Men's Watch Brands of the Year: What's Hot Right Now?

A watch does more than just show you time. There are watches like the Apple series that keep track of your health and fitness, and luxury timepieces like Rolex and AP are more like watch investments. 

So, what's a good watch brand for guys? To help you make a pick, we have listed some of the top-rated brands in their categories. 

The Dominance of Luxury Brands

Rolex Submariner

[Source: Rolex]

Since its launch, Rolex Submariner has always been one of the top luxury brands that collectors desire to have!

Features:

• Unidirectional rotatable bezel
• Water resistance up to 300 meters
• Luminescent dial for visibility in low light
• Automatic movement for precision

Rolex Oyster Perpetual

[Source: Rolex]

Introduced in 1926, the Oyster Perpetual was the world's first waterproof wristwatch. Even today, it’s an iconic piece praised for its simplicity and elegance.

Features:

• Clean, complication-free dial
• Water-resistant Oyster case
• Perpetual movement with self-winding capabilities

Why Rolex Watches Are So Popular? 

• They are classic, timeless looks, regardless of any fashion trends.
• Rolex watches control supply to keep the brand exclusive, hence creating demand and desirability.
• Many models go up in value over time, making them an investment rather than just a high-end luxury for the customer buying them. 
• A century of excellence and craftsmanship contribute to each timepiece's prestige and value.

Patek Philippe: Nautilus

[Source: Patek Philippe]

Patek’s Nautilus has always been a craze among watch lovers. This hype has always been one of the reasons for Patek’s Nautilus to be one of the top-wanted time-pieces. 

Features:

• Porthole-shaped case
• Integrated bracelet
• Water-resistant up to 120 meters
• Self-winding movement with complications such as date or chronograph

Patek Philippe Aquanaut

The Aquanaut was intended to be a more modern replacement for the Nautilus and featured all the hallmarks of the watch combined with sophistication.

Features: 

• Octagonal case with softened corners
• All Stainless steel and Rose Gold versions
• Rubber comfort straps featuring a tried-and-true look
• Water-resistant up to 120 meters
• Self-winding movement

Why Patek Watches Are So Popular?

• The regular issuance of limited-edition models infuses a sense of exclusivity and fuels high demand among collectors.
• Many Patek Philippe timepieces appreciate value over time, which appeals to investors.
• The brand's rich history and ethical approach to watchmaking appeal to those who appreciate fine quality and tradition.
• An increasing interest in high-end and artisanal goods supports the demand for Patek Philippe's unique, high-quality timepieces.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

[Source: Great Lakes Watch]

The 1972 Royal Oak was the first luxury sports watch made of stainless steel by Gérald Genta.

Features:

• Octagonal bezel
• Pattern dial - "Tapisserie"
• Integrated bracelet
• Polished and brushed surfaces

Why Audemars Piguet Watches Are Popular?

• This brand's new designs have drawn in more youthful customers and influencers.
• Greater frequency of issuing limited models boosts demand and investment potential.
• It is noted that luxury watches are all in. Audemars Piguet seems to have kept this uncanny sense of achieving resonance between consumer aspirations for style coupled with substance via design and quality.

Smartwatches on the Rise

Apple Watch

[Source: Apple]

Features

• Continuous tracking of heart rate for monitoring cardiovascular health.
• Monitoring of your overall well-being with ECG and blood oxygen.
• Automatic workout detection, records of how many calories were burned, distance traveled, and how many minutes of activity occurred.
• Make calls and send messages from the watch itself without needing an iPhone.
• Stream music and podcasts directly from the watch.

Why Are Apple Watches So Popular?

• Techs like temperature sensing and improved sleep tracking will position it as a leader in wearable health technology.
• It comes with carbon-neutral options to meet the demands of a very 'green' conscious consumer base.
• Including trendy design and advanced features, it's highly popular among the younger generation and several influencers.

Garmin Fenix 7

[Source: Garmin]

Features:

• Advanced GPS tracking.
• Preloaded topographic maps.
• Activity profiles for hiking, skiing, and cycling.
• It comes with a robust style and design. 
• Monitors heart rate and oxygen levels

Garmin Forerunner 965

[Source: Garmin]

Features:

• Gets some serious metrics around training readiness, recovery time, and race predictions for the ultimate training.
• Vibrant AMOLED display for clear visibility and easy navigation.
• Up to two weeks in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode.

Why Garmin Watches Are Popular? 

• Constructed to withstand extreme weather conditions, it is quite reliable for any outdoorsy, adventurous person.
• Hi-tech features like heart rate monitoring, SpO2 sensors, and GPS navigation are useful in analyzing performance and health.
• Moldown's interest in outdoor activities and fitness increases the demand for quality sports watches.
• Sustainable Watch Brands Gaining Popularity

Panerai Submersible eLAB-ID

[Source: Great Lakes Watch]

Features:

• The watch is made from 98.6% recycled materials and uses a patented form of steel alloy known as eSteel.
• Water-resistant to 300 meters, designed for use underwater.
• Bold design with striking colors; alluring to the watch lover and buyer who loves going green.

Why Are Panerai So Popular? 

• It appeals to consumers searching for brands that scream their values on sustainability.
• It sets a very important precedent for responsible practice within the luxury watch sector, inspiring many other watch brands to follow its example.

Cartier Tank Must

[Source: Cartier]

Features:

Why is it so popular?

• Appeals to consumers who look at ethical sourcing and transparency in their purchase.
• Cartier's recycled and responsibly sourced materials establish a new degree of standard in the field of luxury. 
• Classic appeal merged with modern sustainable importance: The classic form of the Tank Must continues to appeal to collectors and fashionistas alike.

Rising Independent Watchmakers

H. Moser & Cie: Innovation and Minimalism

[Source: H.Moser]

The H. Moser Streamliner is a high-end sports watch that embodies the brand's innovative spirit and minimalist design philosophy.

Features:

• Case and Bracelet: The modern cushion-shaped case
• Greatly enhances comfort
• aesthetic appeal
• Available in different colors, such as Matrix Green and Smoked Salmon
• Equipped with the in-house HMC 200 movement
• Power reserve of up to three days.

Why it’s so popular? 

• H. Moser creates only a handful of watches each year, which can automatically make them desirable among collectors due to their scarcity.
• Collectors and connoisseurs have become increasingly interested in manufacturers such as H. Moser. This produces watches without trying to conform to mass-market production.
• Budget-Friendly Watch Brands That Deliver Value

Seiko 5 Sports

[Source: Seiko]

Features:

• Movement: Seiko's 4R36 automatic movement
• Water Resistance: 100-meter rating, great for daily wear but unsuitable for professional diving.
• Design: The watches are available in numerous styles, from dive-inspired designs with a brushed case and polished sides.

Why is it so popular? 

• Seiko combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, promising reliability with style.
• It's a luxury brand within an affordable range, making it one of the desirable luxury watch brands without compromising value.
• Seiko is among the best value watch brands for those seeking budget-friendly men's watches in 2024.

Trends and Predictions for the Future of Men’s Watches

Here are some of the future trends and predictions for men’s watches: 

Minimalism versus Maximalism

The watch industry is reporting a growing trend of minimalism and maximalism in design. This trend will only grow and expand in the future. 

Dominance of Smartwatch

The trend is surely shifting towards health-conscious smartwatches. These watches are designed to do much more than just tell time. Moreover, they can monitor fitness metrics and track health data.

Sustainability

Eco-conscious designs and ethical sourcing are increasingly in focus within the watch market, and it may even skyrocket in the future. 

Collectibility and Investment

Many watch collectors believe that investing in luxury watches can prove profitable, and this is happening now. So, in the future, luxury watch investments will become a huge craze. 

So, Which Brand Should You Pick? 

The brand choice entirely depends on your taste in watches. If you are more of a watch collector and think of watches as a form of investment, then investing in luxury brands like AP and Rolex can be a great option. However, going for brands like the Apple series can be a remarkable option if you are more into fitness. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What watch brand is the best for men?

Panerai, Omega, Rolex, and Tudor are some of the best luxury brands for men. These watches are also known for being remarkable investment options. 

What is the most masculine watch?

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one of the most masculine watches to go for! 

What brand of watches do men like?

Here are some of the watch brands men usually like when it comes to budget, looks, and quality: 

• Fossil Fenmore
• Titan Karishma
• Fossil Analog 
• Casio Enticer

Is Omega better than Rolex?

Rolex is considered a more prestigious brand, which is one reason why it’s overpriced. However, compared with Omega, both brands have different designs and values. So, which is better depends on the person's taste.