Purchasing a new watch can be akin to travelling to a foreign country packed with language, history, and culture. While you explore this new territory, unsure you might need some recommendations, uncertain of the best watches for men is worth your time. We've come to offer them to you.

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If you're just getting started as a watch collector, there are five major categories of men's timepieces you should focus on:

• A dress watch is a timepiece worn with black ta, i.e., or other formal wear. Typically, elegant and subtle.
• A dive watch can help you get more out of your dives by providing practical and occasionally life-saving functions.
• A smartwatch is a wearable version of your smartphone.
• A pilot watch (aviator watch) is an attractive choice for travellers and was initially designed for commercial or fighter pilots.
• A tactical or field watch is a tough and reliable timepiece. Tactical timepieces are tough and dependable. Field watches have a vintage look to them.
• To round off your collection, add a racing watch (clock, digital, pocket watch). All of these are excellent choices for men, but they are not a necessity.

We've compiled a list of the best-selling men's timepieces for every taste, mood, and budget to make your search easier. We have a timekeeper for everyone, from luxury big-ticket timepieces from the world's top-notch watch brands (does a Rolex tickle your fancy, perchance?) to practical purpose-built watches with valuable functions and features.

Let's get going!

Best Men's Watches

1- Men's Dress Watches

A dress watch can elevate your ensemble to new heights, whether it's for a much-anticipated first date or a much-hyped black-tie event. These understated timepieces are among the best luxury watches for men, designed to capture the eye from beneath your shirt cuff and do their business without trying too hard.

Men's dress watches come in various styles, from traditional to avant-garde, but in general, they are a lesson in less is more. More possibilities can be found in our in-depth guide to the finest dress watches.

Nordgreen Native

Nordgreen, a prominent Danish watch brand, is making waves in the watchmaking world with its assortment of uncomplicated, cheap, and high-impact creations. The Native, designed by award-winning Scandinavian designer Jakob Wagner, is our favourite Nordgreen dress watch.

The Native expertly balances form and utility, and it's available in a variety of sizes and colourways. You may even get The Native with an extra strap to customize your look for the day.

Prices start at $100

Junghans Meister Handaufzug

Junghans timepieces are exquisitely gorgeous and opulent, but they also go well with a casual shirt and chinos for a stylish upgrade to your weekend warrior ensemble. They're also among the best-built timepieces available.

The Meister Handaufzug, one of the greatest hand watches on the market, is our favourite Junghans dress watch. It adds a touch of tradition to your timepiece collection. Winding this watch will become a regular process that you will enjoy. And you won't find any over-the-top complexity on this timepiece. Only a single subdial for more exact timings is featured on the dial's clean and pared-back design.

Cost: $1,095

Timex Easy Reader

With its amazing durability (including a mineral glass crystal and a brass case), this Timex Easy Reader is a descendant of the Easy Readers featured in televised 'torture tests' conducted by the firm to prove their watches could withstand the most extreme conditions.

Even if you just want to relax with a few drinks with friends, this Timex watch's simple, beautiful, and functional design offers classic dress watch refinement. Have you been on the hunt for the greatest watches under $200? This one costs less than $100. In a particularly dull theatre performance, there's even an Indiglo backlight for checking the time invisibly.

Cost: $24

2- Men's Dive Watches

Dive timepieces are among the best men's watches. They are often equipped with a unidirectional bezel for monitoring and timing dives, as well as luminous hands for low-light circumstances.

Beyond those commonalities, the range of ocean-proof timepieces ready to accompany you down to unknown depths is vast. Do you want to learn more? For more information, visit our in-depth guide to the best dive watches.

LIV GX-DIVER

Dive watches are, first and foremost, technical gadgets designed to keep you safe and alive while diving. So, to correctly time dives, you need a no-nonsense equipment like the LIV GX-DIVER on your wrist, which has a water resistance of up to 300 metres and a unidirectional bezel.

That's not to admit the LIV GX-DIVER isn't stylish—it certainly is, with sword-shaped hands, a stainless steel case, and a skeleton case back that allows you to see the 25-jewel movement in action. Its attraction is boosted even more because it is a limited edition of only 1000 pieces. Under $1,000, this peice is one of the greatest watches available.

Cost: $650

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster

Citizen is dedicated to creating a better tomorrow by focusing on long-term functioning. For example, the Eco-Drive Promaster is driven by either artificial or natural light. Because the energy is stored in a rechargeable power cell, there is no need to replace the battery. It's no surprise that the Promaster is one of the company's most famous men's watches.

The Promaster, like all the greatest diving watches, is water-resistant to 200 metres and has an anti-reflective mineral crystal for optimum legibility. It also has a one-way round rotating elapsed-time bezel. Even in muddy conditions, a dazzling three-hand display allows for easy viewing.

Cost: $197

Panerai Submersible Automatic

The Submersible Automatic exemplifies Panerai's unrivalled attention to detail and commitment to quality by combining two of the company's most cutting-edge materials combined in one watch.

A BMG-TECHA casing is a unique material developed for severe corrosion, stress, and magnetic field resistance. There's also a Carbotech bezel, which is tougher than steel but lighter than titanium.

As a result, the timepiece is extraordinarily sturdy, scratch-resistant, and unbelievably light. The Panerai Submersible also has the appearance of a watch worn by a covert operative. In other words, it's one of the hot cake timepieces on the market.

Cost: $16,250

Rolex Submariner

Even if you're new to diving or watch collecting, you've probably heard of the Rolex Submariner, one of the best-selling men's watches in the world. It was introduced in the year 1953 and has set the standard for diving watches ever since. It is widely regarded as one of the most groundbreaking timepieces of all time.

Steve McQueen, Sean Connery as James Bond, and modern-day celebrities like Orlando Bloom and David Beckham wore this classic sports watch. The black dial, stainless steel case, rotating bezel, and luminous hands distinguish it. With a Rolex Submariner, you're in good hands no matter which reference you choose.

Prices start at $9,000

3- Men's Smart Watches

Consider transferring your smartphone's high-tech features into something you can wear on your wrist. These game-changing digital gadgets can do everything from receiving notifications and running apps to sync with your calendar, providing GPS navigation, and monitoring your heart rate.

All of the most crucial information for your day-to-day is right at your fingertips with the top smartwatches.

Apple Watch Series 6

The Apple Watch Series 6 is the best-selling watch in the United States, and it affects daily life in ways that a traditional analogue clock just cannot. Take phone calls directly from your wrist, listen to music and audiobooks, track your fitness, measure your exercises, monitor your blood oxygen statistics, and check your heart rhythm—take your life to new heights of productivity and health.

The Apple Watch Series 6 is perfect and just as sleek and simple in appearance as the rest of the brand's renowned goods, coming in various colours and fashioned with cool and functional aluminium. One of the top ten luxury watches for men in the world, according to many.

Prices start at $400

Fitbit Charge 4

If getting in shape is your top most priority, the FitBit Charge 4 is here to assist you in improving your fitness, and performance. You can track your pace and distance on any outdoor activity thanks to the built-in GPS, and there's even an intensity chart feature so you can see how your heart rate varied along the way, as well as a buzz when you reach your goal heart rate zone.

Measure calorie burns correctly, simply track your blood oxygen levels, watch how your skin temperature changes, receive notifications and utilize the Fitbit Charge 4's pay function to purchase a coffee and croissant once you're done working up a sweat.

Cost: $122

Garmin Forerunner

The Garmin Forerunner is the best tool for anyone training for a marathon, triathlon, or Couch-to-5K. This wristwatch is often regarded as the best running watch available.

The Garmin Forerunner 245 features a large and legible display as well as music playback, allowing you to take your running playlist with you on the road. You'll also get up-to-date training evaluations to see if you're pushing yourself as hard as you should be, as well as training plans, unique workouts, and all the essential running metrics.

Cost: $292

Garmin Instinct Solar

It only fits that a company as forward-thinking as Garmin introduces solar power to the world of smartwatches. The fact that this watch's battery life may be prolonged by solar charging is incredibly amazing for the modern-day watch wearer who is keen to be sustainable.

The Garmin Instinct Solar is an incredibly tough gadget built to US military standard 810. It's one of the greatest macho watches we've seen, with water resistance to 100 metres, shock and thermal resistance, and several global navigation systems to track your location in the most extreme settings.

Cost: $310

4- Best Men's pilot watches

Pilot watches appeal to us for a variety of reasons. For starters, we prefer to view ourselves as people who dwell high in the sky, hopping from nation to country.

Second, since they're practical and dependable while also looking dashing and charming, finally, they have a rich history as the watch of choice for military personnel throughout the world.

For more possibilities, check out our selection of the greatest aviator watches, which includes everything from classic masterpieces to under-the-radar cheap watches.

Vincero The Altitude

Like Vincero's other top-rated watches, the Altitude is one of the best-looking watches on the market, combining high-quality materials with a keen eye for design, all while keeping costs reasonable. Its huge bright numbers and dual-time function exudes aviator charm, making it ideal for jet-setters travelling across time zones.

Like other pilot watches, this wristwatch has a larger dial, yet it wouldn't appear out of place with a suit. The Altitude is also available in various colours, and you can choose between a nylon or leather strap. To see their other models, see our in-depth Vincero watch review.

Cost: $208

LIV P-51

The LIV P-51 is a one-of-a-kind addition to your watch collection, combining usefulness with rugged sophistication. It has a Swiss chronograph movement with 25 jewels, a case made of high-grade titanium that is sturdy yet light, and a ceramic unidirectional bezel that is durable and long-lasting.

A high-end touch is a strap made of rare and high-quality Barenia leather. The fact that the LIV P-51 is 46 mm in diameter just adds to the aura of audacity and courage. This watch should be at the top of your list if you're seeking high-quality men's timepieces.

Cost: $1,494

Citizen Eco-Drive Nighthawk

With its variety of cockpit-ready features, including a pilot's slide rule dial, dual time function, non-reflective crystal, and bright markings and hands, Citizen's Nighthawk is an aviation watch worthy of the daily hero. It's one of the greatest 42mm watches, and it's made of durable stainless steel with Citizen's Eco-Drive solar technology, which eliminates the need for batteries.

With a water resistance of 200 meters, the Nighthawk can go from soaring through the skies to snorkelling beneath the waves. We believe this is the best Amazon watch we've ever seen.

Cost: $395

5- Men's Tactical Watches

Is your favourite spot to be somewhere you're not used to being? Perhaps completing an ultramarathon or hiking through the Amazon rainforest? On your wrist, you'll need one of the greatest tactical timepieces.

These tool watches are highly calibrated and performance-optimized tools to follow you as you push yourself to new heights, and they are some of the best-made timepieces around.

Suunto Core Military

Do you consider yourself a daredevil? Someone who can't seem to stay away from the beaten path? Then you'll need a watch like the Suunto Core Military, which doubles as survival gear.

A compass will keep you on track, an altimeter will keep track of your mountain ascents and descents, a barometer will keep track of air pressure, and this Suunto watch will even send you severe weather warnings. The ability to schedule dawn and sunset times for over 400 different places completely changes the meaning of the phrase "seize the day." Under $200, this is one of the greatest watches available.

Cost: $105

Vincero The Outrider

Vincero produces some of the most attractive men's timepieces as well as some of the cheapest. Vincero's aptly titled The Outrider is for people who want to take the lead and blaze a trail. Although a closer glance quickly defines it as something unusual, this sleek black tool watch is admirably inconspicuous in stainless steel with a matte-black light-absorbing surface.

For example, the mecha-quartz hybrid movement combines quartz and a mechanical module to provide the best of both worlds: quartz precision with mechanical watch engineering. The Outrider can also withstand water for up to 100 metres.

Cost: $222

Bell & Ross Black Camo

If you're looking for a tactical watch with no frills or frills, you've come to the right place. Bell & Ross' Black Camo is the epitome of a minimalist tool watch with its back-to-basics style. One of the best modern watches and bare-bones in the best way.

The Black Camo features Super-LumiNova-coated hands and an anti-reflective sapphire glass crystal, making it ideal for adventurous outdoorspeople. A ceramic case is both light and long-lasting. With a military tricolour coating that minimizes reflection, the matte-black surface is designed to be completely indistinguishable on the battlefield. We think it'd look great with a tux, too, thanks to the stylish square-shaped case.

Cost: $3,800

Casio G-Shock

If your idea of a vacation includes activities like exploring active volcanoes or white-water rafting, the Casio G-Shock is the perfect travel companion.

This watch is entirely shock-resistant and can also endure the impacts of gravity, electric shocks, and low temperatures, giving it a whole new meaning. To put it another way, it's unbreakable. That's perhaps why the G-Shock is so popular among military and police enforcement professionals. Additional features include 200-meter water resistance and an EL Backlight with Afterglow capability.

Cost: $52

Casio Pro Trek

Casio's Pro Trek should be the tool you never leave home without if you're an adrenaline junkie or a high-octane outdoorsman. It boasts exceptional performance for a low price, thanks to the TripleSensor Version 3 engine, which is smaller, more efficient, and precise than prior versions. It's one of the finest macho watches on our list.

The compass now uses 90% less energy than before, while the altimeter takes five measurements faster. The Pro Trek's battery is also charged by a solar panel integrated into the watch face, but it may last up to 23 months without being exposed to light.

Cost: $117

Panerai Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech

Panerai used to supply watches to Italian Navy commandos, so get ready to step up your game with the Submersible Marina Militaire. Carbotech composite is used to make the case, which is lightweight, hypoallergenic, and corrosion-resistant. When you combine that with light titanium back, you've got a watch made for combat diving.

The Submersible Marina Militare also has a robust rubber strap, a rotating bezel that is easy to grip, and a realistic look. Despite its large size, it's comfy on your wrist, and yes, it's pricey, but can you put a premium on being prepared? A finalist for the best all-around watch award.

Cost: $13,600

Suunto Traverse Alpha

Take your fingers off the trigger, all you hunters out there, and pay attention. Suunto has created a timepiece specifically for you. The Traverse Alpha is one of the greatest watches for males who participate in field sports since it has automated shot detection technology that tracks the GPS locations of your kill.

It also contains a red backlight with night-vision goggles, a built-in lamp, and a moon phase feature for tracking moon rise and set timings. The Traverse Alpha is the watch for sportsmen, whether they're fishing or shooting.

Cost: $460

Tudor Heritage Ranger

Tudor is notable for bringing classic sports timepieces into the 21st century. The Heritage Ranger, for example, feels like an actual field watch with a slight 21st-century improvement. It's a tool watch that you can wear every day, whether you're trekking in the woods or having a hard-nosed business meeting.

The Heritage Ranger is equipped with a calibre 2824 movement that has a 38-hour power reserve. Simple numbers at the four poles keep things simple, while a domed dial adds a classic feel. You can change the strap simply and quickly thanks to the pierced lugs, but why would you want to when it comes with a camouflage strap?

Prices start at $900

6- Men's field watches

Although none of us will be headed into a trench anytime soon, we're nevertheless captivated by the soldierly look and high-grade functionality of the most significant field watches.

These watches are some of the best men's timepieces available and are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or fans of extreme sports. Consider them your comrades in arms, no matter what your purpose is.

AVI-8 Flyboy Engineer Automatic

A Flyboy is a slang for an armed forces pilot, and the term reflects something of the original servicemen's dashing, stylish, and debonair demeanour. This aura also pervades AVI-8's Flyboy Engineer Automatic, with its devil-may-care attitude.

This field watch is an excellent option with its prominent dial and hands, custom carved roundel on the second hand brushed case with a domed sapphire lens, and conical crown, ergonomically built for easy grasping with pilot gloves.

Cost: $312

Hamilton Khaki

If you're a fan of field watches, you already know that the greatest ones are the ones that aren't too noticeable. After all, these timepieces were not worn by WW1 soldiers as a prestige symbol. That's why the Seiko 5's low-key and modest look appeals to us.

This is a good and tiny field watch that fits snuggly against your wrist at only 37 mm. The luminescent hands, with a red accent on the second hand, making it easy to read in any light, and the date display at 3 o'clock is very beneficial. The skeleton case back is a quirky element uncommon in field watches and makes for a good discussion starter.

Cost: $105

Filson Field Watch

Filson's field watch does what the original field watches did: it appears attractive while also being tough as nails. It seems like it could withstand a particularly hair-raising trip, but it also has some rank and file elegance thanks to its stainless steel and leather (which is more elegant than canvas).

A quartz movement ensures military-grade precision in your timekeeping, and water resistance to 100 metres is a bonus if you decide to wear this Filson watch in open water.

Cost: $495

7- Men's Racing Watches

A chronograph watch is simply a racing watch. A high-contrast dial for reading at high speeds, a tachymeter bezel for speed calculations, and rally-style leather or rubber straps are other unique features.

Racing watches, on the other hand, joyfully defy all of these fashion rules these days. However, they maintain their dedication to precision and accuracy and their taste for stunning aesthetics.

LIV GX-AC

The LIV GX-AC is a watch for adrenaline enthusiasts, with classic good looks, a hefty 46 mm bruiser of a casing, and a dial like a car dashboard. The orange and black colour combination are also rather striking.

The LIV GX-AC features a 25-jewel Swiss automatic movement, scratch-resistant sapphire, and 1000 pieces in a limited edition series. This is an excellent choice for folks who prefer being on the edge of their seats, whether in a car, on a motorcycle, or at the movies.

Cost: $1,110

Nordgreen The Pioneer

Another wristwatch from Nordgreen, a sustainable Copenhagen-based firm (because who can resist a watch that is both ethical and efficient?) The Pioneer is a classic modern racing chronograph that flawlessly combines style and function.

A standard display watch, a stopwatch, and a small calendar dial are all included in The Pioneer. A stainless steel case, domed sapphire glass, and the brand's distinctive Japanese quartz movement are all included. There are several dial colours to choose from and a leather, nylon, or rubber strap.

Prices start at $269.

Rolex Daytona

Also known as the Rolex Cosmograph. Rolex has been making these beauties in Daytona since 1963, and they were initially designed for racecar drivers. It's the most prized timepiece from the brand, and it's named after the famed Daytona International Speedway in Florida.

A Rolex Daytona is a wise investment because of its ageless appeal, and its limited manufacturing adds to its uniqueness. It's most known for being worn by Paul Newman, a Hollywood star and racing car fanatic whose own Daytona sold for $17.8 million in 2017. (check our list of the most expensive watches in the world to see the details). Jay-Z and actor Jonah Hill are among his other admirers. The most recent generation of the Daytona comes in a variety of materials and colours.

Prices start at $4,500

Vincero The Apex

The Apex—referring to the important area of a race track where the car is closest to the corner—offers a fresh spin on the traditional race watch from the company known for its inexpensive yet high-quality watches.

The Apex boasts a chronograph, tachymeter, and a Seiko-Meca quartz movement that blends a classic battery-operated engine with an automated mechanism, making it one of the most fashionable watches in our racing wristwatch category. As a result, you get quartz accuracy with the feel of a mechanical watch.

Cost: $230

Bamford Watch Depart and Tag Heuer Monaco Automatic

The Monaco Automatic is the result of a partnership between two top-tier watchmakers. It is based on the original 1969 model Mr Steve McQueen in Le Mans, which is about the gruelling 24 Hours of Le Man's race where endurance and efficiency are the two traits essential to winning.

A calibre 11 automatic movement is housed in Monaco's compact 39 mm titanium-coated stainless steel body. There's also a tricolour dial, which pays homage to McQueen's driving attire in the film. A sporty perforated leather strap completes the natural car allure.

Cost: $10,555

Fossil Quartz Chronograph

This Fossil watch is one of the most affordable racing car watches on our list, but you'd never guess it by looking at it. It adds fashion appeal to the traditional Formula One racing watch by combining Roman numeral markers, a stainless steel case, three subdials for additional time measurements, and a leather strap. You may also change the band to match your outfit, thanks to quick-release pins.

A dependable quartz movement keeps you on time and ensures you never run out of gas, and the Fossil watch is water-resistant to 50 metres so that you can wear it in the shower.

Cost: $76

8- Men's digital watches

Looking to make the switch from a die-hard analogue fan to a digital convert? Forget about quartz and automatic timepieces. We'd want to have digital watches.

Calendars, alarms, time zones, calculators, GPS, and fitness monitoring, among other features—and, unlike smartwatches, a battery that won't die after a day.

These top-selling digital timepieces are clever and inventive technologies designed to make your life easier and more efficient.

CakCity Digital Sports Watch

With such a low price, this CakCity digital watch may appear too good to be true. However, this is not the case. You get a shock-resistant watch with a stopwatch feature, a big dial with good legibility, and an LED illumination for nighttime reading for that more than reasonable price.

The design is more sporty than nerdy, and the fact that this CakCity watch is water-resistant to 50 metres is a plus. You've arrived at the bargain basement.

Cost: $16

Casio F91W-1 Classic

This has to be one of the most popular digital watches of all time, thanks to its instantly recognizable rectangle case and mineral dial display. With a small 33 mm resin case and quartz movement, it's dependable, robust, and accomplishes what it has to do without bravado. Oh, and it's also incredibly inexpensive.

The features are split time, net time, first and second place times, a 1/100-second digital timer, and an auto-calendar. This Casio watch can also withstand the odd splash.

Cost: $12

9- Pocket watches

While not the most practical addition to your watch collection, a pocket watch catches attention like no other accessory.

These historical status emblems were and still are tiny marvels of human ingenuity. So channel your inner dandy with one of the best pocket watches if you're seeking a wristwatch with extraordinary elegance and the potential to become a family treasure.

Kronen & Söhne

With its display of fine craftsmanship and technical wizardry, this Kronen & Söhne pocket watch could be just the ticket for marking a particular event or as a memorable present for a special someone.

It includes a wow-worthy skeleton dial, the ideal conversation starter, and exudes a tangible atmosphere of tradition and distinction. As the hand-wind mechanism ticks away, no one will be able to take their gaze away from it. The gold mechanisms complement the black metal alloy case wonderfully.

Cost: $80

Bulova

With its evident trophy status, this Bulova pocket watch deserves a place in your watch collection even if you never wear or use it. The first pocket watch was introduced in 1510, and this Bulova design, with its hunter pocket style that begs to be opened with a theatrical flick, feels like one of the originals.

This watch is made of stainless steel, rust and corrosion resistant, and has a maintenance-free quartz movement that adds to its attractiveness.

Cost: $195

Levonta Pocket watch

This Levonta pocket watch, which has that same statement engraved on it, is the ultimate sophisticated and persuasive keepsake for the daughter looking for a particular gift for her father. This timepiece comes with a chain so he may wear it with a waistcoat to family weddings and anniversaries, and it's the ideal loving memento.

It's a full hunter-style pocket watch with a quartz mechanism that can be flipped open for everyone to admire—because what daughter would want to give her father any extra work?

Cost: $22

Gotham

We tend to link pocket watches with the intrigue and theatrics of hypnotism, and this Gotham pocket watch has a unique magnetic power.

With a front and back casing that both open for a dual display—or double bang for your back—this skeletonized pocket watch puts the inner mechanisms squarely in the forefront. The texture of silver stainless steel is fresh and modern, but brushed satin is more understated than high-gloss. The watch also comes with a brass stand, so you may enjoy it at your desk while working.

Cost: $59