December 23, 2019November 19, 2019 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Huckberry x Lum-Tec GMT Is the Best Men’s Watch for Winter

This tough casual watch is one you’re going to want to wear all winter (or pick up as a last-minute gift??)

If you thought the time had run out when it comes to buying a gift for the stylish guy in your life, well, think again. With the exceptional Huckberry x Lum-Tec Combat B44-H GMT, you’re also picking up one of the best men’s watches for winter. It’s casual, rugged, versatile, and perhaps the perfect gift for the watch lover … or yourself, for that matter, and that’s in addition to the serious style points it brings to the table. Over the years, Huckberry x Lum-Tec has produced some fruitful results in terms of the best casual watches on the market, all owing to that unique blend of indoor wearability and tough, outdoor-minded style that seems to permeate so many of the wares being sold at Huckberry (and if you haven’t yet viewed the Huckberry Gift Guide, well, now’s the time, folks). The Huckberry x Lum-Tec Combat B44-H GMT has plenty going for it, from the relatively giftable price (so you’re not dropping a grand on a watch) to the unique blend of durable, rugged style.

SHOP: The Huckberry x Lum-Tec Combat B44-H GMT

The details make the difference when it comes to Huckberry x Lum-Tec, assuredly.

The specs on this tough, casual watch are darn near applause-worthy (especially if you’re still scrambling to pick up a last-minute gift), so let’s take a closer look. The Huckberry x Lum-Tec Combat B44-H GMT features a tough stainless steel case with a subtle matte finish for sleek style and easy wearability in the field (whether you pair it with a classic chambray shirt or your favorite henley is up to you). This rugged casual watch also lives up to the classic durability that’s so crucial with Huckberry gear — we’re talking 650 feet of water resistance, not to mention two handy straps (canvas for outdoor excursions, leather for off-duty style). Yes indeed, the Huckberry x Lum-Tec Combat B44-H GMT is easily one of the best men’s watches to get on your wrist — or gift to someone — this quick-moving holiday season.

SHOP: The Huckberry x Lum-Tec Combat B44-H GMT

July 20, 2019June 17, 2019 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Undone Basecamp Standard Watch

A tough watch to wear whenever you need one to set the tone for your day.

Your hunt for the best field watch — yes, that’s right, the very best field watch — just ended. I’m bringing that news to you today with this latest Style Pick of the Week, because the watch in question is the Undone Basecamp Standard Watch, and it’s the timepiece you need for all your summer adventures (and then some). In fact, what with its rugged durability, tough functionality and stylish looks, it could just be one of the best men’s watches in general — try it for yourself and you just might agree. As I always say, any piece of gear sold by Huckberry has the right things going for it, baked in from the very start. In the case of the Undone Basecamp Standard Watch, that says quite a lot. From the substantial-but-not-overly-large 40mm diameter to the 316L stainless steel case, this rugged field watch delivers the goods, making it a prime watch to wear on your next day hike or a camping trip … or else, just to grab a six-pack of your new favorite beer to hang around the bonfire. It’s also exceedingly lightweight, the perfect watch to wear on your wrist when you want to keep it simple (think a slub T-shirt and your new favorite light wash jeans, for starters).

SHOP: The Undone Basecamp Standard Watch

One of many distinctive features that sets this watch apart.

But the Undone Basecamp Standard Watch is no ordinary watch, the kind you need to treat delicately — it’s got a strong Seiko automatic movement and again, that tough stainless steel case. It’s also domed with tough crystal that just so happens to be 3mm thick; this is a substantial, tough watch with distinctive time-telling hands and oversized numerals for ease of reading. Add in the fact that the dial features vintage-lumed numbers, and you’re looking at a rough-and-tumble watch you’ll want to wear all the time. The black-and-green combo is your author’s personal favorite, the type that’ll stand out especially nicely when worn with dark indigo denim, classic chukka boots and a classic men’s tee for easygoing, happy hour-ready style. It also retails for a shade under $300, seriously not a bad price if you want a dependable, do-it-all watch — you best not waste any time when it comes to picking up the Undone Basecamp Standard Watch (pun very much intended). Have any experience with this watch? Let me know on Twitter. Cheers!

SHOP: The Undone Basecamp Standard Watch

May 14, 2019May 14, 2019 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Build a Casual Outfit Around Your New Favorite Watch

Do you normally think about what watch you’re wearing as you start to put together an outfit? Sure, a great watch is up there on your list of men’s style essentials … but what about building an outfit around one watch? One truly unique, innovative watch, that is? It’s a different take on dressing for spring and summer, but I think it’s one you’ll grow to appreciate and enjoy. Accessories can often make all the difference in an outfit, from stylish sunglasses to the remarkable Grovemade Black Watch 01 we’re featuring today — if you read the blog regularly, you know the small details are surprisingly vital.

But why build an outfit around a watch? Well, it’s easy — the right watch can instantly elevate more casual or more subtle ensembles, and that’s especially true when it comes to the classic Oxford shirt and slim chinos shown below. The idea is that, whether you wear this #OOTD to the office on casual Friday or to a laidback weekend brunch, you’re going to stand out in the right way — not because you threw on a watch and called it a day, but because these picks are made to go just about anywhere in style. The even better thing about the Grovemade Black Watch 01 is that, like the brand’s other essential gear picks, it goes with just about anything — it’s truly timeless, so you can mix and match as you please with, say, a rugged denim shirt or a crisp white tee and classic light wash denim. For now, let’s show you this full look, shall we?

The watch makes this outfit, but the rest of it is subtly stylish and sharp, too.

The Watch: Grovemade Black Watch 01, $230 — If you’re building an #OOTD around your new favorite watch, you might as well ensure that watch is unique as heck and seriously high-quality, to boot. This Grovemade watch is all of that.

The Classic Oxford: Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford, $118 — Every guy needs an essential Oxford shirt, and this American-made version is subtly stylish — it won’t distract from your standout timepiece.
The Chinos: Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos in Organic Olive, $98 — Sometimes, it’s best to keep things simple — a la classic olive chinos from Taylor Stitch. A perfect fit with this #OOTD.
The Classic Chukka Boots: Esquivel Hand-Stained Leather Boots, $725 — Is it worth it to drop more than $700 on boots? Well, when they could be the last chukka boots you’ll ever buy — perfectly made, incredibly comfortable, highly versatile — then yes, that’s worth it.
The Socks: Civic Merino Socks, $22.50 — Lightweight, comfortable, anti-microbial socks that offer plenty of all-day support? An essential in any outfit, but especially this one. They could be the best men’s socks you wear all spring and summer.
The Daily Bag: Bleu De Chauffe Musette Gaston Bag, $229.98 — While the name might at first be a mouthful, you won’t regret picking up this handsome, tough everyday bag. Take it every possible place you can — it’ll serve you well.
The Grooming Must-Have: Duke Cannon Emergency Heat + Light Soap, $34 — Duke Cannon assuredly makes all of the grooming essentials you didn’t know you needed, including this fresh, pine-scented brick of soap.
The EDC Essential: Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool, $100 — You might not need this handy Leatherman multi-tool every day, but if you work in a studio or design shop — or find yourself with a tricky-to-fix task on the go — keep this one on your person.

It can sound a bit off-the-wall at first to start thinking about a watch before you add in other pieces to an #OOTD, right? Ideally though, that approach is going to start making more sense after viewing the above picks — particularly the handsome, entirely unique Grovemade Black Watch 01, a timepiece unlike anything you’ve ever seen (before now, that is). How do the rest of these #menswear picks complement it? Pretty nicely, I’d say. Your best bet is going to be focusing on premium-yet-accessible versions of your favorite menswear staples — take an essential Oxford shirt, for instance, in a spring-friendly garment-dyed wash. It’s perfect to wear as you roll up your sleeves and get to work, and it pairs more than nicely with classic olive chinos from Taylor Stitch — not to mention a pair of simply astonishing Esquivel leather chukka boots.

Those three building blocks right there make this an office-ready outfit in my mind. When you incorporate a tough everyday bag, you’ve got your EDC essentials sorted, including a downright useful Leatherman multi-tool. But before you go anywhere, you need to smell great, simply put. Grooming essentials courtesy of Duke Cannon will sort you out there. And with all that being said, I think you’ve found a way to accessorize and build a highly stylish outfit around your favorite watch — to say the very least.

Would you wear the Grovemade Black Watch 01? How would you style it? Let me know on Twitter!

May 4, 2019February 6, 2022 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Uniform Wares Rose Gold Dress Watch

A crisp, clean dress watch you can wear all spring and summer.

Your search for the best men’s dress watch just got a little bit — or a lot — easier, thanks to this Uniform Wares C35 Dress Watch. Hyperbole? Hardly. This stylish leather dress watch delivers the minimal style you need in a refined timepiece, and although it comes with an investment-level price tag, it’s worth it. In short, this is one of the best men’s watches I’ve found anywhere. How so? Bear with me. Now, if you follow me on Instagram or read the blog regularly, you might notice that I favor slightly more rugged watches, but the Uniform Wares C35 Dress Watch caught my eye for another reason altogether.

The best style is, after all, subtle and simple rather than over-the-top — at least in my mind. That’s what this watch brings to the table, and I applaud Uniform Wares for that. The specs are something to behold, from the brown Milanese cordovan leather strap (it’s not too often you find a cordovan dress watch), to the clean and crisp dial design. The stainless steel case on the Uniform Wares C35 Dress Watch also comes in a cool, on-trend (but not over-the-top!) rose gold color — seriously perfect for adding some spark to a khaki cotton suit-blue chambray dress shirt combo this season.

But here’s the even better thing about the Uniform Wares C35 Dress Watch — it’s so sharp and minimal that you can wear it with practically anything, from the aforementioned summer suit to your favorite henley and light wash denim. It stands subtly for all the right reasons, including that crisp, timeless look. You’re investing in this timepiece, without a doubt — but it’s not often that a watch is actually deserving of running more than $700. But the Uniform Wares C35 Dress Watch? It assuredly is. It’s got all the durability you’d typically find in a rugged field watch, but with the ability to be worn to the office or on the weekend. And the clean look of this classic leather dress watch also lends itself to mixing and match with plenty of other men’s style essentials, like a straightforward-but-enduring chambray shirt and inky blue denim. Consider this Uniform Wares watch the workhorse dress watch you didn’t know you needed.

SHOP: The Uniform Wares C35 Dress Watch

May 3, 2019April 23, 2019 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Vampire Weekend, Brooklyn Coffee & Jack Mason’s New Solar Watch

The classic, functional sunglasses you need for summer.

Who else is looking toward the weekend in fine fashion today? Well, you can start it out by shielding your eyes from the sun with some of the best men’s sunglasses on the market, the Sunski Topekas Sunglasses. Available for only $68 at Huckberry, they’re sure to be a stone-cold classic. If it were me, I’d pick up a pair for all kinds of weekend adventures. And what exactly is on my weekend agenda? Well, for starters, I’m en route back this morning from upstate New York and the lovely town of Kingston … where I was lucky enough to see Vampire Weekend play songs off of today’s just-released album, “Father of the Bride,” last night! Talk about the opportunity of a lifetime as far as seeing an iconic indie band put on a stellar show. Kingston was also lovely — it was truly a treat to hit up spots like Keegan Ales for tasty beers pre-show! If you get the chance this weekend, I’d certainly recommend you spin that new VW album, and if ever you get to Kingston, well, you know your first stop.

Now that I’m back in Brooklyn, I’m also looking forward to the unique, innovative 37d03d Festival taking place in the borough this weekend! What’s on tap? A terrific Saturday night of genre-bending music as part of a performance collaborative led by Mr. Aaron Dessner (of The National!) and Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver legend). The resulting performance by the Dessner-Vernon outfit Big Red Machine should be nothing short of epic. In the meantime, I also plan to hit up some of the best coffee in Red Hook, including The Black Flamingo. What’s on tap for your weekend? Follow along with mine on Instagram, and be sure to check in with me on Twitter for more fun.

- Let’s kick things off with a little solar-powered bang here, in the form of the Jack Mason Solar Field Watch (as covered by yours truly at GearMoose) Perhaps you recognize Jack Mason from this blog, and I can assure you, the brand makes tough, dependable, handsome everyday watches — it’s even cooler that this one just so happens to be highly technically savvy.
- The thermostat keeps climbing, and it’s only bound to get hotter — that’s where a pair of stylish swim trunks comes into play. On that note, good news for all of us: I wrote about the best men’s swim trunks for my friends at The Manual. Surf’s up!
- Early last week, we took a deep dive into all the best new menswear you need to wear to your next happy hour — and seeing as we’re on the verge of another weekend, I figured it would be worth another share. Read all about how to get dressed for happy hour right here.

That’s going to close out today’s Friday Read, folks. Still want something else to read? Check out my piece on the best men’s denim shirt for spring. Have a great weekend, folks!

December 29, 2018December 11, 2018 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Armogan Regalia Watch

The new dress watch that’s going to help you reset your style for the new year — or close out this one the right way.

Here at The Style Guide, we’ve previously covered one of the best men’s watches to buy … for the field. Not necessarily that ultra-dressy night that lies ahead of you: New Year’s Eve. Granted, not everyone’s end to 2018 involves suiting up and hitting the town, but if that’s what your plans involve, I’d say we’ve got the watch for you. By we, I mean me — your team of one. And if you happen to just be looking for a stylish new watch to kick off 2019 the right way? Well, that’s all the better. Ladies and gents, meet the Armogan Regalia Watch, a handsome and sharp timepiece that’s going to elevate nearly any outfit with which you pair it — again, regardless of whether or not you get decked out for New Year’s Eve. In the way of the best men’s dress watches, there are several key factors at play — and the Armogan Regalia Watch checks all the right boxes. The Regalia Watch is A) Extremely affordable and B) Uniquely suited for tailored looks (think a clean navy flannel suit) or casual wear (try it with a classic crewneck sweater and perfectly faded denim). Yes, that’s right — one watch can do all of that. Believe it.

SHOP: The Armogan Regalia Watch

Simple, sharp and well-designed — perfect for the office or the weekend.

It’s that crisp, razor-sharp design that makes this stylish leather dress watch a uniquely wearable option even with more laidback gear — and the terrific price means you should feel free to wear it as much as you please. Armogan makes watches that harken back to simpler times, when it felt right — and it was even expected — to wear a watch. That fact makes the handsome Armogan Regalia Watch feel distinctive enough for New Year’s Eve, and yet ready to wear with a classic henley, a waxed trucker jacket and durable snow boots on New Year’s Day — feel free to give it a try. That’s because the well-made Armogan Regalia Watch features touches like a stainless steel case and 50 meters of water resistance, along with a leather strap that’ll break in over time. It’s a classic leather watch that’ll get better with age — and it’s certainly not stuffy. You can — and again, you should — wear it for pursuits like winter travel or a stylish day at the office. Don’t believe me? Give the Armogan Regalia Watch a try this New Year’s Eve (you can get it in time!), then report back to me. Cheers!

SHOP: The Armogan Regalia Watch

August 13, 2018July 25, 2018 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Upgrade Your Wrist Game with the Rugged Hemel HFT20 Watch

A rugged timepiece that draws from military heritage with tremendous results.

If it’s a rugged, casual watch that you seek to round out your ever-growing timepiece collection, then you’re in luck today here on the blog. There are slim dress watches made for wearing with your best suit, there are durable running watches made for getting off the trail … and then, there are watches like the Hemel HFT20 Watch, which you could feasibly wear for every other style scenario you come across. The Hemel HFT20 should undoubtedly rank high on any list of the best men’s watches you come across — why’s that now, Beau? Allow me. The Hemel HFT20 is a recent addition to the stellar casual watch collection found at Huckberry, and with good reason. Perhaps it’s the bold, military-inspired design of the HFT20, which takes its styling cues from the Type 20 Chronograph (that would be the watch worn in part by the French Air Force).

Perhaps it’s the mecha-quartz technology of the Hemel HFT20 , taking the no-frills approach of a quartz watch, merged with details like a sweeping second hand — found in mechanical movements. Or maybe, just maybe … it’s the simple fact that the Hemel HFT20 just looks darn good when worn with menswear essentials. This is the sort of watch you can throw on and … kind of forget about. It looks great, it gets the job done, and it’s highly, highly versatile.

So, based on the rugged good looks of the Hemel HFT20, let’s turn our attention toward said menswear essentials. A bold-yet-subtly stylish watch like the HFT20 , what with its rich, heavy-duty leather strap and 42mm diameter, calls for outfits that are equally tough and yet versatile. Think a classic chambray shirt, paired with dark indigo denim and your new favorite chukka boots. Add a grey crewneck sweater, and you’re set for fall. Or, wear the HFT20 with a rugged short-sleeve henley and tan chino shorts to hit up your favorite brewpub patio this summer. Heck, the Hemel HFT20 would work as an admirable business-travel watch, too. I’m thinking a lightweight navy cotton blazer, a classic Oxford shirt, tan chinos and stylish chukka boots. Bingo, bango … bongo? Yessir, the Hemel HFT20 is the underrated, endlessly versatile, tremendously well-designed watch you need on your wrist for August and well beyond.

Got questions on how to style the Hemel HFT20? Join us over at The Style Guide Facebook page.

August 4, 2018July 21, 2018 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Timex Archive Acadia Watch

A durable, classically designed watch from a timeless brand.

When you step out the door in the morning, what’s the one essential for which you always reach? For me, it’s a stylish casual watch — something slightly rugged yet versatile, with a dash of tough style thrown in the mix to boot. Something not unlike the Timex Archive Acadia Watch, a fantastic new offering from the lauded watch brand — and maybe one of the best men’s watches you can buy right now. The Timex Archive line calls back to the storied watch brand’s history, honoring the craftsmen who pioneered a ton of durable and well-crafted, American styles. If you follow me on Instagram, you’re aware that I positively love myself a stylish Timex watch (like the Archive Acadia Watch!). The brand’s timepieces simply exude wearability across a number of seaasons. And seeing as how we’re powering through August and looking toward September, a rugged, durable and versatile timepiece like the Timex Archive Acadia Watch is what you need on your wrist now.

Priced extremely reasonably at just $85, this rugged casual watch features the versatility to be worn with a white slub T-shirt and olive cotton shorts the rest of this month, and the Timex Archive Acadia Watch can also work quite handsomely with more fall-centric outfits (think a charcoal Oxford, dark blue denim and classic suede boots). See? That’s worth your consideration.

A tough NATO strap definitely helps get the job done when it comes to rugged, versatile style across the seasons.

It’s truly the tough construction and understated-yet-rugged good looks that make the Timex Archive Acadia Watch such a winner. The cotton NATO strap makes all the difference — a field-ready feature that fits in equally well with summer or fall ensembles. In short, a textured strap adds some nice visual interest when worn with heavier fall layers, from an indigo denim shirt, crisp blue jeans and a white henley to a grey crewneck sweater and tan chinos.

The 40mm case diameter is neither too large nor too small, sized just right for most guys out there. The Archive Acadia Watch also features practical touches, including an INDIGLO night light — this is the sort of watch you could wear all through an overnight camping trip (Editor’s note: Click this link for what to wear camping). So, to recap: The rugged, well-crafted Timex Archive Acadia Watch calls to mind classic style, tough durability and the utility to be worn with everything from a chambray shirt and dark denim this fall to a navy pocket tee and khaki shorts this summer. The Archive Acadia Watch is affordable, it’s going to get better with age & it looks just … great. If that’s not good enough to qualify as one of the the best men’s watches to buy right now … well, I’m not sure what to tell ya!

Godspeed and happy shopping!

May 30, 2018May 14, 2018 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Komrade White Pointer Watch Is Ready for Summer Adventures

The right watch for summer adventure after summer adventure — seriously, folks.

Folks, your watch game needs an upgrade. Yes, it’s true — especially as we move into summer, which calls for outdoor adventures aplenty. But we’re not just slapping any old watch on your wrist and calling it a day. I’m recommending you reach for the Komrade White Pointer Watch, a durable-as-heck timepiece that blends outdoor functionality with some city-ready style — to say the least. Stylish casual timepieces are flooding the market these days, but when it comes to a watch for summer, which could you find you at the beach one minute and the bar the next, you need something on your wrist that exudes rugged toughness and go-anywhere potential. That brings me back around to the Komrade White Pointer Watch, sized just right at 44mm and clocking in at under $800 — a solid deal in the realm of versatile men’s watches, to be sure. The bang for your buck you get with the Komrade White Pointer Watch is just unparalleled, from the aerospace-grade titanium case to the automatic Swiss movement.

Those are the kind of specs that make the Komrade White Pointer Watch an essential when you step out of the house this summer. For day hikes, park strolls, off-road adventures and laidback patio beers, you can’t misstep with a durable, casual watch like the White Pointer — the blue face is striking yet not too loud, while the waterproof silicone band is fit for darn near anything you can throw at it. It’s also water-resistant to 100 meters, so feel free to wear it the next time you hop in the pool or head to the beach (A side note: Here’s what to bring to the beach this summer). And the rest of the time? Pair the Komrade White Pointer Watch with the basics — think a classic white tee and tailored navy shorts — and with picks that are a little more rugged (like the slim light wash denim and investment-worthy suede jacket found in our latest set of summer style essentials). How’s all of that for an upgrade to your stylish watch collection? Pretty essential, I’d say.

February 21, 2018June 19, 2018 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?

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Tag / best men’s watches