The 15 Best Men’s Watch Upgrades, According to Collectors and Stylists

Most of us don’t need a watch to check the time anymore, but a stylish timepiece can be an easy way to elevate your overall look—not to mention a great way to spend a little less time staring at your phone. “Your watch isn’t about telling the time, your watch is about you, and that’s something you can’t get from a phone or smartwatch,” says Kaz Mirza, co-host of the podcast Two Broke Watch Snobs. He notes a shift in watches “from a form of time telling to a form of self expression.”

From casual watches that cost a few hundred dollars to diamond-studded creations with six-figure prices (reminder: jewelry insurance), there is a dazzling range of pieces on offer, and legions of zealous collectors eagerly awaiting each new release. With so many brands and models to choose from, however, and plenty of jargon to decipher, finding the right watch to suit your style can be a daunting process. We tapped watch-loving experts to share their top picks for a variety of tastes and price points, including pieces designed to make a style statement and classic Swiss models with intricate mechanical movements. (See also recommendations for watches designed for women.)

Everyday watch

As the New York City-based founder of Complecto, an inclusive community of watch collectors, Jason Gong’s favorite go-to is the retro-chic Tissot PRX, a neo-vintage release that’s available in a range of colors and several case sizes. “This is a true do-it-all watch that can seamlessly transition from the beach to the boardroom,” he says.

Business casual cool

For a more business-casual look, Atlanta-based celebrity wardrobe stylist Ryan Christopher is a fan of the Shinola Runwell, a large-but-unassuming piece available in finishes from matte black to gold. “It’s for the traditional guy who doesn’t always wear a suit,” he says. “I would pair it with jeans and a blazer.”

Solar-powered style

Turner Allen, founder and lead stylist of New York City’s Style Turner, appreciates the durability and versatility of the Seiko Prospex, a diver’s watch with a sumptuous forest green dial. “It’s an ideal watch for everyday wear thanks to its universally flattering case size and timeless design,” he says, noting that Seiko’s solar-powered movement requires neither winding nor replacing batteries.

Great value mechanical

Mechanical watches (ones powered by rotors and springs rather than batteries) occupy the top spot in the timepiece hierarchy, and while there’s virtually no limit to how much you can spend on a mechanical watch there are good options at every price point. Mirza has a lot of experience with budget-friendly mechanical watches, and he likes the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 for its refined looks and ideal proportions. “At 40mm in diameter and 11.5mm thick it’s one of the best possible sweet spots you could find,” he says. For a more unconventional look, Allen suggests the Oris Rectangular, “particularly for individuals with smaller wrists who prefer a sleeker look over bulky round watches.”

Laid-back vintage

Leslie Fleischman, the owner of London’s Vintage Watch Room, praises the Hamilton Khaki Field, a Swiss-made watch inspired by military field watches of the 1940s. “It’s steeped in history and combines style with practicality—as any good field watch should,” he says of the nice-price mechanical wrist piece.

Boardroom classic

As the popularity of watch collecting continues to boom, certain timepieces have become prized in part for their ability to command the respect of anyone in the know. The Baume et Mercier Riviera, a modern revival of a classic 1970s design, is exactly that sort of watch, Fleischman says. “The new iteration has lost none of its verve or style—it’s a legendary watch from a great Maison.” Gong favors the sporty looks and “impressive technical bona fides,” of the Oris ProPilot, which has a sleek titanium case and a covetable Swiss-made automatic movement.

Collector-approved style

For those seeking something with a more traditional aesthetic, Fleischman suggests the Longines Master, a Swiss-made watch with refined details, a luxurious textured dial and an alligator strap.

Statement watch

You don’t need a bezel full of gemstones to make a statement with your wrist wear, says Mirza, who points anyone looking for something unusual and eye-catching to the Bulova Computron, a modern re-edition of a classic digital watch from the disco era. “It hits that perfect comfort zone between retro-vintage perfection and everyday wearability,” he says.

Distinctive design

Mirza is also partial to the Rado True Square Open Heart, a “fearless and fashion-forward” choice with a high-tech ceramic case that’s lightweight and scratch-resistant. The transparent dial and case back reveal its intricate Swiss movement.

Glint of glam

When he’s looking to add a luxurious finishing touch to a high-fashion look, Christopher loves the subtle glam of the Gucci G-Timeless with 18-karat gold-plated stainless steel and understated logos. “It’s clean, stylish and modern, and just enough to draw the eye without being overbearing.”

Outdoors pick

For casual days and outdoorsy looks, the Todd Snyder x Timex Navi XL is as durable as it is stylish, says New York City- and Los Angeles-based stylist Cassandra Sethi, noting its 100-meter water resistance and ballistic fabric strap. “The touch of orange on the face gives it a nice pop of color,” she adds. Gong’s off-duty pick is the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Compression, a classic diver’s watch whose jaunty palette and sturdy case make it “the perfect choice for your weekend fits and a great beach vacation companion.”

Rugged with polish

For a more polished look that’s still ready for outdoor recreation, Sethi likes the Fossil Heritage. Its combination of a cream dial and topstitched leather strap “is perfect for those that want to go from work to outdoor adventure.”