33 Different Types of Wristwatches for Men (by Style, Shape, Movement and Features)

Here's your ultimate wristwatch guide for men setting out the 19 different types of wrist watches for men. We break it down so you know exactly what your options are including type, style, shape, features and more.

An elegant analog dress watch on a formally-dressed man.

I remember my first watch clear as day. It was a gift given to me by my parents for my 7th birthday. It was a digital watch for kids. It had all the bells and whistles including a stopwatch, alarm, date, and more. I loved that watch. I had it for years.

In fact, that first watch spurred my love of watches for years. When I got a bit older, I received my first fashion-oriented watch which was an analog Swatch Watch. I liked that watch as much as my first one. From then on I’ve had a number of watches, some fairly plain-jane such as an athletic Timex to the luxury Tag Heuer smartwatch, and many in between.

These days, my go-to timepiece is the Apple smartwatch. In addition to liking watches, I enjoy the tech gadgets that the Apple Watch Series 2 has in spades. I considered upgrading to the Series 3, but I decided to hold off on future Apple innovation.

While I like smartwatches and have quite a few of them, I must admit having to charge them almost daily is a hassle. For that reason, I’m starting to look and consider a classy analog watch. It’s this research along with my recent smartwatch buying spree that inspired this extensive article explaining all the different types of watches.

If you’re into watches or are simply looking for one quality timepiece, the starting point is getting a good understanding of your different wristwatch options. There is no shortage of options.  Here they are.

1. Watch Display Type

The watch display type is how the watch displays the time. Analog watches are the first type of watch made and continue to be popular. Other display types are recent inventions based on the technology used to make cell phones and computers.

Watch display types include:

  • Analog
  • Digital
  • Hybrid
  • Tactile
  • Touchscreen

a. Analog

Analog watch with black leather strap.

An analog watch has numbers or numerals in a circle on the face of the watch. Most have an hour hand, minute hand, and secondhand. This type of watch uses mechanical movement to keep time.

The biggest disadvantage of an analog watch is that it can be difficult to see the minute hand accurately. Many watches don’t have marks for each minute, which makes the exact time difficult to decipher.

The biggest advantage of an analog watch is its classic. It’s the watch your parents wore, and their parents before them. It’s a timeless timepiece.

Pros:

  • Classic and classy
  • Reliable
  • Wide variety of price points

Cons:

  • Can be difficult to determine the exact time
  • Reading the watch requires effort

Who Should Get it?

Analog watches are a great choice if you are traditional and enjoy a time-tested look.

b. Digital Watch

Men's digital watch

The digital watch shows time on an LCD display. They are the most inexpensive type of watch on the lower end because they are inexpensive to produce.

A digital watch displays the hour, minute, and second accurately. No need to squint at the small hands, you can see the time at a glance.

Many digital watches offer other features as well. Even lower-end watches often include the date and am/pm. A stopwatch feature is also common on a digital watch.

A digital watch is great if you want convenience or need extra features like a stopwatch.

The downside is that it’s another screen, and it lacks the character of an analog watch display.

Pros:

  • Easy to read
  • Inexpensive
  • Other features including date, timer, calendar, alarm

Cons:

  • Lacks the class and tradition of analog
  • Can’t see or hear the time tick by

Who should get a digital watch?

Get a digital watch if you value convenience or find an analog watch difficult to read. You should also choose this type of watch if you need your watch to do more than just keep time.

c. Hybrid Watch

Black analog-digital hybrid wristwatch

A hybrid watch combines the look of an analog watch with the features and functionality found in a digital watch. It can be the best of both worlds.

This type usually has an analog face with digital areas included. It typically gives a digital display for time and date. Many include features found in digital watches, including backlight, timer, and alarm.

Pros:

  • Offers the analog look and digital features
  • More information than analog display
  • Sporty

Cons:

  • Not suitable for formal occasions
  • Too busy for some

Who should choose a hybrid watch?

You should choose a hybrid watch if you enjoy the look and feel of an analog watch and the convenience of a digital watch.

d. Tactile

Closeup of Victorinox tactile watch.

Tactile watches are essentially a hybrid touchscreen watch. Most have an analog and digital display, like a standard hybrid watch.

However, most digital watches have buttons on the side to cycle through functions. Tactile watches allow you to touch a specific part of the face for a certain function.

This makes it more convenient and allows more functions to be included.

The only downside to choosing a tactile watch over a hybrid is that it can be slightly more expensive.

Pros:

  • Easier to use than digital or hybrid
  • Often provides more functions than digital and hybrid

Cons:

  • Can be slightly more expensive
  • Too busy for some

Who should get a tactile watch?

If you need functional features like a backlight, calendar, and timer, a tactile watch is a great choice.

e. Touchscreen

Black smartwatch

Touchscreen watches are also known as smartwatches. A touchscreen watch works similarly to your smartphone. It has a color LCD touchscreen, and you access features by touching the icon.

You can do many of the things you do on your phone with a touchscreen watch, including sending messages and answering calls.

A touchscreen watch is like a mini phone or computer on your wrist. It offers convenience, but it can be too much like your phone.

Pros:

  • Lots of features
  • Customizable face
  • Trendy

Cons:

  • Most expensive watch type
  • All the features can be overwhelming
  • Must be charged frequently
  • Feels more like a mini smartphone than a watch

Who should get a touchscreen watch?

If you are tech-savvy and enjoy keeping up with the latest trends, a touchscreen watch is a must. If you frequently send messages or take calls on the go, you might find the watch to be more convenient.

2. Watch Movement Type

Watch movement type is what makes the watch tick, or keep time. This only applies to watches with an analog component, because digital watches do not keep time via movement.

The types of a watch movement are:

  • Automatic and mechanical
  • Quartz
  • Solar
  • KInetic
  • Chronometer
  • Spring Drive

a. Automatic and Mechanical

Close view of a watch mechanism.

Many high-end analog watches are automatic. This type of watch has a sweeping second hand which makes it enjoyable to watch and hear.

The watch gets energy from the mainspring. A mechanical watch requires winding a dial on the side of the watch face. An automatic watch winds the mainspring on its own.

Automatic watches are more common than mechanical watches because of their convenience.

Pros:

  • Doesn’t require batteries
  • Enjoyable smooth movement
  • Interesting mechanical mechanism

Cons:

  • It’s less accurate than quartz (+/- 10 seconds per day)
  • Usually more expensive than quartz
  • Mechanical watches require winding every 38-50 hours

Who should get an automatic or mechanical watch?

This type is perfect if you want a luxury watch. It’s classy and traditional. These watches can be quite expensive, but there are budget options available as well.

b. Quartz Watch

Quartz wristwatch movement in an old watch.

The quartz watch was invented because automatic and mechanical watches lack accuracy. The average person isn’t likely to notice give or take 20 seconds in a day, but true timekeepers certainly do.

Instead of a mainspring, a quartz watch runs on quartz crystal oscillation along with an integrated circuit. Quartz oscillates at 32768 times per second, which greatly reduces inaccuracy.

A standard quartz watch has an accuracy of +/- 10 seconds per day. Expensive quartz watches can keep time within an accuracy of 10 seconds per year.

Pros:

  • More accurate than automatic watches
  • Generally less expensive than automatic watches
  • No winding required
  • More durable than automatic

Cons:

  • Batteries must be replaced every 1-2 years
  • Very common

Who should choose a quartz watch?

If you are looking for an inexpensive reliable watch, a quartz watch is a great choice. They are durable and usually lighter than automatic watches.

c. Solar Watch

Seiko solar movement with blue and black dial along with chronograph function.

A solar watch is similar to a quartz watch, with one key difference. Instead of using a battery, it uses solar energy. Photovoltaic cells on the face of the watch capture the energy.

It can typically last for six months when not in use. It doesn’t just work with solar light. Even indoor artificial light will charge the watch.

Pros:

  • Sustainable
  • Convenient
  • Runs indefinitely with normal use

Cons:

  • More expensive than quartz
  • The battery capacitator needs to be changed every 7-10 years

Who should get a solar watch?

You should get a solar watch if you value the convenience of a watch that runs with little to no effort. It’s also a great option if you want to support energy sustainability.

d. Kinetic Watch

The inside of a kinetic watch.

A kinetic watch is essentially a cross between quartz and an automatic watch. It uses quartz to keep time, so it has the same accuracy as other quartz watches. However, it’s powered by the self-winding mechanism of an automatic watch, so you’ll never have to replace a battery.

Instead of a mainspring, it has an internal dynamo that turns the movement of the watch into electricity.

Pros:

  • Never needs battery replacement
  • Accuracy of quartz
  • Feel of automatic watch

Cons:

  • Requires wearing to charge like an automatic watch

Who should get a kinetic watch?

You should get a kinetic watch if you love the feel or look of an automatic watch, but prefer greater accuracy. It can also be a conversation piece since this type of watch isn’t seen often.

e. Chronometer Watch

Rolex Submariner 116610LN luxury watch

A chronometer watch is essentially an automatic watch that is certified for accuracy. It was designed for those who work in an industry where timekeeping accuracy is important.

It’s also a symbol of quality since these watches are held to a higher standard. The watch must be certified to list the term chronometer on the watch or packaging.

It is certified through Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC), a testing institute in Switzerland. The watch goes through 16 days of testing in various positions. To achieve certification, it must have an accuracy of -4/+6. This is higher than a standard quartz watch.

Pros:

  • Guaranteed accuracy
  • Quality construction
  • Greatest accuracy for automatic watches

Cons:

  • It’s much more expensive than a standard automatic watch

Who should get a chronometer?

You should get a chronometer if you want or need the most accurate automatic watch possible. In today’s age, a cell phone or digital clock can keep incredibly accurate time, so the chronometer most appeals to those who enjoy knowing the watch is made to exacting standards.

f. Spring Drive Watch

Closeup of a clockwork with gears, spring, steel, and brass.

The spring drive watch is very new. Seiko released the first one in 2005, and it remains the most technically advanced type of analog watch.

It is a combination of quartz and automatic, like the kinetic watch. Like an automatic, it has a mainspring that stores energy. It uses a Tri-Syncro regulator, an integrated circuit, and quartz crystal.

This allows the watch to slow down the gear train when it’s required for accuracy. The second-hand sweeps in signature mechanical watch style.

Its accuracy is +/- 1 second per day, though anecdotal reports claim the accuracy is actually higher.

Pros:

  • It’s prestigious and unique
  • Extremely accurate
  • The sweeping second hand is smoother than automatic

Cons:

  • Much more expensive than automatic or quartz watches

Who should get a spring drive watch?

You should get a spring watch if you enjoy high-end products or technological advances. It also allows you to stand out from the crowd. Like other unique watches, it makes a good conversation piece.

3. Watch Function and Style

A row of various types of watches.

This is the way types of watches are most commonly grouped. They are categorized by their function and style. This is where men’s and women’s watches sometimes vary as well. In addition to looking at each type of watch, we will look at differences in the style based on gender.

These types of watches include:

  • Sport watch
  • Fashion
  • Dress
  • Smartwatch
  • Pocket watch
  • Luxury

a. Sports Watch

Sports watch on a bark of tree.

What a sports watch is has been a source of debate in recent years. In concept, it’s a watch designed to be rugged and useful during sports activities. But what features make sports watch a sports watch?

They can be either digital or analog. There have some common features. It should be rugged enough to handle some shock. This includes being scratch-resistant and made of a material like titanium for durability. In the case of an analog watch, the timekeeping mechanism, usually quartz, should be shock-resistant as well.

It should also be easily visible. It should have luminous hands or a back-lit display for easy visibility in dark conditions, and the hands or numbers should be large enough to see easily.

Lastly, they should be water-resistant. Some sports watches are designed to be immersed in water at deep depths, and others are appropriate for swimming or sailing.

Pros:

  • Rugged
  • Ideal for many activities
  • Unique features based on the activity performed

Cons:

  • Specialized watches can be expensive
  • Style choices are often limited

Who should get one? 

You should consider a sports watch if you are active and need a rugged watch that’s easy to use and read. You can also choose a specific type of sports to watch for particular activities or needed features.

Sports Watches for Men and Women

The biggest difference between this type of watch for men and women is the size. A woman’s watch will have a shorter and slimmer band and a smaller face. There are also many unisex sports watches available today.

A basic sports watch will meet all the factors mentioned above. However, there are also specialized sports watches.

These include:

  • Dive watch
  • Military watch
  • Pilot watch
  • Racing watch

b. Dive Watches

Dive watches

Dive watches are, as the name suggests, designed for diving. They are water-resistant. Most also have an illuminated dial so you can see in dark water, and a timer to monitor dive time.

They are shock-resistant to withstand the pressure of water at higher depths. They have rubber seals to prevent water from getting into the watch. Some also have a screw-down crown.

Dive watches have a depth rating to show how deep they can go in the water. In addition to diving, these watches are great for swimming and other water sports.

Pros:

  • Tough and sturdy in and out of the water
  • Large easy to read face
  • Lumen for low light visibility
  • The timer has many uses

Cons:

  • Can be heavy and bulky
  • More expensive than a standard watch

Who should get one?

Obviously, if you dive, a dive watch is a great choice. It’s almost a necessity. If you engage in other activities in or on the water, consider a dive watch as well. Although you might be better served with another type of waterproof watch if you aren’t diving into the depths.

c. Military Watch

Military watch

A military watch is designed to be worn during field operations. It’s also known as a field watch. It’s designed to be very durable and accurate. It will also be water-resistant.

Most field watches are relatively simple and easy to view. They have an illuminated display. They are usually small or medium size, so they don’t interfere with movement.

It’s common for a field watch to be an atomic radio controlled watch. Atomic watches receive automatic adjustments from the atomic clock, which is the most accurate time source in the world. The watch, just like the clock, has an accuracy of 1 second every 100,000 years.

A military watch can also be a GMT watch. These watches have a 24 hour hand and a 24-hour scale on the bezel. It shows the time where you are and the time of any location in the world based on GMT. GMT starts at 0 in England. As you move east or west, you will add or subtract hours from zero to get the time in that time zone.

Traditionally, military watches were analog. Now they can be found in a digital watch, analog watch, and smartwatch. This allows for more features that can be useful in the field.

Pros:

  • Features designed for an active lifestyle
  • Extremely durable

Cons:

  • Fewer design options than other watches

Who should get one?

If you live an active lifestyle or enjoy sports, you may enjoy the durability of a field watch. If you need highly accurate timekeeping, they are a good choice as well.

d. Pilot Watch

Pilot watch with brown leather strap.

The pilot watch was designed for pilots. They have originally repurposed field watches, and they still bear many similarities.

A pilot watch may include GMT. They have antimagnetic technology to prevent interference from the magnetic field in the cabin and are designed to handle fast changes in air pressure.

They also feature a chronograph. This is essentially a stopwatch function. Most have extra markings on the watch display for in-flight calculations, and a rotating bezel to aid in calculations. The watch band traditionally has rivets so it can be worn over the flight jacket.

Pros:

  • Extra features including flight calculations
  • Can be operated wearing gloves
  • Classic elegant style

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Features can be busy if you don’t require them

Who should get a pilot watch?

If you enjoy the aviation-style or the classic look, a pilot’s watch is a great choice. If you need magnetic and pressure resistance for flying or other situations, you should choose this type of watch.

e. Racing Watch

Rolex Submariner 116610LN luxury watch

A racing watch has two important features. A chronograph and a tachymeter. The chronograph provides a stopwatch function, and the tachymeter calculates speed.

These watches are designed to make a statement. Some look like classic luxury watches, while others are flashy and sporty.

Pros:

  • Allows you to calculate the speed
  • Shows your personality

Cons:

  • Some models can be very expensive
  • Some styles aren’t suited for casual or formal attire

Who should get a racing watch?

You should get a racing watch if you need a chronograph. If you’d like the ability to measure increments of time, a racing watch is what you need. If you love the spirit of racing, it can be a style statement as well.

f. Fashion Watches

A row of various types of watches.

Sports watches are designed for specific functions. Fashion watches are designed to look great. Instead of complimenting a specific activity, they compliment your outfit. The basic definition of a fashion watch is a style that puts most of the effort into aesthetics instead of the movement mechanism or functionality of the piece.

You can think of a fashion watch as an accessory or jewelry piece instead of functional equipment.

Pros:

  • Fun and stylish
  • Can show your individual style
  • Usually less expensive than other types

Cons:

  • What you gain in style you lose in functionality
  • Low-end fashion watches are generally lower quality

Who should get a fashion watch?

Choose a fashionable watch if your looks and style are your main concern. If you view your watch as a fashion statement, a fashion watch is a perfect choice.

Men’s and Women’s Fashion Watches

Black and pink analog watches

This is one of the areas where women’s and men’s watches differ significantly. They have different fashion tastes, so naturally, a watch focused on that will reflect those tastes.

Women are more likely to choose a leather strap, and men are more likely to choose a metal band. Women’s watches are usually simpler and less flashy than men’s. However, fashion watches can be found in bright colors and designs for both sexes.

f. Dress Watch

Groom in a wedding suit looking at his dress watch.

It’s easy to think of a dress watch as a type of fashion watch, and it certainly can be. Generally, a dress watch will be well made and keep time well, which isn’t a focus of a fashion watch.

While they are designed for formal attire, they can be worn with casual clothing as well.

Men’s Dress Watch

A dress watch for men will have a smaller face and band than other types because it’s designed to fit under a suit cuff. It will have little embellishment, and usually only has numerals to indicate the time.

Traditionally, the band of the watch is made from alligator or leather and is a neutral color.

Women’s Dress Watch

Woman in orange dress with gold watch.

A woman’s dress watch is usually made with a gold or silver band. It may feature a unique link pattern or engraving. The face can have rhinestones or diamonds. Some even feature extra dials or prints on the watch face.

When selecting a woman’s dress watch, it’s important to consider the occasion. A flashy Rolex watch might look great with a cocktail dress, but it won’t be the best choice for a business meeting.

Women’s watches range from simple elegance to flashy pizazz. Which you choose will depend on the outfit, your personality, and occasion.

Unisex Watches

Many lines are now labeling their lines as unisex. There’s also a trend with women and men wearing watches designed for the opposite sex, so there are no hard and fast watch rules regarding gender.

Pros:

  • Appropriate for formal events
  • Can enhance your overall look

Cons:

  • Can be expensive
  • Some are not appropriate for casual situations

Who should get a dress watch?

Dress watches are ideal for anyone who dresses formally. It is functional, and it can also be a conversation piece or bring more elegance to your appearance.

g. Smart Watch

Man wearing an Apple smartwatch.

A smart watch is essentially a touchscreen watch. It has a touchscreen similar to a cell phone and performs some similar functions.

They can give you notifications from your phone, allow you to send voice messages, and listen to music. You can also download apps onto your smartwatch.

The specific features of the watch will depend on its purpose. Some smartwatches are a fitness watch. These often include GPS, which allows you to see your location at any time.

It can also track your movement, which is useful for hiking, walking, and running. These watches will also monitor your steps and heart rate.

A smartwatch can also be used as a diving watch or a racing watch. Each type will have its own features suited to what it’s meant to do.

Pros:

  • Multifunctionality
  • Easy to use
  • convenient

Cons:

  • It’s always on your wrist, making it harder to disconnect from the digital world
  • More expensive than many watches

Who should get a smartwatch?

If you need to be in constant contact with others or technology, a smartwatch is a great idea. It’s great for people who make frequent phone calls or check their email frequently. It’s also excellent for fitness and other sports activities.

h. Pocket Watch

Antique gold pocket watch on a wooden table.

A pocket watch may seem obsolete today, but they are still in style. If you are willing to pull a cell phone out of your pocket to check the time, why not a pocket watch?

One advantage of a pocket watch over a wristwatch is its versatility. It can be difficult to find a dress watch that looks just as great with blue jeans.

However, as a formal watch, a pocket watch looks elegant and classy with a suit or even a tuxedo. The same watch is also appropriate as a casual watch.

A pocket watch makes a statement. It shows a love for tradition. It makes an excellent heirloom to pass down because they are timeless.

Pocket Watches for Men and Women

Pocket watches were traditionally worn by men, but they are now a popular style for women as well. While men wear them chained to a buttonhole, waistcoat, or belt loop, with the watch in their pocket, women usually wear them as a pendant.

When worn in this way, it’s nearly always a fashion statement and not used as a timepiece.

Pros:

  • Classic style
  • Ideal for formal and casual events

Cons:

  • Can seem old fashioned
  • Can be inconvenient to pull it out of the pocket

i. Luxury Watch

Luxury watch in two tone with diamond bezel.

A luxury watch is often thought of as a dress watch. It certainly can be, but it goes beyond that. A luxury watch is one designed with the best quality, often at a premium price.

There are plenty of luxury sports watches that provide high quality and functionality. In fact, pilot watches, dive watches, and chronograph watches are often luxury watches.

In this case, luxury means quality. Just as a luxury sports car will look much different from a luxury sedan, a luxury sports watch will differ from a luxury dress watch. Not all dress watches are luxury watches, and not all luxury watches are dress watches.

A smartwatch could also be considered a luxury watch because they are expensive and considered a luxury instead of a necessity.

Pros:

  • Make a statement and stand out from the crowd
  • Peace of mind with high quality
  • Available features are nearly unlimited

Cons:

  • Can be very expensive
  • Some styles can feel heavy or flashy

4. Shape

I don’t think you need any explanation about shape. The shape refers to the case shape. Watches come in a variety of shapes. The main ones being as follows:

a. Round

A round-shaped wristwatch for men with black straps.

Round is the most popular watch shape, although the Apple Watch bucked the popular shape with a rectangle shape. Round makes sense given the dials move in a circular motion.

b. Oval

Casio Men's FE10-1A Classic Digital Black Resin Band Watch
Click image for more info

Oval isn’t a common watch shape. The above is an example.

c. Rectangle

A close look at a rectangular analog watch for men.

Early smartwatches such as the Asus Zen watch were a rectangle. Then Apple hit the scene with its famous rectangle watch. Rectangle shape for smartwatches makes sense because it provides more screen space which is kinda important for displaying as much digital info as possible. However, as you can see above, you can buy rectangle analog watches as well.

d. Square

A close look at a square-shaped watch for men.

Square watches aren’t too common.

e. Tonneau

Titan Edge Men’s Designer Watch – Slim, Quartz, Water Resistant, Stainless Steel Strap - Silver Band and Black Dial
Click image for more info

5. Features

Analog features to consider:

a. Chronograph

A close look at a man's chronograph-style watch.

A chronograph watch has an independent sweeping second hand – often used as a stopwatch. Here’s an example:

b. Luminous

Seiko Men's SNZH53 Seiko 5 Automatic Dark Blue Dial Stainless Steel Watch
Click image for more info

Luminous watches has glow-in-the-dark dials like this one:

c. Transparent

Invicta Men's Pro Diver Mechanical-Hand-Wind Stainless-Steel Strap, Gold, 22 Casual Watch (Model: 24694)
Click image for more info

A transparent watch is one that you can see through. This is a really cool design feature. Here’s an example:

d. Skeleton Watch

Stuhrling Original 371.01 Men's Legacy Automatic Self Wind Genuine Leather Strap Watch Black
Click image for more info

A skeleton watch feature is one where you can see the inner working parts. Here’s an example:

More features to consider:

Today’s watches offer all kinds of fun features. With smartwatches, the feature set is growing monthly. In fact, smartwatch features are too numerous to list given they connect to the internet which offers unlimited potential.

That said, while smartwatches are growing in popularity, analog and digital watches are still the most popular. Typical features include:

  • Alarm: many digital and smartwatches offer an alarm feature. It’s been around for decades.
  • Altimeter: I live in a mountainous area, so I like having access to an altimeter. With smartwatches, there are altimeter apps you can integrate with for this feature. That’s the beauty of smartwatches – the sky is the limit when it comes to feature options. You know the saying… “there’s an app for that.”
  • Calendar: This is a smartwatch feature. It syncs with your smartphone calendar. It’s very handy, especially the notifications.
  • Chronograph: A watch face that includes a distinct stopwatch. It’s a smaller circle with a dial that serves as a stopwatch.
  • Depth measurement capability: I’m not a scuba diver, so I don’t have this, but there are smart watches and digital watches with this feature which is very important for scuba divers to have when diving.
  • GPS: I LOVE LOVE LOVE GPS capability in my smartwatches. It syncs with maps, GPS driving and I can even find restaurants and coffee shops near me (plus lots of other stuff near me). The GPS capability also provides accurate distance traveled data for my bicycle rides and hikes.
  • Heart rate monitor: My all-time favorite Apple Watch feature is the heart-rate monitor. I find this fascinating. It automatically records heart rate throughout the day and night and then charts it. I find it very interesting because it’s a great measure for determining the level of physical activity and stress.
  • Shock resistant: I’ve destroyed two watches when my wrist crashed against something hard.  This can easily happen at any time, especially if active. The solution to anyone who is tough on watches is to get one that’s shock resistant and can take a bit of a beating.
  • Solar: Don’t like charging your watch or relying on a battery – go off the grid with a solar-powered watch.
  • Stopwatch: The stopwatch is a standard feature with both digital and smartwatches.
  • Tachymeter: Converts time into speed.
  • Water-resistant: I need water-resistant watches because I live in Vancouver where it rains most of the year. I also love swimming in the summer. Let’s face it, most of us don’t want to worry about getting a watch wet so having it water-resistant is almost a must-have feature.
  • Fitness tracking: I like seeing how many minutes of exercise I get in a day along with steps traveled, miles cycled, etc. In my view, the
  • Telephone: Telephone capability without being connected via Bluetooth to a smartphone is the latest technology and it’s very cool. The smartwatch itself connects to cellular service and so it can make and receive phone calls autonomously. This is game-changing because the smartwatch can now function entirely on its own as a connected computer.
  • Text messaging: Obviously, I prefer texting on my smartphone because typing or drawing letter by letter on the smartwatch is not efficient. However, there are a bunch of built-in responses and emojis that can communicate sufficiently in many cases.
  • Email: I love email notifications popping up on my watch. It lets me see what’s going on with work without having to haul out my smartphone.
  • Music control: If you use Apple Music you can control your music playing on the watch which can be very convenient such as when you’re cycling or on a ski chairlift (two situations where I find it convenient). If you prefer Spotify, you’ll need to use Android Wear phones. The Samsung smartwatches work brilliantly with Spotify (we also have Spotify and I have two Samsung smartwatches… I have extensively tested and use the Samsung and Spotify connection).

6. Other Considerations

a. Wood watch

Original Grain Whiskey Barrel Wood Watch - Barrel Collection Analog Wrist Watch - Japanese Quartz Movement - Wood and Stainless Steel - Water Resistant - American Oak Wood Watches for Men - 42MM
Click image for more info

Wood watches are kind of popular. I don’t own one, but I find it intriguing. I’m not sure when or where I’d wear it. However, if ever I find myself without a need for any particular watch, I’d consider buying a wood watch.

b. Pocket watch

An antique pocket watch for men with chain.

If you want to go old school, get a pocket watch.  There’s an old-world charm to it, but some might view it as pretentious.  They’re still around because they have a certain panache that some people can pull off.

c. Watch Bands

I debated whether to do a full write up on the different types of watch bands since the band is a significant design and functionality part of a wristwatch.  However, this article was already getting long in the tooth so I chose to dedicate a separate article to watch bands… coming soon.

At the end of the day, there are many different types of watch bands.  Some watches are designed to easily swap bands to create a totally different look.  My Fossil smartwatches offer this.  I can dress it up with a nice black leather band or dress it down with a casual canvas strap or colorful silicone strap.

Types of Watches FAQs

How do you choose a watch?

Choosing a watch can be exciting and overwhelming given all the choices. However, it’s not difficult when you break it down into steps. The first step is to decide your budget. Next, you’ll need to select the purpose of the watch. If you plan to go diving, you’ll need a different watch than if you want one that matches your outfit.

From there, it’s a matter of finding a watch that meets the requirements you’ve selected that fits your personal style. You’ll need to look at the size of the face and the band, and the features it has. Once you’ve found the one you like, you should try it on before you buy it.

What kind of watch goes with everything?

A simple watch is the best way to find one that goes with everything. Choose a leather or metal band, and a black or white face. It should have a simple face without an overabundance of features. This type of watch is suitable for casual wear and formal wear.

How much should I spend on a watch?

This question can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. First, ask yourself how much do you have to spend on a watch? Next, ask yourself what features are important to you. Do you really want a specific brand? Do you want a dive watch or a chronograph? Do some research and learn the price range for these watches, and see if it fits into your budget. The great thing about watches is that most types of watches run from inexpensive to more than your average car.

No matter what type of watch you want, there’s going to be a price range. You’ll just need to figure out if you want to be on the low end or the high end.

Which type of watch is best?

There is no best watch for everyone. There’s only the best watch for you. This depends on your needs, the purpose for wearing a watch, and budget.

What’s so mysterious about mystery dial watches?

Mystery dial watches seem to work magically, meaning the mechanical mechanism behind them can’t be seen. Most have hands that appear to float and move on the watch face on their own. Others look as if the mechanical workings that power the watch aren’t there. They vary in construction and how they work, but the mystery is always mechanical ingenuity. However, it’s best to leave it as a mystery and marvel over the magic inside the watch.

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