You’ve probably had someone tell you about watches before. Not just that they tell time, but that they’re actually wearable art on your wrist, or better yet, wearable investments. And no, we’re not talking about the ones that you picked out of a cereal box.
Time pieces are one of the most crucial accessories in a man’s life, as they extend beyond the category of your “wardrobe.” Watches tell stories, represent style and can cater to every man.
“There’s a watch for every occasion,” says Darren Bondar, Founder and CEO of WATCH IT! “The timepiece is an important accessory that says a lot about you as a person. A collection should include all price ranges and a variety of materials and finishes to complement your wardrobe.”
But trying to find the right one for your budget is often a challenge. Well guess what, behold a DailyXY shortcut; take a look at a selection of the best watches for a budget of up to a cool thousand.
Budget: Around $200
Daily XY Tip: At this range, make sure that you’re getting a smooth push-pull crown (the little knob on the side of the watch).
RUMBATIME Brooklyn ($95.00)
Down in Brooklyn, where the trends ignite, RumbaTime’s Brooklyn watch is exactly what you’d expect from the NYC borough. And damn, is it on the “cool radar”. With a NATO leather strap, stainless steel casing, Japanese Quartz Movement and trendy luminous hands, this $95.00 piece could be one of the best starter watches on the market in the “best bang for your buck” category.
FOSSIL Townsman Chronograph (approx. $195.00)
You’re looking for something simple that adds a touch of flair during the office meetings but still stands-out when dressing up. Look no further than the Fossil Townsman Chronograph from WATCH IT! Its three-hand functionality, built-in chronograph and genuine leather strap reflect its 1960’s distinction. It boasts a minimalist design, yet refined details, making it exactly what you’re looking for as an urban gentleman.
Budget: Around $600
Daily XY Tip: At this range, you should be receiving a product with quartz movement and possibly sapphire crystal glass on the covering (scratch resistant).
MONDAINE Men’s Sport II Chronograph White Dial (approx. $675.00)
Mondaine Men’s Sport II features a beautifully simple design, with a sapphire crystal glass, chronograph, date window and screwed caseback. Subtle details like luminous hands (thanks to the addition of tritium gas tubes in the hour and minute hands), six polished screws on the black bezel and black leather strap, make this time piece a luxury sports watch.
CITIZEN Eco-Drive World Chronograph A-T (approx. $625)
The Citizen Eco-Drive Radio-Controlled Chronograph World Timer is a mouthful to actually say, but it’s totally worth the struggle. With an automatic time in 26 world cities and radio-controlled accuracy in five zones, this watch is one of the most accurate time pieces available. It’s also fueled by light, so it never needs a battery- just check its power reserve indicator. Take it on any adventure, you’ll be glad you did.
Budget: Around $1,000
Daily XY Tip: At this range, you should be aiming for impeccable style, let alone premium quality. The details should be handled with care; leather straps should be hand sewn and firmly stitched and link straps shouldn’t rattle or have a sharp edge.
FREDERIQUE CONSTANT Men’s FC-255V6B4 Index (approx. $1,050)
The Frederique Constant is a sight to behold, with swiss quartz movement, date within a rose-gold-plated case and antireflective sapphire crystal. Top it off with a crocodile strap and you can say hello to a real style investment to pair with any of your power suits.
HAMILTON Pioneer Silver Dial (approx. $1,095)
Paying homage to the Marine Chronometer that Hamilton Watches released for the US Navy in World War II, the Navy Pioneer is a superb time piece with some historical class. Its striking blue hands against the light silver dial are a gorgeous touch. Rich calfskin makes up the strap. It’s basically the watch that takes any outfit to an elite level.
