Author: Andras Cseh

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.

An elegant timepiece sitting firmly on my wrist gives me absolute confidence anywhere I find myself. Wristwatches are one of the most worn pieces of ornament in the world, and no matter how dressed up you are or how expensive your outfit looks, you almost feel incomplete without a beautiful timepiece on your wrist. And one of the most important parts of the watch is the object that keeps it locked onto your wrist, which is the clasp.

The clasp attached to the strap of a wristwatch is not just an object for securing the watch on your wrist. It also styles the timepiece differently and adds personality to your look. Today, you can find different types of watch clasps, each with a unique style and feel. 

This is a dive into the world of clasps to understand how they function and some of the types used for watches.

About Watch Clasps

This device secures both ends of a timepiece together on the wrist. It is small, yet, one of the most critical systems used to secure the wristwatch, as it ensures your watch stays on your wrist even during rigorous activities. There are various types of clasps, and they each have different advantages and disadvantages. 

Purpose of a Watch Clasp

Aside from keeping the watch secure on your wrist, it also helps prevent it from falling off, getting damaged, or even getting lost. On top of that, some clasps are used to adjust the strap size, which can be helpful if you want to resell your watch or your wrist size changes. 

Brief History About Clasps

Though still one of the most famous clasps today, but not as secure as some of the most recent ones, the pin buckle clasp was the first-ever watch clasp. They were originally made of metal with a pin inserted into a hole in the strap, but today they are often crafted from titanium, plastic, and other materials.

To better secure wristwatches of military officers on the battlefield, the deployant clasp was invented in the early 1900s and did a better job than the pin buckle clasp. It has two folding arms that collide to hold the straps together. The deployant clasp is still the most used on wristwatches.

Types of Watch Clasps

Aside from the famous Pin Buckle and Deployant clasps, there are other watch clasps available, each with unique features and style. 

Some of the most used clasps include:

Folding Clasp

The folding clasp is mostly seen on metal bracelet watches, and it always takes the same material used on the watch strap. The class it gives every watch is just unmatchable, and aside from that, it circles perfectly under your wrist without pinching the skin in any way. 

The Folding clasp folds over to secure each watch strap, consisting of two or three arms that fold over each other and are held by a spring. You press the button or lever in some cases to open this type of clasp, and then, you fold the arms back once you’ve slipped it over your wrist. 

They are much more secure than most clasps because it is difficult to open by accident. And they’re so firm, so it is very comfortable on the wrist. Some timepieces, like the famous Rolex Submariner, Omega Seamaster, and the Patek Philippe Nautilus, all use the folding clasp.

The folding clasp comes in different types. The single-fold clasp, which is my favorite and also the most popular of them. This type has just two arms that fold over each other, while the double-folding clasp has three components that fold. The triple-fold clasp is the most uncommon of the three of them, and this one has four folding arms that fold over each other. 

Pin Buckle Clasp

The Pin Buckle is not the fanciest type of clasp, but I can tell you it is one of the easiest to use. It is efficient, simple, and doesn’t have any complications to it. Insert the pin into the strap hole, and just like magic, your timepiece is secure. 

Although it is a vintage style, the security that comes with this type of clasp can’t be overlooked. Without removing the pin from the strap hole, the security of your wristwatch is guaranteed.

The versatility of the Pin Buckle clasp is something I love. Unlike other clasps, it can be used on various strap materials like leather, rubber, metal, and fabrics and still look excellent. The Pin Buckle clasp is a good choice if you like styling your watch with different straps.

The Pin Buckle clasp is so ubiquitous that you might be wearing one right now. If you’re looking for a classic, simple, and versatile clasp for a timepiece, the Pin Buckle Clasp is a good option.

Butterfly Clasp

Aside from being more secure than ordinary watch buckles, they are more elegant and stylish, especially on dress timepieces. The name Butterfly is derived from the two hinged parts of the watch that look like butterfly wings. The two parts of the strap separate and spread when the clasp opens, allowing the timepiece to slide over your wrist. The two parts snap when the clasp closes, and the watch is secure on your wrist.

The butterfly look of the clasp gives it an elegant and sophisticated appearance that is mostly attributed to luxury timepieces. They are designed with top-notch materials like platinum, stainless steel, or gold. 

Watches like the Cartier Tank, Rolex Datejust, and Cartier Santos use this type of clasp. The Butterfly clasp is a great option if you’re looking for a secure and stylish way to wear your timepiece. 

But, one minor downside is the lack of micro-adjustments, so you’ll need to wear it slightly loose or tight on your wrist.

Deployant Clasp

The Deployant clasp was crafted with gold and silver back in the day. Today, materials like titanium and stainless steel are also used. This type of clasp has two parts, the pin buckle and clasp. 

The clasp is made up of two plates that fold and is held by a safety catch. The buckle allows you to adjust the clasp to your preferred size, it slides across the clasp, and it can be easily adjusted to any size.

A few timepieces that feature the deployant clasp include Patek Philippe Nautilus, Cartier Tank, and IWC Portugieser. This clasp is a great choice to add a touch of comfort and luxury to your wristwatch. 

Sliding Buckle Clasp

Having this clasp on my Tudor Black Bay has got me hooked on it. The Sliding Buckle has one of the best features of any clasp. It makes it easy for you to adjust the strap to fit your wrist perfectly, and I also have a guilty pleasure in sliding it open and close multiple times; it can be so satisfying at times.

It works with a small lever used to release the clasp, and once it is released, you can adjust the size by sliding the buckle across the watch strap. You can close the clasp by pushing the lever back inside. The Sliding Buckle clasp was initially designed for Scuba Divers for them to be able to quickly adjust their strap to the perfect size for the depth and temperature of the water. 

This type of clasp can now be found on watches like the Tudor Black Bay, Longines HydroConquest, TAG Heuer Aquaracer, Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean, and many other timepieces. I recommend this clasp for anyone that fancies a convenient and easy-to-use clasp.

Velcro Strap

This clasp was designed by a Swiss engineer in 1955 called George De Mestral. He devised this design on a hike when he saw tiny hooks on his dog’s fur and fell in love with the pattern it created. He designed the Velcro strap using this pattern, and it became popular among watches and many other ornaments at that time.

It is commonly used on nylon or textile straps by attaching one end of the strap to a hook fastener and the other is rooted with a loop fastener. The surfaces stick together when you press them against each other, forming a stronghold across your wrist.

Velcro straps are one of the easiest to use, they can withstand up to 50 pounds of force and are also adjustable. This clasp features in watches like the Casio G-Shock, Suunto Core, and Timex Expedition. This clasp is a great option for people wanting something durable and adjustable.

Diver Clasp

Dive watches are one of my all-time favorites because they are durable. The special dive clasp is one of the things that make them very secure, and Rolex designed the first dive clasp in the 1950s. They are designed with two locking mechanisms. It has a folding clasp that helps close the watch when it’s not worn,  and the other makes it adjustable. These complications add some class to dive watches and are very easy to use.

Some diver clasps come with a micro-adjustment system that allows you to adjust how the clasp fits on your wrist. Watches like the Citizen Promaster, TAG Heuer Aquaracer, and Rolex Submariner use this clasp. 

Glidelock Clasp

This clasp makes adjusting your watch bracelet very easy without using any tools. The Glidelock clasp works by opening the clasp and pulling or pushing the bracelet till you find the perfect fit for your wrist. It has 20 increments, so your watch bracelet can take up to 20mm of adjustments. 

The Glidelock clasp has similar features as the Diver, but it is a Rolex invention, and its name is derived from the way it glides with ease across the bracelet. They are featured on the Rolex Submariner, Panerai Luminor, Rolex Sea-Dwellers, and Rolex GMT- Master II watches. 

Conclusion

Clasps help secure watches on the wrist and add to the overall beautification and value of a timepiece. Before deciding on any clasp, you must consider the watch type and what sort of activities you will be engaging in.

There are various types of watch clasps, and they each come with different levels of versatility, comfort, and style. So there is a wide variety for you to choose one that perfectly suits your specifications and purpose. Make sure you go for clasps made with high-quality materials to ensure your watch is always secure on your wrist.

I once heard a funny watch quote that says, “With great popularity comes great counterfeiting”, which is a statement attributed to most luxury timepieces. 

After being in the business of crafting timepieces since 1875, Audemars Piguet has built a reputation for designing some of the most timeless watches to have graced the watchmaking scene, like the Royal Oak and Millenary. The high demand for AP watches comes with a very high level of counterfeiting, and the market is now filled with fake AP watches.

The increasing demand for Audemars Piguet watches has led to the success of the counterfeit market. The fake watches are made with simulated materials and with poor designs also. These fakes are often difficult to distinguish from genuine AP watches because they make them look identical to the real ones. 

About Fake Audemars Piguet Watches

The fear of being called out for wearing a fake built my interest in watches in the first place because I had to understand every piece that caught my eye. It is not a surprise that there is a fast-growing market for fake AP watches, as they are one of the most sought-after brands for producing luxury watches worldwide. 

If I were not familiar with Audemars timepieces, I would have probably bought a fake one, thinking it was the real thing, because of how popular these fakes have become in the market. 

Audemars Piguet watches are made with top-of-the-notch materials and high-level craftsmanship, these fakes are quite the opposite, and they often don’t even replicate the real versions in any way. So if these watches aren’t built like the real ones, why do people buy them?

We live in a world where having a luxury timepiece on your wrist would get you into circles you won’t dream of entering. So, many people who can’t afford a real AP settle for the fake to fit into these gatherings. Some people have little or no understanding of luxury watches, so they end up buying the fake Audemars Piguet to show it off as its real counterpart. 

Purchasing a fake AP is not a good idea for whatever reason you might have because you’re not only fooling yourself by buying a sham product, but you’re also promoting the counterfeit market.

How to Spot a Fake Audemars Piguet

Even as a watch enthusiast, I’m always critical when it comes to AP watches because of how convincing the fake ones are. These are a few factors to take note of before buying an Audemars Piguet watch:

Price of the Watch

I would be suspicious of a dealer trying to sell me an AP for $10,000, and you should too. An entry-level Audemars Piguet watch, like the 33mm quartz Royal Oak could cost around $15,000,  and the most expensive AP watches could be sold for over $400,000. It would help to be careful of watches sold for less than the retail price because most luxury timepieces tend to cost more on the secondary market than they do at retail.

Build Quality and Materials

Audemars Piguet watches are made with the finest materials like titanium, ceramic, shades of gold, and stainless steel. The brand is well-known for its choice of the highest quality materials, so buying an AP watch that doesn’t portray a very high standard of quality won’t be a good idea.

Weight of the Watch

The features and complications a watch has often determines how heavy it will be. An average AP watch with few features feels pretty heavy on my 8-inch wrist, and some models, like the new calibre 1000, have up to 40 functions with 23 complications and are a lot heavier. So being conscious about the weight of an AP you are trying to purchase might save you from buying a fake one.

Case Finish

AP watches are smoothly polished with sharp edges, and it is always difficult to meet the standard of such fine finishing on a fake one as they often have uneven finish and rough edges.

Dial

The markings and logo on the dial of AP watches are crisp and clear with the same measurements, and they do not wear or fade off. Fake Audemars Piguet timepieces often have uneven logos and markings, which can be noticed if taken note of, and they always change colors because of the substandard materials used in making them.

Watch Movement

Audemars Piguet watches come with sophisticated in-house movements and some other popular ones among luxury watches. Unlike other timepiece parts, original movements are hard to find, so a fake timepiece often has a substandard movement and can be spotted. 

Watch Bracelet

The links of AP watches are appropriately aligned and made with quality materials. The clasps of the watches are also firm and secure, with the Audemars Piguet logo engraved at the tip sometimes. The fake AP watches are often made of cheap metals with unaligned links.

Watch Documentation

Having a reputable watch dealer as a friend has come in handy more times than I can count. Checking the case back for the serial number and requesting the documents is another way of detecting a fake timepiece. And when you’re still in doubt, take the watch to a reputable watch dealer for further confirmation.

How to Spot a Fake Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

The Royal Oak is not just the most popular Audemars Piguet watch. It is one of the most sought-after in the world of luxury timepieces, so it is not a surprise you can find many counterfeits in the market. You must know how to differentiate between a fake and a real one if you want to buy a Royal Oak. 

These are some of the things to look out for to spot a fake Royal Oak:

Watch Bezel

The Royal Oak is known for its well-polished steel bezels, screwed down with eight hexagonal screws. These screws are spaced evenly and are well aligned. A fake Royal Oak might have a rough bezel with different shapes of screws unevenly spaced, so be on the lookout.

Watch Dial

The signature dial on a Royal Oak is made of Tapisserie, a guilloché pattern. This pattern is spaced evenly and is symmetrical; the design used on a fake one may be uneven and crooked.

Case Back

The case back of Royal Oaks is one distinct feature that makes it easy to spot a fake one. It is made of sapphire crystal, so the watch’s movements can be seen through it. Sapphire crystals are also scratch-proof, so scratches on the back can quickly give a fake one away. And the movements are always sophisticated and defect free, which is always very difficult to replicate on a fake Royal Oak, and they could be easily spotted through the transparent back.

Watch Logo

A genuine Royal Oak has a logo designed with raised gold letters. They are well-polished and clear, and they do not fade off. The logo on a fake one might be printed or stamped on the dial and have a faded or blurry look.

Serial Number

All luxury watches come with unique serial numbers, and the Royal Oak is no exemption. They can be found on the case back of each one, engraved in a consistent and prominent font. A fake Royal Oak might have the serial number printed or stamped with inconsistent and blurry fonts.

Warranty

Royal Oak watches come with a warranty when they’re bought on retail, so asking your dealer for a warranty and a certificate for authentication is a way to ensure you are getting a genuine piece. If they can’t provide you with these papers, you should probably not swipe your card for such a timepiece.

Watch Packaging

To get customers hooked at first sight, materials like suede and velvet are mostly used in the packaging of luxury timepieces. So when trying to get a Royal Oak, don’t just focus on the watch itself; take a look at the packaging for cheap materials before buying.

How to Ensure You Buy a Real Audemars Piguet 

Made up of valuable materials like gold and platinum, and having such a strong position in Swiss horological history, investing in an Audemars Piguet watch could be a great idea because most of them tend to appreciate value. But before making that purchase, there are some things you should do to ensure you are getting a genuine AP timepiece.

Do Not Buy On Impulse

Just because a timepiece looks good on the outside doesn’t mean you should jump on it immediately. Take time to compare different models to see if you can get another that might serve you better. An AP watch is a serious investment and should be carefully thought about.

Do Your Research

Learning about the brand’s history and models will help you identify a genuine Audemars Piguet watch from a counterfeit. So read about the timepiece you want to buy and also try to understand its heritage.

Make Sure You Seek the Opinion Of Experts 

Asking experienced collectors and watchmakers for their opinion on a Particular AP watch would be helpful if you are not certain about the authenticity. There are also various online platforms where the opinions of watch experts can be sought for free on watches, so make sure you are seeking the help of people that know a lot more than you when it comes to timepieces. 

Asking Your Watch Dealer for Photos and Documents

Most purchases are now made online, so asking for photos and videos of the watch would not only save you from buying a fake Audemars Piguet, but you will be able to confirm if the timepiece has any defects or damages. And if it does, you can either terminate the transaction or request for it to be changed.

Buy From A Reputable Seller

There are watch dealers authorized by Audemars Piguet to sell their watches, and these are the best people to buy from. They can provide you with a certificate to authenticate the timepiece, and you can be sure they have a return policy in place if you eventually discover any defect after purchase.

These fake watches often come with very attractive price tags to interest people. After taking these steps and you’re still not convinced about the originality of the Audemars Piguet timepiece you want to buy, you should tread the path of caution and let go of that deal, no matter how juicy it might seem, to avoid any regrets. You can also go to different buyers to compare the look of the same watch and the price. 

Conclusion

Even for experienced collectors, differentiating between real and fake AP watches might be difficult because of the effort put into counterfeit watches these days. Summarily, no guide can 100% guarantee you spot a fake Audemars Piguet, but being conscious of these factors above gives you a better chance of going home with an original timepiece.