Perhaps the most iconic and, ironically, the most timeless piece of male fashion is the wristwatch. More than just a way to keep the time, a watch is a symbol of status, a display of elegance and taste, and choosing one is not a decision that should be taken lightly. 

A good watch is the careful product of centuries of artistry and craftsmanship. It’s easy to get confused as to what to buy, what with all the hundreds of different brands and retailers, not to mention the amount of counterfeits. But that’s why we’re here, to help you make the right choice for you.

Back to Basics

Watches are powered by 3 different types of mechanisms: Quartz movements, Automatic movements, and Manual movements. Quartz watches are the simplest, powered by an electric current hooked up to a battery. They’re the simplest to produce and less prone to failure, so you’re usually gonna find those in the lower price segment. Automatic movements contain a freely rotating metal weight called the rotor.

When the wearer moves their wrist, it causes the rotor to spin, which provides power to the mechanism. A manual movement is a system of gears and springs powered by a mainspring, which is wound up by hand. These designs are usually quite intricate and require a higher level of craftsmanship, and so are usually reserved for watches in a higher price segment.

Ask yourself what matters to you the most. If you need accuracy down to the second, you’re probably better off going with a quartz-powered watch. But if you want to wear a piece of working art on your wrist, manuals are the way to go.

Break the Bank (Just a little)

Now it’s safe to say that watches can get…. a little bit pricey. Not without cause, though. A good watch, if taken care of, will last you your entire life, and probably your kids’ lives as well, so you shouldn’t be afraid to stretch your budget just a little to ensure you buy good quality.

The luxury segment starts at about $1000 and can go up to the millions. But hey, not everyone needs or wants a $500,000 watch. That’s why we’ve broken the price segment down into 3 simple categories.

Let’s Get Started: $1000 – $5000

You want a watch that’s reliable, feels great, and that’s not going to look out of place in a formal setting. Try something like a Tissot, Seiko, and TAG Heuer. The Tissot PRX is a favourite among new buyers.

Or, you might want to check out a Seiko Presage if you want that quality Japanese craftsmanship. Keep in mind, while these watches are great when you’re just getting into the market, you probably won’t be turning any heads with them. But that’s what the next category is for.

Picking up Speed: $5000 to $20000

Now we’re getting somewhere. You know how they say you should dress for the job you want? Well, a watch like one of these is sure to grab all the right kind of attention. This is the kind of watch that lasts you a lifetime/ Actually, probably more than just your lifetime.

There’s of course, the classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its classic design and eye-catching watch face. Its reputation as a status symbol cannot be denied. If you’d rather go for the underdog, though, pick up one of the models offered by Omega, like the Seamaster, their diving watch, or the Speedmaster. Personally, though, we’d go for Seiko’s older, cooler brother, Grand Seiko.

Their watches are the Japanese philosophy of seeking perfection in everything applied to machinery. Innovative spring drive movements coupled with beautiful nature-inspired dials make it a necessity for any worthwhile watch collection. Their White Birch model is a fan favourite.

Cream of the Crop: $20000

If you still have some money left over from the last category, congratulations! You’ve made it to the finest tier of watches available. Up here, watches might not gain any functional benefits. Rather, the high price tags are due to the amount of handiwork and skill it takes to create one of them. At this point, you’re not buying a watch so much as you’re buying a work of art.

Start with a Patek Philippe Nautilus. With its white gold and clean lines, its minimalism is done right. Then let’s jump over to Audemars Piguet with their Royal Oak Chronograph. And top off your collection with the breathtakingly beautiful Jacob & Co Astronomia Tourbillon, a literal galaxy on your wrist.

Remember, what’s right for us might not be right for you. So don’t forget to browse through a good number of options before you make your choice. Picking out your watch is an extremely personal decision, so be sure not to make it in haste.