The history of men’s watches dates back as early as the 16th Century. Over hundreds of years, watches have evolved immeasurably in terms of shape, style and function but they’ve always been a key part of men’s attire and daily life. 

With so many watches out there in the world, with so many uses, aesthetics and price tags, we don’t blame you if you’re feeling a little bamboozled about where to start. Sit back, and relax because we’re here to make your life a whole lot easier with our Ultimate Guide to Watches for Men.

Here, we share our expert guidance on the most important things to consider when purchasing a gents' watch for yourself or as a gift for someone special in your life.

Why men’s watches are so popular

There are a number of reasons why watches are such a beloved accessory for men—and have been for many decades. Of course, watches are practical pieces that are an efficient way to tell the time without having to find a clock or reach for another time-telling device. 

However, a watch has the power to communicate far more about its wearer. Let’s take a look at just a few of the reasons why a man’s watch is such a treasured possession. 

Function and convenience

Watches transcend pure practicality, which we’ll elaborate on in just a moment but function and convenience are still a key part of why wearing a watch is part of most men’s daily routines.

In today’s busy world of working, travelling and moving from A to B, having a watch on the wrist is a quick and effortless way to keep track of time without having to look for a clock or dig around in pockets for a phone. 

Not just day-to-day time-telling either—the best smartwatches for men will also allow the wearer to keep track of things like time and pace when training or exercising too. Something like the Garmin Fenix 8 GPS Smartwatch, for example, is packed full of lifestyle, sports and well-being features.

Personal style statement

As well as the practicality of a wrist-worn timepiece, watches have the power to shape and project the wearer’s personal style. The watch a man chooses to wear with his outfit can complement and bolster his desired aesthetic in the same way other accessories like shoes and bags. 

Something timeless like the Hamilton Khaki Field Murph creates that clean, classic look, while something like the American Classic Boulton has a more retro, vintage vibe. The American Classic PSR Digital is more of a quirky conversation starter, while the Garmin MARQ Athlete Gen 2 Smart Watch achieves a utilitarian look and feel.

It’s all about finding a watch style that enhances the wearer and how they want to finesse their own individual style.

Heirlooms and investments

Some people will also take a future-facing approach to buying watches as they are common pieces for passing down through generations as family heirlooms. Historically, a watch was a prestigious item that fathers could pass down to their sons as a symbol of family connection and status. 

Some people will also intentionally research and purchase watches that will amass financial value over time and collect watches as investment pieces, perhaps never actually wearing them all.

Some of the best luxury watches for men, such as Rolex, Omega and Patek Phillipe—amongst others—can increase in value by tens of thousands of pounds over the years. This makes the watch market, particularly vintage and luxury watches, as enticing a space as art and classic cars if you’re interested in investing outside of things like stocks and property.

Pearls of wisdom when shopping for the best luxury watches for men:

With any kind of watch, finding the ‘best’ is all about the personal preferences of the wearer—or indeed the watch-buyer. That said, here is some helpful guiding advice when perusing luxury or premium watches for gents.

• You don’t need to spend an astronomical amount of money on infamous brands like Cartier and Rolex to benefit from luxury wrist wear—unless you want to. However, it is important to do your research and only buy from reputable brands and sellers you know you can trust.
  
  
• Luxury watches are more expensive than others, which is why we recommend opting for something timeless as opposed to trend-led. This means the money you invest in a premium piece will hold value for longer and even gain value over time.
  
  
• Choose designers and sellers that provide servicing options and warranties with their luxury watches.
  
  
• If you are interested in watch buying as a form of investment, explore the vintage watch men’s watch market as this is often where the most money can be made.

The best watches for men

When considering the best watches for men, there's no single definitive answer, as the ideal timepiece is a deeply personal choice and varies from one wearer to another. What might be the ideal match for one gent may very well not be just right for another—it’s all about the wearer and their personal watch-based wishes. 

You know a watch is perfect for its wearer when it elevates their sense of self, their style and the value they place on things like sentiment and investment potential. For some, the best watch might be a sleek and minimal design, while for others, it could be an extravagant statement piece.

Factors such as personal style, age, and budget all play crucial roles in shaping what feels just right on the wrist of the wearer. Keep reading as we explore some more imperative points to consider when shopping for watches for men.

Things to consider when buying watches for men

The world of men’s watches is wonderfully vast and diverse, which can make choosing the perfect ones tricky at times, especially if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for. The four key factors below are an essential place to start to begin refining your search:

• Purpose
• Aesthetic
• Lifestyle
• Cost

Purpose: what do you want the watch to do?

Watches can be worn for myriad reasons so understanding what you want out of a watch is a great place to start navigating your search from. Of course, you can have multiple watches in a collection with different purposes, so don’t get too hung up on finding one piece that can do it all.

For example, some watch designs are predominantly functional and technical, such as the Garmin MARQ Aviator Gen 2 Smart Watch. Other men’s watches, like the Hamilton Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton, are more decorative accessories designed to make a statement. 

Aesthetic: what style are you looking for?

The appearance of a watch is often just as important to its wearer as the features and functionality it offers. Depending on the scenario, sometimes what the watch looks like is even the overriding deciding factor. Choosing the overall design and style involves considering a few key visual elements that make up the watch's overall look and feel.

This is all about deciding how you want the watch face and hands to appear. This is arguably one of the most important deciding factors, especially for gents watches. 

The main choice is between a digital or analogue display—if you go for analogue, you’ll then need to consider whether you’d like numbers, Roman numerals, or simple markers like on the Koppel Quartz Gents Watch from Georg Jensen.

Style and function can combine when it comes to selecting the materials you want your watch to be made from. An opulent silver strap is a popular option for smart dress, for example, while a design with rubber or textile is perfect for exercise and activewear.

Popular metals for watch straps and cases include:

• Gold
• Silver
• Rose gold
• Stainless Steel
• Titanium

Common non-metal materials watch bands are typically made from include:

• Leather
• Silicone
• Rubber
• Nylon

Each has its own pros and cons, from durability to cost, so make sure to consider those factors when exploring your options, not just what it looks like. 

Top tip: With many models, you can easily switch watch straps to match the occasion or setting. A silicone or rubber band works well for everyday use, while metal, leather, or more decorative options can be reserved for special occasions or evening wear where scratching and damage are far less likely. 

Lifestyle: how will the watch be worn?

When choosing a watch, it's important to consider how it will be used on a daily and the type of wear it will need to go through. This will help prolong the lifespan of your timepiece and keep it in the best possible condition. 

For instance, if someone plans to wear their watch constantly but works in a water-exposed environment (like a hairstylist), opting for a water-resistant model is crucial.

Similarly, an office worker who spends most of their day at a computer may prefer a delicate design with softer metals like gold, whereas someone in a hands-on, physical job might need a more durable option to prevent scratches and damage.

Cost: what is your budget?

Our expertly curated collection of men’s watches spans from under £150 to around £2,700. The costs of watchers across the wider market can vary even further, from under £20 for costume jewellery, for example, into the hundreds, thousands, etc., for luxury pieces and high-end brands. 

It’s important to decide what you’re willing to spend and then continue your search within those budgetary boundaries.

Shop stunning watches for men at Sarah Layton

We have a broad and encompassing range of gents’ watches available here at Sarah Layton, so there’s sure to be something to suit your style, your lifestyle and your budget. From smart watches and luxury watches to classic and functional pieces, there’s a piece for every well-respected watch collection.

If you’ve already found a watch on our website that ticks all of your boxes, you can simply order it online and have it delivered to your door. Or if you’d prefer to pick your order up in-store, let us know or select ‘Reserve in store’ when purchasing.

To help protect a watch when it’s not being worn, we also recommend some purpose-built watch storage. This will help keep your watch safe, clean, and free of dust and scratches. 

If you’d like some more watch-buying advice or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.