Looking for men's watches that work in everyday life and still show character? For most men, a versatile watch between 38 and 42 millimetres with a solid movement is the safest choice. Here you will find sought-after men's watches with their technical data: movement and drive, case size, glass and water resistance, each with an honest guide price for orientation.
What really matters in a good men's watch can be summed up in a few points: the watch type, the size in proportion to the wrist, the drive and the value for money. A robust dive or field watch is uncomplicated during the day, a slim dress watch belongs with a shirt and suit. If you want to stay flexible, go for a sporty all-rounder with a steel bracelet.
Compare the models at your leisure and, if needed, switch to the full overview of all watches or to the interactive comparison. Our watch knowledge section explains the key terms from power reserve to sapphire crystal, and the Watch Finder gives you a personal recommendation.
Here you will find short, clear answers about buying a men's watch. They help you with size, type, movement and water resistance, so you can decide faster which men's watch suits you.
Most men's watches today measure between 38 and 42 millimetres in diameter. On slim wrists under 17 centimetres, 36 to 39 millimetres looks more balanced, while sturdy wrists can also carry 42 to 44 millimetres well. What matters is that the lugs do not extend beyond the wrist.
Simple dress watches and understated sports watches with a steel bracelet or leather strap suit the office. A calm dial without large prints looks professional and is not distracting. Models between 36 and 40 millimetres fit under any shirt cuff.
Proven entry points into mechanical watches are models from Seiko, Orient and Citizen between €150 and €400. They offer solid movements, good build quality and a wide dealer network. More important than the brand is that size and type fit your everyday life.
For everyday wear and hand washing, 50 metres or 5 bar is enough. For swimming it should be 100 metres, and for diving 200 metres with a screw-down crown. The metre rating is a test pressure and not a diving depth, so more reserve is never a bad idea.