Time for a New Watch? These Are the 26 Watch Brands Every Man Should Know About.
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YOU CAN tell a lot about a man by what he wears on his wrist (Dress watch? Diver? Smartwatch? Or nothing at all?), because while some or most men don't care for laying their hands on expensive clothes, that indifference usually goes out the window when it comes to watches—a subtle-yet-pronounced signifier of his taste, substance, and most importantly, success.
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But investing in watches to flex your panache and leave a huge impression on others is easier said than done. With an almost interminable array of timepiece options, the best way to start your watch collection is by getting to know the best watch brands for men today. With that in mind, we have rounded up the 26 best watch brands, from the affordable to the luxury, the flex-friendly to the everyday-friendly, that have all mastered the craft of manufacturing the ultimate timepiece. From dependable brands like Timex and Citizen to lifetime splurges like Omega and IWC—as well as everything in between—your watch journey starts here and now.
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Timex
Founded in: 1854 | Average price: $50-$500 | Made in: USA
Timex is a brand that we all know—and with good reason. Their diverse offering of timepieces ranges from casual and high-tech to handsome chronographs, all without putting a dent in your wallet. In fact, most of them ring in at under $200. This Waterbury watch shows off its ability to modernize classic styles. The tonal colors, supple textures, and mixed metals feel fresh, without trying too hard.
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Shinola
Founded in: 2011 | Average price: $400-$3,500 | Made in: USA
Built by hand in Detroit, Shinola is an All-American brand through and through. They take classic watch silhouettes and inject a modern dose of masculinity into them via unexpected color combinations and rustic features. Take this Runwell style that features a handsome brown leather strap, a sleek navy blue face with chrome detailing, and bright yellow numerals. A feast for the eyes that's not too hard on the wallet either.
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Tag Heuer
Founded in: 1860 | Average price: $1,400-$30,000 | Made in: Switzerland
TAG Heuer watches are known for their sleek sense of sport—take its signature squared-off Monoco racing watch, for instance—and are famous for their chronographs, often taking inspiration from Formula 1 racing. This edition shows the brand's expertise in bold color, while still creating a handsome watch that can truly be worn anywhere. Tag Heuer is also known for its line of luxury smartwatches, Connected, that blends Swiss craftsmanship and performance-tracking tech so seamlessly.
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MVMT
Founded in: 2013 | Average price: $100-$500 | Made in: China
Founded in 2013, MVMT rapidly grew to fame, thanks to social media. Their affordable watches not only look good but also are built to last. The brand is all about living your life on your own terms, which is showcased in its broad range of styles, colors, and materials. We can't take our eyes off this large gunmetal and green timepiece that is built to make a statement.
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Omega
Founded in: 1848 | Average price: $3,750-$81,000 | Made in: Switzerland
With designs inspired by space, sport, and the sea, Omega watches often have an athletic-yet-dapper appearance. Famous for being the official timekeeper of the Olympics games and known for its Speedmaster racing chronograph that's been to the moon and back, they have created a strong brand presence rooted in recreation. This Co-Axial version feels both laid back and luxurious, thanks to the burst of color balanced out by cool blues.
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Movado
Founded in: 1967 | Average price: $400-$4,000 | Made in: Switzerland
For some of the most eye-catching timepieces, Movado is one of the best men's watch brands out there. Their minimal designs are usually rendered in monochromatic colorways, accented by either burst of color or architectural details. This sleek gray version feels equal parts futuristic and fashion-forward.
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Seiko
Founded in: 1881 | Average price: $100-$800 | Made in: Japan
New in the business world and want to make a good impression with what's on your wrist? Seiko, the Japanese watchmaker, is a fantastic option for young guys looking to dress like a total boss. With prices hovering around $300, they are one of the best-in-value automatic movement watches that money can buy, without breaking the bank. They're classic, clean, and handsome pieces that will catch your boss's attention without being too flashy. Shoutouts go to its dive watches and tank-style timepieces that won't cost an arm or a leg.
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Rolex
Founded in: 1905 | Average price: $5,000-$400,000 | Made in: Switzerland
Arguably the most well-known watch brand, Rolex is synonymous with the industry for a reason: they make high-quality pieces that last forever, and in some cases even appreciate in value over time. From the Rolex Submariner which was a James Bond watch at one point and defined dive watches, to this elegant Datejust option that feels modern yet steeped in nostalgia, Rolex's classic bracelet-style watches remain at the heart of the brand. While they offer a variety of styles from evening to sporty, these all-metal options are the ones that you can wear anywhere and everywhere.
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Breitling
Founded in: 1884 | Average price: $3,300-$67,000 | Made in: Switzerland
While a Breitling watch carries a hefty dose of flash, they are made for action. Originally designed to function for aviation, ocean navigation, and industrial and military purposes, today these watches are best suited for the modern-day adventurer. Best of all, switching out straps is a breeze. You can do it by yourself in a few simple minutes and have an almost entirely new watch.
Tudor
Founded in: 1926 | Average price: $1,750-$7,500 | Made in: Switzerland
When you think of Tudor, you likely immediately think of the celebrities that endorse it—like Beckham—as well as the Black Bay diver, colloquially known as the Beckham watch. Owned by Rolex, Tudor watches offer rugged simplicity. Think of it as a top-quality watch for the outdoorsman. Muted shades such as olive green, cranberry, darkened gold, and matte black is offset by stainless steel that adds polish to these masculine timepieces.
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Citizen
Founded in: 1918 | Average price: $200-$4,750 | Made in: Japan
When it comes to performance, the Japanese watchmaker Citizen is second to none. From chronographs with the world's fastest timekeeping signal reception speed to a light-powered Eco-Drive technology to the brand's Super Titanium™ material, Citizen is where function meets form. But, should you want a Citizen watch that is more low-key, its best-selling Promaster is a no-brainer affordable diver to get.
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Tissot
Founded in: 1853 | Average price: $225-$1,950 | Made in: Switzerland
Whether you're just starting to build up your collection of luxury watches, or you're more of an "affordable luxury" kind of guy, Tissot won't fail you. The brand makes all-around well-made watches with recognizable styles. Whether it's their classic dress watches or tough sports watches, Tissot will wow you with their good price, good looks, and good accessibility—this luxury watch brand is even available on Amazon.
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IWC Schaffhausen
Founded in: 1868 | Average price: $4,250-$56,700 | Made in: Switzerland
The International Watch Company is often referred to either as the Swiss watch brand founded by an American or as the pilot watch brand. Really, IWC's Mark XVIII has pretty much become the prototype for aviation watches: huge numerals, a big crown, and a triangle at 12. The brand also uses top-of-the-line materials like titanium. And its models like Da Vinci and Portofino will blow you away with movement and designs you've probably never seen of.
Bulova
Founded in: 1875 | Average price: $250-$4,500 | Made in: Switzerland
The most famous artifact in Bulova's catalog is perhaps the Lunar Pilot, brought to the surface of the moon in 1971 during the Apollo 15 mission. But digging within the brand's treasure trove, you can also find a slew of beautiful dress watches and chronographs with sophisticated openwork designs. And its Precisionist model will completely sweep you off your feet with its details and quartz movement.
Longines
Founded in: 1832 | Average price: $800-$12,000 | Made in: Switzerland
Longines is one of the few watchmakers with heritage and specialty in just about every type of timepiece, thanks to the brand's history in innovation, though dive watches, dress watches, and aviation watches are where it takes the limelight. Its Spirit pilot model is rather legendary and always under the radar thanks to its reasonable price and handsome designs that won't go out of style.
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Bremont
Founded in: 2002 | Average price: $3,500-$30,000 | Made in: England
The Brit's managed to rival the Swiss with Bremont. The brand's mechanical pieces are all reliable investments with the highest-quality possible in manufacturing. It's a bit boutique and niche, with a focus on pilot’s watches. And its timepieces are those in the know will really come to appreciate.
Vacheron Constantin
Founded in: 1755 | Average price: $12,000-$131,000 | Made in: Switzerland
The first word that comes to mind when seeing a Vacheron watch is timeless. The brand's designs are meant to be passed down from generation to generation and always feel modern. Established in 1755, the brand has one of the most expansive watchmaking reputations in the game and is a who's who for watch collectors and insiders alike.
Vaer
Founded in: 2016 | Average price: $150-$800 | Made in: USA
Based in California, Vaer is a relative newcomer that doesn't skimp on ruggedness and quality. Its wristwatches are often tested to the extreme with utilitarian designs that can withstand the test of time. In addition, Vaer is known for its field watches that often sell out once in a while.
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Patek Philippe
Founded in: 1839 | Average price: $15,000-$450,000 | Made in: Switzerland
Another heavyweight in the luxury watch industry is Patek. As one of the only fully family-owned and operated watch businesses in existence today, Patek has the full freedom to design, manufacture, and assemble what many experts deem the finest watches in the world. The strong shape of this Gondolo not only looks timelessly modern but is built to last using some of the most unique techniques passed down from generation. If you are a watch guy, you know, want, and desire a Patek. It's as simple as that.
Hublot
Founded in: 1980 | Average price: $5,200-$140,000 | Made in: Switzerland
Hublot watches are some of the most high-tech-looking pieces on the market. Their signature open-face design allows you to see all of the gears and mechanisms that power the piece, giving it a futuristic look that's usually grounded by a rubber strap. This clever contrast has catapulted Hublot to be some of the most sought-after pieces that you have likely seen on some of your favorite athletes.
Fossil
Founded in: 1984 | Average price: $100-$500 | Made in: USA
With hundreds of stores across the US, Fossil can be found in most malls and large shopping centers. They offer a large range of styles and options that allow you to find almost anything you are looking for at a decent quality and at a relatively low price. They've also broken into the smartwatch industry with their large range of high-tech styles, giving you all the benefits of a smartwatch, without the stigma of someone who is constantly counting their steps. Sign us up.
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Cartier
Founded in: 1847 | Average price: $4,000-$35,000 | Made in: France
Though famous for its jewelry, Cartier also has a staggering offering of handsome wristwatches. Specifically, the Tank style, which was inspired by the overhead view of WWI tanks, has been associated with royalties in sports (Muhammad Ali), Hollywood (Cary Grant), and actual royalties (Princess Diana). The Tank watch features a rectangular face that serves as a cool throwback to the '30s, while still feeling modern and masculine. The rich details are what sets this watch apart: a crocodile strap, rose-gold hardware, and a sapphire dial.
Panerai
Founded in: 1860 | Average price: $4,000-$100,000 | Made in: Italy
A Panerai is about as Italian as watches come. Established in the mid-1800s, the company soon became the official watch outfitter for the Italian Navy. As time evolved, so did their technology, eventually supplying the navy with other gadgets such as compasses and depth gauges. What has endured though is their universally streamlined style. Their two most famous styles the Luminer and the Radimir are still highly sought-after watches that you can also see on some of the top figures around the globe.
Daniel Wellington
Founded in: 2011 | Average price: $190-$500 | Made in: China
One of the most successful watch companies to launch in the past 10 years is the Swedish Daniel Wellington. They make modernly sleek watches that are made with the minimalistic man in mind. This all-black version with rose-gold detailing is sophisticated, yet cool, thanks to their NATO strap that gives the watch a sense of casualness. For those who don't want to break the bank or are newer to the watch game: this brand is for you.
Vitae London
Founded in: 2015 | Average price: $300-$750 | Made in: England
Created to go against the norms in the watch industry, Vitae London sets itself apart with its unique minimalist designs and desirable price point. Its timepieces often fall below $300, and pack a big punch of style, thanks to their radiant dials and glossy stainless steel. As if you needed another reason to add to the cart, they're a blacked owned and operated business that actively gives back to their community.
Skagen
Founded in: 1989 | Average price: $125-$225 | Made in: China
With the slogan that less is more, Skagen embodies the playful, creative, and refined world of Danish fashion. They let their sleek timepieces do the talking, like this limited-edition Horizont Multifunction style. The bold and inventive color combinations instantly turn heads, yet at its core, it's a classic watch that you can pull out for any occasion.
How We Selected
For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health editors and writers on the best watch brands for men. Experts including our Deputy Editor of Commerce Christian Gollayan, and our Style and Commerce Editor Maverick Li, reviewed a number of men's watch brands and evaluated their heritage, history, and quality.
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