A man’s style reflects his inner self, who he wants to be, and where he sees himself in society. If there’s one item in a man’s wardrobe that says more about his hopes and aspirations, it’s his watch. With a quick swap, you can make an all-new statement, from all-business to wild and crazy to chic and sophisticated. Is this the day you stride to the driveway looking like the neighborhood’s most-followed style influencer? Maybe you’ll channel your inner Speed Racer tomorrow, even if it’s on the drive to the grocery store. Later in the week, you’ll save the planet by sorting the recycling and picking up some litter from the sidewalk.
What kind of man will you be today? To help you figure it out, we’ve selected some of today’s best watches for men, focusing on those that -- for under $1,000 -- represent a bit of an investment but won’t blow your clothing budget for the rest of 2023.
Hamilton Ventura Quartz
Okay, so you’re that guy. You drive an impressive sports car. You’re perfectly groomed, even on Saturdays. First impressions count, and a watch with a little flash is a sure conversation starter. The Hamilton Ventura is that watch. Hamilton introduced the engaging crest-shaped face in 1957, the same year the Soviet Union kicked off the Space Age. The black-on-black design tones everything down, celebrating its quirky, asymmetric silhouette. Now that’s a watch worth watching.
Bold Mesh Bracelet Watch, 42mm
When the invitation says “black tie,” your only concern is which of your tuxedos you will wear. You recognize that restraint is a virtue to be cultivated in your wardrobe as much as in your social life. The Movado Museum Watch -- a midcentury design initially inspired by the Bauhaus -- reduces the elements of timekeeping to a bare minimum, with a single, simple dot at noon representing the sun. The Bold Mesh in gold makes a statement of quiet elegance, pairing nicely with French cuffs and silk knot cufflinks.
Shinola The Canfield Sport
You’re the guy that recognizes that the devil is in the details. If you’re wearing a T-shirt and jeans to work, it’s the most advanced, performance-based tee you can find, and it fits flawlessly. Your denim selvage jeans are made by hand in an artisanal shop with locally woven denim from sustainably grown cotton. The watch you wear every day is far from every day, and the Shinola Canfield Sport fits the bill perfectly. It’s made in Detroit from sandblasted stainless steel to withstand just about anything you can throw at it, yet the classically designed face and light brown leather strap speak to timeless style and a kind of informal elegance.
T16 BLACK
The best things in life are free, but everything else is negotiable. You don’t fall for marketing hype and look at finding a bargain as a badge of honor, the spoils of the hunt. The Torgoen T16 brings tough-guy styling to a Swiss movement watch. Its vintage leather strap gives a lived-in edge that, combined with the burnished black case and watch face, looks as great with a suit as it does with a pair of khakis.
Navigator
You may march to the beat of your own drum, but when you march, you march hard. From outdoor adventures to endurance training to scavenger hunts with the kids, discipline and hard work get you to the goal. Marathon has been making watches for the Marines, Homeland Security, the Mounties, and other government and military bodies since the 1940s. The brand knows how to make a timepiece that can keep up with you. The Navigator features a quartz movement, glow-in-the-dark markings, and an end-of-life battery indicator.
Automatic Black Watch
You’re doing your best to save the planet every day, from your sustainable shampoo bar to your vegan running shoes. You’re a match for this handmade watch with precise Swiss movement. It’s automatic and powered by your movement, so you’ll never have to worry about replacing a battery. Five trees get planted in the rainforest with every purchase, and maybe the coolest of all, the strap is made from pineapple leather.
Element Black
When an enigma calls, you’re there to answer. You know when the new season of Stranger Things comes out, and you’re already planning a binge. The top five mystery titles on the summer reading list? You crushed them before Memorial Day. All Eone watches present a conundrum in their appearance, but they were actually designed for the visually impaired. With the Bradley Element, the ceramic watch face allows the wearer to “locate” the time by tracing the topography of the dial and locating the magnetized bead. For the rest of us, it’s just one of the coolest-looking watches out there.
Nixon 51-30 Chrono
Nobody ever told you that color and a little flash were something to fear. This chronograph takes its simple name from its 51-millimeter face size and its 30 ATM (physical atmosphere) waterproof rating, but that’s where the simplicity ends. You can’t miss its oversized face; sure, you could get it in a more sedate color, but why would you?
Men's Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Blue Angels Skyhawk A-T Titanium Watch JY8101-52L
You’ve been staring into the wild blue yonder ever since you can remember, and taking flight lessons is a high priority on your bucket list. Until then, wear this watch to celebrate the Blue Angels and their precision flying, especially now as they transition to a brand new aircraft, the F/A-18 Super Hornet.
You have a little money to burn on upgrading your wardrobe and elevating your style. Of course, you could go dozens of places, but in our opinion, the best place to elevate your style with one purchase is your wrist. Any of these pieces will change your entire look and might even up your status.
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