The 12 Best Watches for Men in 2025, Worn and Reviewed by Style Editors
Best Overall Movado Heritage Series Calendoplan Pros Offers precise and reliable timekeeping Timeless, minimalist design Sapphire crystal is scratch-resistant Offers wear for everyday and elevated occasions Cons Lacks magnetic resistance Not build for rugged outings Movado offers a beautiful array of modern dress watches, but we are especially keen at the moment for this two-toned
Pros
- Offers precise and reliable timekeeping
- Timeless, minimalist design
- Sapphire crystal is scratch-resistant
- Offers wear for everyday and elevated occasions
Cons
- Lacks magnetic resistance
- Not build for rugged outings
Movado offers a beautiful array of modern dress watches, but we are especially keen at the moment for this two-toned steel case with a rich olive green dial. “Less is more” is the name of the game for the Heritage Series Calendoplan. Inside, you’ve got a Swiss Quartz movement, so it’s super reliable and low-maintenance—no fuss, just precision. The cognac leather strap ties it all together, adding a warm, earthy touch that contrasts beautifully with the steel and green. Compared to rubber or NATO straps, this one is a bit more refined and feels supple on the skin, especially once it’s broken in.
This is the kind of watch that works whether you’re suiting up for the office or throwing on a fine sweater and dark chinos for dinner with your spouse. While it’s not suitable for full submersion in water (we wouldn’t recommend something like this for even say going to the beach), the sapphire crystal is scratch-resistant, so you’ve still got durability for everyday wear. And let’s not forget the date window—it’s a small detail, but it keeps the watch functional without overloading the clean design of the dial.
Movement | Swiss Quartz |
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Case Materials | Two-tone stainless steel |
Strap/Bracelet | Leather strap |
Features | Water resistance 3 ATM, date window |
Case Diameter | 40mm |
Pros
- Won’t break the bank
- 35mm size feels comfortable on the wrist
- Indiglo night light allows you to tell the time in the dark
- Includes date window
Cons
- Might feel too simple for some
Timex offers the ultimate bang-for-your-buck watch, no question about it. Our testers found it’s the easiest dial to read of all the options on this list. That lively blue is sharp enough to catch everyone’s attention but still versatile enough to pair with pretty much any casual or formal fit. It fits comfortably on the wrist and can smoothly adjust, if you need to loosen or tighten it. And here’s the kicker: It’s under $100.
Yep, you get all this without putting a dent in your wallet—which can be said for nearly all the watches Timex makes. At the push of the crown, the brand’s signature Indiglo light-up feature will take over, which means no squinting to see the time for both daytime strolls and late-night outings. The two-tone silver and brass case and mineral glass crystal keep it durable yet lightweight, so it can handle daily wear. Plus, with 10 different colorways, there’s options to match your vibe, whether you want something that is “in your face” or semi-low-key.
Movement | Quartz |
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Case Materials | Silver-tone |
Strap | Natural leather strap |
Features | Water resistance 3 ATM, date window |
Case Diameter | 35mm |
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Pros
- Rests gently on the wrist
- Perfect for everyday wear
- Design pays homage to Hamilton’s heritage
- 80-hour power reserve
Cons
- Strap takes a little longer to dry than others
When it comes to field watches, the Hamilton-Khaki Field is the gold standard—simple, robust, and packed with style. Speaking of which, the cool blue dial of this version, paired with the brushed steel case gives it a clean, understated look that’s perfect for everyday wear. At 38mm, it’s compact and classic, sitting just right on your wrist without feeling too bulky.
Recreating the 1960’s soldier watch, it’s a watch that nails that balance between functionality and style—you could wear it while exploring the outdoors or just heading to a casual dinner. The Super-LumiNova coating on the hands and markers is a game-changer, ensuring the watch is legible in low light or total darkness. We’ve put it to use during a camping trip and it lit up like a champ when the campfire died down, making it easy to check the time without fumbling for a flashlight. And just last year, Hamilton came out with a quartz version of the KF that’s even more affordable and offers the ease of quartz.
Movement | Mechanical |
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Case Materials | Stainless steel |
Strap | NATO strap |
Features | Luminous, screw-down crown, water resistance 50 ATM |
Case Diameter | 38mm |
Pros
- Able to connect to smartphone app to track stats
- Great for beach leisure and water activities
- Very legible in darkness
- Shock-resistant
Cons
- Not the most stylish and not suitable for dressy occasions
Attention athletes and adventurers—the G-Shock G-LIDE is loaded with features that keep a record of your progress. First, this bad boy connects to a smartphone app that tracks tides at thousands of beaches, so it’s perfect for surfers, swimmers, or anyone who spends more time in the water than on land. I’ve used it to pool during the summer, and it crushed it—handled constant splashes without a hiccup, shrugged off chlorine like it was nothing, and the resin strap stayed super comfortable even when wet. Not to mention, timing my laps was a total breeze. All to be expected for the legendary durability of G-Shocks.
In terms of fit, this one is pretty larger, and on smaller wrists, it might look oversized or feel bulky. However, it’s an athletic watch, so you’ll probably be in workout shirts and not have to worry about fitting it under shirt cuffs.
All things considered, the G-Shock G-LIDE is brimming with other functions that track your laps, cadence, and pace—advantageous for runners, rowers, or gym-goers looking to crush their 2025 goals. It’s designed to handle impacts (like any G-Shock), whether you’re wiping out on a wave or accidentally dropping it during a workout. I also found the LED backlight makes it super easy to read in low-light conditions, especially during a late-night jog. Other practical elements include a full auto-calendar, an energy-saving feature to keep the battery going strong, and a design that delivers durability and performance in one.
Movement | Quartz |
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Case Materials | Stainless steel |
Strap | Resin |
Features | Full-auto calendar, water resistance 20 ATM, LED backlight |
Case Diameter | 46mm |
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Pros
- Perfectly blends retro and contemporary design
- Screw-down, see-through caseback
- Automatic movement powers itself through your motion
- Luminous hands and markers
Cons
- Has some weight to it
Seiko delivers a solid mashup of modern and vintage flair in its special edition 5 Sports timepiece. Pulling inspo from the post-war racing boom of the 1960s, the watch dons a checkered flag bezel design, which is not something you see every day. The black dial continues the retro vibes with a white and black checkered circle to frame the indices for the numbers. We also love the red-orange second hand that adds a fun pop of color and harkens back to racing watches and timers of the post-war era.
Flip it over, and you’ve got a see-through caseback that lets you peek at the Caliber 4R36 movement—always a cool feature for anyone who loves the horology. We found it has some significant weight to it, but feels balanced and secure on the wrist. It’s an automatic watch, which means no batteries—you just wear it, and it powers itself through your every movement (approximately 41 hours of power reserve). Another bonus: It’s priced at a level that won’t make your wallet cry, which is a steal for the quality you’re getting—something Seiko has become known for.
Movement | Automatic |
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Case Materials | Stainless steel |
Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
Features | Water resistance 10 ATM, day/date calendar |
Case Diameter | 42.5 mm |
Pros
- Constant glow for up to 25 years in any light condition
- Water resistance up to 100 meters
- Dail is decorated with unique camo pattern
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not ideal option for dressy occasion
Lightweight, tough as nails, and packing some serious style—that’s what you get with the Volition America Leatherback Sea Turtle Giant. The exclusive Thunder Gray colorway and matching gray webbed strap gives it that rugged charm, which looks just as good on a hike as it does at an après ski hangout.
What really sets it apart though is the Luminox “Always Visible” lighting system. No, this isn’t your average glow-in-the-dark; it’s self-powered and stays lit for 25 years. In other words, you’ll always know the time whether you’re diving into the deep or just stumbling around the house at midnight.
The black Carbonox case and bezel aren’t just for looks—these details are built to handle all kinds of adventures. And with water resistance up to 100 meters, we’ve been able to wear it as we take a dip in the pool or kayak across the river in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Movement | Automatic |
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Case Materials | Stainless steel |
Strap | Gray webbing |
Features | Water resistance 10 ATM |
Case Diameter | 44mm |
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Pros
- Bold yet built super tough
- Powered by the release of a wound spring
- Calendar function
- Topped with a domed sapphire crystal
Cons
- Can’t pair with a busy outfit
For a dive watch, Bulova’s icon is the kind that demands attention—in the best way possible. Arriving with a bright orange dial and sporty black rubber strap, it’s vibrant enough to make you stand out while still offering the function and sportiness you’re looking for. Backed by an automatic movement, this mechanical version is ideal for guys who are constantly on the go. And it’s built tough enough to handle extreme adventures, so whether you’re diving deep (it is a dive watch, after all) or tackling your next outdoor challenge, it’s got you covered.
Our fashion editors prefer to make it the star of the show, so pairing it with simple casual fits is the way to go; think a white long sleeve t-shirt and blue jeans. The Miyota 821D automatic movement inside keeps things running smoothly, as the calendar function brings practicality to the table. To top things off, there’s a domed sapphire crystal, which not only looks amazing but also adds durability to this already rugged piece.
Movement | Automatic |
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Case Materials | Stainless steel |
Strap | Polyurethane |
Features | Luminous hands and markers, water resistance 20 ATM, screw-down crown |
Case Diameter | 41mm |
Pros
- Oversized numerals make for easy readability
- Military-inspired design with black and green strap
- Decorated stainless steel caseback
Cons
- Power reserve is shorter than others on the list
The Bremont Terra Nova is the kind of watch that effortlessly blends rugged practicality with standout style. The cushion-shaped case? It’s got a cool military-meets-modern vibe that makes it stand out without trying too hard. Pair that with the rich green and black striped NATO strap, and you’ve got a watch that screams adventure but still looks sharp enough to wear out on the town.
As for the automatic movement, it features a Glucydur balance wheel (enhances its precision by maintaining consistent oscillations), an Anachron balance spring (offers excellent resistance to magnetic fields), and a Nivaflex mainspring (stores 38-hours of energy to power the watch).
What really makes it a go-to for adventurers and aviators is the oversized Super-LumiNova numerals. These bad boys light up like a beacon, so whether you’re navigating a trail at sunset or checking the time mid-flight in low light, you’ll always have clear visibility. It’s built for people who don’t just sit still—this is a watch designed to keep up with your wildest days and nights while keeping you looking sharp.
Movement | Automatic |
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Case Materials | Stainless steel |
Strap | Black and green fabric NATO strap |
Features | Date window at 3 o’clock, water resistance 10 ATM |
Case Diameter | 40.5mm |
Pros
- Includes two sub dials in deco-inspired design
- Super versatile in style
- Signature iconic caseback plate and etched serial number
- Able to engrave the caseback for a personal touch
Cons
- Not water-resistant enough for an extended swim
Distinct design. Detroit craftsmanship. Everyday functionality. This unique trifecta breathes life into the Shinola’s Canfield Chrono C56. For starters, the deco-inspired watch features a black dial dressed up with sharp canary yellow accents, paired with a premium leather strap—giving major vintage energy. Most watches lean too far into being dressy or sporty, but this option is versatile enough to pair with a suit at the office or add some swagger to your weekend style.
Instead of the usual three sub dials, this minimal setup has just two, keeping the face clean and uncluttered while still letting you easily track time intervals—like how long it took you to grab coffee or lap the racetrack. The only downside is the water resistance 5 ATM, which can handle light swimming and hand washing, but you wouldn’t want to take it into the ocean or a pool for an extended swim.
Movement | Quartz (Argonite 5021 Chronograph) |
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Case Materials | Stainless Steel |
Strap | Leather |
Features | Water resistance 5 ATM, Super-LumiNova coated indices, wooden box packaging, two sub dials |
Case Diameter | 43mm |
Pros
- Made for racing and diving
- Updated with a new case and bracelet
- Luminescent indices and hands makes it easy to read
- Green sunray brushed dial
Cons
- On the pricier side, but is super versatile beyond style
Luxury meets performance in Tag Heuer’s Aquaracer Professional 300. Built for high-intensity activities like racing or diving, it’s got that sleek, sporty dive watch style that looks just as good with a wetsuit as it does with a blazer. Trust us—we’ve been able to pair it with both during our testing. The special sand blasted titanium set against a green sunray dial offers a unique design for the most adventurous wearers. On top of that, titanium is super durable but also lighter than steel, so you get all the strength without the bulk—ideal when you’re on the move.
The rotating ceramic bezel isn’t just for show—it’s a functional tool for timing dives. Another big plus is the sapphire crystal, which is tough as nails and extra clear, protecting the face of the watch from scratches or damage. And then there are the luminescent indices and hands, which glow in the dark like a pro, so you’ll always be able to see it.
Movement | Automatic |
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Case Materials | Round titanium |
Strap/Bracelet | Titanium bracelet |
Features | Water resistance 30 ATM, Luminescent indices and hands, date display at 6 o’clock |
Case Diameter | 43mm |
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Pros
- Smooth functioning when exposed to a magnetic field
- Stainless steel screw-down crown
- 70-hour power reserve
- Can be a stylish option in various settings
Cons
- Lacks a date window function
The Tudor Black Bay isn’t just any just a watch—it’s the perfect blend of timeless style, top-notch craftsmanship, and everyday usability. Let’s start with that 41mm steel case. The polished and brushed finish gives it that sophisticated edge while staying tough enough to manage the wear and tear of daily life. Paired with a black rubber strap, it strikes the perfect balance: Sporty yet versatile, rugged yet refined. In other words, you could take it to the boardroom, the beach, or the mountains and it’ll look right at home. Not to mention, the strap has a slimmer profile and slightly textured feel that grips your wrist just enough without being sticky or uncomfortable. It’s not overly thick or flimsy, and it doesn’t soak water or sweat.
Tudor is known for its no-nonsense approach to legibility, and we found the Black Bay is no exception. It’s bold and clean, with luminous markers that practicality glow in low light. So whether you’re checking the time in a dimly lit bar or on an overnight hike, it’s always easy to read. Most mechanical watches offer approximately between 36 and 48 hours, but this one takes it up a level with a 70-hour power reserve. Overall, it’s the kind of watch that will still feel relevant and stylish 20, 30 and even 50 years down the road.
Movement | Manual |
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Case Materials | Steel |
Strap/Bracelet | Rubber strap |
Features | Water resistance 20 ATM |
Case Diameter | 41mm |
Pros
- Identical to 007’s watch
- Anti-magnetic
- Screw-in crown
- Comes with 5-year warranty
Cons
- Most expensive on the list, but worthy investment
If you’re ready for any action-packed adventure—007 style—the Omega Seamaster Diver 300m is the watch you want. This model is the exact one Bond wears in “No Time to Die,” so you know it’s got that “mission-ready” vibe. It’s super lightweight, made from titanium, and has a matching titanium mesh bracelet, so it’s built to last and handle anything—from magnetic fields to pressure underwater. Plus, it even has a Helium escape valve—a small pressure-release system that lets tiny built-up gas particles flee to prevent the crystal from popping off.
During our testing, we noticed the titanium bracelet feels incredibly light on the wrist, which makes a big difference for all-day comfort. It has a smooth, almost silky texture but isn’t as glossy. Another bonus: titanium is hypoallergenic, so it won’t irritate the skin for people with metal sensitivities.
This watch is a serious upgrade and, yeah, it’s the priciest one on the list, but here’s why it’s worth the investment: It’s a timeless classic with next-level features that will last a lifetime. It’s powered by the Chronometer 8806 movement, so it’s super accurate, and it comes with a 5-year warranty, just in case. In all honesty, it’s the kind of watch that’ll make you look like a million bucks at an upscale gala or extravagant dinner party. Pair it with a tailored suit and some slick dress shoes for a look that means business.
Movement | Manual |
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Case Materials | Titanium |
Strap | Titanium bracelet |
Features | Water resistance 30+ ATM, Helium escape valve |
Case Diameter | 42 mm |
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Ted Stafford is the Fashion Director of Men’s Health. He oversees all style and fashion content for the brand, and also styles their fashion stories. His active lifestyle informs his passion for translating great designs into real-life style, a favorite part of his job. Prior to joining Men’s Health, he worked at GQ magazine and Calvin Klein