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An Introduction to 10 Top Luxury Men’s Watch Brands

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Luxury Watches

Introduction

Firstly, by nature of being on our site you already know not all watches are born equal. Some names stand out more than others, and we’re going to tell you the ten luxury men’s watch brands you should be aware of.

Montblanc

Montblanc probably brings a fountain pen to mind faster than a watch. However, did you know they make extraordinary luxury watches?

Crafted beautifully by hand, a Montblanc timepiece is certainly as functional as it is sophisticated. Which is no surprise. Montblanc has over a century of experience creating sensational items. The company started in Berlin in the 1900s and was handed down the family. Each new owner was a visionary and the brand soon built a reputation rivalling the quality of Cartier and Piaget.

Having fully-immersed into the world of luxury watches, you’ll certainly find some of the most modern technology in their smartwatches and revolutionary designs in their traditional pieces.

Michael Kors

Michael Kors holds a licence agreement with the Fossil Group so this means the former makes and distributes their watches. We know the Fossil Group is vast. They design, manufacture and distribute quartz and mechanical watches all over the world. 

At the high-end, you’ll find Swiss-made mechanical watches, ranging from $750 all the way up to $25k.

Fossil watches themselves are price-accessible, but Michael Kors is a different breed, being a well-known fashion brand. 

Specifically looking at the watches, they’ve become remarkably popular. This is down to successful digital marketing, along with superior development. 16m people follow the brand on Instagram, who posts frequently about their watches. It’s no doubt a Michael Kors watch is certainly at the pinnacle of timepiece fashion.

Luxury Watches
Michael Kors Smartwatch

Breitling

Follow our link for a cool history lesson on how Breitling came to be a watchmaker. 

Breitling is the 15th most-recognised Swiss watch brand, globally. It’s a major brand in the luxury watch market and known for superior quality at half the price of a Rolex.

Breitlings are certainly an excellent quality watch. Their brand recognition is a direct indication of this. 

Breitling has a speciality for professional watches for pilots, military personnel and rescue operators. The brand offers several smartwatches catering to these specific individuals due to features such as distress beacons and emergency locators.

If you started looking for a Breitling now, you’d have thousands of models to peruse, including many limited editions. Furthermore, they come with quartz or mechanical movements, depending on your need for precision.

Rolex

Rolex is, above all, the undeniable number one most-recognised Swiss-made watch brand in the world. With near-enough 100% brand recognition. Internationally, it’s the 3rd most recognised, behind Nestle and Nescafe. They’re one of the few brands where you’d get more for reselling your Rolex than what you paid for it.

Rolex has an absurd number of models. Dripping in diamonds and precious metals. 

The most iconic of all is the Submariner, closely followed by the Sea-Dweller. 

They produce mechanical timepieces with highly-accurate movements and chronographs. You can expect precision around +/- 2 seconds a day.

We know James Bond sported a Rolex in many of the films. You can read more about that in our article here.

Rolex

Bulova 

Bulova

OK, they’re not actually considered a luxury, but let’s give them the benefit of the doubt. At the $500 top end, you can find some superb timepieces that, to some dreamers, rival a lower-end Rolex.

Here’s why. Bulova, owned by Citizen, has an exceptional reputation for creating timepieces boasting stellar accuracy, durability and style. Their entire ethos is about developing something considered a luxury, but equally affordable.

Tag Heuer

Tag Heuer is another well-known brand that’s carved a name for itself worldwide. It offers a beautifully-crafted timepiece that makes a bold statement. 

Tag Heuer began around 1860. Year-after-year, building itself a fantastic reputation for accuracy and impressive design. The precision offered by a Tag Heuer watch is so good that they became the official Olympic Games timekeeper in the 1920s. If you’re interested in something cutting-edge, formed from years of experience and craftsmanship, check out our review of the Connected Modular 41.

Tudor

Tudor Pelagos

Tudor as a brand was founded in the early 1920s by the Rolex founder. Immediately you expect a level of quality. It’s not uncommon for a major brand to have a smaller sister company who can produce more cost-effective watches.

A Tudor looks like a Rolex. Over time, Tudor began introducing in-house movements. Stepping away from being the “Poor Man’s Rolex”. They focus on design and technology. Constantly developing. Making improvements from successful releases.

To see an example, read our review of the Pelagos, here.

Victorinox

Victorinox Watch

Victorinox is actually famous for creating the Swiss Army Knife. They made the knife for well over a century when the owners decided it was time for a new specialism. 

They wanted to encapsulate the knife-quality in something new. So began production of the Swiss Army Watch, sometime around 1990.

Today, Victorinox is a luxury watch brand offering Swiss watches with fine craftsmanship.

Maurice Lacroix

Maurice Lacroix is a Swiss watchmaker from Zurich. As with a lot of watchmakers, they didn’t start out as such. Originally making just components, their success was so unprecedented that they began making watches of their own.

By 1990, Lacroix was famous for making affordable luxury. The brand has grown to become one of the most highly-ranked Swiss manufacturers after they launched Les Mécaniques, their high-end range.

Cartier

We couldn’t write a whole article about luxury watches for men without ending on Cartier.

Back in 1903, Cartier created its first men’s watch. It was aimed specifically at pilots. The watch, named Alberto Santos-Dumont, was named after aviation pioneer and close friend to the designer himself.

Originally and still known for fine jewellery, Cartier watches became loved as a functional accessory. Their timepieces flourished into one of the most well-regarded in the world.

You can read more on both Cartier and Lacroix watches here.

Luxury Watches

Summary

If all those dollar signs have blinded you a little, take some respite in our article detailing the best watches for men under $200, here.

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The Omega Watch Range

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atomic watches

Background

What is an Omega Watch? It was the first watch to be on the moon. It’s one of James Bond’s favourite brands, as well as President JFK. Even Elvis had one.

Omega has been producing sensational mechanical movements that have changed watchmaking in our time. Omega is the only real brand to go head-to-head with Rolex. This Swiss brand is the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games and is accredited as one of the most accurate brands in the world.

Founded in 1848, we still see classic designs in today’s Omega timepieces. It has developed incrementally and so we get a vintage feel with modern developments.

This article is a whistlestop tour of the Omega range to get you going if you’re thinking of investing.

Speedmasters

Considered to be the Porche of watches. This is the type of watch that made it to the moon on the wrist of Buzz Aldrin. 

In 2020 you can expect many different style of Speedmaster, including designs in real gold as decorated with diamonds. 

Moonwatch Chronograph ($5,349.00)

This model has a hand-wound in-house calibre. It’s a 42mm polished stainless steel case with a matching bracelet. You have the option to swap this for leather, NATO, or if you’re inclined to, velcro.

It’s 50m water-resistant. It has a fixed bezel, black dial and luminous hands and hour markings.

Co-Axial Chronograph, aka, “Dark Side of the Moon” ($8,900.00)

This a really modern look with a carbon case and co-axis movement offering exceptional performance. It’s just shy of 45mm in black ceramic with a nylon fabric strap. You can see some versions reach $12,000.

Skywalker X-33 ($5,799.99)

Released in 1998, this Speedmaster was made for astronauts. It has a quartz movement with dual display. It will give you multiple time zones, up to three alarms, a chronograph capability and countdown timer.

The case is 45mm of titanium with a matching bracelet.

Omega Speedmaster
Omega Speedmaster

Seamasters

These are the most robust dive watches packed with tech. 

Ceramic Diver 300M Co-Axial ($4,325.00)

Here’s one found on the wrist of Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond.

The 300m hasn’t lost its looks over the years. It has a helium escape valve located at the 10 position that completes a look of asymmetry. 

Although the look is consistent, there are a lot of variants. You can also get a chronograph version and, budget-dependent, ones decorated with precious metals.

The case is 42mm of stainless steel and the bracelet comes in any material you could want.

Planet Ocean 600M ($5,054.50)

This Seamaster is larger than the previous and has twice the level of water-resistance. You have a lot of choice here between GMT movements (and if you’re wondering what that is, we wrote an article on that here), carbon cases, chronograph functions and other features.

The 43.5mm case comes in stainless steel with a NATO strap.

Aqua Terra 150M Co-Axial ($6,899.00)

The Aqua Terra has a dual personality in that it is both a sport and dress watch. It’s both rugged and elegant. You can dive in it or wear it for a formal occasion.

It comes in either 38mm or 41.5mm stainless steel cases with matching bracelet.

The Aqua Terra also offers a 24 hour format and GMT hand. This is handy for setting the local time as well as knowing what time it is in your hometown, if you’re travelling. 

You can also get hold of a chronograph version, and this is $5,250.00.

Constellation

Here is where we find the most formal dress watches that Omega produce. There is a huge nod to the styles of the 40s and 50s. There’s a distinctive dial edge with a ruffle that’s common on the Constellation case. Women can find a diamond decorated timepiece here.

Globemaster Co-Axial ($9,140.29)

This design leans toward a classic 1950s vibe. This is a modern day dress watch rather than a sports watch. It’s a bread-and-butter dress watch that was made to complement your Italian leather tan brogues. 

You can get stainless steel, solid gold or a two-tone if you like a bit of both.

The case is 39mm and the bracelet comes in a supple leather.

Devilles

The Devilles range has the same dial as a lot of the older Omega watches. It has a decidedly vintage feel ranging from the 1950s and 60s. Largely due to the fact that, at this time, Americans were the core market for Omega. 

The Devilles you see today are the most elegant as well as the most complicated of all Omega timepieces. 

These watches are so fancy they extend from dress watches into haute horlogerie (high quality watchmaking).

If you like retro class and have the big dollars to spend, the Devilles collection will be bang on.

Co-Axial Chronograph ($4,944.50)

This is instantly recognisable as a classic, however, it’s also packed with tech. This offers a co-axial movement and this meets the Master Chronometer specification required for the utmost accuracy in mechanical timekeeping.

This offers a 42mm case and comes in various materials such as stainless steel, gold, leather, etc.

Hour Vision Co-Axial

This timepiece offers a sapphire case for the purpose of allowing a lateral view into the famous co-axial movement. Omega developed this window in the early stages purely for this function. It remains a unique characteristic of the Deville range. This, and they offer a calendar that will keep rotating all year thanks to the co-axial movement behind it.

The case is 44mm and comes in stainless steel with a leather strap. You’ll find it around $7,500.

Tresor Co-Axial 

A Tresor is part of a sub-line offering a sleek case and is made of precious metals and diamonds. They’re usually something you reserve for occasions where you’re wearing a tuxedo. 

If you wash caviar down with Dom Perignon, this will be something to your taste. 

It’s a 40mm case of yellow gold with a leather strap. It has a hand-wound movement on the inside, which is of course,  co-axial.

You can find a Tresor for around $18,000.

If you’ve enjoyed reading about the Omega collections, you should read our Swiss Watches for Men Guide. Thanks!

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Rolex Watches Reviewed

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Rolex

Background

Rolex started in the early 1900s at the hands of a chap called Hans Wilsdorf, who was the tender age of 24 at the time. Rolex has become a brand that has elevated itself above all boundaries.

As a private company who’s manufacturing plant is more secure than the Crown Jewels, there’s not actually alot to say about daily life inside the company!

Which Rolex model should I buy?

The internet will offer encyclopedic volumes of opinion on what the best model is. Luckily, we’re here to offer you the light version. There are, of course, many versions. We’re catering to purist Rolex fans here and that can only mean a choice between three classic models, the Submariner, the GMT or the Sea Dweller.

The Submariner (from $7,000 upward)

The Submariner is an automatic watch that will never need a battery and therefore recharging. It gets its power from the natural movement of your arm and wrist. Of all Rolex models, this is considered to be the workhorse.

It’s quite thickset with a 40mm case, but not so heavy that you’ll be weighed down. 

The first version of the Submariner came out in 1953. The majority of Rolex fans will tell you this is the most instantly-recognisable of all Rolex watches. Amusingly, it is the most commonly counterfeited.

It was developed for divers, which you’ll notice from it’s incredibly 300m water-resistance. It offers a unidirectional bezel which allows you to instantly work out how much time (oxygen) you have left so you know when to start your ascent.

Newer versions of the Submariner are a nod, design-wise, to the vintage version from the 1950s. The overall look is something that can easily be worn with jeans as it could a three-piece suit. It’s the most classic design Rolex offers.

Submariner History

If you’re into doing your due diligence, look up the 5512 and 5513. These versions were made between 1958 and 1978, and 1962 and 1989. They are stainless steel and although this was before the introduction of the date window, the look is undeniably suave. The 5512 tends to be slightly cheaper than its sibling and this is due to the limited number of 5513s released.

The 16800 ($8,900) was on the market between 77 and 87. Another stainless steel classic, but where Rolex started to shift away from using matte dials with hand-painted markings and more toward using white gold markers and glossy dials.

This version is a bridge linking the old and new. 

The 16808($19,950) from 1981 to 1990 is an 18 karat gold Rolex. You can’t beat the value of this particular model. You get that gorgeous vintage look with modern elements from the black (or blue) dial. Prices begin around $14k and can tip over $25k.

The 116610LN ($9,950) is the current version of the Submariner. It has wide lugs and offers a different feel to its predecessors. You can get this version from around $8.5k.

GMT Master (from $10,995) and Master II (from $12,560)

Weighing in as the second most purchased Rolex model, the GMT came out in 1954. It was the result of a partnership with Pan Air; developed for pilots who needed to tell the time across time zones. 

The 50s saw an increase of long-haul flights. The GMT in the title literally means Greenwich Mean Time. The GMT has an additional hand and a bezel for tracking more than one timezone across the world. 

The design doesn’t stray far from the Submariner, but there are some subtle differences. The 24 hour bezel, for one. 

The GMT Master II that came out in the 90s is the version you still get today. Much like the Submariner, the GMT is water-resistant, although lesser so. 

Both the Master and Master II have either a two-tone or solid bezel. The Pepsi ($17,936) is a great example of a striking Rolex version.

A GMT is another traditional Rolex look that offers the same style, with a little more colour. 

GMT models

The 16750 was available between 1981 and 1988. This particular style was similar to the Submariner by way of being a transitional watch at a time where Rolex were producing some unique developments. 

Before 1986, this version had the signature matte dial but this was swapped for the glossy dial later. There was an addition of a quickset feature that meant the date could be changed easily. If you’re interested in the history, see if you can find a “coffee” or “root beer” bezel which is a golden brown; they’re very unique pieces.

The 16760 was around between 1983 and 1988 and was a stainless steel offering. It’s the pioneering GMT Master II. It was lovingly referred to as the “Fat Lady” after its curvy look and thick case. It came with a red and blac bezel and an uncommonly big crown guard.

Deep Sea ($14,375) and Sea Dweller ($13,554)

Both versions here are technically dive watches, similar to the Submariner. This was initially developed in the 60s with the intention of mimicking the much-loved design aspects of the Submariner. The Sea Dweller is something of a big brother; it’s larger and more durable in terms of offering a better water-resistance.

The case on the Sea Dweller is thicker, so it does offer more weight on the wrist. One outstanding feature that separates the two is the helium escape value which means the watch can go to over 1,200m, which is significantly more than the Submariner.

The Sea Dweller was put out to pasture in 2008 and in stepped the Deep Sea. An even larger offering, if you can believe it. It can withstand 3x the depth. That’s right, over 3,600m.

These versions have grown in popularity over the past 5-6 years. This is likely thanks to the internet and the accessibility to purchase them online. 

Should I buy a Rolex?

If you have the money to buy a Rolex then there isn’t a single reason not to. Rolex is one of the best, most loved, most trusted brands in the world and has stood the test of time for over 100 years. The name Rolex is inherently linked with the luxury market.

It won’t lose value, the materials will not wane over time and the time-keeping will remain accurate. Heads always have and will always turn when they see a Rolex on your wrist.

If you’re enjoying learning about the luxury watch market, check out the kinds of watches stockbrokers and investors wear; the price tags are insane! Equally, you must have thought about James Bond during this article. Head here to see the watches 007 has worn over the years.

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The 5 Best Fossil Watches for Men

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You’ve very likely heard of Fossil watches, but do you know if they’re good quality or not?

Fossil came to life in 1984 and they have a cast-iron reputation for producing some really high-quality fashion items. This brand does a lot more than watches. The other brands that fall under the Fossil name include Michael Kors, DKNY, Burberry and Marc Jacobs. That’s a great sign that you can be confident in the quality! 

The best mark of a brand’s quality can be seen in what the actual customers are saying. People with a Fossil watch on their wrist love them. They get many years of use out of them, too. This is what you get out of watches made from only the best materials.

What level of quality are Fossil watches?

Fossil watches are very good quality. Regardless of your budget, there will be one for you. No matter which you go for, you can rely on it being made of high-grade materials.

Most Fossil watches are stainless steel. This is durable. But if you do scratch it, it’s easily repaired too. Stainless steel is easy to buff. They also offer leather and rubber options when it comes to the bands.

Fossil watches are a great gift option, rather than buying one for yourself. Saying that, there is a Swiss collection for those who are into watch collecting. 

No matter if you’re into sporty or dress watches, there’s something for you (or your loved one).

The Collections

Grant

This collection is all about the classics. They’re sophisticated and fit in well in both casual and formal situations. 

They have Roman numerals and come with either leather or stainless steel wristbands. They’re a real class act.

Nate

A Nate is an over-sized piece with inspiration from the military. They make a striking statement. Typically all-black or matte black. The design is modern. Usually made from stainless steel with the occasional leather band. They’re very bold.

Modern Machine

A Modern Machine is bold like a Nate, but durable as hell. They usually have a chronograph with sub-dials on the face. They typically have a silicone wristband too.

Townsman

A Townsman has a vintage vibe. Think 50s America. 

These watches are perfect for completing a professional business look. They come with tan leather bands and have a sleek stainless steel case. Perfect for anyone who likes all things retro.

Del Rey and Wakefield

This collection is smaller and inspired by the auto-sports world of the 60s. There are a lot of sports-related options in this line and they’re probably the most masculine of them all. 

Here you will find a stainless steel majority. Some leather.

Swiss

This is the best line you can find from Fossil. All the materials are the best quality you’ll find for their price range. The designs are timeless classics and they ooze fine craftsmanship.

Now, let’s take a look at 5 of the best Fossil watches for the man in your life.

Coachman

$74.12

This is a classic Fossil look. One of the best-selling watches they do. 

It comes with a beautiful tan leather cuff band with 45mm stainless steel case, this is an adaptable look.

Inside is quartz movement and a chronograph. It has three sub-dials giving you seconds, minutes and hours. It’s also water-resistant to 100m which is very useful if you like snorkelling or even the convenience of not having to take it off to bathe.

You even get this in a retro-looking box!

Nate

$105.56

This is a stylish option for the office. It’s a stainless steel quartz offering with chronograph and analoge display.

The bezel resembles a coin edge and the face is both modern and masculine. The dial itself is protected by a durable mineral crystal. 

It’s water-resistant to 50m so it’s OK to bathe in and maybe some indoor swimming.

Machine

£98.50

This quartz chronograph timepiece is immediately attention-grabbing in matte black. It’s a mix of stainless steel with a rubber band. Perfect if you’re not into leather. It’s extremely comfortable on the wrist and the case is durable.

The bezel has a knurl effect which makes it even bolder and the sub-dials really stand out with their blue accents.

The dial is protected with the same mineral crystal, which will be resistant to mild bumps. It’s also conveniently water-resistant to 50m.

Grant

$145

If you love the classic look, you’ll love the Grant. It has a sleek stainless steel case and supple tan leather brand. The hands are clear and the design is subtle but masculine. With a crisp white shirt, this would look incredible.

Inside it has quartz movement and on the face you’ll find chronograph sub-dials. It has a retro design that will remain timeless.

Just like its siblings, it offers you 50m of water-resistance.

Stainless Steel Nate

$109.37 

Heading back to the Nate collection simply because it’s so sophisticated it has a right to appear twice.

This all-black beast has a black stainless steel base and matching black leather band. The look was inspired by the military, and it shows.

It offers the same quartz movements and chronograph subdials. It’s functional as well as reliable. The case itself is oversized at 50mm to emphasise the rugged look as well as improving readability.

Again, it offers 50m water-resistance so you don’t have to be too careful about remembering to take it off. Just don’t go diving in it.

It certainly makes a bold statement.

Summary

Now you know for sure that Fossil is an awesome brand. No matter if you’re purchasing a gift for a loved one, or if it’s a well-earned treat for yourself, you can’t go wrong with Fossil. There is a design and material for every taste, be it a vintage classic or a rugged modern feel. Fossil will look after you.

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Seiko Women’s Watches Review

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Seiko watches

A watch can be something you buy purely for function or the other end of the spectrum as an accessory. Seiko women’s watches will act as both. 

They offer a sleek design with accurate timekeeping. Seiko is able to harness the power of both quartz and kinetic energy to produce some wind-up and automatic movements. 

Budget-wise, a Seiko watch won’t break the bank. They also make some wonderful men’s watches that offer the same level of design and durability.

Let’s have a look at some of the best Seiko watches for women on offer in 2020.

Le Grand Sport

$332.50

This Seiko has incredible stability, Made of polished stainless steel, it exudes class and luxury. 

The stainless steel used is high-grade, which means there’s little chance of erosion over time. On top, you’ll find a hardened crystal which offers strong resistance to daily bumps and scrapes.

The wristband is a bangle style in two-tone silver and gold with links. The gold accents are repeated on the dial, where you’ll find a single Roman numeral at the 12 position. The other markers are simple and golden. At the 3 position you’ll see a date window.

Inside the watch is a Japanese quartz movement which offers exceptional accuracy. 

There’s a water-resistance level of up to 50m, which isn’t advised for swimming or diving, but if you wear it to bathe, you’ll be fine. 

Sportura Chrono

$322.39 

This timepiece is one of the most searched Seiko women’s watches. It has a lot of functions and features and has a lot of innovation baked in. 

It has an analogue display that is easily read, even at a glance. 

This is one of the best examples of Seiko offering design as well as function. It gives you the time in 24 hour format and three sub-dials showing off the chrono abilities, which is focused around giving you 60 minutes of accurate measuring. 

It has a sturdy construction, made from stainless steel in the band and case. To ensure it looks lux, it’s been polished smooth.

There’s a fixed bezel and tachymeter ring. The hands are luminous so, again, you never have to worry about being able to see the time because it offers performance in all lighting conditions. These are sat on a mother of pearl face.

The dial is protected by sapphire crystal, which is the best material you can get on a watch for its ability to resist scratches. 

The quartz movement that lives inside produces a level of precision to be relied on.

There is an automatic calendar at the 3 position for added convenience.  

There’s also an alarm, 5 minute increment markers and a self-governing second hand inside the sub-dial. 

It’s water-resistant to 100m so you can safely use this for recreational diving.

SXDA90 Sporty Dress Watch

$189.99

This one does what it says on the tin; offers a stylish sporty vibe. This women’s watch is made of stainless steel and boasts two tones of silver and gold which blend in beautifully with elegant formalwear as well as making a simple white shirt look all the more executive at work.

Inside there is a Japanese quartz movement again and this means it will automatically keep the correct and accurate time. The black dial offers you the date, no numbers, but instead gold markers and matching second, minute and hour hands.

The design is smooth. The shape is round. It won’t rub or snag on clothes if you’re being active. Ditto if you’re wearing something fancy that you really do not want to catch. There’s a push-button clasp on the bracelet which makes it simple to put on and take off.

Solar Swarovski Crystal SUP176

Swarovski got involved here to accent the stainless steel case, bezel and lugs with crystals. The watch has a golden tone to it that shines in all kinds of light.

There’s a protective hardened crystal over the dial, which is only 22mm. It’s very dainty. The dial itself is stylish and uncluttered. It displays the company logo and not a whole lot else. The bezel stays in place.

The watch itself gets its power from sunlight, so you don’t have to worry about changing the battery.

Water-resistance is only 30m, which isn’t enough to really do anything. It’s a reassurance against splashes at most.

The bracelet is possibly the most beautiful feature with interlocking links. You’re able to add or remove some for the perfect fit, and the lock is incredibly secure.

On the whole, the look exudes femininity. Even artistry. This seems to be a signature of Seiko watches on the whole.

Summary

Unlike alternatives, you can trust your Seiko to run accurately and never lose time. 

The dial on your Seiko will be bright, clear, uncluttered and readable at a quick glance in most conditions.

The features and functions, as well as the high-quality of materials used, are a testament to the passion Seiko has for affordable quality and innovation. Your Seiko will stay faithful for a long time, being durable as well as precise.

For this price range, you cannot pick a dud.

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The Best Watches for Men Under $200

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Best Watches for Men Under $200

A watch that costs less than $200 is categorised as a budget watch. This classification has been the way for many years. Budget watches have been creeping toward the top end of the price range, but staying there-there-abouts.

There is an abundance of timepieces to choose from within this range and they’re all readily available. 

Be careful, though, as it’s easy to be lead to think that some of these choices are good ones because it’s so easy to get hold of them. Look at the specification of your budget watch to ensure you’re getting the most for your money.

Let’s have a look at five of the best budget watches under $200

Swatch YIS401G

$189.08

This used to be a really sought-after piece but today it simply delivers a good quality watch at a reasonable price.

This Swatch comes with a stainless steel strap and case front. This particular version is 42mm thick and offers a deep blue dial and the date at the 3 position as well as two silver hands for the hour and minute and a striking red second hand for easy reading.

You can pick up numerous versions, depending on your taste. It’s a classy look that doesn’t hurt the pocket. 

Inside is a classic quartz movement, which isn’t representative of Swatch as a whole, as they offer some high-quality automatic movements too. If you flip the watch over, it has a glass back and offers a viewing into the movements. The dial is protected by acrylic glass and the watch, on the whole, offers 30m water-resistance.

Tissot Men’s Classic Dream 

$196.00

This classic look comes complete with a leather strap. It lets you into the world of Swiss-made timepieces without carrying an insane price tag. 

Don’t expect mechanical movements, but do expect real Swiss quartz made by ETA (the most renowned quartz provider). 

This particular model is formal fashion. It has a 38mm case and some classy-looking lugs. The dial is simple but pristine. It’s well-defined with black accented features against the white face.

This is almost at the $200 mark, but if you have more in the bank, check out Tissot in more detail and you might fall in love with their mechanical range. 

Skagen Men’s Signatur

$170.00

Skagen is a Danish company that make some truly beautiful minimalist timepieces. They were independent until Fossil came along, but they continue to function outside of the Fossil Group to retain the brand. 

The Signatur has a clean look that shows how uncluttered a dial can be without compromising on design. 

It has a 40mm stainless steel case of 40mm and a leather strap. 

Inside is, unsurprisingly, quartz movement. It does offer 50m of water-resistance, though.

Bulova Men’s Dress Watch

$176.98

Bulova has a long-established history of making classic timepieces. They were most dominant of the watch world in the 50s. They produced one of the most precise watches the market had seen at the time. 

If you’re not able to attain a mechanical movement, Bulova’s quartz are a very close second.

The black dial offers a retro date at the 3 position. There are no numbers, just markers and a second, minute and hour hand. 

Inside is an automatic self-winding movement and it’ll offer 30m of water-resistance.

If you want something classy, you can trust a Bulova to last.

Braun Analogic Quartz Watch

$132.03

This timepiece comes from a brand who are known for German design that is typically industrial. They’ve got almost 100 years of innovation behind them and in this time Braun has created a signature style.

This is a sleek 37mm case that comes in black ion-coated stainless steel. It has a matching black dial and simple markers. 

The markers themselves are bright, so you get great readability, especially that of the yolk-yellow second hand.

It’s got quartz movement on the inside and offers 30m water-resistance.

Final thoughts

There are so many options of decent quality watches within this $200 or less budget range.

They vary from sporty to formal. It really depends on what you want your timepiece for as to which one will be the ‘best’ for you. This article covers 5 quite generally, but you can spend hours researching into the different kinds of watch at this price point for different occasions. 

There are some much loved as well as proven brands producing watches that, granted, aren’t made of the best materials (for example you’ll see plastic on the dial rather than any kind of crystal), and stainless steel silver rather than titanium. You’ll also see a lot of quartz, rather than mechanical movements. But, this isn’t to say what you can purchase will be sub-quality on the whole.

If you’re thinking you’re more sporty than any of the above watches, then you’ll love our review on G-Shock, which are truly the most rugged watch you can find at this price.

If, however, you want something that looks more expensive than it actually is because you’re in a more professional setting, head to our review of watches that look more expensive than they are. The men’s article is here, whereas the ladies can head over to this version of the article here.

What you should know, regardless of the kind of watch, at this price point, the quality will not vary greatly between brands. There is only so much you can get.

Don’t be scared to shop around! The best thing you can do is mooch around this site and read the views of people who have done the hard work for you!

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