Author: Andras Cseh

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.

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.

Garmin watches are great for athletes, active individuals, and people that want to keep track of their daily activities or some aspects of their health, which a particular Garmin watch provides. 

Their watches can also be styled casually or in corporate outfits, and they could also be worn for rigorous activities like workouts, hiking, or even during fieldwork. Picking the best Garmin watch could be overwhelming because of the many options. 

This is a peep into Garmin watches to give you a view of their 15 best men’s timepieces.

About Garmin Watches

Garmin is known as a brand that produces some of the best GPS watches worldwide, but they’ve added loads of features that make them fit for almost any sporting activity. 

Almost everyone I know that’s deep into fitness or sport owns a Garmin, and this is because their watches feature functions that are needed in nearly all fitness and sports activities. They have functions like a built-in fitness GPS, timer, Surfline camera, heart rate checker, music storage, and lots of other great features and functions. 

One aspect of Garmin I’ve recently fallen in love with is the community they have created. Millions of people use Garmin watches, and the company connects them all through the Garmin app, allowing users to share their fitness activities, compete, and create routines with other users.

The company was founded by Gary Buell and Min Kao in 1989, and their first design was a GPS receiver. They became a well-known brand for the best GPS systems and partnered with the US Army on different projects. 

Garmin started designing GPS watches for fitness and sport in the early 2000s, and runners, cyclists, and many other athletes found them very useful, and they became well known. Garmin has become one of the most popular sports watch brands, and their watches are known for their durability, accuracy, and functionality.

What to Look For in Garmin Watches for Men?

If all Garmin watches come with top-notch features, you may be wondering what to look for when trying to get one. These are a few things:

Training Modes

Different athletes use Garmin watches for various sports and fitness activities, and they also come with different training modes like cycling, swimming, running, diving, and many others. 

Some of their watches have multisport features that help you track different activities in a workout, a strength feature that counts your reps, sets, and weight lifted during a strength training workout, and a Garmin coach feature that provides you with an expert to train you on any sport or fitness activity. So you want to pick a Garmin watch that suits your purpose to get the best out of your timepiece. 

Health Monitoring 

Garmin watches feature a variety of functions that monitor health status, which include a sleep tracking feature that helps you monitor different stages of your sleep to aid better sleep and a heart rate monitor that tracks your heart rate to see the movement throughout the day. 

They have a body battery that monitors the increase and decrease of your energy level during activities and a respiratory rate to track how many breaths you take per minute. 

Some more advanced ones come with blood oxygen monitors, a menstrual cycle tracker, and a body composition monitor to estimate your bone, body fat, and muscle mass. They also have a VO2 max that measures your aerobic fitness. The company constantly improves its health monitoring features as they release newer models, so you can always expect more great health features from Garmin.

Battery Life

Very few brands can compete with Garmin regarding the battery life of their watches. Depending on your watch’s features and the mode it is on, some Garmin watches can last as long as 20 days, and when using multiple features at the same time, they can last up to a day without requiring a charge. 

Factors like the use of GPS, brightness, heart rate monitor, and the number of features turned on can determine how long your Garmin watch will last after being fully charged. So whether you need a piece that can last for weeks before requiring charge or one that lasts days or hours, Garmin has got you!

Price of the Watch

The type and number of features on a Garmin watch would determine how much it will cost. Watches that cost $100-$200 come with basic health and fitness tracking functions and might also have a GPS function. The Garmin timepieces that cost around $500 have more functions like the VO2 max, music storage, the Garmin Payment system, and more advanced features than the cheaper ones. 

The higher level Garmin watches, which professional athletes mostly use, can cost up to $1000 and more, and that’s because of how sophisticated these watches are; they come with all the features of the cheaper ones and more advanced functions like weather forecasting, maps, navigation, solar charging, color displays, and built-in LTE. These advanced ones are designed with more rigid materials to withstand all conditions.

The Best Garmin Watches for Men

Taking into account all the aforementioned aspects, here’s a list of the 15 best Garmin watches for men you can buy today:

1. Garmin Forerunner 55

If I were looking at getting a running watch on a tight budget, I would go for a Forerunner 55. For $200, it offers features you can’t find on any watch around that price range. It comes with a built-in GPS, heart rate monitor, and different workout profiles. 

It also comes with the Pacepro technology that helps you plan your run according to your goal, and it also has a feature that enables you to plan your workouts to meet your fitness goals. The Forerunner 55 has a sleep tracker, body battery tracker, respiratory tracker, and a woman’s tracker to monitor the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, exercise, and education. 

It has a watch size of 42x42x11.6mm and a display size of 26.3mm. In smartwatch mode, the Forerunner 55 can last up to 2 weeks, while in GPS, it can last for 20 hours. The low weight of the Forerunner 55 makes it very comfortable for running. So, if you’re looking for an affordable watch packed with great features for your runs, you should grab the Garmin Forerunner 55.

2. Garmin Vivoactive 4

The Vivoactive 4 is a stylish sports watch with great smartwatch and fitness features. It comes with the VO2 max feature and a preloaded sports app that makes you track your progress across various sports and activities. It also has GPS, a heart rate monitor, and a sleep tracker. 

Its smart features include music storage, Garmin Payment, and it can also be connected to control your home smart devices. It even has a Pulse OX sensor for monitoring your blood oxygen levels, a hydration tracker, and an on-screen workout display that shows you how to perform various exercises correctly. 

It comes in a 40mm and 45mm case that’s made of fiber-reinforced polymer with a stainless steel bezel, and it has various colors that you can choose from. It can last up to 8 days in smartwatch mode and 6 hours in GPS mode. It has a water resistance of 50 meters and is currently sold for $330. The Vivoactive 4 is a timepiece for stylish, active individuals.

3. Garmin Venu 2

The Venu 2 is often praised for its unique design and its versatility. It is a value-packed timepiece, and the bright AMOLED light on the screen stands out. It has a long battery life that can last up to 12 days in the battery save mode, 11 days in the smartwatch mode, 8 hours with GPS and music, and 22 hours with only GPS. 

The watch comes with an advanced sleep monitoring feature that scores your sleep and gives you tips on how you can sleep better. The Garmin Venu 2 also has a safety feature that detects when you’re in danger or, if an accident occurs, the Venu 2 notifies your emergency contacts of your location. If you like looking stylish while working out or engaging in sports, this watch is for you. This timepiece offers great value at $400 for the 40mm model and $500 for the 45mm model.

4. Garmin Forerunner 265

The Garmin Forerunner 265 is an advanced model of the Forerunner 55, as it features functions for serious runners and professionals in activities like marathons, triathlons, and other long-distance races. 

Aside from having the functions of the model 55, it also features an AMOLED display, a race adaptive training feature that prepares you for your next race, HRV status that gives you steady updates on your general health status, and a training readiness feature that predicts when you should train based on how much rest you take, sleep quality and intensity of your previous workout.

It has a 32.5mm display size, and it comes in 42mm and 46mm models. It can last up to 13 days in the smartwatch mode and 20 hours in the GPS mode. If you are a runner that wants a device packed with features to help monitor your progress, you should get this watch, and it currently sells for $500.

5. Garmin Legacy Hero First Avenger

If there’s a watch that can make you feel like a superhero, it has to be the Garmin Legacy Hero First Avenger, and not just because of the name; it comes with top-notch features that will make you feel like one. The First Avenger timepiece is a special edition inspired by Captain America’s suit and shield.

It features a stainless steel case that measures 42mm with a blue, red, and white bezel. Aside from the other basic functions of Garmin watches, the First Avenger also features character-themed details, badges that can be earned by completing fitness activities, and high-quality materials mostly used for designing military watches. It is a functional and sturdy timepiece for people that fancy superhero characters, and it sells for $400.

6. Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar

The Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar is a watch that’s great for long outdoor activities because of its solar features, and it also features great smartwatch functions. 

The analog hand is its distinctive feature, and I love how it works, not just for telling time. The hands indicate the battery life and also track some other activities. It features a navigation compass and various sports modes.

This timepiece is available in 42mm, 45mm, and the tactical edition also measures 45mm. It has a recovery time and traceback feature that helps you locate where you started your journey. The crossover Solar watch offers good quality and value and just $500. 

7. Garmin Forerunner 745

The size of the Garmin Forerunner 745 differentiates it from the previous Forerunner watches as it is lighter, making it more suitable for runners, cyclists, and swimmers. It comes with a barometer that can track your altitude and elevation during your run, and it also has a feature that can give you feedback on your form during swimming. 

Some other added features include a Race predictor, cycling power, running dynamics, and a feature used to create more courses for your run. The Garmin Forerunner 745 is another great pick for professional athletes, and it is sold for $500.

8. Garmin Approach S70

I never knew golfing required more than just swinging the stick until I gave it a try and couldn’t even swing properly. I got to learn that it takes serious attention to detail to be able to play well, and making use of a watch like the Approach 270 makes it a lot easier. It is an advanced golfing watch that can track all your activities on and off the course. 

It features more than 43,000 course views of various golf courses worldwide, making it easy to know your exact location on the course and distances to layups and hazards. It has an enhanced plays-like distance feature that helps you track shot distance and yardage adjustment for changes in elevation and environmental conditions. 

It has a Green Contour Data feature that shows the direction of slopes so you can sink the putt accurately. Whether you are a professional or amateur golfer, the Garmin Approach S70 would help you become a better player, and it is currently sold for $700.

9. Garmin Forerunner 965

This watch is built with materials and features for very long-distance racers and fitness enthusiasts in general, as it is packed with advanced features for training. It features triathlon and multisport profiles that help you switch between different sports and races with a click. It also features a full-color mapping that provides you with a color indication map to help you track your run. 

Another added feature to this Forerunner is the Race Adaptive Training plan feature that helps you prepare for any race by building a plan after examining your activities. It’s a great watch for runners, and it offers good quality at $600. 

10. Garmin Quatix 7 Sapphire Edition

This timepiece is built to withstand the harshest marine conditions, so if you’re a sailor or constantly travel on water, this watch is for you. The Quatix 7 Sapphire Edition has an autopilot control feature that helps you connect the boat to the watch and directs it without you being at the helm.

It has a stream data feature that gives you information about the functionality of the different parts of your boat. It has an alert feature to notify you about tides and a Multi Continent Map feature. It also comes with built-in sports Apps and profiles for various sports and activities. The Quatix 7 Sapphire Edition comes in 47mm and 51mm models, and it currently sells for $900.

11. Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar Edition

The long battery life, the solar feature, and LED flashlight make this watch a great companion for long outdoor activities like ultramarathons that require you to run at night too. It is a U.S. military-tested watch, so the durability is of the highest standard. 

It has an endurance score feature that measures your endurance levels during different activities and a Hill score feature that monitors your progress when you run uphill. It also has a readiness feature that evaluates you and gives a morning report of your daily training status. This watch currently sells for $900.

12. Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition

This timepiece has similar features to the Fenix 7 Pro, with just a little difference in the look and some of its functions. It features a Surfline camera, a golf course map for over 43,000 courses, an Up Ahead feature to locate checkpoints during a race, and a visual race predictor to determine the pace suitable for different levels of your race. It also has a battery capacity that can last up to 16 days in smartwatch mode and up to 21 days in battery-saver mode. The Epix Pro (Gen 2) is sold for $1,000.

13. Garmin Enduro 2

I’m yet to see a sports watch with a battery life that beats the Enduro 2; It can last up to 150 hours in GPS mode with the solar charge feature, which makes it a great watch for ultramarathon runners and other long-distance athletes. It is designed with tough materials that are light and comfortable on the wrist. 

It has a grade-adjusted pace feature that guides you through your race to avoid burning out and built-in sports Apps to monitor your progress in different sports and activities. It also has a heat and altitude acclimation feature that helps you monitor your body’s reaction to different weather conditions. If you’re looking for a watch with lasting battery life and durability, you should get an Enduro 2 timepiece, which is sold for $1,100. 

14. Garmin Tactix 7 Pro Edition

Tactical features like night vision, jump starter, and stealth mode make this watch a great companion on the field. It has a flashlight that can be switched to green or white and a night vision mode compatible with night vision goggles. It has a hunt activity feature that monitors the movement of your prey during a hunt. 

It also features a kill switch that can erase the watch’s memory with a click. It can last up to 37 days without charging on the smartwatch mode. The Tactix 7 Pro timepiece is a great option for military officers and people that do a lot of fieldwork. It currently sells for $1,300.

15. Garmin MARQ Adventurer (Gen 2)

I love sturdy watches, and I can easily tell when I see one that can take a serious beating. The MARQ Adventurer is a great timepiece for adventures in the wild, and it also has some smartwatch features that allow you to track your progress across various activities.

Its features include various maps, round-trip routing that helps you select the best routes to any destination, and a jet lag adviser that helps you plan your activities to prevent fatigue. This timepiece also has a stock tracker that monitors 50 of your most viewed stocks, and it also has various sports Apps. If you love outdoor activities or generally have an active lifestyle, the MARQ Adventurer would be a good choice for you, and it currently sells for $2,100.

Conclusion

Regarding smartwatches that offer some of the best value you can find, Garmin watches are well-recognized. Their timepieces have some of the best features, from GPS trackers to advanced training features. They also have some of the most sturdy timepieces.

If you’re looking at buying a fitness tracker that will help you monitor your daily movements or track your progress in workouts or various sporting activities, Garmin has some of the best offers with watches that tick the durability, versatility, feature-rich, and functionality boxes.

I’m not a diver; in fact, the only times I go close to water are when I’m in the shower or when I hang out with friends and family by the pool or at the beach. But for some reason, I fell in love with dive watches after purchasing my first dive watch years ago. It was my favorite for a long time until I discovered Garmin dive watches, and it was love at first sight, ocean-deep possibilities that the dive watch market offers. Aside from being built for all types of diving, I like how they can be styled casually and on or as corporate wear too. 

But today’s subject is a little bit different. There’s a market of watches actually made for divers within the divers watch industry rather than having the style and one or two key features for them. It’s where among a big pool of brands, Garmin dive watches belong as well. If you are looking to buy a Garmin Dive watch, whether for freediving, recreational or technical diving, I will let you in on some tips to get the most out of Garmin dive watches. Let’s dive in!

About Garmin Dive Watches

For more than a decade, Garmin has been making dive watches, and with every new model, it just gets better. Their timepieces are feature-rich and simple to use. And because of how they’re designed like smart watches, they can be used like your regular dive timepiece for rigorous activities like working out, biking, or going on a hike.

The company was founded by Min Kai and Gary Buell in 1989 in Lenexa, Kansas. The company’s first design was a GPS receiver for boats which they succeeded at. Garmin also got a contract to build a GPS for U.S. military vehicles in 1991, and by 1999 they had scaled the company to worth more than $100 million. 

They entered the watch industry in 2003 with the Forerunner series, designed for cyclists and runners; it featured a GPS tracker and some fitness metrics. The company has since then included various GPS systems in its product line, including fitness trackers, smartwatches, and even car navigation systems.

What Are Garmin Dive Watches Used For?

Garmin combines Dive watches/computers and a smartwatch to provide divers with many interesting features to make diving easier and safer. These are some of the purposes they serve:

Dive Modes

Their watches have different dive modes that make tracking various types of dive possible. They have modes for gauge dives, apnea dives, multiple gas dives, and closed circuit rebreather dives. 

Each of these dives has individual features, so you must pick the one that best fits your purpose. For instance, the gauge dive has features that track your dive time and depth, while the single gas dive tracks your dive time, ascending and descending rate, depth, and no-deco time. 

Dive Logs 

Garmin watches have a feature that stores the record of all your dives, which includes tracking your progress on each dive. It keeps a record of your depth, dive time, no-deco time, and ascending and descending rate. It can also create a log of everything you see during your dives, including fish, bones, other divers, and many other things found in the sea.

Health Monitoring

The Garmin dive watch monitors different aspects of your health. It records your heart rate during dives and throughout the day to see when and how your heart rate increases or decreases. It has a sleep-tracking feature that monitors deep sleep, REM sleep, and light sleep. 

They come with a VO2 max that tracks your aerobic fitness, and it helps record your progress and fitness goals. It has a body battery feature that tracks your energy levels and a stress tracker that records your daily activities and how your body reacts to them. Some advanced Garmin dive watches have Pulse Ox that measures blood oxygen saturation.

Pressure and Remaining Air Information 

Pairing your Garmin Dive watch with a Descent D1 transmitter will display your remaining air information and pressure on the watch. You will get updates about gas consumption, air time left, and tank pressure. 

All of these are calculated based on the type of dive being performed, the pressure of the tank, the type of gas used, and the diver’s breathing rate. This feature helps you stay safe by providing information to help you plan your dive accurately.

Navigation & Compass

Garmin dive watches have a navigation and compass feature that helps you move in the right direction underwater. Their built-in GPS lets you know your location and dive progress on a map. Some of them have a back-to-start feature that helps you locate where you started the dive from. 

They have a compass feature that allows you to determine where you are heading, and it can be very helpful in areas of the water that don’t have good GPS reception. Some more recent ones have Turn-by-turn navigation that helps with voice instructions and visual guides for you to follow to get to your location.

Best Garmin Dive Watches

The Garmin Descent Series has some of the best Dive watches I have ever seen, and it’s also loved by divers worldwide because its features are great for both amateur and professional divers. Some of their best dive watches include:

The Garmin Descent G1

The Garmin Descent G1 is a combination of a dive watch and a smartwatch, and this blend is the total package for divers at every level. On the dive part, it aids single and multiple gas dives, apnea, gauge, and closed-circuit rebreather modes. It also has a barometer and a compass to track your ascent and descent rates and dive progress. 

The Descent G1 has great smartwatch features that make it fit for people who live an active life or want to track their daily activities. It has a built-in heart monitor, activity, and GPS trackers, and it also alerts you of notifications from your smartphone if you connect it. 

This dive watch also has a different battery life span for all modes. It can last up to 25 hours when it’s in dive mode. When it’s in smartwatch mode, it can work for about 21 days. 

It also comes with an added solar feature that charges the watch anytime it’s placed or worn under the sun. So whether you are a diver or you live an active lifestyle, the Descent G1 is the perfect watch for you.

Garmin Descent MK2 

The MK2 is the most recent dive watch of the Descent series, and aside from having all the features of the G1 model, it comes with other fascinating ones. It has multi-gas diving that supports 10 gasses, and its air integration feature tracks your air supply and notifies you when it is time to surface. 

The MK2 has a Surfline camera that records your activities in water, which you can use to see your progress in your dive or surf. It also comes with more smartwatch features like music storage and Garmin Pay which can be used to buy things online. The Descent MK2 can last up to 100 hours in dive mode and 16 days in smartwatch mode.

Garmin Descent MK2s & MK2i

The Garmin Descent MK2s & MK2i are different iterations of the MK2. The MK2i comes with an air integration aid, which can connect to your tank through a wireless transmitter, and you can monitor the air supply, tank pressure, and dive time on the watch. When it comes to the MK2s, it’s basically a smaller version of the MK2, catered to divers with smaller wrists. The MK2i is built with a titanium back and bezel, while the MK2s have a stainless steel bezel and back plates. 

Should You Get a Garmin Dive Watch?

I find the combination of the smartwatch and dive features in the Garmin Dive spectacular, as they offer loads of features for both diving and casual wear. Garmin dive watches are generally for divers, whether professionals or amateurs, who want to monitor every aspect of their diving sessions and also want to take note of their progress. 

They are also for very active individuals who want to monitor certain aspects of their lives, especially their movements and some general health information the watch provides.

Although Garmin watches are a lot more expensive than the average traditional mechanical dive watch, they are much more advantageous in terms of features, durability, accuracy, quality, and even aesthetics. 

Alternatives to Garmin Dive Watches

Garmin watches are cool; to most people, they are the total package. However, you might not want a Garmin. You might prefer a more basic dive timepiece, so this is a list for you of some alternatives to Garmin dive watches. 

Seiko Prospex “Samurai” SRPF03

The Prospex Samurai is built to take some severe beating. Aside from being more affordable than a Garmin, it is also known for its unique design and functionality. The Seiko 4R35 automatic movement powers it with a 41-hour power reserve and up to 200 meters of water resistance. 

It features a 44mm case made of stainless steel and LumiBrite hour markers and hand that can be useful during deep sea diving. It also has a screw-down case back and crowns to prevent water from entering. The Samurai SRPF03 is a decent alternative to Garmin dive watches if you just want a simple mechanical dive watch.

Doxa Sub 300T Professional (ref. 840.10.351.10)

This dive watch was built to work under intense underwater conditions. Its stainless steel case features an orange dial and bezel that shines underwater. It is powered by the venerable ETA 2824-2 movement with a 38-hour power reserve. 

The Sub 300T has a water resistance of 300 meters and a unidirectional bezel. It features a helium escape valve that extracts surplus helium from the case during decompression. It is another functional and sturdy watch that’s a great pick for a diving timepiece.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M (ref.210.30.42.20.01.001)

When you talk about luxurious dive watches, the Diver 300M should be at the top of that list. Celebrities like John Hamm, Prince William, and Daniel Craig have been spotted rocking this timepiece. Its classy design and the high-quality materials used in the construction set it apart from other dive watches.

It features a 42mm stainless steel case with a black ceramic bezel and dials. It also features a helium escape valve and a water resistance of 300 meters. It is powered by the OMEGA Master Chronometer Caliber 8800, which is resistant to magnetic fields of up to 1.5 Tesla. If you’re looking for a dive watch that is also a luxury timepiece, the OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M is a good choice.

Conclusion

Garmin watches are great for a safe and enjoyable diving experience. I will also recommend them for people tracking their movements and other health information Garmin dive watches provide. However, if you want a dive timepiece with less sophistication, features, or price, there are many other options across various brands.