The Best Luxury Watches for Men in 2024
The tradition of luxury watches is extremely extensive and long in the meantime. Time after time there have been new trends which have established themselves. These Trends were marked by historical events such as the current fashion. And also in this year, the question arises, what is the best wristwatch for men?
There is no simple answer for this question. It’s obvious, that the best watch does not exist. This certain topic always depends on personal preferences and the individual taste. Nevertheless, you can take a look at which watch matches with which specific preferences and how they fit in the zeitgeist of 2023.
Es gibt nicht die eine ideale Armbanduhr für den Mann in 2024. Dennoch gibt es einige Kategorien und Uhren, die erwähnenswert sind. Da wären z. B. Klassiker wie die Datejust, Chronographen wie die Zenith El Primero, Sportuhren wie die Submariner oder auch klassische Dress Watches wie die IWC Portugieser.
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Luxury watches for men
Allrounder for everyday
Firstly, let's begin with typical all-rounder watches, with which you can never miss. These have been super popular for years now and probably will never get out of fashion.
The best example is the Rolex Datejust. This watch doesn't only come along with an iconic design, it also has an unmistakable history.
It has its very own, unique charm and is actually compatible with any type of watch wearer. Basically, the Datejust is just a simple three-hand watch, but its overall concept is much more than just a watch.
Moreover, it is available in numerous variations. The selection is overwhelming. You can choose between stainless steel, rolesor or rose gold. Additionally, there are various sizes. The most popular ones are 36 and 41 mm diameter. But there are also many different dials. Especially the vintage Datejusts can have rare, extraordinary dials.
As an alternative, there would be the Cartier Santos. The Santos was one of the first wristwatches of all time, hand has a special history as well, while its popularity grew especially in the last years. You could nearly say the Santos experienced some kind of renaissance.
No wonder, if you consider, that it has a unique square design is super classy and stylish. Especially, the latest facelift looks more contemporary and modern, but still carries the charm of yesteryear. Additionally, this version of the Santos comes along with a smart-link system, which allows anybody to adjust the bracelet by himself.
Furthermore, the Santos is also available in different variations. You can choose between a smaller case diameter of 35 mm and 40 mm. And of course the dial comes with the Cartier-typical railroad minutery and Roman indices. But you can also purchase it in various alloys such as gold, rose gold, skeletonized, blackened or with diamonds.
Another advantage of the Santos is that you can remove the bracelet and replace it with a leather one easily by yourself. This allows quite a universal usage. For example you can make it look like a laid back Sportswatch and in the evening change to a leatherband for a dresswatch look.
A further very good alternative would be the Breitling Chronomat.
The Chronomat is a reissue from 2020. In the meantime, it's one of the best-selling watches of the current Breitling selection. Design-wise, it is a classic wristwatch with a round bezel and an elegant metal bracelet with fine mesh.
And also, the Chronomat comes along with a bandwidth of varieties. There is one option with 40 mm and GMT function, such as a 38 mm version and a 32 mm one. Additionally, you can purchase it in different alloys, dials or even with diamond setting.
Especially in 2023 the Chronomat is a great opportunity, because on the one hand it is not as expensive as the watches mentioned above, on the other side you can purchase it without any problems and without a waitlist for retail conditions.
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Chronographs for accuracy
For those who have a soft spot for demanding movements, there are various complications. One of the most popular complications must be the chronograph. But witch chronographs offer themselves in 2023?
The legendary Omega Moonwatch is the first chronograph which comes up, when we think about it. It is timeless and iconic. It was the first watch on the moon, and it comes along with an eventful history. That's also why it enjoys great popularity and recognition within the watch scene. Furthermore, it is available in varies versions and there are even some special editions. In addition, it's worth mentioning that the Moonwatch is relatively affordable. You can find some inexpensive watches on the gray market.
But when racing and chronographs calls, the Daytona is always nearby. It is out of question that the Daytona is considered as one of the most legendary chronographs of all time. Its recognition stands alone, while it's highly demanded, and as it seems this won't change in the upcoming years. In 2023, the Rolex Daytona is once again doing excellently. It comes along with an own manufacture caliber and its design is unique such as timeless. With the Daytona you do everything right without question.
It is unique with its three totalizers. There is a reason why you have to wait about 16 years to purchase a Daytona on the regular way. But the only issue is that the Daytona is slightly expensive.
Alternatively, there would be the Zenith El Primero, that comes along with an individual design and a unique history as well. In fact, it was the El Primero chronograph, which had the first fully automatic chronograph movement. That's also why the El Primero contributed significantly to the development of the chronograph in general. And even today it is an excellent watch. It has three classic totalizors, which are dyed in different colors. This watch has to be worn classically with a regular leather bracelet, but you can also get it with a less popular metal bracelet.
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Robust watches for sportive men
But of course, we don't want to forget the sports models. We know, that racing chronographs like the Daytona are also considered as sports watches. But in this context we are thinking primarily about robust deceiving watches. They can be used with the advantage that they can be used very various.
Everybody who want to combine prestige, reliability and quality in on watch, reaches for the Rolex sports models with ceramic models. Whether the submariner, that can be taken down to 300 meters without any doubts, or the GMT-Master II models with two-tone bezel, these watches are as trendy as timeless. That’s why they supplement any collection 2023 ideally. Furthermore, they are very robust and resistant, because they have excellent shock protection. Jogging, swimming or even golf shouldn't be a problem with these chronometers.
But sporty and robust does not necessarily mean Rolex. Alternatively, we can recommend the slightly less popular brand Panerai. The Panerai Luminor Marina can stand out with its extraordinary design. It features a round case with a protruding crown in semicircle look. This special design gives the watch a sportiness and a unique selling proposition. This watch often comes along with a leather bracelet, but can also be purchased with a metal bracelet. The special thing about the Luminor Marina is that you get a robust sports watch you don't see everyday and with which you can express your individuality.
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Back to the Roots – Classic Dresswatches
But in 2023, classic watches became also more popular. We even noticed, that there is a trend moving away from the popular metal bracelet back to the leather strap, while smaller sizes are also becoming more popular.
That's why elegant dress watches are a great choice for 2023.
Because this sort of watches expresses an immense elegance. Additionally, they can often persuade with stunning complications, that remind of the excellence of watchmaking.
There is the Vacheron Constantin Fifitysix for example. This model is inspired by a former model from 1956. It combines class and tradition with the informality of modernity.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning, that you can get in various configurations. You can get in several alloys or with different complications like a tourbillon, a full calendar or moon phase. If you have any further interests belonging to the Fiftysix you can find an elaborating article here on our blog.
But when we speak about elegant dress watches, that are affordable, we cannot forget the IWC Portugieser.
It also comes along with a long tradition ad is one of the most iconic models from IWC.
The Portugieser collection includes many different Configurations with all kind of materials or bracelets such as various complications like a chronograph or a perpetual calendar. It's the best to explore the world of the Portugieser by yourself. You can also take a look at used and vintage models without any doubts. These are considerably cheaper.
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Conclusion - which is the perfect watch for men?
In the end, there are numerous proper watches for men in 2023. There is no question, that a wristwatch is still an essential in the gentleman’s wardrobe. But there not the one obligatory watch for men.
The best thing about the watch world is, that it lives through its variety, its different models that come along with their own peculiarities.
Nevertheless, there are some models that feature certain preferences in 2023. There would be the Rolex Datejust and the Cartier Santos as timeless classic for the everyday use. But there are also chronographs like the El Primero, the Daytona and the Moonwtach. Furthermore, the Rolex sports models with ceramics bezel can be recommended, such as classic dress watches like the Vacheron Constantin Fifitysix or the IWC Portugieser.
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About the author
Alexander Weinberger
For me, the most fascinating thing about watches is the interplay between precise craftsmanship and artistic development. In a watch movement, hundreds of small parts have to be put together precisely so that they form a large whole.
