Most Popular Men’s Watches – The Ones You Hadn’t Thought Of

Looking for the most popular men’s watches – an impossible task! Unless you know where to look.

Only the most inexperienced fashion followers would have you believe that watches are obsolete nowadays. Or maybe they just don’t know what they’re missing?

I mean, how did you even know you needed an air fryer until you got one? As the saying so often goes, don’t knock it until you try it!

A quick browse through the pre-owned luxury watch market will tell you that the industry is positively booming right now. 

Luxury timepieces aren’t just a sign of wealth anymore. They’re a window to the heart of a man with good taste — a symbol of class and style. They’re a way of life. If you haven’t experienced a luxury watch on your wrist, then I’m sorry, but you simply haven’t lived.  

So, if you’re slowly realising that buying one could be the best thing you ever do, fear not. We’ve got a list of men’s top watches for you to peruse. It features everything from racing watches to steel sports watches, classic statement pieces, and more.  

What the Most Popular Men’s Watches All Have in Common

Maybe a cynic would ask why we need a watch at all. In today’s modern world, we have the time displayed on our laptops, phones, cooker screens, and in the car. But do they offer the same experience as wearing a traditional luxury timepiece? No, they don’t. 

Not that quartz watches aren’t a great option, but mechanical watches are absolutely fascinating. You often get the chance to observe a watch through a special exhibition window on the back of a watch.

It offers a unique glimpse into the intricacy and craftsmanship of the engine that powers it.

Those with an interest in engineering will appreciate just what a work of art each mechanical timepiece is. Alternatively, quartz watches are ultra-precise and more affordable.

They, too, can be just as beautiful. Luxury watches embody the dedication of the artisans that make them.

So yes, the fascination and excitement of collecting luxury watches is as big now as it ever was. The industry is an Aladdin’s cave of up-and-coming micro brands and decades-long icons alike. 

Of course, they all tell the time, but they have much more in common than that. Luxury watches are tokens of success, milestone markers, and statement pieces that one can pass down for generations.  

The Most Popular Men’s Watch of All: The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional

It’s nearly impossible to choose any one wristwatch and claim it’s the most popular men’s watch of all time. It’s like choosing the best car brand or wine vintage. A collector’s choice will depend on his needs and his tastes. 

There are, however, some legendary watch designs that have stood the test of time. These are watches that have earned their position in history as iconic watches.

It is an all-rounder, loved-by-many type of watch. Industry giants like Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Breitling spring to mind when we think of these icons. Perhaps one of the most popular watches for men, however, is the Omega Speedmaster.

The Omega Speedmaster gained legendary status through its association with historic space missions during the 1960s. It also has a whole host of distinctive features.

These include a black tachymeter scale surrounding a matching black dial, luminous details, and three chronograph counters for stopwatch timings.

Aside from a change in movements throughout the decades, Omega has made some other changes. The brand replaced its Hesalite crystal with a sapphire crystal in the 1980s. Some modern re-interpretations, however, still feature a Hesalite option replicating the original closely.

Overall, the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional has to be one of the best watches out there. Featuring a COSC-certified movement that also adheres to METAS standards, it’s a solid and reliable icon.

Best-Rated Men’s Watches

Some of the best-rated men’s watches are those that are manufactured by world-renowned brands. Let’s take a look at some favorites.  

Citizen Tsuyosa Blue Ref NJ0150-56L

Japanese watch brands flooded the market during the quartz crisis. These affordable timepieces have never lost their appeal. Citizen is a reliable watch brand that makes everything from sports watches to dress watches.

This Citizen Tsuyosa watch is the most affordable on this list. It presents time via a simple three-handed format. The watch features a deep blue display and a date window at 3 o’clock. 

It also features a Miyota movement to keep costs down. The Caliber 8210 sits inside a 40mm steel case attached to a robust steel bracelet. It beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and delivers a 45-hour power reserve.  

Breitling Endurance Pro Ironman 70.3 World Championship Watch Ref X823105C1M1S1

If you like bold wristwatches, you’ll love this Breitling Endurance Pro Ironman watch. It packs a punch on the wrist with its vibrant turquoise and black aesthetic. An array of other vivid colors are also available.

The digital Aerospace is futuristic, and the Top Time Deus evokes a vintage style, but the Endurance Pro tops the lot. The watch appeals to adventure-seekers and sports enthusiasts.

Several collaborations with Ironman demonstrate its toughness in some of the most challenging conditions. It’s a true GADA (go anywhere, do anything) kind of watch.

One of the key features of the Endurance Pro is its COSC-certified SuperQuartz™ movement, promising unparalleled accuracy. It’s ten times more accurate than a standard quartz. 

It also sits, fully protected, inside a 100-meter water-resistant Breitlight case. The proprietary material, developed by Breitling, is lightweight, scratch-resistant, and strong.  

Rolex Air King Watch Ref 126900

The Air King by Rolex is massively misunderstood. It’s the underdog in an expansive range of iconic models created by Rolex, but it’s so worth the investment.

The most classic design features numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock against a rich black dial. The remaining locations represent 05-55 minutes.

Professional pilots extensively use the Air-King. It tips its hat to the brand’s history in aviation tools. In this design, a vibrant green seconds hand punctuates the prominent markers and minute scale. 

The model also supports some of the Air King’s latest modifications. These include the straight case sides and an innovative winding crown guard for protection against shock impact.  

Bell & Ross BR-05 Skeleton Blue

The Bell & Ross BR-05 watch collection still carries the remarkable circle-within-a-square case design seen throughout the BR 01 and BR 03 series. 

On top of this, it injects sportiness into the wrist. There are time and date iterations available from the series, as well as GMTs. The BR 05 Skeleton Blue is my favorite, however.

Designed for urban explorers, the BR 05 is a daring and masculine wristwatch. Its instrumental panel-inspired DNA combines with an open-worked dial that shows the fascinating movement from the front.

Tissot PRX Tiffany Dial Watch Ref T137.410.11.091.01

The great thing about the Tissot PRX watch is that it never feels gender specific. Practically any wrist can carry it off. The 40mm Tiffany dial variant is a highly sought-after model from the range.

Many watch manufacturers produce green watch dials, but this shade is highly desirable. We have Rolex to thank for that, with its “Tiffany & Co” stamped dial.

The Tissot PRX has enjoyed plenty of success, capturing the zeitgeist of the 1970s. Its guilloche dials and integrated steel bracelets are just a couple of reasons why so many enthusiasts collect it.

 The new PRX series arrived in 2021, faithfully reinterpreting the popular 70s models. It meant that collectors could enjoy their favorite elements of the Nautilus and Royal Oak but more affordably. 

Tissot PRX watches also come in the automatic version. The Powermatic80 movement, capable of producing an 80-hour power reserve, is great for weekday use. Take the PRX off on a Friday evening and return to it on a Monday morning. It will have lost no time while away from your wrist.  

TAG Heuer Carrera “Glass Box” 39mm Watch Ref CBS2210.FC6534

The Carrera “Glass Box” 39mm is a watch that unites the Swiss watchmaker with its motorsport roots. Its reverse panda dial features silver snailed counters at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock for precise stopwatch timings. 

You also get a tachymeter on the flange, luminous hands, and a compact 39mm size.

The glass box feature nods to Carrera watches of yesteryear, namely the 2447 NS. In addition to this, the watch comes with a sapphire glass case back for admiring the performance of the TH20-00 sitting within.

This classic timepiece features a black leather band, perforated to echo the gloves worn by racing drivers.  

Zodiac x Rowing Blazers Super Sea Wolf GMT World Time Watch Ref ZO9414

This Zodiac Super Sea Wolf watch is a newcomer to the brand’s catalog. It’s the brand’s second collaborative effort between cult clothing brand Rowing Blazers.

It carries the DNA of the much-loved Super Sea Wolf collection but boasts a striking black-and-blue aesthetic. It’s not only great for underwater use either, it’s a world timer watch.

A bright blue bezel marked with the world’s cities works in conjunction with a vibrant red GMT hand. Aside from its legible white 24-hour scale, it also comes with a date window. Lastly, its stylish five-link stainless steel bracelet dries off quickly when in and out of the water.

The Nicest Men’s Watches

Dress watches come in the form of some really timeless designs. These refined and opulent timepieces could quite possibly be some of the nicest men’s watches out there right now. Let’s take a closer look.

Cartier Tank Francaise Watch Ref WSTA0067

Louis Cartier designed the original Tank watch in 1916, basing it on WWI tanks. Ever since then, the Tank collection has grown to accommodate several variations of the rectangular design. Watch collectors love this model, which is experienced and new.

The Tank Francaise had to make it onto our list of the nicest men’s watches thanks to its legible design. Roman numerals combine with railway track indexes and blued steel hands that take the shape of swords. 

If you like classic designs, the Cartier Tank Francaise is a great talking point. Its timeless design completes its look on a leather band or steel bracelet, depending on preference.   

Chopard Mille Miglia Watch Ref 168619-3003

The Chopard Mille Miglia is a classic racing-inspired watch that holds up great in everyday situations. Its elegant style delivers a trio of chronograph counters for intuitive timekeeping on or beside the racetrack. 

These functions sit against a rich burgundy red dial paired with classic piston-style push pieces.

The Mille Miglia’s perforated tan leather strap is sure to look good in all situations. You can wear this racing watch with a smart suit or with casual weekend attire. 

Either way, its unusual colors and racing car-inspired features lend themselves to a very practical daily companion.  

Bremont Supermarine Type 300 Watch Ref S301

Last on the list is the Bremont Supermarine. Its brown calfskin strap and sleek black dial constitute a beautifully crafted, well-rounded timekeeper. The watch packs in plenty of professional dive watch features that also come in handy for surfing, waterspouts, and exploration.

The Type 300 has a vintage aesthetic and promises a manageable size of 40mm, making it a great option for slender wrists. On top of its 300-meter water-resistant capability, it features a unidirectional rotating bezel and a screw-down crown. 

As a product of Bremont, it pays homage to the brand’s heritage in aviation. The design of the Supermarine actually derives from the first Spitfire prototype, making it a great talking point, too.  

Conclusion  

From icons like the Omega Speedmaster to elegant creations like the Cartier Tank, there’s no shortage of inspiration.

The bottom line is that every man needs a wristwatch. Whether a classic Rolex Daytona or a motorsport-inspired TAG Heuer, your chosen timepiece should reflect your personality.

This list of the most popular men’s watches highlights some all-time favorites with options to suit every price point. The difficulty lies in narrowing these options down to just one.  

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