Introduction
Watches are a time-honored (pun intended) traditional accessory for men. More than just a timepiece, a man’s watch says something about him and who he is. That’s why it’s so important to have the right watch for every occasion.
We believe that every man should own 20 distinct types of watches. Let’s take a look at what those are.
20 Different Types of Watches Every Man Should Have
Analog Watches
Of all watch types, analog watches are the most traditional. They’re simple, sleek, and classic. Analog watches have the traditional face with hands that tell time. They may use Roman numerals, Arabic numerals, or simply a design to indicate hours on a 12-hour clock.
Analog watches are a type of watch that can range very broadly in terms of design and price. Some are extremely inexpensive while others made from finer materials by world-renowned designers can be rather pricey.
Pro Tip: Analog watches look best with simple outfits. They’re great for meetings or events such as weddings where you’re wearing a suit.
Digital Watches
Digital watches are one of the types of wristwatches that are very much the opposite of analog watches. Rather than an analog face, these types of watches display the time digitally using Arabic numerals.
Pro Tip: With the advent of smartwatches, many might assume that digital types of watches are completely out of style, but that’s simply not the case. They’re great for casual, fun-filled days, especially when you want to be unplugged from texts, calls, and emails.
Dress Watches
As the name implies, dress watches are types of watches meant for special occasions. Your dress watch is the wrist piece that you will wear at your own wedding, to your dad’s retirement bash, and any other formal event.
Pro Tip: Of all the different types of watches on this list, your dress watch is the one worth splurging on. It’s something of a status symbol, and there’s nothing wrong with spoiling yourself a little.
Smartwatches
Of all the watches types on this list, smartwatches are the newest. These are your Apple Watches, FitBits, Garmins, etc.–basically any different type of watch that sends and receives some kind of digital signal or information.
Pro Tip: Your smartwatch can do a lot for you! Use it not only to send and receive calls and messages, but also to track your steps, heart rate, the quality of your sleep, and much more. Just don’t let it distract you too much from your life.
Quartz Watches
Quartz watches don’t necessarily look distinctly different from other types of watches for men, but they are the type of watch that works with quartz crystal oscillation. For this reason, they can often be more affordable than other types of watches. Typically, they have analog faces.
Pro Tip: Try to find a fun or funky vintage quartz watch for your selection for this type of watch. It will add some style and personality to what could otherwise be a more mundane, day-to-day accessory.
Aviator Watches
No, these kinds of watches are not just for pilots! Aviators are types of watch that typically have more than one face on them and can give the time in various time zones if needed. They’re also a type of watch characterized by chronographs, a large crown, whiz wheel, and lumed numerals.
Pro Tip: These different watches are definitely one of the types of watches that can be more industrial in appearance. Try dressing yours up with a leather strap.
Business Watches
Business watches can certainly fall into other categories of different types of watches, and they are typically analog types of watch. A bit simpler and more casual than a dress watch, your business watch should be an everyday item.
Pro Tip: Your business type of watch should be, above all, functional. Make sure you can get essential information from it in a hurry. Many men like to make sure this type of watch displays the date as well as the time.
Field Watches
Field watches were originally the wristwatch that soldiers used. They tend to be very precise, have easy-to-read numbers, glare-proof faces, and are easily legible. Today, they tend to be made from stainless steel, titanium, or PVD for durability with replacement bands.
Pro Tip: Even if you’re not in the military, wear this watch anytime you might get banged up. It’s also great for contractors and others working with their hands.
Chronograph Watches
These are types of watches that look complicated, but once you understand them, they’re not. Its face has at least two smaller dials on it, and they have a stopwatch feature as well. They can look very practical, but you can also dress them up with a nicer band.
Pro Tip: These eccentric types of watches make a statement. They’re tough, heavy-duty, and make you look like you’ve got a lot going on.
Swiss Watches
The Swiss are known for their master watchmaking skills, and there’s a good reason. These classic types of watches are handmade and expertly crafted.
Pro Tip: Swiss watches make a great first watch if you’re looking for something to wear to both formal and business occasions. They’re so well-made that you can pass it down to your own son someday.
Pilots Watches
These types of watches are specifically made for pilots. They keep essential information on the watch face, such as chronometer and tachymeter, and can be a bit bulky.
Pro Tip: Learn how to use the functions before wearing!
Tactile Watches
These watch types were specifically developed for the blind and have raised dots (Brail) to indicate the time. It’s also great for when you’re stuck in a meeting and don’t want to look impatient when checking the time.
Pro Tip: Owning a tactile type of watch may not be at the top of your list, but even if you’re not blind, it might be an interesting conversation starter.
Casual Watches
Casual watches are types of watches that are just as the name implies: meant for casual, everyday wear. They often have a simple analog or digital face and leather or nylon straps. This broad category may also span many other different types of watches.
Pro Tip: You can find casual watches that have interchangeable straps to match your style on any given day.
Sports Watches
Many men have replaced traditional sports watches with smartwatches, but they’re still distinctly different types of watches. They’re durable, often digital, and have several different functions, such as a stopwatch, built-in.
Pro Tip: Traditional sports watches can be a bit bulky (picture your high school football coach), but they’re a great option if you don’t want to worry about charging a smartwatch or always being connected.
Luxury Watches
Ready to splurge? Luxury types of watches are made by designer manufacturers such as Rolex. They’re eye-catching and they make a serious statement.
Pro Tip: Buy yourself a luxury watch to commemorate a big event, like landing your first serious job or a big promotion. You’ll be reminded of your hard work and accomplishments every time you wear it.
GMT
Of all the watches types on this list, this one is a must-have for travelers. Its multiple faces and 24-hour clock allow you to tell the time in multiple time zones.
Pro Tip: While you wear one of these style watches for men, try to pay attention to the 24-hour time. It’ll make you look like a local in Europe.
Dive Watches
These types of watches were originally developed for divers, but today, many people wear them. They’re a statement piece and ultra-durable.
Pro Tip: A lot of swimmers love dive watches because they’re ultra-waterproof.
Racing Watches
These types of watches were originally developed for race car drivers, and they also include a chronometer and tachymeter. However, they tend to be more lightweight than pilot watch types and often have colorful straps.
Pro Tip: Racing watches can be evocative of the French Riviera in its heyday. And again, learn how to read the extra features before wearing this watch.
Everyday Watches
An everyday watch has no real characteristic specifications; it’s whatever you want to wear every day. The most important aspect of your everyday watch is that it functions well for your needs.
Pro Tip: Your everyday watch should be comfortable, and try to avoid anything too fancy: you don’t want to look pretentious.
The All-Around Watches
Your all-around watch might be very similar to your everyday watch, but it should be more versatile for more formal occasions.
Pro Tip: Look for something with a metallic or sterling silver band that you can both dress up for special occasions or dress down to less formal times.
Conclusion
There are many different types of watches that every man should own. Each type of watch performs different functions and works best for different occasions. Each watch brand has its unique characteristics.
Collecting 20 types of watches won’t happen overnight; rather, make this a lifelong fashion passion.
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