Contrary to what you’d gather from walking down any busy street, an Apple Watch isn’t the only watch for men to wear. And, much like the other Apple gadget sitting in your pocket, it can’t replace the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into the best watches for men.
In the world of watch trends for 2024, there are a few standout details to keep in mind when making a timepiece investment. Heritage meets modernity as many top watch brands took vintage-inspired designs to create lust-worthy new classics. While a bigger-is-better mentality has been a long-time case and bracelet trend, some of the most popular men’s watch styles have shrunk in size to 36 or 38mm, which also happens to compliment the rise in genderless watch designs. Color also plays a major factor in the latest and greatest men’s watch releases for 2024. Dials doused in varying shades of green and other bold hues give a classic watch style a refreshing touch of charm that highlights every detail. Dress watches are on the rise, sports watches have a luxe look, but when it comes to selecting the best men’s watch, especially starter watches for a beginner collector, it really all comes down to a personal style choice of what feels right for your wrist.
In the grand scheme, some men’s watches are a financial investment. But even then, as much as you should treat it with care, Hodinkee style editor Malaika Crawford suggests that “watches are almost always purely decorative or sentimental in value, and you should treat a watch the way you would any other accessory or piece of jewelry.” Although there are hundreds of special features (and price points) to sift through, there’s no reason to feel intimidated when shopping for your new timepiece. “We need to remember that there is no intellectual barrier to entry when purchasing watches,” says Crawford. “It’s okay to buy a watch because you think it looks nice, as opposed to being functional in any real capacity.”
That said, a traditional watch can never go out of style. We’ve seen the likes of Tyler the Creator, Tom Cruise, Jay-Z and dozens of other celebrities bring their classic Cartiers out to play; to which Crawford implies this isn’t some big coincidence. “We are definitely seeing a return to the dress watch,” Crawford explains. “It’s a resurgence of more elegant timepieces that are more often than not vintage, from the likes of Cartier and Piaget.”
There are so many types of watches out there, from drivers and divers to pilots and GMTs, a few of which you’ll find included throughout the guide. As far as the specialized options go, driver’s watches feature an angular dial for easy reading when hands are on the wheel, while pilot’s watches boast ultimate legibility for when it gets too bright up there. All in all, while these hyper-specific variations put practicality at the forefront, there’s such an array of timepieces out there, you’re bound to find one thats right for you.
Below, we highlighted a variety of the best men’s watches that span various price points, styles, and functions.
