Introduction

So, where do you start when choosing the best designer watches for men. I suppose you really need to define what a designer watch is. This may mean different styles to different folks, but we’ll give you our opinion of what a designer watch is.

Firstly, and most importantly is the timeless style of the watch, which in nearly all cases is classic and fashionable, without being overly trendy. Watches of the moment go out of style such as a Fitbit style of watch which is made for a particular purpose in mind. Yes, fitness watches will always be popular but not the Fitbit style.

Add to this the durable materials the watch is built with, such as top-grade plastics, titanium, platinum and of course gemstones or precious stones. Many of these materials such as titanium, help with keeping the watch lightweight. Platinum on the other hand is much heavier, increasing the weight which many big men prefer.

We still consider various genres as designer watches because they can still be worn in a casual manner. This includes some sports, aviator or marine watches.

We’ve arranged a brief buying guide with a few things to consider before buying your next designer watch. We’ve arranged our list into price category as not everyone can afford the absolute best designer watches for men. The cheaper category is based more on style than quality.

Designer Watches for Men – Buying Guide

Watch Movement

There’s a few different types of internal workings that make your watch serviceable and keep time as accurately as possible. Known as watch movement, there’s the ever-popular Quartz, automatic or mechanical movement.

Quartz is the most common time-piece movement, especially in lower and mid-range watches. They are created via electronics, so a battery is used to power them. It’s known as Quartz because there is Quartz crystal inside the watch which is used to synchronize an electronic oscillator. This is how the watch generates its power.

So obviously you’ll be required to change battery, but only every few years.

Mechanical and automated watches are both made with moving parts inside that require winding up. The difference being that the Automatic watch is wound up automatically by the users’ general day to day movement. Without knowing it, the wearer’s arm motion generates power for the internal gears to wind the mainspring.

Mechanical on the other hand requires you to manually turn the mainspring on the side of the watch. This is an older and more traditional way to power your watch that is quite addictive. Many people enjoy this older method of energizing their watch.

Watch Case

When we talk about a watch case, we’re including the shell that holds all the internal mechanics or intricate pieces together. When it comes to choosing a stylish designer watch case, its suggested that you don’t go for something too busy, instead choose a case that is more of a classic style. You will still have a multitude of options with the classic style with various shapes and materials to choose from.
Thin round case faces are a timeless classic along with square and rectangular frames.

You’ll also want to consider the material that your watch case will be made from. Some materials such as titanium are a softer metal, so you may find that it is not scratch resistant.

Gold is a soft metal, but scratches can be easily polished out. There’s various colors of gold that you can choose from such as traditional yellow, pink, red or rose gold.

Watch Glass

There’s not too many types of glass cover, as mineral glass is the most common and if you’re looking for a higher end watch, you’ll probably find that sapphire is the glass that will be used.

Watch Strap

It goes without saying that a leather watch strap is a nice luxury, but you’re not just restricted to leather. In-fact there’s different types of leather from cheaper faux versions to the top-end genuine leather.

Other options include rubber or genuine alligator or crocodile straps. Then there’s the steel metal, or even precious metals such as gold. A nice strap will make it feel as if you don’t even have a watch on your wrist. The last thing you want is a rash from the wrong material for your skin.

Clasps and buckles are another thing you may want to pay attention to. You can always add or remove buckles or clasps later, but if you can buy a watch with a clasp that you like, it saves you the bother of changing it.

Some metal watch bands have deployment clasps which may be your preference.

Functions

There’s the typical type of functions that are more practical such as date/time, stopwatch, alarm etc, and then there’s the intricate specialities where the watchmaker shows off his or her craft such as the movements of the lunar orbit or chiming quarter hours.

And don’t forget the specifics that are meant to serve a purpose like oxygen indication on diving watches or celestial observations on an aviator watch.

Do you really need a watch where you will not use the majority of the functions? Probably not but often the decision to purchase a watch comes down to design and fashion. The functions can make a big difference to the cost so if you’re on a budget, limit your preferred desires.

Now you’ve learnt a little about due diligence, have a browse of our best designer watches for men for this year.

Watches are a very personal item and each of us visualise perfection differently. To start our selection of watches under $250 we’ve chosen a designer watch with divers in mind that speaks volumes in terms of durability.

This watch can be worn at so many occasions and fit in with the style of the moment. It’s a mechanical watch that does not require winding of the mainspring. This automatic time piece is for those that enjoy a round face with a solid base of basic functions.

Here’s just some of the great advantages of this diver’s watch:

• The case is made from 42mm polished stainless-steel and the glass casing is crafted from Hardlex crystal making it scratch resistant.
• It’s water resistant down to 600 feet (200 meters) below water level, perfect for those that love the ocean.
• The classic design features a deep blue and red unidirectional bezel and shows the day and date in the window at 3:00 on the dial face.
• Rugged and stylish design that you can wear just about anywhere.
• The bezel rotates so you can alignit to markers, to measure time that has elapsed. Ideal for those that have been in water for long periods.
• As the watch has automatic movement, any time you swing your arm during the day (which is basically all day!) the watch gets powered by this motion. Therefore, no batteries are required.

Even though this is advertised as a diver watch to 200m, we’d suggest that you only use it for general swimming and showering. Scepticism comes to mind when they suggest water resistant rather than water proof.

It’s a great watch for the price and well over 300 customers have given this a 4.4-star review with many nice comments.

Features

Scratch resistant casing

Water resistant to 600 feet (200m)

Rotating bezel for measuring elapsed time

If you’re after a little more bling in a watch without the price-tag of full scale bling, this may be your next perfect time piece. It looks like you should be prancing around on a luxury yacht, but you can get this watch for under $250.

Michael Kors have a category known as the Lexington collection which is for the aspirational man. This watch is part of the Lexington collection with its sleek, streamlined look. It’s not hard to notice the gold features, including the gold tone stainless-steel bezel.

The watch has some great feature including the following:

• Quartz movement which is reliable and the most common type of watch movement. The Japanese do it well!
• You’ll be able to swim, shower and snorkel in this watch as it’s water resistant to 330 feet (100m).
• 2 Year warranty which will hopefully not be required.
• Plenty of bling if that’s your thing. Gold/stainless steel.
• Chronograph features on the dial for stopwatch precision. The face also features a date window and roman numeral on the figure 12.

Although there’s too much bling for me, many folks would love the look of this stylish time piece. In-fact over 30 customers have rated it 4.9-stars, obviously it’s a quality product.

One of the things I really like here is the 2-year warranty (which most companies offer). It’s peace of mind just in case something goes wrong.

Features

Japanese Quartz Movement

Gold-tone and Stainless Bling

Chronograph Features

Made by the same company as the above watch, this Bulova men’s marine features rose-gold plated tones which sets it apart from many other time pieces. The shiny rose-gold works well against the dominant black face and buttons. Can you see yourself cooking up a storm in your BBQ apron showing off this watch to your mates? Yeah, me too.

The watch band is also black and is made of rubber, making it ideal for water sports. It’s water-resistant to 100m (330 feet) and has a Chronograph dials so I’d recommend use for sailing or similar activities. But it also wears nicely for casual occasions due to the class and style.

Here’s some other aspects of this watch that I really like:

• The face of the watch with large rose-gold roman numerals works extremely well against the black background.
• The glass case is made from mineral crystal making is scratch-resistant. This is a necessity when used in activity sports.
• The luminous hands are nice and bright when used in darker surrounds.
• The rubber band is nice and thick making it just as durable as other bands, if not more so.

The Bulova name is synonymous with quality watches but without the Rolex price tag. You can be sure you’re getting a nice durable and individual watch that will last a long time.

The only knock I can find with this watch, is the date window gets a little lost amongst the Chronograph dials. Other then that, it’s a beauty in this price range.

Features

Rose-Gold Tones

Scratch-Resistant

Rubber Band

What! Plain looking watch you may ask. Well maybe, but not everyone requires chronograph dials, large numbers or an alarm. In-fact most people who purchase these types of busy watches very rarely use the functions available to them. Often it all about vanity, looking the part and having a watch that makes you feel good about yourself.

And this is one watch that can do just that, but I’d say it’s more designed towards unpretentious types. There’s no razzle-dazzle involved here, just a pure quality men’s watch that won’t let you down. You’ll benefit from everyday functions along with durability, the perfect watch for man that appreciates traditional style.

The functions that you’ll appreciate with this watch are:

• As with other watches, it has a Sapphire Hardlex crystal cover making the watch scratch-resistant.
• You’ll still benefit from 100m of water-resistance depth.
• I love the stainless-steel bracelet band and polished finish of the case which has been fine brushed. The silver-tone hour markers are enhancing the off-white sports dial which models luminous hands.
• You’ll never change a battery again as the watch is energized by automatic movement. This means your watch regenerates power every time your arm is in motion. Read our buying guide for more info on this.

You can find more specifications, reviews and Q & A’s when you click on the accompanying button. With a great rating of 4.6-stars from over 140 reviews, its one very nice watch.

Features

Automatic Movement

100m Water-Resistant

Hardlex Sapphire-Crystal

Discover the allure of precision and style with the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional Automatic watch, a true masterpiece that seamlessly blends functionality with elegance. This timepiece is more than just a watch; it is a celebration of adventure and sophistication. Crafted from stainless steel, its robust case is designed to withstand the rigors of your active lifestyle, making it the perfect companion for both underwater escapades and formal gatherings.

The unidirectional bezel ensures that you can keep track of your diving time with absolute confidence, whether you are exploring the depths of the ocean or simply enjoying a day by the pool. The TAG Heuer symbol gracing the dial is a testament to the Swiss craftsmanship and innovation that this brand is known for, symbolizing a legacy of excellence in watchmaking.

Imagine the conversations this striking timepiece will ignite as it catches the light in elegant fashion. With every tick, it tells a story of precision engineering, high-performance features, and a design ethos that resonates with those who appreciate the finer things in life. The Aquaracer Professional is not just built for the water; it is built for you, embodying a spirit of exploration and sophistication that invites you to seize every moment.

Embrace the thrill of wearing a watch that reflects your adventurous spirit and impeccable taste. With the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional Automatic, time becomes an experience, guiding you through every dive, every meeting, and every occasion with unrivaled style and reliability. Elevate your collection today and indulge in the luxury of timekeeping redefined.

Features

Push Button Deployment Clasp

Water resistant to 300 meters/1000 feet

TAG Heuer symbol on dial

Imagine a timepiece that embodies elegance and sophistication, a watch that not only tells time but also tells a story. The Rado Centrix Skeleton Automatic is a perfect example of how luxury can meet artistry, and it stands as a testament to Rado’s commitment to innovation and design.

This watch is not just about aesthetics; it offers a unique glimpse into the intricate world of horology. The skeletonized dial allows you to marvel at the delicate mechanics at work, showcasing the precision and craftsmanship that Rado is renowned for. Each tick of the Swiss movement is a reminder of the dedication poured into its creation, making it a true conversation starter.

Crafted from high-quality ceramic, this timepiece is as durable as it is stunning. The glossy finish not only catches the eye but also withstands the rigors of everyday wear. Whether you are in a boardroom meeting or enjoying a casual dinner, the Rado Centrix elevates your outfit, seamlessly blending with any style.

The addition of 18k gold accents brings a touch of timeless luxury, enhancing the overall design without overwhelming it. This perfect harmony of materials results in a watch that feels more like a piece of fine jewelry than just an accessory. It complements both formal attire and casual ensembles, making it a versatile addition to your collection.

Wearing the Rado Centrix Skeleton is akin to wearing a piece of art on your wrist. Its unique design encourages admiration and sparks curiosity, inviting those around you to explore the beauty of its mechanics. It is a watch that not only serves a function but also embodies a lifestyle of sophistication and refinement.

For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the Rado Centrix Skeleton Automatic is more than a watch; it is an experience. Embrace the elegance, enjoy the craftsmanship, and let this exquisite timepiece redefine your understanding of luxury. Choose this watch, and let every moment become a statement of style and sophistication.

Features

Scratchproof resistant

Nautical inspired

80 Hours Power Reserve

Conclusion

So, in concluding this best designer watches for men review, we leave it in your hands to find the style, functionality and budget that is right for you. Nobody can advise you what to buy, only you can surmise your own situation and what excites you in a purchase.

Fortunately, there are many choice’s in the field of time pieces and the options are many. If you’re unsure, here’s a link to all the men’s watches at Amazon for you to browse. Best of luck.

If you’d like to share your favorite with us, please feel free to add to the discussion below.

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