In the digital age, it can be easy to abandon old traditions in favour of new technology. It has become second nature for most of us to check our smartphones if we want to know the time, but if you're keen to embrace the timepiece tradition and you're shopping for a wristwatch to suit your needs, you might be wondering what features you need to look out for.
To make your shopping experience easier, we have compiled a list of the best luxury and affordable brand watches for men currently on the UK market. These are all brands that create reliable timepieces with quality construction. Whether you're looking for a gift for a man in your life or you're a fashion-conscious gent hoping to branch out on your accessories, read on to discover your next favourite timepiece!
Quick List - Top Brand Watches for Men
Vacheron Constantin
Something Old and Something New From Switzerland's Longest-Standing Watchmaker
Patek Philippe
Treat Yourself to the Best That Watchmaking Has to Offer
IWC Schaffhausen
Keep Your Eye on the Time With Military Precision
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When you're making a potentially large investment in an accessory, it's important that you purchase something appropriate for the situations you want to wear it for. We've all heard the phrase "you get what you pay for" and that can certainly be true, but that doesn't mean that lower budget watches don't serve their purpose too.
For daily use, for example, you'll want a watch that isn't too delicate and that can withstand the odd knock. Usually in the £1K-10K range, these can still feel like quite an investment but with brand watches, you are paying for quality no matter what end of the price scale you fall on. However, while more rugged, the pieces in this range typically offer fewer features and can include slightly lower-quality materials.
If you're after a memorable gift or a piece to bring out for special or formal occasions, you'll want something a step above the everyday. On this budget, the quality of construction and materials will be markedly higher. Occasion watches will also include extra features alongside precious metals and gemstones that add to their luxe style. They're great investment pieces, but you'll want to avoid everyday wear and tear.
It's important to consider the functionality of each watch type before you commit to a particular option. Brand watches tend to lean on the side of classic sophistication, so if you prefer a digital display, you might want to consider an alternative to the big brands as they are more likely to be analogue. With analogue watches, the power mechanism will affect the way it functions. Here are the features of each type:
Quartz:
Mechanical:
Automatic or self-winding:
Give your wrist a break while you're at home with a stylish wall clock
Choosing a watch style to suit your look is completely down to you! There are many different options when it comes to the diameter of the display and the thickness and material of the strap. Only you will know what type is best for your look, but consider how each style would tie in with your current wardrobe and build before picking one out.
If you have a large build, you might want to consider a larger watch, and vice versa if you are of smaller proportions. However, for most men of average build, a watch-face diameter of approximately 40 mm is the ideal size. You can follow a similar practice of scaling the size to suit your proportions when choosing a strap thickness. For an average watch of 40 mm, the strap should be around 20 mm, but scale this up or down in proportion as needed.
You should also consider the material of the strap. Fabric is typically the cheapest and lends itself to a more casual look. Suede is a great smart-casual middle-ground that won't break the bank. Leather and metal tend to be the most expensive but offer the best aesthetics. If you do choose leather, make sure to opt for a strap that's sewn rather than glued together, as this will last longer and be of higher quality.
The right pair of cufflinks will have you looking sharp on any budget
Men's wristwatches come in multiple different styles and each watchmaker will have their own unique take on the traditional styles, too. Knowing which is best suited to certain uses is helpful when shopping for a timepiece to suit you. Here are five of the most popular watch styles and a few key features of each:
Dress Watch:
Field Watch:
Aviator Watch:
Dive Watch:
Racing Watch:
Complete the look with one of these top-rated men's rings or bracelets
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Vacheron Constantin Malte Manual-Winding Watch|82230/000G-9185 | ![]() | Something Old and Something New From Switzerland's Longest-Standing Watchmaker | |
2 | Patek Philippe Grand Complications Perpetual Calender|5327G | ![]() | Treat Yourself to the Best That Watchmaking Has to Offer | |
3 | Cartier Tank Must (Large Model)|WSTA0041 | ![]() | A Swiss-Made Angular Design on the More Affordable Side | |
4 | IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot's 43 Spitfire|IW329702 | ![]() | Keep Your Eye on the Time With Military Precision | |
5 | Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Date|1238420 | ![]() | A Classic Design That Fits Like a Second Skin | |
6 | Chopard Mille Miglia 2021 Race Edition | ![]() | Celebrate Motorsport History With This Mille Miglia Commemorative Design | |
7 | Piaget Altiplano Rose Gold Ultra-Thin | ![]() | A Sophisticated Minimalist Design in Black, White and 18 Karat Rose Gold | |
8 | Bvlgari Octo Finissimo | ![]() | Versatile Yet Elegant With a Matte Black Ceramic Construction | |
9 | Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 | ![]() | A Classic Sleek Design in White, Black or With a Pop of Colour | |
10 | Omega Constellation Co-Axail Master Chronometer|131.23.41.21.06.001 | ![]() | Ideal For Travellers Thanks to a Timezone Function and an Easily Styled Look |
This piece from Switzerland's longest established watchmaker is a unique blend of old and new. With all of their experience in the industry, Vacheron Constantin have been able to incorporate classic watchmaking ideas into a chic contemporary design so you can truly have the best of both worlds.
The watch face is constructed of 18 Karat white gold, combining luxury with practicality through the use of hardwearing and easily-styled metal. It includes Roman numeral markings and sleek watch hands, all finished in white gold to match the body. Plus, the 65-hour power reserve will keep things ticking over even when you've got your eye off the ball.
This royal blue timepiece from the Patek Philippe collection is certainly on the higher end of the price range featured here, but if you're looking to splash out on something truly exceptional, look no further than this.
The display covers every possible denomination of time you could hope to read from a watch face, and the self-winding mechanism will reserve power for up to 48 hours to ensure the time stays accurate even when not in use. You won't leave it to gather dust in your closet for too long, though, as the sleek blue design with 22 Karat gold accents is sure to elevate every outfit and keep you feeling sophisticated.
This stainless steel watch from Cartier is the cheapest option on our list but by no means inferior. If you're looking to strip back to basics and really achieve that traditional look, this will be a perfect fit for you.
The rectangular watch face keeps things looking sharp and the black and white Roman numeral design is a great nod to the iconic timepieces of old. This design was originally circulated in 1977, and it is tried and tested as one of Cartier's most versatile accessories. Plus, the Quartz mechanism will ensure you're always on time with no wearisome winding.
IWC Schaffhausen's watches have been utilised by the British military for several years. As expected, it's important that the watches provided to them were of the highest standard – and the Big Pilot's Spitfire is no exception.
The army green colour gives a nod to the brand's military ties, and the bronze alloy is 50% sturdier than other more popular kinds of metals used in watch construction. The mid-century style is intended to be rugged and reliable, not unlike the watches commissioned for use amongst the troops.
This ultra-thin design from Jaeger-LeCoultre is made to fit with superior comfort and minimal bulk. The streamlined dimensions make it perfect for achieving a sophisticated and put-together look.
The watch face strips back unnecessary frills to focus on clarity and ease of use. If you want to keep an eye on the more complicated inner workings of the watch, though, it will be easy to do so through the sapphire crystal case back.
The Mille Miglia open-road endurance race is an iconic piece of motorsport history, and Chopard has been partnered with the organisation for 30 years. Their influence is present in many of Chopard's timepieces, but most notably in the design we have here.
This stainless steel divers watch was designed to commemorate the 2021 Mille Miglia event, taking inspiration from racing culture. The leather strap is banded with rubber for comfort and the lining is moulded with the tyre pattern of Dunlop's iconic 1960s cars. This watch is sure to be a winner for any car fanatic who's looking for a top-quality timepiece.
This Piaget watch is sure to complement all manner of outfit types. You can easily pair the monochrome design with anything from sharp suits to casual holiday attire. If you're looking for the perfect accessory to elevate your look, this will do just that.
The rose gold accents look great against any skin tone, but especially darker and tanned complexions. The minimalist theme continues all the way through to the black baton arms, indices and markers on the watch face. If you're a fan of the classics, this is truly ideal.
This design for Bvlgari is their thinnest ceramic watch to date. The tough material makes this a strong and reliable timepiece, but the brand have still managed to work their magic to create a slender and comfortable fitting watch.
The ceramic case is just 5.5 mm thick, and with a 40 mm display, the proportions really are impressive. Bvlgari are forward-thinking and they predict this unconventional construction will become a huge trend in the watchmaking practices of the future, so why not get in ahead of the curve?
Rolex are one of the best-known brands in watchmaking, which is understandable when you consider the quality and features of their products. This watch sticks to a stripped-back, classic look, but there is an option for customisation if you want something a little more unique.
You will choose one of five diameters from 28 mm to 41 mm, and then have the option of seven different clock faces. Opt for a more subtle colour to match any outfit, or turn it into a statement piece with bright red, yellow, green or blue.
This watch from Omega utilises their signature golden accents while still managing to strip back to a minimalist style. If you're looking for a watch that will go with a varied wardrobe, this could be the perfect option for you.
The timezone function is ideal for frequent travellers and easy to adjust without stopping the watch, which helps keep the time accurate. The back casing is also made of transparent sapphire, so you can keep an eye on the inner workings without having to take it apart.
Written and researched by Alicia Byrne
No. 1: Vacheron Constantin|Malte Manual-Winding Watch|82230/000G-9185
No. 2: Patek Philippe|Grand Complications Perpetual Calender|5327G
No. 3: Cartier|Tank Must (Large Model)|WSTA0041
No. 4: IWC Schaffhausen|Big Pilot's 43 Spitfire|IW329702
No. 5: Jaeger-LeCoultre|Master Ultra Thin Date|1238420
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