Category: Watch Reviews

In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, the concept of timekeeping has evolved exponentially. While traditional mechanical watches still hold a special place in the hearts of horology enthusiasts, digital watches have emerged as the epitome of modernity and convenience the world over. 

Combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design, digital watches offer a plethora of features that cater to both tech-savvy individuals and fashion-forward enthusiasts and perhaps even the most astute mechanical watch snobs. 

In this article, we will delve into the captivating world of digital watches, exploring their functionality and versatility. Plus, we’ll look at the enduring appeal that keeps them ticking amidst the age of the all-encompassing smartwatch and the traditional world of mechanical horology.

About Digital Watches

First, some history. In the midst of the technological whirlwind of the 1970s and 1980s, a small yet significant innovation emerged that would forever change the way we perceive timekeeping: the digital watch. 

These sleek, electronic timepieces symbolized progress, modernity, and a departure from the traditional mechanical watches that had dominated the horological landscape for centuries. With the combination of quartz and modern technology, this was truly a transformative era in timekeeping. 

The Birth of the Digital Watch: The 1970s

The 1970s was a time of rapid advancement in electronics, with integrated circuits and microprocessors paving the way for new possibilities in consumer products. It was during this period that the first digital watches made their debut, capturing the imagination of people around the world as a whole new way of timekeeping.

One of the earliest pioneers in this field was the Hamilton Watch Company, which introduced the groundbreaking “Pulsar Time Computer” in 1972. Marketed as the world’s first digital watch, the Pulsar featured a red LED display that illuminated the time when the button was pressed. This watch quickly became a status symbol, adorning the wrists of celebrities and tech enthusiasts alike.

As the decade progressed, other manufacturers jumped on the digital bandwagon, introducing more affordable models. Casio, a brand that would become a powerhouse in the digital watch industry, released its first digital watch, the Casiotron, in 1974. The Casiotron showcased a digital display and a host of innovative features, paving the way for future Casio digital watches that would dominate the market in years to come.

The Rise of Functional Style: The 1980s

The 1980s marked a turning point in the digital watch revolution. The technology became more refined, and digital watches evolved from being novelty items to essential accessories due to their increasingly affordable pricing and practicality. The distinctive futuristic look of digital timepieces became synonymous with the high-tech aesthetic of the era, and manufacturers capitalized on this trend.

Casio, with its innovative spirit, launched a series of iconic digital watch lines during the 1980s. The G-Shock, introduced in 1983, redefined ruggedness in wristwear. Its shock-resistant design and durability made it a favorite among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, solidifying Casio’s position as a leader in the digital watch market, which lasts through the present day.

Meanwhile, Timex, another renowned watchmaker, introduced the Ironman Triathlon in 1986, targeting the fitness-minded consumer. With its stopwatch features, water resistance, and durable build, the Ironman became a staple for athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.

A Continued Legacy

The impact of digital watches from the 1970s and 1980s cannot be overstated. These timepieces revolutionized the watch industry, transitioning timekeeping from a traditional mechanical process to a digital, electronic experience. 

They paved the way for the smartwatches and wearable technology we have today, demonstrating that wristwatches can be much more than mere timekeeping devices.

What To Look For in Digital Watches? 

With an understanding of digital watch history and how digital watchkeeping has developed in the years since its inception, we now ask what a buyer should look for when deciding which digital watch to buy. Whether casual wear or specialized activities are your use case, let’s explore a few factors.

Legibility

One of the primary advantages of digital watches is their transparent, easy-to-read displays. However, not all digital watch displays are created equal. When evaluating a digital watch for legibility, consider the following:

• Display Type: Look for a watch with a high-contrast display, ideally backlit for nighttime readability. Some watches feature LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screens, while others use OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology for even crisper visuals.

• Size and Layout: Ensure the digits on the watch face are large enough to be easily seen at a glance. Pay attention to the layout of the digits, ensuring they’re well-organized and intuitively presented.

Battery Life

Another advantage of digital watches is their typically longer battery life compared to many analog counterparts and the reliability of battery power.  When selecting a digital watch, consider:

• Battery Type: Most digital watches use replaceable coin cell batteries, which are affordable and widely available. However, some advanced digital watches may have rechargeable batteries, for example, solar-powered watches.

• Battery Life: Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the estimated battery life. A watch with a longer battery life is ideal, especially if you plan to use additional features frequently.

Additional Features

Modern digital watches often come packed with a variety of features beyond basic timekeeping. Depending on your needs and preferences, here are some additional features to consider:

• Water Resistance: If you’re an avid swimmer or enjoy water-based activities, look for a digital watch with a suitable water resistance rating. Some watches are water-resistant but not suitable for diving, so check the specifications.

• Alarms and Reminders: Many digital watches include alarm functions, making them great for waking up or setting reminders throughout the day.

• Stopwatch and Timer: These features are handy for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone who needs precise timing for various activities.

• World Time and Time Zones: If you travel frequently, a digital watch with world time functionality can be a game-changer.

• Smart Features: Some digital watches now come with smart features such as step tracking, heart rate monitoring, and smartphone connectivity. Assess whether these features align with your lifestyle and preferences.

Build Quality & Durability

A good digital watch should be able to withstand everyday wear and tear. Look for watches with sturdy materials, scratch-resistant screens, and quality construction. Additionally, if you’re into outdoor activities, consider rugged watches designed to handle harsh conditions. Now, onto our list.

The Best Digital Watches From Affordable to Luxury

Casio F91W-1

In the world of digital wristwatches, the Casio F91W-1 is perhaps the quintessential reference, renowned for its accessibility, dependability, and affordable price point. With dimensions of 38.2mm x 35.2mm x 8.5mm (length, width, height), it boasts a compact yet comfortable design that sits well on any wrist. 

This watch features a digital display with a versatile 1/100-second stopwatch, alarm, and 12/24-hour formats, making it a practical choice for daily use and sports activities. Its durable resin case and band ensure longevity, and the water resistance of up to 30 meters is just enough for everyday use. 

Of note, the LED backlight feature is a convenient bonus for low-light situations. Perfect for those seeking an affordable, functional, and durable timepiece, the Casio F91W-1 continues to be a beloved choice for those looking for everyday dependable performance.

Retail Price: $22.95

Casio World Time AE-1200WH-1AV

The Casio World Time AE-1200WH-1AV is a versatile and feature-packed digital world time watch that’s perfect for globetrotters and adventurers alike. With its unique looks flanked with pushers on either side of its case, it comes in at 45mm x 42.1mm x 12.5mm in size (length, width, height) and presents a substantial yet comfortable presence on the wrist. 

This timepiece excels in its world-time functionality, displaying 31 timezones across 48 cities, making it an invaluable tool for international travel. The watch also offers a 1/100-second stopwatch, five daily alarms, a countdown timer, and 12/24-hour formats. Its utilitarian design, highlighted by a resin case and band, ensures durability, while the LED backlight aids visibility in various lighting conditions. 

With its array of practical features, the Casio World Time AE-1200WH-1AV stands as a reliable companion for those who crave functionality and precision in a stylish and resilient package, with 100 meters of water resistance and a 10-year battery life to boot.

Retail Price: $29.95 

Timex Ironman Classic 30 Full Size

The Timex Ironman Classic 30 Full Size is a sporty and dependable digital watch that’s designed to keep up with active lifestyles and is another quintessential standby in the category. With a 38mm diameter and a thickness of just over 12mm, it offers a comfortable fit on the wrist and is lightweight in feel due to its resin and acrylic materials. 

Boasting a 30-lap memory, countdown timer, and 100-meter water resistance, it’s ideal for both athletic pursuits and everyday wear. The durable resin case and strap ensure longevity, while the iconic INDIGLO® backlight enhances visibility in low-light conditions. The watch features an alarm, a 24-hour countdown timer, and dual timezone settings, making it a practical companion for travelers. 

With its reliable performance and rugged design, the Timex Ironman Classic 30 Full Size is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a versatile and durable sports watch that doesn’t compromise on style or functionality with its decidedly modern good looks.

Retail Price: $42.99 

Casio A168WEM-1VT

The Casio A168WEM-1VT is a stylish and versatile digital watch that seamlessly blends retro charm with modern functionality and materials. Its sleek stainless steel case is mirror-finished and measures 36.3mm in diameter (38.6mm in length and 9.6mm in height), offering a comfortable fit for various wrist sizes. 

The watch features a clear digital display with a bright electro-luminescent backlight, making it easy to read the time even in low-light conditions. A classic Casio design, the watch is enhanced by a silver-tone finish and an adjustable stainless steel bracelet. 

Key features include a 1/100-second stopwatch, daily alarm, hourly time signal, auto-calendar (28 days for February), and water resistance up to 30 meters. A perfect blend homage to classic Casio designs with practical features for everyday use.

Retail Price: $49.95 

Timex T80

The Timex T80 line of watches (34mm and 36mm variants of multiple case and strap materials available) is a striking fusion of vintage flair and contemporary functionality. Its compact 34mm case size harkens back to the iconic digital watches of the ’80s, perfect for those who appreciate a retro touch, a look that can’t be mistaken as soon as you set eyes on it. 

Within the line, gold and stainless steel colored options are coupled with matching gold and stainless steel bracelets, as well as being available on resin bands in colors ranging from maroon to tone-on-tone pink. 

The digital display is easy to read, and the watch offers useful features like a 24-hour chronograph, alarm, and Indiglo backlight, ensuring practicality in modern life on top of its stylish looks.

Retail Price: From $59.00 

Casio A700WM-7AVT

Within Casio’s vintage style range of watches sits the A700WM-7AVT, a handsome and sophisticated blend of retro 80’s style accented with a stainless steel mesh band. 

With case dimensions of 37.4 x 35.5 x 6mm (length x width x height), the classic Casio digital watch face design you know in love wears slim and comfortable on the wrist, along with the self-adjustability of the mesh band. 

Key features include a 1/100-second stopwatch, daily alarm, hourly time signal, auto-calendar, and water resistance up to 30 meters, adding practicality to its clean design. The estimated battery life of the CR1616 battery included with the watch is approximately 3 years.

Retail Price: $64.95 

Casio Databank DBC-611-1

Growing up in the early ’90s, the Casio Databank DBC-611-1 would’ve helped me stay a lot more organized (if I wasn’t a kid with nowhere to go and nothing to do). Another star of the Casio Vintage collection, its oblong case with digital display up top and numeric keyboard on the bottom is unmistakable. 

As alluded to above, the standout feature here is its databank functionality, allowing you to store essential information such as phone numbers and appointments. With a 25-page databank capacity, just think of all the information you could input! 

The watch also includes a calculator feature, an 8-digit calculator display, a multi-function alarm, and an auto-calendar, making it a practical accessory for everyday use. The LED backlight ensures readability in any lighting conditions, and the water resistance of up to 50 meters adds to its practicality. If you’ve ever wanted to relive the Golden years of the 80s and 90s, the DBC-611-1 is an immediately compelling watch to add to your collection.

Retail Price: $64.95 

Casio GA2100

Enter the Casio GA2100. Popularly referred to in watch nerd-dom as the “CasiOak”. With their distinctive octagonal bezel (reminiscent of a certain iconic luxury watch), combined with Casio’s rugged durability and cutting-edge features, we have a new line of G-Shock watches launched in 2019. 

With a carbon core guard structure, these watches are both lightweight and highly durable, measuring 45.4mm by 48.5mm in diameter and only 11.9mm thick, making them comfortable on the wrist. The GA2100 line offers a range of features, including multiple timezones, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, and a 200-meter water resistance, and are suitable for hard-wearing activities in true G-Shock fashion. 

The analog-digital display, paired with the Super Illuminator LED light, ensures excellent readability in any situation, and with over 43 different colorways (available as of 2023), one is sure to find a standout CasiOak for their personal tastes.

Retail Price: $99.00 

Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1

When you picture a G-Shock in your head, you’re likely picturing something along the lines of the classic GWM5610-1. With its classic square design, the watch features a tough black resin case and a comfortable adjustable band, just as any other G-Shock. So why the higher price point than a typical G-Shock? 

This G-Shock is solar-powered (Tough Solar, to be exact), equipped with Multi-Band 6 radio-controlled timekeeping for accuracy, and offers a range of useful features, including a full auto-calendar, daily alarm, countdown timer, and 200-meter water resistance. 

As with any G-Shock, the full list of features is too long to list (good luck reading that instruction manual), but at the end of the day, the GWM5610-1 embodies the essence of G-Shock’s toughness while incorporating modern conveniences, making it a reliable and versatile choice for those seeking a durable and feature-packed watch.

Retail Price: $150.00 

Suunto Core

The large digital dial on the Suunto Core keeps you updated on the altitude, air pressure, temperature, and time, all while keeping flawless legibility. It also has a weather indicator, designed to inform you of sunrise and sunset while also detecting drops in air pressure before notifying its wearer of a potential storm. 

The case is made of composite, and it comes with an elastomer strap. The sleek, black body fits the digital watch aesthetic that so many fitness gooroos go for, and the aluminum bezel material provides strong durability that is necessary for a digital/outdoor watch.

It measures fairly large, with a diameter of 49.1mm and a thickness of 14.5mm which could be a hit or miss for some. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty utilitarian watch this is definitely a piece that suits you, but if you’re in the market for a lighter running watch, you may want to look elsewhere. 

The Suunto Core is $199

Yema LED Silver (ref. YMHF1575-AM)

When thinking of digital watches, Yema may not exactly be the first to come to mind. But there they were, as early as the 1970s, releasing the progenitor of this watch, the Yema LED Silver. 

It’s hard to miss the case upon first view. The striking squared and angled watch head exudes a certain robotic charm, while the characteristic red LED digital display showcases a retro-futuristic touch, offering a distinctive and nostalgic appeal. The LED has a standby mode to ensure low battery consumption and can be lit up by pushing a button on the side of the case. 

At 37.5mm in dimension and 10.5mm thick, the watch is compact on the wrist despite the odd-shaped design. While paying homage to its vintage inspirations, the Yema LED Silver embraces contemporary functionality and build, making it an intriguing choice for those who appreciate a harmonious fusion of classic and cutting-edge design.

Retail Price: $269.00 

Casio G-Shock GM-S5600-1

The G-Shock GM-S5600-1 is Casio’s down-sized version of the standard bearer 5600 series with a polished metal steel case. Paired with a resin band, the watch exudes a refined yet robust appearance (Case size: 43.8mm length, 38.4mm width, 10.9mm height). 

This G-Shock model offers the reliability and shock resistance that the brand is renowned for, with an approximate battery life of 2 years with its CR1616 battery. The digital display is crisp and easy to read, featuring essential functions like daily alarms, world time, and a stopwatch. At the same time, the 200-meter water resistance makes it suitable for various activities like watersports (and the occasional dishwashing). 

The GM-S5600-1 is the epitome of a versatile and durable timepiece, merging G-Shock’s trademark resilience with a touch of sophistication, making it a great choice for both adventure and style-conscious individuals looking for a bit more personal style.

Retail Price: $160.00 

Seiko Prospex “Digi Tuna” SBEP003

With Seiko’s hallowed history in the dive watch space for enthusiasts and laymen alike, it should come as no surprise that within the storied lineup of watches, there exists a digital watch mixing their iconic dive watch style with modern technology. 

Enter the SBEP003 “Digi Tuna”, a watch taking the shrouded case design of the infamous “Tuna” diver (their most robust professional dive watch) and adding in a digital display. No slouch in actual use, the watch is rated to 200 meters of water resistance, and its solar-powered capability (in-house caliber S802 movement) ensures reliability without worrying about battery changes.

Key features include a chronograph, dual time (44 cities), and full auto-calendar (good through the year 2067). The luminescent markers, hands, and the LED backlight, activated by tapping the glass, ensure legibility in low-light environments.

With its calls to heritage design, the “Digi Tuna” not only honors Seiko’s storied history in dive watches but also pushes boundaries, making it a true Prospex gem for enthusiasts seeking a fully capable dive watch in an alternative form factor to the typical G-Shock’s of the market.

Retail Price: $329.00 

Bulova Computron (ref. 97C110)

Pulling from the brand’s Archive Series, Bulova presents the Computron (reference 97C110), combining that nostalgic pull of 1970s design with modern elements and construction techniques of today. At first glance, the distinctive trapezoidal stainless steel case exudes a retro-futuristic vibe, capturing attention with its unique design and gold-tone. 

The digital LED display offers a bold and modern touch, featuring a red LED readout that complements the watch’s overall aesthetic. With its multifunctional capabilities, including time, date, and a dual time zone feature, this watch offers practicality in pair with its unique form.

Retail Price: $395.00 

Autodromo Group C

In a call of celebration of the Digital Age, Autodromo aims to meld the car aesthetics of that day (e.g., Porsche 962C) with watch design—the result: The Autodromo Group C. 

The sleek, slab-sided case will no doubt recall the popular form factor of the Casio’s and Timex’s of the market that enthusiasts will be familiar with but in a new and uniquely aerodynamic way that echoes Autodromo’s aesthetic and design cues as seen across their full lineup. 

For all of its nostalgic and clean looks, the Group C is also no slouch in the feature department, with complications including a chronograph with split time mode, Alarm, and Day/Date display mode. Powered by the reliable Caliber E168 Eco-Drive, the watch is resistant to 30 meters of water and has a 36mm diameter case (42mm length, 10mm height), which should wear well on most wrists. 

Retail Price: $475.00 

Seiko “Arnie” SNJ025

Anyone lucky enough to have lived through or experienced the period that is the 1980s and 1990s is likely to have seen or participated in the viewing of the huge spectacles that were action movies of the day. We’re talking big action films like Commando (1985), Raw Deal (1986), Running Man (1987), and Predator (1987). 

What do these all have in common? The watch on Arnold Schwarzenegger’s wrist: The Seiko H558-5000, a watch still sought after in the vintage market among fans today. 

In 2019, Seiko decided to bless us watch, and movie buffs with the return of this line of ani-digi watches in the SNJ025. As a modern reinterpretation of the classic H558-5000, the SNJ025 has a few upgrades: a solar-powered (6-month power reserve) battery, power display, stopwatch, alarm, and 200 meters of water resistance, to name a few. 

At 47.8mm in case diameter, it might sound like a watch only Arnold could wear but don’t be fooled. With Seiko’s case design magic, even smaller wrists can enjoy the watch, which comes with an adjustable silicone strap for comfort (another upgrade since the older 1980s Seiko rubber).  

Retail Price: $525.00 

Casio G-Shock Full Metal GMW-B5000D-1

Within Casio’s extensive lineup of G-Shock models, the Full Metal GMW-B5000 Series offers a striking metallic look with the iconic square case design. The stainless steel case and band give it a premium look, while the G-Shock’s legendary durability ensures it can handle the most demanding situations. 

The watch boasts an array of modern features (full auto-calendar, world time, alarms, and more) as with most G-Shocks, but a standout feature is the inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity for easy time synchronization and access to various functions via the G-Shock Connected app. 

And did we mention its Tough Solar? The combination of traditional G-Shock toughness, contemporary technology, and refined metal design makes the GMW-B5000D-1 a versatile and striking timepiece.

Retail Price: $550.00 

Hamilton American Classic PSR Digital Quartz (ref. H52414131)

As the originator of the digital watch in the early 1970s, Hamilton’s contribution to the field of digital watchmaking is a story of innovation and survival at a time when traditional watchmaking was thrown to the wayside with the advent of quartz and new technologies in timekeeping. Today, Hamilton offers the American Classic PSR (reference H52414131) to commemorate that historic feat. 

Measuring in at 40.8mm x 34.7mm, the PSR has a few modern upgrades over the vintage models that contemporary collectors may find of use, namely an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, a hybrid LCD and OLED crisp digital display with green digits, and water resistance to 100 meters. 

Simply push the button on the right-hand side of the case, and the time will display. A classic throwback to the style’s originator, the American Classic PSR offers a contemporary gateway to true heritage and digital watch design, married with the confidence of modern watchmaking.

Retail Price: $795.00 

Breitling Aerospace Evo (ref. E79363101B1E1)

Breitling is no stranger to quartz and digital watchmaking. Originally launched in 1985, the Aerospace line was designed to be a multifunction chronograph with the top Swiss technology of the day. As the inheritor of the line, the Aerospace Evo (reference E79363101B1E1) retains the now iconic ani-digi design and style, in addition to all of the latest developments with modern Quartz technology of today. 

Now powered with the official chronometer-certified SuperQuartz caliber, the watch’s functions are accessed in a user-friendly format via the single crown. Parts of the watch include a 1/100th of a second chronograph, second timezone, alarm, countdown timer, minute repeater, and calendar. 

Though made of lightweight titanium, the Aerospace Evo leans on the larger side of its 43mm diameter case (52mm lug-to-lug, 10.8mm thickness) but is every bit as tough and tactical as it looks. A true hero piece if you don’t mind the price tag.

Retail Price: $4,450.00 

Girard-Perregaux Casquette 2.0 (ref. 39800-32-001-32A)

While one may not think of forward-thinking materials luxury watchmaker Girard-Perregaux as a digital watchmaker, it holds true that, as with many traditional watchmakers of the day, they either had to adapt with the times of the quartz revolution or go bust. Between 1976 and 1978, Girard-Perregaux produced the original Casquette digital watch (8200 examples made). 

With the reintroduction of the line in the Casquette 2.0, it’s safe to assume that G-P wouldn’t hold back, and indeed, they haven’t. Now constructed of scratch-resistant ceramic (case) and Grade 5 titanium (caseback), the Casquette 2.0 now weighs 107g, with augmented comfort via the rubber interior of the bracelet, providing more flex against the wrist. 

Keeping the same design language of the original, the digital display now includes a chronograph, date, day, hours and minutes, month, secret date, year, and second timezone functions. 

Retail Price: $4,700 

Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 (ref. 318.90.45.79.01.001)

The Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 (ref. 318.90.45.79.01.001) is a pinnacle of innovative engineering and modern design. Inspired by Omega’s ties to space exploration, the watch showcases a sleek grade 2 titanium case and bracelet, offering durability and a lightweight feel for practical use.

The digital-analog display is intuitive and features many functions, including multiple timezones, chronograph, countdown timer, alarm, perpetual calendar, and more. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial, which boasts bold white markers and hands for excellent legibility. The X-33 is powered by a high-precision quartz caliber (Omega Caliber 5619), guaranteeing accuracy.

This timepiece is a homage to Omega’s legacy in space and a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries, making it an exceptional choice for those who admire cutting-edge technology and a connection to the cosmos. 

And let’s not forget it’s also flight-qualified by NASA for space missions and is still issued and used by both American and European astronauts on the ISS.

Retail Price: $5,900.00 

Conclusion

As we journey into the future, digital watches continue to intrigue us with their unique blend of innovation, functionality, and style. They have come a long way from their humble beginnings as novelty items to becoming essential companions in our daily lives. Embracing technology while staying true to their classic roots, digital watches can offer the best of both worlds. 

Whether you are a fitness enthusiast, a fashion-forward trendsetter, or simply someone who values convenience and accuracy, a digital watch can be the perfect accessory to complement your lifestyle. As time progresses, these modern timepieces will continue to evolve, leaving an indelible mark on the ever-changing landscape of horology.

Garmin watches barely need an introduction, as you can see them on the wrists of explorers to fitness fanatics. While some mechanical watch enthusiasts will scoff at the idea of wearing ‘a glorified toaster’, there are some who wouldn’t leave their home without one! I mean, if you like toasted bread, you’re gonna need a toaster! 

With that said, you may perhaps not know that the female watch industry is a bit lacking. For centuries, watches were only worn by men, and even when women eventually got the opportunity to wear them, they were hidden in jewelry! Not going to work for someone whose idea of a Sunday date is climbing Table Mountain in Cape Town? 

I make that reference because I live in Cape Town and have seen someone wearing a meteorite Daytona while hiking – makes total sense, bro; who doesn’t wanna wear a $50,000 watch on a hike? Jokes aside, here are the 15 best Garmin Watches for Women. 

About Garmin Watches

Garmin, originally called ProNav, was founded in 1989 in Lenexa, Kansas, and started a business selling GPS units. The company would soon change its name to Garmin, an amalgamation of its two founders, Gary Burrell and Min H. Kao. 

From the get-go, business was booming! The US Military was their first customer, already purchasing GPS units in 1991, and by 1995, their overall sales units reached $105 million.  

The company kept innovating and implementing new and exciting technologies, and in 2003 they finally released their first watches – the Forerunner series – forerunner usually being a term used for something (or someone) running the course prior to the real deal. 

Models 101, 201, and 301 were all released and welcomed with open arms by the community. The latter two models were slightly improved, incorporating the ability to upload gathered data to a PC. 

Since then, Garmin has really driven innovation and technology to develop some incredible smartwatches, some with a keen focus on a specific niche. Others are more utilitarian and designed to be worn daily; however, they all feature a robust nature and a can-do attitude. 

What To Look For in Garmin Watches For Women?

As you might expect, when browsing for Garmin watches, there are things you might want to consider above others. If you’re a keen runner, you don’t need a 2,000m water resistance rating, do ya? Conversely, if you prefer the company of aquatic life, a run tracker might not be used very often… So, let’s look at a few considerations you should be taking. 

Different Activity Modes

Perhaps these watches do not offer the same complications as a grande perpetual calendar; however, they do offer a ton of different features. 

Some watches were designed to be lookers, offering the most basic sports tracking capabilities, like steps, heart rate tracking, etc. Some even provide a stress tracker, reminding you to relax from time to time. You get to preload workouts, record workouts, and even get a ‘running coach’ to program your activities! 

Another nifty feature is the ‘Music Feature’, which on specific models allows you to download music before you go running, allowing you to take the music wherever you go. 

Do you really need all of this? Well, that depends on you! 

The more features and ‘tricks’ your watch has, the more expensive it’ll be, so choosing the one that has the necessary but limits the unnecessary is the wise thing to do. Most watches will still include an abundance of sensors to actually be able to function. 

Women’s Health Tracking

Biologically, the female hormonal system is quite a lot more complex than the male system, and so, in recent years, a lot of females have become more and more concerned with tracking and managing their hormonal system. 

Garmin took notice of this and wanted to grant females and those who have an abundance of female hormones the ability to track their hormones effectively. But what exactly does this entail? 

For one, it allows you to track your menstrual cycle with ease. You can log symptoms, effects, receive tips on pain and nutrition management, and a lot more. There is even a function to allow you to track your pregnancy. 

Comfort & Wearability

Lastly, we have to consider one of the most significant factors – wearability. Being able to wear something with ease is key to … actually wearing it. This is more than just the right dimensions or the right color; no, this includes the materials used as well.

With an abundance of different models, it’s hard to recall them all. However, some are fashioned from steel – cost-effective, and have a classic look. Some are constructed in titanium, are lightweight, and have a subtle tone. 

Most models are also offered in various sizes and different colors as well. Most are offered on a silicone strap, but the strap industry has grown so much there are probably 20 different options one click away for you to purchase from a third party. 

15 Best Garmin Watches For Women

Garmin offers plenty of dedicated wearables for women, depending on their preferred activity. Here are 15 of the best Garmin watches for women you can get today:

Garmin Lily Sport Edition

Aptly called the ‘Lily’, this petite offering might look rather classic but does sport some impressive offerings and functions. Measuring 34.5mm in diameter and only weighing 24 grams (0.85 oz), it offers the wearer a robust 5 days of battery life. Designed to be subtle and functional at the same time, it hits all the marks. 

Firstly, color options include white, ‘light sand’, deep orchid, and dust rose. All are offered with a ‘gold’ case and a silicone band to match. Functions include a ‘body energy’ reader, heart rate tracker, stress tracker, women’s health tracker, hydration tracker, pulse OX sensor, and advanced sleep monitoring. 

Other than these, you also get typical smartwatch tools like notifications, safety features, and a morning report. You get to preload your workouts, as we mentioned before, so this first watch really hits all the marks from the get-go. And, you can get it for just $200.

Garmin Forerunner 45S

As we mentioned, the Forerunner was the first wrist option offered by Garmin, and the term forerunner typically means something that comes ahead of ‘the main’ one, not so much when it comes to Garmin. This latest model, the 45S, the forerunner, literally refers to a running watch and one that promises ‘not to weigh you down’. 

Measuring either 39 or 42mm, this offering was designed to be lightweight and not impact your running while you’re out and about. Offered in various different strap colors, all perforated to help your wrists breathe. Paired with Garmin’s proprietary ‘running coach’ program, allowing expert coaches to help you on your journey. 

It offers all the typical features you might expect from a Garmin and a smartwatch but with the addition of features like a GPS tracker, a ‘body battery’ tracker, and music functionality. The Garmin Forerunner 45S comes with a retail price of $130

Garmin Vivosmart 5

If you’re looking for something a bit sleeker (and certainly smartwatchy), then perhaps the Vivosmart 5 is the option to go for. Designed to look more like a step tracker from the old days, this cost-effective offering still grants you plenty of functionality. This sleek watch is offered in either a small, medium, or large offering, all giving the same capabilities. 

This was certainly designed to be a sports watch, offering heart rate monitoring, body battery measurement, blood oxygen rating, sleep monitoring, stress and hydration tracking, and women’s health tracking.

That’s a lot of features for a watch of around $150. A slim design might limit the screen you have, but it makes for easy-wearing dimensions and will fit into the lives of those who want something to slap on and forget about. 

Garmin Venu Sq 2

The Venu is perhaps one of the most capable options offered by Garmin, granting the wearer up to 11 days of battery life between charges – that’s a doozy! Alongside this capable statistic, the watch offers the wearer 25 sports features, allowing you to use it for several different sports. 

Just like the other offerings, you get to preload your workouts and do them when you’re in the field. You also get to create workouts with the watch (via the Garmin Connect app) and do them with the aid of the timepiece. As with the other offerings, you get the capable connectivity we all know that smartwatches grant us, as well as safety and tracking features. 

A nifty little trick the Venu has is the Garmin Pay contactless payment, which allows you to pay with your Garmin at particular places. You can get the Venu Sq 2 for $250.

Garmin Forerunner 255S Music Edition

11 days wasn’t enough for you? Well, this Forerunner offers 12 days! How about that!? Apart from this impressive statistic, this Forerunner is also remarkably robust while offering exceptional wearing ergonomics.

What’s more, it’s a looker as well. Sure, it’s a sizable looker (41 and 46mm), but both the white and black options are visually intriguing. Bonus, it’s only 39g (or 1.38 oz).  As far as functions go, yet again, it’s packed to the brim. How packed, you may ask? 

Well, the list includes being able to see your heart rate, respiration rate, sleep score, women’s health, all the various GPS readings you might expect from Garmin, Bluetooth connect, music storage, step counter (obviously), different gym trackers, physio setup functions, a run coach, and and and. The list is enormous. If you want everything, this is the one to go for. And it only costs $400.

Garmin Vivomove Sport

Despite the sport part of the name, this offering is rather pretty if I do say so myself. Offered as a mint, black and slate, cocoa and peach, and ivory and peach combinations, there are plenty to choose from. Offered as a ‘hybrid’ sports watch, this was designed to be somewhat elegant and even has an analog flair as well. 

Beneath the ‘normal’ watch hands, you find your electronic watch display, allowing you to see all the different features the watch has to offer. This might not be the best option to go for if you’re a true athlete, seeing as it was designed to accommodate those that are lightly active, and there are better offerings available in the Garmin catalog. That said, it’s certainly still an exceptional watch regardless, especially for its modest $180 price tag.

Garmin Lily Classic Edition

We have another Lily, which, if you may recall, is a rather sweet but classic watch. This ‘Classic Edition’ is a combination of both an elegant and sports watch. Still sporting a 34mm case, the display can shift from your typical two-hander, understated look to displaying your sports features. It might not offer some of the features the real utility units do on the list; however, it’s still more than enough to keep the sports-lady within you happy. 

Both the website and the reviews exclaim just how good this watch is for daily wear, and the ability to slide under any dress or jacket cuff proves this wholeheartedly. Slap this on a nice leather strap, and you might even be able to call this one elegant. The Classic Edition of the Lily can be yours for $250.

Garmin Vivomove Style

The Vivomove Style is another offering that combines an analog or ‘normal’ display with a sports watch’s functionality. You have the ability to have the latter on display or not. As is customary with Garmin, at this point, you get plenty of different options! Light gold aluminum case, rose gold aluminum, silver aluminum, and graphite aluminum. Personally, the graphite strikes a beautiful balance of sleek and stealthy. 

Firstly, you get the typical smartwatch features like notifications, etc. What’s more, you get several different sports features as well. Hydration tracking, step tracking, sleep monitoring, the whole shebang. As always, you also get women’s health tracking as customary! This is a slightly ‘sporty’ step up from the previous Lily Classic, if you will, for not a lot more money at $300. 

Garmin Instinct 2S Standard Edition

Perhaps you want something with a bit more presence on the wrist? Well, the Instinct 2S Standard Edition certainly offers that, coming in 40mm. You can also opt for a solar option, harvesting the power of the sun to power your wrist (damn, that sounds like something out of Marvel). 

Engineered for the worst, it features a 100m water resistance rating as well as thermal and shock resistance. You can still get plenty of colors to choose from, meaning you won’t have to sit with bland black or white. 

Features that stand out include GNSS support (you’ll have access to multiple global navigation satellite systems) and some more sensors like a barometer. Another nifty feature is the ‘backtrack option’, which, as the name suggests, allows you to backtrack your journey. 

This excludes pretty much every single other feature we’ve mentioned so far. This is Garmin flexing its technical prowess, really. You can get the Instinct 2S Standard Edition for $300.

Garmin Venu 2S

The Venu 2 is perhaps one of the strongest releases from Garmin. As you might expect, it comes in several different configurations to suit your fancy, including 45mm, 43mm, and 40mm with the Venu 2S. The case is crafted from fiber-reinforced polymer, while the bezel is steel – a handy and robust combination. 

Within the watch, computers and sensors allow the wearer immense capabilities, ranging from your typical smartwatch features to even a barometer altimeter. 

Another interesting addition is the golfing features, allowing you to easily track your game. Other sports features include cycling readings, swimming features, and even kid-tracking abilities, although I’m not quite sure how that last one works… 

This is more expensive than other options covered, at $400, but once again, with Garmin, you get what you pay for. 

Garmin Forerunner 265S

So, for the really sporty among you, we present the Forerunner 265S, presenting itself unapologetically as sporty – really sporty. From the beginning, you’re presented with a 15-day battery life, just in case you decide to run across the backbone of Africa… 

With training in mind, the watch was designed with several sports features, such as a race widget, advanced training metrics, music storage, and various GPS features. You can even have daily workouts sent to you, including recovery tips and tricks. 

Something you won’t see on every Garmin is the HRV status, which offers the wearer a deeper understanding of their overall health. As the website states so elegantly, the watch was designed to help you plan, prepare, perform, and then connect with your PC (and with your smartphone!). The Garmin Forerunner 265S presents a great all-around option at $450.

Garmin Approach S70 42mm

The S70 is not some cool vintage Volvo, but it surely prices like one. This 42mm offering was designed with the sport of golf in mind, and boy, will it elevate your game. First things first, it’s still a smartwatch, so you can expect a lot of what other smartwatches offer in terms of connectivity. 

When it comes to golf, the Approach comes equipped with 43,000 preloaded courses, a ‘virtual caddy’, a distance tracking feature, a slope sensor, and even a wind sensor. Compared to other offerings on the market, reviews state this is an extremely cost-effective option with plenty of usability and essential golf features for just $650.

Garmin Fenix 7S Solar Edition

The Fenix is an odd offering in the Garmin lineup but comes with a solar charge function. In case you’re not aware, this means the watch is powered by sunlight and essentially creates a ‘limitless’ power source. 

It also has a built-in LED flashlight, which makes it a usable option for those looking to go into the darker parts of the world. You also get a ‘Hill Score’, which measures your capabilities for hill running – which sucks, btw. You also get an endurance score, securing this offering as one of the best endurance Garmin offerings. The 7S Solar Edition from the Fenix collection retails for $700.

Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition 42mm

‘Designed for the Bold’, the Epix Pro (Gen 2) is another exceptional piece by Garmin. Constructed in lightweight Titanium, the Sapphire edition is an elevated version of some other offerings in the Garmin lineup. 

It still features exceptional functionality in the sense of RacePro technology, a ClimbPro feature, and various other functions designed to help the explorer in you. This watch certainly has a twin-personality, seeing as it is both elevated and luxurious, but offers incredible functionality. Probably the closest you’ll come to a perpetual calendar field watch. You can get the Epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition for $1,000.

Garmin Descent Mk2S

Lastly, we have a diver to complete things. The Descent Mk2S is a 43mm diver designed to help you on your deep-diving adventures. You get several dive modes, including GNSS, a dive log, and an ‘inReach’ feature. 

You still get plenty of sports and smartwatch features, as you might expect. Performance metrics, ski info, surfing features, and even a recovery advisor! Unfortunately, it only has 100m of water resistance, so, not really a dive computer as such… But, if you’re interested in one, it can be yours for $1,000.

Garmin Vivoactive 5

The vivoactive 5 is an ideal tracker of your activities, keeping you motivated no matter what you’re doing. Equipped with 4GB of music storage and water-resistant housing, all of the tough workouts you do in a day will become much easier. It has an AMOLED display, making it easy to navigate playlists while also looking quite sleek and elegant. This watch will slowly become part of your daily routine because of the 11 days of battery life it offers, causing no stress about charging as you stay active. 

The display size is 1.2 inches. The screen resolution is 390×390 pixels. It weighs 23 grams with a water rating of 5 ATM.

The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is 300$

Conclusion 

Wow! So many different options to choose from, and since they all kinda spill into one another, it’s hard to determine which is best. Overall, they all offer similar features and it really comes down to size, style, and some utilitarian features. 

Garmin watches have gained immense popularity in the last decade. This surge in their prominence aligns with the rapid advancements in modern technology like smartphones, artificial intelligence, and more. 

Notably, Garmin watches have positioned themselves as the preferred choice for multi-sport smartwatches, putting them in direct competition with the Apple Watch. Thus, within their domain, they stand as formidable players demanding serious consideration.

In this review, our focus will be on Garmin’s aviation-oriented watches. These timepieces offer a diverse range of functions, spanning from navigation assistance to comprehensive health monitoring. If you’re intrigued by the world of Garmin watches and wish to delve into their features, join us as we explore these remarkable devices.

About Garmin Aviation Watches

Garmin, founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min H. Kao, is an American technology company. The name “Garmin” is a fusion of the first names of its founders.

Their debut offering, the GPS 100, emerged in 1990 as a panel-mounted GPS receiver tailored to the maritime market. In the following year, Garmin expanded its product range by introducing a handheld GPS device.

Shifting to 2007, Garmin began making inroads into mainstream sports, notably through sponsorships. They became sponsors of the English Premier League on multiple occasions. In 2008, the company also backed the EF Pro Cycling professional cycling team.

Through persistent investment and research, Garmin has continually progressed. Their commitment to innovation has enabled them to distinguish their products from other brands. Consequently, they’ve successfully developed a range of aviation watches across various price points. These aviation watches have redefined industry standards.

Garmin’s present lineup of aviation watches encompasses the D2 series, comprising the Air X10 and Mach 1 models, as well as the MARQ Aviator.

What are Garmin Aviation Watches used for?

Below is a list of key features of Garmin Aviation Watches.

Navigation System – Garmin aviation watches encompass the “Direct to Navigation” function, enabling wearers to navigate to specific locations or waypoints within the global aeronautical database. Additionally, these watches allow users to find the nearest airport efficiently. The premium Garmin aviation watches offer an advanced moving map feature, greatly aiding pilots in preemptively addressing potential challenges that might emerge during flight planning.

Weather Monitoring – Garmin’s aviation timepieces offer a multitude of weather-related functions, granting access to crucial aviation weather data such as METARs, TAFs, and MOS2. These features provide insights into parameters like winds, visibility, barometric pressure, and more. Given the unpredictable nature of natural elements, these capabilities prove invaluable for ensuring safety and preparedness in the face of potential changes. Thus, prioritizing safety remains paramount.

Health Monitoring – This capability is not limited to just Garmin’s aviation watches; it’s also a prominent feature in many of their non-aviation timepieces. Whether you’re running, swimming, or cycling, Garmin ensures comprehensive health monitoring across various activities. This indispensable feature is a cornerstone of your Garmin tool watch. It encompasses hydration tracking, sports apps, health statistics, respiration tracking, workout creation, and an array of other functionalities.

Altitude & Other Flying Parameters – This domain is where Garmin’s aviation watches distinctly outshine any other smartwatches currently available. In the realm of aviation, Garmin has solidified its leadership with an impressive array of flight-related functionalities. These encompass the Barometric Altimeter, allowing wearers to gauge their attained altitude. Notably, there is also a vibrational alert for when an altitude is reached that requires additional oxygen for the wearer.

Moreover, Garmin incorporates the Pulse Ox Sensor, enabling wearers to monitor their pulse oximetry to grasp how effectively their body adapts to the diminished oxygen levels at higher altitudes. Additionally, the top-tier Garmin Aviation watches incorporate an emergency mode, flight logging, and more. The features mentioned here comprehensively fulfill typical requirements in aviation, offering a robust toolkit for pilots.

Smart Connectivity – Garmin’s watches boast intelligent connectivity, facilitating seamless pairing with your smartphone through the Garmin app. This functionality empowers wearers to effortlessly synchronize data from their phones to their watches in real-time. Moreover, it ensures swift access to updates and notifications as they become available. This clever attribute equips Garmin watch wearers to stay in the loop.

Best Garmin Aviation Watches

With that said, here’s the complete lineup of Garmin aviation watches you can get your hands on today:

Garmin D2 Air X10

Garmin’s tagline for this watch series emphasizes it as the “smartwatch for pilots”. The D2 Air X10 serves as the foundational aviation watch crafted by Garmin, akin to the standard iPhone in Apple’s smartphone collection.

Much like Apple’s approach, this standard model lacks certain features, such as the moving map and certain lifestyle-related functionalities. Nevertheless, it remains equipped to automatically log in-flight data health metrics and seamlessly synchronize with the Garmin Pilot App.

The D2 Air X10 features a digital display, GPS capabilities, a pulse oximeter, an array of workout functionalities, and seamless smartphone connectivity.

The D2 Air X10 features a case crafted from fiber-reinforced polymer, complemented by a stainless-steel rear cover and bezel. It boasts a case size of 43.6mm and a thickness of 12.6mm. The lug width measures 20mm, while the watch itself weighs 51g. It holds a water resistance rating of 5ATM.

Ideal for fledgling pilots or those with an adventurous spirit, the D2 Air X10 serves as an aviation smartwatch catering to daily routines while seamlessly syncing with smartphones. In conclusion, among the three Garmin timepieces under scrutiny, the D2 Air X10 stands as the more budget-friendly choice, priced at $549.99.

Garmin D2 Mach 1

According to Garmin, the D2 Mach 1 is a watch designed to “accelerate the adventure”. Serving as Garmin’s premium aviation watch, the Mach 1 boasts a range of robust features tailored for both aviation enthusiasts and everyday use. It includes essential components like a dynamic moving map and radar overlay, features that were absent in the D2 Air X10 watch.

Beyond its aviation-focused attributes, the D2 Mach 1 is equipped with a digital display, GPS, Pulse Oximeter, comprehensive health tracking capabilities, interactive animated workouts, and an array of smartphone integration functions that facilitate updates and notifications. To draw a parallel with Apple’s iPhone lineup, the D2 Mach 1 can be likened to Garmin’s equivalent of the iPhone Pro series in the realm of Garmin’s aviation watches.

The D2 Mach 1 boasts a case crafted from fiber-reinforced polymer, complemented by a titanium rear cover and titanium bezel. Its dimensions include a case size of 47mm and a thickness of 14.5mm, with a lug width of 22mm. 

The weight of the watch head is a mere 59g, and it holds a water resistance rating of 10 ATM (100m). Safeguarding the display is a sapphire crystal. These specifications are impressive, considering the improvement of smartwatches in the last decade. 

Designed for seasoned aviators, the D2 Mach 1 serves as a comprehensive aviation smartwatch capable of serving as a dependable backup should any cockpit equipment issues arise. It stands as a trustworthy companion for experienced pilots. To top it off, the D2 Mach 1 occupies the mid-tier range with a price tag of $1,299.99.

Garmin MARQ Aviator

Garmin boldly proclaims the MARQ Aviator as “the quest for excellence has reached new heights”. Undoubtedly, this stands as the pinnacle of aviation smartwatches not only within Garmin’s repertoire but also within the entirety of the smartwatch industry today.

The MARQ Aviation transcends the boundaries of exceptional software; its high-tier hardware and impeccable build quality rival those of luxury Swiss watch brands within the same price bracket.

Encompassing all the features and functions found in both the D2 Air X10 and D2 Mach 1, the MARQ Aviation goes beyond with an array of additional capabilities. It incorporates safety and tracking features alongside enhanced mapping functions. Returning to the Apple iPhone analogy, the MARQ Aviator can be likened to Garmin’s equivalent of the iPhone Pro Max series in the realm of aviation smartwatches.

The MARQ Aviator boasts a titanium case (Grade 5) with a bezel crafted from a composite of titanium (Grade 5) and ceramic. Its dimensions encompass a case size of 46mm, with a thickness of 15mm and a lug width of 22mm. Despite its robust features, the watch head weighs a mere 47g, thus light and comfortable on the wrist. Sporting a water resistance rating of 10 ATM (100m), the watch employs a remarkable dome sapphire crystal to safeguard the display.

Designed with the seasoned pilot in mind, the MARQ Aviator caters to those with an affinity for luxury Swiss watches who seek a single timepiece that encompasses a myriad of functionalities. Serving as a notable alternative to pilot watches like the Rolex GMT Master II or the Breitling Navitimer, this timepiece stands as the epitome of aviation smartwatches in terms of both software and hardware prowess.

To complete the picture, the MARQ Aviator comes with a premium price tag of $2,400.

Alternatives to Garmin Aviation Watches

For those seeking a technical aviation watch from a well-established watch brand or simply seeking an alternative, I’ve outlined three options below.

Citizen Promaster Altichron (ref. BN5058-07E)

The Citizen Promaster Altichron is a watch brimming with practical functionalities, powered by the Eco-Drive movement that harnesses solar technology to ensure continuous operation. Crafted for adventurous spirits, this timepiece features an altimeter capable of measuring altitudes from 1,000ft to 32,000ft, alongside a compass and date display.

Sporting a substantial 47mm size, the Promaster Altichron’s dimensions are fitting, considering the array of complications and features showcased on its dial. The watch boasts a rotating compass bezel, an electronic compass, a power reserve indicator, and luminous hands and hour markers. 

With a water resistance rating of 200m, there’s no need to fret about water exposure. It’s fair to say that this watch exudes a robust and masculine aura, ready to conquer the most demanding of environments.

With a retail price of $595, the Promaster Altichron offers remarkable value. Keep in mind that Citizen frequently hosts sales throughout the year, making it possible to acquire this timepiece at a discounted rate.

Hamilton Khaki Aviation X-Wind Day Date Auto (ref. H77785733)

The Hamilton Khaki X-Wind stands as a remarkable aviation watch, and my admiration for this timepiece has endured over time. The one factor that has kept me from making a purchase is its substantial 45mm case size. Nevertheless, the Hamilton Khaki X-Wind embodies the quintessential tool watch aesthetic, and its visual appeal has consistently held my attention. Once worn, you’ll find it difficult to part with this utilitarian timepiece featuring three crowns.

The dial is graced with a day-date complication positioned at 9 o’clock. The dial’s outer periphery showcases a numbered ring designed for drift angle calculations. Additionally, an outer rotating bezel facilitates wind speed calculations, factoring in both headwind components and crosswind angles. These functionalities prove invaluable for assisting pilots in calculating angle and wind speed to ensure precise aircraft landing.

Initially priced at $1,245, the Hamilton Khaki X-Wind was eventually discontinued by the brand. However, it’s still possible to acquire a new piece through authorized Hamilton retailers or on the secondary market.

Breitling Aerospace Evo (ref. E79363101B1E1)

The Breitling Aerospace Evo stands as a prime example of a luxury quartz watch, renowned for its abundance of action-packed features. Originating in 1985, the Aerospace collection has seen continuous evolution under the Breitling brand.

Built from titanium, both in its case and bracelet, the Aerospace Evo combines comfort and lightweight wear on the wrist. The case measures 43mm in diameter, boasts a thickness of 10.8mm, and flaunts a lug-to-lug length of 52mm, accompanied by a lug width of 22mm.

As per Breitling’s description, the Aerospace Evo hosts an officially chronometer-certified SuperQuartz™ caliber. Its user-friendly control system, activated by the crown, encompasses an array of functions, including a 1/100th of a second chronograph, countdown timer, second timezone, alarm, audible time signal (minute repeater), and calendar display.

A rotating bezel allows for countdown timing, enhancing the timepiece’s functionality. Additionally, the Aerospace Evo features LCD digital displays positioned beneath the 12 o’clock marker and above the 6 o’clock marker, with the added convenience of backlighting.

The Aerospace Evo has genuinely piqued my interest, joining my curiosity for the Navitimer Chronograph collection within the Breitling lineup. With a premium price tag of $4,450, some might question the cost of a quartz watch. However, when considering the chronometer specifications and the plethora of advanced technology packed within, the value proposition becomes evident.

Conclusion

Garmin Aviation Watches offer a broad range of functions that can prove exceptionally valuable for pilots and even explorers. These timepieces present pilots with an accessible navigation system at the mere turn of a wrist, particularly handy in case the plane’s navigation features encounter malfunctions. 

The integrated weather monitoring application becomes a vital tool, enabling pilots to anticipate and assess flight path conditions. Additionally, the altitude measurement function can be vital for pilots as they must vigilantly monitor the aircraft’s height during flight, ensuring safe navigation and averting altitude conflicts with other airborne craft sharing the same airspace.

Owning a Garmin Watch could indeed simplify a pilot’s life, yet these watches might not cater to everyone’s preferences. As an avid watch collector, I’ve managed to resist the urge to own a smartwatch presently. 

Nevertheless, on occasion, I use my wife’s Apple Watch during workouts to track my heart rate and calories burned. Technological advancements continually refine Garmin Watches, mirroring the broader march of progress. Therefore, embracing these technological strides is akin to embracing the transformative evolution in the commercial aviation industry over the years.

Watch collecting can be very exciting when first getting involved. Whether it is the notion that a great timepiece will boost your self-esteem and motivation to move upward in life, a fascination with mechanical engineering, and/or an interest in industrial design, there is a large amount of knowledge to gain and a seemingly endless supply of new products to keep one’s interest.

After some time, and depending on one’s inclinations, you may find yourself wanting something else. Do you find yourself thinking a product is close to perfect except for one or two aspects? Has a brand created combinations of products that are not quite what you want? 

Are you someone inclined towards tinkering with objects in an attempt to improve them or simply make them more unique? If the answer is yes to any of those (or all), watch modding may be for you.

What is Watch Modding?

Watch modding entails taking an existing watch and other parts, whether aftermarket or sourced from the original manufacturer (OEM), and putting them together to create a unique combination. 

Swapping straps and bracelets could be considered a straightforward and low-risk modification, but watch modding usually entails more drastic alterations, even if they are as simple as swapping a strap. 

Easy modifications include swapping bezels and bezel inserts and changing cases on G-Shocks. Watch modding also includes switching hands, dials, and case parts to the point that modders often assemble complete watches from existing components.

While the line between building a watch and modding a watch may get blurry at times, if one is designing new parts for a timepiece that they want to create, then I would say you have entered product design and manufacturing and are no longer simply modding a watch. 

Best Watches to Mod

While some suppliers make parts to modify high-end watches, it is best to leave those to experienced modders, watchmakers, and those with a stomach strong enough to endure a mistake should something go wrong. For those getting started and less than iron stomachs, there are plenty of options for modifying watches. 

G-Shocks are definitely some of the easiest and best watches to mod. With many retailers providing watch modding parts to swap cases and straps, it is possible to create many unique looks with very simple tools, often supplied with these watch mod kits. 

Additionally, to change a case and strap on a G-Shock, you never have to take the module apart, meaning all its water resistance remains intact. There are dial and screen swaps that can be done, but those are slightly more advanced. 

The next best entry point into watch modding is Seiko watch mods. The most popular is the SKX line, but with the discontinuation of the ISO-Certified SKX models, other options have come up. The new Seiko 5 line is a popular option, as are other affordable Seiko dive watches. 

Additionally, companies make aftermarket watch modding parts and supply genuine Seiko movements that make assembling a unique watch possible. Want a 38mm SKX-style GMT with a black and gold case? It is possible with aftermarket parts. This is truly a space to let creativity run wild.

If cost is no object, it is possible to mod Swiss luxury watches. If your wallet and nerves can stomach it, there are a myriad of aftermarket dials, bezels, and hands for major Swiss brands. Anything that is not reversible will likely hurt the resale value, but if you must have the most unique watch in the room, this may be the way to go. 

How to Mod Your Watch

If you are convinced at this rate that modding watches is for you, here are some ways to get started:

Pay Someone Else

If you want a unique watch but do not have the time or patience to do it yourself, numerous professional watch modders will create your idea for a fee.  A stroll through watch modding communities online will reveal other watch modders who will happily create a custom Seiko for you.

There are others for high-end Swiss brands, but they feel more akin to brands on their own than modifiers considering the costs associated with those timepieces. That being said, if watch modding appeals to you, paying someone else is likely out of the question. 

Gather The Right Tools

After you have decided that modding is an endeavor you wish to pursue, picking up some essential watchmaking tools would be the next step. Plenty of affordable watch mod kits available from Amazon and eBay are enough to remove case backs and bezels. Looking for one with a small air blower pump will be beneficial should you want to swap dials and hands.

With that, should you wish to get involved with changing dials and hands, you will want to pick up a movement holder, dial holder/pad, and hand removal tool. There are additional covers to protect the dial from scratches while removing the hands. While not required, many have found purchasing a watch bench mat very helpful. 

If you want to swap crystals (for example, changing a watch with a mineral crystal to a sapphire one), you will need a watch crystal press. If possible, look for a press that allows for uniform pressure on the crystal, and avoid those that use a lever to press the crystal into place. 

A cleaning putty is viewed as a requirement by many. It will be extremely useful in cleaning up any excess oil, along with pesky dust and fingerprint marks. 

Parts You Can Modify

There are tons of watch modding parts available, each with its own difficulty and risk. Below are some of the most common watch modifications based on their difficulty level:

Bracelet and Strap 

The easiest part of a watch to modify, as all you need is a strap-changing tool to release the spring bar from the case. Changing the strap/bracelet will alter the look and wearing experience of a watch. 

With many suppliers offering straps and bracelets that are much higher quality than the original offerings on many Seikos and G-Shocks, upgraded straps and bracelets are viewed as a necessary first step by many watch modders.

Bezel

Changing rotating bezels can be quite simple, as the only tools required are a bezel removal tool and something to press the new bezel in place. 

The increased difficulty comes from making sure the bezel insert is aligned (should you purchase a bezel and insert separately) and the bezel spring is correctly installed. With some careful reading and double-checking, swapping bezels should be reasonably simple. 

Caseback

Did your watch come with a closed caseback, but you wish it had a display caseback? Many part suppliers provide aftermarket casebacks with mineral and sapphire crystals. A caseback removal tool that works with your watch (some require special tools) is all that is needed. 

Care is required to ensure dust and debris do not get into the watch during this process, as it can cause damage to the movement and prevent it from working correctly. Additionally, make sure any necessary gaskets are in place to ensure proper water resistance. 

Case, Crystal, and Crown

Should you wish for a different style of case, many mod suppliers offer cases that fit bracelets designed for specific models but in different shapes and finishes. 

Ranging from homages to famous watch designs and various PVD finishes, a new case will drastically change the look of a watch. It requires removing all other watch modding parts (caseback, crown/stem, movement, and dial), so it can be a bit more involved. 

Changing the crystal is similar in difficulty, as it also requires the removal of all other parts. Additionally, if you want to change the case, you will most likely have to install a new crystal. Some suppliers do offer cases with crystals already installed. 

Changing the crown is slightly more simple but still requires the removal of the caseback, along with engaging with the movement to release the winding stem from the movement.

Again, similar to the case back, there are gaskets in place for the crystal and crown. These gaskets must be lubricated and installed to ensure your watch has the proper water resistance. 

Dial, Hands, and Movement

To change the dial, you will have to remove the caseback, winding crown and stem, and movement from the watch. Once you remove the movement and dial as a single unit, you must remove the hands and then the dial. Considering the multiple steps and risks of damaging parts, extra care and attention should be paid to these modifications. 

This process will also require several special tools not always found in a simple watch mod kit. As mentioned earlier, dial protectors can be purchased to help ensure your modifications are a success. 

Once the dial is removed, securing the dial to the movement will require a small amount of carefully applied adhesive and aligning the dial feet to the correct points on the dial. For popular Seiko watch mods, there are specific dials for specific movements. 

Some suppliers make dials with multiple sets of dial feet, meaning the end user needs to remove the excess dial feet for their specific use case. While the dial is removed, this is also an opportune time to change a date wheel, should that be desired. 

If you would like to perform a movement swap, assuming all of the parts are compatible, the same removal and dial application steps are involved. With affordable dual-time movements now available, this is currently a very popular modification. 

Again, there are specific dials for specific movements; however, some are easily modified to work with the newer affordable GMT movements that have come to market recently. 

Where to Purchase Watch Modding Parts

If you now have ideas of the watch you want to create, here are some other websites with watch modding parts and resources to assist in your watch modding journey and ensure that it is a success. 

Additionally, each website has its own unique offerings. Assuming you pick for the same model/movement (i.e. NH35 and SKX007), parts for the same model and movement should be interchangeable, so you can pick and choose from various dealers to create your ideal watch. 

Namoki

Namoki is truly a one-stop shop for watch modding parts, with a plethora of options, including complete watch mod kits that give you everything you need to begin your watch modding journey. 

Additionally, they have numerous resources to assist with any questions you may have. Their kits may be an ideal place to start, but they offer the ability for you to assemble your own custom watch from their catalog of parts and tools. 

Lucius Atelier

Lucius Atelier is very similar to Namoki in terms of watch modding parts but with slightly different offerings and more premium options such as meteorite and gemstone dials. They also offer a customization service, allowing you to pick your desired parts, and their watch modders will assemble them for you. 

Crystal Times/ Seiko Mods

The name of the website depends on your geographic location, but both offer the same extensive catalog of parts. Additionally, they have a configurator on their website if you would like to get an idea of what your finished watch will look like once it is assembled. As the name suggests, Seiko Mods is also one of the top options if you want to create the best and most unique Seiko watch mods.

DLW Watches

With some distinctive dial and hand choices, and an easy way to order custom configurations, DLW Watches is a great place to look for Seiko watch modding parts, as well as aftermarket parts for Orient watches. Their handcrafted dial series will surely elevate the look of your project.

Watch & Style

Watch & Style’s standout offering is a large selection of watch modding parts for the SKX013. Should you be looking for options for cases, bezels, and crowns for your perfect SKX013 mod, Watch & Style is a good place to look. Additionally, they offer a myriad of watch modding parts for other popular Seiko models. 

Conclusion

Watch collecting can be a very in-depth and overwhelming hobby to engage with, especially with discussions often centering on fluctuating values and perceived hierarchies of brands. 

For those looking for an escape from that, many turn to watch modding. While it can be equally as overwhelming and in-depth, the community surrounding modding is typically more welcoming and supportive. 

Additionally, it offers a way to engage with the watch-collecting hobby that is much more affordable (assuming one is sticking with affordable watches) and creates something unique instead of simply buying a watch from a retailer. Modding offers an opportunity to have a better understanding of how watches are made and function and to create a form of self-expression in the process. 

A good dress timepiece on the wrist is the perfect way to add elegance to any formal outfit. Whether dressed up for work or attending a special occasion, wearing a quality dress watch will make you stand out. The dress watch category has grown a lot in the last couple of years because of watchmakers’ new inventions and designs worldwide.

With so many dress watches on the market, selecting the right one might be difficult. For this reason, I’ve compiled a guide for you on dress watches, along with 35 of the best dress timepieces across all brands, from affordable to luxury.

About Dress Watches

Throwing a suit on is a luxury reserved for special occasions only. However, the most exciting part of dressing up is finally being able to wear your dress pieces as well. I love the elegance and exquisite feeling I get from wearing a dress timepiece; it gives you a special feeling you can’t experience often. 

For centuries, watchmakers have continuously leveled up the designs and sophistication of dress watches as they are associated with a high level of formality and elegance. They were the only type of timepieces in the past, and they used to be the only type of watch that could be worn on corporate outfits. Dress timepieces have become much more versatile now; some can be worn in formal and casual outfits. 

Men and women wear dress watches. They are used mainly by professionals like bankers, lawyers, accountants, and other positions that demand corporate outfits. They are also used for civil or ecclesiastical occasions like weddings, dates, galas, office dinners, and other formal gatherings.

History of Dress Watches

Dress watches were the first ever type of timepiece ever made, and they were considered an item of luxury for royalties and elites. Originally, they were made with precious metals like silver and gold and were designed with different jewels. 

Dress watches became more popular in the 19th century because they were made with cheaper materials, and more people could now afford them. The 20th century came, and the popularity spread very wide due to the adoption of business suits and other formal attires, so it became a much-needed accessory for men.

Almost every man now has a dress watch because they blended together with corporate attire over the years. For that to happen, the low-end watch market had to elevate and offer enough supply for the newfound demand. A dress timepiece adds so much elegance to any formal outfit.

What to Look For in a Dress Watch

For you to select the right dress watch, there are a couple of things you need to consider. This is a list of some things to look for in a dress timepiece before you make the purchase.

Watch Design 

Before choosing a dress watch, the design is one thing you must consider. The watch case and strap, the shape and color of the dial, the markers, and the hands should all be elegant and simple to complement your corporate or formal outfit.

Watch Dial

If you need a dress watch that can be worn on any formal outfit, choosing one with a white dial would be a great option because of the easy readability and versatility. Some dress watches have other dial colors, like black, blue, and many others; these watches are usually limited to a particular outfit style.

Case Materials & Finishing

Precious metals like gold and silver are primarily used in making dress watches. Other materials like stainless steel, titanium, and ceramic can be found in modern ones, especially cheaper ones. Either way, they are always well-finished and polished to perfection. So you have to look for the one with the material of your choice or one that matches your budget.

Watch Strap

Early dress watches mostly had leather straps, and this was because of their versatility. More recent ones now come in various materials with different designs also. You have many options, so ensure the watch strap compliments your outfit perfectly.

Personal Style

How do you like your watches to look on your wrist? Some dress watches can be very obvious on your wrist, while some slip perfectly under the cuffs of your suit or shirt. So your style should be seriously considered to select the right dress timepiece to enjoy for a long time. 

Watch Price

For a couple of hundred bucks, you can get some dress watches, while some cost millions of dollars, depending on the type of materials used in the production, the design of the timepiece, and the heritage it holds. So you have to do deep research about the best in the category of your budget to get top quality and value for your money’s worth.

The Best Dress Watches

After considering all these, you should be well-equipped with the proper knowledge and ready to get that dress watch. So this is a list of 35 of the best dress timepieces across all brands, from some of the cheapest to the most expensive.

Timex Marlin Hand-Wound 34mm Black Dial (ref. TW2T18200)

This Timex Marlin has all the hallmarks of the perfect dress timepiece; a shiny black dial, a simple and elegant look, and a hand-wound movement to crown it all. It’s a timeless classic for men that love a watch with a vintage look.

Its stainless steel case measures a modest 34mm, that’s decent for most wrists. It comes in a black or silver dial with silver hands, Arabic numerals, and markers. Its strap is made of black leather with a stainless steel buckle. The Timex Marlin is controlled by a hand-wound mechanical movement with a water resistance of 30 meters. The elegant classic design makes it an excellent watch for stylish men and offers good quality for around $210.

Orient Bambino Version 7 (ref. RA-AC0M03S10B)

Regarding cheap dress watches, the Orient Bambino has to be the best on this list as it offers so much quality and class for its price of $270. Its white vintage dial stands out and will blend perfectly with any corporate outfit. Its 38mm case is stainless steel with a slim profile that complements the dial. 

Inside is the Orient F6724 automatic movement with 40 hours of power reserve and water resistance of 30 meters. The Orient Bambino Version 7 comes in different dial colors, so there’s a variety for you to choose from if the white dial does not suit you. It is an excellent timepiece for men looking for a highly durable dress watch. 

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time SRPB43

The Seiko Cocktail Time is an excellent watch for any formal occasion, and its 40.5mm case makes it fit for people with medium and large-sized wrists. Its case is made of stainless steel with a brushed silver dial, silver markers, and hands. 

The Caliber 4R35 automatic movement powers it with a 41-hour power reserve and a water resistance of 50 meters. Its strap is made of leather with a deployant clasp. It is a great dress timepiece but also has the quality of a daily beater. The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time currently sells for $425. 

Frederique Constant Classics Slimline Gents Small Seconds (ref. FC-245M5S6)

If you love a vintage watch with a sprinkle of modern technology, this Swiss timepiece is for you. The stainless steel case offers a moderate 39mm in diameter and 5mm in thickness with a dial designed with a Guillochè pattern that makes a profound statement. The dial features a small second subdial at 6 o’clock with Roman numerals and beautiful vintage hands. 

Inside is the caliber FC-245 quartz movement with a 30 meters water resistance. The strap is made of calfskin with a crocodile design and a pin buckle. The Frédérique Constant Classic Slimline Gents Small Second currently sells for around $900.

Bulova Frank Sinatra Summer Wind Gray Dial (ref. 97B206)

Just like the man himself, this Bulova exudes so much style and class. The Frank Sinatra Summer Wind is a great timepiece for your collection. At $850, it offers excellent quality and value. It features a stainless steel case with a rose gold tone and a 40mm case diameter. Its gray dial is simple with elegant rose gold hands and markers with a date feature at 3 o’clock. 

The 21-jewel automatic movement powers it with 42 hours of power reserve and a water resistance of 30 meters. The dark gray leather strap and double press deployant buckle add to its elegance and style. It’s an excellent timepiece for formal and casual wear.

Zodiac Dress Olympos Automatic (ref. ZO9700)

The timeless design of the Zodiac Dress Olympos Automatic makes it one of my favorite Zodiac dress watches. It features a 37mm stainless steel case and a black dial with silver hands and markers. 

It is controlled by an automatic movement with 50m of water resistance. It has a rugged black leather strap with a pin buckle. It’s a sturdy watch that can last a lifetime, so if you are looking for a dress watch that can take a beating, the Zodiac Dress Olympos Automatic is a great choice. It retails at $895.

Tissot Chemin de Tourelles (ref. T099.407.36.038.00)

Elegance and a timeless design are appropriate terms to describe Tissot watches, and the Chemin de Tourelles is a perfect example. The timepiece is an excellent display of the company’s craftsmanship. It carries the Powermatic 80 movement, which is famous for its accuracy. 

It has a case measurement of 42mm in diameter and 10.9mm in case thickness. It features a silver dial with rose gold indexes and hands. Its strap is made of alligator leather with a butterfly clasp. It has a power reserve of 80 hours which makes it fit for outdoor activities. It is a stylish timepiece that is perfect for any formal occasion, and it will also turn heads if styled on casual wear. It offers good quality for around $900.

Hamilton Jazzmaster Day Date Auto (ref. H32505751)

If you are a fan of the X-men, you must have seen this masterpiece on the beast’s wrist, played by Nicholas Hoult in the Days of Future Past. The Hamilton Jazzmaster is a dress watch that balances a sturdy build with sophistication. 

It carries the Caliber H-40 automatic movement with a long power reserve of 80 hours and 50 meters of water resistance. Its stainless steel case measures 40mm in diameter and 11.52mm in thickness. It’s the perfect daily beater with tough calf leather and pin buckle. This timepiece is the actual definition of a tough guy watch, and for $875, it offers excellent quality.

Mido Baroncelli Chronometer Silicon Gent (ref. M027.408.16.061.00)

Aside from its aesthetically pleasing look and vintage design, the Baroncelli Chronometer Silicon Gent offers more. The silicon balance spring inside the Mido automatic ETA-based movement gives it enhanced accuracy with a power reserve of 80 hours. It features a stainless steel case measuring 40mm in diameter and 9.4mm case thickness. It has an anthracite dial with applied indexes. 

Its strap is made of leather with a folding clasp. Its see-through case back gives you a clear view of the movement. If you love watches with beautiful aesthetics and sophistication, the Baroncelli Chronometer Silicon Gent is your timepiece. It offers excellent quality at around $1,200.

Rado Coupole Classic Automatic (ref. R22860075)

This Swiss-made watch is a display of Rado’s timeless craftsmanship. It has a unique white dial with a power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock and a date window at 3 o’clock. Its case measures 37.7mm in diameter and 10.2mm in thickness. Besides its good looks, the Rado Caliber 03.763.532 automatic movement controls it with a power reserve of 80 hours. You can pick up this Rado dress watch for around $1,200.

Junghans Max Bill Automatic (ref. 27/4700.02)

I’ve loved Junghans watches for years now, and it’s because of the minimalist designs of their watches. The Max Bill Automatic timepiece has a straightforward dial with a creative display of the numerals and markers. The tiny touch of green on the hands is a style I’m yet to see on any dress watch. 

It features a 38mm case that’s made of steel with a black leather strap. Inside is the Caliber J800.1 automatic movement with a power reserve of 38 hours and 50 meters of water resistance. It is the perfect watch for men who like simple timepieces with understated designs. The Max Bill Automatic is sold for around $1,100. 

NOMOS Glashütte Tangente (ref. 101)

NOMOS is well known for its subtle designs, and the Glashütte Tangente is an excellent representation. The 35mm stainless steel case makes it perfect for men and women. The NOMOS Alpha manual winding movement powers it. 

The combination of a vintage design and modern engineering adds to its uniqueness. It features a silver-white dial with blue hands and black markers. It also has a small second subdial at 6 o’clock. The Glashütte Tangente is a stylish dress watch that is timeless. It retails at $1,900.

Longines Flagship Heritage (ref. L4.795.4.58.0)

The Flagship Heritage is a very sturdy dress watch from Longines. It is fit for any event, stylish enough to be worn formally, and suitable with shorts and a shirt at the barbecue. It features a 38.5mm case, a black dial with brown hands, and markers. 

It is powered by an automatic movement with 50 hours of power reserve and 30 meters of water resistance. It features a second subdial and a screw-down crown. If you’re looking for a dress watch that can also be styled casually, the Longines Flagship Heritage timepiece is yours for $1,900.

Tutima Sky Automatic (ref. 6105-26)

The Tutima Sky Automatic is the first non-leather dress watch on this list, and this one comes with a Milanese bracelet. It features a red dégrade dial with silver markers, hands, and a day/date function at 3’ o clock. 

The Tutima Caliber 330 powers it with 38 hours of power reserve and a water resistance of up to 100 meters. It is a very accurate timepiece with a COSC certification. The bracelet and dial colors make the Sky Automatic the perfect dress watch. It sells for around $1,700.

Tudor 1926 (ref. M91650-0010)

The Tudor 1926 is the first Tudor on this list, and what makes it unique is its versatility. The Tudor 1926 has all the elements of a great dress timepiece, like the brown leather strap and a white dial with Roman numerals. 

But it also has a touch of modernity with an automatic movement and sapphire crystals. It features a 41mm steel case with a polished finish. Inside it is the Caliber T601 automatic movement. It has a power reserve of 38 hours and a water resistance of 100 meters. It’s a watch that can be dressed on any outfit, and it currently retails at $2,000.

Oris Artelier Complication (ref. 01 781 7729 4031-07 5 21 65FC)

This Oris Timepiece is feature-rich and comes with a classic simple design. Inside is the Sellita SW200-1 movement, which features unique functions like a second timezone, day of the week and date functions, and a moon phase window. It has a power reserve of 38 hours. 

Its case measures 40mm and features a silver dial with a guilloché pattern. It features a dark brown leather strap with a folding clasp, and you can also choose the stainless steel bracelet with yours. If you are a fan of sophisticated timepieces, for around $2,500, you can lay your hands on the Oris Artelier Complication.

Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic (ref. 10436)

A feature-packed watch for a gentleman, the Clifton Baumatic is controlled by the in-house Baumatic automatic movement, which is COSC-certified. It has a power reserve of 120 hours with 50 meters of water resistance. 

Its case measures 40mm in diameter and 10.5mm in thickness. It features a white dial with silver hands and markers. And it comes in different colors and straps, so you can easily pick the one that fits your needs. The Clifton Baumatic 10436 offers good quality at around $3,000.

Grand Seiko Elegance SBGW283G

The second Seiko on the list, although Seiko uses the Caliber 9S64 hand-wound movement, the SBGW283G still has the qualities of the perfect modern dress watch. It has a case diameter of 37.3mm with a case thickness of 11.7mm. 

It has a power reserve of 72 hours and a magnetic resistance of up to 4,800 A/m. The Japanese watch features a light blue dial with silver hands and markers. It’s a dress watch with a simple design and a sturdy build. The Seiko Elegance SBGW283G retails at $4,800.

IWC Portofino Automatic (ref. IW356502)

If I were trying to look like the main character in a crime-solving drama, the Portofino Automatic would be my go-to timepiece. Its case measures 40mm with a height of 9.2mm. 

The Caliber 35111 automatic movement powers it with a power reserve of 50 hours and a 30 meters water resistance. Its strap is made of crocodile leather with a pin buckle. It’s a dress watch for confident men that want to express their confidence through their timepieces. The IWC Portofino Automatic currently sells for $5,050. 

Omega De Ville Prestige (ref. 434.13.41.21.10.001)

I’m not a big fan of bright colors on my watches, but there is something about the shade of pink and how it is used on the dial of the De Ville Prestige. It features a case that measures 41mm in diameter and 10.8mm in thickness. 

The Omega Caliber 8810 automatic movement powers it with a 55 hours power reserve and 30 meters of water resistance. It features a black alligator leather strap with a pin buckle. It’s a dress watch for men with a taste for very stylish timepieces, and it offers good style and value for around $5,500.

Zenith Elite Moonphase (ref. 03.3100.692/03.C923)

Wear a watch like the Elite Moonphase on a tuxedo, and you might be causing a traffic jam. Lucky for you, it can also be styled down, so you don’t have to worry about getting another for casual outfits. It’s the perfect blend of sophistication in function and simplicity in design. 

It features a 40mm case with a sunray patterned gray dial. Inside is the Elite 692 automatic movement, which has been part of Zenith’s watches for over two decades and has a power reserve of 50 hours. Its strap is made of gray alligator leather with a pin buckle.

It features a seconds subdial at 9 o’clock and the moonphase window at 6 o’clock. It’s the perfect watch for anyone that wants a dress watch he can wear for many years to come. It retails for $7,000. 

Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantième Matte Black (ref. J007020349)

A watch that can’t be overlooked, the Seconde Quantieme is the type of timepiece that will have you constantly asked about what you have on your wrist. The way every detail on the dial is placed in the middle is a unique dial design. 

Its 41mm case is made of stainless steel and features a deep black dial with a small offset hour and minute dial at 12 o’clock and a slightly bigger seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. It’s powered by the JD 2660Q2 automatic movement with a power reserve of 68 hours.

It features a matching black calfskin strap and a deployant buckle. For around $7,600, you can turn heads on any outfit with the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Quantieme Matte Black.

Blancpain Villeret Ultraplate (ref. 6651 1127 55B)

An iconic timepiece from Blancpain, the Villeret Ultraplate is a handsome classic. This dress watch features a case measuring 40mm in diameter and a case thickness of 8.7mm. Its dial is painted plain white with silver Roman numerals and hands with a date window at 3 o’clock. The simplicity of this Swiss timepiece will captivate any watch lover. 

It is controlled by the Blancpain Caliber 1151 automatic movement with a 50 hours power reserve and a water resistance of 30 meters. It features an alligator leather strap with a folding clasp. The Villeret Ultraplate is a vintage-themed watch that can be styled up and down. It currently sells for $10,400.

Cartier Tank Louis (ref. W1529856)

Finally! A Cartier timepiece, and it’s none other than the Tank Louis W1529856, worn by renowned people like Steve McQueen and Cary Grant. This rectangular timepiece is the perfect heirloom. It features an 18-carat yellow gold case measuring 29.5mm x 22mm. It has a white dial with bold black Roman numerals. 

It features a vintage thick brown alligator strap with an ardillon buckle. This iconic timepiece from Cartier features a quartz movement. If you are ready to drop $10,200 on a vintage watch that has held its value for decades, you should grab a Cartier Tank Louis.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Calendar (ref. Q3918420)

Regarding rectangular watches, Jaeger-LeCoultre has some of the most iconic ones you will see on the market today, and the Tribute Duoface Calendar is one of them. It’s a manual winding watch with functions like a moonphase, second timezone, and day & night indicator. It features a case with a 49.4 x 29.9mm measurement. 

Its white dial features silver hands and markers. It comes with a blue leather strap and an extra black strap with a double folding buckle. The Reverso Tribute Duoface Calendar offers good value for a retail price of $16,700.

H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Centre Seconds Midnight Blue (ref. 3200-0903)

The Pioneer Center Seconds Midnight Blue is an embodiment of style and functionality. It’s a limited edition timepiece, the first with a rubber strap on this list. It features a red Gold titanium case that measures 43mm in diameter. Its dial is midnight blue with red gold hands and markers. 

Inside is the Caliber HMC 200 center seconds automatic with a 72 hours power reserve and a water resistance of 120 meters. It’s a unique timepiece for you if you love a functional dress watch, and you can get it for around $21,000. 

Chopard L.U.C 1860 (ref. 168860-3003)

The L.U.C 1860 is a unique timepiece with colors rarely used on dress watches. Its 36.5mm case size would sit perfectly on a medium-sized wrist. It features a salmon-colored dial patterned in a guilloché design with small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. 

Inside it is the L.U.C 96.40-L movement with a 65 hours power reserve. It has a see-through case back that gives you a clear view of the intricacies of the timepiece. Its gray calfskin strap is hand sewn with a stainless steel pin buckle. It is a COSC-certified watch with 59 meters of water resistance. The Chopard L.U.C. is a unique timepiece and sells for around $22,000.

Breguet Classique 7147 (ref. 7147BB/29/9WU)

The Breguet Classique 7147 features an outstanding No-nonsense dial found primarily on vintage watches. It has an 18-carat white gold case that measures 40mm, and it features a white dial with Arabic numerals and blue hands. It has a sweeping second window at 5 o’clock. 

The caliber 502.3SD movement powers it with 45 hours of power reserve. It has a thick leather alligator strap with a pin buckle. The Breguet Classique also comes in a refined rose gold version that can be styled casually. And it also comes in a silver dial version. It sells for around $24,000. 

Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar (ref. 1-90-02-11-35-61)

This Glashütte timepiece is beautifully made, and it’s feature-rich. The Caliber 90-02 automatic movement inside has a Moon Phase function, Panorama date, and small seconds subdial. Its 18-carat red gold case has a measurement of 40mm with 42 hours of power reserve and a water resistance of 50 meters. 

It has a dark blue dial with red gold hands and markers. Its strap is made of blue alligator leather. It comes in different colors of dial and strap. It is sold for around $17,000. 

Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Automatic (ref. G0A43120)

The Altiplano Ultimate Automatic is one of the thinnest automatic timepieces in the world. For a watch packed with top-notch qualities and a world-class movement like the Piaget 910P automatic movement, making it fit into such a thin case must have needed some magic hands. 

It features a 41mm rose gold case with a 4.3mm in case thickness. Its dial is skeletonized, with the hour and minute hands at the top left corner of the watch. It features a black alligator leather strap and has an extra bracelet. It’s a timepiece for people that like a sleek, sophisticated timepiece, and it sells for around $27,500.

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Manual-Winding (ref. 81530/000G-9681)

The Patrimony manual winding is a smooth merge of tradition and innovation. It has a plain white dial with silver hands and markers. Its white gold case measures 36mm in diameter and 6.72mm in case thickness. It is a relatively small timepiece that can slip perfectly under the cuffs of your suit. 

The Caliber 1400 manual movement controls it with a power reserve of 40 hours. It features a deep blue strap and an ardillon buckle. It’s a simple timepiece that can be styled up or down and retails for $27,000.

Patek Philippe Calatrava Yellow Gold (ref. 5227J)

This vintage-themed Calatrava timepiece has a timeless design and build that could be passed on for generations. It is powered by the caliber 26-330 S C automatic movement with a 45 hours power reserve and a 30 meters water resistance. It features an 18-carat yellow gold case with a case size of 39mm in diameter. 

It has an ivory lacquered dial with yellow-gold hands and markers. Its strap is made of shiny brown alligator leather with a prong buckle. If you love a dress watch with a vintage theme, the Patek Philippe Calatrava Yellow Gold is the watch for you, and it retails for around $40,000.

Rolex Perpetual 1908 Yellow Gold Black Dial (ref. 52508-0002)

Styling your formal outfit with a Rolex is already a statement, then having the Perpetual 1908 on your wrist tells everyone to focus on you in any gathering. This unique Rolex watch features a 39mm yellow gold case with a white dial or matte black dial. It gives you the option to pick between a more vintage look or a modern look. 

Inside is the caliber 7140 Rolex automatic movement with seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. It has a power reserve of 66 hours with a 50 meters water resistance. The Rolex Perpetual 1908 is a classic timepiece that can turn heads in any formal attire. It currently sells for $22,000.

Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Selfwinding (ref. 15210OR.OO.A002KB.01)

The Code 11.59 dress timepiece from Audemars Piguet is a true jewel for luxury watches. It features an 18-carat pink gold case that measures 41mm in diameter and 10.7mm in case thickness. 

It has a deep black dial with pink gold hands and markers with the AP logo boldly written in pink gold also at 12 o’clock. It is powered by the Caliber 3129 AP automatic movement with a power reserve of 70 hours and a water resistance of 30 meters. Its strap is coated in black rubber with a pink gold pin buckle. It’s the perfect dress timepiece for a tuxedo, and it sells for around $31,000.

A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar (ref. 421.025FE)

From a brand like A. Lange & Söhne, seeing a dress watch like the 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar was an absolute shocker. Inside it are three of the most exciting complications in any timepiece. 

It features a moon phase display, a perpetual Calendar, and a Rattrapante Chronograph; all of these are placed on the silver dial of this watch. 

It has a platinum case that measures 41.9mm in diameter and 14.7mm in case thickness. The Caliber L101.1 manual movement with a power reserve of 42 hours powers it. It features a black alligator leather strap with a platinum buckle. The Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar is a timepiece for the elite and men that enjoy luxury and functionality. It sells for around $170,000.

Nomos Orion 38 (ref. 387) 

The Orion 38 embodies the minimalist theme to a flawless degree, capturing a perfect dress feel that so many enthusiasts and buyers will be drawn to. The Orion is a very simple, three-handed watch that comes with the in-house alpha movement and the classic NOMOS caliber that perfectly matches the piece’s aesthetic. 

Measuring 38mm in diameter and 7.9mm thick, this is a very slim, simple-minded piece with a domed sapphire crystal to give it extra curves. The dial is as subtle as it comes, with a simple white backdrop and sky-blue hands that seamlessly rotate over the golden indices. The black leather strap suits the watch perfectly, but other strap options could help round out the piece in any way that you desire. 

The Normos Orion 38 costs $2,260

Conclusion

All in all, for a timepiece to be considered dressy, it must portray a high level of class and elegance, and that’s one common feature of all the watches on this list. So if you’re looking for the next dress watch to buy, save this list for yourself; you will surely find the right one that will meet your needs, whether in terms of functionality, look, or price.