Best Mens Watches for 2013
by Pixelrage
Best Mens Watches for 2013
Updated March 8, 2013
View a list of the best men's watches for 2013: casual, sport and dress watches from the world's best selling brands.
Find the right watch for the right occasion and outfit! Take a look at the new year's best sporty, casual, formal and luxury watches constructed of everything from stainless steel to titanium.
Contents at a Glance
Different Styles of Mens Watches
The right watch for the right occasion
A Universal Yet Personal TreasureMens Watches are an ideal gift for special occasions: Father's Day, anniversaries, wedding gifts, birthdays, graduations, promotions, or a simple 'thank you' gift. Not only do they tell time, but accent one's wardrobe while representing class and prestige. A classy watch is great eye-candy while you're out on a job interview, or entertaining clients. A high quality watch is a possession that one can treasure for a lifetime.
Sporty vs. Dressy
Always know that there is a difference between the two. You wouldn't wear a Movado Fiero to the ball game, nor would you wear a Seiko Sportura to your retirement dinner. Sporty watches are for everyday use, such as work and recreational events; whereas Dressy watches are for special occasions, black-tie events, and weddings. Know the importance of both,
and think of which is most needed.
Citizen Men's Watches
Citizen makes a line of fine chronograph and formal watches for men, ranging from fashionable leather and steel casuals to elegant rectangular two-tone dress watches. Citizen watches are powered by their patented "Eco-Drive" technology: solar powered watches that get their energy from sun and synthetic light. You'll never have to wind them, nor will you ever have to change their battery.
Citizen Men's BL5250-02L Eco-Drive Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Watch
A beautifully rugged quartz watch for men, Citizen's Eco-Drive Perpetual Calendar features titanium case construction, a slate blue dial and Citizen's famous "Eco-Drive" solar-powered watch technology. This mens watch has a chronograph, 12 or 24 hour time, dual time, an alarm, and a perpetual calendar that automatically displays the date by itself, even in leap year. Its design is complimented by a quality brown leather strap.
Part of the solar powered Eco-Drive line of Citizen watches whose batteries never need replacing, this mens watch features a sporty canvas woven strap, black dial with enlarged numbers, chronograph, date and 24-hour time functions.
Featuring a solid stainless steel case, day-date calendar function and Eco-Drive solar charged battery -- this quartz movement mens Citizen watch is accented with a beautiful black leather alligator-pattern strap with matching steel buckle.
This is Citizen's crowning achievement in the "chronograph" category of mens watches: the Nighthawk is one of their most famous models, built for aviators. Features a pilot's slide rule, GMT time capability and a massive 43 mm wide case.
Water resistant up to 984 feet (300 meters), Citizen's Eco-Drive dive watch for men is constructed with a stainless steel screw-down crown, luminous hands & markers, and a signature black polyurethane rubber strap.The Inner Workings
What's A "Chronograph?"
Watches that have chronograph functionality will feature a bezel (outer ring that encircles the watch dial) that is capable of counting to 60. In essence, it is a stopwatch feature that can be used to time events. In field applications, they are used primarily in yachting, aeronautics and auto sports.
Mechanical vs. Quartz
Quartz technology was developed in 1969 and popularized in 1980. Quartz watches pass vibrations through a quartz crystal, creating a signal that is extremely precise. After being introduced to the world, the technology was in such high demand that several watch brands who hadn't adapted it, such as Invicta, practically went out of business. Any quartz watch, right off the bat, is a quality product.
Watches that have chronograph functionality will feature a bezel (outer ring that encircles the watch dial) that is capable of counting to 60. In essence, it is a stopwatch feature that can be used to time events. In field applications, they are used primarily in yachting, aeronautics and auto sports.
Mechanical vs. Quartz
Quartz technology was developed in 1969 and popularized in 1980. Quartz watches pass vibrations through a quartz crystal, creating a signal that is extremely precise. After being introduced to the world, the technology was in such high demand that several watch brands who hadn't adapted it, such as Invicta, practically went out of business. Any quartz watch, right off the bat, is a quality product.
Seiko Men's Watches
No doubt about it - Seiko is the most searched-for mens watch of all. With masculine mens watch styles that can be used for both casual and dress situations, Seiko's reliable, sturdy and affordable watches are a fan favorite for a reason. Their "Kinetic" self-winding technology means you won't have to have a life-long ritual of turning a dial to re-wind your watch.
Seiko Men's SNK809 Seiko 5 Automatic Black Canvas Strap Watch
Self-winding and never needing a new battery, this stainless steel cased mens watch from Seiko features an "exhibition" back (see-through rear panel) and a sporty canvas strap with luminescent numbers and markers.
Extremely classy with chocolate and bronze tones, the Seiko Black Ion watch for men features a Hardlex scratch-proof crystal within its stainless steel 39.5mm case, date function, 330 feet water resistance, and is self-winding.
With a huge 42 mm wide dial, Seiko's Flight Alarm mens watch features flight industry-precise chronograph functions: 60-minute stopwatch, 12-hr. basis alarm, international time, and a bi-directional rotating slide bezel within coin-edged stainless steel.
On the borderline between sport and dress, this mens Seiko Coutura perpetual watch is self-winding and solidly built with a scratch-proof sapphire crystal, stainless black steel 42 mm case and bracelet, as well as date, leap year & hourly clocks.
With a handsome rectangular case and Roman numerals, this mens dress watch features a brass Cabochon case with Hardlex scratch-proof crystal, a black leather strap with matching gold-tone buckle clasp, and 99' water resistance.What Does Water-Resistant Mean?
Dispelling common beliefs about the term
To free up any misconceptions, "water-resistant" is a term vaguely stamped on watches, although most people aren't exactly sure if it should be taken literally. In general, it gauges the water depth/pressure level that a watch can survive in, but it does NOT gauge the depth in which water will enter the watch's internal parts (which most people commonly confuse the term with).As a rule of thumb: don't dunk your watch under the water, EVER, unless it's actually waterproof, or specially made for diving purposes.
Water Resistance Depths
Here are some general benchmarks for the different water-resistant marks. Please always keep in mind that it's never recommended that you "chance" putting your watch underwater:
- 50m/164' - The watch should survive casual hand-washing
- 100m/328' - The watch should survive surface swimming
- 200m/656' - The watch should survive scuba diving at 30m/98' deep, max.
- 1000m/3280' - The watch should survive pressure at this depth.
Fossil Men's Watches
Richardson, TX-based company Fossil continues producing a line of rugged stitched leather cuff watches and solid steel dress/casual hybrid mens watches. Fossil watches are always a prime choice for casual work days or Friday nights. Ranging from circular to square, and within a wide price range, Fossil watches are amongst the most diverse and affordable.
Fossil Men's CH2698 Flight Silver Dial Watch
A striking and truly unique watch for its white silicone bracelet and stainless steel accents. Featuring a gigantic 46 mm wide case, this aviator-inspired mens watch from Fossil has date display and chronograph with three inner dials for 60 seconds, 30 minutes & 24 hours
Fossil Decker watches for men are strictly sporty -- this particular watch comes with a signature olive green canvas watch and a dial that fuses both digital and analog timekeeping. Features distinct orange markings and black stainless steel case.
Strictly for those looking for a huge watch, this Fossil sport watch has a massive 48mm-wide case (amongst the largest you'll find from Fossil) and a rustic looking brown dial with creme accents, with a tan colored leather strap.
A dress watch constructed of black ion-plated stainless steel case & bracelet, with white markers and polished steel hands, a polished silver-tone case back, and chronograph functions with three dials. It's water resistant up to 165'.
A new addition to Fossil's watch lineup for men: this 'cutaway'-fashioned watch lets you see a portion of its inner mechanism at work. Four dials feature day, date and hour as well as 60-second timer. A champagne-textured watch with brown leather strap.Pop Quiz!
Here's a tough one for you:
Bulova Men's Watches
Founded by immigrant Joseph Bulova, this New York City-based watch company carries on its age-old tradition of making the world's most precise mens watches...good enough for the likes of top dignitaries and astronauts alike! Typically dressy and formal, mens Bulova watches make great additions to suit-and-tie occasions, and can be memorable heirlooms.
Bulova Men's 96A118 BVA Series Dual Aperture Dial Watch
Affordable and extraordinarily classy, the Bulova BVA-Series 21-jewel mens watch features a battery-less self-winding mechanism, stainless steel case and bracelet, and an attractive white dial with blue-rimmed arms and second hand.
A classic pure stainless steel watch that will compliment any kind of attire: Bulova's black dial multifunction mens watch features three dials for day, month & 24-hour time, flat mineral crystal and a rugged screw-down bezel.
Elegant but surprisingly affordable: gold-tinted steel looks striking against a black dial and polyurethane strap. Its large 44mm case features screw-down accents and classic Roman numeral markings. This watch is water resistant to 330'.
The more upscale member of Bulova's Marine Star line of watches for men -- this model is adorned with 34 diamonds on a beautiful black stainless steel mother-of-pearl dial and bracelet with stainless steel accents. Has day, date & 24-hour dials.
Pure stainless steel throughout with 32 genuine diamonds set into the bezel, this mens Bulova multifunction watch has a black dial with three sub-dials, steel hands and indices and is protected by a mineral crystal. A beautiful formal watch.Cost vs. Quality
What's In A Brand Name?
A $100 watch and a $1,000 watch will both work the same. However, the $1,000 watch is built to last, and then some. It is also precise enough to never deviate within minutes of keeping the time, as less expensive watches always do in the long run. Generally, the old adage "you get what you pay for" is true.
Watches Priced to Last
You pay for the brand name, but you also pay for the quality that particular company has worked so hard to attain, to earn writing that amount on the price tag. That's why your $25 Timex lasts a few years, and the $2,700 Omega Seamaster watch lasts your entire lifetime (and your next several generations afterward).
The Big Deal About Luxury Watches
There's a more meaningful reason as to why the most discerning mens watch fanatics stick with high-cost brands like Rolex and Omega. The watches are simply made better on an entirely different level. For instance, Rolex's patented "Oyster Case" is literally the most tighly-sealed watch case on Earth.
Even if desired, you'd have to take it to a specialty Rolex repair shop just to get it open. These watches also contain less inner-parts, yet, have vastly more precise funcionalities than any other common watch on the market. They also last nearly forever, and many times, are constructed with real gold, titanium, ceramic, and even diamond accents.
A $100 watch and a $1,000 watch will both work the same. However, the $1,000 watch is built to last, and then some. It is also precise enough to never deviate within minutes of keeping the time, as less expensive watches always do in the long run. Generally, the old adage "you get what you pay for" is true.
Watches Priced to Last
You pay for the brand name, but you also pay for the quality that particular company has worked so hard to attain, to earn writing that amount on the price tag. That's why your $25 Timex lasts a few years, and the $2,700 Omega Seamaster watch lasts your entire lifetime (and your next several generations afterward).
The Big Deal About Luxury Watches
There's a more meaningful reason as to why the most discerning mens watch fanatics stick with high-cost brands like Rolex and Omega. The watches are simply made better on an entirely different level. For instance, Rolex's patented "Oyster Case" is literally the most tighly-sealed watch case on Earth.
Even if desired, you'd have to take it to a specialty Rolex repair shop just to get it open. These watches also contain less inner-parts, yet, have vastly more precise funcionalities than any other common watch on the market. They also last nearly forever, and many times, are constructed with real gold, titanium, ceramic, and even diamond accents.
Movado Men's Watches
Minimalistic and most identifiable by its signature "Museum Watch" series (famous for having a completely 'blank' dial, except for a single dot at the 12 o'clock position), Swiss made Movado's mens watch collection has a very sophisticated, elegant look.
Movado Men's 0606502 Museum Stainless Steel Black Museum Dial Strap Watch
A perfect example of Movado style: this Museum watch features rounded stainless steel accents, a detail-free dial with signature 12:00 dot, sharp tipped steel arms and a flat calf skin band, this watch will appeal to anyone appreciative of a minimal, sleek design.
Striking for its contrast of polished stainless steel and pure black, this member of Movado's Serio steel mens watches gives a lasting impression for its uniqueness. This is a contemporary watch protected by a scratch proof, glare free sapphire crystal.
A purely steel-tone timepiece, the mens Movado Luno is a Swiss quartz movement watch that features a stainless steel case and bracelet, steel-tone dial with a beveled 12:00 dot housed within an anti-glare scratchproof crystal.
For a change of pace, Movado offers this chronograph men's watch that breaks away from its plain counterparts. Featuring stainless steel construction, a black dial with steel markers and hands, and three sub-dials featuring chronograph.
One of the more modern designs of the Movado watch family, the mens Vizio watch features three differently shaped sub-dials for its chronograph function, and a black carbon fiber dial with steel markers and numbers. Features a heavy duty black rubber strap.Adjusting Watch Bands
Something you'll have to do for link-style bracelet bands
Adjusting Watch Bands At Home
You can simply use a watch band pin remover to perform a lifetime of adjustments at home for your watches, or your family's' and friend's watches, too.
Don't worry, they're usually under $7!
Omega Men's Watches
For those looking to spend a little more to get a whole lot more - Omega is an elite brand nearly holding a candle to Rolex. With superior mens watches made at the height of quality, an Omega is not for casual affairs; wear one to make a big statement at a black tie function or job interview.
Omega Men's 2220.80.00 Seamaster 300M Chrono Diver "James Bond" Watch
This Omega Seamaster blue dial watch is nicknamed the "James Bond" due to it being unveiled for the very first time during the 2006 movie, "Casino Royale." Constructed for those who only consider the most exquisite, regal watches: Omega Seamaster is the company's most popular side brand of the Omega lineup.
A limited edition Swiss movement watch by Omega. Powered by the motions of your wrist, this battery-free watch features a large 41.5mm stainless steel case, steel bracelet, and a genuine ivory dial with chronograph, date and tachymeter functions.
A member of the Omega Seamaster line, this mens watch has a stainless steel mesh bracelet, black dial with luminous markers and silvertone hands, a chronograph function and self-winding automatic movement. Water resistant up to 2,000'
With a smooth 41mm stainless steel case, chronograph, tachymeter, day-date functions and more, the DeVille is a striking member of the mens Omega watch lineup. This particular model comes with a black calf skin band and stainless steel buckle.
A 41.5mm stainless steel case, white dial with steel accented markers and hands, date display and scratch-resistant crystal adorn the mens Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra. Along with a brown calf skin band, it is an elegant daily yet regal and sophisticated watch.
You Might Also Like...
