The Best Watches For Men That Score High Marks With Experts

Shinola, based in Detroit, is a relatively young brand that’s quickly gained recognition for its American craftsmanship and emphasis on local manufacturing. The Runwell is the brand’s most popular watch, outfitted with a hand-assembled Aragonite movement, bold numerals and luminescent hands. The rugged leather strap also makes this pick suitable for daily wear.

What the expert says: Gordon sums up this watch as a versatile pick that “combines functionality and style seamlessly,” he says. “The all-stainless steel case ensures durability, and the sapphire crystal adds an extra layer of resilience.”

Timex, an American watch brand with a history dating back to the 1850s, is known for producing reliable, affordable and diverse timepieces. The Marlin is a reissue of a classic 1960s Timex design that’s popular with watch enthusiasts for its vintage-inspired looks and sleek design. It has a domed acrylic crystal face, leather strap, and a lightweight build that makes this watch comfortable wear throughout the day.

What the expert says: “This watch pays homage to the original Marlin produced in the 1960s,” explains Gordon. “It’s crafted from stainless steel, and the new version retains the timeless elegance of its predecessor with a 34mm steel case,” which Gordon finds works for wrists of all sizes.

New-York-based Bulova, a brand with a rich history dating back to 1875, has several collector-worthy dress watch options: The Marine Star Series C has a stainless steel case paired with subtle but sophisticated gold-toned details and a bracelet strap that’s both comfortable and resilient. The nautical design is water resistant with chronograph functionality, bold hour markers and a date window, all set against a detailed dial.

What the expert says: This is a watch that’s built to last, says Gordon. “The shatter-resistant dome-shaped crystal ensures durability, and the screwed-in case back adds a touch of security.” It’s also comfortable to wear and has a “safety fold-over clasp with push buttons on the bracelet that ensure a secure fit,” he says.

Crafted by Swiss watchmaker Tissot, the T-Classic Gentleman has all the core qualities of a great dress watch: It’s elegant, unobtrusive and complements formal attire without overshadowing it. The design is understated—with a clean dial, minimalistic hour markers and a date function—and the craftsmanship speaks to those who appreciate well-made watches.

What the expert says: This watch is a beauty on the inside and out, says Gordon. “It’s equipped with 19 jewels and an impressive 72-hour power reserve—most automatic watches typically offer 40 hours,” he explains. “Its precision is further enhanced by the Nivachron hairspring, which provides magnetic resistance.”

Japanese watchmaker Seiko has several models that are consistently recognized as standouts for enthusiasts and collectors. Among the most notable is the Seiko 5 line, which was first introduced in the 1960s. The “5” represents the five key features Seiko prioritizes: automatic winding, day and date display, water resistance, recessed crown and durable construction. It does all this at a budget-friendly price point, too.

What the expert says: “This is a very good choice for the price,” says Gordon. If you’re looking for a starter watch, you can’t go wrong with this model. “While it doesn’t feature the highest grade of watch movements found in more expensive timepieces, they’re still reliable and well-made,” says Gordon.

TAG Heuer is known for its sporty yet sophisticated timepieces.The Aquaracer Professional 200 is tailored for diving enthusiasts and those with an active lifestyle. It has a water resistance of up to 200 meters, sleek stainless steel case and bracelet and luminescent dial for optimal visibility in low-light underwater conditions. Its unidirectional rotating bezel, a hallmark of dive watches, ensures safety during underwater adventures.

What the expert says: “TAG Heuer’s Aquaracer line has long proven to be a favorite for those looking to dip into the entry-level sports watch market,” says Lamdin. “This watch offers sturdy construction and solid mechanics.”

During World War II, Hamilton ceased consumer production of watches to focus solely on supplying the U.S. Armed Forces with reliable timepieces. The Khaki Field line draws inspiration from theose wartime watches, emphasizing durability and precision. The chronograph subdials are strategically placed to ensure easy readability and measure elapsed time, similar to a stopwatch. The dial is clear and legible, often in muted colors like black, green or brown, and luminescent hands and hour markers ensure visibility in low-light conditions.

What the expert says: Lamdin likes the military-inspired leather cuff strap and olive tonality on this watch. Although, he notes, “it’s sized at 44m with a 14.5mm thick profile, so the Automatic Chronograph isn’t for the smaller-wristed.” If you’re looking for something leaner, he recommends Hamilton’s core Khaki Field models.

A collaboration between American menswear designer Todd Snyder and Timex, the Blackout Expedition North Watch is a blend of modern and retro aesthetics, suitable for urban explorers. The rugged yet stylish monochromatic watch is solar-powered and has a durable black stainless steel case, a black leather strap and luminescent hands that help you keep track of time during evening or low-light conditions.

What the expert says: Forbes Vetted contributing fashion writer Lesley Rotchford loves the chic, all-black look and appreciates the solar-powered movement—which means that the battery only needs to be replaced about every 10 years. “Solar-powered watches are dependable,” agrees Gray.

Founded in 1868, the International Watch Company (IWC) specializes in aeronautical-inspired designs. The “Top Gun” series pays homage to elite jet pilots, combining technical sophistication with a design that mirrors the instruments found in a cockpit. This Swiss-made watch is anti-magnetic, a crucial feature for aviators, with a soft-iron inner case that protects the movement from magnetic fields to ensure accuracy. The sapphire crystal glass is also secured against drops in air pressure on flights.

What the expert says: This watch is tough but also refined. “It’s a good size and made of scratch-resistant black ceramic,” says Gray. “It has automatic winding mechanical movement so it winds with the natural motion of your wrist.”

Established in 1925, Laco has deep roots in aviation, producing watches for Luftwaffe pilots during WWII. Laco’s bold numerals are a nod to vintage pilot watches and the Swiss movement delivers both accuracy and durability. The “Type B” dial is a distinctive feature of this watch, characterized by an inner hour circle and an outer minute circle.

What the expert says: If you like a watch that commands attention, this is it. The Paderborn “is a large-sized watch for