25 BEST Everyday Watches From Affordable to Luxury (2024)

Watches are an amazing accessory that has a place in everyone’s wardrobe. They come in all sorts of shapes and colors, designs, and price points. I strongly believe that somewhere out there is a watch for everyone.

This watch will be a good price, practical, accurate, and good-looking to boot. Today, we’re going to discuss perfect everyday watches that can fit any budget, ranging from affordable to ultra-luxury. Hold on to your hats; we’re in for a wild ride!

About Everyday Watches

Some watches are built for a specific purpose. For example, a dive watch is most at home in the waters and in the open sea. A dress watch is the perfect accent for a formal suit and tie event. A pilot’s watch is full of useful features that anyone in the skies would appreciate.

An everyday watch is something that can do it all. By that, I mean it can match a variety of outfits, survive the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and look good while doing so. A good watch is like a reliable companion that accompanies you to the office, social events, and home. 

How to Choose the Best Everyday Watch

But what exactly makes the best everyday watch? From the thousands and thousands of models out in the world, how do we know which is the best to choose to strap on our wrist? Three important qualities that everyone should consider are design, build quality, and movement. 

Design: Amazing quality and movement ultimately don’t mean a lot if the design just isn’t there. After all, this is something you’re buying with your own money and are going to look at constantly throughout the day. For everyday watches, inner and outer beauty are important. 

Build Quality: Besides looking good, the watches need to be built to last. For the money you’re putting down, you need to have assurances that what you’re paying for is quality for the money. Expectations vary based on the price point, but any watch good enough for this list is going to be something you’re proud of wearing. 

Movement: The movement is the heartbeat inside every watch. It spins and spins and powers the little friend on our wrist. Movements can vary greatly in quality. Some are universally used movements like with many ETA-based watches, or they might be an in-house movement. They can even be quartz battery-operated. No matter what the movement is, it needs to keep accurate time. 

The Best Everyday Watches

1. Seiko SRPE55K1

Seiko, the Japanese watchmaking giant, has a watch for any situation and budget. It only makes sense for them to have a great everyday watch as well. What we have here is an example from the budget-friendly and much-loved Seiko 5 line. 

This minimalistic watch has a simple and clear black dial with a very useful day-date complication at the 3 o’clock position. A 40mm case size and comfortable 11.5mm thickness make this easily slide on the wrist. And with the hearty 4R36 movement and reasonable $275 price point, what’s not to love?

2. Citizen Tsuyosa (ref. NJ0150-81L)

The second Japanese watch on the list is an offering from another big name in the watch game, Citizen. The Tsuyosa,” or “power” in English, is an excellent choice for an everyday watch because of its affordability, readability, and colorful dial options. 

The model number here has a simple black dial, but for people who want a splash of color on their wrist, there are green, blue, and even yellow options. The Cyclops magnifying the date is just another fun feature that this everyday watch has to offer. The case is smooth and neatly finished, with brushed vertical stripes and polished edges to complement the compact case.

You can usually find the Citizen Tsuyosa for around $300, depending on the color you choose.

3. Hamilton Khaki Field Auto (ref. H70455133)

Hamilton charges into the field with a sturdy and practical everyday watch. As one of Hamilton’s flagship models, the Field is packed with quality for a great price. Unlike the previous Citizen Tsuyosa, you won’t find bright colors in this daring field watch. Hamilton watches are made to last and tell the time. There aren’t any added frills here. 

The Field is clearly labeled with the normal 1 to 12 numeral to mark the hours, but it also includes an inner ring to help with 24-hour time. Most of the Khaki Field lineup is military-inspired, and the clear markers and bright red-tipped second hand are reminiscent of watches that are there to serve. With a nearly 80-hour power reserve and slim 38mm case size, this is a serious contender for an everyday watch.

The Khaki Field Auto retails for $725.

4. Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 (ref. T127.407.11.041.00)

Tissot as a brand has really evolved in the past few years. It occupies a spot on the massive Swatch Group’s pyramid of brands as affordable luxury and has made advancements that are extremely impressive for the price bracket. 

An example is the Gentleman Powermatic 80, a series of watches with an impressive 80 hours of power reserve. It gets that power reserve from the expertly calibrated POWERMATIC 80.811 automatic movement. A few shakes of the wrist and regular wear will ensure this watch is always running. It can still be running even with a 3-day vacation. For an everyday watch, the power reserve is certainly something to think about! 

The Tissot Gentleman has a retail price of $775.

5. Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Automatic

One of the best aspects of the C63 Sealander is the amazing care to finishing on the watch. The lines are clean and very nice to look at. There are no sharp edges, and the polish is bright and mirror-like. 

Like the amazingly priced Trident collection from Christopher Ward, one of the coolest details is the trident-tipped second hand. This three-pronged weapon adds a bold touch to this excellent everyday watch. There are numerous color and bracelet options for the watch, which adds an excellent layer of customizability. My personal favorite is the snow-white dial with the amazingly finished stainless steel bracelet, a truly great-looking combination. 

And it can be yours for a little under $1,000.

6. Longines Conquest 39 (ref. L3.776.4.58.6)

Any watch with the iconic winged hourglass logo of Longines is sure to be a stunning watch. The Conquest is Longines’ rugged answer to the need for an everyday watch. One of the first things you see is the massive 12 and 6 on the face of the dial. There certainly isn’t mistaking what hours the watch hands are pointing to with that large, imposing font. 

On the back of the watch is a deeply engraved caseback featuring the winged hourglass. The caseback protects the Longines caliber L888 3-hand automatic movement, featuring a 72-hour power reserve. This watch is sure to grab some attention when used as an everyday watch! 

The Longines Conquest has a retail price of $1,300.

7. Sinn 556

The Sinn 556 is a fan favorite in the watch community. The impressive quality and case finishing accompanies the starkly contrasting dial. A deep, rich black dial is the backdrop for the gleaming white hour markers and attractive sword hands. The color contrast is quite exciting and noticeable. 

Besides the brand name on the dial and the simply printed “Automatic” at the bottom, there is only a small cutout for the date window. It is barely noticeable and has the same contrasting black and white color. As an everyday watch, it has 200 meters of water resistance, satinized stainless steel case construction, and the Sellita SW200-1 Automatic movement beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour.

You can find the Sinn 556 for around $1,500.

8. NOMOS Club Campus 38 (ref. 735)

A watch from the German watch brand Nomos is exciting, modern, and classy. All of their watches have a unique look to them that has garnered high praise from happy owners. From the name, I can see this watch being a favorite of smart and chic students on a modern college campus. 

But anyone can appreciate the fun California dial (where half of the dial is Arabic numerals, and the other half is Roman numerals) and soothing color scheme. Soft, muted blues and oranges fit perfectly on the pastel dial. 

The 38mm case size is actually quite large due to the design of the case. There is only a thin bezel shape and case that houses the watch, making it seem larger than it is. Inside the watch is a Nomos hand-finished winding movement, which adds to this everyday watch’s charm. 

The Club Campus 38 retails for $1,650.

9. Ball Engineer III Marvelight Chronometer (ref. NM9026C-S27C-BK)

One of the most exciting features of every Ball watch is the incredible, gorgeous lume that is applied to the hands and hour markers. Under low light conditions, the 27 micro gas tubes enhance visibility and glow bright green and orange. 

The appropriately named “Marvelight” is really a marvel to the eyes. There will be no trouble at all seeing the time and date on this watch. This is the third iteration of the Engineer series from Ball, and as a chronometer, the watch is wickedly accurate. On the seconds hand is the intricately detailed Ball logo, and the Cyclops magnified date window is bold, chunky, and exciting.

This amazing watch from Ball retails for $2,449. 

10. TAG Heuer Carrera (ref. WBN2010.BA0640)

The TAG Heuer Carrera stays true to its racing-inspired name. The sleek and modern Carrera oozes with coolness. One of the best details on the watch is the extremely precise circular pattern on the dial. The black dial is distinct, shiny, and extremely clear. The day-date window adds usefulness and practicality to this sports watch. There is a really enjoyable depth to the watch, and the flat sapphire glass looks almost see-through. 

TAG Heuer has updated and improved the stainless steel bracelet. The H bracelet has been slimmed down and includes an extra secure folding clasp with double safety buttons. 

The watch has a retail price of $3,450.

11. Tudor Ranger (ref. M79950-0001)

The Tudor Ranger is a utilitarian pick for an everyday watch. There are no fancy frills here, only good, high-quality watchmaking. The Ranger design is simple and practical, with enlarged Arabic numerals at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. Instead of a simple baton or sword hand, Tudor uses a large arrowhead on the hour hand.

The seconds hand is also visually interesting, tapering to a rectangular shape with a red tip. This model comes with an excellent stainless steel bracelet with a very satisfying-to-use clasp. The modern 39mm case size is suitable for anyone, and the Caliber MT5402 is COSC certified. 

The Tudor Ranger retails for $3,150.

12. Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Caliber 403 (ref. 01 403 7776 4065-07 5 19 11)

Oris has really impressed the watch world with their development as a brand. One of the brand’s crowning achievements is the development of its own line of meticulously sculpted in-house movements. This kind of development takes time, money, and dedication and really puts a brand on the next level. 

One of these great in-house movements can be found in this Big Crown model from Oris. It features a highly legible and clear dial with a small seconds complication at the 6 o’clock position. Instead of a normal date window, the bright red pointer hand points to the date on the dial. 

The extremely impressive Caliber 403 in-house automatic movement makes the small seconds and pointer date complication possible. Oris crafted a movement with extra-strong anti-magnetism properties, razor-sharp accuracy, an enormous 5-day power reserve, and a generous 10-year warranty on top of all that. 

Oris seriously impresses with this in-house movement, but for the more budget-conscious buyer, the same model watch can also be bought with a more affordable Sellita-based movement.

Still, if you want the in-house caliber, it’ll run you back about $3,700.

13. Panerai Radiomir (ref. PAM00753)

The Radiomir is one of the largest watches on this list, at 45mm. However, a lot of this size goes into the square cushion-style case, which lies flat and comfortably on the wrist. The rounded square edges also blend into the lugs, which look surprisingly thin compared to the large stainless steel cushion it is attached to. The dial is simple and very easy to read with the huge Arabic numerals. 

At the 6 o’clock position is an interesting logo that is sure to delight fans of the military and military-style watches. It is the Radiomir Black Seal, a tribute to the Italian Royal Navy’s frogmen or elite combat divers. Befitting this tribute is the 100 meters of water resistance. The 3-day power reserve from the Caliber P6000 hand-winding mechanical movement is also notable. 

This Radiomir reference retails for $4,700.

14. IWC Mark XX (ref. IW328201)

IWC watches are named after military vehicles and aircraft. The Mark XX is the latest in the line of IWC’s popular pilot watches. The design remains unchanged and faithful to the classic pilot design. All the features are there – the large triangle at the 12 o’clock position, large Arabic numerals, and precise minute markers. The huge sword hands help with the legibility and are generously painted with lume. 

The fighter plane etched on the caseback is a nod to IWC’s rich military history. The movement is the Caliber 32111, an automatic and self-winding movement with 120 hours of power reserve. Further decorating the movement is the Côtes de Genève, a sign of great care and engineering. 

The Mark XX retails for $5,250.

15. Zenith Defy Classic (ref. 95.9000.670/51.R584)

Zenith shines bright with the Defy Classic, our choice for an everyday watch. I simply love how the case seamlessly transitions to the blue leather strap. The angular case is brushed to perfection. The stainless steel matches perfectly with the blue sunray dial, which has the Zenith star proudly shining on top of the logo. 

Another star can be seen on the seconds hand, like a star shifting positions in the night sky. This quintessential Defy watch is powered by Zenith’s Elite caliber movements, with a 50-hour power reserve and an automatic winding mechanism that is the perfect base for additional complications in other models. 

The watch has an approximate retail price of $6,500.

16. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra (ref. 220.10.41.21.03.004)

The Aqua Terra is a gorgeous and elegant tribute to Omega’s maritime history. This is most evident in the “teak” pattern on the dial, which is reminiscent of the wooden decks of luxury seacraft. This “teak” shines with a brilliant blue finish. Omega proudly states that this watch has been rigorously tested for accuracy and durability. 

They have increased the anti-magnetic properties, subjected the timepiece to testing over 10 days, and improved the finishing on the stainless steel case. The Omega Caliber 8900 is certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), ensuring buyers that this everyday watch is truly a cut above the rest. 

The Aqua Terra retails for $5,900.

17. Rolex Explorer I (ref. 124270)

For many, Rolex is the only luxury watch brand in the world. The love for Rolex is evident in their dedicated followers who closely watch for news from their favorite brand. The Explorer is one of the most recognizable Rolex models, known for its handsome, rugged practicality. Just based on the name, Rolex envisions this watch as something that can see the world and live to tell the tale. 

As a reminder of its ruggedness, Rolex’s signature Oyster case is available in a new 40mm dimension for the Explorer. The proprietary Oystersteel will look flawless and beautiful for years to come. The Chromalight-painted hour markers and hands provide maximum visibility and glow brilliantly in the dark and give off a shiny white color in the light.

This Explorer reference retails for $7,250, but you should expect to pay around $9,000 to $10,000 in the secondary market.

18. Cartier Santos Large Model (ref. CRWSSA0018)

The Cartier Santos is an icon in the watch world. Cartier is able to tell the world it made the “first men’s watch” with the Santos model in 1911. The square shape is unmistakable, along with the screws on the bezel and dotted along the bracelet. 

The Santos comes in a variety of sizes and configurations, and this model, in particular, is the larger variant, with dimensions of 39.8mm x 47.5mm. On the crown is the signature deep blue sapphire-tipped crown. 

Cartier also includes a leather strap of your color of choice, adding a pop of color to this historic piece. It’s easy to quickly switch from a metal bracelet to leather with the easy-to-use strap change system. They even add the option to include an engraving, which further customizes the watch. 

The Santos has a retail price of $7,450.

19. Hublot Classic Fusion Titanium Blue (ref. 542.NX.7170.RX)

Hublot, the daring Swiss brand, offers a surprisingly understated watch with the Classic Fusion. Hublot watches are unapologetic, loud, and demand attention. The Classic Fusion model is available in a wide variety of sizes, and this particular model is dyed a rich blue color. It’s a delight to see the sun reflecting off the dial. 

Hublot opts for a fully satin-finished and polished titanium case, which is lightweight and scratch-resistant. This makes the Classic Fusion an easy-to-wear everyday watch with plenty of detail. One of the best features is the blue-lined rubber strap, which matches the dial and increases comfort.  

This beautiful watch retails for $7,600.

20. Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic (ref. Q9008180)

The Polaris is an exciting release from Jaeger-LeCoultre, the “watchmaker’s watchmaker.” When people hear the name Jaeger-LeCoultre, they probably think of the Reverso (also an excellent everyday watch, if I might add). The Polaris is a fully modern sports watch with a contemporary design, sizing, and appeal. I especially love the symmetry in the dial. 

There’s no date window to interfere with that perfect symmetry. The stainless steel bracelet is extremely comfortable and feels like velvet on the wrist. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 898 automatic movement can delightfully be seen behind the clear sapphire caseback, beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and beautifully accented by a customized rotor with the JLC logo. 

The Polaris has a retail price of $8,400.

21. Grand Seiko SLGA021

Many Grand Seiko models have an otherworldly sort of beauty to them. Grand Seiko describes them as reflections of the beauty of Japan. The SLGA021 is no exception to this. Inspired by the rolling waves of Lake Suwa, the wavy pattern on the dial is dyed a deep, mysterious blue. The texturing on the dial really makes it seem like diving into the gentle waters of Lake Suwa. The Zaratsu polishing makes the watch gleam in the light. 

The movement is particularly exciting. Featuring Grand Seiko’s signature 9R Spring Drive movement, the watch has a simply amazing 5-day power reserve. This is made possible by Grand Seiko’s own innovations and painstaking attention to detail. Along with this impressive power reserve is accuracy within 1 second a day, a feat that few can replicate. 

This exciting Grand Seiko timepiece can be yours for $9,100.

22. Girard-Perregaux Laureato (ref. 81010-11-3153-1CM)

Girard-Perregaux is an underrated brand that needs more attention. The Laureato is a 42mm timeless tribute to its original 1975 design. The case shape, in particular, is quite interesting. It is like an octagon fashioned on top of a circle, which provides a lot of visual interest. The bright, verdant green color makes the watch pop, like a walk through a forest full of life. 

The integrated steel bracelet flows seamlessly from the case, and the deeply etched pattern on the dial is a wonder to look at. The Caliber GPO1800, with a power reserve of 52 hours, shows great attention to detail. It features mirror polishing, satin finishing, deep engravings, and more. The Côtes de Genève is another embellishment that strengthens the brand’s association with high-horology watchmaking. 

And all of this for a retail price of $14,300.

23. Vacheron Constantin Overseas (ref. 4500V/110A-B126)

As one of the Holy Trinity, or Big Three (Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin), Vacheron Constantin occupies the ultra-luxury section of the watch market. Any masterpiece from these brands is made of the finest materials and to the highest standards.

The Overseas is one such masterpiece from Vacheron Constantin, the brand’s quintessential everyday watch. Housing the gorgeous movement that contains 22K gold is a hand-polished, satin-finished steel case. 

The Caliber 5100 is one of the latest movements by the brand, featuring a generously decorated oscillating weight with a wind rose design. The Maltese cross is evident in numerous places on the watch. It’s on the logo, the crown, the movement, and even subtly built into the gorgeous, folded bracelet. 

The Overseas retails for $22,500, but you should expect to pay around $30,000 in the secondary market.

24. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (ref. 15500ST.OO.1220ST.01)

The Royal Oak is Audemars Piguet’s most recognizable and desirable watch. The ultra-comfortable and feathery lightweight, amazingly crafted bracelet and case have delighted watch lovers for years since its inception in 1972. Wearing a Royal Oak shows heritage, class, and love for simply amazing watches. 

The model listed here is the essential Royal Oak. There’s no chronograph or moonphase or anything extra, only a date window and the impeccable blue waffle “Grand Tapisserie” dial. The signature and painstakingly placed 8 screws that dot the bezel are shiny and uniform. Underneath the luxurious steel is the Caliber 4302 self-winding movement, made up of 257 individual parts expertly crafted to perfection.

Despite its retail price of just below $20,000, you can expect to pay around $60,000 to $70,000 in the secondary market.

25. Patek Philippe Nautilus (ref. 5811/1G)

We’ve reached the most luxurious and ultimate everyday watch with the Patek Phillipe Nautilus. Anyone fortunate enough to be thinking about everyday watches in this ultra-luxury price range can look no further than the legendary Patek Phillipe Nautilus.

Some people dream of having the chance to handle one of these timepieces, let alone own one. The Nautilus is an accurate and faithful representation of the Gerald Genta design from 1976. 

Adding to the luxury is the radiant white gold case and bracelet and vibrant sunburst dial. Also present are the numerous innovations that Patek Phillipe has added to the watch, including a new lockable adjustment system and an innovative lever system that replaces the brand’s previous split stem mechanism. Feel like a king with this by your side! 

This latest Nautilus reference retails for just under $70,000, but you can expect to pay about $170,000 to $190,000 for one in the secondary market.

Conclusion

Just like how there’s plenty of fish in the sea, there’s an amazing everyday watch out there for you! These kinds of watches can do it all and look good while doing so. No matter the budget, we’ve shown you amazing pieces that range from affordable to ultra-luxury. If you’re lucky, you might even find the perfect watch that fits a “one watch only collection.” We’ve given you a sample here, so get out there and find your match!