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  2. White Watches For Men: 15 Best Models For That Clean Look

    White Watches For Men: 15 Best Models For That Clean Look

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

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  4. 15 Bauhaus Watches Worth Checking Out

    15 Bauhaus Watches Worth Checking Out

    One of the greatest things about watchmaking is how greatly it has evolved over the years. With the advent of industrialization and modern tech, this is especially true of the last century. While traditional, classic-style timepieces are still loved and used today, innovations in designs and technology have opened new doors for watchmakers. Today, collectors and enthusiasts have countless watch options to choose from, all with different aesthetics and specifications. A perfect example of this would be the rise of Bauhaus watches. These Bauhaus models do not necessarily follow the same stylistic codes as older, quintessential timekeepers, yet the Bauhaus watch style has been consistently gaining popularity and leverage in horology in the past few decades. Today, we will be focusing on this particular design phenomenon and everything you need to know about it. For those whose interests are piqued, we have also curated a list of the top 15 Bauhaus watches you should definitely consider adding to your collection. All About the Bauhaus Movement  The term “Bauhaus” can be used to refer to a number of different, but related, things. First of all, Bauhaus is both a design movement that originated from Germany back in the early 1900s and the name of the school that started this movement. It started out as a school dedicated to art, with the main goal being to bring together different forms of art whilst eradicating the social distinctions attached to them as well. Bauhaus designs are characterized by abstract elements like simple geometric shapes and contrasting colors. Today, Bauhaus in watchmaking is used to refer to a simple, minimalistic design that is highly influenced by the original design movement. One of the greatest things about Bauhaus watches is their ability to balance contemporary style with practicality. Bauhaus watches focus a lot on essential, abstract design elements instead of traditional ornamentations, stripping down models to the bare minimum in order to achieve a more elegant aesthetic and functional layout. Bauhaus watches have become increasingly popular today, especially with the recent rise of minimalism in art, lifestyle, and the like. Elements of Bauhaus Watches Before we get into the list of best Bauhaus watches proper, let us take a look at some common elements and characteristics typically found in these watches. Only the Bare Necessities  The beauty of the Bauhaus design lies in its balance of functionality and art. As such, one of the main characteristics of Bauhaus watches is that they use only what is deemed absolutely essential. This means that the watch face of a Bauhaus watch is very simple and typically has little to no ornamentations or complex complications. Instead of diamond-set bezels and heavily patterned dials, the dials of Bauhaus watches have straightforward, minimalist layouts with modern details instead. Slim Cases  This element is not something that applies to all Bauhaus watches, but it is definitely quite common. Oftentimes, Bauhaus watchmakers opt for relatively slim cases because that is what goes well with the simple and minimalist aesthetic of the Bauhaus watch’s dial. A slender case allows the already stripped-down watch face to still stand out and not be overpowered by the other components of the watch. In addition, it also adds a certain elegance and modernity to the entire timepiece.  Contemporary Dial Components  Finally, Bauhaus watches tend to possess more contemporary dial components. In a lot of watches today, you can find Roman or Arabic numerals in classic typefaces, oversized hour markers, and quintessential-looking hands with luminescent coatings. These are all traditional watch elements that have been used for centuries now. Bauhaus watches, however, favor a shift towards more modern, organic design codes. Slim fonts, simple and minimalist shapes, and subdued colors are some of the more prominent details found in Bauhaus watches. 15 Best Bauhaus Watches 1. Junghans Max Bill Ref. 027/3702.04 Let us start off this list with the Junghans Max Bill Ref. 027/3702.04, which serves as a classic representation of a Bauhaus watch. Thanks to its monochromatic overall design, it boasts a very sleek and contemporary look. This model comes in a 34mm stainless steel case paired with a quintessential black leather strap. The black dial features slim sword-shaped hands, Arabic numerals in a simple geometric typeface, and stick indices that make up the minute track on the rim of the dial. Underneath this straightforward exterior, you will find the J805.1 caliber, a manual-winding movement with a 42-hour power reserve.  If you are looking for a truly authentic Bauhaus watch, this Junghans Max Bill piece might just be what you need. Even better, it retails at an affordable price of just $729 USD. 2. Nomos Glashuette Tangente 38 Ref. 165.S4 Next, we have a striking model from one of the best brands for Bauhaus watches, Nomos Glashuette. The Nomos Glashuette Tangente 38 Ref. 165.S4 is a simple and lovely option for those who enjoy quieter timepieces. This watch comes in a 37.5mm stainless steel case and a leather bracelet in black. Its dial has a lovely pastel beige hue, with the minute track, in particular, having a pastel red backdrop. It is furnished with thin black hands, elongated Arabic numerals in a modern font, stick indices, and a small seconds counter at 6 o’clock. This Nomos Glashuette Tangente watch is powered by a manual-winding, Alpha manual caliber with a 43-hour power reserve. For $1,749 USD, you get this versatile and casual watch which makes for a great everyday accessory. 3. Skagen Melbye Ref. SKW6007  Even though Skagen is a Danish brand that draws inspiration from its Scandinavian roots and lifestyle, a lot of its models can pass as Bauhaus watches. The Skagen Melbye Ref. SKW6007, for example, is a rather minimalist timepiece that makes use of essential timekeeping elements in a creative way. This Skagen Melbye piece has a 40mm stainless steel case along with a sophisticated mesh bracelet of the same material. The grey dial features luminescent silver hands, slim indices, Arabic numerals, and an inner minute track in vibrant orange. You can also find a three-hand system and a day-date display, outlined in silver, both of which are driven by a quartz movement.  If you prefer unique, Bauhaus-inspired watches, you simply have to fork out $175 to get your hands on this lovely timepiece.   4. Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope Ref. 027/4008.04 The Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope Ref. 027/4008.04 is a more multifunctional and understated approach to Bauhaus watches. Since it makes use of just the bare essentials, the design of its watch face truly stands out. This Junghans Max Bill model has a 40mm stainless steel case and a calf leather strap in suave grey. The stark white dial showcases slim hands, Arabic numerals in a contemporary, compact font, stick indices, a day-date display, and two sub-dials. All these are powered by a self-winding, J880.2 caliber that boasts an excellent power reserve of 42 hours.  With a price tag of $2,059, this Junghans watch is a worthy and reliable investment for all true Bauhaus enthusiasts out there.  5. Nomos Glashuette Tetra Neomatik 39 Ref. 422 The Nomos Glashuette Tetra Neomatik 39 Ref. 422 serves as a distinct and more unconventional Bauhaus watch. Even at a single glance, it is bound to make an impression since it does not follow the build of a traditional timepiece. This Nomos Glashuette Tetra watch comes in a 46mm square-shaped, stainless steel case paired with a black leather strap. Its midnight blue dial consists of thin silver hands, slim indices, trendy Arabic numerals, and a small seconds counter at 6 o’clock, with a vibrant red hand that adds a striking contrast to the watch face. Underneath this stylish, modern watch face, you can find a DUW 3001 automatic caliber with a power reserve of up to 42 hours.  While Bauhaus watches are already considered somewhat unorthodox, this model takes it to a whole new level — thanks to its distinct shape and sharper colors. If you want a creative, unique accessory, you can purchase this watch for around $3,980 USD!  6. Sinn Classic Timepieces 1739 Ref. 1739.012 In comparison to the other models on this list, the Sinn Classic 1739 is probably the closest to a traditional analogue timepiece. It does not utilize typical modern-day elements, such as unique fonts or subtle pops of color, yet it fulfills the most important criteria of Bauhaus watches: using only the bare essentials for optimal functionality. This Sinn piece is presented in a 39mm stainless steel case along with a black calfskin leather bracelet. The matching black dial is furnished very simply, with just slim stick-shaped hands and hour markers in silver. This watch is powered by a self-winding DIN 8309 caliber. If you cannot decide whether to go for a traditional watch or for a Bauhaus model, the Sinn Classic 1739 serves as the ideal in-between. You can get it for around $2,329 USD!  7. Nomos Glashuette Metro 1112 Here we have another piece from Nomos Glashuette, but this time, in the form of the Metro 1112 model. This watch is the perfect combination of fun, casual, and straightforward. It boasts a stylish and versatile aesthetic that is easy to pair with any style and is sure to pop against any outfit. This Bauhaus watch comes in a sleek, silver 38.5mm stainless steel case with a quintessential black leather strap. Its dial has a dark grey hue. It is wonderfully contrasted against ultra-thin silver hands, pastel green geometric circles in lieu of hour markers, green Arabic numerals for the minute track, and a small seconds counter with a sharp red seconds hand. Underneath this handsome watch face, you can find an in-house Alpha caliber that follows a manual-winding movement. For around $1,825 USD, you can get this laid-back and well-crafted Bauhaus watch. 8. MeisterSinger New Vintage Ref. NE903N_SV12 The MeisterSinger New Vintage Ref. NE903N_SV12 serves as a vintage-inspired take on Bauhaus watches. This MeisterSinger New Vintage watch has a 36mm stainless steel case and a textured leather strap in dark brown that enhances its old-school look. The nostalgia-influenced ivory dial also stands out, with its Arabic numerals in a basic font, a minute track made up of stick indices, a circular date window at 6 o’clock, and the signature MeisterSinger singular hand. This model is equipped with an automatic ETA 2824-2 movement with a 38-hour power reserve. If you are a fan of both Bauhaus designs and vintage aesthetics, this watch is a perfect blend of both. You can get it for around $1,295 USD!   9. Sternglas Chrono White  Next up, we have the Sternglas Chrono White which is basically a Bauhaus version of the ever-so-popular panda dial. This watch has a slightly more sophisticated look, with a masculine vibe that is not often seen in Bauhaus watches. This model comes in a 43mm stainless steel case paired with a cattle leather strap in mahogany. The white dial consists of luminescent hands, boxy Arabic numerals, a subtle minute track on the outer rim, a square date window at 6 o’clock, and a chronograph display with two black sub-dials. All of these functions are driven by a quartz chronograph movement, the Miyota 0S21 caliber. Retailing at just $285 USD, this is a great option for those who want a Bauhaus watch with a robust and slightly sportier feel. 10. Stowa Antea Back to Bauhaus 365 Limited Silver The Stowa Antea Back to Bauhaus 365 Limited Silver is another retro-inspired Bauhaus piece. This is a simple and versatile addition to one of Stowa’s longest-running collections. It comes in a 36.5mm polished stainless steel case and a hand-stitched leather strap in grey. This is paired with a quintessential, solid silver dial adorned with Arabic numerals in a modern typeface, circular black minute markers, and sleek blued steel hands. On the underside of the watch, you can find a half-transparent caseback which gives you a glimpse of its automatic ETA 2824-2 caliber. With a price tag of approximately $1,300 USD, this is definitely one of the most authentic Bauhaus watches you should not miss out.  11. Defakto Kinetik Standard The Defakto Kinetik Standard is a very robust and powerfully-built Bauhaus watch. It stands out with its dark exterior, giving it a suave, masculine look. This model is presented in a 39mm stainless steel case, paired with a black leather bracelet. This is paired with a rugged black dial which consists of an hour and a minute track, both in the form of stick indices, along with skeletal bar-shaped hands coated in Super-LumiNova for improved visibility in the dark. A red seconds hand helps add a splash of vibrant color to this Defakto piece. The underside of the watch is comprised of a see-through caseback, allowing you to observe the watch’s automatic ETA 2824-2 caliber. If you want a cool and robust Bauhaus watch, you can get this piece for just $835 USD.  12. Uniform Wares M37 PreciDrive Next up, we have the Uniform Wares M37 PreciDrive, which is bound to be a hit with anyone who prefers customizable Bauhaus watches. It has a rather bare and simple watch face, so it can easily go with many different straps, For this particular model, you have 17 options to choose from like straps in grey, blue, black, tan, etc. This Uniform Wares watch comes in a 37mm stainless steel case with an interchangeable bracelet of your choosing. Moreover, its white dial is adorned with diamond-cut hands, slim applied hour markers, and a minute track with stick indices on the outer rim. This watch is driven by a powerful ETA F03.401 Precidrive movement. If you want a versatile Bauhaus piece that you can play around with, make sure to check out this piece for around $600 USD. 13. Junkers 9.11.01.03 Series 100 Years Bauhaus This Junkers 9.11.01.03 Series 100 Years Bauhaus watch is possibly the most complex-looking model on this list. What makes it a great Bauhaus model is that it showcases a perfect balance between multi-functionality and a minimalistic design which shows that you can have additional complications without your watch looking too busy. This Junkers piece has a 41mm stainless steel case paired with a leather band in brown and a scratch-resistant Hesalite crystal. The rustic silver dial has Arabic numerals in a modern typeface, long stick indices, luminous silver hands, a 24-hour counter, a power reserve indicator, and a date window. These impressive functions are powered by an automatic Miyota 9132 caliber with a power reserve of 40 hours.  This watch retails at approximately $575 USD. 14. Braun Gents BN0265 Classic Chronograph  Yet another highly functional Bauhaus watch is the Braun Gents BN0265 Classic Chronograph. This model has received critical acclaim for its excellent design, with actual awards like the iF Design Award in 2019 and Red Dot Design Award in 2020 to prove it. This Braun watch features a 40mm matte stainless steel case paired with a sporty leather strap in black. The matching matte grey dial comes with black stick hands, slim hour markers, a unique date window at 6 o’clock, and a chronograph display with two submerged sub-dials. It is equipped with a hybrid mesa-quartz movement which enables it to utilize both a quartz crystal movement and mechanical chronograph caliber in order to power the watch.  The best part is that you can get this award-winning watch for just $370 USD. 15. A.Lange & Sohne 1815 Thin Honeygold “Homage to F. A. Lange” Last but certainly not least, we have a gorgeous piece from A.Lange & Sohne, the 1815 Thin Honeygold “Homage to F. A. Lange”. This watch has a slightly more quintessential look, but it is a must-have inclusion on this list considering the German brand’s role as a key figure in bringing together Bauhaus designs and watchmaking. This particular model features a 38mm honey gold case paired with an aged alligator leather strap in brown. The white dial has copper hands and Arabic numerals in a fancy typeface. Underneath this elegant exterior, you can find a well-oiled Caliber L093.1 that keeps the watch running. This lavish Bauhaus-inspired piece retails at around $38,000 USD. Final Thoughts  Hopefully, the article has given you a better perspective of the true essence of Bauhaus watches. Even though classic timepieces are still the go-to option of many people, Bauhaus watches have been consistently gaining ground, especially with the modern shift towards minimalism. Indeed, the rise of Bauhaus timepieces is a strong example of the diversity and growth that the watch industry has undergone over the years. Photo Credits: WatchShopping and Official Brand Sites Want to read more listicles? Check out our piece on the 20 Best Hiking Watches in 2021!

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  5. 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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  6. 10 Luxury Wall Clocks to Upgrade Your Home or Office

    10 Luxury Wall Clocks to Upgrade Your Home or Office

    Technology has surely come a long way since the first computer was introduced in the 1940s. Nowadays, we are able to access every piece of information we need, right at the tip of our fingers. Need a reminder? Who needs a personal secretary when your smartphone can do just that for you? Fancy a new pair of shoes? You can purchase online via your smartphone. You don’t even need special equipment to find out how well you do in sports since a wristwatch can do the work just fine in telling you where or what to improve. Just like any other aspect of our life, telling time has also gone a tremendous improvement. From using the sun and moon in telling time, we can now access such information on a wristwatch or a phone. However, there’s one time-telling tool that just never runs out of style. In fact, they remain as relevant as ever, no matter how many luxury watches or smartphones we have: the wall clocks. Some of the most notable watch brands we know, such as Breguet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin, have been — to this day — producing clocks for discerning clients. While these brands are mostly known for their starkly-priced timepieces, it’s impossible not to associate them with clocks in general. After all, the innovations we know today all came from the rich history of time itself. From sundials to clock towers and pendulum clocks, the luxury of being able to tell time surely is a fascinating subject to discuss. But we’re not here to bore you with the comprehensive details of the time in the making. Let’s just focus on one of the core instruments of timekeeping, wall clocks. A Constant Reminder of Time These timeless items can be seen almost everywhere — from the household, down to a public establishment. Wall clocks serve as a staple, not only as a functional item but also in the design aspect. It’s not hard to figure out why people still prefer owning a wall clock. Firstly, they’re always present especially if strategically placed around the house. It’s also not something one can just lose. Designed to run for a very long time, changing batteries shouldn’t even be a problem at all. These are just a few reasons why we still wall clocks everywhere despite time being more accessible on our wrist. The Importance of a Wall Clock Clocks can be a unifying theme in the whole interior design of a place. A wall clock also gives a group of people a unifying sense of time that a wristwatch or smartphone simply can’t give. That’s why a lot of luxury watch brands still manufacture clocks to this day. Despite the already thriving industry of luxury watches, the market still demands good-old wall clocks. For instance, the Swiss luxury brand Omega still produces special timepieces to this day. The brand offers bespoke clocks that marries together a personal flair and Swiss clock-making heritage. When most brands now only focus on wristwatches, Omega chooses to value the brand’s rich heritage by providing this kind of service to its clientele. And where most wall clocks lack, Omega makes sure that they apply the same excellence seen in their wristwatches to their clocks. Another brand that unrelentingly provides people with a piece of their heritage is Jaeger‑LeCoultre. Atmos clocks, temperature-powered clocks, are still available for purchase today. This proves that great innovations not only last long but also conveys a piece of the brand’s history. 10 Luxury Wall Clocks to Covet for Your Home or Office 1. Rolex “A crown for every achievement,” Rolex says in their motto. This proves true given the history of the brand. This iconic brand is known to everyone as the ultimate luxury watch. Many people turn to Rolex when they’re looking for an extra special gift for themselves or for other people. Having one is almost equivalent to big celebrations and great milestones in life. After all, not everyone can afford the brand’s rich line of timepieces. Photo from HodinkeeIt’s not that hard to tell why Rolex watches are so popular. Firstly, the brand is the first to earn chronometer certification for a wristwatch in 1910. The brand’s Oyster case also became popular since its launch in 1926. Rolex is also the brand to turn to when it comes to popularising automatic date change on a watch’s dial with the Rolex Datejust in 1945. Its timepieces are proof of the brand’s legacy with iconic models such as the Rolex Submariner and the Rolex Daytona that’s popularly known even today as the Paul Newman watch. It’s not a far off a decision for the brand to produce wall clocks. However, there’s no official word whether or not Rolex released wall clocks throughout its history. However, there are a lot of authentic Rolex wall clocks flocking auctions today. Most of them are clocks from showrooms, boutiques, or retailers that somehow end up in the hands of collectors, and others are made by Rolex for other organisations. Take the 1965 Pan-Am Rolex electric-powered wall clock that is also a certified chronometer as seen signed on the dial of the clock. Other Rolex watches are not made by Rolex. Instead, they hire third-party companies to provide wall clocks for their dealers and boutiques. Most of the wall clocks you’ll find that are signed by Rolex are designed after iconic models such as the Daytona or the Datejust. These models exemplify the true Rolex aesthetic that a lot of people adore. 2. Patek Philippe It’s impossible to talk about luxury timepieces without mentioning Patek Philippe. As one of the oldest manufacturers of timepieces, the brand has a rich history that dates back to 1839. While the company started out making pocket watches, the Patek Philippe is also known for producing clocks that are mostly only available via auction due to rarity. Photo from PhillipsThere are many things Patek Philippe is known for, such as being the brand to make the first-ever Swiss wristwatch. They also patented a keyless winding and hand-setting system. This feat proved innovative not only for the brand but also for the watch industry in itself. They also boast being the patent-holder for the perpetual calendar mechanism, as well as double chronographs. The brand headlines creating timepieces that can be passed from one generation to another. This is most probably due to the fact that the brand has been family-owned since 1932. The brand’s popular motto — “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.” — became a popular reference for many. As a well-loved brand of timepieces, Patek Philippe naturally decided to produce clocks themselves. While the brands mostly manufacture table clocks today, there are still Patek wall clocks available for purchase through auctions. The company takes great pride in their timepieces that they apply artisan skills to boost their value. Like most brands in this list, wall clocks from Patek Philippe come from the retailers themselves, as part of marketing efforts to promote a new watch. Owning a Patek Philippe wall clock is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for people since it is rare, given only to authorized dealers or retailers all over the globe. Take the Patek Philippe World Time wall clock that’s modelled after the timepiece of the same wristwatch (reference 5110) that was distributed by Patek Philippe on their boutiques to promote the launch of the said watch. 3. Breguet Breguet’s history is so rich, starting from the feats achieved by its founder Abraham-Louis Breguet. Being founded by the leading watchmaker of his generation, Breguet boasts a line of timepieces that is revered by many collectors and enthusiasts to this day. The brand has been producing various clocks that are rare enough to gain great attention at auctions. Photo from BonhamsThe Breguet’s most popular timepiece, perhaps, is the Sympathique clock. This table clock is built on the innovations made by Abraham-Louis Breguet himself in 1793. It usually comes with a watch that automatically wounds and sets daily when placed into the recess on top of the clock. Made from bronze, it truly is a luxurious piece that gives a classic, almost royal feel. The clock’s movement comes with a constant-force chronometer escapement and displays not only the time but also the day, month, date as well as phases and age of the moon. Moreover, it also has a thermometer in Celsius and a drawer that holds an 18K yellow gold magnifying glass and screwdriver along with a key to reset the time and calendar. While the Sympathique clock is truly a majestic timepiece to own, wall clocks made by Breguet are also popular among enthusiasts. Some clocks are produced for retailers and are later sold to clients. Other clocks by Breguet were made to pay homage to the brand’s classic models and are placed on concert halls around the world. One of the most iconic clocks that you can see to this day is a giant tourbillon clock at Carnegie Hall in New York. There are Breguet wall clocks available at auctions today. One of the most popular designs you’ll recognise is a Reine de Naples 8908 wall clock. The clock, as seen at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas, is an egg-shaped clock with a moon phase window and dial. The watch that the clock referenced was a timepiece commissioned by the Queen of Naples, Caroline Murat from A.L. Breguet. 4. Vacheron Constantin Founded by independent watchmaker Jean-Marc Vacheron in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest, most successful watch manufacturers on our list. The brand boasts a long history of innovative feats, as well as a line of reliable artisan timepieces. Just like the other entries on our list, Vacheron Constantin only produces clocks for marketing or showroom purposes. While they are not official products of the brand, many collectors still adore the simplicity and straightforward quality seen on their wall clocks. Photo from BonhamsThe brand heralded the world’s first watch complication in 1790 that began what we witness today. It also created the first-ever timepiece that withstands magnetic fields through a complete lever assortment using only anti-magnetic materials. If that’s not enough, the company is the first to receive the Geneva Seal or the Hallmark of Geneva for its timepieces. Now more than ever, the innovations made by Vacheron Constantin make a huge difference in the industry that’s why a lot of people look forward to owning just about anything signed with the brand’s name. For this reason and despite not being official products from the brand, a lot of collectors are on the lookout for Vacheron Constantin wall clocks that they could put up in their office or homes. Some of the most recognisable wall clocks you might find on auctions are modelled after the brand’s most iconic watches. For instance, Bonhams auctioned off a metal perpetual calendar wall clock signed by Vacheron Constantin for HKD 25,500 that looks very similar to a Vacheron Constantin Patrimony watch. It has triangular markers for 3, 9, and 12 o’clock and a date window at 6 o’clock that cuts the marker to a trapezoidal shape. It’s also shaped like a large watch head that makes a quirky addition to its design aspect. 5. Omega Unlike the other brands on this list, perhaps, Omega is the only brand that offers wall and desk clocks in their catalogue. Albeit not outright, they offer special services that make it possible for clients to own an Omega wall clock. There are also advertising clocks available online through auctions that could even be a tad less expensive than official wall clocks from the brand. Photo from OmegaOne can’t mention Omega without having to dabble into its rich history that relates to NASA’s space explorations. The company has a long affiliation with the military, as well as aeronautics. The brand was the official timekeeper for Britain’s Royal Flying Corps and the US Army for its combat units. It was also the brand that equipped Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in the historic lunar landing in 1969 with Omega Speedmaster watches. And while the brand boasts such affiliation with history, they also take pride in accompanying James Bond since 1995. Among the brand’s clientele include recognisable names, such as John F. Kennedy, George Clooney, Elvis Presley, and Prince William. With such a rich history, Omega gained a massive following and fanbase that makes it one of the most popular brands of all time. That’s why it’s not such a hard path to follow as they create an even wider array of timepieces to cater to the market’s demands. Through a special service, Omega offers to create and preserve wall clocks made by them. Wall clock designs from Omega range from vintage to Art Deco and even a bit of industrial due to the nature of their usage. They also come in mechanical or quartz movements. To own an Omega clock truly proves a privilege when it comes to horological standards. The rarity of their items is mostly due to the owners refusing to unload or sell their timepieces, making it an even more valuable piece to own. 6. Blancpain Founded in Villeret, Switzerland, Blancpain started out as a small workshop by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain. From a small workshop on the upper floor of his house, the brand grew to a legendary house today that many people adore for their preservation of historic designs and concepts. Photo from BlancpainOne of the many achievements the brand boasts is the world’s smallest moon-phases display they produced in 1983. The brand also made the world’s thinnest self-winding chronograph and the smallest minute-repeater movement in 1987. At the time, it was an unparalleled innovation that pushed other brands to compete. In more recent times, Blancpain manufactured the world’s first self-winding tourbillon and perpetual calendar that has an eight-day power reserve. Today, the brand has several notable models that are known in and out of the industry. The Blancpain Villeret collection includes timepieces that pay homage to the beginnings of the brand. Blancpain included previous design codes they followed to create a truly timeless piece. This design is embodied in a typical advertising watch that’s scattered on their retailers and boutiques. It’s also typical to find a wall clock from Blancpain designed after another notable model, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback. 7. Audemars Piguet Audemars Piguet changed the watchmaking industry for good with their groundbreaking innovation. True to the company’s slogan, they have truly mastered time and broke it entirely especially with the launch of the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch. Of course, the credit also goes to storied designer Gerald Genta who crafted the Royal Oak design just overnight and launched only a year after its conception. Photo from Audemars PiguetThe Royal Oak is known to many as the first luxury sports watch. The timepiece with a design that’s inspired by a diver’s helmet is the brand’s response to the Quartz Crisis in the ’70s. It began the long history of steel watches. At the time of its conception, watches are only either dainty or made of gold. However, a demand for a new, unprecedented timepiece became an inspiration for the company to tap Genta to design the timepiece. This would not only be the pillar of the brand’s reputation as a disruptive force in the watch industry but also in Genta’s career. With Royal Oak making way for steel luxury sports watches, a lot of brands with their own models followed, including the Patek Philippe Nautilus that also credits Genta as its designer. With Genta’s genius and Audemars Piguet’s strategies, the Royal Oak is known today as an iconic timepiece that helped a lot of Swiss brands survive through the Quartz Crisis. This model is so iconic that the brand’s showroom and boutique wall clocks are designed after it. There are various iterations of the Royal Oak wall clock that you can find being sold at auctions and by online retailers today. One is a unique wall perpetual calendar clock with a day, month, and date subdial as well as a moon phase. Others are the carbon copy of the iconic Royal Oak watch with the tapestry pattern. 8. Piaget Clocks have always been a part of Piaget’s history. The brand started out as a workshop in the Piaget family farm by Georges Edouard Piaget in 1874. His company crafted pocket watches and precision clocks. In 1911, when Timothée — Georges Edouard’s son — took over the company, the focus of the brand shifted to wristwatches, which were a huge demand at the time. Photo from WorhtpointThe brand has proven its stature as one of the most sought-after watchmakers even from the very beginning. It’s one of the pioneer brands who created ultra-thin movements that to this day remain a pillar in the industry. The brand boasts having won various awards for watch designs such as the Altiplano, Emperador, and Piaget Polo S Chronograph. But the brand remains true to its roots to this day. Instead of completely forgetting its beginnings as a clock manufacturer, the brand takes its most iconic wristwatch designs and applies them to clocks. While Piaget mostly produces desk clocks, history states that the brand also manufactured wall clocks for its dealers and retailers. Most wall clocks from the watch carry the same architecture as the Limelight watches with its Roman numeral indexes and overall minimalist look. Other clocks include three subdials that serve as timezone dials with cities marking each one and telling its time. 9. Hublot Hublot started out with a disruptive choice of material for a wristwatch. Its earliest history recalls the use of natural rubber, which is a first at the time. This carries on the brand’s most iconic watch yet, that is the Hublot Big Bang. But more than these models, the company, owned by LVMH, is a prominent name for its innovations especially with detecting counterfeit watches. Photo from Sotheby’sHublot is responsible for the iconic Big Bang timepiece that most would assume is a chaotic mixture of different materials. The Big Bang watch is a memento of how differences can also be good. As a brand that focuses so much on sponsoring sports events, the Big Bang is a good reminder that timepieces need to be as pleasing as it is functional. The models’ popularity pushed the brand to manufacture wall clocks that are designed after it, given for marketing purposes not only to boutiques and retailers but also to prominent names and brand ambassadors. The iconic Hublot Big Bang wall clock can be seen in all its 80 branches all over the world. 10. Junghans Heading over to Germany, we find Junghans, a watch and clock manufacturer founded in 1861. The brand is mostly known for its Bauhaus designs, as they worked with acclaimed designer Max Bill. The partnership between Junghans and Bill lasted for many years and the legacy of the Max Bill clocks and watches are, to this day, celebrated by many enthusiasts and critics. In fact, Max Bill wall clocks can be found in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Photo from MoMAJunghans has a long history of making timepieces that not only conform to modern standards but also embrace its roots. Aside from the Max Bill Bauhaus watches and clocks, the brand also manufactured pendulum box clocks that are popular to this day. Many of the brand’s clocks are sold at auctions. They all carry different aesthetics that make them such a wonder, not only to own but also to watch. The apt designs for the watch can definitely fit just about any home or office interior anyone puts it in. How to Pick the Perfect Wall Clock Clocks function not only as a timekeeping device but also as design statements. That’s why despite technological innovations, they remain relevant to our time. We still value the presence of a reliable wall clock. With that said, it makes sense to choose a clock with certain standards. Here are some things you should keep in mind when choosing the right wall clock for your home or office. 1. Brand When you’re looking for the perfect wall clock to put up in your house or office, the brand is almost the first thing you should be looking for. Not only because of the opulence a brand provides but also the track record of quality they provide through their products. While it’s very tempting to buy just any watch out there, consider taking a look at clocks from luxury brands such as Blancpain, Omega, or Junghans. These brands and many others have a greater probability of providing not only aesthetically pleasing additions to your room but also reliable timepieces. 2. Clock Design If you can’t decide on the brand of the clock, you may start your journey by nailing down the design you want in a clock. Identify the concept you want. People most commonly want either minimalists, Art Deco, or vintage watches, especially with recent trends. But there are other styles you might want to explore such as contemporary, industrial, or perhaps Scandinavian. These designs are making a renaissance along with other retro concepts. 3. Material Learning the material of the clock also helps a great deal when it comes to choosing the right item. After all, a clock will remain on your walls mostly untouched for long periods of time. It takes a lot of maintenance to deal with certain materials. You may choose more expensive materials such as gold or bronze, but you may also opt for strong ones such as steel and titanium. Plastic wall clocks do exist as well — and flocks the market, too — but they don’t give as much of a luxurious feel as the other materials mentioned. 4. Interior Design A clock becomes part of the room where you put it in. So before you make that purchase, make sure that the clock fits perfectly with the room’s interior design. From the colour of the wall to the furniture sets, make sure that every piece in the room is cohesive. A clock that doesn’t fit a room’s aesthetic might make it stand out for all the wrong reasons. 5. Movement Not all clocks are created equal. Just like wristwatches, wall clocks have different movements powering them through. Whether it’s quartz or a mechanical movement (or in the case of the Atmos clock, temperature), it makes a huge deal of what type of movement makes your clock work. Quartz is more common for wall clocks because it doesn’t need to be wound every now and then. It also proves reliable in longer periods as well as a more inexpensive choice. 6. Authenticity Perhaps this is the most important trait you should be looking for, especially from wall clocks made by luxury watch brands. Always check for authenticity even if you end up with a wall clock that isn’t an official product of the brand. These clocks are mostly distributed by the brand to retailers or boutiques for marketing or display purposes. Some boutiques sell these clocks and oftentimes end up in an auction. A lot of counterfeits and knockoffs are scattered all around the Internet and it’s easy to be fooled especially if you don’t see an item in person. Make sure you’re buying from a reliable source and if possible, ask for expert opinions on it. Forums are flocked by a lot of experts who would help in identifying whether or not a clock is authentic. History of Time on Walls Many people would prefer referring to smartphones or wristwatches for on-the-go situations. But a wall clock will always be there, waiting for us at the comfort of our homes or at the pillars of our offices. It will always be a vital part of any establishment, be it private or public. It represents unadulterated time and brings together the different relative perceptions we have of time as individuals. At the end of the day, wall clocks are not just mere decorations. While the design is a huge part of why they still exist, their function still serves a great purpose, even with new technologies arising. Perhaps one of the reasons is the legacy of the luxury watch brands that paved the way for time to be accessible. The history of these brands, and time in general, all paint a picture with just a wall clock. That’s why a lot of brands exert efforts in preserving their vintage timepieces like what Omega does. It’s not every day that we see a piece of history in our homes that serves its ultimate purpose for the next generations to admire and adore.

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  7. 30 Best Dress Watches

    30 Best Dress Watches

    Searching for the ideal dress watch is like finding the perfect suit. You will need to choose the one that best captures your personality and elevates your overall appeal. Dress watches are the kind of timepieces that will have people taking you more seriously. They are especially essential during important business meetings, board presentations, and other types of glamorous or formal occasions. Dress watches do not necessarily come with dozens of features or the bulky builds of sportier models. Instead, they tend to be slimmer, more refined, and classier in design. Dress watches carry a certain level of prestige and a luxurious aura that sets them apart from any other timepiece. 30 Best Dress Watches Like a suit, it is crucial that you do your research before properly making your dress watch purchase. Fortunately, we went ahead and rounded up thirty of the most popular dress watches available on the market. Keep in mind that the list comes in no particular order, and each dress model recorded here is an excellent option in its own right. We also provided each watch with its approximate price range. Additionally, we have also tried to avoid repeating brands, so as to ensure that every great watchmaker has a chance in the spotlight. 1. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso – $5,090 USD to $79,090 USD The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is easily one of the most fascinating and innovative dress watches ever made. Its iconic reversible case allows wearers to turn the watch around to keep the dial safe from external impacts. Over the years, Jaeger-LeCoultre has brought all sorts of new designs to their Reverso lineup. From classic models with no-frills to sophisticated chronographs and tourbillons, the Reverso selection is immense and diverse. Quite frankly, no other collection has made the same impact on Jaeger-LeCoultre like the Reverso has. What was once a timepiece catered to polo matches has become one of the most talked-about dress watches in existence.  2. Patek Philippe Calatrava – $18,100 USD to $203,350 USD Introduced in 1932, the Patek Philippe Calatrava stands as the brand’s flagship model. With its timeless design and impeccable features, many enthusiasts and collectors would consider the Calatrava to be the personification of top-notch Swiss watchmaking. Patek Philippe drew inspiration from the Bauhaus art movement when designing this flagship watch. Like many other exquisite dress watches, the Calatrava is a timepiece that showcases precious minerals and sophisticated watchmaking craftsmanship. One particularly outstanding model, illustrated above, is the Calatrava 5296G-010. It comes in a 38mm gorgeous white gold case with a lacquered cream dial and a black alligator leather strap. On the surface of its dial are applied white-gold hour markers and dauphine hands.  3. Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono – $2,305 USD to $2,390 USD Powered by a Hamilton Calibre H-31, this Intra-Matic Auto Chrono is essentially a follow-up to the brand’s vintage Thin-O-Matic. Right off the bat, what truly makes this timepiece stand out is the execution of its watch face. With its color contrasts, legibility, and proportions, the dial boasts a panda-like appearance that is both stunning and pleasing to the eyes. Protecting this dress timepiece is a polished stainless steel case accompanied by elegant faceted lugs. The case also has a large crown with two pump pushers and a solid steel case back delicately engraved with Hamilton’s favorite letter, the letter “H.” 4. Timex Metropolitan+ Activity Tracker – $100 USD Image By: eBay The Metropolitan+ is an excellent Timex dress watch for wearers on a relatively tight budget. One of the most intriguing things about this timepiece is that it can act as both a smartwatch and a personal fitness trainer. It carries a classic design similar to that of the Timex Weekender, and comes with great fitness-tracking capabilities. On the whole, this watch is the complete package. Its sleek and professional exterior is fit for even the most formal of occasions, it can connect to your phone via Bluetooth, and it even tracks your steps. In addition, the Timex Metropolitan+ is also pretty reliable and sturdy with its all-stainless steel exterior. As the saying goes, a Timex can take a licking and still keep ticking.  5. Hermes Slim d’Hermes – $7,050 to $7,375 Image By: Hermes After undergoing a dramatic 21st-century facelift, the new and improved Slim d’Hermes is chic yet modest in appearance. For Hermes to achieve this slender new look, the creative director of La Montre Hermes implemented two elements into the watch: an ultra-thin automatic movement and an original dial. The brand also assigned famed Parisian graphic designer Philippe Apeloig to recreate the typography of the Slim d’Hermes, giving it slimmed-down numerals with even spaces in between for a clean and easy-to-read dial. On the whole, the Slim d’Hermes is a nicely balanced wristwatch and a gorgeous fashion statement. 6. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ultra-Thin – $150,000 USD Image By: Audemars Piguet It takes a whole lot of expertise and quality craftsmanship to make an ultra-thin watch. With spacings between each component almost non-existent, only the most skilled and seasoned watchmakers can create such a delicate and technical piece. For the next timepiece on this list of best dress watches, we have one of the world’s slimmest automatic perpetual calendars ever made, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ultra-Thin. Its exterior is made entirely from titanium and platinum, which makes it ultra-precious and ultra-light as well. Equipped with the signature Audemars Piguet octagonal bezel and a delightful royal blue dial, the Ultra-Thin brings us everything we love about the Royal Oak in an incredible 6.3mm-thick case.  7. Grand Seiko Spring Drive SBGA211 “Snowflake” – $5,800 USD Arguably the most recognizable Grand Seiko model ever, the Snowflake is a top-of-the-line dress watch like no other. Just a single look at the watch face, and just like everyone else, you will find yourself unable to take your eyes off that beguiling pure-white snowflake dial. That said, the true elegance of the Seiko SBGA211 only starts to reveal itself once you go from simply looking at it to really observing it and its functions. The sleek “Zaratsu” finishing on the case and bracelet, and the way it plays with the light; the ease with which its blue seconds-hand smoothly glides around the dial – these are but a few details that make this dress watch so stunning. The Spring Drive collection has come a long way, and the Snowflake has proven itself to be a game-changer, not just for the collection but also for Grand Seiko itself. 8. IWC Portofino Automatic – $5,300 USD to $14,000 USD The IWC Portofino is a collection that started in 1984. Ever since then, it has grown into a diverse assembly of sophisticated and versatile dress watches. Although there are numerous unique timepieces to choose from in this lineup, the IWC Portofino Automatic remains a staple dress watch and a true fan-favorite. Its uncluttered dial holds an uncluttered and minimalistic design that matches perfectly with its sleek case. The prices of IWC Portofino Automatic can range between $5,300 USD and $14,000 USD. Located on the back of more expensive Portofino Automatic timepieces are engravings of the Portofino coast in all its timelessness and majesty. 9. Nomos Glashutte Orion Neomatik Date – $3,140 USD to $4,350 USD Many watch enthusiasts associate Nomos Glashutte with striking yet minimalistic designs. Their pursuit of such a concept is eminently evident in one of their best dress watches, the Orion Neomatik Date. Each Neomatik Date features a look based on the Bauhaus Art movement, which was first designed in the cutting-edge heart of Berlin and then hand-crafted by experts in the watchmaking town of Glashutte. The Orion Neomatik Date is everything a modern dress watch aims to be. With its clean watch face, thin and lightweight stainless steel case, and domed sapphire glass, the Orion Neomatik is pleasing to both the eyes and the wrist.  10. Nordgreen Native – $129 USD to $312 USD Image By: Nordgreen If you ever needed an appropriate reason to buy a dress watch, Nordgreen can give you one. Once you purchase this dazzling and eco-friendly dress timepiece, you not only get a beautiful timekeeper, but your purchase will also have a positive impact on our natural environment. The Nordgreen Native, along with its packaging, is made entirely out of high-quality, environmentally-friendly vegan materials. Additionally, for every Nordgreen Native sold, the brand allocates a portion of its income to a noble cause of your choosing. Using the serial and identification numbers in your watch, you can keep track of where the profits from your purchase go. 11. Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Self-Winding – $15,720 USD to $41,850 USD As the oldest Swiss luxury watch manufacturer in the industry, Vacheron Constantin possesses a heritage and expertise that is relatively unmatched. Among the slew of brilliant and prestigious timepieces they have, the Patrimony emerges as the ideal dress watch. Inspired by Vacheron Constantin’s 1950s dress watches, the Patrimony collection blends minimalistic vintage designs with modern innovations and luxury. Deciding on the best Patrimony dress watch may prove to be quite a challenge as the collection is home to many different kinds of gorgeous timepieces. From classic manual-winding and self-winding models to perpetual calendars and retrogrades, you can find it all in the Patrimony collection.  12. Rolex Datejust – $7,100 USD to $38,500 USD Worn by celebrities and historical figures such as Ronald Reagan, Winston Churchill, Christian Bale, and Jennifer Aniston, the Rolex Datejust is as iconic as a dress watch can ever get. Like any other Rolex, the watch face is done brilliantly. Its dial plays with the light magically, and features all the essential components you need for timekeeping on its surface. Powering the watch is the Rolex 3235 movement, which boasts an accuracy of +/- 2 seconds per day. Protected by Rolex’s patented Oystersteel, the Datejust is as durable as it is lustrous. Just like an oyster, this timepiece is also pretty resilient underwater, having a water resistance rating of 100m. 13. Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 Automatic 39mm – $2,550 USD Image By: Tag Heuer As the name suggests, the Tag Heuer Carrera is a selection inspired by high-speed racing. And while the Carrera timepieces cater primarily to professional driving, their versatility and elegance also make for top-notch dress watches. Compared to the other timepieces in this lineup, the Tag Heuer Carrera Automatic has a neater-looking dial. As a result, the model looks less sporty and more refined, making it perfect for wearers to bring to momentous occasions. Its simplicity and somewhat retro feel are certainly some of its most attractive selling points. 14. Omega Constellation Globemaster – $5,900 USD to $11,900 USD The Omega Globemaster holds the title of being the brand’s first METAS-approved chronometer movement. Like the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony, the Globemaster draws inspiration from vintage models, specifically Omega’s 1950s Constellation timepieces. Each Globemaster features a pie-pan dial which originated from the first 1952 Constellation model. Equipped with the brand’s latest innovations, the Globemaster represents a piece of Omega’s past and continues to carry the legacy of an iconic selection. While this watch is exceptionally stylish, the Globemaster is also very reliable as it comes with magnetic resistance of 15,000 gauss and a 60-hour power reserve. 15. Junghans Meister Handaufzug – $1,490 USD  Image By: Junghans Junghans is another brand that is known for its particular approach to minimalistic designs, and their Meister Handaufzug is a perfect encapsulation of that. With its oversized dial, slim stainless steel casing, SICRALAN-coated plexiglass crystal, J815.1 hand-wound caliber, and dark brown horse leather strap, the Meister Handaufzug accurately replicates the elegance of a classic vintage dress watch. This Junghans timepiece is worth approximately $1,400 USD, which is relatively affordable considering what it offers. It is truly a testament to the fact that buying a well-made dress watch does not have to mean breaking the bank. 16. Breguet Classique Ref. 5177 – $23,700 USD Truthfully, every model in the Classique collection is an outstanding timepiece. But the one watch that hits all the marks of a traditional dress timekeeper has got to be the Classique Ref. 5177. Its timeless looks, slim profile, and refined build represent the level of sophistication and experienced craftsmanship that only Breguet can achieve. The Classique Ref. 5177 has several variations. Some models use a Grand Feu enamel dial, while others have dials hand-engraved by Breguet’s rose engine. Whichever model you end up choosing, Breguet assures you that you get a top-quality dress watch.  17. Piaget Altiplano Meteorite – $41,600 USD Image By: Piaget Like the Breguet Classique, there are numerous unique dress watches in the Piaget Altiplano line, but the Meteorite stands out as the collection’s most fascinating-looking dress model. Its slender case is around 6.5mm thin and is made entirely from rose gold. Like with many other wristwatches, the dial of the Meteorite is the star of the show. The dial features a unique texture of grey meteorite coupled with rose gold markers and slim rose gold hands. Beneath the watch face is a 1203P caliber movement, which wearers can view through the transparent sapphire case back. The Altiplano Meteorite is a limited edition timepiece. As such, you would definitely want to make up your mind about a purchase before Piaget runs out of it. 18. Cartier Santos Dumont – $3,800 USD to $20,800 USD In 1904, Louis Cartier created a timepiece for his Brazilian friend, Alberto Santos Dumont. Ever since then, his creation has been immortalized as one of the first wristwatches ever conceived. Fast-forward to this day, and the Santos Dumont is now one of Cartier’s most popular collections. Most Santos Dumont timepieces have a few things in common: A square profile, a polished bezel with screws, slender Roman numerals, and a cabochon-shaped crown. These intricate details are what make the timepiece and collection the icons they are today. The Santos Dumont comes in many variants with different sizes and can be powered by either a quartz caliber or a hand-wound movement.  19. Girard-Perregaux 1966 – $8,300 USD to $18,700 USD Underrated and underappreciated, Girard-Perregaux is one of the oldest Swiss watch manufacturers in the world. For 277 years, the brand has dedicated itself to studying and mastering Haute Horlogerie. The Girard-Perregaux 1966 reflects just how far the brand has come in its journey. It boasts a sleek and sophisticated case with a gorgeous dial that can contain many different complications, depending on the model chosen. The Girard-Perregaux 1966 also comes with a transparent sapphire case back to show off its complex movement in all its glory. With so many versions of the 1966 to choose from, you certainly will not be running out of options anytime soon. 20. Oris Artelier Date – $1,820 USD to $1,930 USD Oris is yet another underrated watchmaker capable of dishing out all sorts of intriguing timepieces. In terms of dress watches specifically, Oris has the charismatic Artelier Date. Made in the lovely picturesque village of Holstein, the Artelier Date comes in a multi-piece stainless steel case paired with sapphire glass on top and a transparent mineral crystal as the case back. This timepiece has a lovely blue-guilloche dial and makes use of an Oris 733 automatic movement with a power reserve of 38 hours. If you want a more extravagant version of this dress watch, Oris offers the Artelier Date Diamonds, which has a silver-guilloche dial embellished with 12 luxurious diamonds. 21. Glashuette Original Sixties Panorama Date – $12,870 USD Image By: Glashuette-Original Glashuette Original first introduced the Sixties Panorama Date with a striking green watch face. Today, its dial comes in a variety of intriguing hues, including black, white, blue, and amber orange. There are many captivating dress watches in this series, but the Ref. 1-39-52-02-01-04 is what impresses us the most. Its blend of a lustrous rose gold case, galvanized black dial, slender rose gold hour markers, and Louisiana alligator leather strap just seamlessly capture a sense of unparalleled luxury. It also comes with a highly reliable automatic 39-47 caliber that can run for up to 40 hours before having to be rewound. For those who want some extra complications, Glashuette Original also provides chronograph models of the Sixties Panorama Date. 22. Zenith Elite Classic – $3,500 USD to $7,900 USD With its entirely redesigned case and dial, the new Zenith Elite Classic has redefined itself with a more modern and eye-catching composition. As Zenith’s new icon, the Elite Classic 03.3100.670/02.C922 is made using the highest standards of Zenith watchmaking. Its ultra-thin Elite movement houses a total of 144 components and ticks at a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The Elite Classic also has a water resistance rating of 50m and a power reserve of 50 hours. 23. Chopard L.U.C. XPS 1860 – $23,275 USD Image By: Chopard For those looking to buy a new dress watch while also reducing their carbon footprint, look no further. Chopard is known for being a manufacturer that mines its gold ethically. Certified to meet international environmental and social standards, Chopard showcases their Fairmined gold in the L.U.C. XPS 1860. With its unmatched elegance, superb quality, and brilliant craftsmanship, the L.U.C. XPS 1860 is the perfect dress model for all the sophisticated and modern gentlemen out there. Its self-winding L.U.C. 96.01-L caliber is also a spectacle of its own, and wearers can view the movement through the watch’s sapphire crystal rear case.  24. Seiko SARB065 Cocktail Time – $480 USD This Seiko timepiece was created in collaboration with the famed Japanese bartender Shinobu Ishigaki. Powered by the 6R15 automatic movement, this watch has the convenience of being manually hackable and windable. Compared to the other dress watches on this list, the SARB065 is pretty thick, especially with its domed Hardlex crystal. Its black leather strap is also well-made and lined with blue thread. But the star of this dress timepiece is its gorgeous and highly reflective blue dial. The way it shimmers in the light and how it looks overall is something you would not expect from a watch of this price. Then again, Seiko has been turning heads with their affordable models for a long time now. 25. Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate – $9,870 USD to $38,930 USD Image By: Blancpain The Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate highlights simplicity and minimalism at its finest. With only rose gold Roman numerals and slim hands on its opaline dial, you get to admire the beauty and pure aesthetics of a bonafide traditional dress watch with this timepiece. The beauty does not just stop there. Inside this technical magnum opus is an automatic Caliber 1151. It is only 3.25mm thick, but it contains a total of 210 components. Equipped with a 100-hour power reserve, wearers can view this in-house Blancpain movement at work through an exhibition-style sapphire case back. 26. Baume & Mercier Classima 10597 – $2,750 USD Image By: Baume et Mercier Sporting a polished 18K rose gold and titanium case, the Classima 10597 displays a classic design with contemporary sophistication. Its silver-colored opaline dial features slender rose gold indices accompanied by a thin rose gold handset. With only a small date complication as an extra function, the dial comes together neatly and exudes luxury and timelessness. Altogether, this Baume & Mercier dress watch is lightweight, stylish, and a delight to wear at any given time. 27. Vincero Icon Automatic – $290 USD to $315 USD Image By: Vincero Collective One glance at the Vincero Icon Automatic, and your attention immediately, goes to the striking black dial with its skeleton hands and baton-like rose gold hour markers. The Vincero Icon Automatic is another dress watch that will not cost you an arm. Its casing is made of surgical-grade stainless steel and it comes with a top-grain Italian leather strap. The Icon Automatic relies on a Seiko automatic movement to run its multiple mechanisms. Water-resistant up to depths of 100m, you can use this timepiece to up your style on dressy occasions or you can bring it with you for a quick dive in the pool.  28. SINN 1739 St I S – $2,170 USD It is not easy to make a minimalist dress watch that really stands out. While some can pull it off well, others end up making the watch look too simple and generic. SINN’s 1739 St, however, is an example of minimalism done right. Protected by a high-quality scratch-resistant sapphire glass, the 1739 St’s black sunburst dial has a timeless and quintessential appearance that you simply cannot take your eyes off it. Accompanied by extended slim hour markers, sleek silver hands, and a polished stainless steel exterior, this SINN timepiece is a pleasure to look at, and its glamor speaks for itself.  29. Montblanc Heritage Chronometrie Automatic – $3,370 USD to $5,700 USD As an understated luxury dress watch, Montblanc’s Heritage Chronometrie Automatic is a timepiece that exemplifies Swiss watchmaking at its finest. This dress watch utilizes a 38mm case made from expertly polished stainless steel. With its glossy silver-white dial, rose gold-plated applique indices, and sword-like minute and hour hands, the Heritage Chronometrie Automatic is a dress piece that can make anyone look great. 30. MVMT Atlas – $175 USD Image By: MVMT Three words can best describe the MVMT Atlas: affordable, elegant, and minimalistic. It has a smooth black dial surface accented by gold-colored skeletal hands and indices and a matching brown leather strap. Based on its aesthetics alone, you can tell that the MVMT Atlas is the kind of dress watch fit for the modern everyday gentleman. This watch has a 41mm case diameter and runs on a battery-powered Miyota quartz movement. The durability of the Atlas is quite good, considering its status as a dress piece and its affordable price tag. It uses hardened mineral glass to protect its dial and has a water resistance capacity of 50m. Final Thoughts Exceptional dress watches usually have one thing in common – a design that manages to be simple in details but sophisticated in appearance at the same time. And while the timepieces listed above do provide numerous excellent options for you to consider, they are but a horological drop of water in the vast lake of dress watches available in the market.

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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. 16 Best Watches Under $2000

    16 Best Watches Under $2000

    You might not know this, but the most common entry-level price range for luxury watches happens to be somewhere between $1,000 USD and $3,000 USD. If you are looking for a sophisticated luxury timepiece, but you have a set budget of under $2,000 USD, then you have come to the right page. What do you look for in a luxury watch? Is it a product made from precious metals? Something that can last you for decades or generations? A watch that can elevate your public image? Indeed, luxury timepieces have a lot to offer, which is why they do not come cheaply.  Fear not, however! We have compiled 16 of the best luxury watches that fall entirely within your budget limit. Each timepiece in this list is famous for its classic style, reliability, and affordability. Watches Under $2,000: Our Top Picks 1. Monta Atlas GMT When you mix sophisticated with sporty, you get Monta’s Atlas GMT.This Monta watch’s stainless steel case is both polished and brushed, giving it a professional, gleaming sheen. It also comes with a sapphire crystal, applied dial elements, and several other quality parts like a signed buckle, rotor, and teeth-edged crown. Its striking black dial is its real highlight. It gives you a classy feel, with its sunburst black backdrop contrasted against silver appliques and vibrant red accents. In addition, the Monta Atlas GMT is equipped with a Swiss Sellita SW300 movement, which is an upgrade from the SW200. The SW300 variation comes with a GMT complication that allows for the tracking of a second-time zone. It also offers approximately 42 hours of power reserve, making it ideal for everyday wear. It is water-resistant up to  depths of 150 meters, meaning you can easily bring it to your casual diving activities. Just be prepared to fork out about $1,850 USD for this luxurious timepiece. 2. Seiko Presage Ref. SPB095  When it comes to pristine watch craftsmanship that comes at affordable prices, Seiko is second to no one. This has been proven with its Seiko Presage line, which offers meticulous in-house watchmaking, excellent value, and  flawlessly-made dials that showcase the legendary Japanese Shokunin culture.  One exceptional watch from this line is the Seiko Presage SPB095J1. This watch’s dial is made out from exquisite Arita porcelain, giving it an unusual, snow-white surface. This dial is made from the artistic brilliance of Hiroyuki Hashiguchi, and a team of expert craftsmen from the island of Kyushu. Moreover, the Seiko Presage SPB095J1 is powered with Seiko’s very own caliber 6R35 automatic movement. This is a powerful movement with a whopping 70 hours of power reserve. It also has a water resistance rating of up to 100 meters, making it a great collectible piece. For just $1,700 USD, you can buy this one-of-a-kind Japanese luxury watch. 3. NOMOS Club Campus Ref. 738 NOMOS Glashutte is a relatively small and independent watch brand. That said, it has managed to make a formidable name for itself in a surprisingly short amount of time. This is mostly because the brand continuously focuses on developing high-quality yet accessible watches. In particular, these NOMOS Glashutte watches come with  powerful in-house calibers that are priced quite reasonable. The NOMOS Club series is an ideal testament to that reputation. The Nomos Glashutte Club 738 has a price tag of $1,650 USD and offers customers a 38.5mm case made of polished steel. It boasts one of the brand’s signature calibers, the Alpha. This manual movement accurately tells the hours, minutes, and seconds. It also has a substantial 43-hour power reserve. This watch’s youthful and stylish approach makes it ideal for students or graduates looking for the best watches under $2,000. 4. Longines The Longines Master Collection Ref. L29094786  The Master Collection from Longines made its debut back in 2005 and has been a crowd favorite ever since. The beautiful Longines Master Collection L29094786 is a particular standout from this range. This stainless steel watch comes with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Its textured dial features blued steel hands that sweep majestically over painted Arabic numeral markers. This watch also has a 64-hour power reserve, so you do not have to worry about winding it over the weekends. The bracelet on this Longines timepiece is made of stainless steel, and has a buckle to keep the watch securely fitted on your wrist.  Today, the Longines Master watch retails at a price of $1,650 USD. It is a must-have watch for those looking for a simple yet luxurious piece at a budget-friendly price. 5. Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Tough Here is something that fits right in the budget range of the middle class. This Eco-Drive Tough watch from the Citizen Promaster collection features a basic watch design equipped with the latest quartz technology. This watch’s steel monobloc case is water-resistant up to depths of 200 meters. Along with the stainless steel bracelet and case comes a synthetic sapphire crystal and a secure screw-down crown. The watch is also eco-friendly and can be powered by light, thanks to the  Eco-Drive technology of Citizen. Retailing at $400 USD, this is a great and affordable all-rounder timepiece. 6. Bell & Ross Ref. BR V1-92  Like NOMOS, Bell & Ross is another relatively young, modern watchmaking brand. Launched in the 1990s, Bell & Ross has grown into one of the most well-known luxury brands out there today. The minimalistic and striking dial design of Bell & Ross Vintage BRV192 is what helps this watch stand out. This Bell & Ross Vintage piece also boasts a conventional round case with a slim size of 38.5mm.The Sellita SW300-1, a Swiss version of the more established ETA 2892, is what powers this regal timepiece.  For just $1,669 USD, you can own this handsome watch, which is also equipped with a water resistance rating of 100 meters. 7. Hamilton Khaki Aviation Ref. H64666155 Hamilton is a brand popularly known for its collection of top-notch and uniquely well-crafted watches. The minimalist yet sophisticated design of the Hamilton Khaki Aviation H64666155 makes it one of the most sought-after pieces of Hamilton. Its stainless steel case and bracelet perfectly match the striking silver dial. This is paired with luminous grey hands and three gleaming silver sub-dials to complete the whole exquisite look. This watch also comes with a sapphire crystal and a skeleton case back that allows you to view the watch’s movement at work.  What’s more, this Hamilton Khaki Aviation watch is powered by a first-class in-house caliber H-31. This is a type of movement crafted based on the ETA 7753 caliber. The H-31 movement delivers a power reserve of approximately 60 hours when fully wound. You can purchase this watch for around $1,139 USD only. 8. Tissot Heritage Navigator Ref. T078.641.16.037.00 Tissot remains at the top of its game when it comes to designing and creating a wide variety of functional and distinctive watches. Simply put, they offer all kinds of timepieces, whether you are looking for a classy automatic piece or a rugged sports watch. In particular, the Tissot Heritage T078.641.16.037.00 is one of the best timepieces worth having on your wrist. It is a watch that is exclusively designed to explore the world, and comes with a multitude of time zones. This watch was released during the celebration of Tissot’s 160th anniversary in 2013. It is aesthetically designed, with a 43mm round stainless steel case that perfectly complements the stunning silver dial. A brown leather strap is used to complete the watch’s eye-catching and timeless look. On top of that, this Tissot watch runs on a top-notch ETA caliber 2893-3 automatic movement. It offers 46 hours of reserve power, making the model in question an ideal, user-friendly timekeeper. In the end, what entirely makes the timepiece worth-owning is its first-class value. This Tissot Heritage luxury watch is available for just $1,729 USD, which is a very reasonable price considering its numerous superb features. 9. Tudor 1926 Automatic Ref. 91650-0001 Tudor is a brand highly coveted for its excellent craftsmanship,  and is known for inventing high-caliber watches at affordable prices. Although it was first always associated with the more prestigious Rolex, Tudor never gave up on establishing its own reputation in the world of horology. Over the years, the brand has  created several iconic timepieces like the Tudor Black Bay and Tudor North Flag. However, one variant we want you to take a closer look at is the minimalist yet exquisite Tudor 1926 91650-0001. Available at just $1,719 USD, it  is a beautiful casual timepiece equipped with top-notch features. The case and bracelet are made from stainless steel, which perfectly complements the striking silver dial. The dial itself is furnished with gold-tone lead hands and Arabic numeral indices. Finally, this Tudor 1926 timepiece is equipped with an in-house Swiss caliber 2824 automatic movement.  10. Tutima Glashütte Grand Flieger Ref. 6105-02 Tutima Glashutte has experienced many ups and downs in the years of its watch industry operation. Nevertheless, Tutima Glashutte has persisted, eventually establishing itself as a top-notch German watch brand. Perhaps its best-known achievement is its creation of the iconic Tutima Glashutte Grand Flieger 6105-02. This is a pilot watch that has gained a lot of attention from the watch community. Since its release, this luxury timepiece remains a sought-after collectible item among seasoned connoisseurs. Even at first glance, this Tutima Glashuette Grand Flieger watch is recognizable due to its striking black dial, which boasts power and practicality. It features a stainless steel case and bracelet with a see-through case back. It is powered by top-notch in-house caliber 330 movement, which has 30 hours of power reserve. For just $1,809 USD, anyone can own this legendary German watch under $2,000. 11. Meistersinger New Vintage Ref. VT903_SN02 The next German brand on our list is MeisterSinger. This is a brand famous for its collection of traditional watches equipped with contemporary,  state-of-the-art functions. The MeisterSinger New Vintage VT903_SN02 is one of its superior vintage-inspired timepieces furnished with excellent features. This watch offers a classic appearance with its ivory dial, which is complemented by a stainless steel case and brown leather strap. Like other MeisterSinger variants, this timepiece also comes with a sapphire crystal and a transparent case back. Its 38mm size is also ideal for anyone with a smaller-to-average size wrist. More than that, what ticks inside this MeisterSinger New Vintage watch is a high-caliber Sellita SW 200-1 automatic movement. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (“vph”) and has a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. You can purchase this vintage-inspired watch for just $1,579 USD. This is a very reasonable price considering its superior features and gorgeous quintessential aesthetics. 12. Oris Big Crown Propilot Ref. 0175477414065-0782022 If you love wearing durable stainless steel watches, look no further. We highly recommend the Oris Big Crown 0175477414065-0782022, which is available at $1,499 USD. This Oris watch boasts an incredibly elegant face. This is all thanks to its glamorous matte blue dial, which is furnished with luminous cathedral hands, painted Arabic numeral indices, and vibrant red accents. Its case and bracelet are all made from stainless steel. The Swiss movement that runs inside this Oris Big Crown watch is its real show-stopper. Oris utilised their very own 754 automatic movement, which is crafted based on  the top-notch Sellita SW200-1. Ultimately, this Oris luxury watch under $2,000 is aesthetically designed, with all the  functions you need in a timekeeper. 13. Sinn Instruments Watch Ref. 104.011 Sinn is another German watchmaker known for producing top-notch watches made to assist working professionals on their missions. Sinn is noteworthy for its watches’ robustness, ruggedness, and reliability. The Sinn Instrument Watches 104.011 is one of its most functional vintage-inspired watches. Its 41mm case is made from stainless steel, which matches the grandiose black dial, bezel, and brown cowhide strap. It also comes with a sapphire crystal to protect the dial from any kinds of external threats. Equipped with a first-class caliber SW220-1 automatic movement, this Sinn Instrument Watch watch offers unmatched precision. It also comes with anti-magnetic features and beats at approximately 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour. Do not worry about the price, as this watch is available at just $1,599 USD. 14. Frederique Constant Horological Smartwatch Ref. FC-285B5B6B If you are looking to own a timeless watch that will forever remain iconic and relevant, then Frédérique Constant has just the thing for you. The Swiss brand leads the horology industry with its expertly crafted luxury watches available at very budget-friendly prices. In fact, the handsome  Frédérique Constant Horological Smartwatch FC-285B5B6B is particularly accessible, retailing at $829 USD only. This watch features a stainless steel case and bracelet that ensures excellent durability. It also has a bold jet-black dial furnished with silver leaf hands and classy Roman numeral indices. It also comes with a solid steel case back and a high-quality, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal to protect the dial. This Frédérique Constant Horological Smartwatch watch relies on a precise MMT-285 quartz movement. This timepiece comes with a display notification feature to let you know if someone has called or sent you a message. It also offers health tools, such as heart rate tracking, that allows you to monitor your health status. 15. Grand Seiko 9F Quartz Ref. STGF265 Grand Seiko is a top-tier brand best known for its incredible  ±1 second day-to-day accuracy. The brand never fails to impress with its luxurious timepieces, which are equipped with uniquely Japanese styles and state-of-the-art watch technology. One variant that you may consider adding to your collection is the good-looking Grand Seiko 9F Quartz STGF265. At a glance, you can already tell how exquisite this watch is. Its case and bracelet are made of stainless steel, which match the lovely beige dial. It measures 28.5mm in diameter, a perfect size for women’s wrists. Equipped with a top-notch caliber 4J52 quartz movement, this Grand Seiko 9F Quartz watch is not only stylish but also remarkably accurate. For just $1,959 USD, you can own this beautiful and reliable timepiece. 16. Junghans Max Bill Ref. 027/4700.02 Junghans is the go-to watch brand for anyone seeking timepieces that incorporate cutting-edge technology with minimalist designs. As another German watch brand, Junghans is sought-after for its collection of Bauhaus-inspired watches packed with exceptional features. One luxurious piece it offers is the minimalist yet elegant Junghans Max Bill 027/4700.02. This watch is sold at a very reasonable price of $1,199 USD. It features a round stainless steel case, which matches the appealing matte silver dial. Like other Junghans models, this version is equipped with a sapphire crystal to protect the dial from any damage. This Junghans Max Bill watch is powered by a powerful caliber J800.1 automatic movement. When the watch is fully wound, it offers up to 38 hours of power. All in all, this is the perfect option for those looking for a good minimalist timepiece with a budget-friendly price. Final Thoughts Regardless of which type of watch you want to own, our lists of best watches under $2 000 USD will never disappoint you. Each timepiece in this rundown offers unique styles and aesthetics, all of which are equally functional and reliable. Though every brand  listed here has its own signature features,  they all have the same primary goal. That is, to provide you with the best timekeeping experience at the most affordable prices possible.  Want to know more about what are the most iconic watches today? Check our article about the 10 Most Iconic Watches. Photos credit to Watchshopping.com.

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  11. Top 30 Chronograph Watches Under 2000

    Top 30 Chronograph Watches Under 2000

    There is a common misconception amongst people that nice watches all have to come at exorbitant prices, while more budget-friendly watches are of poorer quality or are useless. Of course, that is not at all true. You can find timepieces in all kinds of styles, with varying quality and price points as well. In this guide, we will be introducing you to chronograph watches that are easily available, have great value for money, and are priced under $2,000 USD.  30 Chronographs Under $2000 USD 1. Nomos Glashutte Club Campus 38 This Nomos Glashutte watch has its origins in Germany, made by a very small manufacturer that has gained a lot of popularity over the years. The entire series of Club Campus is worth having a look at, as it is made up of authentic, high-quality materials. You can get this chronograph watch for around $1,650 USD. The manual display on this watch shows the hours, minutes, as well as seconds. If you are about to buy a chronograph watch for yourself, then do have a look at this amazing Club Campus 38 chronograph timepiece! 2. Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph This Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph watch was first introduced in 2011. It is considered a great and unique chronograph with excellent quality. Although it has been 8 years since this watch came out in the market, it has retained its value quite well. With two sub-dials and a date display, this model has quintessential elements that give off a vintage feel. The retail price of this watch is just around $2,000 USD, which is extremely affordable for a timepiece like this, so this is one that you should definitely get your hands on quickly. 3. Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Oris is a brand known for offering a great collection of watches at very affordable prices. The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date was introduced in 1938, but even after more than 80 years, it is still an iconic chronograph. True to its name, the main feature of this watch is its oversized, which makes it extremely easy for pilots to grip and turn, even while wearing gloves. This chronograph watch is truly a great masterpiece and is available at a very affordable price of $1,750 USD. 4. Mido Multifort Chronograph If your budget is quite limited and you cannot afford a very expensive watch, yet you want something which is unique and classy, then go for this Mido Multifort Escape watch. It is priced at around $1920 USD, which is quite affordable. Besides its price, this watch’s durability, features offered, and other components altogether make it an excellent chronograph timepiece. It has a 66-hour power reserve, along with a self-winding movement and a tachymeter indicator. So, what are you waiting for? Put your hands on this amazing Mido Multifort Escape watch and become the proud owner of an excellent watch! 5. Seiko Presage SRQ025J1 Over the years, Seiko has been very successful in the promotion of its luxurious collections of watches, including the Seiko Presage. The main aim of the Presage line is to introduce the latest, modern versions of old-school classic Seiko watches released in the past. In 2016, Seiko introduced chronograph watches, which were inspired by Seiko’s own 1913 chronograph designs, to the Presage collection. One outstanding model is the SRQ025J1, which boasts a classic stainless steel case, dark brown leather strap, and elegant white watch face with three chronograph sub-dials. This is a must-have for your watch collection, as it is great for everyday wear. The best part is that you can get it for just $1,800 USD.  6. Sinn 103 These Sinn chronograph watches promise timepieces with great features that come at perfectly accessible prices. Available at a steal price of around $1,800 USD, the Sinn 103 chronograph watch has a ton of handy features, including luminescent white hands that complement the watch’s glossy black dial. If you are in search of a model that is reliable, durable, and very budget-friendly to boot, then this is the chronograph watch for you.  7. Frederique Constant Classics Quartz Chronograph These Frederique Constant chronograph watches have a great reputation for not only possessing the best of features but also for being light on the wallet. The Classic Quartz Chronograph, available for around $915 USD, is the perfect piece for both everyday and formal occasions. It is not only elegant but also quite reliable as well. This chronograph’s patterned white dial boasts Roman numerals and sleek Breguet-style hour markers, along with the three standard sub-dials. This is probably one of the best chronograph watches in terms of quality, authenticity, and, most importantly, price, making it quite the package! 8. Alpina Startimer Pilot Quartz Chronograph Big Date  Alpina is a Swiss brand with over a century’s worth of experience in the watchmaking industry. They were a key figure in the rise of Swiss sports watches back in the 1930s, and remain a respected innovator in the horological world today. A perfect reflection of their expertise can be seen through the Alpina Startimer Pilot Quartz Chronograph. It is a well-crafted timepiece, priced at around $1,080 USD, with all the qualities one would want in a chronograph model. One of the best things about it is how it is so easy to read because of the large, visible counters on the dial. Overall, it serves as a simple yet classy chronograph piece that is definitely worth its price!  9. Bulova 98A252 Men’s Archive Series  Bulova is an American brand best known for providing quality timepieces at relatively affordable prices. Through the years, they have mastered the art of consistent innovation, and have numerous milestones to prove it. While their current catalogue consists of a variety of watches with different features and functions, one of their most interesting models is the Bulova 98A252. This timepiece can be found in their Archive series. It is a chronograph watch that draws inspiration from some of their most iconic divers back in the 1970s. Priced at around $500 USD, this model has quite a distinct chronograph layout, with 2 sub-dials inside a surfboard silhouette. This is a great pick if you want something a little more unique compared to the standard chronograph displays.  10. Citizen Chandler Chronograph  Citizen, as most of us know, is a company that offers more sustainable, green timepieces. A good number of their models are equipped with their Eco-Drive technology, which means they run on light energy. As if that is not impressive enough, the Japanese brand was also able to incorporate this technology into a variety of watches with different functions, and not just simple time-tellers. For example, this particular Citizen Chandler is a chronograph piece that takes inspiration from military elements. It has an H500 caliber that is powered by all forms of light, which means it does not need any batteries to run. If you want a rugged outdoor chronograph watch, you can get your hands on this for just $295 USD.  11. Victorinox FieldForce Sport Chrono 241891 Victorinox is a Swiss brand that is known for providing a variety of quality products, from cutlery to timepieces. The watches they offer are made of high-grade stainless steel which boasts superior durability.  When it comes to watchmaking, they promise utmost precision and reliability, which is clearly seen in their pieces. The Victorinox FieldForce Chrono 241891, for example, is a very classic yet contemporary chronograph model. Retailing at around $575 USD, it is both versatile and multi-functional, which means you can use it on all sorts of occasions. Whether you are going on an outdoor adventure or crashing a party, this chronograph watch will prove to be a worthy companion.  12. Orient KU00004B Orient is another watch company that offers timepieces boasting high-level Japanese craftsmanship. Their current catalogue consists of over 500 models that vary in design, specs, and function. In fact, the Orient KU00004B is just one of the many chronographs they have in their arsenal. This sports watch, in particular, is a classic option that would go well with any ensemble. It boasts a straightforward chronograph display with 3 sub-dials and a date window. With a price tag of around $95 USD, this is definitely recommended for those who want a safe and simple piece.  13. Zodiac Grandrally Quartz  Zodiac may be an unfamiliar brand for some, but they have actually been in the industry since the 1880s. This brand is all about showcasing the art of Swiss watchmaking through the creation of precise and innovative timepieces. Over the years, they have amassed their very own selection of both classic and unique models that will not disappoint. For example, Zodiac’s Grandrally Quartz watch is a distinct chronograph piece inspired by automotive sports. Its dial layout is based on the dashboard of race vehicles, which gives it a very sporty and quirky look. Priced at around $495 USD, this one is perfect for all those who like automotive-inspired watches.  14. Ikepod Chronopod White Horse 013 Next up, we have Ikepod, which is a Swiss manufacturer that offers bold statement watches. The concept of their brand revolves around making unusual, avant-garde pieces that are bound to last a lifetime. They want to show the watch community that good watches can be affordable and ooze with creativity at the same time. This is something you can evidently see with their Chronopod White Horse 013. With a price tag of approximately $860 USD, this model has quite a straightforward chronograph layout contained inside a striking disc-like case. The Chronopod is definitely ideal for those who want a minimalist yet distinct timepiece!  15. Hamilton Khaki Aviation X-Wind Auto Chrono  Hamilton is home to some of the most iconic timepieces out there. Whether you are looking for military-inspired watches, digital models, or even chronographs in different styles, you will surely find what you seek with this Swiss-American brand. Their Khaki Aviation X-Wind Auto Chrono, for example, is a rugged and powerful-looking chronograph watch for pilots. Its sophisticated looks and impressive features make it appealing to both aviation professionals and watch enthusiasts. If that is not enough to intrigue you, this model was also worn by actor Liam Hemsworth’s character in the movie Independence Day: Resurgence (2016). Retailing for a little over $1,700 USD, this chronograph watch is perfect for all those living an adventurous lifestyle.  16. Casio Ediface EQW-T650DB-2AJF Casio is a very popular brand best known for its vast selection of affordable watches. Despite the low prices, each and every model they have is guaranteed to be of good quality. One of the best things about this brand is the diversity of its pieces when it comes to design, functions, and specifications. This is why it really is no surprise that they offer their own range of high-performing chronographs as well. For example, the Casio Edifice EQW-T650DB-2AJF has a simple three sub-dial chronograph layout, with the sub-dials placed just slightly off-center, which adds to the sophisticated vibe the watch has going on. Priced at around $399 USD, this piece makes for a versatile option, especially if you are on a strict budget.  17. Citizen Luke Skywalker  Next up, we have another watch from Citizen. Aside from showcasing impressive technological prowess, the Japanese brand is also known for its collaborations with different companies and firms. They actually have an ongoing partnership with Disney, which explains the concept behind this particular piece. The Citizen Luke Skywalker is a chronograph watch with a Star Wars-inspired design. The sub-dials feature elements from the iconic movie franchise such as a lightsaber, the Rebel Alliance symbol, and a galaxy background. Retailing at around $375 USD, this watch is the perfect chronograph piece for all the Star Wars fans out there.  18. Junghans Meister Chronoscope  Junghans is a German company that offers an extensive range of Bauhaus-inspired watches. Aside from their reputation as a minimalist brand, they also have a long and interesting history with the aviation industry, which is a testament to their technological prowess. That being said, they also have a couple of chronograph watches that boast very classy aesthetics. The Junghans Meister Chronoscope, for example, serves as the perfect sophisticated and multi-functional watch. The chronograph display, paired with its overall classy exterior, makes it versatile enough to be used for both casual and dressy affairs. If you are a fan of the elegant/minimalist design, you can get your hands on one of these chronographs for only $1,900 USD.  19. Tissot T-Sport Seastar 1000  Tissot is one of the most established Swiss brands in the market. They have a very rich history, which has helped in cementing their reputation as a trusted source of quality timepieces. Much like others on this list, Tissot also has an extensive catalogue in their arsenal that consists of a variety of chronographs. One of the best chronographs they offer is the T-Sport Seastar 1000 which has spectacularly vibrant and robust aesthetics. With its bold orange hues, it is the perfect example of a trendy and contemporary sports chronograph. Priced at $495 USD, this one is recommended for those who want a fun and rugged chronograph timepiece.   20. Maurice Lacroix Aikon Chronograph Maurice Lacroix is a relatively young luxury brand that was only founded back in the mid-1970s. They have made a name for themselves in the watchmaking world as both creative and technical pioneers. This reputation is clearly reflected in each watch they offer as they boast excellent Swiss craftsmanship. Maurice Lacroix’s Aikon Chronograph model serves as a perfect example of their expertise. This limited edition piece showcases very sporty yet elegant aesthetics, with its rugged all-black exterior complemented by beguiling blue accents. The best part is, on top of its refined exterior, it is also equipped with cutting-edge technology, such as its quartz movement, which boasts unparalleled precision. If this chronograph watch has caught your eye, you can get it for approximately $1,500 USD.  21. Rado Hyperchrome Chronograph  Up next, we have a piece from yet another Swiss luxury watch manufacturer called Rado. Even if you are not familiar with watch brands, you have probably heard of Rado at least once or twice in your life. They offer a vast selection of timepieces that run across 16 different collections. Under their Hyperchrome line is a lovely chronograph model that screams classic luxury. It is marketed as a versatile and multi-functional piece that will serve its purpose well regardless of the circumstance. Retailing at around $1,600 USD, this is the perfect chronograph for those who enjoy quintessential, sporty, and vibrant watches.  22. Luminox Navy SEAL Chronograph  Luminox is a Swiss brand best known for offering a diverse range of military and outdoor watches. They put a lot of effort into ensuring that each and every piece can withstand even the harshest of environments. Since they focus on providing the highest forms of durability and functionality possible, it is only expected that they have their own selection of impressive chronographs. The Navy SEAL Chronograph 3581, priced at $595 USD, makes for an ideal multi-functional outdoor watch. It has robust and tough aesthetics, which makes it extra appealing to all the explorers out there. If you want a reliable companion on your adventures, then this chronograph watch is definitely one to check out!  23. Hamilton Jazzmaster Chrono Quartz  Next up, we have another lovely chronograph from Hamilton. Unlike the previous model from the brand, the Jazzmaster Chrono Quartz offers a more classic and sophisticated style. It still exudes that sporty vibe, but it also feels more like a dress watch compared to the Khaki Aviation Chrono. Regardless, this model boasts an equal level of quality and functionality. Priced at around $865 USD, this piece is recommended for those who want a more classy and snazzy chronograph watch.  24. Skagen Ancher Chronograph  Skagen is a Danish brand that focuses on showcasing the Nordic way of life through its products. Since minimalism and sustainability are prominent lifestyles in those countries, Skagen’s timepieces also revolve around these concepts. The Skagen Ancher Chronograph, for example, has quite a sleek and minimalist exterior that is actually made from recycled materials. One of the best things about it is that the focus is really on the chronograph display, because the watch is minimalistic and does not have many other unnecessary elements. Retailing at around $155 USD, make sure to check this chronograph out if you want a more minimalist or sustainable alternative.  25. Timex Standard Chronograph  Timex is one of the most popular brands that offer really affordable timepieces. They are a go-to for many who want laid-back watches that could easily mix with different outfits. Their current portfolio consists of different kinds of models, such as digital watches, military-inspired pieces, chronographs, and many more. The Timex Standard Chronograph, priced at $109 USD, oozes retro vibes through and through. The chronograph dial contains a lot of vintage elements like its overall off-white color and slim yet slightly rounded font, which give it a more classic and casual feel. Since chronographs tend to be a little overwhelming, this is a great option for those who want something more relaxed and easygoing.  26. Farer Seagrave Monopusher Farer is a British watch manufacturer that prides itself on creating unconventional yet well-crafted timepieces. As an independent company, their commitment to providing only high-quality products is evident from their entire watchmaking process. A perfect representation of this is their Seagrave Monopusher model, which is a more avant-garde take on chronographs. One of the sub-dials is noticeably bigger compared to the other, which adds an unusual visual sensation to the whole piece. Retailing at a little under $2,000 USD, this piece is ideal for those who like subtle yet radical chronographs.  27. Tag Heuer Formula 1  TAG Heuer is one of the most highly-regarded luxury watch brands in the industry. They are home to countless iconic collections and models that always seem to catch people’s eyes. A cool thing about this Swiss manufacturer is how they have probably mastered the art of making chronographs through their involvement in the racing scene. In fact, one of their most popular lines is the Formula 1 series, which consists of its fair share of chronographs as well. This particular piece serves as a tribute to certain motor-racing icons like Gulf, which explains its vibrant blue and orange exterior. Retailing at around $1,900 USD, this chronograph model is a must-have for motorsports timepiece enthusiasts. 28. Orient KV0403S Here we have another piece from Orient that has a slightly different vibe compared to the other model previously mentioned. This chronograph has more of a quintessential and refined exterior, which gives it a very subtle vintage vibe. Moreover, the placement of the sub-dials actually plays a big role since its symmetry makes it look a lot more elegant and pleasing to the eyes. With a price tag of around $140 USD, this serves as an affordable chronograph watch for vintage enthusiasts out there.  29. Yema Speedgraf  Yema is a French watch company known for its timepieces which draw inspiration from different institutions and fields. Under their motorsports category, they have a collection called Heritage Chronographs. This range is home to the Yema Speedgraf. This Yema Speedgraf chronograph watch is a vintage-inspired piece that draws its influences from iconic chronograph models in the 1960s. Despite its unassuming exterior, the understated dial design and layout catch the interest of people in a very subtle way. If you are hooked on this piece, you can get your hands on one for only $1,500 USD.  30. Hamilton Ventura Chrono Quartz  Lastly, we have another watch from Hamilton. Seeing as this is the third piece from the American brand on this list, it goes to show that they truly offer a wide variety of chronographs that will not break the bank. The reason why I just had to include this chronograph watch is because of how eccentric and fun it is. Chronographs tend to be relatively straightforward and can sometimes be intimidating, so finding a genuinely unconventional piece is like a breath of fresh air. The Ventura Chrono Quartz, priced at around $1,080 USD, serves as a radical and distinct alternative, making it perfect for those who want something different.  Final Thoughts  After reading through all that, hopefully, you are convinced that there are numerous chronograph watches out there that are perfectly affordable. You do not have to spend thousands of dollars to get a quality piece, and the 30 budget-friendly chronographs above serve as just a glimpse of what the market actually has to offer.  If you’re really interested in chronographs then don’t miss out on our article on the Sinn 356 Pilot Chronograph!  Photo Credits: Official Watch Websites 

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  12. 25 Best Aviator Watches

    25 Best Aviator Watches

    Those familiar with the watch market know that there are many well-established brands in the watchmaking industry that offer their own interpretations of timepieces which are either dedicated to or inspired by aviation. This is because a lot of watch manufacturers have some sort of history or involvement with the aviation world. Moreover, accurate and reliable timepieces are absolutely necessary for pilots and other professionals in said field. With such a readymade and defined market, it is no wonder why aviation models continue to be staple pieces for a lot of watch companies. With that being said, read on to find out just which timepieces made it to our specially-curated list of top aviator watches.  Pilot Watch History in a Flash We trace the aviator watch to Paris, at the start of the 20th century, when French watchmaker Louis Cartier came across Alberto Santos-Dumont, a Brazilian-born aviation enthusiast. Alberto complained that his pocket watch was too clumsy for flights. Louis, in turn, added a strap to one of his Cartier watches, and history was made. Today, the square case of Cartier Santos makes it one of the most recognizable aviator watches in the world. During World War 2 the German military worked with watchmakers such as A. Lange & Söhne to churn out watches for its bomber crews. Using Swiss movement, the B-Uhr was big with a 58mm case, augmented by a double-rivet leather strap. It’s eye-catching with a stark black dial and Arabic numerals that are crossed by sharp sword hands. Elements of an Aviator Watch  Note: These are just some elements that are more commonly present in flight-inspired timepieces. They are by no means fixed features in aviator watches.  Durability. This quality is super important because pilots, especially those in military units, are exposed to all sorts of different environments. A durable watch that can withstand these changes, regardless of whether harsh or not, is necessary.  Multi-Functionality. A multi-functional watch is not essential, but it is definitely helpful, especially at times when technology fails. There is always a possibility of accidents or malfunctions during flights and a reliable, multi-functional timepiece can serve as a tool to aid the pilot in that specific situation.  GMT Function. Not all, but many aviator watches, especially in the modern era, have time zone functions. Many of us have flown through different time zones before, and understand the importance of a pilot’s ability to track multiple locations. So, a fine aviation watch is apt to have a GMT hand that makes a rotation every 24 hours, in contrast to the hour hand that rotates every twelve hours, allowing wearers to track multiple time zones.  Legibility.  Aviation watches were designed to withstand the rigors of air battles, where split-second decisions are literally a matter of life and death. As such, aviator watches have to be legible enough that, when you look down at your pilot’s watch, you can immediately read what you are seeing.  25 Aviator Watches: Top Picks Now that we have gone through some of the most important features a pilot watch typically has, let us take a look at some of the best aviator watches out there.  1. Cartier Santos-Dumont Ref. W2SA0012 First up, we have a watch from the iconic Santos-Dumont collection. Even though this particular piece does not really fit the image of a pilot’s watch today, I still chose to start the list with it because of its heritage. Long story short, the first-ever model in this range was brought into existence because Louis Cartier designed it specifically for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. Rather than being a practical option, this Cartier Santos-Dumont piece has served as a symbol of the close relations between the watchmaking industry and the aviation field since then.  The Santos-Dumont Ref. W2SA0012 comes in a stainless steel case with an exquisite 18K rose gold bezel and an alligator leather strap in black. With a distinct square shape, it has quite the unassuming dial, with simply two hands and Roman numerals for the hour markers. Moreover, it is powered by a quartz movement and has a water resistance rating of around 30 meters. Finally, this symbolic aviator watch retails at around $5,500 USD.  2. Breitling Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43 Ref. AB0119131C1A1 Breitling is a brand that is widely known for manufacturing superior quality aviation watches. Some of their most iconic timepieces, such as the Navitimer and the Chronomat, have made huge impacts on pilots and other professionals. This is the reason why this Swiss brand is considered the go-to source for excellent, flight-centric watches.  The Breitling Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph is presented in a sturdy case and bracelet both made of stainless steel. It features a clean blue dial with a chronograph display, luminescent hands, Arabic numerals, and a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock. Furthermore, it is equipped with an automatic Breitling 01 caliber and boasts an impressive power reserve of around 70 hours. Priced at approximately $8,000 USD, this aviator watch would make for an excellent investment piece.  3. Hamilton Khaki Aviation X-Wind Auto Ref. H77775960 Hamilton is yet another watch company that has a long and interesting history with the armed forces. They are perceived as one of the best manufacturers of military-inspired timepieces, which is reflected in the different collections they offer. Hamilton’s catalog boasts three watch lines that are dedicated to each branch of the military: the Khaki Field (army), the Khaki Navy, and the Khaki Aviation (air force).  This Hamilton Khaki Aviation X-Wind Auto is a fan-favorite among patrons. It comes in a stainless steel case along with a textile bracelet in green, a rotating bezel, and three crowns. The dial, which features a camouflage pattern, consists of a 24-hour layout, luminous hands, Arabic numerals, a date-day window at 9 o’clock, and a scale on the outline to measure cross winds. Lastly, it is driven by an H-30 caliber that possesses a whopping 80-hour power reserve.  With a price tag of around $1,300 USD, this is a great choice for those who want an aviator watch with combat aesthetics.  4. IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Ref. IW357201 For those already familiar with this brand, or with aviation timepieces in general, you are probably not surprised to find IWC on this list. This Schaffhausen-based brand has played a big role in the way aviation watches are designed today. They were the first brand to showcase a watch that took inspiration from cockpit instruments, a design that remains a classic blueprint for aviation pieces in the modern era.  The IWC Big Pilot Shock Absorber XPL features quite a distinct and elegant overall exterior. It comes in a ceratanium case that is paired with a rubber strap in black. The black dial follows a straightforward, almost minimalist layout with Arabic numerals and luminescent hands. In addition, it also resembles the altitude indicator found in a cockpit panel. In terms of its technical specifications, this watch is equipped with a 32111 automatic caliber with an outstanding power reserve of 120 hours.  Priced at a whopping $83,000 USD, this beautiful, avant-garde timepiece is perfect for all the luxury aviation enthusiasts out there.  5. Citizen Promaster Skyhawk A-T Ref. JY8075-51E Next up, we have a watch from a Japanese brand which is best known for manufacturing high-technology timepieces. While they do not really have direct military or aviation roots, Citizen is driven by their goal of providing quality sports and professional watches. This mindset of theirs is very much apparent in their Promaster collection, where you will find a wide selection of excellent timepieces for either air, land, or sea. The Citizen Promaster Skyhawk is all about multi-functionality, which makes it look quite intimidating at first glance. It is presented in a black stainless steel case along with a bracelet of the same material and color. Aside from the typical luminous hands and hour markers, the Promaster Skyhawk’s watch face also includes the following features: a perpetual calendar, dual time, countdown timer, pilot’s rotating slide rule bezel, and so much more. Lastly, just like most Citizen watches, it is equipped with their Eco-Drive technology, which means it has no battery as it is powered by any form of light.  With a price tag of around $700 USD, this Citizen Skyhawk is for those who want multi-functional aviation watches of utmost quality.  6. Orient Pilot’s Sport Watch RA-AC0H04Y10A Orient is a Japanese watch company that is popular for producing good quality timepieces with affordable price ranges. They offer a couple of pilot watches as a part of their sports collection. While these models are not as well known as some others, those who have tried and tested Orient’s aviation watches believe that they are on par with many flight-centric watch brands in the market.   The Orient RA-AC0H04Y10A has the aesthetic of a classic pilot watch. It comes in a stainless steel case with a classy leather strap in light brown. The yellow/beige dial features Arabic numerals, luminescent hands, an inner circle with the hour markers, an outer circle with the minute markers, and a small date window at 3 o’clock Iit is driven by an automatic F6722 caliber with a power reserve of approximately 40 hours.  Retailing at around $300 USD, give or take, this flight-inspired timepiece from Orient is perfect for those who enjoy quintessential, vintage-style aviation watches.  7. Seiko Prospex SSG011P1 Seiko, being one of the most well-known watch brands out there, has a rather extensive selection of timepieces in their portfolio. While they are not popular for producing pilot watches, they still offer models that have the qualities of a good aviation piece. Seiko’s Prospex line, in particular, is recognized as an excellent source of professional watches.  The Seiko Prospex SSG011P1 is both multi-functional and unique, as far as pilot timepieces go. It comes in a hardy stainless steel case along with a bracelet of the same material. The main watch face features a very busy dial with Arabic numerals, large luminous hands, a date window, and a chronograph display. It also includes the following functions: a full auto calendar, radio signal reception, world time, overcharge prevention, and lots more. Lastly, this timepiece follows a radio sync solar movement with a power save duration of approximately 2 years.   Priced at around $500 USD, this model is for those who want a multi-functional watch that comes at a reasonable price.  8. Junghans Meister Pilot Junghans is a well-established German brand that offers a beautiful selection of Bauhaus-inspired timepieces. However, back in the early 1900s, they also made cockpit instruments for different kinds of aircrafts. Come the 1950s, and Junghans involvement in the aviation field is what eventually inspired them to create their own pilot chronograph for the German military. Today, Junghans continues to pay homage to their heritage through a few flight-inspired models.  The Junghans Meister Pilot is the perfect Bauhaus interpretation of a pilot’s watch. It comes in a DLC-coated stainless steel case paired with a leather strap in brown. The easily legible dial features Arabic numerals, luminous hands, and a chronograph display with two counters. Moreover, it is powered by an automatic caliber J880.4 with a power reserve of 38 hours.  Retailing at around $2,500 USD, this is the ideal aviator watch for those who favor minimalist Bauhaus designs.  9. Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue Zenith is another Swiss luxury brand with a range dedicated to aviation watches. The vintage-influenced timepieces in Zenith’s Pilot collection are heavily inspired by their long-standing relations with the aviation industry.  The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Rescue comes in a steel case paired with a rugged-looking leather strap. It has a straightforward and legible dial with Super-LumiNova hands and Arabic numerals, a minute track on the rim of the dial, and a chronograph display with 2 counters. This timepiece is powered by Zenith’s iconic El Primo movement which boasts a minimum power reserve of 50 hours.  With a price tag of approximately $60,00 USD, this Zenith Pilot watch is ideal for all the vintage enthusiasts out there.  10. Tissot T-Touch Connect Solar Jungfraubahn Swiss Edition Tissot is the go-to brand for premium quality timepieces that boast excellent Swiss craftsmanship. They offer a wide range of watches, from formal dress pieces to sportier models, so it is really not surprising that they have timepieces which can also pass as great aviation watches.  While the Tissot T-Touch Connect Solar is not really a pilot watch, it does have qualities that make it rather appealing for those in the aviation field. This model comes in a sturdy titanium case paired with a synthetic rubber strap. Its dial features a luminescent hand, indices, and the usual Hour, Minute, Second, Day and Date [HMSDD] display. Some of its additional functions include an alarm, altimeter, compass, distance travelled indicator, perpetual calendar, multiple time zones, temperature/weather indicator, and many more. Finally, this timepiece stands out as it utilizes solar energy to power its quartz movement.  Priced at around $1,000 USD, the Tissot T-Touch Connect Solar makes for a great aviation tool with its multi-functionality and digital display.  11. Panerai Luminor Due GMT Power Reserve PAM00964  Panerai is a watch company whose main heritage lies with the sea. This is why many of their timepieces are somehow related to or inspired by marine elements. Right off the bat, let me say that this particular piece is not a straightforward pilot watch. It simply has a few qualities, specifically its GMT feature, that make it suitable for those in the aviation industry.  The Panerai Luminor Due GMT Power Reserve PAM00964 boasts a titanium case paired with a blue alligator leather strap. Meanwhile, its sun-brushed dial comes with luminescent hands, Arabic numerals, indices, a small seconds counter, and a power reserve indicator. This watch is also powered by a self-winding P.4002 caliber with a solid power reserve of around 72 hours. Retailing at around $12,200 USD, this Panerai watch is perfect for those in the aviation industry who prefer casual luxury pieces with an added GMT function.  12. Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage Automatic  Just like some other brands mentioned on this list, Alpina also has three different collections that are each dedicated to land, air, and sea-based timepieces. The Alpina Startimer line is the collection focused on aviation watches, and it pays homage to the brand’s longstanding involvement with said industry, which started in the 1920s.  This Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage Automatic follows the quintessential pilot watch design. It comes in a stainless steel case along with a calf leather strap in brown. The dial features luminescent Arabic numerals, a 24-hour layout, a minute track on the rim, and a date window. Lastly, it is equipped with the automatic AL-525 caliber which boasts a 38-hour power reserve.  Priced at a little under $1,500 USD, this aviator timepiece serves as another classic and retro option for pilot watch enthusiasts.  13. Rolex GMT Master II  The Rolex GMT Master II is not officially dubbed a pilot’s watch, but I think it deserves a spot on this list simply because of its iconic GMT function. While the Swiss luxury brand does have a model that pays tribute to aeronautics, known as the Rolex Air-King, the GMT Master II is such an iconic timepiece that is definitely a favorite among those in the aviation industry as well.  The Rolex GMT Master II comes in an exquisite white gold case and bracelet with a ceramic GMT bezel. Its dial features luminescent hands, hour markers in different shapes, and a date window at 3 o’clock. This famous timepiece is driven by a self-winding 3285 caliber that boasts a 70-hour power reserve.  With a price tag of around $40,000 USD, this ever-so-popular aviator watch is a must-have for jetsetters who enjoy luxury.  14. Bell and Ross BR V2-93 GMT Blue This particular Bell and Ross piece is similar to the previous model, in that its potential as a pilot’s watch lies in its GMT function. The Bell and Ross BR V2-93 GMT Blue belongs to a selection of timepieces that caters to those who frequently travel from one time zone to another.  This watch comes in a satin-polished steel case with an elastic canvas bracelet in grey and a 24-hour bezel. Its blue dial features Arabic numerals, thin indices, luminous hands, and a date display between 4 and 5 o’clock. Moreover, it is equipped with a caliber BR-CAL.30 and has a 100-meter water resistance capacity.  Retailing at around $3,400 USD, this timepiece serves as a classy option that gets the job done for all the travel enthusiasts out there.  15. Luminox F-117 Nighthawk GMT Luminox is widely recognized as an excellent source of outdoor timepieces. In fact, their collections can be categorized into three main series: air, land, and sea. This just shows that most, if not all, of their timepieces are actually designed to withstand the conditions of the great outdoors.  This particular Luminox Nighthawk watch, which falls under the brand’s air series, has a very robust and rugged exterior. It comes in a CARBONOX case, and has a bi-directional bezel and a Kevlar strap in black. Its dial boasts chunky Arabic numerals, luminous hands, a 24-hour display, and a date window. In addition, the numbers on the bezel and the hour markers are actually based on the display found in an F-117 Nighthawk cockpit. This timepiece is powered by a quartz movement with a GMT function.  Priced at approximately $875 USD, the Luminox F-117 Nighthawk GMT is a great aviation-inspired watch for those who enjoy tough-looking timepieces.  16. Oris Big Crown Pro Pilot Timer GMT Oris offers two collections dedicated to aviator watches: the ProPilot and the ProPilotX. These watches were designed specifically with pilots in mind, which is why they are equipped with high-levels of functionality.  The Oris Big Crown Pro Pilot Timer GMT, for example, boasts quite a powerful exterior right off the bat. It comes in a robust stainless steel case along with a textile strap in green and a rotating bezel. Aside from the Arabic numeral markers and luminous hands, the dial also features a date window and a small seconds counter. Lastly, this watch is powered by an automatic GMT movement with a power reserve of around 38 hours.  Retailing at a little under $3,000 USD, this aviator watch is a straightforward and well-crafted option, especially for professionals in the industry.  17. Longines Avigation BigEye Longines is known to have released their fair share of aviation watches and instruments, especially in the 1900s. This involvement with the aviation industry has pushed them to create a selection of flight-inspired timepieces today, and the Longines Avigation BigEye is a testament to this. This watch comes in a stainless steel case paired with a leather strap in brown. Following a chronograph layout, its black dial features Arabic numerals, luminous hands, and three sub-counters. Moreover, it is powered by an automatic L688 caliber which boasts a 66-hour power reserve.  Priced at around $2,700 USD, you really cannot go wrong with this classic aviation timepiece.  18. Breitling Aviator 8 Automatic Day & Date 41 Next up, we have another piece from Breitling, which, as we know, is a reliable source of high-quality aviator watches. This timepiece, in particular, boasts a very distinct yet sleek overall exterior.  This Breitling Aviator 8 timepiece comes in a stainless steel case and a calfskin leather strap in black. The dial, which has a very straightforward layout, features Arabic numerals, luminescent hands, a date window at 6 o’clock, and a day display at 12 o’clock. Lastly, this model is equipped with an automatic Breitling 45 caliber which has a power reserve of 38 hours.  With a price tag of approximately $4,100 USD, this aviator watch is a must-have for those who like well-crafted timepieces which are easily readable with a glance.  19. Laco Pilot Watch Original Paderborn  Laco is a German brand primarily known for producing aviation watches. Their products were a staple in many aircrafts back in the 1940s, which explains their reputation today. They are the go-to place for traditional, classic aviation timepieces.  The Laco Pilot Original Paderborn is presented in a sandblasted stainless steel case with a calf leather strap in brown. The dial follows the quintessential cockpit-inspired layout with luminous hands, Arabic numerals, an outer circle for the minute markers, and an inner circle for the hour markers. This timepiece is driven by an automatic Laco 24 movement which is based on an ETA 2824.2 caliber.  For just $1,190 USD, you can get your hands on one of the most renowned pilot watches out there.  20. Tudor Black Bay GMT Much like the Rolex watch mentioned earlier, this Tudor timepiece is on this list because of its GMT function, more than anything else. In fact, this model belongs to the Black Bay collection, which is better known for its dive watches.  The Tudor Black Bay GMT comes in a sleek steel case with a Terra di Siena leather bracelet and a GMT bezel. The dial features hour markers in various shapes, luminescent hands, and a date window at 3 o’clock. This watch is powered by an automatic MT5652 caliber which is COSC-certified and has a 70-hour power reserve.  Priced at a little under $4,000 USD, this piece makes for a versatile watch that can be utilized to great effect by those in the aviation field.  21. Victorinox Airboss Mach 9 Victorinox is an established company known for their quality products. They also offer their own range of aviation watches, which falls under their Pilot Watches category. The Victorinox Airboss Mach 9 is simply one out of many flight-centric timepieces they have in their arsenal.  This watch comes in a steel case paired with an eco-leather strap in brown. The black dial, which features a layout clearly inspired by aeronautic mechanisms, consists of Arabic numerals, luminous hands, and a chronograph display. Lastly, it is equipped with an automatic ETA VALJOUX 7750 movement with a power reserve of around 48 hours.  Retailing at approximately $2,100 USD, this watch is a must-have for all the adventurers out there who appreciate engineering inspired by aeronautics.  22. Vacheron Constantin Overseas World Time Vacheron Constantin is one of the most well-established brands in Haute Horlogerie. They offer a beautiful selection of watches that boast unparalleled quality and aesthetics. This particular watch, which makes for a lavish option for those in the aviation world, is no exception.  Presented in a stainless steel case and bracelet, the Overseas World Time is a luxury piece for constant travelers. Its dial features the world map, famous cities, a 24-hour dial feature, and luminescent hands. Moreover, it is powered by an automatic movement that provides the watch with 37 time zones, a day-night indicator, and a power reserve of 40 hours.  Priced at around $37,000 USD, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas World Time is the ultimate luxury statement timepiece for all the casual and professional jetsetters out there.  23. Yema Flygraf Pilot M1 Yema is another brand that has multiple collections dedicated to different branches of the military. They offer two different ranges for aviation watches, which are the Flygraf and the Superman French Air Force. The Flygraf focuses on timepieces for both flight professionals and enthusiasts while the Superman French Air Force series serves as a tribute to the brand’s relationship with said military unit.  The Yema Flygraf Pilot M1 was actually designed in collaboration with professional pilot Sammy Mason. It comes in a stainless steel case and a bracelet which can be swapped out for a different strap. The dial, which follows a 24-hour layout, consists of Arabic numerals and slightly oversized hands, both of which are treated with Super-LumiNova pigments. Lastly, it is equipped with an in-house YEMA2000 caliber which has a 42-hour power reserve.  With a price tag of around $749 USD, this is a great option for those who want a quintessential aviator watch at an affordable cost.  24. Bulova 96A225 While this Bulova model is more space-inspired than anything else, it still features excellent qualities that are great for aviation watches as well.  The Bulova 96A225 comes in a stainless steel case paired with a NATO strap in black. Following a chronograph display, the dial includes luminescent hands and hour markers, a tachymeter scale, and three sub-counters. It also runs on an excellent chronograph movement which boasts top-tier quartz technology and accuracy.  For around $575 USD, you can get this high-technology timepiece which can pass for a good aviator watch.  25. Bremont MBII-WH/BLUE Last but certainly not least, we have a timepiece from Bremont, a brand that is known for taking things to the next level. In crafting their pilot watches, Bremont made sure to get in touch with experienced figures in the aviation industry in order to come up with superior flight-centric timepieces.  The Bremont MBII is a classic example of Bremont’s outstanding watchmaking process, because it went through numerous endurance tests before officially being sold. While it may look rather unassuming, this watch packs quite a punch. It comes in a hardened stainless steel case paired with a rubber, leather, or metal strap of your choice. The white dial features Arabic numerals, indices, luminescent hands, a minute track on the rim, and a date window. This watch is powered by an automatic BE-36AE chronometer with shock-resistant properties and a 38-hour power reserve.  Retailing at around $5,500 USD, this aviator watch is definitely a recommended investment for serious pilots and professionals.  Final Thoughts  Ultimately, these are just 25 models, out of hundreds and thousands, that are either proven to be great aviator watches or have the potential to be excellent companions by professionals. Regardless, the curated list above does include some of the best pieces that the industry has to offer. Given the diversity in terms of specifications, designs, and prices, you are bound to find the right aviator watch just for you!  If you want a more in depth look at pilot watches, check out our article on the Sinn 356 Pilot Chronograph.  Photo Credits: Official Watch Websites

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