Best Men’s Watches: 10 Picks Compared — Affordable, Radio-Controlled Solar, Outdoor & Brand

To keep costs down

If you are looking for an affordable men’s watch, the MINIFOCUS chronograph watch and the OLEVS os2892 are candidates. Both are quartz chronographs: the MINIFOCUS pairs a large face with an approx. 46mm dial diameter and a rubber band, while the OLEVS pairs an approx. 42mm case with a sun & moon display and a metal band. Water resistance is 3 ATM for the MINIFOCUS and a 30m rating (everyday water resistance) for the OLEVS. Prices change with coupons and points, so check the sales page.

• MINIFOCUS men’s chronograph watch
• OLEVS os2892

For a radio-controlled solar watch

A radio-controlled solar watch charges from light and sets the time by receiving time signals. The Salvatore Marra SM15116 is a set with both leather and metal bands, the SM16110 is a 10 ATM chronograph that supports automatic reception, and the LAD WEATHER LAD017 is a military-style watch that receives 2 Japanese stations with 100m water resistance. Whether signals can be received depends on the location and environment.

• Salvatore Marra SM15116
• Salvatore Marra SM16110
• LAD WEATHER LAD017

For an outdoor watch

For an outdoor watch to use in places like mountains, campsites, or on runs, there are two LAD WEATHER models. The LAD024 is a 100m water-resistant digital watch with an altimeter, barometer, and digital compass using a German-made sensor, weighing approx. 65g. The LAD017 is an analog model with radio-controlled solar, 100m water resistance, and a nylon band. Displayed values may vary depending on the environment, so treat them as functions based on the sales page specs.

• LAD WEATHER LAD024
• LAD WEATHER LAD017

If the brand matters

If you prioritize a brand watch, the SEIKO PROSPEX SBEJ029 and the ROLEX Submariner Date 16610 are candidates. The SBEJ029 is a Seiko diver with Caliber 6R54, 300m air diving water resistance, and a GMT display, and Seiko officially describes it as a model exclusive to Seiko Global Brand Core Shops. The ROLEX 16610 is a one-of-a-kind pre-owned item, so the condition, accessories, and warranty terms need to be checked on the sales page.

• SEIKO PROSPEX SBEJ029
• ROLEX Submariner Date 16610

For a true mechanical watch

For a mechanical watch that needs no battery replacement, there are the SEIKO PROSPEX SBEJ029, the SPQR Ventuno pr Original Reissue, and the ROLEX Submariner Date 16610. The SBEJ029 is an automatic (with manual winding) with an approx. 72-hour power reserve. The SPQR Ventuno pr is a Japanese mechanical watch with a hand-winding automatic movement and a power reserve indicator, received as a furusato nozei thank-you gift from Okaya City, Nagano. The ROLEX 16610 is a pre-owned automatic that the retailer lists as having Cal.3135.

• SEIKO PROSPEX SBEJ029
• SPQR Ventuno pr Original Reissue
• ROLEX Submariner Date 16610

If design comes first

If you are choosing by visual presence, there are the BRILLAMICO LILY 46MM BLACK x SILVER and the OLEVS os2892. The BRILLAMICO LILY has a highly decorative design that combines an approx. 46.5mm case with Swarovski, a mother-of-pearl dial, and a leather band. The OLEVS os2892 has a dial combining a sun & moon display with a chronograph, available in 7 colors.

• BRILLAMICO LILY 46MM BLACK x SILVER
• OLEVS os2892

How to choose a men’s watch

Not sure which to choose?

• For an affordable chronograph → MINIFOCUS men’s chronograph watch / OLEVS os2892
• For a highly decorative design → BRILLAMICO LILY 46MM BLACK x SILVER
• For radio-controlled solar with interchangeable bands → Salvatore Marra SM15116
• For a 10 ATM radio-controlled solar chronograph → Salvatore Marra SM16110
• For radio-controlled solar that also works outdoors → LAD WEATHER LAD017
• For a digital watch with altimeter, barometer, and compass → LAD WEATHER LAD024
• For a brand diver’s / mechanical watch → SEIKO PROSPEX SBEJ029
• For a Japanese mechanical watch through furusato nozei → SPQR Ventuno pr Original Reissue
• To consider a pre-owned Rolex → ROLEX Submariner Date 16610

Summary

Which men’s watch suits you depends on the movement, case size, water resistance, and band material. MINIFOCUS and OLEVS are easy picks for keeping costs down; the Salvatore Marra SM15116 and SM16110 and the LAD WEATHER LAD017 for radio-controlled solar; the LAD024 for outdoor use; and the SEIKO PROSPEX SBEJ029, SPQR Ventuno pr, and ROLEX Submariner Date 16610 for brand or true mechanical watches. To also see women’s models, check the "Best Women’s Watches: 10 Picks" guide. Check each product article for detailed specs, and the store page for the latest price and stock.