Best Watch Brands
By Mick
| Updated 3 Days Ago
Watches are more than just tools for telling time—they’re personal accessories that can reflect your style and even become valuable investments. Whether for casual daily wear or formal occasions, a well-chosen watch can elevate any outfit while serving as a functional piece of jewelry. With options ranging from sleek digital displays to classic analog designs, some watches include advanced features like fitness tracking or smartphone connectivity, while others highlight traditional craftsmanship with intricate mechanical movements. When choosing a watch, consider factors like movement type, case material, and water resistance, as they influence durability and versatility. We tested a wide range of watches to help you find the best options for various styles and budgets.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
We think the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is a solid choice for most people who want a smartwatch with essential features at a reasonable price.
We’ve been using the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) for a while now, and it’s impressed us with its blend of features and affordability. This watch does a lot of what you’d expect from an Apple Watch without breaking the bank.
The health and safety features really stand out. We’ve found the heart rate monitoring to be accurate, and the fall detection gives us peace of mind. It’s nice knowing we can reach out for help if needed.
One thing we love is how well it works with our other Apple gadgets. Unlocking our Mac automatically and finding our iPhone with a tap on the watch face are handy perks. The fitness tracking is solid too, motivating us to move more throughout the day.
SaleApple Watch SE (2nd Gen)- WHY APPLE WATCH SE — All the essentials to help you be motivated and active, keep connected, track your health, and stay safe. watchOS 11 brings more intelligence, personalization, and connectivity. With features like Fall Detection and enhanced workout metrics, Apple Watch SE is an incredible value.
Michael Kors Slim Runway Watch
We recommend this sleek Michael Kors watch for its versatile style and quality construction at a reasonable price point.
We recently tried out the Michael Kors Slim Runway watch and were impressed by its stylish design. The all-black look gives it a modern edge that works well for both casual and dressier outfits. We found it comfortable to wear all day, though people with smaller wrists may find the 44mm case a bit large.
The stainless steel construction feels solid and well-made. We like that it’s water-resistant enough for swimming, though we wouldn’t take it scuba diving. The mineral crystal face held up fine in our testing, but it’s not as scratch-proof as pricier sapphire crystals.
While it lacks smart features, we appreciate the simple, easy-to-read analog display. The quartz movement kept accurate time during our use. We did need to get a few links removed for a better fit, which is pretty standard for metal watch bands. All in all, we think this Michael Kors watch offers good value for a stylish everyday timepiece.
SaleMichael Kors Slim Runway Watch- The black IP Michael Kors Slim Runway watch is polished perfection. A classic three-link bracelet and monochromatic sunray dial with stick indexes add up to a wear-with-everything timepiece that dresses up and down with ease.
Michael Kors Pyper Watch
We think this sleek and versatile watch is a great pick for those seeking an affordable luxury timepiece.
We’ve been wearing the Michael Kors Pyper watch for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed by its versatility. The black leather strap and gold-tone accents give it a classic look that pairs well with many outfits. We found it comfortable for all-day wear, and the 38mm case size is just right for most wrists.
The watch face is easy to read, with clear gold-tone markers against the black sunray dial. We like that it’s water-resistant enough for swimming, though we wouldn’t take it scuba diving. The quartz movement has kept accurate time during our testing.
While we enjoy the simplicity of this analog watch, those looking for smart features might want to look elsewhere. The leather strap feels nice, but we wonder how it will hold up over years of use. All in all, we think the Michael Kors Pyper offers good value for a designer watch, blending style and function in an attractive package.
SaleMichael Kors Pyper Watch- This Michael Kors Pyper watch features a black sunray dial with gold-tone stick indexes, three-hand movement and black leather strap.
Anne Klein Pink Resin Watch
We think this stylish and affordable Anne Klein watch is a great choice for everyday wear.
We recently got our hands on the Anne Klein Women’s Resin Bracelet Watch, and we’re impressed with its looks and value. The pink and rose gold color combo gives it a trendy yet classic vibe that works for both casual and dressier occasions.
The watch face is easy to read thanks to the rose gold hands and markers against the pink sunray dial. We like that it has a mineral crystal lens, which helps protect against scratches and bumps. The Japanese quartz movement keeps good time, so you won’t have to worry about being late.
One thing to note is that the band might be on the longer side for some people. We had to remove a few links to get a good fit. The 30mm case diameter is on the smaller side, which some may prefer for a more delicate look. While it’s water-resistant, we wouldn’t recommend wearing it swimming or in the shower. For everyday wear and light splashes, though, it holds up just fine.
SaleAnne Klein Pink Resin Watch- Coin edge bezel with light pink resin top ring; mineral crystal lens; pink sunray dial with rose gold-tone luminous hands and markers; Black printed outer minute track
Fossil Grant Chronograph Watch
We think this Fossil Grant watch is a solid choice for those seeking a stylish and functional timepiece at a reasonable price.
The Fossil Grant watch caught our eye with its handsome blue dial and silver accents. We liked how it paired well with both casual and dressier outfits. The chronograph feature came in handy for timing tasks, and we found the date window useful for quick reference.
Wearing the watch, we noticed its comfortable fit despite the larger 44mm case size. The genuine leather strap felt soft on our wrist, though we had to be mindful of water exposure. We appreciated that we could swap out the strap with other 22mm Fossil bands for different looks.
While swimming, we felt at ease knowing the watch is water-resistant to 50 meters. But we wouldn’t take it diving. The mineral crystal held up well against scratches in our day-to-day use. Overall, we think this Fossil Grant watch offers good value for its mix of style and features.
SaleFossil Grant Chronograph Watch- Built to outlast fleeting trends, our refined Grant is a superlative investment fit for any occasion. This timeless chronograph gets refreshed for the season with a handsome blue dial, silver-tone topring, white hands and light brown leather strap.*Modeled after vintage clocks, our Roman numerals are uniquely designed to provide artistic balance to the dial. In order to create a sense of depth, we also layered the sub-eyes over the numerals, which gives them the effect of being cut off.
Nine West Silver Sparkle Watch
We think this Nine West watch is a great choice for those seeking an affordable, stylish timepiece for everyday wear.
We tried out this Nine West women’s watch and were impressed by its sparkly charm. The glitter ombré dial caught our eye right away, adding a fun touch to an otherwise classic design. It’s not too flashy for the office, but still adds some pizzazz to casual outfits.
The 36mm case size felt just right on our wrists – not too big or small. We found the silver-tone hands and markers easy to read against the shimmery background. The link bracelet was comfortable to wear all day and didn’t pinch or pull at our skin.
One thing to note is that this watch isn’t water resistant, so we had to remember to take it off before washing our hands. The fold-over clasp with double push-button safety kept it securely on our wrists. After a few weeks of wear, we noticed some slight scratching on the bracelet, but that’s to be expected with regular use.
Nine West Silver Sparkle Watch- Mineral crystal lens; case diameter 1.5 inches (36mm)
Armani Exchange Chronograph
We recommend this stylish and versatile Armani Exchange chronograph for those seeking a fashionable yet functional timepiece.
The Armani Exchange Chronograph caught our eye with its striking blue dial and rich brown leather strap. We found the combination both classic and modern, making it suitable for various occasions. The watch felt solid on our wrist, thanks to its stainless steel case and scratch-resistant mineral crystal.
We appreciated the chronograph feature, which allowed us to time events easily. The watch face was clear and easy to read, even in low light conditions. At 45mm, the case is on the larger side, which gave it a bold presence but might not work for everyone.
While testing, we noticed the leather strap was a bit stiff at first. It took a few days of wear to soften up and become more comfortable. The water resistance up to 50 meters meant we didn’t have to worry about splashes or rain, but we wouldn’t recommend swimming with it. For the price, we think this Armani Exchange watch offers good value for those wanting a stylish, brand-name timepiece.
SaleArmani Exchange Chronograph- Featuring a rich brown leather strap and navy blue dial, this Armani Exchange watch sets the standard in classic style.
Fossil Dean Chronograph Watch
We think this stylish and versatile watch is a great choice for those seeking a reliable timepiece with a touch of elegance.
The Fossil Dean Chronograph Watch caught our eye with its eye-catching two-tone design. We found the silver and gold combination to be both stylish and versatile, making it suitable for various occasions. The watch face is easy to read, and the chronograph feature adds a sporty touch to its dressy appearance.
When we wore it, we noticed the 45mm case size feels substantial on the wrist. It might be a bit large for those with smaller wrists, but we liked how it made a statement. The stainless steel bracelet felt comfortable and secure, thanks to its fold-over clasp.
We put the watch’s water resistance to the test during a quick swim, and it held up well. While it’s not meant for diving, it’s nice to know it can handle some splashes and brief submersion. The quartz movement kept accurate time throughout our testing period, which is a big plus for everyday use.
SaleFossil Dean Chronograph Watch- Drawing inspiration from Mid-Century modernism, Dean's clean lines and classic shape produce a subtle yet visually striking effect. With a shiny steel case and gold-tone accents, this versatile timepiece can take you from day to night with ease. This Dean watch also features a chronograph movement.
Apple Watch Series 9
We think the Apple Watch Series 9 is a top pick for iPhone users seeking a feature-packed smartwatch with health and fitness tracking.
The Apple Watch Series 9 impressed us with its sleek design and bright screen. We found it easy to check the time and notifications at a glance. The watch felt comfortable on our wrists during workouts and daily wear.
We loved the health features. The ECG app and irregular heart rhythm notifications gave us peace of mind. Sleep tracking helped us understand our rest patterns better. The new temperature sensing for cycle tracking was a welcome addition for some of our team members.
Fitness tracking on the Series 9 was spot-on. It accurately logged our workouts and motivated us to move more. We enjoyed the variety of workout types and the detailed metrics. The three months of free Apple Fitness+ was a nice bonus.
The watch’s safety features stood out to us. Knowing it could detect falls and car crashes made us feel more secure. We also appreciated the emergency SOS function, though thankfully we didn’t need to use it.
Battery life was decent but not amazing. We had to charge it daily with heavy use. The watch worked flawlessly with our iPhones, making tasks like unlocking our Macs and finding our phones a breeze.
While pricey, we think the Apple Watch Series 9 is worth considering for iPhone users who want a full-featured smartwatch with solid health and fitness capabilities.
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Anne Klein Diamond Ceramic Watch
This sleek ceramic watch offers elegance and durability at a great price point.
We were impressed by the Anne Klein Diamond Ceramic Watch’s blend of style and functionality. The glossy black dial features a genuine diamond at the 12 o’clock position, adding a touch of luxury. The gold-tone hands and markers provide a nice contrast, making it easy to read the time at a glance.
The ceramic bracelet feels smooth and comfortable on the wrist. We found it to be lightweight yet durable, resisting scratches better than many metal bands we’ve tested. The adjustable links allowed us to get a perfect fit, though the jewelry clasp took some getting used to.
While wearing this watch, we noticed it garnered compliments from friends and coworkers. Its versatile design works well for both office attire and evening wear. The 30mm case size is ideal for most women’s wrists, but those who prefer larger watches might find it too small. Overall, we think this Anne Klein timepiece offers great value for its price, combining quality materials with classic style.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a watch, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best timepiece for your needs and preferences.
Style and Occasion
Think about when and where you’ll wear the watch. Do you need a dressy watch for formal events or a rugged one for outdoor activities? Pick a style that fits your lifestyle and wardrobe.
Movement Type
Watches come with different movement types:
- Quartz: Battery-powered, accurate, and low-maintenance
- Mechanical: Powered by a wound spring, often preferred by enthusiasts
- Automatic: Self-winding mechanical movement, no battery needed
Water Resistance
Consider your activities when choosing water resistance:
Rating | Suitable For |
---|---|
30m | Splash-proof |
50m | Swimming |
200m+ | Diving |
Materials
The case and band materials affect durability, comfort, and style. Common options include stainless steel, titanium, leather, and rubber.
Size and Fit
Try on different sizes to find what feels comfortable on your wrist. The case diameter and thickness can vary widely between models.
Features
Decide which features matter most to you. Some watches offer chronographs, date displays, or smart functions.
Budget
Set a budget before you start shopping. Quality watches are available at various price points, from affordable to luxury.
By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be better equipped to find a watch that suits your needs and tastes.