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The Best Watches for Men at Every Price Point, According to Experts

Top timepieces to polish off any outfit.

Yoni Yardeni, Adam Mansuroglu, Oscar Hartzog

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August 10, 2026, 3:23pm

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Young man checking time on his elegant wristwatch; best watches for men to shop online

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In the world of watch trends, there are a few standout details to keep in mind when making a timepiece investment. Today, heritage meets modernity as many top watch brands take vintage-inspired designs to create lust-worthy new classics. While a bigger-is-better mentality has been a longtime case and bracelet trend, some of the most popular men’s watch styles have shrunk in size to 36 or 38mm, which also happens to complement the rise in genderless watch designs.

The Best Watches for Men of 2026

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Color also plays a major factor in the latest and greatest men’s watch releases. Dials doused in varying shades of green and other bold hues give a classic watch style a refreshing touch of charm that highlights every detail. Dress watches are on the rise, sports watches have a luxe look, but when it comes to selecting the best men’s watch, especially starter watches for a beginner collector, it really comes down to a personal style choice of what feels right for your wrist.

In the grand scheme, some men’s watches are a financial investment. But even then, as much as you should treat it with care, Hodinkee editorial director Malaika Crawford suggests that “watches are almost always purely decorative or sentimental in value, and you should treat a watch the way you would any other accessory or piece of jewelry.”

Although there are hundreds of special features (and price points) to sift through, there’s no reason to feel intimidated when shopping for your new timepiece. “We need to remember that there is no intellectual barrier to entry when purchasing watches,” says Crawford. “It’s okay to buy a watch because you think it looks nice, as opposed to being functional in any real capacity.”

That said, a traditional watch can never go out of style. We’ve seen the likes of Tyler, the Creator, Tom Cruise, Jay-Z, and dozens of other celebrities bring their classic Cartiers out to play, and Crawford implies this isn’t some big coincidence. “We are definitely seeing a return to the dress watch,” Crawford explains. “It’s a resurgence of more elegant timepieces that are more often than not vintage, from the likes of Cartier and Piaget.”

There are many types of watches out there, from drivers and divers to pilots and GMTs, a few of which you’ll find included throughout the guide. As far as the specialized options go, driver’s watches feature an angular dial for easy reading when hands are on the wheel, while pilot’s watches boast ultimate legibility for when it gets too bright up there.

Below, we highlight a variety of the best men’s watches that span various price points, styles, and functions.

The Best Watches for Men 2026

Timex Easy Reader Watch

Best for: Vintage aesthetic
Materials: Leather, brass, mineral crystal
Colorways: Brown/Cream
Movement: Quartz

$79

Buy Now at Timex

Touted by the brand as “the world’s most perfect watch,” there’s no way to ignore the iconic Timex Easy Reader. The iconic accessory has featured all the same elements since the late ’70s, from its minimalist dial to an oiled, water-resistant leather strap. Plus, Timex is no stranger to pushing the needle in the affordable department, as its signature Indiglo dial lends a helping hand in the dark, serving as a simple on-off nightlight. That, in addition to its 30-meter water resistance, makes it a worthwhile pick for under $100.

Seiko 5 Sports Watch

Best for: Daily wear
Materials: Stainless steel, Hardlex crystal
Colorways: Green
Movement: Automatic

$415

Buy Now at macy’s

The Seiko 5 is regularly cited as one of the best budget watches on the market. And for good reason. For less than $500 (sometimes less, depending on the reference), you get a dependable automatic movement, classic good looks, and a bulletproof build. There are literally thousands of Seiko 5 variants, but this SNXS-inspired style with a deep green face and minimal look is one of the most aligned with current watch trends.

G-Shock GM110BB-1A Watch

Best for: Durability
Materials: Resin band, stainless steel case, mineral crystal
Colorways: Black, blue, purple
Movement: Quartz

$199.99

Buy Now AT AMAZON

G-Shock watches have long been known for their toughness and resistance to various conditions. The GM110BB-1A is no exception, as it is designed to withstand rugged use, including up to 200 meters of water resistance. Moreover, its shock-resistant resin case guarantees defense in any environment, while the sturdy mineral crystal is an affordable alternative to pricier examples with sapphire. These outdoor-ready functionalities, on top of features like a stopwatch and the ability to check different time zones, make this one of the best value men’s watches you can find.

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Watch

Best for: Daily wear, dress watch
Materials: Stainless steel, sapphire crystal
Colorways: Green
Movement: Automatic

$850

Buy Now at bloomingdale’s

The Tissot PRX is uncannily similar to the ever-so-iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch, deeming it the glitziest alternative you’ll find at a much lower price. With water resistance up to 330 feet, this sleek and slim tonneau-shaped style features the iconic ’70s look with modern self-winding movement. The on-trend 40 mm watch features a stunning green dial with the brand’s Super-LumiNova technology to give you clarity in any light condition with a bold appearance.

Bulova Limited-Edition Rat Pack Frank Sinatra Watch

Best for: Suave, classic elegance
Materials: Stainless steel, sapphire crystal
Colorways: Black/yellow
Movement: Automatic

$850

Buy Now at bulova

Bulova’s limited-edition Rat Pack watch requires little-to-no explanation as to why it made our list of the best men’s watches right now. This beauty features a sleek, minimalist design with rich textural details for effortlessly cool, old Hollywood-style swagger. Inspired by legendary singers and menswear style icons like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra (who wore Bulova timepieces throughout his career), this exceptional watch comes in special Rat Pack packaging that makes it even more tempting to add to your cart immediately — especially since only 5,000 of these spectacular pieces were created.

Citizen Tsuki-yomi A-T Watch

Best for: Those looking for an affordable Moonphase
Materials: Titanium, sapphire crystal
Colorways: Blue
Movement: Solar quartz

$716 $895 20% off

Buy Now at Citizen

Citizen’s eye-catching array of timepieces almost have no excuse for being as affordable as they are, with the Tsuki-yomi A-T being a shining example — literally. Its “super titanium” encasement frames the brand’s signature H874 Eco-Drive movement, paving the way for over two years of power reserve. The stylish Moonphase watch also features a perpetual calendar and a whopping 24 time zones, giving you the world on the back of your hand.

Hamilton Khaki Field Murph Automatic Watch

Best for: Casual look and durability
Materials: Stainless steel, sapphire crystal
Colorways: Black
Movement: Automatic

$1,045

Buy Now at bloomingdale’s

If you have $2,000 to spend, we recommend picking up this Hamilton Khaki Field Murph Automatic for just over $1,000 and pocketing the rest — or putting it towards another watch. Around the price range, you should be able to get three things: a brand with real heritage, an automatic movement, and a sapphire crystal. This Hamilton delivers all three. The American brand has been making exceptional watches since 1892, and now produce boast the “swiss-made” designation that’s synonymous with enthusiast-level quality. The sapphire crystal face, meantime, subtly elevates the look of the watch above your standard budget timepiece.

Tudor Black Bay 54 Watch

Best for: Diver style, high-end components on a budget
Materials: Stainless steel, sapphire crystal
Colorways: Black
Movement: Automatic

$4,725

Buy Now at Reeds

We love the Rolex Submariner, of course, but watch enthusiasts will likely be more excited about this Black Bay 54 from Rolex’s sister company Tudor. It delivers the same build quality and classic diver look for about half the price. The 54 model also has a 37 millimeter case, which is ideally suited to the current trend of slightly smaller timepieces. True to its original seafaring purpose, the watch has a water-resistance rating of 200 meters for serious exploration.

What to Consider When Shopping for a Men’s Watch

Size: As put plainly by Crawford, “Size definitely matters.” Overall, you should think of a watch on your wrist the same way you would pants around your waist. “You should always consider the diameter in relation to your wrist size. And specs aren’t always the most accurate way of knowing what will work on you,” Crawford says. Though some people still prefer an oversized look, as she mentions, “there is no strict rule of thumb.”

Purpose: Since the rise of smartphones, a question that comes up often is, “Why even have a watch?” While it’s justified, many watches serve various purposes: Black-tie affairs, day-to-day wear, hyper-specific sports, and so much more. Ultimately, Crawford points out that “It’s also okay to wear watches as decoration.” And, whenever in doubt, they make a great gift for him.

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Finishing and closure: The finishing and closure of your watch play a substantial role in its overall look and feel. Pay close attention to the case and band materials, with one common combination being stainless steel for durability and leather for a lightweight feel. As far as the closure goes, you can often choose between a traditional buckle or a modern deployment clasp. If you’re trying the watch on in person, make sure it’s easy to fasten and secure.

Price: Much like a leather designer wallet, a luxury bag, or sunglasses, price is crucial when you’re in the market for a watch. So, set a budget and stick to it. Luxurious timepieces are enticing, but countless affordable examples still assure nothing short of quality. It comes down to your priorities, such as brand reputation, craftsmanship, or specific features, and balance them with your price range. Also, don’t forget to account for peskier, long-term maintenance costs, like battery replacements or servicing, which will vary depending on the watch brand and model.

How We Selected the Best Watches for Men in 2026

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continue to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.

We conducted thorough research to discover the horology world’s leading timepieces. This included tapping experts for interviews, sifting through customer reviews, and honing in on factors that determine what makes a watch truly great. Additionally, our team accounted for special features and markers of quality craftsmanship such as power reserve, water resistance, and case material. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Expert

Malaika Crawford is an Editorial Director at Hodinkee, the famed watch publication and e-commerce giant. Prior to this role, she served as a watches and jewelry editor for Highsnobiety.

Meet the Authors

Yoni Yardeni is a Los Angeles–based fashion and culture journalist who has written articles for publications including HiConsumption and Footwear News. Through prior stints, his work ranged from curating buyer’s guides for the best boots, sneakers, and jackets to revisiting Lil Wayne’s quintessential mixtapes and albums. Yardeni conducted thorough research to narrow down the market’s best watches for men.

Adam Mansuroglu was the Director of Commerce for Footwear News and WWD, where he oversaw strategy for shopping content while writing and editing product reviews and trend stories for both outlets. Prior to this role, Mansuroglu was a fashion editor and stylist at Cosmopolitan, style editor at BestProducts.com, and senior style and gear editor at Men’s Health. He’s been tapped as a shopping expert for editorial websites such as Wirecutter, and his writing has also appeared in Out Magazine, Esquire, and other publications. Mansuroglu updated this story with new watch releases.

Oscar Hartzog is a Managing Commerce Editor at Penske Media Corporation, overseeing lifestyle and commerce content across WWD, Footwear News, Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter, and Billboard. After a decade in the space, Hartzog has reviewed thousands of products spanning categories like fashion, fitness, spirits, and travel. He is passionate about helping people spend hard-earned dollars on purchases that live up to their hype, whether it’s a T-shirt, a bottle of whiskey, or a gift for a loved one. Hartzog graduated from The American University of Paris with a bachelor’s degree in comparative literature and philosophy.

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The Best Watches for Men at Every Price Point, According to Experts

In this article

View More

The Best Watches for Men of 2026

Timex Easy Reader Watch

Seiko 5 Sports Watch

G-Shock GM110BB-1A Watch

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Watch

Bulova Limited-Edition Rat Pack Frank Sinatra Watch

Citizen Tsuki-yomi A-T Watch

Hamilton Khaki Field Murph Automatic Watch

Tudor Black Bay 54 Watch

The Best Watches for Men 2026

Timex Easy Reader Watch

Seiko 5 Sports Watch

G-Shock GM110BB-1A Watch

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Watch

Bulova Limited-Edition Rat Pack Frank Sinatra Watch

Citizen Tsuki-yomi A-T Watch

Hamilton Khaki Field Murph Automatic Watch

Tudor Black Bay 54 Watch

What to Consider When Shopping for a Men’s Watch

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How We Selected the Best Watches for Men in 2026

Meet the Expert

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