A good watch does more than tell the time. It can be a finishing touch to an outfit, a practical everyday essential, a statement of personal style or even a piece you keep for years and pass on.
With so many mens watches available, finding the right one can feel like a bit of a mission. From classic dress watches and rugged sports watches to automatic timepieces and modern smartwatches, theres a style for almost every wrist and occasion.
Whether you're buying your first watch or adding another one to the collection, heres what to consider before choosing your next timepiece.
The right watch comes down to more than how it looks. Before choosing one, consider how you plan to wear it, the movement, the case size, the strap and the features you actually need.
Think about your everyday routine. Are you looking for something that can go from the office to dinner? A watch for outdoor adventures? Or perhaps a sophisticated timepiece for special occasions?
Once you know what you want the watch to do, choosing a style becomes much easier.
A dress watch is generally designed with a clean, understated appearance that works well with formal or smart outfits.
These watches often feature a relatively simple dial, slim profile and leather or metal strap. They can be a natural choice for weddings, formal events, business functions or occasions where you want your accessories to be polished without being too flashy.
If your watch needs to keep up with a more active lifestyle, a sports watch may be the way to go.
Sports watches tend to prioritise durability and practical features. Depending on the model, these can include chronographs, water resistance, luminous hands and markers, rotating bezels or other features designed for outdoor and active use.
They can also work well as everyday watches for anyone who prefers a more rugged look.
Dive watches are known for their distinctive, robust design and are traditionally built with underwater use in mind.
Typical features can include a high level of water resistance, a rotating bezel for tracking elapsed time and luminous details for visibility in low-light conditions.
You don't have to be a diver to appreciate the style, though. Their sporty appearance has made dive watches popular as everyday timepieces too.
Chronograph watches
A chronograph is essentially a watch with a stopwatch function. These watches typically have additional sub-dials and pushers on the side of the case that can be used to measure elapsed time.
The result is a watch that combines a more technical appearance with practical functionality.
For anyone who likes a busier watch face and a sporty, mechanical-inspired aesthetic, a chronograph could be worth considering.
Not every watch has to be traditional. Smartwatches combine timekeeping with digital features that can help you stay connected and track different aspects of your day.
Depending on the model, features can include notifications, fitness tracking, GPS, heart-rate monitoring, music controls and more.
They're particularly useful if you want your watch to do more than simply tell you the time.
One of the most important differences between watches is what's happening inside the case.
Quartz watches use a battery-powered quartz movement to keep time. They are generally known for being accurate, practical and easy to maintain.
For someone looking for a straightforward everyday watch, quartz can be a convenient choice.
Automatic watches are powered by the movement of the wearer's wrist rather than a conventional battery. Inside the watch, a rotor moves as the watch is worn, helping to wind the mainspring.
One of the attractions of an automatic watch is the mechanical engineering behind it. For watch enthusiasts, seeing the movement through an exhibition case back can be part of the appeal.
Mechanical watches are powered by a wound mainspring and use a series of mechanical components to measure time.
Unlike quartz watches, they don't rely on a battery. They can require more attention and servicing, but their craftsmanship and traditional construction make them popular among collectors and watch enthusiasts.
A watch that looks great in a product photo may look completely different on your wrist, which is why case size is worth considering.
Watch cases are usually measured in millimetres across the dial. Men's watches commonly come in a wide range of sizes, from smaller, understated cases to larger statement pieces.
When choosing a size, consider:
The strap can also affect how large or small a watch feels on the wrist.
The watch strap can completely change the character of a timepiece.
Some watches also use rubber or silicone straps, which can be particularly practical for sports and water-based activities.
You don't necessarily need one watch that does everything.
An everyday watch should be comfortable, versatile and suited to your usual routine. A simple dial and durable bracelet can make it easy to wear with everything from jeans and a T-shirt to business casual clothing.
A dress watch, on the other hand, can be reserved for formal occasions and paired with suits or more polished outfits.
And if you're building a collection, a sports or dive watch can add another dimension for weekends, travel and outdoor activities.
For some collectors, watches are more than accessories. Luxury timepieces can feature intricate mechanical movements, premium materials, heritage craftsmanship and distinctive designs.
If you're shopping for a luxury mens watch, it's worth looking beyond the brand name and considering the movement, materials, condition, provenance and whether the watch comes with its original packaging and documentation.
When buying pre-owned or collectible watches, pay particular attention to the seller, listing details, photographs and condition before making a purchase.
Buying pre-owned can open up access to discontinued models, older designs and watches that may no longer be available new.
However, condition matters. Check the listing carefully for information about:
For collectible or higher-value watches, it's particularly important to research the specific model and compare listings before buying.
Whether you prefer the timeless look of a classic watch, the rugged design of a sports timepiece or the technology of a smartwatch, there are plenty of styles to explore.
After all, the best part of finding a new watch isn't just knowing what time it is. It's finding one that feels like your timepiece.
