The Friday Read: A New American Watch Brand Worth Knowing & The Best New Gear from Huckberry

VERO watches review.

Welcome back to this, the second Friday Read of 2025. It’s a worthwhile time to take stock of how your year has started and where you want it to go, in matters of New Year’s resolutions — menswear and otherwise — in matters of how you dress and the mindful thought that goes into some of your favorite menswear brands. Now, to be sure, I’m not just talking about tried-and-true, fan favorite brands like Huckberry.

We’ve already talked about the best Huckberry menswear in particular to start 2025, but let’s go beyond just that, shall we? In fact, in future editions of the Friday Read, you can expect the occasional spotlight on an unheralded yet truly excellent brand, like the USA-made timepiece manufacturer we’re about to discuss, Vero Watches.

As of late, my attention has been captured by some similar upstarts, the sort of brands that fall right in line with the rugged, adventurous, tastefully classic yet modern vibe of Huckberry (and Taylor Stitch, and Buck Mason and … well, you get the picture).

Best field watches for men.

And especially in the wristwear arena — as I cover watches frequently for Maxim.com and elsewhere — I’ve been impressed by the revamped takes on the “modern American field watch” coming out of Vero Watches. The brand was actually founded back in 2015, but has started to garner some buzz as of late, and I appreciate their outdoor-ready, rugged and yet crisply designed sensibility as far as watch design is concerned.

Vero men's watches review.

And to hear the company tell it, its timepieces are “inspired by grit, commitment and style,” with a true sense of intention behind each timepiece (like the Workhorse Chrono shown here). In fact, Vero Watches says they build timepieces “that are meant to live on your wrist,” rather than in a collector’s box. An admirable focus, yes?

Many of its watches are built with durable stainless steel, feature hearty water resistance and outdoor-minded features like canvas straps, and of course, production takes place in the good ole U.S. of A — Portland, Oregon, mind you.

Yessir, if you ask me, there’s a lot to love about this brand, including the beefy 44.5mm case build of the Workhorse Chrono (expect more in the weeks ahead on this particular watch, my friends).

Consider this your first intro to Vero Watches, a brand I’ll surely be circling back to here on the blog in good time. As it were, you very well might be able to spot a timepiece from the company sooner rather than later on my Instagram.

Best field watches for men.

For now, I’m going to wind down this Friday Read early — you’ve got some reading and shopping to do as far as your new favorite watch company is concerned, but if I can recommend one final piece, head over to yesterday’s blog post to revamp your weekend activewear and loungewear game from Huckberry. Cheers to a new year, a fresh weekend and some stylish recommendations to power the days, weeks and months ahead.

The List: Here are the Best Gear Picks for the Holidays at Huckberry

One of many cool-as-can-be gifts from Huckberry to buy this season: A sharp blazer for the guy who’s big into style.

My friends, similar to what we talked about last month on the blog, I’m once again using today’s edition of The List to update you on the best gear to buy now from Huckberry. Holiday shopping season is in full force, to say the very least, so take this time to stock up on gifts and gear for your loved ones (and yourself, of course). Huckberry has you covered with uniquely curated gift guides full of the best gifts for guys, like gifts for the style icon, so you know there’s something for everyone contained herein (and it won’t be the last time we talk about the retailer this season, either). I’ve sorted through some favorites below — as ever, happy shopping and happy holidays!

Huckberry x Timex “Cola” Sport Watch — $189

Huckberry x Timex Cola Sport Watch

Nothing less than one of the coolest men’s watches to buy right now.

File this handsome and eye-catching sport watch in the “gifts for the impossible to shop for” section at Huckberry, and then be sure to snap it up while it’s still available.

Wills Cable Knit Wool Sweater — $138

Wills Cable Knit Wool Sweater

A classically cool sweater to buy for yourself or the guy who simply can’t get enough of cozy winter sweaters.

Hey now, here’s another seriously cool and unique gift offering from the “gifts for the impossible to shop for” section at Huckberry, and it helps that it’s also a perfectly rugged sweater to wear on plenty of winter weekends (for you or someone else in your life).

Flint and TInder Moons Wayfarer Blazer — $298

A heritage-quality wool blazer, perfect for the guy who’s basically got everything.

Let’s shift now to the aforementioned Huckberry guide to gifts for the style icon, featuring this iconic wool blazer made from some of the best fabric on the planet. Talk about a surefire winner.

Smithey Ironware Co. No 12 Cast Iron Skillet — $200

A gift that’ll only get better with age and with each delicious dish.

Know someone who’s a budding kitchen enthusiast or experienced chef? Gift them the gift that keeps on giving via one of the best cast iron skillets out there.

Nomad Base Station Wireless Charging Hub — $125

Nomad Base Station Wireless Charging Hub

Stock up on a well-designed, tech-friendly gift for the guy on the go.

Consider this the best gift for the tech-savvy guy, or at the very least, the guy who always needs some extra juice in his devices. It helps that it’s mighty stylish to look at, too.

Flint and Tinder American-Made Flannel — $98

Flint and Tinder American-Made Flannel Shirt

Anyone out there would love this stylish flannel shirt for Christmas and beyond.

Who doesn’t love an American-made flannel shirt, right? This number from Flint and Tinder is sure to become a mighty fine and much-welcomed wardrobe addition this Christmas.

Lum-Tec M88 Watch — $575

A rugged watch that can’t be topped for standout everyday style — in this season or any other season, for that matter.

Maybe consider this more of a splurge for yourself — or for the guy who quite literally has everything — but either way, you’re getting a world-class watch at a not-so-terrible price.

Bellroy Hide and Seek RFID Wallet — $90

Bellroy RFID Wallet

A crisp and performance-minded leather wallet for the guy who could use a new one.

If you want to track down gifts under $100 at Huckberry, here’s a great place to start. Talk about a handsome wallet upgrade (with plenty of functionality built right in) for the modern man.

Flint and Tinder Quilted Waxed Shirt Jacket — $248

Flint and TInder Quilted Waxed Shirt Jacket

A rugged shirt jacket for the guy who loves the great outdoors.

Yes indeed, more gear from Flint and Tinder is up for the taking, all the better when you consider that pieces like this rugged shirt jacket are perfect gifts for the outdoorsman (or the style fan, or really … anyone, for that matter).

Easymoc Moccasins — $250

Easymoc Moccasins

These classic leather moccasins are a nice way to give an easily wearable gift.

For cold winter mornings stoking the fire or putting on a pot of coffee, some of the coolest leather moccasins around are quite the fitting and memorable gift, right? Right.

Snake River Farms American Wagyu Grilling Pack — $212

Snake River Farms American Wagyu Grilling Pack

A seriously cool and delicious grilling pack for the grilling enthusiast.

Know a grillmaster or a guy who appreciates a great cut of steak? This Snake River Farms grilling pack is one of the coolest gifts you can give, in that regard.

Billy Reid Denim Shirt — $195

If you want a truly special gift that’ll be worn and enjoyed for years to come, it’s hard to go wrong with an investment-level denim shirt from Billy Reid. This number is a personal favorite of mine, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Good + Well Supply Co. Rainier Park Candle — $36

A great gift for the den or the home office, no doubt about it.

This outdoorsy candle could be a nice gift for anyone who loves getting off the beaten path, and it doesn’t hurt that it looks pretty darn cool, too.

Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chelsea Boots — $240

Red Wing Heritage

The coolest leather boots you can buy for the guy who can’t get enough of ’em this season.

Let’s close things out with one final gift for the style-minded guy, or else a perfect gift for a guy who loves leather boots: Red Wing Heritage is assuredly the right way to go.

Folks, keep in mind that you’ve still got plenty of time to shop for the best gifts for men this season, and if you start now at a spot like Huckberry, you’ll guarantee even better results when the big day comes. After all, who wouldn’t be enthused about the likes of an investment-level denim shirt from Billy Reid or any number of gifts under $100 at Huckberry, right? Throw in gifts from the “gifts for the impossible to shop for” section for good measure via the lauded retailer, and you’ve nearly got your holiday shopping all set. OK, that’s all I’ve got for now. Good luck out there!