History of the Seiko Monster First released in the 2000s, the Seiko Monster was officially referred to by the brand as the Seiko SKX779. It belonged under the Seiko 5 Sports line, which means that it had all the features this collection was known for, such as impressive water resistance capacities, excellent automatic calibers, and more. When it was first launched, the Seiko Monster was actually strongly associated with the iconic Seiko Tuna, as both watches came with very robust and bold exteriors. However, as time passed, the Seiko Monster itself started gaining traction, resulting in its own loyal following. Thanks to this popularity, today, there are numerous variants of the Seiko Monster that can be found across the brand’s many collections. Why Is It Called the Seiko Monster?  Honestly, if have seen the Seiko Monster in person, then it is quite clear why it has been nicknamed as such. The Seiko SKX779 has an incredibly thick and bulky frame, combined with a chunky bezel that makes it look bigger than it actually is. On top of that, the Seiko Monster also has quite a distinctive watch face, with hour markers that somewhat resemble the thick teeth of a supernatural monster. Putting all these details together, the Seiko Monster’s nickname should make a lot more sense now. A Closer Look at Seiko Monster Since the original Seiko Monster was first launched a little over 2 decades ago, the brand has released a number of different versions of this watch, each with its own upgrades. In fact, long-time fans of the Seiko Monster have seen this timepiece evolve from a practical, robust watch to something a little more sophisticated. Later, we will be taking a look at some of the different variants of the Seiko Monster that have been released over the years. For now, let us delve a little deeper into the original Seiko Monster SKX779. Case and Bracelet The Seiko Monster SKX779 is housed in a 42mm stainless steel case with a stocky concave bezel. The thick case and bezel contribute a lot to the chunky look of this entire watch. The concave sides of the bezel give you a place for you to place your fingers, so you can easily grip and turn this bezel, even when wearing a diving suit. It also measures 48mm lug-to-lug and has a standard lug width of 20mm, so you can easily pair this watch with different kinds of aftermarket straps. Typically, however, the Seiko Monster is coupled with a stainless steel bracelet with large links, further enhancing the watch’s sporty, robust style. On the underside of the Seiko Monster SKX779, you can find a solid stainless steel caseback that is securely screwed in. This caseback bears the engraving of the ocean logo commonly found on Seiko’s diving watches. There is also a large crown located on the right side of the case, at 4 o’clock. Instead of having it at the standard 3 o’clock position, having the crown at 4 o’clock places it at an angle, preventing it from digging too deeply into the skin of your wrist, making it easier to tote this watch around. It is also tightly screwed-in, preventing any moisture or dust from leaking into the timepiece and damaging its inner mechanisms. Dial At first glance, the dial of the SKX779 seems like any other sports watch out there, with oversized components that are generously coated in lume so that they will glow in the dark. However, when you look at the Seiko Monster’s face long enough, you will notice the small details that really make it unique. As mentioned earlier, a lot of people associate its large, luminous hour markers with werewolf teeth, hence its “Monster” nickname. In particular, the 12 o’clock marker, with its bulky rounded triangular shape, looks like a massive, sharpened fang. As many in the watch community have agreed, this is arguably one of the coolest elements of the Seiko Monster.  Aside from that, this watch face also comprises luminous arrow-headed hands, double-digit Arabic numerals for the minute scale, and a day-date aperture, with the text of the day display standing out in a deep red hue. All of these features were mindfully chosen to exhibit utmost functionality and practicality, regardless of the environment.  Movement The Seiko Monster is powered by an in-house automatic movement, the Seiko 7S26 caliber. Held together by 21 jewels, this movement has a beat frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and a substantial 41-hour power reserve. As a diving watch, this timepiece also comes with an excellent water resistance rating of 200 meters, so it can easily accompany you on all your watersports adventures. Price Range  The original Seiko Monster SKX779 is actually no longer being produced and can no longer be found in retail stores. Fortunately, you can still find it in certain second-hand markets. The resale value of the Seiko Monster SKX779 falls between $250 USD to $350 USD, which is quite reasonable considering its sturdy durability and memorable aesthetics. 5 Best Seiko Monster Models  Moving on, let us take a look five variations of the Seiko Monster that you should definitely check out. 1. Seiko Orange Monster SRP483 First off, we have the Seiko Orange Monster SRP483. This is actually a remake inspired by an early-generation Seiko Monster from 2001 called the Seiko SKX781. The Seiko Orange Monster SRP483 belongs to the 5 Sports line, which speaks to its durability and reliability. On top of that, its quirky, vibrant watch face is sure to draw the eyes of many. The Seiko Orange Monster is presented in a 44mm stainless steel case and matching bracelet, with a heavyset bezel made of the same material. On the bezel, you can find indicators in black and bright orange for the elapsed time scale. These orange indicators complement the watch’s orange dial, which comprises large arrow hands, thick hour markers, and a day-date window at 3 o’clock. These hands and hour indices are all filled with luminous pigment for optimal legibility. On the underside of this watch, you can find a transparent caseback. This gives you an up-close and personal view of the Seiko Caliber 4R36 which drives the watch. This movement, which is held together by 24 jewels, has a solid power supply of 41 hours. Another striking difference between the Seiko Monster SKX779 and the Seiko Orange Monster is that this watch has its crown placed at the standard 3 o’clock position. Instead of grooves, the sides of this crown have a more studded texture. In addition, it comes with protruding crown guards that keep the crown safe from any impacts. If you want something loud and sporty, you can get this Seiko Orange Monster for around $300 USD. 2. Seiko Prospex Monster SRPD25K1 The Seiko Prospex Monster SRPD25K1, on the other hand, is more of a sophisticated yet equally bold timepiece. As part of the brand’s Prospex collection, this watch was created to withstand the harshest environments possible. This is a classy and versatile diver’s watch that can be used both on land and underwater. This Seiko Monster piece utilizes a 42mm stainless steel case and bracelet, with an oversized stainless steel bracelet. Attached on top of this bracelet is a ceramic elapsed time scale insert in dark grey, with pronounced and highly legible white markers. The dial comes in a lovely blue sunray finish and is adorned with large luminous hands and hour markers, along with a magnified day-date window at 3 o’clock. Driving this watch is an in-house automatic 4R36 Caliber, with a 41-hour power reserve and a 200-meter depth rating. To make things even sweeter, this classy Seiko Monster watch has a very reasonable price tag of $480 USD. 3. Seiko Prospex Monster SRPD27 This next entry is probably the most rugged Seiko Monster watch on this list. The Seiko Prospex Monster SRPD27 boasts a dark, masculine design that goes incredibly well with its chunky build, making it look modern and stylish. This watch also proves the diversity that comes with Seiko Monster line, as it has quite a different vibe compared to the other Seiko Monster pieces.  The SRPD27 is housed in a 42mm stainless steel case, with a rotating elapsed time scale bezel and a ridged silicone strap that both come in black. This is complemented by a sunray black dial, which comprises arrow hands, broad hour markers, and a magnified day-date display. Like the original Seiko Monster SKX779, this watch has a sizeable crown placed at 4 o’clock. It is also equipped with an automatic 4R36 Caliber, giving this watch a 200-meter water resistance capacity. This Seiko Monster piece retails at $357 USD. 4. Seiko Snow Monster SRP481K1 The Seiko Snow Monster SRP481K1 is a personal favorite of many because of its evocative nickname and its pretty design. One glance at the watch face and you will instantly understand where it got its nickname from. With its combination of snowy white and sky blue hues, simply looking at this watch will evoke a memory of chilly winter afternoons. The Seiko Snow Monster uses a 44mm stainless steel case with a matching stainless steel bracelet and unidirectional bezel. This stout bezel bears pronounced black and blue indicators for its elapsed time scale. The watch’s all-silver exterior also blends well with the snow-white dial. This dial is decorated with luminous arrow hands, along with a bright blue seconds hand, thick hour markers outlined in blue, and a day-date aperture with the date text also in light blue. On the rim of the watch, you can also find a blue chapter ring marked with white indicators for the minute track. Like the other Seiko Monster watches, this timepiece has a see-through sapphire crystal caseback. Through this movement, you can admire the watch’s automatic Seiko 4R36 Caliber at work. For those who want something that is subdued yet sophisticated, the Seiko Snow Monster sells at just $170 USD, making this the most affordable Seiko Monster piece on this list. 5. Seiko Baby Monster SNZF47 Last but not the least, we have the Seiko Baby Monster SNZF47. This watch comes with a slightly slimmer, rounder exterior, which is why fans have dubbed this a ‘younger’ version of the Seiko Monster. This smaller build, along with its affordable price, has led to his watch being referred to as a ‘Baby’ Seiko Monster. The Seiko Baby Monster is presented in a 42mm stainless steel case and bracelet with a unidirectional bezel. The bold black and red indicators both serve as the bezel’s elapsed time scale while also enhancing the sportiness of this entire watch. The watch’s sleek, all-silver exterior is sharply contrasted against a rugged jet-black dial. This dial is furnished with oversized white arrow hands, broad luminous hour indices, a red seconds hand, and a compact day-date complication at 3 o’clock. Compared to its sibling models, the dial components of the Seiko Baby Monster are more closely clustered together, making the dial look smaller and busier. Finally, this watch runs on the automatic Caliber 7S36, which has a 41-hour power supply and a 100-meter depth rating. If you enjoy this sporty, masculine Seiko Monster piece, you can get your hands on it for just $220 USD. Who should get the Seiko Monster?  Now that we know more about the Seiko Monster, let us consider those who should definitely keep this watch on their radar.  Bold Personalities. Since it was first launched, the Seiko Monster has always been viewed as an acquired taste. It boasts a very unique, almost aggressive exterior that may not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, that very design makes it a perfect option for those who have strong and daring personalities. It is a cool and reliable companion for people who are not afraid to take risks when it comes to styling their time-telling accessories. Outdoor Enthusiasts. Since people tend to focus on the aesthetics of the Seiko Monster, they often forget that it comes with impressive functions and features as well. The original model and its descendants were all designed to be dependable watches that can be maximized both indoors and outside. This makes the Seiko Monster a great timekeeper and tool watch for outdoor enthusiasts and those with active lifestyles. Seiko Patrons. Given the numerous iconic watches that Seiko has to offer, it can be quite difficult for patrons to figure out which models are truly worth buying. That said, the Seiko Monster remains a must-have for enthusiasts of the brand because of its unparalleled boldness. Even though it is often associated with the Seiko Tuna, this watch stands out on its own and is a definite eye-catcher. Robust Watch Collectors. One of the words most frequently used to describe the Seiko Monster is ‘robust’, thanks to its tough and thick exterior. While this might be an acquired taste for many, there are definitely people out there who prefer robust timepieces both in terms of technical and physical specifications. The Seiko Monster serves as a perfect representation of this, which is why it is recommended for those who enjoy collecting powerful watches.  Alternatives to the Seiko Monster For those who want something with a similar vibe to the Seiko Monster, below are some alternative models you can find in the market right now.  1.TAG Heuer Formula 1 Ref. WAZ101A.FC8305 The first alternative watch is the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Ref. WAZ101A.FC8305 which is reminiscent of the iconic Seiko Orange Monster SKX781. While it is not quite as large as the Seiko Monster, it definitely exudes the same bold and sporty vibe. One thing to note, however, is that this TAG Heuer watch is a racing-inspired model rather than a diving piece. This TAG Heuer Formula 1 timepiece comes in a 43mm stainless steel case paired with a lovely fabric strap and a rotating bezel in black. It possesses a textured dial, which showcases a striking orange hue and is adorned with slim luminous hour indices and long black dauphine hands. You can also find a compact date window outlined in black at 3 o’clock. This watch is driven by a well-crafted quartz movement. If you want an equally energetic alternative to the Seiko Monster, this TAG Heuer Formula 1 watch retails at only $1,450 USD.  2. Bell & Ross Instruments BR 03-92 Ref. BR0392-D-BL-ST/SRB The Bell & Ross Instruments BR 03-92 Ref. BR0392-D-BL-ST/SRB, on the other hand, does not really look like any of the Seiko Monster models. However, its chunky and oversized exterior is what makes it a great alternative to the Seiko. It also boasts extreme durability and reliability, which are qualities found in the Seiko Monster watches as well.  This Bell & Ross Instruments piece is housed in a 42mm, square-shaped case coupled with a black rubber strap and a rotating bezel. The black dial follows a straightforward analogue layout with luminescent blunt hands, round geometric hour markers, and a small date window between 4 and 5 o’clock. Underneath this rugged exterior, you will find an impressive, automatic BR-CAL.302 caliber that boasts a 38-hour power reserve and an incredible water resistance rating of up to 300 meters.  If you are a fan of robust and large timepieces, you are likely to enjoy this $3,700 USD Bell & Ross model as well.  3. Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Ref. DM3002A-PC-BK Now, we have the Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Ref. DM3002A-PC-BK which is the closest alternative to the Seiko Monster in terms of looks. This is mainly because of its distinctively large round bezel that is an attention-grabber right off the bat. This is a great alternative for those who want a more luxurious and professional timepiece.  This Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon watch comes in a 42mm lightweight titanium case paired with a black rubber strap and a rotating bezel. The simple black dial consists of luminescent indices and thick skeletal hour markers, all of which are fitted with tritium gas tubes that will light up the watch face in the dark. There is also a modest date window at 3 o’clock. Inside this watch is an automatic Ball RR1101-C caliber, which is held together by 21 jewels and has a 42-hour power supply. At $3,249 USD, this Ball watch is a pricey yet reputable alternative to the Seiko Monster.  Final Thoughts The Seiko Monster is one of the most iconic watches from the well-established Japanese brand Seiko. Its playful and inventive nickname is a tribute to the watch’s extremely memorable, standout design. Most, if not all, of the watches in the Seiko Monster series boast bold and distinctive designs that continue to resonate with people even today. Indeed, this selection of timepieces is proof enough that not all ‘monsters’ are bad.  Photo Credits: Seiko Website, Amazon, and WatchShopping Site If you’re on the hunt for a rugged outdoor watch, check out our article on the Polar Grit X. 

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  5. 15 Best Titanium Watches Worth Every Penny

    15 Best Titanium Watches Worth Every Penny

    The best of us sometimes forget that the watchmaking world offers more than just traditional steel or gold timepieces. Indeed, one particular type of watch that has become increasingly popular in the industry recently is titanium watches. Titanium is a surprisingly great choice for watches. It is said that models made from this alloy are easily on par with those crafted from stainless steel or gold because of titanium’s versatility and durability. Without further ado, let us take a look at all the advantages titanium watches offer and some of the best titanium watches on the market that are worth your time. Why Should You Consider Titanium Watches?  1. Lightweight. One of the best things about titanium watches is that they are much lighter compared to watches made from materials such as stainless steel, gold, silver, and the like. This is all thanks to titanium’s lightweight composition, so watchmakers can easily use this material to craft large watches that are still very light and easy to carry. This is an appealing characteristic for those who enjoy wearing big timepieces but are burdened by how heavy they can be. Sometimes, the weight of a hefty stainless steel or gold watch can feel uncomfortable, especially after you have been wearing it all day. This is not really ideal for anyone. Going for lightweight titanium watches, on the other hand, guarantees a certain level of comfort and ergonomic properties. In addition, for all the practical enthusiasts who like to wear the same watch all day long, you get to make the most out of titanium watches. 2. Unique Aesthetic. Another characteristic that makes titanium watches worth considering is that a lot of titanium models boast unique aesthetics. Since most of us are used to how steel and gold timepieces look, titanium models serve as a breath of fresh air with their modern and adaptable style. This type of metal typically comes in a silver tone, with a bright gleam that plays against light well. It has a cool, lustrous look that can pair well with any kind of ensemble. In fact, the list of titanium watches we will be providing later in this article will be a mix of all sorts of different watches, from classic to sporty and more. 3. Non-Allergenic. Unlike many other metals out there, titanium is known to be a hypoallergenic material. This means that people with allergies and sensitive skin are less likely to be negatively affected by timepieces made of titanium. The reason behind this is that, unlike steel, silver, and the like, titanium does not contain any nickel or copper. These are metals known to cause allergic reactions like rashes or itching in those with sensitive skin. This is also why titanium watches make for great outdoor models since you do not have to worry about the sweat irritating your skin, especially around the wrist. 4. Extremely Durable. After reading about the lightweight properties of titanium watches, you might think that this means it is lacking in the durability department. However, this could not be further from the truth. Titanium is just as strong and heavy-duty as stainless steel, an alloy that is highly regarded for its robustness. In fact, depending on the grade of titanium used, it can easily be tougher and more resistant to scratching and bending than other common metals used in watchmaking. In addition, there is more to titanium than just its hardwearing structure. One trait that adds to the durability of titanium watches is the metal’s anti-magnetic properties. Since magnetic fields can cause damage to a timepiece’s inner mechanisms, the anti-magnetic properties of titanium watches ensure that their movements and other inner components will all function smoothly. Titanium watches also come with corrosion-resistant properties, so they are not susceptible to rust formation. This makes titanium watches the ideal heirlooms since they can be passed down from one generation to the next and still be in great form. 5. Highly Versatile. Lastly, titanium is simply an all-around, versatile metal that is perfect for modern-day watchmaking. While titanium has often been used in professional fields like the aviation and medical industries, advancements in watchmaking technology mean that there are just so many more options now. Whether it is used to craft tool watches like pilot and diver timepieces, or just casual and laidback models, watchmakers have a lot more room to play with when it comes to titanium. Titanium also serves as a more sustainable option, since it is much easier to recycle compared to steel and other precious metals. 15 Best Titanium Watches 1. Seiko Astron 8X Series Ref. SBXB085 Let us start off this list of best titanium watches with the Seiko Astron 8X Series Ref. SBXB085, a gorgeous piece that boasts very modern aesthetics. As a solar-powered model equipped with an impressive GPS, this watch belongs to the brand’s innovative Astron collection. It is sophisticated and highly developed in terms of both design and functionality. This Seiko watch comes in a 45mm titanium case and a three-link bracelet made of the same material. Fixed on top of the case is a scratch-resistant ceramic bezel that has different city codes printed on it, allowing wearers to keep track of multiple time zones. The dial, on the other hand, has an analog display decorated with applied silver indices, luminous sword-shaped hands, a compact date window, a world time scale, and an arced power reserve indicator. Powering this state-of-the-art watch is an 8X22 solar quartz movement, which allows wearers to charge this watch using any light source. If you want an innovative, sporty-looking titanium watch, the Seiko Astron 8X Series Ref. SBXB085 goes for just $1,549 USD. 2. Hublot Classic Fusion Ref. 542.NX.1171.RX Next up, we have the Hublot Classic Fusion Ref. 542.NX.1171.RX, which has a completely different vibe compared to the first model. Rather than the Seiko Astron’s sportier look, this titanium watch has a more quintessential and classy design. Its versatile exterior makes it perfect for both casual days and formal affairs. This Hublot Classic Fusion watch is housed in a 42mm titanium case paired with a rubber strap in black. The dial, which matches the color of the band, has a very straightforward layout with only rectangular hour indices, rhodium-plated sword hands, and a small date window at 3 o’clock. This watch is driven by an automatic HUB1110 caliber with a 42-hour power reserve. If you prefer luxury titanium watches for everyday use, you should definitely consider getting this $7,300 USD Hublot model. 3. Maurice Lacroix Aikon Ref. AI6038-TT032-330-1 The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Ref. AI6038-TT032-330-1 is the perfect combination of a classic design and impressive utility. Its silver-tone exterior is matched with a striking watch face with shades of dark grey and blue, giving it a sophisticated yet sporty look. This model is perfect for both bold and casual adventurers out there. One interesting thing about this Maurice Lacroix Aikon watch is that it comes in a blend of metals, with a 44mm stainless steel case and a lovely five-link titanium bracelet. The mix of titanium and stainless steel used ensures that this watch will not feel too hefty against your wrist. The dark grey dial shows off a clean pattern of embossed squares and is decorated with luminous hour indices, slim sword hands, and a day-date window outlined in silver. The dial also has a chronograph display, with three sub-dials in deep blue hues, contrasting boldly against the grey backdrop. This watch runs on an automatic ML112 caliber. If you want something that manages to be both subtle and daring, this titanium Maurice Lacroix watch retails at around $4,300 USD. 4. Panerai Submersible Ref. PAM01162  The Panerai Submersible Ref. PAM01162 is one of the most distinctive and powerful-looking titanium watches on this list. It has a very rugged and robust build, which makes sense given that it belongs to the brand’s renowned diving collection. This is a great option for those who like unique, eye-catching timepieces.  This Panerai Submersible watch is encased in a 47mm cushion-shaped case made from titanium, with a rubber strap in blue. On the right side of the case, you can find Panerai’s signature semi-circle crown guard, with an oversized crown in bright blue, matching the watch’s strap. The dial itself shows off a black background with a very subtle striped blue pattern. It is adorned with sword-shaped hands, circular hour markers, a date window at 3 o’clock, and a small seconds counter with a blue hand. It runs on a self-winding P.4001/S caliber, which beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. If you are a fan of tough-looking, oversized accessories, then do not miss out on this $13,849 USD Panerai watch. 5. Garmin MARQ Ref. 010-02006-01 The Garmin MARQ Ref. 010-02006-01 serves as a modern and technologically advanced take on titanium watches. Just with a single glance, you will immediately notice its cool and stylish digital face. The versatility that comes with this model is the very reason why Garmin chose to use titanium for its more dynamic watches, like this one. This Garmin MARQ piece is presented in a 46mm titanium case and bracelet, along with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal as the watch screen. The dial boasts a memory-in-pixel display with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels. As a high-tech digital watch, the multitude of functions that this timepiece comes with is only to be expected. Some of these features include time, date, GPS, alarm, timer, health monitoring, environmental sensors, and many more. These are all made possible through a rechargeable battery, which has a life of up to 12 days in smartwatch mode. If you want a more contemporary, digital titanium alternative, you can get the Garmin MARQ Ref. 010-02006-01 for around $2,400 USD. 6. Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ref. 103137  Next up, we have the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ref. 103137. This is probably one of the models that come to mind first for those who are already familiar with titanium watches. It boasts the same sophisticated and distinctive design that is often attributed to pieces in the Octo collection. On top of that, this model is known to be quite ergonomic, thanks to its lightweight titanium properties. There really is no wonder why it is a crowd favorite.  This Bulgari watch is housed in a 40mm titanium case paired with a bracelet of the same material, giving it a mostly monochromatic grey hue. The dial follows a very simple layout, consisting of slim hour indices, luminous dauphine hands, large Arabic numerals for the 6 and 12 o’clock markers, and a small seconds counter, all of which are plated in rose gold. On the underside of the watch, you can find a transparent caseback. This gives you a close-up view of the watch’s automatic BVL 138 movement, which has a 60-hour power reserve. Given all its impressive specs, it is no surprise why this iconic timepiece has a more exorbitant price tag of $11,920 USD. 7. OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean Ref. 232.90.38.20.03.001 The OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean Ref. 232.90.38.20.03.001 is another fairly popular model among collectors and enthusiasts. At first glance, you might not even be able to tell that it is a titanium watch since it looks exactly like most steel timepieces out there. It is the ideal option for those who enjoy the aesthetic of steel timepieces but would much prefer the lightness of titanium watches.  This OMEGA Seamaster model showcases a full titanium exterior, with a slim 37.5mm case and a three-link bracelet. The dial and elapsed time scale bezel come in matching deep blue hues, enhancing the watch’s overall sporty vibe. The dial is also furnished with thick hour indices, Arabic numeral markers, bold arrowhead hands, and a small date aperture at 3 o’clock. Though this watch might look simple, it comes with many additional features such as a chronometer, a helium escape valve, and a screw-in crown which give the watch an incredible depth rating of 600m. This watch runs on an OMEGA Co-axial Caliber 8520 with an impressive 50-hour power reserve. Priced at around $8,500 USD, this titanium OMEGA watch is definitely one you should not miss out on. 8. Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Ref. DM3002A-PC-WH The next watch on this list is the Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Ref. DM3002A-PC-WH. This is an exceptionally robust and tough-looking timepiece, which is only to be expected of a watch from the Ball Watch Company. In order to balance out its bold exterior, Ball used titanium, with its lightweight properties, to craft this watch. This Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon piece comes in a 42mm titanium case, with a rubber strap in black that adds a more athletic feel to the whole model. Fitted on top of the case is a large rotating bezel, with bold white indicators for the elapsed time scale. This thick bezel also has gear-like edges to provide wearers with a better grip, so they can turn it more easily. The sector dial possesses a clean white hue and contains luminous hour indices, large Arabic numeral markers for the 6 and 12 o’clock positions, thick sword-shaped hands, and a small date window at 3 o’clock. This watch is powered by a self-winding Ball RR1101-C caliber with a 42-hour power reserve.  This $3,600 USD timepiece is one of the sturdiest titanium watches you can add to your collection. 9. Tudor Heritage Advisor Ref. 79620T The Tudor Heritage Advisor Ref. 79620T pairs a quintessential watch build with an unusual and busy dial design. Since it is a titanium watch, the color of its case is a lot lighter than typical steel watches, which is what makes it so striking at first glance.  This Tudor Heritage Advisor watch comes in a 42mm titanium case and a classic leather strap in black. The white sector dial consists of luminous hour markers, Arabic numerals, silver dauphine hands, an on/off indicator for the alarm, and a unique, circular power reserve display in white and red colors. At 6 o’clock, you can find a lovely, vintage-looking date counter in the shape of a sub-dial, with the indicator for 31 marked in bright red. The hints of red scattered across the watch add a bit of personality to this otherwise monochrome watch face. All of its functions are driven by a self-winding Caliber 2892 with a 42-hour power reserve.  This Tudor watch retails at approximately $5,850 USD. 10. Oris Aquis Ref. 01 733 7730 7153-07 4 24 64TEB The Oris Aquis Ref. 01 733 7730 7153-07 4 24 64TEB is another classic, sporty model that somewhat resembles the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean that was previously mentioned. It has a cool and snazzy exterior that would look amazing with either casual wear or smart attires.  This Oris Aquis piece comes in a 43.5mm titanium case, with a gleaming black elapsed time scale bezel made of ceramic and a rubber strap with the brand’s name embossed on it. The dial boasts an exquisite sunray grey finish and is furnished with luminous sword hands and hour markers, and a date window at 6 o’clock. Underneath this lovely watch face, you can find an automatic Oris 733 Caliber with 26 jewels and a 38-hour power reserve.  Retailing for around $2,200 USD, this Oris piece is ideal for those who want a more classic, sporty titanium watch. 11. Skagen Titanium Ref. 233XLTTM The Skagen Titanium Ref. 233XLTTM can be described as a minimalist approach to titanium watches. It has a very understated design that makes it the perfect beater watch for everyday use. Like the aforementioned Maurice Lacroix Aikon Ref. AI6038-TT032-330-1, this watch’s overall structure is made from a combination of two different metals.  This Skagen Titanium watch comes in a slender 37mm titanium case and a mesh bracelet made of stainless steel. The sector dial shows off a gunmetal grey sunray finish and is adorned with luminous blunt hands, Arabic numeral markers in a modern typeface, a 24-hour layout, and a circular date window on the inner dial. While this watch boasts a classic, minimalist Scandinavian aesthetics, it is powered by a trusty Japanese Miyota quartz movement. Priced at just $155 USD, this Skagen watch serves as the most affordable option on this list. 12. Franck Muller Vanguard Ref. V45 SC DT TT NR BR ER The next watch on this list is the Franck Muller Vanguard Ref. V45 SC DT TT NR BR ER, which actually does not look like a titanium watch at first glance. It comes in a unique case shape and color that is rather unusual for a titanium timepiece. Regardless, it serves as a distinctive and striking option for those who like bold, avant-garde titanium watches. This Franck Muller Vanguard watch is presented in a 44x53mm tonneau-shaped titanium case with a layer of matte black coating and an alligator leather strap with red stitching. The rather crowded dial comprises large, stylized Arabic numeral markers, short blunt hands, a circular date window at 6 o’clock, and a compass scale on the outer rim of the dial. The hands and numeral markers are all filled with luminous pigment for better readability in the dark. The numerals, in particular, are outlined in red, offering a stylish contrast against the black dial background. Underneath this unique exterior, you can find an automatic FM0800 caliber with a 42-hour power reserve. If you are a fan of daring timepieces, you should definitely consider this $6,140 USD Franck Muller watch. 13. Hamilton Khaki Field Ref. H70575733 Unlike the Franck Muller piece, the Hamilton Khaki Field Ref. H70575733 is perfect for those seeking titanium watches with military-inspired designs. As mentioned earlier, titanium watches make for great outdoor timekeepers because of how lightweight and durable they are. As such, it is not surprising that Hamilton chose to use titanium to craft a model in their renowned military Khaki Field collection. This particular Hamilton watch is encased in a 42mm titanium case, with a lovely fabric strap in black. Its black sector dial boasts three different compartments. The outer-most ring bears the 60-minute scale, while the middle ring contains large luminous hour markers from 1 to 12 o’clock, and the inner dial consists of the luminous syringe hands and Arabic numeral markers that complete the watch’s 24-hour layout. A rectangular date window located at the 3 o’clock position straddles the middle and inner dials. All of these functions run on Hamilton’s in-house H10 automatic caliber, which has a whopping 80-hour power reserve. Priced at $995 USD, this is a classic titanium military watch you should definitely consider.  14. Longines Longines Spirit Ref. L38111532 The Longines Longines Spirit Ref. L38111532 serves as the perfect titanium watch for those who want a vintage-inspired piece from one of the oldest brands in the industry. It offers a very classic yet casual design that is bound to complement any ensemble. This Longines piece comes in a 42mm titanium case and a textile strap in black. The dial follows a very straightforward layout with small triangular hour markers, sword-shaped hands, and Arabic numerals that are filled with luminescent pigment. On the very rim of the dial, you can also find a 60-minute scale in black indicators. Underneath this retro exterior, you will find an automatic L888.4 caliber with an impressive 72-hour power reserve.  Retailing at around $2,600 USD, this is a quintessential timepiece worth adding to your collection. 15. Mido Ocean Star Ref. M026.430.44.061.00 Lastly, we have the Mido Ocean Star Ref. M026.430.44.061.00 which is arguably one of the best titanium watches for diving available. Mido specifically chose to use titanium to craft this dive watch because of its durability and lightweight properties, making it a truly reliable underwater companion. This Mido Ocean Star piece is encased in a 42mm titanium case, with a matching three-link titanium bezel. Fitted on top of the case is a unidirectional rotating grey bezel, with an elapsed time scale marked in vibrant orange indicators. The dial boasts a matching shade of grain-textured grey and comprises the usual time-telling elements, including thick luminous hands, rectangular hour indices, and a day-date window at 3 o’clock. This watch is equipped with a Mido Caliber Powermatic 80, which is based on the ETA C07.621. It has a substantial 80-hour power reserve and a depth rating of 200m. If you want a trusty accessory to accompany you on your deep-sea adventures, this is one of the best and most affordable titanium watches you could go for, with a price tag of $1,049 USD. Final Thoughts Titanium watches, like any other type of watch, definitely have both advantages and disadvantages. However, the main thing is that it is definitely an option worth considering for those who want something new or different. Titanium watches are just as versatile and durable as other watches, with the added bonus of being much lighter than the average timepiece. And with the increasing popularity of titanium watches in the industry, you do not even have to worry about ever running out of options!  Photo Credits: All photos are from the WatchShopping site.  If you’re getting hooked on watch lists, make sure to check out our article on the 15 Best Limited Edition Watches as well!

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  6. ETA 2824-2 Movement: A Comprehensive Guide

    ETA 2824-2 Movement: A Comprehensive Guide

    ETA calibers are some of the most ubiquitous movements in all of the watchmaking industry. They are durable, reliable, and easy to produce, making them ideal for mass production. There are numerous ETA calibers to talk about, but for this article, we will be focusing on the popular ETA 2824-2. Known by the watchmaking community as an absolute workhorse, the ETA 2824-2 is an exceptional caliber that, if regulated correctly, can keep time just as well as the ETA 2892 movement. Join us in learning more about the ETA 2824-2 and what it has to offer. If your interest is piqued, we have also curated a list of some of the best watches that use an ETA 2824-2 movement. ETA 2824-2: What is It? Released in 1982, the ETA 2824-2 is a second-generation Swiss automatic movement based on Eterna’s 1427 Caliber. It has fairly standard dimensions, with a diameter of 25.6mm and a thickness of 4.6mm. This ETA 2824-2 provides a watch with its central hours, minutes, and seconds functions. It also has a date complication that can be located on varying areas of the dial, depending on where the window cutout is. Equipped with an Etachron regulator, the ETA 2824-2 movement has a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). This Swiss caliber also uses a ball-bearing rotor which rotates bidirectionally and produces more energy for its power reserve. As a result, when fully wound, the ETA 2824-2 can stay powered for up to 38 hours. Although this caliber is self-winding, it also possesses manual-winding and hacking seconds capabilities. The movement’s Novodiac or Incabloc anti-shock system, which each consists of 25 jewels, helps keep every component of the ETA 2824-2 in place while also reducing wear and tear. Like most ETA calibers, the ETA 2824-2 comes in different grades: Standard, Elaborated, Top, and Chronometer. The standard variant has adjustments in two positions and uses an anti-magnetic nickel-plated balance wheel, a Nivarox hairspring, and a Novodiac anti-shock system with 25 polyruby jewels. This standard ETA 2824-2 variant has a precision rate of +/- 12 seconds to +/- 30 seconds per day. The elaborated model uses the same components as the standard ETA 2824-2, but is adjusted in three positions and has an improved accuracy rating of +/- 7 seconds to +/- 20 seconds per day.  Moving on, a top-grade ETA 2824-2 movement is adjusted in five positions and uses a Glucydur balance wheel, an Anachron hairspring, and an Incabloc anti-shock device with red rubies for its pallet jewels. These upgrades allow the top grade ETA 2824-2 caliber to produce an accuracy rating of +/- 4 seconds to +/- 15 seconds a day. Finally, chronometer-level variants of the ETA 2824-2 also contain the same components of the top-grade versions. However, they feature precision and reliability that match the criteria of the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).  A manual-winding version of the ETA 2824-2 also exists, known as the ETA 2804-2. This caliber is less thick and features seventeen jewels and a 42-hour power reserve. ETA 2824-2 vs. Clones In 2003, ETA’s rights to the design of the 2824-2 caliber reached their expiration date. As a result, some other watch manufacturers have created their own versions of the caliber. The Sellita SW200, one of the most recognized clones, is considered by many as the main rival movement to the ETA 2824-2. Since Sellita used to work hand-in-hand with ETA in the 1980s, it knows its way around ETA movements. In fact, both the Sellita SW200 and the ETA 2824-2 are quite similar in appearance. This does not mean, however, that the ETA 2824-2 and Sellita SW200 are completely the same. The main differences between these two movements can be seen from the design of their rotors and the number of jewels they each have. While the ETA 2824-2 contains twenty-five jewels, the Sellita SW200 has twenty-six. Operationally, the ETA 2824-2 and Sellita SW200 produce similar accuracy rates, even with their varying grades. Other examples of ETA 2824-2 clone calibers include the Seagull ST21, the Hangzhou 6300, the STP-11, and the Valanvron VAL-24. For the most part, each clone movement produces a comparable performance and precision rate as the ETA 2824-2. 10 Great Watches with the ETA 2824-2 Movement The ETA 2824-2 comes in many forms. If you have been a watch enthusiast for a while now, you will know that many watches use the ETA 2824-2. In fact, there are so many of them that it would be an arduous task to go through each one. So, instead of doing that, we have created a list of the ten best timepieces in the market that use an ETA 2824-2 movement. 1. Tissot T-Classic Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium (T127.407.11.051.00) Image By: Watch Shopping The Tissot T-Classic Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium stands as the ideal everyday watch. With its blend of sporty yet dressy looks, sleek and durable 40mm stainless steel case, and 100m depth rating, this Tissot T-Classic timepiece can accompany you anywhere, whether it is for a casual stroll, a dip in the pool, or a lavish occasion.  On its dial are silver sword hands and triangular hour markers applied with lume, which wonderfully contrasts the darker hue of the round jet-black dial. Next to the 3 o’clock marker is an outlined date window with a black background and white text. At 6 o’clock, the word “Silicium” is engraved on the dial, referring to the silicon balance spring used in the watch’s Powermatic 80 caliber. The Powermatic 80 is based on the ETA 2824-2 and comes with an improved 80-hour power reserve. Those who want to see the Powermatic 80 and its finely engraved rotor can view the movement through the see-through caseback.  You can purchase this Tissot timepiece for approximately $775 USD. 2. Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic Auto (H32515555) Image By: Watch Shopping Sophisticated and elegant are the two words that come to mind when looking at the Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic Auto. Sheltered by layers of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on the front and back of its stainless steel case, wearers can admire the charming looks of this Hamilton watch’s modern silver guilloche dial as well as its reliable ETA 2824-2-based H-10 movement.  Accompanied by an aged brown calf leather strap, the 40mm stainless steel case of the Jazzmaster comes with polished surfaces with brushed lugs and 50m of water resistance. Its sector dial has a smooth outer ring, which holds the silver hour markers and outlined date complication, and is contrasted against the guilloche-style inner dial on which you can find luminous dauphine hands. Like the Tissot Powermatic 80, the H-10 automatic caliber that powers this watch is both based on the ETA 2824-2 movement and possesses a power reserve that can run for up to 80 hours. The Hamilton Jazzmaster costs around $725 USD. 3. Longines Legend Diver Date (L36744500) Image By: Watch Shopping Coming from the Longines Heritage series, the Legend Diver Date is a modern dive watch boasting a rich heritage along with some updated technical features. This Longines timepiece has a case made of polished stainless steel and is water-resistant up to depths of 300m. On the side of its 42mm case, you can find two crowns: one for adjusting the L888 movement and the other for controlling the internal bidirectional rotating dive bezel. The dial of the Legend Diver shows off a black-lacquered, polished surface with painted Arabic numerals and indices in white, and silver hands applied with a generous coating of Super-LumiNova. The L888 movement powering this watch is an ETA 2824-2 caliber that has been modified to produce only 25,500 vibrations per hour. This allows its power reserve to last up to 72 hours. It is protected by a solid steel rear case that is skilfully engraved with the logo of the Legend Diver. The Longines Legend Diver Date fetches a price of $2,300 USD. 4. Tudor 1926 Automatic (91450-0002) Image By: Watch Shopping The Tudor 1926 is a line of watches that pays tribute to Tudor’s early history as a watchmaker. Each piece from this collection carries a timelessness and elegance that sets it apart from other watches. One of the best models in this range that truly captures the essence of the Tudor brand is the 1926 Automatic 91450-0002. The 1926 Automatic comes in a 36mm polished stainless steel case. Its stationary bezel has a polished finish that adds nicely to the watch’s overall sleekness. With a secure screw-down crown on its right side, this timepiece has a water resistance rating of 100m. It is also topped with a layer of sapphire glass, which allows wearers to have a clear view of its embossed black dial. Adorning this dark surface are rhodium-plated hour markers and hands, along with a date complication at 3 o’clock. Below the watch face is an ETA 2824-2-based T601 self-winding caliber, complete with its twenty-five jewels and 38-hour power reserve.  This particular Tudor 1926 model is worth around $2,880 USD. 5. MeisterSinger New Vintage Neo Plus (NE408) Image By: Watch Shopping With a perfect balance of modern looks and a classy aesthetic, the MeisterSinger New Vintage Neo Plus is a minimalistic timepiece that hits all the marks of a Bauhaus-inspired watch. Its thin 40mm stainless steel case is expertly beveled and places the spotlight on the watch’s gorgeous blue dial. The hardened acrylic glass fitted on top of the case protects the watch face from scratches and impacts while also giving it a somewhat vintage aesthetic. The dial of this MeisterSinger New Vintage piece is very minimalist. It bears just the timekeeping essentials, with only double-digit hour markers, slim indices, a singular hour hand, and a circular date complication at 6 o’clock. It is powered by an ETA 2824-2 movement with twenty-five jewels and a water resistance capacity of 30m. This depth rating is not fantastic, but it is good enough for this MeisterSinger watch to survive splashes, rain, and a trip to the shower. The New Vintage Neo Plus retails at $1,370 USD. 6. Tag Heuer Aquaracer (WBD2110.BA0928) Image By: Watch Shopping If you are looking for a luxury diver watch, you cannot go wrong with the Tag Heuer Aquaracer Ref. WBD2110.BA0928. With its fine-brushed and polished stainless steel case, 300m water resistance capacity, and the iconic ETA 2824-2-based Caliber 5, this 41mm Aquaracer piece is a must-have for those who want something sophisticated and reliable, both on land and below it. When viewing this Tag Heuer timepiece as a whole, nothing else catches your eyes quite like its black sunray-brushed dial with a pattern of horizontal lines. Protected by a layer of sapphire glass, this watch features prominent silver hour markers, large pencil hands, a yellow-tipped seconds hand, and a magnified date complication. All of these components come together to make a watch face with a distinct and highly legible design. Underneath the dial is a Tag Heuer Caliber 5, which provides the same precision and reliability as the ETA 2824-2 movement it is based on.  You can purchase the Tag Heuer Aquaracer Ref. WBD2110.BA0928 for approximately $2,250 USD. 7. Junghans Max Bill Automatic (027/4701.02) Image By: Watch Shopping Like MeisterSinger, Junghans is another German brand known for its minimalist timepieces. As part of the brand’s outstanding Max Bill collection, the Junghans Max Bill Automatic is a watch that showcases modernity, refinement, and elegance. With its convex AR-coated sapphire crystal, its beauty remains timeless and unharmed by the outside world. The Junghans Max Bill Automatic utilizes a slim 38mm stainless steel case with thin lugs and an unguarded crown on its right. Its dial has a gorgeous dark blue surface with slender indices, applied silver sword hands, a date display, and luminescent pips on at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock. The J800.1 movement that runs the watch is based on the ETA 2824-2, with its twenty-five jewels and 38-hour power reserve. To complete the Max Bill Automatic’s smart and minimalistic look, Junghans pairs the watch with a simple black leather strap. The Junghans Max Bill costs just $1,280 USD. 8. Ball Engineer Master II Automatic (DM3108A-SCJ-BK) Image By: Watch Shopping Ball is a watchmaker known for making exceptional railroad timekeepers, but they also have a hand in making great dive watches too. For instance, take a look at the Ball Engineer Master II Automatic. The RR1103-C movement that operates inside this watch is not just any standard ETA 2824-2 caliber. It is based on a superb COSC-rated ETA 2824-2 movement with an accuracy rating of -4/+6 seconds per day.  Encasing the watch is a 43mm stainless steel case with a mix of polished and brushed surfaces. At the back of this Ball Engineer Master II timepiece is a solid stainless steel caseback that carries a detailed engraving of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. Its matte black dial is rather simple, with indentations on its outer rim to provide space for the tritium gas tube hour indices. Adorned with thick syringe hands and a date window, this dial is incredibly clean and legible, as you would expect of a dive watch. In addition, it has a depth rating of 500m or 1,650ft. You can get your hands on this durable Ball dive watch for $2,280 USD. 9. Breitling Superocean Automatic 48 (V17369161C1S1) Image By: Watch Shopping A daring and bulky watch that can handle all the waves and currents of the Atlantic Ocean, the Breitling Superocean Automatic is the one timepiece you would always want to have when exploring the underwater world. With its robust 48mm DLC-coated titanium case, blue ceramic bezel with a tachymetric bezel, glare-proof sapphire crystal, and 300m depth rating, there are not many luxury dive watches that are as durable as this. Apart from being very resilient, this Breitling Superocean timepiece enjoys a striking ocean-inspired design. Its deep blue dial contains luminous applied hour markers and sword-shaped hands, with a vibrant red-tipped seconds hand for optimal legibility. The Breitling B17 Calibre that runs the watch is based on an ETA 2824-2 movement. Like its base model, the B17 produces 28,800 vibrations per second, has twenty-five jewels, and can last up to 38 hours when fully wound. As the most expensive ETA-powered timepiece on this list, the Breitling Superocean Automatic is worth approximately $4,320 USD. 10. Hamilton Ventura (H24655331) Image By: Watch Shopping To cap off our list, we have another timepiece from Hamilton known as the Hamilton Ventura Ref. H24655331. Based on the original Ventura model launched in 1957, the modern Hamilton Ventura is an intriguing timepiece that represents the bold and daring nature of the Hamilton brand. Its looks are definitely unconventional, but that is one of the main factors that adds to its mystique.  Its 46mm case is made from stainless steel and is wonderfully beveled to create a unique arrowhead-shaped build. The sapphire crystal fitted on top ensures that this exclusive dial remains protected from impacts and scratches. On the dial are applied dauphine hands and three luminous silver-tone hour markers that light up the watch in the dark. The upper corner of the dial and the second hand is coated in red to add a degree of stylish flair to the watch’s black and silver surface. Operating underneath is an ETA 2824-2 based H-10 movement. Its 80-hour power reserve mimics the lengthy power supply that the original Ventura was known to have. The Hamilton Ventura Ref. H24655331 fetches an estimated price of $1,345 USD. Why do many brands use ETA movements? Over the years, ETA movements have proven to be extremely reliable and accurate. In some instances, ETA movements have also been shown to outperform even in-house movements. For watchmakers that do not produce their own movements, ETA is a top choice too, especially since ETA movements are rather easy to modify. With their quality, affordability, and versatility, it is no wonder why many watchmakers choose to base their calibers on ETA movements. Furthermore, since most ETA calibers come in various grades, there are numerous options for watch brands to consider when choosing the perfect movement for their timepiece. Final Thoughts The ETA 2824-2 is arguably one of the most iconic automatic calibers in the entire watchmaking industry. Regarded as a “workhorse movement” by collectors, enthusiasts, and watchmakers alike, the ETA 2824-2 is a tried-and-tested caliber that is highly reliable and efficient despite its affordability and generic nature. And even when it does experience wear and tear, the ETA 2824-2 movement is cheap and easy to service, so you do not have much to worry about. Whether it is in its base form or a modified variant, the ETA 2824-2 can be found in many wristwatches worldwide. Of those models, the ten timepieces mentioned above are some of the best watches that house the ETA 2824-2 caliber. That said, it is by no means an exhaustive list, and there are plenty of other great timekeepers that utilize the ETA 2824-2. So, make sure you do your own research and select the perfect ETA 2824-2 watch that fits all your tastes and preferences. Featured Image By: Tag HeuerNeed another watch with an ETA 2824-2? Check out the Certina DS Action Diver and see if it has what it takes!

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  7. Top 20 Durable Watches that Can Last You Decades

    Top 20 Durable Watches that Can Last You Decades

    Throughout the years, watches have been exposed to a wide variety of different elements and environments, whether it is on land or in water. Once upon a time, watches were made for the sole purpose of telling the time—nothing more, nothing less. They were vastly different and somewhat flimsy and disposable compared to the watches that are made today. With each and every year, the durability of watches is increasingly tried and tested, to see how much force or pressure a single watch can withstand. Manufacturing durable watches has become crucial to the future of watchmaking due to the many arising new activities that wearers often take part in. Watch wearers now prefer timepieces that have longevity and can last them years rather than a few months. This is understandable, especially considering the price hikes most watch brands have had, to the point where a single watch can cost you more than a thousand dollars, compared to the prices back in the day. Today, watch brands are careful to emphasize durability when crafting a timepiece, promising balanced, well-rounded timekeepers that are both sturdy and highly functional, and can go the distance.  That being said, just what kind of watch are you looking for? Is it an affordable watch with maximum durability? Or are you looking for an exquisite timepiece that boasts a sturdy exterior whilst simultaneously exemplifying elegance? In this write-up, we will be going over some of the 20 best durable watches that have been produced over the years. These are all unique watches that each have their own strengths. Nevertheless, what every one of these timepieces has in common is that they all possess remarkable durability that is sure to last you for years.  Top 20 Durable Watches That Can Last for Years 1. Casio G-Shock Mudmaster Ref. GWG-100GB-1AJF The Casio G-Shock Mudmaster Ref. GWG-100GB-1AJF is Casio’s way of stylizing their trademark G-Shock watch, with a beguiling black and gold colour scheme. At first glance, this watch might seem like it leans more towards being eye candy rather than a durable utility watch—but that is not the case at all. Casio has always prided itself on providing high functionality rather than focusing more on design, but this Casio G-Shock Mudmaster manages to capably blend both qualities in a highly resilient package. This is a pretty sizable watch, with dimensions that measure 56.2 x 54.9 x 17.3 mm. It is a heavy-duty timepiece that is perfect for extreme adventures and jobs that mostly involve heavy lifting. It has a distinct and eye-catching design, especially with its gold ion-plated screws and bezel. This watch boasts 200m water resistance, low-temperature resistance, shock resistance, and its unusual signature feature—mud resistance. It is a very sturdy watch that can withstand all sorts of outdoor environments and damage and is highly recommended for both casual wearers and thrill-seekers alike. The Casio G-Shock Mudmaster Ref. GWG-100FB-1AJF retails at only $399 USD. It is an affordable watch that does more than what it costs. 2. Garmin Marq Driver Titanium Ref. 010-02006-01 Professional drivers, particularly in the racing scene, are frequently exposed to dangerous situations like car crashes and other vehicular accidents. With that in mind, professionals are typically equipped with sturdy protective gear to ensure a higher rate of survivability whenever an accident ensues—and this applies to the watches they wear, too. The Garmin Marq Driver Titanium Ref. 010-02006-01 is the perfect watch for such scenarios due to its reliability and tough exterior. Plus, even though its functions are more focused on time measurement and recording time, this watch can also be used for other sports-related activities like swimming, running, and even skiing. It has a water resistance of 100m, which is more than enough for a racing watch. The price for this watch starts at $2,999 USD. 3. Marathon Jumbo Diver/Pilot Automatic Chronograph Ref. WW194014 Image courtesy of Marathon Marathon is known as one of the top watch brands in terms of creating durable watches, offering resilient military timepieces that can survive even a warzone. The Marathon Jumbo Diver/Pilot Automatic Chronograph Ref. WW194014 is a prime example of Marathon’s top-of-the-line durable watches. It is an aviation watch that is quite hefty in size, with a 46mm stainless steel case. Although it is primarily intended for pilots, this timepiece can also be used as a dive watch since it has a water resistance rating of 300m. This military-grade watch is perfect for extreme situations like a rescue mission or an extensive hike in the mountains. It retails starting at $4,750 USD. 4. Luminox Master Carbon Quartz Ref. XS.3813.L Speaking of military-grade watches, the Luminox Master Carbon Quartz Ref. XS.3813.L is also a strong contender, especially with the brand’s close ties with the US Navy Seals. This watch features a sturdy 46mm case made from Luminox’s signature carbon material, known as “Carbonox”. It is also fitted with a luminescent technology that ensures the watch is able to glow in poor lighting conditions for over 25 years. This watch is not just a utility watch, as it also offers a nice, fresh design that is perfect for casual wear. It has a water resistance capacity of 300m, which adds more to its durability. The price for the Luminox Master Carbon Quartz Ref. XS.3813.L is currently at $679 USD. 5. Suunto 9 G1 ZH Baro Titanium Ref. SS050149000 If you are interested in extremely stylish and durable watches, then look no further, since the Suunto 9 G1 ZH Baro Titanium Ref. SS050149000 might be just the one for you. It offers a sleek design that exudes modernity, much like the Garmin Marq Driver series. It offers a wide variety of features, including over 80 sports modes that you can choose from. Even though it is a touchscreen watch, it still possesses great durability, to accommodate its sporty nature. It has 100m of water resistance, which is more than enough, especially for a smartwatch. It also features shock-resistant and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, so the Suunto 9 Ref. SS050149000 will not easily shatter when dropped or damaged by other external elements. This watch is easily one of the best smartwatches for sports available due to its advanced features that cater to almost all sports enthusiasts. It retails at an affordable $929 USD. 6. Luminox Navy Seal 3500 Series Ref. XS.3501.F The Luminox Navy Seal 3500 Series Ref. XS.3501.F may not be the most neatly designed watch on this list, but its durability is truly something to look forward to. This watch has a rugged exterior that perfectly encapsulates its sturdiness. It has a 45mm carbon compound case and matching bezel which possess a toughness comparable to that of titanium and stainless steel. Furthermore, since this carbon compound is both durable and lightweight, it gives the watch a comfortably weightless profile that is easy to carry on your wrist. Plus, it has a substantial water-resistance of 200m, which is just right for a watch primarily made for the US Navy Seals. It also comes with illumination technology to provide better readability in the dark and underwater. This watch has a retail price of $395 USD, which is quite affordable for anyone looking for a durable watch that offers both utility and legibility.   7. Casio G-Shock Full Metal Black Ref. GMW-B5000GD-1JF Casio has long been considered one of the pioneering brands for durable watches since they created the Casio G-Shock. The original Casio G-Shock DW-5000C is a popular classic watch, which has led Casio to introduce the Casio G-Shock Full Metal Black Ref. GMW-B5000GD-1JF, a modern, updated version of its predecessor. It has new and improved features that transcend the first G-Shock, while still maintaining its quintessential design. This model now uses a full stainless steel metal case with the same dimensions as its predecessor, which are 49.3 x 43.2 x 13mm. It boasts a handy 200m water resistance along with Casio’s signature shock resistance. The price of this watch is $539 USD. It is affordable, stylish, and useful while staying true to its roots. 8. Casio G-Shock Rangeman Ref. GW-9400J-1JF Another notable entry from Casio is the Casio G-Shock Rangeman Ref. GW-9400J-1JF. This is an incredibly tough watch with a rugged shock-resistant 53.5mm resin case. The materials used may not be the standard, but the durability of this watch has been tried and tested many times before it was released on the market. In fact, the Casio G-Shock Rangeman Ref. GW-9400J-1JF is part of the Master of G series, which is designed to withstand extreme environments that the average watch cannot. It employs a wide variety of features that are necessary to endure harsh surroundings such as barometer, temperature, and altitude readings. It also has a water resistance of 200m, which allows the wearer to bring their watch with them for a swim or a casual dive. Both this watch and the Mudmaster Ref. GWG-100FB-1AJF are on equal footing in terms of durability, with the only difference between these two being their purposes. The price of the Casio G-Shock Rangeman Ref. GW-9400J-1JF starts at $449 USD. 9. Victorinox I.N.O.X Professional Diver Titanium Ref. 241812 Out of all the watches on this list, the Victorinox I.N.O.X Professional Diver Titanium Ref. 241812 is probably the most stylish and elegant one. It is a dive watch that boasts a 45mm titanium case that not only offers a sleek, lightweight profile but also provides a certain level of durability that allows the watch to compete with other highly durable watches on the market. It has a 200m water-resistance capacity as well as a scratch-proof, triple-coated sapphire crystal to ensure maximal readability at all times. Since it is a dive watch, the I.N.O.X Ref. 241812 offers functions that are primarily devoted to diving, unlike other versatile watches such as the Casio Rangeman or the Marathon Jumbo Diver/Pilot Chronograph. That said, each watch has its own strengths and the Victorinox I.N.O.X Professional Diver Titanium Ref. 241812 is a powerhouse underwater. The price for this watch starts at $729 USD, which is quite affordable for a diver watch that is as stylish as this one. 10. Sinn Diving Watches UX EZM 2B Ref. 403.030-Solid-2LSS-BB Another impressive watch on this list is the Sinn Diving Watches UX EZM 2B Ref. 403.030-Solid-2LSS-BB. It is the only watch on this list that uses a 44mm German submarine steel case, which goes hand in hand with its impressive diving capability. It is an undoubtedly tough watch that can withstand water pressures up to depths of a whopping 5,000m. In more ways than one, this watch can be considered one of the ultimate dive watches produced by the watchmaking industry. Indeed, it is quite uncommon, even for dive watches, to have such extensive water resistance capacities, enduring pressures that even a human being would not be able to withstand. This is all thanks to the impeccable German submarine steel which Sinn uses for this timepiece’s case. This watch currently retails at $2,469 USD, a fitting price for such a powerful dive watch with maximal durability and protection from the elements. 11. Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Ref. DG2018C-P12C-BK The Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon series offers superior durability compared to the other Ball watch collections. The Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Ref. DG2018C-P12C-BK, for example, promotes superior legibility, style, and toughness. It has a strong 42mm stainless steel case with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal to bolster its sturdy exterior. It also comes with a black and brown rotating bezel which can be used for timing purposes. With its 100m water resistance, the Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Ref. DG2018C-P12C-BK is an impressively durable watch that can be used for various sports and other outdoor activities. You can purchase this watch for $3,199 USD. 12. Panerai Luminor Submersible Ref. 1950 PAM01389 The Panerai Luminor Submersible Ref. 1950 PAM01389 is a luxury watch that inhibits a level of durability quite uncommon for luxury watches. That said, the design of the Panerai Luminor Submersible Ref. 1950 PAM01389 is a little exotic, to say the least. It has a 47mm cushion-shaped titanium case, which is equipped with an oddly designed yet secure oversized crown. It comes with 300m of water resistance, which is to be expected of luxury dive watches. This watch is also equipped with Incabloc, which is a shock-resistant technology that protects the watch from any impacts or jolts. As of right now, the Panerai Luminor Submersible Ref. 1950 PAM01389 retails at $11,000 USD. It cannot be denied that this watch is quite expensive, but its exquisite features, design, and high-quality engineering is something you do not want to miss. 13. Seiko Prospex Padi Ref. SNE499P1 Seiko may not be as well known for durable watches as its fellow Japanese watch brand, Casio, but it still has a few tricks up its sleeve. Notably, the Seiko Prospex Padi Ref. SNE499P1 is a thick and hefty watch that can easily endure shocks and damage from other external elements. It boasts a 46.7mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 12.4mm, giving it a bold and rugged look. This $449 USD timepiece also comes with a water resistance rating of 200m, making it an affordable dive watch that has all the necessary features for comfortable and safe diving. 14. Tudor Pelagos Titanium Ref. 25600TB-0001 The Tudor Pelagos Titanium Ref. 25600TB-0001 offers a simplistic design while taking into consideration the durability of the watch. Most highly durable watches tend to be larger in size, using their heft to ensure reliable protection from the environment. The Tudor Pelagos Titanium Ref. 25600TB-0001, however, breaks the norm by going with a sleeker, minimalist design instead of the usual bulky exterior. The 42mm titanium case is what gives this watch the toughness it needs. Not only that, but it also has a water resistance of 500m, which is very impressive for a watch with such stature. The Tudor Pelagos Titanium Ref. 25600TB-0001 is currently priced at $4,575 USD. 15. TAG Heuer Formula 1 Ref. CAZ101AF.BA0637 The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Ref. CAZ101AF.BA0637 is yet another race-centric watch that maximizes its durability with excellent shock resistance. This particular watch is a limited edition chronograph and is a tribute to the Senna racing team. It boasts a 43mm stainless steel case with a scratch-resistant ceramic bezel. Much like the Garmin Marq Driver, this watch is made for race car driving. This means that it is equipped with the requisite toughness necessary to endure the sudden blunt force from crashes and to absorb a certain amount of shock. Not only that, but this timepiece also comes with a fairly stylish design, so that it can be used as a dress watch or as a casual everyday watch. This $2,200 USD watch is also equipped with a respectable water resistance rating of 200m. 16. Omega Speedmaster GMT Ref. 321.92.44.52.01.001 The Omega Speedmaster GMT Ref. 321.92.44.52.01.001 is yet another watch whose purpose revolves around racing. It features a 44.25mm titanium case with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. It also has a 100m water resistance. This might look like a heavy watch at first glance, especially since its titanium case has a considerable thickness of 14mm, but its lightweight titanium material and smooth rubber strap promise a comfortable profile that does not hinder the wearer in any way. This watch has a retail price of $9,100 USD, which some might consider expensive, but is still quite reasonable for such a powerful automatic watch  17. Casio Pro Trek Ref. PRG-330-1JF The Casio Pro Trek Triple Sensor Ref. PRW-7000FC-1JF is probably one of the best outdoor watches that you can buy for under $1000 USD. It is neat, sleek, and incredibly useful for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, trekking, and even fishing. This watch has a sizable 52mm black resin and stainless steel case which offers the necessary resistances against low temperatures and shock—much like the technology used in the G-Shock. It has a water resistance capacity of 200m. As such even though this is not a dive watch, it is still possible to go for a quick dive while wearing this timekeeper. All in all, it is a high-functioning utility watch that offers great comfort and ease when worn during outdoor activities. This particular watch costs $729 USD. 18. Citizen Promaster Ref. CB5007-51H Citizen is also home to a few durable watches that are quite underrated in the market. The Citizen Promaster Ref. CB5007-51H, in particular, uses a 46mm grey stainless steel case that ensures maximal durability. It also boasts a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal to protect its dial from any external damage. Not only that, but it also has a 200m water resistance rating, which adds to the versatility of this aviation watch. It boasts a professional, classy design that goes perfectly well with a suit and tie. This striking watch can be purchased for a mere $469 USD. 19. Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Ref. 010-02157-24 The Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar Edition Ref. 010-02157-24 is another smartwatch that offers great utility with many useful functions. It is a digital watch that focuses more on accommodating outdoor activities without neglecting its duty as a timekeeper. This watch boasts a gleaming 51mm titanium case that provides a high level of durability despite its tactile glass screen. Since it is also a smartwatch like the Garmin Marq Ref. 010-02006-01, it is equipped with the same features that make it well-equipped for outdoor activities, be it extreme or recreational sports. This Garmin Fenix 6X Pro retails at $1,049 USD. 20. Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Land Series Ref. XB.3782.MI Since Bear Grylls is a well-known survivalist, there is no doubt that his collaborative watch with Luminox promotes durability unlike any other. The Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Land Series Ref. XB.3782.MI is a close candidate in terms of being the best survival/adventurer watch on the market. It uses a 42mm Carbonox case and bezel as well as scratch-resistant sapphire glass. The screwed-in case back, however, employs the strength of 316L stainless steel. The rubber strap is used to ensure comfort and maintain its weight while also accommodating the compass loop accessory that comes with the watch. To make things sweeter, this watch comes with a water resistance rating of 200m, which expands its usage outdoors. It is a useful watch that removes the worry of damage from external elements such as low temperatures and impacts. You can purchase this rugged and durable timepiece for just $655 USD. The Pioneers of Durable Watches In terms of the durability of watches, the difference between newer models and older ones is a vast one. While durability has always been a consideration when crafting watches, new innovations and technologies in horology over the years, such as the application of stronger materials, has allowed watch brands to make huge strides in terms of creating more durable watches. When talking about durable watches, it is hard not to mention Casio, due to their extensive contributions in manufacturing the “toughest” watches available in the market. Rolex, Seiko, Tag Heuer, and several more brands are also famous for their highly durable watches, both in the past and today. But truly, nothing can compare to the sturdiness and reliability that the G-Shock offered during its release in 1983. The Casio G-Shock DW-5000C took the market by storm with its fresh digital design that championed toughness above all else. Today, Casio has developed several variations of the Casio G-Shock DW-5000C, as well as other new G-Shock models that have upheld the vision of Kikuo Ibe, a renowned engineer in Casio who went against the laws of nature to create the toughest watch in the world—at least, during that time.  With such a declaration, several watchmakers followed suit to try and beat Casio for the aforementioned title. Despite all efforts, of course, Casio reigned supreme, with their distinct design blueprint as well as their never-ending passion for creating watches that will truly go the distance.  Aside from Casio, Marathon has become another leading brand in terms of creating tough, durable watches. By combining the durability of military watches with innovative Swiss expertise, Marathon has managed to create some of the most heavy-duty watches in the industry since 1941. In addition, Marathon timepieces also come with Swiss automatic movements, deviating from the wide use of quartz movements in many other durable watches. Of course, that does not mean that one is better than the other. The choice of quartz versus automatic movement is just a matter of preferences in timekeeping.  There are indeed more brands that champion durability in their watches, but it would take us quite a while to finish listing all of them. The models that we have listed above are some of the best durable watches that have been produced in the past few years, but it is not an exhaustive list. Nevertheless, they are all sure-fire hits amongst thrill-seeking adventurers, military personnel, outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. These watches offer the best possible experience due to their handy functions and reliable durability, making them truly worthy of the title of the best durable watches in 2021.  Final Thoughts Durability is a must-have property for watches if you want to avoid losing your money’s worth. That is why, when choosing a watch, you should always check if it can withstand at least being dropped on the floor. It is perfectly fine to spend a few more dollars for a legitimate, tough watch that can last. Plus, there are a handful of watches on the list that are very affordable and versatile in terms of usage, offering a certain level of flexibility that allows them to be worn for any occasion or activity.  There is no question that these durable watches will last for years, rather than just months, as flimsier timepieces are wont to do. Some could even last you a lifetime with the right care and are capably able to endure all sorts of challenging environments and extremities—which is especially useful for hardcore survivalists and adventurers. Each watch on this list has its own strengths, with models that cater towards outdoor sports, diving, racing, and more, but what ultimately ties all of these timepieces together is their durability and toughness, making these some of the best durable watches in the world.  Interested in reading more about watch materials and what makes a watch strong? Check out our Watch Guide to Different Types of Watch Materials! All images courtesy of WatchShopping, unless stated otherwise. Featured image courtesy of puuikibeach on Flickr.

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  8. 15 Lesser Known Watch Brands You Should Consider

    15 Lesser Known Watch Brands You Should Consider

    If you are currently on the hunt for new members of your growing timepiece collection, chances are you know the names Cartier, Omega, Rolex, and TAG Heuer like the back of your hand. However, in reality, there are dozens of other watch labels out there that create outstanding timepieces with compelling designs, unparalleled precision, and superior longevity.  Perhaps you are the type of person who does not like settling for the mainstream, and who likes their time-telling accessories unique yet versatile. If so, here are fifteen obscure watch brands that should be on your radar. 15 Best Lesser-Known Watch Brands 1. Georg Jensen Georg Jensen Vivianna Ref. 3575655_0Established by its Danish silversmith namesake, Georg Jensen, is one of the most unknown yet extremely artistic watch companies today. Georg Jensen is better known for its amazing line up of well-designed jewelry, cutlery, gift products, tableware and other home items made out of pure silver. That said, the brand also makes some fine wristwatches using high-quality stainless steel and sophisticated Swiss automatic movements. As a company heavily influenced by Scandinavian principles, Georg Jensen’s timepieces are sleek, breathtaking and elegant. These watches embody simplicity and focus on just the essentials of timekeeping.  Famous Models The brand ventured into the horological realm in the late 1960s with the release of the well-acclaimed Vivianna Bangle, made in collaboration with talented Swedish silversmith Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe. Equipped with a mirror dial, an odd-shaped bangle bracelet, and a hand-wound movement made by Chopard, the timekeeper screams fanciness and timelessness all at once. Today, the Vivianna Bangle watch remains one of the most quintessential pieces from Georg Jensen. One modern variant is the Vivianna Ref. 3575655_0, which comes in a 34mm stainless steel case with a diamond-studded dial and bezel. Powered by a Swiss-made Caliber ETA E61.031 that has a battery life of up to 49 months, it costs around $13,500 USD. This makes it the most expensive piece from the obscure Danish watch brand today. 2. Giuliano Mazzuoli Manometro Compressed Polished Blue and Trasmissione Meccanica ChronographNext up, we have another luxury brand from Europe that excels in manufacturing fully-functional and stylish timepieces. This brand is perfect for sports timepiece lovers and those who have an eye for unusual concepts. Known as Giuliano Mazzuoli, this obscure watch company has a remarkable heritage under its belt. Its story began in 1949 when its namesake owner’s father decided to bring their family’s designs to life through various products. When Mazzuoli took the helm in the 1970s, the company shifted its focus to manufacturing planners, notebooks, and writing instruments with compelling appearances. Eventually, they also expanded to crafting bold watches with unique aesthetics. Famous Models One version that stands out is the Manometro Compressed Polished Blue. This watch comes in a 45mm chunky stainless steel case and a bezel made out of the same material. Secured with a brown calfskin Florentine leather strap, it also features a beautiful blue dial. This dial is adorned with white railroad-like markings on the outer ring, Arabic numeral indices and luminous baton-style hour and minute hands. Priced at around $2,900 USD, this Giuliano Mazzuoli watch is water-resistant up to depths of 30 meters and relies on a 25-jewel automatic ETA 2824/2 movement.  Perhaps you want something with a little more attitude? Try the Trasmissione Meccanica Chronograph instead, which costs around $6,720 USD. Taking inspiration from an automobile transmission, this piece with a black strap has a stainless steel case with unusual patterned edges. It tells more than just the time by having a handy chronograph function as well. 3. Junghans Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope Ref. 27/4500.49 and Junghans Force Mega Solar Ref. 18/1938.44Another obscure watch brand worth knowing is Junghans, which is a company based in Schramberg, Germany. The German brand began creating products bearing its own name in 1866 and soon became the largest clock manufacturer in the world, with around 3 million pieces produced yearly. Junghans finally decided to manufacture wristwatches in 1927, and eventually started crafting its own movements in the 1930s.  Oozing with precision, their watches are not only refined but also stylish enough to be worn at any occasion. With their vintage and commanding designs, extremely neat lines and impressive movements, it is no surprise why Junghans watches are popular among seasoned enthusiasts and lovers of classic aesthetics.  Famous Models Whether you are into chic dress watches or highly-robust timekeepers equipped with a few useful complications, Junghans has definitely got you covered. However, if there is one piece that encapsulates what the brand is all about, it would probably be the Max Bill watch. First produced in the 1950s, the Max Bill perfectly embodies the revolutionary Bauhaus art movement. It utilizes  a unique, minimalist blueprint and numerous functionalities that make its wearers’ lives simpler. One good contemporary example is the Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope Ref. 27/4500.49. This piece comes in a 40mm stainless steel case paired with a silver-colored Milanese bracelet. Protected by a plexiglass crystal, its black dial has luminous Arabic numeral indices and pencil-style hands, two chronograph subdials at 12 and 6 o’clock marks, and a date-day indicator at 3 o’clock.  In terms of durability, this watch runs on a self-winding Caliber J880.2 movement with 48 hours worth of power reserve. Priced at around $2,200 USD, this Max Bill piece is also water-resistant up to depths of 30 meters, meaning it can easily withstand a few accidental splashes and raindrops.  4. Komono Komono Ray Legacy Nato Lunar and Komono Mono SkyHailing from Belgium, Komono can be your next source of affordable watches made from superior materials. The youthful nature of this young and obscure brand is inspired by its founders Raf Maes and Anton Janssens, who are former snowboarders by profession. They officially introduced watches to their sunglasses and opticals brand in 2009, and have been making waves in the horological field since then.  Famous Models Eye-catching and stunning, the Komono Ray Legacy Nato Lunar is a great option if you are into understated and straightforward pieces that steal attention effortlessly. With its 38mm alloy case and nude-colored recycled webbing band, this dive watch can easily match any of your ensembles. Shielded by a tough mineral crystal, its black dial features white baton and Arabic numeral hour markers, stick-shaped hands, and a small seconds sub-dial sitting above the 6, 7, and 8 o’clock positions. In terms of its technical specifications, this $115 USD Komono watch runs on a reliable Japanese quartz mechanism and is water-resistant up to depths of 50 meters.  If the Ray Legacy is not enough to satisfy your thirst for minimalistic and versatile timepieces, you could always go for a slightly bolder choice, the Komono Mono Sky. The Mono Sky watch is available in many colorways, but the sky-blue piece is the most pleasing to the eyes. It comes in a polycarbonate case that complements the sky-blue silicone strap and dial, which is adorned with grey baton hands and hour markers. Protecting the watch’s quartz movement is a sturdy case back made out of stainless steel. You can cop this Komono piece for around $69 USD, making this one of the most affordable obscure watches out there. 5. Objest Objest Hach Grey Automatic and Objest Simple Black WatchIf a customized timepiece sounds appealing to you, then Objest might be the answer to your prayers. From the dial, hands, and strap, down to the buckle, rotor, crown, and date window down, almost every detail of Objest watches are fully customizable. You do not have to worry about the design process since Objest offers lovely colorway, finish, and material choices that will surely fit all your needs and preferences.  This company also houses ready-made pieces designed in London and assembled by veteran watchmakers from Switzerland. Boasting minimalistic aesthetics. These unisex Objest watches also use top-tier engines made by either Ronda or ETA, so you do not need to worry about their durability at all. Famous Models Looking for something that exudes a luxurious and an athletic vibe? The Objest Hach Grey Automatic is the right choice. Its 42mm DLC-treated stainless steel case guarantees protection from any kinds of scratches and bumps. Matched with a black numberless dial with three-dimensional patterns and thick rounded baton-style hands, this watch is effortlessly attractive. It also has a single vibrant yellow minute hand, which adds a youthful touch to the watch’s whole look. though the single vibrant yellow accent also adds a youthful touch.  This Swiss-made watch also has an exhibition case back and a grey strap made from soft Italian leather. Powered by a 25-jewel ETA 2824-2 automatic movement with 38 hours of power reserve, this Objest unisex watch will set you back by around $690 USD. 6. Shinola Shinola The Runwell 47mm Ref. 20223880-SDT-010752541 and Shinola Middle Child Detrola Ref. 20194499-sdt-008445313Let us take a break from European brands and take a closer look at this impressive but frequently unknown American watchmaker. Shinola‘s legacy officially started in 2011, with entrepreneur and former executive for Fossil, Tom Kartsotis. The founder had one goal in mind: to craft affordable and fully-functional American timepieces that could directly compete with watches produced by renowned Swiss manufacturers.  Famous Models From the build and finishes to the dial layout and style of the crowns, pushers and strap, everything about Shinola watches will remind you of the old times. One good example of a vintage-inspired timepiece from the brand is the Shinola The Runwell 47mm Ref. 20223880-SDT-010752541, which is priced at only $625 USD. As its name suggests, it comes in a 47mm case made out of sandblast PVD gunmetal and a hand-sewn brown Cattail strap. The matte velvet dial boasts a fierce midnight blue color, and is adorned with a small seconds subdial, silver Arabic numeral indices and sword-style hands.  As if these were not enough, this Shinola watch relies on a powerful Argonite 1069 quartz movement and has around 2 years worth of battery life. This striking piece is also available in many other colorways and sizes. It is an excellent, if somewhat obscure, choice for urbane men who wish to express themselves through their watch.  7. Skagen Skagen Ancher Ref. SKW6779 and Skagen Anita Ref. SKW2151Coming from the northernmost town in Denmark, Skagen has been in operation since 1989. This obscure brand offers pocket-friendly and trendy timepieces suitable for any occasion. As proof of its growth over the past few decades, the company now houses other goods in their product lineup, such as handbags, jewelry, homewares, decors, and other accessories.  Attractive and streamlined, Skagen watches are generally for people who appreciate sustainable and timeless concepts. Besides having thin cases that feel light on the wrist, most Skagen watches sport colors that fall on the monochromatic or neutral side. Endorsing variety, many models come with leather or NATO straps but loyal consumers also love the Milanese bands designed personally by Skagen. Though they showcase minimalistic concepts, these Skagen watches pack a lot of features, ranging from open-worked dials, date and day components, chronographs and dual time.  Famous Models If you have been looking for a good monochromatic timepiece, the Skagen Ancher Ref. SKW6779 is definitely an excellent choice. This men’s watch comes in a 40mm case and a thin fixed bezel made out of 50% recycled stainless steel. This matches well with the beautiful stainless steel mesh bracelet with a safety mesh buckle. As a Bauhaus-inspired watch, its charcoal-colored dial is tidy and pleasing to look at. It features silver baton hour markers and luminous hands that glow brightly in low-light conditions. Powered by a simple three-hand movement, this Skagen Ancher piece is one of the best Skagen watches you can get, costing around $135 USD only.  Next, we have another chic and graceful watch, but this time catered towards the ladies. The Skagen Anita Ref. SKW2151 comes in a 30mm rose gold stainless steel paired with the signature mesh bracelet of the brand. What makes this Skagen Anita watch especially popular among women is its stunning silver sunray dial, which is adorned with Arabic numerals and dot indices, and baton hands in rose gold. Much like other Skagen watches, this piece also runs on a three-hand movement and is water-resistant up to depths of 30 meters. You can get it for $135 USD as well. 8. Thomas Earnshaw Thomas Earnshaw Beaufort ES-8059-02 and Thomas Earnshaw Bloomsbury ES-8124-33English watchmaker Thomas Earnshaw was the man who simplified the production of marine chronometers back in the 1700s. This unknown brand, named after the esteemed watchmaker, excels in creating intricately-designed watches that fit the lifestyles of passionate adventure-seekers.  The dials and case backs of Thomas Earnshaw watches are mostly skeletonized and transparent, which lets users view the beauty of  their movements. As a brand which likes utilizing retro themes and techniques, you will also notice that its watches have cases and straps that come in quintessential silver, black, gold and white hues. When it comes to performance, most Thomas Earnshaw watches rely on automatic movements and have simple time-telling capacities only.  Famous Models One outstanding watch from the brand is the Thomas Earnshaw Beaufort ES-8059-02. This watch comes in a 43mm gold-colored case and a brown strap made out of genuine leather. Showcasing the brand’s mastery of watchmaking, its insanely intricate dial features subtle lines and skeleton parts that allow wearers to admire the beauty of its movement. As if this unique design is not enough, this Thomas Earnshaw watch also runs on an automatic movement and has a water resistance rating of 50 meters. Priced at around $601 USD, this is one of the best-seller pieces from the obscure brand.  9. Alpina Alpina Alpiner4 Automatic Ref. AL-525G5AQ6 and Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage Brown AL-525BR4H4Alpina is a lesser-known yet still impressive watch company that started making history in the late 1800s. It built its underrated reputation crafting exquisite and classy sports watches.  Today, Alpina continues to impress with its robust yet sophisticated watches, which are perfect for people who equally prioritize form and function. Every watch that comes out of its factory undergoes various tests to ensure its effectiveness and reliability while faced with tough conditions. Despite being rather obscure, Alpina is a brand you can definitely trust if you are on the hunt for masterful but budget-friendly pieces that do not disappoint. Famous Models If you are more of the old-school type, then you will surely love this brown diver from Alpina that is water-resistant up to a whopping 300 meters. The Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage Brown AL-525BR4H4 has a 42mm stainless steel case in a bronze hue and a matching brown strap made out of leather. Protected by a sapphire crystal, its brown dial features rose gold indices and hands with beige luminous elements. Priced at around $1,827 USD, this Alpina Seastrong watch runs on a robust automatic movement that beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. 10. Ball Ball Engineer III Pioneer Ref. NM2026C-S15CJ-BK and Ball Engineer Trainmaster Standard Time Ref. NM3888D-S1CJ-WHAmong the lesser-known brands listed here, this next one offers some of the most advanced timekeepers. Ball Watch Company, better known as Ball, is known for pioneering numerous horological innovations over the last 130 years. Originating from Cleveland, United States, this unknown watch brand deeply honors the American railroad industry.  Today, the brand continues to release state-of-the-art timepieces, made for all kinds of professional pursuits. Tough and compelling, Ball watches are equipped with extremely legible dials, sturdy straps, useful functions, and high-performing movements. Many of Ball’s tool watches also embody an athletic appeal that men will surely appreciate. One of the major inventions of the brand is the helium escape valve system, which allows watches to operate more efficiently underwater. Famous Models For those of you who prefer subtle timepieces that are not too overwhelming, you can get the Ball Engineer III Pioneer Ref. NM2026C-S15CJ-BK, which retails at around $2,515 USD. It comes in a 40mm stainless steel case and a bracelet made out of the same material. Apart from the magnified date display, its black dial has baton-style and Arabic numeral indices, and dauphine hands, all fitted with tritium gas tubes. Together, they allow for great readability, especially in low-light conditions. The Ball Trainmaster Standard Time Ref. NM3888D-S1CJ-WH is also a great option if you like dials with a simple but organized design. This $2,924 USD men’s Ball watch bears a milky white dial that matches well with its stainless steel bracelet. Aside from the stylized Roman numeral indices, the watch face is also adorned with a date window and playful blued steel hands. Performance wise, this Ball Trainmaster watch runs on a Caliber BALL RR1105-C automatic movement and has shock-resistance rating of up to 5,000 gauss. 11. Festina Festina Chrono Sport Ref. F20439/1 and Festina Women’s Boyfriend Ref. F20403/1Another excellent watchmaker that has been continuously impressing everyone with its magnificent creations is Festina. Founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in 1902, this relatively obscure watch corporation now includes brands like Candino, Perrelet, Lotus, Jaguar, and Calypso. Festina also has a huge global presence, maintaining production hubs in countries worldwide and selling about 5 million units per year. Festina is also well-known for its involvement with the cycling industry and for being the official timekeeper for the Tour de France from 1992 to 2016. The brand specializes inelegant dress watches and practical chronograph timepieces, perfect for modern men and women.  Famous Models Moving on to a more dainty option, Festina offers delightful pieces suitable for the ladies. One of them is the Festina Boyfriend Ref. F20403/1, which has a silver and rose gold color scheme that endorses supreme elegance. Priced at $207 USD, this piece features a 36mm 316L stainless steel case and a matching bracelet with rose gold links. Protected by a mineral crystal, its dial has stone-studded indices and baton hands coated with luminous elements. This Festina Boyfriend piece runs on an analog movement and has a water resistance rating of 50 meters. 12. MeisterSinger MeisterSinger Circularis Ref. CC903 and MeisterSinger Classic N°01 DM303_SV02 Moving on, we have a relatively young, obscure brand from Münster, Germany, which produces distinctive and high-concept watches that fuse traditional and modern concepts. Known as MeisterSinger, this revolutionary company was established in 2001.  What makes MeisterSinger watches so distinct are its award-winning designs, vintage-inspired appearances, and contemporary details. Inspired directly by tower clocks from the 15th century, these watches only have one hand that tells the time instead of the standard two or three hands. While many of you may find this odd, this concept brought the brand fame and immense recognition among seasoned collectors. In fact, it also allowed the brand to win numerous awards from well-known horological award-giving bodies.  Famous Models For an affordable but highly dependable and solid option, the MeisterSinger Classic N°01 DM303_SV02 is the right choice. Its stainless steel case and domed sapphire glass guarantee protection from any kinds of scratches and impacts. Matched with an ivory dial and a thin black hand that sweeps smoothly over the Arabic numeral hour markers, this watch is effortlessly classic. Aside from a large, easy-to-grip crown that makes timekeeping easier for wearers, this Swiss-made watch has a water resistance rating of 50 meters. Priced at around $1,607 USD, this MeisterSinger Classic watch runs on a high-powered Sellita SW210 hand-wound movement. 13. Nixon  Nixon Sentry Ref. A356-502-00 Demonstrating what American watchmaking is about, Nixon began making waves in the industry in 1997. It started out by producing voguish yet dependable timepieces that would not break the bank. The brand started with only seven models, but slowly expanded its offerings in the succeeding years.  Nixon watches were initially crafted for a more youthful audience,  who enjoy thrill-seeking and  love being outdoors. Today, however, Nixon’s expanded selection of watches, along with its other fashion items like bags, accessories, and clothing, cater to people from different walks of life. These include professionals, casual wearers, and sports lovers. Famous Models The Nixon Sentry Ref. A356-502-00 stands out due to its all-gold color scheme, and its brushed case and bracelet that look good even from afar. Embodying the phrase “simplicity is beauty”, its dial only has a simple date-day component and baton hour markers and hands. Apart from a three-link bracelet, this watch also features a Miyota quartz movement at its core. You can get this 100 meter water-resistant Nixon Sentry watch for only $275 USD.  14. SevenFriday SevenFriday P-Series Ref. P1B/01 and SevenFriday S-Series Ref. S2/01If you are into futuristic and ultra-unique timekeepers that do not stick to the status quo, then you will surely love what this lesser-known Swiss luxury watch brand has to offer. Called SevenFriday, this young company lives by the principle of enjoying life as if everyday is Friday. Its products also embody this vision perfectly, which is why they are all unique and well-designed. As a lifestyle brand which prioritizes creativity and constant innovation, SevenFriday also offers eyewear, watch accessories, and apparels. Famous Models One of the most popular SevenFriday watches is the P-Series Ref. P1B/01. It is a piece that can instantly spark conversations with its 47mm square-shaped case, case back and bezel, all made out of polished stainless steel. What’s more, it is protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal and is powered by a high-caliber Miyota 82S7 automatic movement. Retailing at $995 USD, the focal point of this SevenFriday P-Series watch is its ornate dial, which is adorned with black markings and a delicately skeletonized portion that gives wearers a glimpse of its inner mechanisms. Another eye-catching timepiece is the 47mm S-Series Ref. S2/01, which costs $1,250 USD. Just like the previous model, it comes in a polished stainless steel case and bezel that match the embossed and padded black calfskin leather strap. Protected by a layer of anti-reflective mineral glass, its dial has antique brass PVD-coated metal all over its surface, as well as black texts that exhibit great legibility. With its tough machine-like exterior and extraordinary format, this SevenFriday S-Series watch is indeed worth getting. 15. Bremont Bremont ALT1-C Griffon-R-S and Bremont ALT1-WT-BL-R-SLast but not the least is another British luxury brand, Bremont, which specializes in creating chronometers suitable for the members of the aviation niche. Fueled by its passion for British engineering, Bremont started producing watches equipped with numerous groundbreaking technologies such as the TRIP-TICK case, Bremont Anti-Shock, and the like. Most of the brand’s watches are reserved for the members of the armed forces, which serves as proof that they are indeed robust and reliable.  As proof of the brand’s excellence and commitment to superior watchmaking, they have even won numerous awards with their commendable designs. If you are looking for an obscure brand that houses timepieces worth every penny, Bremont is definitely the way to go. Famous Models A good pilot watch from the brand is the Bremont ALT1-C Griffon-R-S, which costs around $9,220 USD. It comes in a 43mm stainless steel case and case back, with a black strap made out of leather. The dial is in a stark black color, decorated with Arabic numeral hour markers and Super-LumiNova-coated hands. Aside from bearing two-subdials for the chronograph function, it also has a date window at 6 o’clock and a sweep seconds hand. On the inside, this Bremont watch runs on an automatic Caliber 13 1/4”’ BE-50AE with 25 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve.   While the brand undoubtedly excels at creating pilot watches, they also make quality pieces perfect for dedicated explorers. One of them is the Bremont ALT1-WT-BL-R-S, which has a World Time function, in addition to its date, chronograph and UTC hand features. It runs on a Caliber 13 1/4”’ BE-54AE as well and is water-resistant up to depths of 100 meters. You can expect this hardy $5,000 USD watch to last you for years—perhaps even decades. Final Thoughts On the whole, lesser-known brands will make you realize that not all dependable timepieces worth collecting always come from acclaimed labels. They may be considered as underdogs for now but these obscure watch brands should not be underestimated. This is especially true given the massive amount of dedication, creativity, and meticulosity they put into their watchmaking process.  With their incredible passion for craftsmanship, it will be quite interesting to see how these unknown watchmakers will grow and what they will offer in the future. Given how these lesser-known watch labels give equal importance to design, performance, and innovation, it will not be surprising if they also become mainstream in the future. Either way, you can be sure that any piece that comes out from these obscure watch companies’ respective factories will deliver precise timekeeping and reliable dependability.  Looking for more timepieces worth adding to your growing collection? Better check out our articles on the Top Eco-Friendly Watches and the 7 Best Minimalist Watches for Men. Photos from the aforementioned brands’ official websites, unless otherwise noted

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  9. Watch Guide: 10 Best Men’s Watches

    Watch Guide: 10 Best Men’s Watches

    As a man, whether you are craving smartwatches, fitness trackers, or classic timepiece designs, there is something out there in the market for you. Indeed, there is a certain allure that brands like Omega, Rolex, and TAG Heuer bring to their watches. Men’s watches from these renowned brands simply elevate your attire in a way other accessories cannot. If you happen to be a fan of such men’s watches, then this article is just for you.  Given how many top watch brands there are in the market today, it can be very difficult to come to a decision. As such, we have curated a list of 60 best men’s watches for your perusal. This is a diverse catalog of best men’s watches, so whether you are working with deep pockets or a limited budget, we are sure that you will be able to find the right fit just for yourself.  1. Timex Navi XL Automatic 41mm Timex has a wide variety of watch designs for everyone, whether you want something fun and quirky, as well as robust and serious. Given its diverse catalog, it can be a challenge to pick just one watch from the brand. That said, we ended up going with the Timex Navi XL. This automatic 41mm watch was first launched in a limited run, and was met with such huge demand that Timex eventually gave it a re-release.  In its current incarnation, this Timex watch is equipped with a reliable 21-jewel Japanese automatic movement. We chose this military-influenced watch for its popular demand and incredibly low price point. This timepiece also possesses 100 meters of water resistance, which is quite substantial for a powerful watch that costs only $259 USD. 2. Hublot Spirit Of Big Bang Meca-10 There’s something about Hublot watches that make them truly captivating. Every watch from this brand is an interesting take on watchmaking and the innovative use of materials. This company proves how craftsmanship plays a huge part in making a watch company successful. Perhaps the most perfect example of a Hublot watch is the Spirit of Big Bang Meca-10. In keeping with Hublot’s constant experimentation with materials, there are three different versions available for this watch — titanium, Black Magic (black ceramic), and King Gold (5N 18k gold alloy). All versions are powered by a mechanical movement that packs a power reserve of up to 10 days.  This Spirit of Big Bang piece is a strong entry from 2020 and definitely something you should consider adding to your collection. At just a glance, you can immediately see the time, effort, and attention to detail put into this watch. It features a sophisticated open-heart dial and the brand’s familiar chunky rubber strap. It is impressive, masculine, and definitely a good investment. The titanium model costs $23,100 USD while the King Gold version sits at around $45,000 USD. Prepare to dish around $27,300 USD for the Black Magic version. 3. Roger Dubuis Excalibur Twofold If Hublot wowed you, then you might want to take a look at Roger Dubuis. This luxury brand is unstoppable when it comes to modern innovation. From its fresh designs to the use of materials, the brand never fails to impress.  The watch we have for you today is the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Twofold. This is a 45mm watch featuring a case made from the brand’s proprietary Mineral Composite Fiber (MCF). Roger Dubuis developed this ultra-white composite material made of 99.95% silica, as it allows for better and long-lasting illumination. Inside the watch is a manual-wound caliber RD01SQ with a double-flying tourbillon. You can observe this movement at work through the watch’s open-heart dial.  This Roger Dubuis watch is extremely rare, with only 8 pieces available. As such, it carries quite a hefty price tag of $276,000 USD.  4. Bulova Chronograph A You have most likely heard of Bulova before. Many people attribute the invention of the first electronic wristwatch to this brand. Indeed, the Bulova Accutron, released in 1960, helped pave the way for the brand’s success. However, there is more to the brand than just this watch. Take a look, for instance, at the Bulova Computron, or the equally iconic Chronograph A. The Chronograph A’s vintage look is inspired by the 1970s. This watch is nicknamed the “Surfboard” due to the oval shape on the dial of the watch which houses its two sub-dials. This design has since been adopted by brands like Breitling and Vulcan, but the Bulova Chronograph A remains the most iconic of all these men’s watches.  Realistically speaking, you will probably have a hard time looking for an original version of the Chronograph A. They are among some of the most expensive collector’s items today. That said, you can get a modern interpretation of the Chronograph A, with the same design as the original, but equipped with a quartz movement instead. You would have to fork out around $600 USD for this men’s watch.  5. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Calibre 321 Of course, it would not be a list of best men’s watches without Omega. The brand Omega greeted 2020 with the launch of a new version of the Speedmaster, which they dubbed the “Ed White”. The Speedmaster Moonwatch “Ed White” Calibre 321 is named after the astronaut who wore a Speedmaster on the first ever spacewalk in 1965. The Speedmaster Moonwatch Calibre 321 boasts a classic combination of a stainless steel case and three-link bracelet. It comes with all the usual Speedmaster Moonwatch trappings, including three chronograph sub-dials, a bezel marked with a tachymeter scale, and a sleek three-hand layout. You can get this popular men’s watch at around $14,100 USD.  6. Zenith Defy 21 Chronograph Zenith has defied a lot of watchmaking principles in the past year or two. The brand’s effort can be seen now more than ever, as it leans into modern ideas and technology. One outstanding recent men’s watch from Zenith is the Defy 21 Ultraviolet. Incorporating the use of the brand’s famous El Primero 21 movement, this model stands out from the crowd because its movement has received an ultraviolet treatment that strikingly contrasts its titanium case.  This men’s watch comes in two different variants. You can choose between a sleeker black model, or a more streamlined and professional looking version in white. Both versions feature clean, brushed cases, alligator leather straps, three-dimensional dials, and scratch-resistant ceramic bezels. The price for this Zenith Defy timepiece ranges from $12,000 to $14,000.  7. Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage Photo by Imgur.com Alpina watches are made for the outdoors. Some of the brand’s more famous collections include the Alpiner, Startimer, and Seastrong, all of which offer sturdy and sporty watches that would be great companions for your adventures, whether on land or sea. Our favorite among the men’s watches from this brand is the Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage. This Alpina Seastrong watch is equal parts chic and functional, making it one of the best men’s watches of all time. In particular, the Seastrong Diver Heritage Ref. AL-525G4H6 is a collaboration between Alpina and Gnomon. It is an excellent vintage-influenced remake of the 1969 Alpina 10 Super Compressor. This sporty blue reinterpretation includes two operable elements in the rotating bezel and the right case flank. This Alpina watch retails at around $980 USD. 8. Junghans Max Bill Hand-Winding In 1961, Junghans collaborated with industrial designer Max Bill to create the iconic Junghans Max Bill mechanical watches collection. Bill’s work became a legendary prototype, not only for the brand, but for the watchmaking industry as a whole.  Today, the Max Bill watches remain true to their roots. They retain the original, minimalistic Bauhaus influences that made the collection so influential in the first place. In particular, we recommend the Max Bill Hand-Winding, which features a puristic dial and clean lines. It also has a layer of domed glass, which adds a very vintage charm to the watch. Powered by the hand-winding movement J805.1, which is based on the ETA 2801-2 caliber, you can get this watch for $800 USD.   9. Gucci Grip Gucci is more than just a storied fashion house. While some skeptics have doubted the quality of Gucci watches, the brand remains unbothered as they continue to put out some of the most stunning watches in the industry. After all, fashion is their game, and what is a watch but a fashion accessory. The Gucci Grip is a unisex fashion watch that appeals to many. Inspired by the skateboarding community, the Gucci Grip cleverly incorporates elements of street culture. This collection of watches offer a wide variety of designs, straps, case treatments, and more, so you are sure to be able to find something that fits your tastes. Its sizes also vary between 35mm and 38mm.  One thing that remains constant across all Gucci Grip pieces is the fascinating way it tells time. It makes use of three rotating discs to show the hour, minute, and date. If you want a fashionable and quirky timekeeper, you can get the Gucci Grip at prices ranging between $1,450 USD to $2,250 USD.  10. William Wood Valiant Collection There is a very inspirational story behind William Wood and its watches. This brand was founded by Jonny Garrett as a tribute to his firefighter grandfather. As a mark of that, every watch from this brand carries a part of a Twenties British brash firefighter’s helmet. With William Wood watches, patrons can have a piece of heroism in a timepiece.  The William Wood Valiant is one of the brand’s first watches, made possible by a Kickstarter that raised up to $25,000. Despite being new, it easily made its way to our list of the best men’s watches. There are six watches from this collection, all of which are equipped with automatic movements and function as dive watches. The straps of these watches also add a heroic spin, as they are made using rubber materials from the Angus Duraline British fire hoses. Finally, the rotating bezel of the watch also takes inspiration from firefighters and their oxygen tanks. You can get all this for just $952 USD.  11. Swatch BIOCERAMIC C-Black Swatch is known for its collaborations with popular artists, estates, and designers. There is no doubt that the company knows exactly how to appeal to the masses. However, there is more to Swatch than just collaborations. The company also comes up with inspiring green designs as a part of its sustainability promise. One of its efforts lies with the Swatch BIOCERAMIC line. What is BIOCERAMIC, you ask? It is a Swatch-made material that is one part bio-sourced plastic, and two parts ceramic. This gives the watch much more resistance to abrasions and scratches, while still boasting a silky and smooth exterior. Our choice from this collection has to be the BIOCERAMIC C-BLACK. It is black all over with a quartz movement ticking inside. To make sure that the watch remains as eco-friendly as possible, the buckle of its bio-sourced black strap is also made from aluminum, which is infinitely recyclable. For only $125 USD, this Swatch watch can be yours. 12. Chopard Alpine Eagle In 1980, Chopard released the St Mortiz, which is notable for being the first sports watch from the brand. What made it even more impressive was that, despite its classification as a sports watch, it boasted a sleek exterior that made it a fine piece of jewelry as well.  22 years later, Chopard re-released the St Mortiz as the Alpine Eagle. Like its predecessor, this is an unusually elegant sports watch encased in finely brushed stainless steel. It is also even better in terms of accuracy, with a full COSC certification. Even though it looks nothing like most men’s sport watches in the market, this is a versatile sports piece that you could easily bring to dressy events too.  The stainless steel iteration of the watch costs around $12,900 USD, while the two-tone variant retails at $19,700 USD.  13. Urwerk EMC Time Hunter Have you ever heard of Urwerk? If not, then there is a lot you’re missing out on. This company adds a modern, unique flair to watchmaking. The brand’s goal is to introduce futuristic cues into the more traditional watchmaking techniques used in Haute Horlogerie. Released in 2016, the Urwerk EMC Time Hunter remains the most impressive watch from the brand. It was a hard choice to make but its unique form and function makes it easily one of the best men’s watches around. Urwerk innovatively balances the balance wheel of this EMC watch’s mechanical movement. In addition, it also features a manual-winding generator. This generator is made by Swiss company Maxon, which is mostly known for developing the motors used on NASA’s Mars rovers. It might take a while for you to get used to this watch, but it is, without a doubt, a powerful timekeeper to bear. You can purchase this watch for around $125,000 USD.  14. Harry Winston Project Z14 In 2020, American-brand Harry Winston released Project Z. This was a line of men’s watches with cases made from Zalium. If you are not familiar with this material, it is a sturdy zirconium-aluminium alloy typically used in aeronautical engineering.  The most recent model in this collection, the Project Z14, was released in 2021. The dial of this watch features a combination of different brushed and polished finishes. In addition, it also displays a quirky red retrograde hand that quickly and satisfyingly swings back to zero every 30 seconds. This is paired with a comfortable black leather strap. There were only 300 pieces of this watch made, which explains its fairly heavy price tag of around $24,300 USD.  15. Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Limited Edition Next up, we have Montblanc’s Montblanc 1858 collection, which aims to uphold the spirit of mountain exploration. These watches take inspiration from the professional Minerva watches made during the 1920s and 1930s, which were typically used for military and exploration purposes as well.  The Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Limited Edition watch, in particular, is dedicated to the Seven Summits climbing challenge that aims to conquer Earth’s highest peaks. True to its name, there are only 1,858 pieces available for this model. It comes in an interesting colorway, with rose gold hands over a khaki dial that displays two rotating gloves. These gloves are incredibly artistic, showing off the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The dial also features a second time zone. Adding to the watch’s vintage feel is its woven khaki strap.  This watch costs around $7,300 USD. 16. Oris Hangang Limited Edition 01 The Han River (Hangang in Korean), is one of the longest rivers in South Korea, connecting various cities across the country. Over the past few years, there have been efforts to clean up the river, and Oris has been one of the brands helping make this happen. As part of their efforts, the brand also released the Oris Hangang Limited Edition 01.  Oris released the Hangang Limited Edition 01 in collaboration with the Korea Foundation for Environmental Movement. It aims to help with the organization’s clean-up operation on the Han River. This watch features a brilliant emerald green dial, inspired by the creeks of the Han River’s source. It also has a delicately engraved case back which depicts the river’s path across South Korea.  For around $2,000 USD, this limited edition watch can be yours.  17. Tissot Heritage 1973 Chronograph Tissot has been a part of the motor racing industry since the 1950s. This Swiss company first became closely intertwined with the automotive industry when they sponsored entrants at the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race in the 1970s. Tissot also reached first place with French car builder Alpine at the Monte Carlo Rally World Championship in 1973. As a tribute to that win, the brand released the Heritage 1973 Chronograph. Inspired by the 1970s Tissot Navigator, the Heritage 1973 Chronograph is a mechanical racing watch with modern specs. It features a polished stainless steel case with a 43mm diameter. The watch also has a dial highlighted with green SuperLumiNova at the indices. Plus, it also features neon orange counters and a date window positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock. This is paired with a period-perfect black perforated leather racing strap, which adds a vintage touch. Aptly limited to only 1,973 pieces, this watch retails at $2,250 USD per piece. 18. Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Mokarran  The 1950s was a defining decade for the watch industry. It was during this time that Blancpain launched the first modern diving watch, which we know today as the Fifty Fathoms. This name was inspired by the British measurement of depth. Fifty fathoms is equivalent to around 91 meters, or around 300 feet deep. Over the years since its launch, Blancpain has released around 100 different variations of this dive watch. Honestly, all these iterations certainly deserve a slot in a best men’s watches list. However, if forced to pick one, then we simply have to go with the modern Bathyscaphe Mokarran.  The Bathyscaphe Mokarran is a limited edition model with only 50 pieces available. The name of the watch comes from the scientific name of the great hammerhead shark, the Shyrna Mokarran. This watch also serves as a tribute to this great animal, as Blancpain has stated that the money raised from the sales of the Bathyscaphe Mokarran will go to the Mokarran Protection Society.   The Bathyscaphe Mokarran costs around $15,500 USD in retail.  19. Longines Hydroconquest Photo from Watchshopping.com Up next is another outstanding dive watch entry, with the Longines Hydroconquest. When it comes to best men’s watches, there are a lot of Longines watches to choose from but the Hydroconquest was an easy choice. There are different iterations available for this watch but the one that stands out the most is the royal blue Longines Hydroconquest L37813987.  The Longines Hydroconquest L37813987 is a versatile dive piece that looks perfect both underwater and on the dress floor. It boasts an exquisite rose gold and stainless steel exterior, paired with a striking sunburst blue dial that looks perfect in the water. This watch is water-resistant up to depths of 300 meters and costs around $1,600 USD to $2,000 USD.  20. Tudor Black Bay Chrono Tudor is commonly known as Rolex’s little sister, offering watches with designs that resemble Rolex watches, but at much more affordable prices. Hans Wildorf founded this brand in order to make Rolex designs more accessible to the wider public. So, you should not be too surprised if you see a watch that looks a lot like a Rolex in Tudor’s vast catalog. Case in point: the Tudor Black Bay collection. As a dive watch, the Tudor Black Bay exudes luxury reminiscent of the classic Submariner divers, which is why it is one of the brand’s biggest hits.  That being said, the Black Bay Chrono is not just a Rolex wannabe. In fact, it is revered in its own right for its robust features and powerful movement. These days, collectors use Tudor as a stepping stone into a grail collection. This watch, in particular, is one of the go-to watches for that, with its sleek 41mm build and striking panda dial. As a chronograph piece, this watch bears some similarities to the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona. This watch retails at around $4,900 USD to $5,225 USD. 21. Tag Heuer Carrera 160 Years Silver Limited Edition Tag Heuer celebrates 160 years of its extensive watchmaking tenure with the latest Carrera 160 Years Silver Limited-Edition model. This is a meticulously brilliant homage to the original Carrera timepieces. It bears the brand’s popular racing chronograph design, with three corresponding pushers, a polished dial, and the original Carrera’s classic silver stainless steel dial.  One difference that has been made to the Carrera 160 Years Silver is that it comes with a 39mm diameter, which is up from its original 36mm case size. It has also been updated with a shiny new 21st-century movement, boasting an 80-hour power reserve and a total of 168 components.  You can purchase this men’s watch for just $2,100 USD.  22. IWC Portofino Automatic Photo from Watchshopping.com Thanks to its elegant, laid-back Mediterranean style, the IWC Portofino has been one of IWC’s most consistently popular watches over the past 30 years. In particular, we recommend the IWC Portofino Automatic IW356522.  The IWC Portofino Automatic IW356522 comes with a stunning sunburst blue dial, paired with an exquisite 40mm rose gold case. The dial also features exquisite gold hour indices and Roman numeral indicators at 6 and 12 o’clock, and is protected by a layer of sapphire crystal with an anti-glare coating. This Portofino watch is secured by a sleek alligator leather strap with a pin buckle, and retails at a price of $9,729 USD.  23. Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Bell & Ross is mostly known for its square military watches, which is known as the brand’s trademark. One of the newer, robust pieces from Bell & Ross is the excellent BR 03-92 Diver Military. This watch features 300 meters of water resistance, making it perfect for the recreational divers out there. Aside from that, it also has resistances to shocks and magnetic interference. With a stainless steel interior and ceramic exterior, this watch is durable enough to handle just about anything. The white markers of this piece are also coated in luminescent material, so they glow bright green in poor lighting conditions. In addition, this watch boasts an olive green dial, reminiscent of a military uniform. You can wear it with either a black rubber strap or a matching olive green vector band.  There are only 999 pieces of the Bell & Ross BR 03-92 available. You can purchase this military men’s watch for around $3,300 USD.  24. Patek Philippe 6007A-001 Calatrava Patek Philippe has a famous slogan that goes, “You never really own a Patek. You merely look after it for the next generation.” Indeed, the watches from this brand are all extremely expensive, but for one very good reason: they are timepieces built to last generations. Simply owning a Patek Philippe watch can be used as a measure of your success, and a list of best men’s watches simply would not be complete without this brand. At the top of our list is the Patek Philippe 6007A-001 Calatrava. With only 1,000 pieces available, this watch was crafted in commemoration of the opening of the brand’s manufacture in Geneva. It boasts a gleaming, polished 40mm stainless steel case and comes with a powerful in-house automatic movement.  You can expect to fork out around $82,500 USD for this Patek Philippe Calatrava watch. 25. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Jaeger-LeCoultre made the Reverso especially for polo matches. This watch was designed with a reversible square case, so you could keep the watch face from being damaged during polo matches. It became an iconic design, and the Reverso collection has continued to be incredibly popular over the years.   The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface model is a great callback to the Reverso timepieces from the 30s. This watch comes with the collection’s signature reversible stainless steel square case. It is also equipped with a manual winding movement that powers the watch’s timekeeping functions, practical day/night indicator and two time zones. The attractive blue leather strap of this watch was specifically designed by renowned boot-maker Casa Fagliano. You can purchase this timepiece at$23,900 USD brand new. 26. Girard-Perregaux Quasar Azure In 1889, Swiss luxury brand Girard-Perregaux developed the watchmaking icon La Esmeralda. This pocket watch earned a gold medal from the Jury of the Paris Universal Exhibition, becoming an iconic design that remains unparalleled to this day. It boasted a movement that displayed architectural excellence and technical brilliance. Paired with a stunning finish and an open-heart dial, this movement eventually came to be known as the “Three Bridges”.  The modern Girard-Perregaux Quasar Azure Tourbillon pays tribute to the La Esmeralda’s by mimicking its legendary Three Bridges design. The name of the watch is derived from a luminous astronomical entity called the Quasar. Its design also incorporates a translucent azure blue case, which is sculpted from a single block of sapphire. This see-through case gives you a clear view of the watch’s “Three Bridges” skeletonized movement. You can purchase this piece for $309,000 USD.  27. Rolex Explorer Rolex boasts a vast catalog of watches that have helped build the brand’s reputation today. Among others, we have the Submariner, the Cosmograph Daytona, and the Day-Date. Although it was nearly impossible to settle on just one watch, we decided to go with an underrated Rolex offering: the Rolex Explorer.  This majestic men’s watch was named as such to honor Sir Edmund Hillary’s ascent of the perilous Mount Everest. Its case and bracelet are made out of a heavily-resistant alloy known as Oystersteel. As a material mainly used in chemical and aerospace industries, it offers maximum resistance to corrosion and an extremely fine, polished finish. As such, the Explorer is an incredibly durable watch that can withstand just about anything you have to throw at it. Modern versions of the Rolex Explorer are equipped with the brand’s in-house, self-winding caliber 3132. This movement features a Parachrom hairspring as well as Paraflex shock absorbers, making it extremely shock-resistant. This watch’s selling price starts at around $11,000 USD.  28. Seiko Prospex Black Series Night diving is what gave birth to a new line of dive watches from Seiko — the Seiko Prospex. There are just too many pieces from this collection that we can easily verify as great men’s watches. For instance, the line’s environmentally-friendly PADI models are perfect for those who want to give back to the ocean. However, there is also a line of Seiko Prospex watches made especially for lovers of monochrome looks. The Seiko Prospex Black Series is easily recognizable thanks to their exquisite black DLC-coated stainless steel cases. These watches are all equipped with the brand’s LumiBrite technology, which allows wearers to view their displays even in the dark. Some models are also solar chronographs, which are equipped with solar cells that have high-performing electricity generation. This gives the watches an alternative source of energy, so they can be charged using the power of the sun.  There are three fantastic models available in this sub-collection: a 45mm version known as the SPB125J1 “Sumo”, the solar-powered SSC761J1, and the 300m water-resistant SLA035J1 Professional. The prices of watches in this range start at $850 USD.  29. Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon NEDU Ball Watch Co is an American legend. Its founder, Webb C. Ball, was an American watchmaker, and the first watchmaker whose creations were sanctioned for use by the US railroads during the 1900s. By the time Ball died in 1922, 125,000 miles worth of train travel had been achieved with the help of his timekeepers.  One outstanding modern release by the brand is the Engineer Hydrocarbon NEDU. This dive watch takes inspiration from the US Navy’s Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU). It features a case that is water-resistant up to a depth of an incredible 600 meters. As a diving watch, it also comes with a unidirectional ceramic bezel marked with a tachymeter scale. Plus, you will not have any difficulty reading the time underwater, since this watch is equipped with hydrogen gas tubes that illuminate its markers and hands. This timepiece costs around $5,264 USD brand new. 30. Andersen Genève Tempus Terrae Worldtimer Andersen Genève’s founder, Dane Svend Andersen, first made a name for himself working in Patek Philippe’s complications department. Then, some 40 years ago, he decided to open up his own workshop located in Geneva. Despite being a relatively young brand, Andersen Genève has managed to achieve quite a bit under Anderson’s leadership.  In 2020, the brand introduced the Tempus Terrae, as a 25th anniversary tribute to the first Worldtimer that the company released. This watch only has 25 pieces available, making it one of the rarest watches on our list. This stunning timepiece features a blue-gold dial which is crafted by melting down regular 21K gold and adding a bit of iron to it. In addition, its bezel is embedded with 36 baguette diamonds, adding to its aura of luxury. The price of this watch ranges between $50,000 USD and $60,000 USD.  31. Hermès H08 Fashion houses like Gucci and Hermès definitely have their own ideas of what a watch should be, and we are definitely here for it. One great offering by Hermès is the H08. This timepiece, with its cushion-shaped case, makes for a great luxury everyday piece and is definitely one of the best men’s watches of today.  You have three different choices of cases for this watch. These include titanium, black DLC-coated titanium, or graphene with ceramic. The watch is powered by an in-house caliber H1837 Vaucher. This is an automatic movement, with 50 hours of power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.  The titanium iterations of the watch cost around $5,000 USD to $6,000 USD. Meanwhile, the graphene version with a rubber strap costs around $8,900 USD. 32. Bulgari Octo Roma Naturalia The Bulgari Octo is one of the biggest names in the contemporary watch-making industry. The timepiece, launched in 2012, became an instant icon and garnered various awards for its impressive design. It was highly recognized for its astoundingly thin, eight-sided case with a perfectly round bezel. This Bulgari watch is sophisticated, lightweight, and truly one of the best men’s watches to grace the modern era. One incredibly fun piece from this collection is the Bulgari Octo Roma Naturalia. This is a customizable high jewelry watch. You can choose between different case materials such as titanium, rose gold, or platinum, all based on your own liking. Other materials you can include in your watch also include precious stones like black onyx, lapis lazuli, and malachite, so you can craft a luxurious Bulgari Octo piece that truly represents your personality.  The base price of this watch starts at $89,000 USD.  33. Rado Captain Cook Bronze The 1960s was a great time for the dive watch industry. Many of the most iconic dive watches were born during that era. This includes big players in the industry such as the Rolex Submariner and the Omega Seamaster. During this time, Rado also launched a great dive offering of their own: the Rado Captain Cook. Its name is inspired by British navigator and explorer James Cook, who is famous for mapping a huge part of the South Pacific.  The original 1960s Captain Cook has long since been discontinued, and is no longer available for purchase. However, the brand has also released the Captain Cook Bronze, which boasts a design that skews as close to the original as possible, with its classic bronze case and forest green dial. The updated Captain Cook Bronze also boasts bronze hour indices and arrow-shaped hands, along with a comfortable NATO strap. You can purchase this men’s dive watch for just $2,600 USD.  34. Baume No. 10600 Every watch enthusiast knows the brand Baume & Mercier. Founded in 1830, the brand is generally known for its more conservative take on Haute Horlogerie. However, as the watch industry has turned towards greater sustainability, the brand also followed suit by launching the sub-label Baume.  Aside from producing eco-friendly watches, Baume also offers more affordable options, so more people can experience Baume & Mercier’s expertise and watchmaking without having to break the bank. The Baume 10600 is a model that is the perfect epitome of all this. This watch boasts an exquisite round gold case, with an elegant and thin crown unusually placed at 12 o’clock and slight horn-shaped lugs. Its default strap is a gray cotton band made entirely from natural materials, but you can change this for other bracelets as well. What’s more, this classy watch costs only $500 USD.  35. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph The elite watch enthusiasts are all-too-familiar with the Audemars Piguet, known commonly as AP. Having been around since 1875, the Royal Oak sports watch is arguably AP’s most popular piece. Designed by legendary watchmaker Gerald Genta, its outstanding rounded octagonal bezel kicked off a huge trend in the watch industry, inspiring many other Royal Oak lookalikes. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was one of the first sports watches to be made from stainless steel, and the modern Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph continues this trend. In addition, it boasts a signature, gorgeous blue Grand Tapisserie dial. This watch is powered by a self-winding 3835 movement, which has a 40-hour power reserve and a water-resistance capacity of 50 meters. You can purchase this piece for $82,000 USD.  36. Movado Museum Classic Up next, we have the Museum watches, released by the watch brand Movado, which means “always in motion” in Esperanto. Designed by Nathan George Horwitt, this collection of men’s watches is known for its minimalist dials, decorated only with sleek dauphine hands and a gold dot located at 12 o’clock.  The Movado Museum Classic measures around 40 mm in diameter. You can get it in plain stainless steel, or a black or gold PVD-coated case. This watch is also offered in a variety of dial colors, including blue, mother-of-pearl, and jet-black. One constant across all these watches is the iconic 12 o’clock dot marker.  This watch will set you back by a little less than $900 USD. 37. Bamford × Revolution GMT Joe Cool Everybody loves Snoopy. However, some people are more enamored by the beagle’s stylish alter ego, Joe Cool. Joe Cool debuted in 1971, taking the form of Snoopy with a pair of black sunglasses and a red sweater with the words ‘Joe Cool’.   In 2020, Bamford was already featuring Peanuts characters in its watches. This time, the brand decided to introduce Joe Cool into their catalog. The Bamford × Revolution GMT Joe Cool is a GMT watch, with a 40mm stainless steel case and a polished, luminous rotating bezel. Ticking inside the watch is a Sellita SW330-1 movement with 42 hours of power reserve. This watch also has a GMT hand, shaped like Snoopy’s arm, so you can monitor two time zones at once. At $1,900 USD, this is a fun and quirky collector’s piece that Snoopy fans would love to have in their collection.  38. Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Worldtimer Frederique Constant has a whole array of timepieces that can be included in our list of the best men’s watches. Some of its conic collections include the Slimline, Highlife, and Classics. However, for this entry, let us focus on the Manufacture collection. As its name suggests, it features the brand’s in-house manufacture calibers. In particular, we are looking at the Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Worldtimer Ref. FC-718NRWM4H9. This watch comes in a luxurious 18K rose gold case measuring around 42 mm in diameter. This is contrasted with a gorgeously decorated navy blue dial which has a gray world map at its center. The indices of this watch are luminous and plated with rose gold. As a Worldtimer, this watch has a counter that indicates 24 different cities on a disc, allowing you to keep track of multiple time zones. It also features a 24-hour day/night indicator split into two – red for day, and gray for night.  This elegant and highly-functional men’s watch costs around $18,000 USD.  39. Jacob & Co. Opera Scarface Anyone who has ever seen the movie Scarface will remember the lines, “Say hello to my little friend!” Indeed, Scarface had an impact on the generation that witnessed it in cinema and everyone else that came after. Jacob & Co. pays tribute to this cinematic icon by creating a watch in its honor. Under the Opera collection, the Jacob & Co. Opera Scarface was born. The Opera Collection is an incredibly unique addition to the watch industry. It is the only watch with a music box in it. The Opera Scarface, in particular, is fitted with a music box that plays the tune Bolivia from the Scarface movie. The iconic poster with Al Pacino can also be found on the watch’s dial.  In terms of its technical specifications, the Opera Scarface is equipped with a tourbillon movement, with a 42-hour power reserve. Overall, the watch has 658 individual components, making it one of the most complex watches in the world. In addition, the music box function can be played up to three times before you have to wind it again. This is a great collector’s item for both watch connoisseurs and fans of Scarface. That said, it is quite an expensive buy, retailing at $330,000 USD.  40. NOMOS Glashütte Tangente Sport Neomatik There is something about German watches that makes them truly captivating. Today, we’ll be looking at NOMOS Glashütte’s Tangente collection. This is a classy, minimalistic watch that features an angular design with clean lines. It is a prize-winning watch that has been a 25-year bestseller for the brand, having won the German Design Award, iF Design Award, and the Reddot Design Award. Our favorite watch from the collection has to be the NOMOS Tangente Sport Neomatik. This watch features 1,000 feet of water resistance, making it the perfect sports watch for those who love clean and simple designs. It comes in a stainless steel case, paired with either a black or silver-plated dial. At 3 o’clock, you will find an extra-large date window. It is also equipped with an in-house caliber DUW 6101, with 42 hours of power reserve and 27 jewels in total.  This watch can be yours for just $4,980  USD. 41. Bremont MB Savana Bremont is one of the oldest British watchmakers in the industry. It has a wide selection of watches that display the brand’s excellence in watchmaking. Among those is the MB Savanna. It is a timepiece created in collaboration with Martin-Baker, a British company that develops safety systems for pilots. It is also responsible for providing more than 70% of the world’s air forces with ejector seats.  The collaboration between Martin-Baker and Bremont began in 2007 and is still going strong to this day. Based on Martin-Baker’s feedback, Bremont came up with various watch tests for the MB Savanna to ensure that they were providing pilots with only the best aviation watches. These include ejection tests, crash tests, temperature tests, altitude tests, and of course, vibration tests.  The MB Savanna also features a desert-inspired design. The 43mm of this watch is made from Grade 5 Titanium, and it comes with an additional protective and tactical coating. It is also powered by an automatic chronometer, the modified caliber BE-36AE, and comes with a beige rubber strap.  This watch retails at $5,795 USD. 42. Victorinox I.N.O.X Mechanical Victorinox is one of the most popular accessible brands for those seeking rugged and hardy watches. Among its many innovations, our favorite is the I.N.O.X. This collection consists of various models. Although most of them are quartz watches, there are also mechanical iterations of the I.N.O.X. This makes automatic timepieces more accessible to the general public. The Victorinox I.N.O.X Mechanical comes with a neat guilloche pattern on its dial. This is designed to resemble the look of a Swiss Army Knife handle, and it helps add a high-end feel to this otherwise affordable watch. This watch is also the first of its kind, as it features a sturdy wooden strap. This type of strap is more durable than other materials and comes with a leather lining perfect for people who are looking for a sustainable watch option. If you are not a fan of the wooden strap, however, you could also opt for a stainless steel bracelet.  Models with stainless steel bracelets cost around $875 USD while those equipped with wooden straps retail at $825 USD. 43. Hamilton American Classic Intra-Matic Hamilton is one of the best-known American watch brands, producing robust watches at very affordable prices. Not only that, many of the watches from Hamilton are known for having very impressive movements ticking inside. Take, for example, the Hamilton American Classic Intra-Matic Auto Chrono.  This Hamilton American Classic watch is a modern take on a 1968 signature Hamilton piece that is both classy and sporty. It combines authentic 1960s aesthetics with a powerful modern movement, the H-31 automatic caliber. With this in-house movement, this watch has an extended 60 hours of power reserve. The oscillating bridge of the movement also has a ‘H’ pattern design, representing the brand’s trademark. In terms of its aesthetics, this watch boasts a striking panda dial and a supple leather strap that gives it a quintessential, luxurious look.  For $2,195 USD, this bad boy can be yours. 44. A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Heading back to Germany, let us take a look at A. Lange & Söhne. The brand’s Datograph collection consists of elegant and sophisticated mechanical chronographs. In particular, the Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon, which debuted back in 2016, is one of the most complex watches from A. Lange & Söhne. Its stunning salmon-colored dial is truly a sight to behold. Some of its marvelous features include a perpetual calendar with a moon phase indicator, two depressed sub-dials with intricate markings in black, and button-like pushers. A fly-back chronograph and a one-minute tourbillon regulator are safely secured within its 41.5-millimeter white-gold case. This watch has a relatively hefty price tag of $448,694 USD.  45. Ulysse Nardin Blast Ulysse Nardin has the most modern designs in today’s brands. The brand is unafraid to take a step into the future with masculine, avant-garde designs that truly draw everyone’s eyes. A great example of this is the Ulysse Nardin Blast.  The Ulysse Nardin Blast is as complex as any Ulysse Nardin piece can be, with a skeleton dial that emphasizes clean, geometric lines. Moreover, the buckle on the strap is a self-deploying one, and is extremely well-synchronized thanks to the patented 3-blade system it is equipped with. Inside this watch is a UN-172 Manufacture movement with a flying tourbillon complication. The watch also comes with 50m of water resistance.  There are three versions of this watch. You have a mode with a ceramic case in either white or black, priced at $46,000 USD. The last variant is an 18K rose gold piece worth $54,000 USD. 46. Citizen Promaster Diver GMT Japanese brand Citizen has made quite a name for itself in the global market. Thanks to the brand’s ingenuity, many modern, high-tech innovations in watchmaking are now accessible to many. In particular, many of these inventions can be found in the outstanding and diverse Promaster collection.  The Citizen Promaster Diver GMT features an especially neat invention from the brand — its patented Eco-Drive technology. This light-powered tech allows you to charge your watch using any light source, making this a very environmentally-friendly watch indeed.  In addition, this watch is also a bold and robust piece, with its stainless steel case and bracelet and striking pepsi bezel. It comes with a layer of anti-reflective sapphire crystal and luminous hands and markers. As a GMT watch, it is also equipped with a 24-hour layout so you can monitor two time zones at once.   You can purchase this watch for $525 USD. 47. Reservoir Hydrosphere Air Gauge If you are looking for a unique and quirky watch to add to your watch collection, the French brand Reservoir has something for you. The brand debuted in 2016 with a retrograde minute, jumping hour watch. This was an innovative, speedometer-like piece whose minute hand swung back to zero every time it reached 60. Today, however, we are looking at a more recent offering from the brand: the Reservoir Hydrosphere Air Gauge.  Unlike the debut watch of Reservoir, the Hydrosphere Air Gauge takes inspiration from the pressure gauges of the first divers. This can be seen from its unusual dial, which features a bold and fun interplay of red, green, and blue colors against a stark white backdrop.  This watch also has a 45mm 316L stainless steel case with a smooth satin finish. Ticking inside is a self-winding movement with 37 hours of power reserve. This movement is based on the ETA caliber 2824-2, but Reservoir has modified it to include a 124-piece module. As per its name, this dive watch is also equipped with a helium valve that is designed to let out air pressures from the watch when deep underwater.  This watch costs around $4,300 USD. 48. Carl F Bucherer Heritage BiCompax Annual The 1950s and 1970s was a true peak in the watchmaking age, with many iconic designs emerging that have continued to influence modern-day watchmaking. This can especially be seen through Carl F Bucherer’s Heritage collection, a modern watch line that draws its inspiration from the 1950s.  Our choice from this collection is the Heritage BiCompax Annual watch. It features a sporty design, with a rugged rubber strap and a striking reverse panda dial. This watch comes with powerful modern features, including a chronograph, an annual calendar, a date window, and a tachymetric scale.  With only 888 pieces of this Carl F Bucherer watch available, you can purchase this watch at $7,200 USD.  49. Breguet Classique ‘Grand Feu’ Blue Enamel Breguet is the brand established by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the ingenious creator of the tourbillon mechanism. In particular, the Breguet Classique is one of the brand’s modern icons.  This watch comes in various iterations but the Classique 5177 ‘Grand Feu’ Blue Enamel is our favorite. It boasts a gorgeous deep blue dial, created using Grand Feu enamel. Grand Feu enamel is an artistic process which involves fusing glass and metal together. In this process, an artisan uses an incredibly thin metal disc and applies multiple layers of enamel powder over it, fired at 800 degrees Celsius or higher. This process is a sophisticated one, and the use of it pushes this watch’s price up to around $25,000 USD or more. 50. Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition The collaboration between Breitling and Bentley has been show-stopping, to say the least. There have been quite a few collaborations between watchmakers and car manufacturers over the years. However, the Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition is a particular standout.  This watch was debuted in honor of Bentley’s Continental GT Convertible Mulliner Edition. Limited only to 1,000 pieces, it is a luxurious tribute to a luxurious automobile, boasting a chronograph dial that resembles the dashboard of a racing car. This watch comes in a 42mm stainless steel case with a water resistance capacity of around 10m. It is powered by an in-house Breitling 01 self-winding mechanical movement, which features 70 hours of power reserve and vibrates at 28,800 vph.  This Breitling Bentley piece costs $8,650 USD in retail 51. Cartier Santos-Dumont There is a popular story behind the Cartier Santos-Dumont. One day in 1904, Louis Cartier granted Alberto Santos Dumont’s wish. The Brazilian aviator wanted to fly while still being able to tell time. This favor gave birth to one of the world’s first-ever wristwatches. To this day, the Cartier Santos-Dumont is one of the best men’s watches to ever exist. Lucky for us, Cartier continues to produce these watches, giving everyone the chance to experience history on their wrists. It features a square case with both mechanical and quartz movements. Prices range from $3,800 USD to $56,000 USD depending on the material, design, and movement used. 52. Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date Of all the brands mentioned in this list of best men’s watches, Vacheron Constantin has to be the oldest. Founded in 1755, this company produces only the best of the best in the world of watchmaking. Today, it functions as a subsidiary of the Swiss Richemont Group. Perhaps one of the most complicated watches from the brand, the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date is a sight to behold. It comes in an exquisite 18K gold case, paired with an elegant black alligator leather strap. It is equipped with a retrograde date display as well as a classy moon phase indicator. This highly advanced watch only needs to be reset every 122 years. Its retail price sits at around $44,800 USD. 53. Garmin Enduro Garmin is a brand known around the globe for its incredible and hardy smartwatches. It was hard to choose among its models but the Garmin Enduro is truly one of the most impressive in the pack. The Garmin Enduro comes in a tassel case, paired with a gray UltraFit Nylon strap. As you might imagine from its name, this smartwatch was made specifically for endurance athletes. It uses solar power to function, and you can easily manage its battery use by turning some of its sensors off. This men’s smartwatch can monitor various activities such as running, climbing, and mountain biking. It even comes with a timer that states how much recovery time you need after an exercise session, and a tracker that takes note of your daily performance metrics. This handy smartwatch costs only $800 USD, and it is more than worth its price.  54. Richard Mille RM 61-01 Ultimate Edition There is no denying that Richard Mille has become the epitome of luxury in modern-day watchmaking. Its designs are instant classics, boasting sophisticated, avant-garde cues that look like they come from the future. Richard Mille watches are also customizable, which makes this brand especially delightful to patrons.  The Richard Mille RM 61-01 Ultimate Edition is just another work of art from Richard Mille. This new Ultimate Edition model is an improved version of the RM 61-01. It comes with a carbon TPT® and quartz TPT® bezel and case back. It also features a skeletonized Grade 5 titanium caliber treated with PVD for improved durability.  There are only 150 pieces of this watch available. As such, it is not surprising that it bears a hefty price tag of around $200,000 USD. 55. Apple Watch Series 5 This sophisticated convenience that is offered by Apple’s Watch Series 5 is commendable. This is the most ideal waterproof companion for all your fitness needs, coming with a heart-rate tracker that supports a variety of training and exercise routines. It is also Apple’s greatest timepiece, thanks to its always-on display, which means you do not have to constantly flick your wrist in order to open up the display. Furthermore, thanks to Apple’s collaboration with Hermes, this watch’s elegant leather strap and sleek titanium build give it a hint of class. Offered in a variety of colorways, including pink, black, and white, this watch can be purchased for around $680 USD.  56. Panerai Submersible Bronzo Blu Abisso Panerai is known for its very unique watch designs. Panerai watches have cases that come in a bulky cushion shape, paired with bezels that are round. In addition, the Panerai Submersible stands out from the crowd even more with its striking, oversized crown guard which is shaped like a semicircle. The Panerai Submersible is an instantly recognizable statement piece that anyone should consider adding to their collection. In particular, the Panerai Submersible Bronzo Blu Abisso comes in a beautiful combination of bronze and blue, with a 42mm bronze case and a deep blue dial and leather strap. It features an automatic mechanical movement with 3 days of power reserve. It is also robust and durable, as it is equipped with an Incabloc® anti-shock device. Equipped with a water resistance capacity of 300m, this watch costs $15,900 USD in retail. 57. Nordgreen The Pioneer Chronograph Nordgreen has given us every reason to believe in brand philosophy. This Danish company has made it a goal to provide eco-friendly and accessible timepieces to the people. As part of its objectives, Nordgreen donates a portion of every sale to different charities. The brand also provides sustainable packaging for all its products. Indeed, the brand remains true to the art of sustainable watchmaking as it continues to produce award-winning timepieces. One of its most highly-recognized watches is the Pioneer Chronograph. It comes with a 42mm 316L stainless steel case that is available in various hues such as silver, rose gold, or gunmetal. The brand also offers a wide range of bracelets to choose from. Powering the watch is a Japanese quartz movement with 50 meters of water resistance.  The price of this elegant everyday men’s watch ranges between $289 USD and $314 USD. 58. Suunto Core If the outdoors is your thing or if you have a job that requires you to be on the field a lot, Suunto is a great brand to opt for. It carries different smartwatches perfect for just about every occasion. Whether it is for athletes or for tactical use, there is sure to be a Suunto watch for you. However, if you want an everyday men’s watch that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Suunto Core is the best option. It comes with all the features you can think of in a smartwatch. The watch has an altimeter, barometer, and even a compass. Plus, it comes with a durable and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal lens.  The price for the Suunto Core ranges from $219 USD for the all-black version to $529 USD for the variant with a brushed steel case. 59. Ressence Black Type 3X Limited Edition You may not be familiar with the brand Ressence. Despite having only been in the industry for about 10 years, Ressence pioneered various innovations, such as an automated crown for mechanical watches and a stunning oil-filled dial. The latter, in particular, even gives you the ability to visually touch the dial yourself.  This technology can easily be seen on the Ressence Black Type 3X Limited Edition. Aside from celebrating the brand’s 10th year anniversary, this watch also displays modern watchmaking at its most daring. It features a convex microbilled grade 5 titanium dial applied with Super-LumiNova for improved visibility in dim lighting conditions. You would hardly believe that the movement ticking inside this watch is an ETA 2824-2 caliber either, as it is customized with advanced improvements such as magnetic transmission.  Limited only to 40 pieces, this watch costs around $50,000 USD. 60. Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Piaget is the manufacturer responsible for making some of the world’s thinnest watches. For instance, some of the Piaget Altiplano models can even get up to 2mm thin. What began as just a concept of the thinnest men’s watches became a reality for many watch enthusiasts thanks to Piaget’s masterful watchmaking. The Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept features a white gold case that measures 41mm in diameter. It is powered by the Manufacture Piaget 900P-UC ultra-thin, hand-wound mechanical movement. This is an impressive watch that was awarded the prestigious “Aiguille d’Or” watch prize at the 2020 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). At $400,000 USD, wearing this watch is like wearing air on your wrist.  Picking from the Best Men’s Watches We know that we gave you quite a lot to think about. One way to start could be by picking the most affordable best men’s watches for now and slowly build your collection from there. You can also aim for the most extravagant options and be a part of the few people who own those best men’s watches. No matter how you take this list, we assure you that none of the choices here will fail you. Images credited to official watch websites unless otherwise stated

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  10. 30 Best Military Watches to bring on the Field

    30 Best Military Watches to bring on the Field

    From affordable options such as Timex Expedition watches to higher-end selections from the likes of Sinn and IWC, field watches offer a fantastic opportunity to put vintage military-inspired flair and modern action on top of your wrist. Also known as a military watch, the field watch is a great way to express your inner thrill-seeker.  Whether you’re scaling mountains, on the battlefield, or simply want to look sporty, it is always convenient to have a reliable field watch with you. If you’re looking for a trusty timekeeper you can bring anywhere, let’s have a look at the humble field watch and what it can do. If you stick around long enough, listed below are 30 of the best military timepieces you can find. 30 Best Military Watches There are dozens of highly capable and sturdy military watches in the market. Have you decided which one you are going for? Listed below are 30 of some of the best military watches available today, along with their approximate prices. Keep in mind that each timepiece is listed in no particular order. 1. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical – $525 USD If you want a timeless classic at an affordable price, there aren’t many Swiss watches out there that can do better than the Khaki Field Mechanical. As one of the watchmakers that supplied military timepieces to the US Army, Hamilton pays homage to its original 1960s Khaki Field with this faithful recreation that upholds the brand’s military heritage.  This watch boasts a 38mm stainless steel case, a clear white dial, and a comfortable brown leather strap. Its dial features elements like a 24-hour time index, contrasting black hour markers, and triangular indices and hands applied with radium-colored Super-LumiNova. It is powered by a reliable Hamilton H-50 caliber and comes with 50m of water resistance.  This military-inspired timepiece is built to last and is THE original American soldier’s watch.  2. IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic Spitfire – $5,500 USD Named after one of the most iconic fighter planes of WWII, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic Spitfire is a quintessential field watch that proudly displays its military lineage. Made in the historic town of Schaffhausen, the Pilot’s Watch Automatic Spitfire comes in a 39mm stainless steel case paired with a brown calfskin strap. Its case uses a sapphire crystal, with anti-reflective coatings on both sides to prevent any obstructive reflections when viewing its dial.  Operating underneath the watch face is an IWC-manufactured 32110 Caliber, which is sealed shut by a solid steel case back engraved with the logo of a Spitfire plane. Boasting 60m of water resistance, the Spitfire Automatic looks, breathes, and ticks like a conventional military watch. 3. Victorinox FieldForce Quartz  – $340 USD With its broad sword-shaped minute and hour hands, striking red second hand, large Arabic numerals, and outlined day-date window, the Victorinox FieldForce Quartz is a military watch that boasts unparalleled legibility.  Protected by a sapphire glass with three treatments of anti-reflective coatings, the Victorinox FieldForce watch utilizes a 42mm stainless steel case paired with a brown leather strap. This Victorinox timepiece runs on a quartz movement and has a depth rating of 100m. This allows it to repel raindrops, splashes, and beach waves better than the average military watch. 4. Longines Heritage Military Marine Nationale – $2,000 USD For a breezy-looking timepiece that can go with any casual outfit, the Longines Military Marine Nationale is ready to serve. Hailing from the Heritage collection, the Military Marine Nationale provides toughness, style, and a nostalgic charm.  This Longines watch’s round 38mm stainless steel case, beige dial, blue hands, and brown leather strap come together to form a military look that is both legible and pleasing to the eyes. Of course, this timepiece is not all about sentimental value. Underneath its watch face is a modern L888 self-winding caliber, equipped with a power reserve that can last up to 72 hours. 5. Oris Big Crown Propilot TLP Limited Edition – $2,370 USD Despite being marketed as a pilot’s watch, the Oris Big Crown Propilot TLP Limited Edition also makes for a great military timepiece. Housed within a gunmetal grey stainless steel case with an anti-glare PVD coating, this Big Crown Propilot watch is highly resistant to bumps, scratches, water, and corrosion.  This Oris watch’s dial features a military green surface, with numerals and hands coated in Super-LumiNova and a day-and-date window in place of the 3 o’clock marker. On the back of the Propilot TLP is a solid steel case back with engravings of the TLP logo. Powered by an automatic movement, this Oris timepiece boasts first-rate hardiness and provides wearers with a whole lot of convenience. 6. Seiko Neo Sports Automatic (SRPC89K1) – $305 USD A military watch that is highly legible, whether it is day or night, is definitely something to consider. Handsome and edgy, this two-toned Seiko military watch boasts an attractive contrasting dial that is easy to read and wonderful to look at.  Although its gigantic and bold numerals do not have any applied lume, the hands and pips of this Seiko piece do. As expected of the brand, the lume quality of the Seiko Neo Sports Automatic is phenomenal, and is something you do not usually see in this watch’s price range. Its stainless steel case also has a charcoal PVD-coating that bolsters its overall resistance to damage, shocks, and corrosion. 7. Luminox Atacama Field Automatic XL.1902 – 990 USD A fantastic timepiece with a modern design, the Luminox Atacama Field Automatic XL.1902 is a certified Swiss-made military watch that covers all grounds. The case, bezel, and bracelet of this Luminox Atacama Field wristwatch are all made of 316L stainless steel.  Traditional at heart, this Luminox timepiece uses tritium gas tubes to illuminate its dial in dark environments. With a depth rating of 200m, this watch also has the water resistance capacity of a tried-and-tested diver watch. It is powered by the Sellita SW-220-1 movement, with a power reserve of 38 hours.  8. Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium Auto – $995 USD Here is an example of an authentic military watch that uses titanium to achieve a sturdy and lightweight profile. The Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium Auto is a stylish and sturdy Hamilton watch that showcases several handy features.  This Hamilton Khaki Field piece has a titanium case that boasts all the durability and resistance of stainless steel, but is much lighter and more comfortable to sport. It runs on an automatic H-10 movement that can stay powered for up to 80 hours. For the hardcore FPS gamers out there, Hamilton also offers the limited-edition Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium Far Cry 6.  9. Sinn 556 A RS – $1,550 USD Sinn is usually known for making Instrument Watches for pilots and aviation crews. However, the brand can also come up with models that meet the criteria for a standard military timepiece.  With its clean and straightforward watch face, satinized stainless steel case, and reliable SW200-1 movement, the Sinn 556 A is as simplistic and rugged as they come. Accompanied by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, its casing and crown are screwed down for optimal waterproofness. Resistant to water pressures up to depths of 200m, the 556 A RS can be brought anywhere, whether it is land, sky, or sea.  10. Bell & Ross Vintage BR V2-92 – $3,200 USD Functional and uncomplicated, the Bell & Ross Vintage BR V2-92 is another aviation instrument that has what it takes to be a conventional military watch. Covered by a satin-polished stainless steel case and a boxed sapphire glass, this Bell & Ross watch boasts a military-inspired dial with green Super-LumiNova coated on its hands, numerals, and hour markers. Underneath its watch face is an automatic BR-CAL.302 caliber, which wearers can view through a sapphire case back. 11. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer – $10,450 USD The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer has everything a timepiece needs to be an exceptional military watch. Rolex is famous for crafting all their watches, including this Oyster Perpetual piece, using Oystersteel. This is a type of steel made from the 904L steel family, known for being impervious to corrosion.  This Oyster Perpetual watch’s alluring dial also boasts Rolex’s signature design, with the iconic Mercedes hands, quality lume on the hands and hour markers, and excellent readability. Boasting an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day, the watch’s 3230 Superlative Chronometer is unparalleled in terms of precision and power.  12. Casio G-Shock DW-5750E-1JF – $270 USD Based on the 1987 G-Shock DW-5700C, the modern Casio DW-5750E-1 boasts a classic G-Shock look with contemporary Casio toughness. Sporting the brand’s recognizable resin case, this watch is extremely resistant to shocks and impacts. Its water resistance capacity is also a stand-out feature, with its depth rating of 200m.  Since the Casio DW-5750E-1 uses a quartz movement, it is certainly reliable and comes at quite an affordable price too. Coupled with a matching resin band, you cannot go wrong with this digital military timepiece. 13. Omega Seamaster Railmaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer – $4,900 USD The Seamaster collection is home to many diver models. However, it is also the residence of the Omega Railmaster Co–Axial Master Chronometer. Made to cater to the needs of railway staff and anyone who works around strong magnetic fields, the Railmaster boasts a symmetrical 40mm stainless steel case and a legible vintage-inspired, vertically-brushed dial.  This Omega watch is also powered by a Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 8806, which is immune to magnetic fields reaching up to 15,000 gausses. As a part of the Seamaster selection, it also features a considerable water resistance of 150m. With its impressive resistances, this hardy timepiece makes for a great military watch indeed.  14. Tissot T-Sport PRC 200 Quartz – $425 USD A simple black dial with silver hands, hour markers, and indices is indeed a stunning combination. Apart from being stylishly attractive, the Tissot T-Sport PRC 200 Quartz is a straightforward timepiece. With only a date window as an added complication, this Tissot T-Sport watch offers the timekeeping essentials while providing wearers with an easy-to-read canvas.  Powered by an ETA 805.112 quartz movement, this 39mm stainless steel Tissot watch also comes with a black leather strap, a sapphire crystal, and a water resistance rating of 200m.  15. Seiko 5 Sports SRPG33K1 – $380 USD The Seiko 5 Sports SRPG33K1 has qualities that make it excel both as a sports watch and a military piece. Pronounced Arabic numerals, dark military green dial, and a Seiko 4R36 automatic movement: all of this is encased within a 100m water-resistant stainless steel case.  The Seiko 4R36 caliber also has manual winding and hacking capabilities, which allow you to adjust the watch with just a pull and twist of the crown. Aesthetically, this Seiko 5 Sports timepiece exudes a clean-cut military feel and is durable in and out. 16. Luminox Atacama Adventurer Field Quartz XL.1761 – $490 USD A modern Swiss field watch with a retro-inspired design, the Luminox Atacama Adventurer XL.1761 is a practical and stylish timekeeper. Water-resistant up to depths of 200m, this Luminox watch comes with a 42mm stainless steel case. This case is nicely beveled, to provide a prominent, gleaming composition that fits the wrist easily and effortlessly catches the eye. Its dial also boasts a dark textured surface with Arabic numeral markers, pencil hands, luminous tritium rods, and a unique subsidiary seconds subdial. 17. Victorinox I.N.O.X. Carbon Quartz – $790 USD Most military watches tend to use stainless steel and titanium for their casing. Victorinox, however, chose to deviate from the norm with its Victorinox I.N.O.X. Carbon Quartz. For this watch, the brand chose to make its case out of a carbon composite. This is a kind of material similar to what is used to protect space shuttles from extreme temperatures, making this a particularly hardy watch.  Furthermore, the dial of this Victorinox I.N.O.X piece is all about clarity. Its Arabic numeral markers, hands, and logo are all generously coated with Super-LumiNova, giving it a vibrant and bright glow in poor lighting conditions. This wristwatch has a depth rating of 200m and uses a quartz movement for reliable timekeeping. 18. Hamilton Khaki Field Day Date Auto – $1,030 USD Another fine military watch from the American-Swiss watchmaker, the Hamilton Khaki Field Day Date Auto offers the strength and easy legibility that the Khaki Field collection is known for. This Hamilton Khaki Field Day Date Auto also comes with additional day and date windows, at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock markers respectively.  The 42mm stainless steel case of this Hamilton watch covers a silver step dial, presenting a gorgeous and cohesive look that perfectly matches its black calfskin leather strap. Hiding behind its exhibition-style case back is an automatic H-30 movement, complete with its 80-hour power reserve. 19. Nixon A124-019 Chrono – $300 USD Sheltered in a stainless steel case, the A124-019 Chrono showcases an eye-catching black and yellow watch face that is definitely a Nixon exclusive. No other color stands out better against a black surface than vibrant yellow. With its alternating index and Arabic numerals, unique minute and hour hands, and red seconds hand, every component on this military timepiece sticks out clearly without compromising its overall legibility. This watch runs on a quartz movement and is water-resistant up to depths of 100m. 20. Oris Big Crown Pointer Date – $1,750 USD Well-known for its oversized crown, the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date adopts an iconic design that originated from the Oris pilot models of the late 1930s. Straightforward and effortless to read, this Oris Big Crown watch is not only reliable but also capable of attracting everyone’s attention.  This Oris watch’s stainless steel case has a domed sapphire crystal treated with anti-reflective coatings on both sides. Powered by an Oris 754 self-winding movement, the watch can keep ticking for up to 38 hours. Oris couples the Big Crown Pointer Date with a sustainably sourced brown leather strap. 21. Sinn 856 B-Uhr – $2,370 USD Inspired by deck watches produced in the 1700s, the Sinn 856 B-Uhr boasts a design that is quite unconventional in modern times. Despite that, it is still highly readable and easy to comprehend.  This Sinn watch utilizes a shortened, outlined hour hand that points to the hour indices located on the inner circle of the dial. Its outer circle features markers and numerals that indicate the minutes and seconds, and are all coated with an ivory-colored luminescence. The minute hand also has applied lume on its surface. Below the dial is a Sellita SW300-1 caliber, encased within 40mm of stainless steel. 22. Citizen AT2465-18E – $180 USD If you are seeking a sporty and fun military watch, this Citizen AT2465-18E is an excellent choice. This Citizen piece boasts a PVD-coated stainless steel case, an innovative solar-powered Eco-Drive movement, and a classy stitched yellow strap. On its legible black dial, you can find three sub-dials, a small date window, and vibrant luminous yellow hands and Arabic hour markers. Behind the wristwatch, you can also find a solid steel case back that ensures maximal protection against water and other external elements. 23. Fossil Modern Machine Quartz – $170 USD The Fossil Modern Machine Quartz is a fine and affordable option for a military watch. Protected by a layer of mineral glass and 45mm of stainless steel, the black dial has silver alternating hour numerals and indices, along with large luminous hands, a date window, and three sub-dials. This watch runs on a quartz movement, which is sealed behind a solid steel rear case for optimal safety. With a water resistance rating of 100m, you can easily bring the Fossil Modern Machine Quartz for a swim or into the showers. 24. Hamilton Khaki Field King – $575 USD The Khaki Field King is yet another outstanding military watch that features characteristics of the original Khaki Field, but with the addition of day and date windows. However, what makes this Hamilton timepiece unique is the positioning of its day-date apertures, both of which can be found at the 12 o’clock position. This Khaki King model showcases a well-rounded stainless steel case and a mechanical H-40 movement. If you prefer the design of the Khaki Field King, let nothing stop you from acquiring this sturdy military watch.  25. Bell & Ross Instruments BR0392-GH-ST/SCA – $3,700 USD If you are looking for military watches with a more unusual shape, check out this Bell & Ross BR0392-GH-ST/SCA with a distinctive square stainless steel case. With its 100m water resistance rating, this Bell & Ross piece hails from the brand’s Golden Heritage lineup. Its dial boasts a harmonious mix of a black backdrop and golden accents that work together to give this timepiece a classy vintage vibe. The hands, numerals, and indices are all coated with Super-LumiNova to give them uninterrupted brightness and legibility in the dark..  26. Ball Engineer III Pioneer – $2,100 USD Ball is a Swiss watch company that dates back to 1891. Founded in Cleveland, Ohio by Webb C. Ball, the company has a long history with the American Railroad System. One of its best military watches is the Ball Engineer III Pioneer.  This Ball Engineer III model is a stainless steel watch with an unguarded, teeth-edged crown and a straightforward dial design. With a magnified date window at 3 o’clock, its black dial contains broad hands, numerals and indices generously fitted with tritium gas tubes. The Ball Engineer III Pioneer has a water resistance rating of 100m and runs on a BALL RR1103-C automatic caliber. 27. Seiko Prospex SJE085J1 – $2,690 USD Sleek, handsome, and quite sophisticated, the Seiko Prospex SJE085J1 is a military watch you would want to bring to any grand event. Its stainless steel case matched with its simple yet beguiling black dial gives it a distinguished look that can make anyone take you seriously. And this Seiko Prospex watch is not all about looks, either. It runs on a Seiko 6L35 automatic movement that features manual winding and hacking capabilities, as well as a 45-hour power reserve. Its 100m depth rating and boxed sapphire crystal also ensure that any drops, splashes, or spills will stay away from its striking watch face. 28. Victorinox I.N.O.X. Autumn Spirit – $550 USD This is a military watch built for all the adventurous and thrill-seeking spirits out there. Paired with Victorinox’s iconic camouflage paracord strap, the Victorinox I.N.O.X. Autumn Spirit is a quartz-powered timepiece that boasts a 200m water-resistant stainless steel case and a straightforward, no-frills black dial. Its simple hands, numerals, hour markers, and logo are generously coated with luminescence for improved readability anytime and anywhere. 29. Luminox Bear Grylls Survivor SEA Series Never Give Up – 3729.NGU – $495 USD One of the most striking military watches on our list, the Luminox Bear Grylls 3729 is a diver and military timepiece all molded into one reliable gadget. The case of this watch is made from CARBONOX. This is a unique carbon compound that possesses both strength and lightweight durability.  This watch’s black-and-orange bezel rotates unidirectionally, and nicely complements the watch’s overall design. The dial consists of a textured black backdrop with contrasting white and orange accents, and tritium gas tubes on its hands and indices for improved legibility in the dark. Etched on the lower portion of the watch face are the words “Never Give Up”, a principle that this military watch itself also lives by.  30. Hamilton Khaki Field Auto – S700 USD The Khaki Field collection has a lot of excellent military watches. However, one model that stands out in particular is the H70595523. Its cream dial and vintage-style printed numerals give it a classic look that perfectly captures the military heritage Hamilton takes pride in. Underneath its watch face is an H-10 automatic movement with an 80-hour power reserve. Housed inside a stainless steel case, the H70595523 oozes the same strength, accuracy, and reliability that you see in the very best military watches out there. What is a Military Watch? Around the mid-nineteenth century, it was mainly women who wore wristwatches. Military officers had to rely on pocket watches to coordinate their operations. However, officers soon found that the pocket watch proved to be impractical and even potentially life-threatening when used during the wrong circumstances.  Military watches are essentially timepieces initially designed for soldiers in place of the conventional pocket watch. They were meant to provide accurate time on watch faces that were easy to view and read, no matter the circumstances. Designed with resistances to water, dust, and shock, the military watch is a simple yet invaluable timekeeping tool for officers on the battlefield. Military watches were already used during WWI, but it was not until WWII where they became standard issue for both the allied and the axis forces. One of the first and most popular military watches was the A-11, a military timepiece developed by four American companies – Bulova, Elgin, Hamilton, and Waltham. The American A-11 set the standards for how a military watch should look, and its distinct design became the blueprint for other military watches that came after it. Nowadays, the military watch has gone through many different styles and upgrades, but it still retains its core functions of providing readability, reliability, and simplicity.  Features of a Military Watch Stainless Steel Case Typically, a military watch comes in a stainless steel case. While some models use other materials such as titanium and resin, stainless steel remains the conventional resource for military watches. Watchmakers around the world use stainless steel for its affordability, strength, and one-of-a-kind luster. Its resistance to impacts and corrosion makes it the ideal casing for military watches, which are designed to take on the elements and all sorts of other damage. Quality Movement Any watch loses its purpose when it cannot tell the time properly – that is especially true of military watches. Whether it is mechanical or quartz, a military watch must have a high-quality movement that can keep track of time precisely, no matter what. In battle, you are bound to take some bumps and falls, so it is pivotal that the movement can take a hit and still keep the watch ticking. Highly Legible Legibility is one of the most crucial aspects of a traditional military timepiece. On the battlefield, soldiers are not allowed to waste time. Officers cannot waste precious seconds trying to decipher the time on overly-complicated or hard-to-read watch dials. Of course, this is not a problem in our regular lives, but in a dangerous warzone, every second could be the difference between life and death.  As such, the watch faces of military watches should be simplistic and straightforward, with no frills or distracting light glares. You should be able to read the time on a military watch with just one glance.  Easy to Use In addition to the no-frills design, military watches should generally be simple and easy to operate, even in difficult situations. Time is a luxury, and you would not want to waste it by spending too much of it adjusting small buttons and intricate complications. An ideal military watch is foolproof and can be used by anyone. Water-Resistant There is no telling what takes place on the battlefield, and every soldier has to adapt to any situation. Sometimes, soldiers might need to fulfill their roles in wet areas, rainy weather, or even submerged underwater. A tried-and-tested military watch needs to showcase an ample amount of water resistance in order to deal with these scenarios. Military watches do not have to equal the depth ratings of diver watches, but they should be capable of keeping water out of their interiors. Final Thoughts Despite adhering to army-inspired criteria, military watches can come in many shapes and forms. And no matter how they look, they can withstand almost anything while also allowing you to tell accurate time.  The list of best military watches above have highlighted just how versatile an army watch can be. Some models are gifted with water resistance capacities that match the capabilities of a genuine diver watch, while others are sophisticated and stylish enough to be worn as dress watches. Of course, you can also wear the military watch for everyday use as well.  From the 30 military watches shown above, we hope you have gained a better idea of what a military watch is, what it can do, and which model is the perfect one to accompany you in your adventures. Looking for a new automatic watch? Here are 25 of the best automatic timepieces you can find. All images credited to WatchShopping.com

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