The best watches for men in the UK 2023

A man's watch is an essential accessory. In addition to complementing men's clothing, it tells the time and sometimes offers a multitude of features for a more diversified use (sports, music, sleep analysis ...). A watch reflects the personality of the person who wears it, which is why its choice requires careful consideration. Analog, quartz, mechanical or connected, consult this guide and find the watch for men that you need.

Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB
9/10

Best value for your money

Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB

The best men's watch in 2021

More than just a fashion accessory, the Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB has a beautifully clean and sporty design. It requires a few adjustments, but this men's watch promises to be accurate.

92 £ on Amazon

The Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB men's watch with mineral glass protection comes in a stainless steel case measuring 40mm. Its black dial adds style and chic to your outfit. It is powered by a Japanese mechanical self-winding movement that is very accurate while providing up to 6 beats per second.

Good to know, this men's watch can withstand 20 bars of pressure under water. You can wear it without any problem during your swims. Just make sure you screw in the time setting crown before diving. Its bracelet, equipped with 3 rows of links, is made of 20 mm stainless steel. The edges of its rotating bezel, just like those of a 50 cent coin, are notched. It has a magnifying glass which makes reading the date quick and undistorted.

Casio G-Schock Kollektion DW-5600E-1VER
7/10

Best value for your money

Casio G-Schock Kollektion DW-5600E-1VER

The best entry-level men's watch

With a digital display, this men's watch is very sporty and works remarkably well once adjusted. It is water resistant and comes with a 4 year warranty.

70,34 £ on Amazon

At this price, you won't find better than the Casio G-Schock Kollektion DW-5600E-1VER. It includes a durable battery and promises water resistance up to 20 bar atmospheric pressure. Its sturdiness is not to be outdone, as this men's watch remains intact even after a 10 m fall. Moreover, you will quickly discover the excellent resistance of its mineral glass anti-scratch protection.

The Casio G-Schock Kollektion DW-5600E-1VER has a lot going for it. Indeed, this men's digital watch features a clever spring mechanism combined with a well-structured case that gives it elegance and performance. It has a measurement capacity of up to 24 hours. The audible alarm is programmable for your daily reminders.

Withings Scanwatch
9/10

Best value for your money

Withings Scanwatch

The best high-end men's watch

The functionalities offered here go to a higher level. This connected watch has all the useful options for personalized health monitoring. It comes with 2 extra bracelets.

264 £ on Amazon

The Withings Scanwatch perfectly fulfills the role it was initially assigned: telling the time. But beyond this primary functionality, this technological gem has other, much more interesting options. With a men's watch like this, you have an electrocardiogram, a pulse oximeter, a respiratory disturbance sensor, a heart rate monitor and a sleep tracker on your wrist.

This connected watch has a connected GPS and is water resistant up to 50 m, enough to make the competition swoon! Its timeless design does not go unnoticed, especially since it has a PMOLED screen protected by a sapphire crystal. Its battery offers a 30-day standby time. Data synchronization is done automatically via Bluetooth using the Health Mate application. It should be noted that this model recognizes Alexa, Google Fit, Strava and other applications specific to sports and health.

Diesel Chronographe Quartz DZ4360
8/10

Excellent selection

Diesel Quartz Chronograph DZ4360

The elegant classic

Diesel did not do things by halves with its Diesel Chronographe Quartz DZ4360 men's watch. Despite its aggressive look, the brushed finish and gold color fit perfectly with tuxedos.

128 £ on Amazon

The Diesel Chronograph Quartz DZ4360 is the epitome of elegance. This men's watch combines style and function to produce this masterpiece. The men's watch has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 59 mm and a bracelet made of the same material as the dial. Its date display function is guaranteed by its analog quartz movement.

Note that this men's watch is equipped with a mineral glass that allows it to be waterproof up to 10 ATM. Of course, the Diesel Chronograph Quartz DZ4360 comes with an exceptional warranty and even a certificate of authenticity from the brand. It looks quite imposing, but considering its performance, you will be delighted.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best watch for men

Any specific needs?

The best men's watch in 2021

The best entry-level men's watch

The best high-end men's watch

The elegant classic

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best watches for men

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB
9/10
Casio G-Schock Kollektion DW-5600E-1VER
7/10
Withings Scanwatch
9/10
Diesel Chronographe Quartz DZ4360
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB
Casio G-Schock Kollektion DW-5600E-1VER
Withings Scanwatch
Diesel Quartz Chronograph DZ4360
More than just a fashion accessory, the Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB has a beautifully clean and sporty design. It requires a few adjustments, but this men's watch promises to be accurate.
With a digital display, this men's watch is very sporty and works remarkably well once adjusted. It is water resistant and comes with a 4 year warranty.
The functionalities offered here go to a higher level. This connected watch has all the useful options for personalized health monitoring. It comes with 2 extra bracelets.
Diesel did not do things by halves with its Diesel Chronographe Quartz DZ4360 men's watch. Despite its aggressive look, the brushed finish and gold color fit perfectly with tuxedos.
Type
Mechanical self-winding
Quartz automatic
Analog chronograph clock, automatic
Quartz chronograph
Water resistance
Up to 20 bar
Up to 20 bar
Up to 50 m
Up to 10 ATM
Housing diameter
40 mm
43 mm
38 mm
59 mm
Material
Stainless steel, mineral glass
Resin strap, mineral crystal
Fluoroelastomer strap, Milanese mesh bracelet, lacquered bronze dial, sapphire crystal, chrome hands
Mineral glass, stainless steel
Manufacturer's warranty
2 years
4 years
2 years
2 years

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Buying guide - watch for men

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How to choose your watch for men

Choosing the right watch for men can be a real challenge. And yet, even though there are an unlimited number of models available on the market today, the ideal watch must be adapted to your needs as well as your use and habits. Let's take a look at the important criteria to consider.
choisir montre pour homme

#1 - The movement

The watch for men will not work without this parameter. It comes in 3 categories: automatic movement, solar movement and quartz movement.

  • The automatic movement : driven by kinetic energy, it is essentially wheels and springs that guarantee the movement.
  • Quartz movement : simpler than the previous one, men's watches with quartz movement run on a battery. The movements are relatively accurate.
  • The solar movement : it is derived from the energy of the sun. It uses a thin quartz plate to ensure the proper functioning of the watch.

#2 - The size

A watch band should have an average width of 20 mm. If it exceeds 25 mm, wearing it becomes less comfortable. As for the length, think about the circumference of your wrist and check that the chosen model allows for easy adjustment. Forget about push buttons or crowns that look flashy.

Between discreet and imposing models, the choice of dial is much more subjective. However, it is important to know that standard men's watches have a dial with a diameter of approximately 40 mm.

To make a long story short, here's how to choose the right case for your wrist:

  • Maximum wrist size of 15 cm: 32 mm dial.
  • Wrist circumference between 15 and 17 cm: dial of 28 mm to 36 mm.
  • Wrist circumference between 16 and 18 cm: dial from 36 mm to 44 mm.
  • Wrist circumference greater than or equal to 19 cm: dial from 42 mm to 50 mm.

#3 - The materials

In terms of straps, there are all kinds: plastic, leather, platinum, gold, steel and silicone. If you choose steel, be aware that the links may pull on your hair and hurt. While leather is durable and effective, we recommend leather as the perfect all-purpose material for a casual chic or more professional look.

Gold, platinum and aluminum are not to be overlooked either, but be careful if you have allergies. In recent years, Nato bracelets have appeared on the market. They stand out because of their military origin, which makes them extremely resistant and comfortable to wear.

The case, a symbol of the aesthetics of a man's watch, is usually coated with a thin layer of quality material such as gold or rhodium. The glass is made of plexi and for the top of the range, of sapphire glass. Note that this element must be anti-scratch.

#4 - The water resistance

Don't you find it painful to have to take off your men's watch when you want to swim or take the wave? Whether you want to shower, go to the pool or beach, walk in the rain ... your accessory is required to withstand water to the maximum. This characteristic is generally expressed by the mention ATM. It corresponds to the hydraulic pressure that the case can tolerate.

You just have to multiply the number before the unit of measurement (bars) by 10 to get a precise idea of the strength of your men's watch. Almost all of today's models offer resistance to a certain depth, with a minimum of 100 meters, or 10 bars.

#5 - The design

There is a men's watch for every occasion. And since it's all about taste, so it's up to you to find the design that best suits your use and clothing style. For example, you're not going to wear a shockproof watch with your 3-piece suit.

The eternal watch: watch with SpringDrive movement

The way a man's watch works differs depending on the type of model. But whatever it is, it gives you the time accurately without you having to look at the sun for reference. Although the difference lies particularly in its mechanism, let's focus on what a watch with SpringDrive movement really is.

Developed by Seiko, a leader in hand and dial design, the SpringDrive movement is an ingenious mechanism unlike any other. The gearing is reminiscent of the movements of a mechanical watch, but with bonuses, making it a hybrid model.

The watch with this innovation is considered eternal. And for good reason, it is equipped with a mainspring mechanism that can withstand heat and corrosion and offers an accuracy of +/- 1 sec/d. The hands move very smoothly thanks to the absence of an escapement, while the tri-synchro regulator proves to be very stable and durable. The power reserve is considerable, with an autonomy of 72 hours.

The different types of watches for men

Once you are aware of the different types of existing models, the choice of your watch for men will become obvious. They can be distinguished not by their design, but rather by their display system (analog or digital) and their mechanism (automatic, quartz or mechanical). Here they are in detail:

Men's automatic watch

montre automatique pour homme

Among the digital watches for men, the automatic watch or self-winding watch is by definition an accessory that operates according to the movements of the wrist of its user. It does not need to be wound or adjusted on a daily basis. The watch has a metal half-disc called a rotor or flywheel to store energy. Thus, it will continue to function even if you do not wear it (at night for example).

The autonomy offered by this energy goes from 24 to 48 hours. Despite its simple operation, this type of watch for men is quite expensive. It is necessary to wear it frequently to avoid the risk of its mechanism getting blocked. Less precise than a quartz watch for men, this one seduces many watch lovers.

Men's quartz watch

montre à quartz pour homme

This type of model, often with digital display, only appeared around the year 1967. The quartz, when shaken by electrical pulses, then produces mechanical vibrations resulting in an electrical oscillation of a particularly high frequency. It is thanks to these 32,000 vibrations per second that the watch hands start to move.

It is powered by a battery that can deliver the required electrical shocks. Its main advantage lies in its great precision. Indeed, the quartz watch for men loses, according to experts, only one small second every 6 years.

Men's mechanical watch

montre mécanique pour homme

In contrast to a quartz watch, the mechanical analog watch measures time using a spring mechanism and requires periodic winding. This means the technique of stretching the spring, which will then relax as it goes along and thus drive the movements of the hands.

No battery is required. You can easily recognize it by its ticking characteristic. The entry-level models are not really an example of precision since they lose about 60 seconds per day.

Men's sports watch

montre de sport pour homme

The men's sports watch offers features oriented primarily towards the practice of sports activities. These include heart rate sensors, GPS tracking... It comes in various versions each integrating options that meet more specific needs.

  • The chronograph watch can be part of analog or digital models. It allows athletes to time their journey (running, swimming, cycling ...). Easy to use, just press a button to start or stop the chrono.
  • The diving watch for men: its creation is inspired by the sporting life of the military. But it owes its popularity mainly to the film "The Silent World" by Jacques Cousteau. This model is defined by its perfect water resistance, up to more than 10 bars.

Men's connected watch

montre connectée pour homme

The connected watch for men is, in the generality of cases, with digital display. However, some exceptions can occur such as hybrid watches. Considered the ultimate, it connects easily to a smartphone under iOS or Android, but also to the Web. Some models make it possible to take photos, receive calls and SMS, track, notifications, etc. as if you had a smartphone, but in a more compact version. In this field, Galaxy Watch, Apple Watch, Withings and Fitbit are competing to reach the top level.

Analog and digital watch for men

The analog watch for men has a special display model. It has a small clock face indicating the time on an interval from 1 to 12 hours. The accessory is equipped with 2 hands: the large one for the minutes and the small one for the hour. On some models, you can find a3rd hand indicating the seconds. The numbers can be traditional (1, 2, 3...) or Roman (I, II, III...). On the other hand, the digital watch for men or digital watch has no hands. The time, which can be 12 or 24 hours, is displayed in the form of numbers, either through LEDs or liquid crystals.

Connected watch for men or smartphone?

Connected watch for men

The connected watch is a pure concentrate of technology. Thanks to its versatility, you will feel like a James Bond. It is described as a miniature computer or a mini smartphone and has only its location in common with ordinary watches: on the wrist. This type of watch is characterized by the presence of a touch screen of a correct width and several buttons on the side.

Apart from giving the time and date, the connected watch for men also has the ability to contain mobile applications. So anything that happens on your smartphone, you will be able to see on your watch. It connects via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. There are water resistant or solar rechargeable models.

Smartphone

The smartphone has a large touch screen where you can send emails, manage your calendar, play mobile games, access the Internet and more. It can be synchronized with a PC using Bluetooth connectivity or a USB cable. The keyboard appears only when typing.

A smartphone does not work without an OS or operating system like iOS, Windows Mobile or Android. That's why it can easily substitute for a computer by performing tasks that were previously only dedicated to it. Apart from these basic parameters, the smartphone allows, among other things, the opening of different multimedia hobbies such as playing audio and video files, taking and displaying photos, geolocation...

Verdict

The connected watch for men saves you from having to carry a large smartphone. As practical as it is handy and light, it is particularly recommended for athletes who want to improve their performance and for people who want to take care of their health while always having the data from their smartphone at hand.

Unlike a connected watch, a smartphone requires the installation of numerous applications if you plan to access specific features such as step counters or heart rate monitors. The capacity and autonomy of its battery as well as the internal memory capacity make it more practical in daily life.

Why buy a watch for men?

pourquoi acheter montre pour homme

Are you tempted to buy a man's watch? You should know that you don't choose your watch at first sight because it should not only reflect your personality but also match your looks without any fuss. Here are the main reasons to choose a man's watch:

An excellent complement to your wardrobe

The watch is an essential fashion accessory for a man since in this field, the range is quite limited. Thanks to it, you will easily stand out. Your entourage will see you as a person who takes care of himself, who looks good and who pays attention to the smallest detail.

An infinite number of styles

If you appreciate all that is beautiful, then you will be seduced by the diversity of styles that exist. It is considered an authentic work of art. You will find them in all shapes, colors and styles. Some have a gold plated finish for added elegance. Others come with additional straps for added versatility.

The professional world

In some professional fields, you are required to demonstrate your success in an explicit way. A men's watch is the weapon you need to achieve this feat. Having such an accessory on your wrist sends a subliminal message to your customers and builds trust.

For pleasure

That's right! To each his own! Maybe you just want to spend your money on something luxurious. Instead of buying the latest car, trying the most expensive menu at a gourmet restaurant or spending your vacation in Dubai, you buy a man's watch. This is a practice that combines the useful with the pleasant.

Identity and belonging

We'll never stop saying it, your men's watch IS your identity. It also attests to your social status. Thus, a sportsman will instinctively choose a chronograph or a connected watch, a high dignitary will wear a branded analog watch, a doctor will opt for a watch with a pulse oximeter...

The best brands of watches for men

In our opinion, the best brands of watches for men in 2022 are :

Tommy Hilfiger
Casio
Hugo Boss
Withings
Citizen

The American brand was founded in 1985 and specializes in selling high-end items such as ready-to-wear, shoes, perfumes and watches. The latter are characterized by their timeless design and sophistication.

Created in the mid-1940s, Casio produced only calculators. It was around 1970 that it made its debut in the world of marketing watches for men. In fact, it was the first to offer a digital display watch in 1974.

The Hugo Boss watch is a reference in terms of high-end men's watches. They are made with high quality materials like leather and stainless steel. Those looking for a gift idea for men often choose a model from the brand because of its very good quality/price ratio.

Withings is a specialist in connected objects that are essential to daily life such as smart scales or even watches for men. The latter include innovative technologies and offer features such as electrocardiogram.

A Japanese brand, it was born in 1918. The first Citizen watch was purchased at a very high price representing nearly 20% of a monthly salary. It is the instigator of the EcoDrive technology. The men's watch does not need a battery change or manual winding, but takes advantage of solar energy.

What is the price for a watch for men

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
25 £ to 125 £
Mid-range
125 £ to 300 £
High-end
more than 300 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Wear your men's watch on the right wrist

To wear a men's watch properly, place it on your left wrist, as opposed to your more dominant hand. In the case of a left-handed person, the watch is therefore worn on the right hand.

Take your watch to an expert for service

Don't play the expert if your men's watch has some malfunctions. Ask for help from a watchmaker, the only qualified person who can fully understand the movements of a watch. Even if it's not damaged, the professional will still perform the necessary revisions.

Choose the right band for your watch

A men's watch forged from metal will need to match a bracelet designed from the same alloy. Of course, nylon, leather, silicone bracelets are not excluded although they respectively adapt to different situations.

Be polite in public

Like the phone, the watch for men should not be consulted abusively especially if you are in an appointment or meeting. This act would be frowned upon and taken as rudeness. By doing so for no apparent reason, your caller will think you are not interested in his presence or are just looking for a way to leave.

Some rules to follow

  • Yes, men's watches are impeccably water resistant. However, we recommend that you remove it when you wash your hands, dishes and shower. This will prevent damage to the gears and seals.
  • Don't use your watch for every occasion. There are hybrid models for that purpose and even models that come with multiple straps.
  • Read the instructions for your men's watch as soon as you receive it so that you don't get into trouble if you make a mistake.

FAQ

What really distinguishes the Rolex from other men's watches?

Technically, the Rolex watch is every man's dream. However, don't be fooled by Jacques Séguéla's famous phrase that went viral in 2009: "If at 50 you don't have a Rolex, you've missed your life". Unlike classic models, the sumptuousness of a Rolex is mainly based on the know-how and prestige of the brand as well as the ingenious technical features of the accessory.

Which men's watch is best suited for the summer season?

In summer, it is better to plan tobuy a waterproofmen's watch with a resistance level of at least 5 ATM or more if you want more peace of mind. A solid strap is also a must. Avoid leather models. We strongly recommend Nato straps, which are easy to clean, comfortable and sweat-proof.

How to distinguish a men's watch from a woman's?

You can tell a man's watch from a woman's by its size. Indeed, the one intended for women is quite small and compact while benefiting from a well detailed finish with various decorative elements. On the contrary, the watch for men looks more like a gadget thanks to its built-in features.

Are there versatile models?

Watches for men are like shoes, each style is associated with specific occasions. Since you wouldn't wear sneakers to business meetings, so you'll avoid sports watches when you put on your shirt and tie. The solution is the men's dress watch. Elegant and ultra-versatile, it's perfect for any event: weddings, interviews, casual parties...

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. https://fr.wikihow.com/choisir-une-montre, wikihow.com
  2. https://www.seikowatches.com/fr-fr/customerservice/knowledge/springdrive-knowledge, seikowatches.com
  3. https://www.lepoint.fr/montres/rolex/quel-est-le-vrai-prix-d-une-rolex-07-05-2013-1998346_2839.php, lepoint.fr
  4. https://www.esquire.com/uk/watches/g25973970/best-mens-watches/, esquire.com
  5. https://www.letemps.ch/economie/cette-rolex-quon-ne-acheter, letemps.ch
  6. https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/gallery/best-mens-watches, gq-magazine.co.uk
  7. https://www.themanual.com/fashion/best-watches-for-men/, themanual.com
  8. https://www.t3.com/features/best-watches, t3.com
  9. https://www.capital.fr/conso/les-montres-rolex-une-bonne-idee-de-placement-1370744, capital.fr
  10. https://www.bilan.ch/finance/les_cinq_rolex_dans_lesquelles_investir_, bilan.ch
  11. https://www.trendhim.fr/articles/283/comment-porter-une-montre-pour-homme-de-maniere-stylee, trendhim.fr
  12. https://www.gqmagazine.fr/style/article/les-7-regles-pour-porter-une-montre-que-chaque-homme-devrait-suivre, gqmagazine.fr
  13. https://luxotheque.com/conseils-style/, luxotheque.com
  14. https://blog.crownandcaliber.com/how-to-wear-watch/, blog.crownandcaliber.com
  15. https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/11-rules-of-the-watch/, gentlemansgazette.com
  16. Watches, zalando.fr
  17. , histoiredor.com
  18. , galerieslafayette.com
  19. , amazon.co.uk
  20. , maty.com
  21. , watchshop.fr
  22. , 1001-montres.fr
  23. , charlie-paris.com
  24. , tissotwatches.com
  25. , fossil.com
  26. , cdiscount.com
  27. , festina.com
  28. , louispion.fr
  29. , 1001-montres.fr
  30. , cleor.com
  31. , montresandco.com
  32. , labaie.com
  33. , rolex.com
  34. , bijourama.com
  35. , chic-time.fr
  36. , deavita.fr
  37. , amazon.co.uk
  38. , chrono24.fr
  39. , montre.be
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB
Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB
Casio G-Schock Kollektion DW-5600E-1VER
Casio G-Schock Kollektion DW-5600E-1VER
Withings Scanwatch
Withings Scanwatch
Diesel Chronographe Quartz DZ4360
Diesel Quartz Chronograph DZ4360

Lecteurs

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