Shinola, based in Detroit, is a relatively young brand that’s quickly gained recognition for its American craftsmanship and emphasis on local manufacturing. The Runwell is the brand’s most popular watch, outfitted with a hand-assembled Aragonite movement, bold numerals and luminescent hands. The rugged leather strap also makes this pick suitable for daily wear. Keep in mind: The watch may feel slightly bulky for those with slender wrists. The price point, while justified, might be steep for a casual watch category.

Timex, an American watch brand with a history dating back to the 1850s, is known for producing reliable, affordable and diverse timepieces. The Marlin is a reissue of a classic 1960s Timex design that’s popular with watch enthusiasts for its vintage-inspired looks and sleek design. It has a domed acrylic crystal face, leather strap, and a lightweight build that makes this watch comfortable wear throughout the day. Keep in mind: Acrylic crystal is not as scratch-resistant as sapphire or mineral crystal; the leather band might show wear faster than expected.

New-York-based Bulova, a brand with a rich history dating back to 1875, has several collector-worthy dress watch options: The Marine Star Series C has a stainless steel case paired with subtle but sophisticated gold-toned details and a bracelet strap that’s both comfortable and resilient. The nautical design is water resistant with chronograph functionality, bold hour markers and a date window, all set against a detailed dial. Keep in mind: The watch can feel heavy due to its solid construction. The intricate dial may be overwhelming for some.

Crafted by Swiss watchmaker Tissot, the T-Classic Gentleman has all the core qualities of a great dress watch: It’s elegant, unobtrusive and complements formal attire without overshadowing it. The design is understated—with a clean dial, minimalistic hour markers and a date function—and the craftsmanship speaks to those who appreciate well-made watches. Keep in mind: The polished finish is prone to visible smudges and the clasp might require frequent adjustments for an optimal fit.

Japanese watchmaker Seiko has several models that are consistently recognized as standouts for enthusiasts and collectors. Among the most notable is the Seiko 5 line, which was first introduced in the 1960s. The “5” represents the five key features Seiko prioritizes: automatic winding, day and date display, water resistance, recessed crown and durable construction. It does all this at a budget-friendly price point, too. Keep in mind: It lacks a sapphire crystal face or advanced movement technology found in pricier models.

TAG Heuer is known for its sporty yet sophisticated timepieces.The Aquaracer Professional 200 is tailored for diving enthusiasts and those with an active lifestyle. It has a water resistance of up to 200 meters, sleek stainless steel case and bracelet and luminescent dial for optimal visibility in low-light underwater conditions. Its unidirectional rotating bezel, a hallmark of dive watches, ensures safety during underwater adventures. Keep in mind: The watch is relatively thick, which might be cumbersome for some. The premium pricing may not fit all budgets.

During World War II, Hamilton ceased consumer production of watches to focus solely on supplying the U.S. Armed Forces with reliable timepieces. The Khaki Field line draws inspiration from theose wartime watches, emphasizing durability and precision. The chronograph subdials are strategically placed to ensure easy readability and measure elapsed time, similar to a stopwatch. The dial is clear and legible, often in muted colors like black, green or brown, and luminescent hands and hour markers ensure visibility in low-light conditions. Keep in mind: The watch face can appear cluttered for those preferring simplicity. The silicone strap, while comfortable, is not as durable as leather.

A collaboration between American menswear designer Todd Snyder and Timex, the MK-1 Sky King is a blend of modern and retro aesthetics, suitable for urban explorers. Three sub-dials track hours, minutes and seconds. A sturdy crown allows for easy time adjustments and the nylon strap ensures durability and comfort. Keep in mind: The water resistance is limited, so this watch is not for heavy outdoor activities.

Founded in 1868, the International Watch Company (IWC) specializes in aeronautical-inspired designs. The “Top Gun” series pays homage to elite jet pilots, combining technical sophistication with a design that mirrors the instruments found in a cockpit. This Swiss-made watch is anti-magnetic, a crucial feature for aviators, with a soft-iron inner case that protects the movement from magnetic fields to ensure accuracy. The sapphire crystal glass is also secured against drops in air pressure on flights. Keep in mind: The watch may feel heavy on the wrist due to its intricate mechanics. The high-end price tag might be prohibitive for some.

Established in 1925, Laco has deep roots in aviation, producing watches for Luftwaffe pilots during WWII. Laco’s bold numerals are a nod to vintage pilot watches and the Swiss movement delivers both accuracy and durability. The “Type B” dial is a distinctive feature of this watch, characterized by an inner hour circle and an outer minute circle. Keep in mind: The watch might appear oversized on smaller wrists. The leather strap, while premium, might need careful maintenance.

Rado’s unique square design is a conversation starter, and the open heart dial offers a glimpse into the watch’s mechanics. It’s designed with sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, which provides clarity and the ceramic case is scratch resistant. Keep in mind: The unconventional shape might not be everyone’s cup of tea. The power reserve of 80 hours is good, but it is not as long as some other automatic watches on the market.

Zodiac, established in 1882, has a legacy of diving watches. The Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression is a vintage-inspired design that combines classic styling with modern performance. It features a 40mm stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal, a unidirectional rotating bezel and a water resistance of 200 meters. The watch is powered by a Swiss automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve, and the stainless-steel bracelet is both slick and durable. Keep in mind: The luminosity of the hands might fade over time.

Luxury Swiss watchmaker Breitling first introduced the Superocean in 1957, originally designed for professional and military divers. Over the decades, it has evolved in design and technology but has always maintained its core identity as a reliable dive watch. Different models offer varying degrees of water resistance, ranging from 200 meters to an impressive 2,000 meters. Some models also come equipped with a helium escape valve, a diving feature that allows helium to escape from the watch during decompression, preventing potential damage to the watch. You can also expect bold, legible dials with large luminescent markers and hands, and a unidirectional rotating bezel to track underwater time safely. Keep in mind: Breitling’s premium positioning means the watch comes with a significant price tag.

Longines’ Master Collection is often regarded as a flagship collection for the Swiss watchmaker, which was founded in 1832. It’s known for its classic and timeless designs combined with intricate complications, such as chronographs, moon phases and multiple time zones. It also emphasizes brand’s watchmaking expertise with automatic movements and high-quality finishes. The transparent case back offers a view of its intricate workings. Keep in mind: The multitude of features might be overwhelming to look at and te watch might require frequent service to maintain its precision.

Baume & Mercier, founded in 1830, has been crafting luxury timepieces that blend elegance and technical prowess for almost two centuries. The Clifton stands out with its opulent design and Swiss precision. The moon phase complication adds both beauty and functionality and the automatic movements are reliable and are visible through a sapphire case back, showcasing the watch’s mechanics. Keep in mind: The watch is on the heavier side, which might not be comfortable for extended wear. It demands a premium price, making it a significant investment.

The Oris Rectangular Automatic 25.5mm is a solid choice for anyone looking for a stylish and versatile dress watch. It is well-made and durable, and it is suitable for both formal and casual situations. The watch is also relatively affordable for a luxury pick, making it a great value for the money. It features a rectangular stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal, a white dial with black roman numerals, and a black leather strap. The watch is powered by a Swiss automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve. Keep in mind: The watch is not water resistant, so it should not be worn in water.

Fossil’s Minimalist watch is a stylish and affordable timepiece for everyday wear. It features a 42mm stainless steel case with a brown leather strap, a white dial with black numerals and a three-hand movement with a date window. It’s water resistant to 30 meters, comfortable to wear and comes in different colors, depending on your taste. Keep in mind: The movement is not as high-quality as some other watches above this price range.