Tag / best men’s leather watches

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Invest in the Best with A Classic Shinola Runwell Watch

The Story Behind The Runwell Automatic | The Journal

Today’s Tuesday Steal might seem a bit out of the ordinary — after all, if you’re investing in something as nice as one of the best men’s leather watches, isn’t that not quite exactly a steal? Well, perhaps that’s the case, but when it comes down to Shinola watches, it’s actually quite easy to get a lot of bang for your buck. That’s because Shinola men’s watches are packed with intricate details, quality construction, style points aplenty and much more for what you’re ponying up. The Shinola Runwell Watch, in its many iterations and in the timeless design shown above, hits the nail on the head, to say the least, making it as fine a purchase as any this season (and well beyond). Note that the original Runwell features a quartz movement, but you can also track down the Shinola Runwell Automatic. OK, onward!

Shop Shinola watches right now

Now, if you’ve read my blog over the years, you’ll know that I’ve long admired Michigan-based Shinola for its commitment to accessible quality, iconic designs and a nice blend of rugged and refined design. Note that the brand uses Swiss parts to make its watches in Detroit, but it’s still more than worthy of consideration when you want to dive into the best American watch brands.

What exactly makes the Shinola Runwell Watch such a solid purchase if you want standout style that delivers plenty of versatility and rugged appeal? That, my friends, is pretty plain to see. The Runwell clocks in with a case diameter of 41mm, highly wearable on most wrists, and uses a striking dial design that’s somehow classic and just a bit mid-century-modern, and yet undeniably fresh. It’s made with a high-accuracy quartz movement, one of the reasons why those who prefer more expensive, mechanical watches might not prefer the brand. But when you consider the handsome and frankly iconic design of the Shinola Runwell Watch, plus the price — a more than agreeable $595 for some models of the Shinola Runwell Watch — you start to see why this is a true Tuesday Steal in every sense of the word.

Add a Shinola Runwell to your collection

And if you’re the type of guy who’s just entering the world of watches, then something as accessible and highly wearable as any number of Shinola men’s watches is a great place to start. With the right mix of rich leather straps and bold, contrasting designs, plus options like chronograph functionality (for tracking other, smaller units of time aside from the main watch dial), Shinola men’s watches are a seriously cool and useful bet. Plus, you can wear a design like the Shinola Runwell Watch with everything from a navy wool winter suit to your favorite henley and faded blue jeans (I should know — I’ve done both). With any option you buy, the Shinola Runwell Watch gives you standout wearability and classic looks, no matter what.

Invest in the very best with a Shinola Runwell

This watch is the right way to go, any day of the week
by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Szanto Vintage Dive Watch Is Your New Go-To Casual Timepiece

A dependable leather watch with excellent specs,courtesy of Szanto.

Our See Now, Buy Now series here on The Style Guide covers all manner of durable, dependable everyday goods, from your next winter jacket to a handy set of everyday carry essentials. And yet, y’know what we haven’t talked about in a while?  A stylish casual watch . And the Szanto Vintage Dive Watch is just what you need, packed with rugged, tough style and easy-to-wear looks aplenty.  As  a fan of everyday style essentials like a classic Oxford shirt, faded denim and durable suede chukkas, I think there’s little that the Szanto Vintage Dive Watch can’t when styled with pieces you already own and love — that goes for the depths of winter or the first breezy day of spring. Featuring a nicely sized 43mm diameter, this handsome watch is just part of a lineup of stellar, classically styled and ruggedly fabricated Szanto watches that team well with gear that we already recommend you own. Y’know, pieces like a waxed trucker jacket, rugged winter boots and your favorite henley for cold weather.

Rest assured, the specs of the Szanto Vintage Dive Watch go beyond just looks. It’s made with a waterproof leather strap, nearly unheard of in the watch community, and features details like a striking bronze-plated case and a sharp blue dial. It’s also waterproof to 200 meters, meaning this watch could even be worn to the boat or to the beach without missing a beat this spring and summer. The Japanese quartz movement should be reliable and durable, while the overall approach is as solid as it gets — this watch isn’t a cheap timepiece in terms of functionality, that much is true. Yes indeed, the Szanto Vintage Dive Watch is but one watch to snag right now from the entire arsenal of Szanto watches — and I’d put my money on the fact that you’ll be seeing quite a bit of the brand around here in the future.

Are you a fan of Szanto watches, and will this one be making its way onto your wrist? 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Shinola, Spring Travel and The National

Hey there, folks — it’s time to wrap up the week once more and jump right into The Friday Read on this fine Brooklyn day. How was your week? Tough to believe that we’ve rolled past Mother’s Day and we’ve now got Father’s Day on our radar in terms of shopping (that is, in addition to the other #menswear shopping recommendations we’ve made on this site). Time’s positively been flying by, especially considering that I traveled to Indiana in style last weekend to catch up with old college friends, try out some craft brews at Goshen Brewing Company and take in the quiet tranquility of the Midwest — if you follow me on Instagram though, you know all about that trip. And back in NYC, we’ve been busy on the blogging and writing front — you’ll see a few handy spring travel tips and more men’s style news to know below.

Of course, I’m particularly excited about what’s to come in the days ahead. Specifically, I’m looking forward to exploring the lovely borough of Queens today in advance of what should be an incredible show from acclaimed British electro-pop band The xx. The band really defies any categorization though, and the group’s new third album — “I See You”— features some of the strongest musical work of 2017, hands down. Yes indeed, it should be a magical evening at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens. What are your weekend plans? Standby for tomorrow’s new Style Pick of the Week, as it were — and feel free to join the conversation on Twitter if you’ve got a style query I can answer. Hopefully, I can help — let’s start with these items below, shall we?
Florsheim

  • Who doesn’t love a simple-yet-stylish spring and summer T-shirt? Better yet, how about one that supports a great cause? That’s exactly what Waves for Water is doing with its Artists for Water series, which applies the brand’s trademark focus to upgrading something we all know and love — The T-shirt. That means these T-shirts feature one-of-a-kind artwork from designers and artists alike, including Shawn Stussy (yes, the Shawn Stussy) and Nautas Kapas, the famed skateboarder, designer and now creative director at Birdwell Beach Britches. What does this mean for you, stylish reader? It means that now through July 3rd, you can keep your eyes peeled on the site for new weekly T-shirt launches.
  • OK, so how about upgrading your leather watch? If you happen to be in NYC, or visiting, you should absolutely check out the new Shinola Brooklyn store. They absolutely make some of the best men’s leather watches out there, and it was a treat to catch up with Shinola Creative Director Daniel Caudill for The Manual in advance of the opening, and I’d daresay you’ll be more than pleased with the brand’s handsome accessories and home goods.Greats
  • The summer is no time to let your outerwear game slip, especially on breezy nights — I’d suggest you pick up the Goldwin Packable Windbreaker, one of my recent entries for GearMoose, and let me know where you’re headed.
  • Now, let’s talk music. If you missed it last Saturday, you can — and should — watch the lovely ladies of California rock trio HAIM play two new songs on Saturday Night Live! Who else is excited for the group’s new album this July?  I sure am.


Last, but certainly not least ….

  • While we’re taking new music, it was with joy and surprise that I first listened to the new single by The National last week. If you haven’t heard the latest from the indie rock heroes, listen to “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness” as soon as you can. Trust me.

OK, loyal Style Guide readers. That’s it — that’s all we’ve got! Unless, of course, you haven’t listened to that new single by The National. You should do that, ASAP.

Now, we’re ready for the weekend — stay stylish!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Masters, Coachella and Stylish Dress Watches

If you can believe it, we’re back at it with another Friday Read here on the ole Style Guide. What have you been up to this week? It’s been a busy one that promises plenty of excitement around these parts to end the week — namely, we’re talking the official release of some excellent albums and a lovely spring weekend in Brooklyn. Yes indeed, I’m very much looking forward to listening to the full-length debut of infectious New York pop-punk rockers Diet Cig, along with what promises to be a very fun record release show tonight at fun Brooklyn rock club Baby’s All Right! And of course, who else is pumped about the new Cold War Kids record!? How great will that be? Very great. In other menswear matters, we’re fully into transitional spring style now — if you’re curious about how to dress for spring break, we have some helpful tips for you. And if you want to know about the investment-worthy leather jacket you need in your closet now, well, we’ve got you covered there. Oh, and it’s Masters weekend for all you golf fans out there — with that in mind, this week’s Friday Read covers a fun style move to make for the occasion.

A fun way to inject a little golf-inspired style into a warm-weather look.

  • OK, so as I said — it’s Masters weekend. And particularly if you’re a golf fan, you should be looking to dress in style and stay hydrated (cheers!). And what better way to do it than with some unique, head-turning flip-flops? Flip-flops aren’t for everyone, but if you’re hanging out at a beachfront patio bar or a pool — perhaps sipping on a Corona and watching the tournament — you should strongly consider picking up the Reef Mulligan II golf sandals. Your purchase gets you a neat pair of flip-flops, plus a Reef tee and tee holder. The upper mimics a textured golf ball, while the footbed plays off putting green grass — oh, and did I mention there’s a bottle opener in the sole? Bottoms up indeed!

Beckett Simonon

  • NYC cyclists or casual bikers, listen up — this weekend only, Timbuk2 (makers of stylish commuter gear) are offering a combo bag-and-bike deal at the brand’s NoHo shop (that’s at 325 Lafayette Street) with Pure Cycles. What does that mean exactly? The donation of any bag or bike via the “Break Up with Your Bag and Bike” event gets you 30 percent off the purchase of gear from both brands — and your donated gear goes toward Recycle-A-Bicycle, an organization focused on uplifting NYC through community engagement, youth development and healthy living. That’s a win all around!

Greats

And one more thing before we start the weekend …

  • Last but certainly not least — we’re talking crisp, classic and stylish dress watches via my latest in-depth feature for GearMoose. I’d wager there are some picks that you’ll very much enjoy — and don’t forget to check out The Style Guide’s list of the best men’s leather watches in the meantime.

Greats

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Investment-Worthy Watches, Best Men’s Denim and the Huckberry Explorer’s Shirt

I don’t know about you, but I’m happy to report that today’s Friday Read on The Style Guide is coming to you from sunny Florida, where I’m getting some much-needed R&R (and a few Coronas) this weekend. Last time around, I headed to Fort Myers to celebrate a Florida Christmas, and I’m just as excited to be back now.  You can, of course, look for a full travel style post incoming on Monday and in the meantime, stick around for a few choice #menswear news items below. Before we get going, layer up for the weekend with the Huckberry Explorer’s Shirt — as profiled on this site last week, in fact.  And if you happen to be in a warmer climate, get acquainted with how to wear you new favorite polo this spring. Oh, and you’d do well to catch up with everything you missed on the blog this week, including another entry in our #OOTD series.  For, follow along with the warm-weather style gear and my Florida adventures as they happen via Instagram and Twitter. Cheers!

  • Esteemed Esquire style editor Matthew Marden offered up a nice quick-hit look at his fashion week trip to Europe to cover the world of global fashion — and specifically, brands showing both their men’s and women’s collections at once. What does this mean for all of us across the pond? Marden argues that big-ticket brands who show both men’s and women’s collections at the same time — giants like Burberry — create a clear and cohesive vision across an entire brand. That’s quite neat, when you think about it — ehh?
  • This was alluded to above, but you best listen up now — the Huckberry Explorer’s Shirt is the tough shirt — and shirt-jacket — you need as the weather turns south this month. Pick it up in the crisp Natural colorway, wear it with slim olive chinos and durable leather boots, and call it a day (or rather, get out and have some adventures!).
  • Need a new watch? Of course you do. And Gear Patrol argues that should buy just one — only one of these five investment-worthy watches and wear it all the time, in each and every style situation. If a stainless steel dive watch isn’t necessarily your thing, check out my picks for the best men’s leather watches.
  • While we’re on the topic of new #menswear — need a new spring bag? The folks at Timbuk2 just might have you sorted out. What’s that, you say? Tomorrow (that’s March 11th), the brand is launching a new bag collaboration with San Francisco street artist Apexer as part of the brand’s Future Shapers campaign. The campaign is designed to showcase unique individuals who drive forward change in their hometowns — like Apexer, an artist with a history of work across the globe and a commitment to San Francisco that’s echoed by the fact that the run of bags is sewn in the city’s Mission District. The line includes a classic messenger bag, a tuck pack and a compact roll-top bag called the Mini Prospect Pack, all done up in a unique kaleidoscope and textile pattern.
  • And lastly — I had a heck of a fun time putting together a full list of the best men’s denim jeans for GearMoose. I think you’ll recognize quite a few picks on that rundown, that’s for sure.

Last but not least — one more #menswear item for you …

  • Given that the weather has been so up-and-down, I’d wager you’re going to need a great spring jacket — that’s why I rounded up the best men’s spring outerwear last week on The Manual. Give it a read, suit up and get ready!

OK, we’re wrapped up for the week now — get out there and have some fun this weekend!

-Beau

Beckett Simonon

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Leather Watches To Buy Now

Whereas recent online shopping picks entries have covered everything from the best men’s home goods  to smaller accessories like the best gloves to buy for winter,  we’re going back to basics today and telling you all about an everyday essential. That is, we’re shifting gears to something that should likely be a part of your daily style ensemble — a great leather watch. We’ve taken a deep dive with rugged casual watches and stylish dive watches, but a simple, sharp leather watch can — and likely should — become an easy-to-wear, everyday go-to in your rotation. Even if you don’t consider yourself a watch aficionado, adding a crisp leather watch to a simple outfit — say, a classic chambray shirt and dark denim — can add visual interest, subtle style and a sense of purpose (notice how more folks use their phone to check the time than a watch?). At any rate, we’re focused on affordability, classic looks and wearability when it comes to today’s #menswear picks. Shop away, chime in on Facebook and follow yours truly on Instagram for a look at how I wear my favorite watches.

#1. Shinola Runwell Watch — $550

A clean, simple and versatile watch worthy of an investment.

A clean, simple and versatile watch worthy of an investment.

Let’s call this “the watch that started it all” — at least for this menswear writer. It’s tough to argue with Shinola’s crisp, classic and durable approach to watch construction — even if some oppose the brand’s marketing practices — but make no mistake, you’re buying quality when you buy a Shinola timepiece.  In fact, this very watch made a past men’s style holiday wish list on this site, and it’s still a coveted timepiece. Anyone out there have any experience with Shinola?

#2. Orient Bambino Second Generation Watch — $198.98

Orient Bambino

Super-sharp, classic and easy to wear with just about anything.

Whereas the Shinola Runwell leans more casual, the Orient Bambino Second Generation  is all dressy, refined and crisp style. With a textured leather strap, a just-right 40.5mm case diameter and minimal dial markings, it’s the watch you’ll want to wear with your best tailored suit this winter, and then slim stone chinos and stylish suede Chelsea boots come spring. In fact, the refined, sharp aesthetic means it’ll class up even a T-shirt and denim — give it a shot sometime in place of a more casual rubber strap watch.

#3. Seiko Dive Watch — $319.98

Seiko

A leather watch that can pull double duty at the office and on the weekend.

Leave it to Huckberry to offer up a versatile, tough dive watch with not one, but two strap options (suede leather from Lum-Tec and a rubber strap option). In an eye-catching red-and-blue color combo, the 40mm case diameter hits the sweet spot for those of us with larger or smaller wrists. The option to switch up the straps means this timepiece will work just as stylishly at the office with the leather option as it will with high-top sneakers and a classic crewneck sweater as you swap in the rubber strap. Two for the price of one, ya dig?

NOV CAMPAIGN: Photo of brown boots with logo (no border)

#4. MVMT Watches The 40 in Blue/Brown Leather — $120

A clean watch with an eye-catching dial-and-strap combination.

A clean watch with an eye-catching dial-and-strap combination.

The folks at MVMT Watches make essential, no-frills watches fit for situations both casual and dressy — and that makes ’em a Style Guide favorite. If you saw our January 2016 MVMT Watches product review, perhaps you’re already acquainted with the brand’s classic 40 Series. If not, consider this a great introduction. The  brown leather strap and blue dial are a study in handsome contrasts, and the relatively slim case means this is a great watch to offset everything from a tailored navy suit to a classic blue Oxford this winter — and well beyond.

#5. Linjer The Minimalist — $224.98

Clean, essential and unique. Everything you could want in a nice leather watch.

Clean, essential and unique. Everything you could want in a nice leather watch.

If you’ll recall, this site reviewed a sharp Linjer Leather Goods wallet all the way back in 2015 — the brand has certainly grown quite a lot since then, including its introduction last year of crisp, sleek watches.  In particular, the brand’s Minimalist Watch solidifies its place on this list, what with its super-sharp looks and a very clean dial. This is certainly a dress watch for any and all occasions, but again, the crisp design means you can wear it casually with dressed-down ensembles. And hey, you need a watch to offset your Linjer wallet, right?

Honorable Mention: Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Timex Fairfield — $98

Timex

A recent introduction from Timex meets a classic, tough leather strap.

If you’re looking to upgrade your watch collection on a budget, you’re going to want to check out this honorable mention. It’s comin’ at ya from our pals at Form-Function-Form and Timex — in particular, the Form-Function-Form team knows how to make a sturdy, handsome leather strap to reliably complement any watch. And when that watch happens to be a clean timepiece like the Fairfield, that’s all the better. It’s been refreshing to see Timex update its designs as of late, and the result is a surefire winner that looks great and pairs well with picks like a slim cardigan and dark denim.

That’s a wrap on today’s online shopping picks, folks. Which of the above watches are you thinking of adding to your collection? If you’re looking for sharp versatility, a pick like Linjer’s The Minimalist is tough to beat. On the more rugged end of the spectrum, Seiko packs plenty of functionality and eye-catching design into its timeless Seiko Dive Watch, while perennial Style Guide favorites MVMT Watches serve up go-anywhere style with the brand’s 40 Series. Hopefully, you’ve found these picks affordable and stylish — right? Shop on, stock up and see you out there.

Thanks for reading,

-Beau