Even though fashion watches usually get a bad wrap in the world of fine timepieces, it doesn’t mean they all suck. If you look closely enough, you’ll find there are some out there that look great and come with some respectable craftsmanship.
Fashion trends come and go and we’ve all heard that beauty is in the eye of the beholder- so how do we pick the best fashion watches around?
Well, as objectively as possible (quasi-objectively anyway, because appearance still plays a big part here).
To do this, we look at the materials and movements used in these watches. The best fashion watches should not only look fashionable, but they should be made out of quality materials.
In this guide, we’ll present our top picks for the best men’s fashion watches based not only on appearance, but on the specs each watch is sporting.
I hope you’re ready because off we go.
Fashion Watches 101
If you’re not exactly sure what a fashion watch is, that’s ok- it’s a pretty generic term used to organize a large group of watches out there that don’t really fall into any other category.
Generally speaking, fashion watches are ones that are created to simply look good.
Unlike the Swiss luxury watches that are handcrafted for optimal performance, fashion watches are usually mass produced with cheaper components.
These watches aren’t usually purchased for their timekeeping prowess, but because they look cool or fashionable.
Unlike diver’s watches, that must meet certain criteria to be considered such, fashion watches can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
Many clothing designers have started including watches in their lineups, and these usually fall under the fashion watch umbrella.
Since these watches are usually mass produced and made out of cheap materials, they are usually shunned by watch enthusiasts.
And I get it- fashion watches probably aren’t gonna be your thing if you’re looking for Swiss perfection.
But most fashion watches aren’t gonna cost ya thousands either. No, one of the great things about these watches is that they are usually pretty affordable.
And I’ll be honest, an affordable fashion watch can look nice. I currently own 2 Fossil watches and have had them in my collection for years.
It’s just important to know what you’re doing when you buy one of these watches. You have to know that most of these watches are cheaply made and that you’re not buying a luxury timepiece.
But just because they’re affordable doesn’t mean they can’t be dapper.
When trying to pick out the best fashion watches, there are a few specs you should consider. These include:
Movement
A watch’s movement is its motor- this is what powers the watch and allows it to keep time. Watch movements generally fall into 2 categories: mechanical or quartz.
Mechanical watches don’t use a battery- instead, they rely on compressed springs and gears to keep the watch working. These watches can be manual (you have to wind it) or automatic (the watch self-winds as you wear it).
Quartz watches use a battery for power. These watches are usually more affordable than mechanical watches because they require fewer components to run.
Most fashion watches will be quartz, but as this list will prove, there are mechanical fashion watches out there.
Crystal
A watch’s crystal is the window that protects the dial. Crystals come in 3 varieties based on the material used. These include plastic (acrylic), mineral glass, and sapphire.
Acrylic crystals are the cheapest and can scratch easily. Mineral glass is in the middle- it’s more scratch resistant than plastic, but cheaper than sapphire.
Sapphire crystals are preferred because they are the most scratch resistant of the bunch. These are usually found on higher-end, more expensive watches.
There are fashion watches out there with sapphire crystals.
Band
The band is what connects the watch to your wrist. Watch bands are traditionally either leather or a metal bracelet, but fashion watches come with all kinds of band materials.
You’ll see fabric bands, leather, rubber, canvas, as well as good ol’ fashioned metal bracelets being used on these watches.
When it comes to fashion, anything goes.
One material isn’t necessarily better than another, but people often find one more comfortable than the rest. Definitely something to consider when you’re comparing these watches.
Oh, it’s pretty easy to swap out the band on many fashion watches. That way, if you find a watch that you like (but aren’t in love with the band), odds are you can swap it out for one you like better.
The 6 Best Fashion Watches For Men 2021
#1 Gucci G-Timeless Black Dial
Gucci is a world famous clothing line and one of the oldest Italian fashion brands around. Unlike most fashion brands that simply include a line of watches to go with their clothing, in the late ’90s Gucci started taking watchmaking seriously.
With the goal being to combine their Italian style with Swiss watchmaking precision, Gucci watches can be found with automatic movements, sapphire crystals, and modern designs.
Their G-Timeless lineup is a perfect example (as well as my personal favorite of the bunch).
There are several watches under the G-Timeless lineup, giving you a lot of options in terms of the icon or style you prefer. I’m a fan of this black dial with the bees, but I have to admit the snake version is pretty cool too.
This watch not only looks great, but it’s got it going on under the hood too.
This G-Timeless comes with an automatic movement that will wind itself as you wear it. It also comes with a scratch resistant sapphire crystal that will protect the black dial from injury.
The case is 42 mm and made out of solid steel. The back is transparent, allowing you to see that automatic movement in action.
This particular model comes with a silver, stainless steel band with a deployment clasp.
As fashion watches go, Gucci’s G-Timeless Black Dial is an elegant choice. The bees on the face provide a modern, fun accent to a classic men’s watch look. A great choice if your budget allows it.
#2 Fossil Townsman Automatic
Fossil is one of the biggest names in fashion watches. A well-earned right if you ask me, considering few brands can match them when it comes to making attractive watches that are incredibly affordable.
Most Fossil watches are pretty understated. Unlike a lot of fashion brands that are going with more modern styles, Fossil usually keeps their watches more classic, which I like.
Their Townsman Automatic is a good example of what their watches are all about.
As the name implies, this is an automatic watch. Which in itself is pretty amazing, considering this watch has an asking price of only around $200.
There are plenty of mass produced automatic movements these days, making it possible for fashion brands like Fossil to provide automatic watches at very affordable prices.
The 44 mm stainless steel case is covered with a rose gold coating, bringing the classiness factor up a notch. The beige dial looks great behind the rose gold hands and numerals.
The crystal protecting that gorgeous dial is made out of mineral crystal, which is to be expected in this price range (an automatic movement and a sapphire crystal would likely up the price).
The back of the case is also transparent, allowing you to get a peek of the movement in action.
Fossil includes one of their popular brown leather bands to finish this watch off.
If you’re looking for a classy watch and are working with a limited budget, the Townsman Automatic makes a great choice.
#3 Movado Sapphire
Unlike any other brand on this list, Movado started out as a watch company. And a Swiss watch company at that. Movado has been around since the late 1880’s and has made a name for themselves with their creative and artistic designs.
The Movado Group has since incorporated several other fashion watch brands, including Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, and the recently added MVMT.
Fashion watches are Movado’s bread-and-butter and they do them better than most in the game.
Their simple yet elegant Sapphire men’s watch is a nice example of the type of watches Movado puts out.
The minimalist design on the dial makes for a very sleek look. The single dot at 12 o’clock goes all the way back to the original Movado Museum Watch from 1960 (which became the first watch to be accepted into the New Your Museum of Modern Art).
The iconic look has been a staple for Movado ever since.
The silver hands make for a great contrast against the all black dial. The lack of numerals add to the modern feel of this timepiece, but could make keeping time a little more difficult (but let’s be real, nobody’s getting this watch for keeping time).
The Sapphire is a quartz watch, so no automatic movements involved here. As the name implies, the crystal is sapphire, making for a very durable watch.
The steel case measures 39 mm in diameter, making it very wearable for wrists of all sizes. A black, stainless steel band finishes off the sleek look.
If you’re looking to wear a piece of art, Movado’s Sapphire is a fun choice.
#4 Armani Exchange Hampton Stainless Steel
Armani is another powerhouse in the fashion industry, but unlike Gucci, they haven’t quite gone “all in” when it comes to their watches.
The movements and crystals aren’t as high-end, but the price tags aren’t as high either. A fair trade some would argue.
Regardless, I think their Hampton Stainless Steel is an attractive watch that a lot of men could have fun wearing. The black dial with gun smoke numerals gives the watch an undoubtedly bad-a** look that just gleams masculinity.
I kind of wish they had omitted the date window so the dial would’ve been completely blacked out, oh well.
Technically speaking, the Hampton is a quartz watch, so it does require a battery. The case is solid steel and 46 mm in diameter, making it one of the larger watches on this list. The crystal is mineral glass.
This watch comes with a metal bracelet to match the black case, finishing off the sleek look. This watch is also water resistant to 50 m, just in case.
Although the specs on this watch aren’t as impressive as some of the watches discussed earlier, Armani’s Hampton Stainless Steel watch is one of the more attractive fashion watches you’re likely to come across.
#5 MVMT Astro Blue
The MVMT brand was just mentioned earlier- they were recently bought out by the Movado Group. This brand is young compared to the other companies on this list, hitting the scene in 2013.
MVMT was created to offer folks a more affordable, fashionable alternative to the “overpriced” watches on the market.
The crowdfunded company has become a huge success with their minimalist designs and low prices. They kind of remind me of a more modern Fossil group.
I like a lot of their designs, but their Astro Blue is probably my favorite right now.
The dial is very simple and neat- I’m always a fan of a nice blue dial/stainless steel band look. Plus, what’s more dapper than having a bowtie on your dial?
As expected, this watch utilizes a quartz movement. It also comes with a mineral crystal, which is to be expected for most watches in this price range.
The case is 47 mm in diameter, making it the largest watch on this list (keep this in mind if you have smaller wrists). The band is stainless steel and comes with a deployment clasp (the band is interchangeable).
The Astro Blue also comes with a functional chronograph and is water resistant to 100 m.
MVMT’s Astro Blue doesn’t come with the most advanced specs, but it’s certainly an attractive fashion watch and well-priced at under $200. And come on, it has a bowtie.
#6 Daniel Wellington Dapper St Mawes
Daniel Wellington is another young watch brand that has been crushing it over the last few years, becoming one of the highest-earning brands.
The story goes that the company’s creator met a stylish British gent by the name of Daniel Wellington while traveling and was inspired by his pairing of vintage watches with old straps.
And the rest is history.
Daniel Wellington is a Swedish brand that has gained fame for their classic looking, yet affordable, watches. The bands are also interchangeable, giving you plenty of options when it comes to style.
I’m a fan of their Dapper St Mawes because it’s simple, elegant, and would work great as a dress watch.
This is another quartz watch paired with a mineral crystal. Daniel Wellington uses Japanese made quartz movements, which are known for their accuracy.
The dial has a very clean look with the use of Roman numerals against the white background. There’s a date window at 6 o’clock and nothing else except the brand name.
The case here is only 34 mm in diameter, making it small for a men’s watch, but very wearable.
I like this watch with the brown Italian leather band, but you could easily swap it out for another if you prefer.
If you’re looking for an affordable fashion watch that could pair easily with your formal attire, Daniel Wellington’s Dapper St Mawes is a great choice.
Final Thoughts
Well, that about does it. I hope this list goes to show that not all fashion watches are created equal. While it’s true there are a lot of crappy options out there, there’s also some pretty solid options too.
Even though most fashion watches are mass produced with sub-par quartz movements, there are fashion brands out there designing watches with accurate quartz and automatic movements.
If you’re looking for a watch with some mechanical prowess under the hood, I recommend going with a mechanical movement. There are also plenty of fashion watches offering sapphire crystals, which is a definite plus.
And even if the watches on this list didn’t do it for ya, I’m sure you’ll be able find a suitable option. When looking for the best, just make sure you consider the movement, the crystal, and the band.
I also suggest you consider the size of the case- most men’s watches fall somewhere between 40-44 mm, but as you saw, you can go bigger or smaller depending on your preference.
In the end, it’s all about finding a fashion watch that matches your style and budget.