Since wristwatches became popular for men after World War I (fun fact: they were worn mainly by women in the late 19th century), they have been an essential part of how men dress – not just for telling time but also for the ultimate finishing touch to your look. Whether it's a sleek chronograph for suited moments or a smartwatch for the digitally savvy, there's a style (or styles) that makes for excellent wrist candy. Picking one can be a little daunting, especially given how many are in the market.
The beauty of watches and watch collecting is that while timelessness is important, there are small but essential hints of newness that both watch aficionados and new watch buyers alike should be excited about. Just under the cuff, small peeks at new timepieces emerge: green dials, sleeker designs, and hybrid construction. Here are some preferred styles to suit many situations.
Dress watches
Characterised by slim profiles, minimalist dials, and luxurious materials, the dress watch is probably one of the most important accessories you can buy. We've recently seen many more men paying attention to it, especially on red carpets. It's not just about rocking a Rolex, it's about an elegant horological addition to your collection. Often, the only heirloom men receive is the dress watch, which is a key component of being smartly dressed.
The Tank Louis Cartier Watch
Proof that what's old is new. This iconic style feels just as fresh today as it did when it premiered in 1922. Detailed with a semi-matte black alligator strap and bright cobalt blue sapphire crown, it's the ideal companion for your tuxedos and Saville Row tailoring.
Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto
Generally, we think of watches being seen and not heard, but we're willing to make exceptions for this one. Powered by FS01 movement, every time an hour passes, you'll hear a little chime. This timepiece from the nascent brand features a Grade-5 titanium case and floating dial of your choice. Pair this with your best tailored look, and you're good to go.
Ressence Type 1² Night Blue
A reimagined version of the original from 2010, this slim style is quite a special and unique one. Engineered with cutting-edge ROCS (Ressence Orbital Convex System) and a self-winding movement, this timepiece is reminiscent of a sports car dashboard. There is nothing traditional about this style, so we recommend pairing it with a more sartorial outfit.
Dive watches
Specifically and originally engineered for underwater exploration, these watches are, of course, water resistant and designed for underwater adventures and workouts. Even if you're not training to be the next Michael Phelps, you can still wear this mid-century style at places outside of aquatic nature.
DOXA SUB 200t Sea Emerald
Boasting that talked-about green dial, this new style, borrows from the original but has made some impressive updates. Updates include a 39mm diameter case, which tends to be a bit more elegant, plus a tweaked dial design for a more contemporary feel. As smart as it looks, it's very much a watch you can wear when exploring under the sea. Win-win.
OMEGA Seamaster Diver
Fun fact: this year (and arguably this watch) marks the 31st time the brand has been the official timekeeper of the Olympics, which explains the iconic Paris Olympic design on the case back. Crafted from stainless steel and 18K Moonshine™ Gold, it's no surprise that this style is currently waitlisted. Yacht club looks await.
Pilot watches
Much like aviator glasses and shearling leather jackets, the origin story of this style starts in the cockpit. Over 120 years since the pilot watch was first rumoured to have landed, these styles have become a sky-high addition to your wrist. Take flight in some of these styles – here are a few tips on making the most of this accessory.
Bulova Meteorite Limited Edition Lunar Pilot
Picture it: in 1971, astronaut Dave Scott took a walk on the moon with a Bulova watch on. Today, that design is revisited with of-the-moment details and, of course, with space in mind. Beneath the sleek flat sapphire crystal lies a six-hand chronograph dial meticulously fashioned from an authentic Muonionalusta meteorite, boasting an age of about 4.5 million years. The 43.5 mm sandblasted silver-tone grade 5 titanium case, complemented by polished accents, exudes a dynamic and remarkably lightweight allure when adorning the wrist. Given the history of this style, this style can be worn everywhere – including out of this world.
Chronograph watches
Dating back to the 1800s, the chronograph (which technically means timewriter but translates to stopwatch) was first created for astronomy purposes. It was later adapted to accurately measure the length of a horse race; now, over 200 years later, this timepiece is a sleek, sophisticated way to tell time and complement what you are wearing.
The MontBlanc 1858 Minerva Monopusher Chronograph
As far as collector's items and potential heirlooms, nothing is a more suitable investment than a limited edition style. With only 88 made, this timepiece is truly one of our favourites. Horoning Minerva's aviation legacy, this style boasts an 18K white gold fluted bezel designed for effortless use (even with gloves) and housed in a 42 mm stainless steel case. The perfect blend of style and functionality, pair it with a more relaxed look – think weekend casual.
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