Tag / best watches for men

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Shinola Runwell West Wind Watch Features Plenty of Functionality for Spring and Summer Excursions

Shinola West Wind Runwell Chronograph review.

At least in my experience, there’s no finishing touch quite as useful, as eye-catching or as game-changing as the right wristwatch. As you well know from reading this Brooklyn style blog, properly finishing off your latest #OOTD with one of the best watches for men is a purposeful, stylish touch that goes beyond simply using your phone to check the time, and companies like fan-favorite Shinola understand this all too well, in the very best way possible.

Shop men’s watches and more at Shinola

One of the best men’s watches adds casually rugged style or else a touch of refinement to a look, it’s a further step in showing your attention to detail, and heck, it’s just plain fun, at least in my book, to rock one of the best men’s watches.

And the great thing is, brands like Detroit-based lifestyle brand and watchmaker Shinola make it relatively easy to get into the game, if you’ve not normally worn a watch or tend to go for a tried-and-true classic from a company like Timex (also one of the best affordable watchmakers for men, it should be said). But back to Shinola: The company looked to some of the earliest American watches to design its Art Deco-tinged Shinola Runwell Watch, its flagship model that’s now offered in a variety of crisp dial combinations plus leather, rubber or stainless steel straps.

Past Shinola reviews on this blog have dove into the utility and style points picked up by carrying an effortlessly cool Shinola Runwell Watch — it should be noted that although its watches are assembled in Detroit, they use Swiss parts, like a high-quality Argonite quartz movement (although Shinola has also expanded into automatic movements in recent years).

But the handsome Shinola Runwell Watch now has another counterpart in the brand’s lineup, the Shinola Runwell West Wind Chronograph, a worthy complementary piece and a more expensive, retooled version of the famed Shinola Runwell Watch.

With an impressive 660 feet of water resistance (and plenty of capability to take on a simple ocean dip or pool swim), the Shinola Runwell West Wind Chronograph might represent the brand’s most daring and dashing adventure watch to date, although the Shinola Monster lineup boasts plenty of rugged utility. But when it comes to the Shinola Runwell West Wind Chronograph, you’re getting a nicely sized 42mm titanium adventure watch complete with a titanium strap or a crisp blue rubber strap option, plus added details like screw-down pushers and a screw-down crown to keep things watertight.

Learn more now about the Shinola West Wind Runwell

To bolster visibility, the brand finished off the vivid blue dial with multi-layer C3 lum indexes for high contrast in low light (cave diving, anyone?), while the Shinola Runwell West Wind Chronograph also boasts useful details like a 6-o’clock double date window, plus triple-chronograph utility (be sure to read up on Shinola’s suggestions for getting the most out of your Shinola Runwell West Wind Chronograph).

As we talked about earlier, the latest chronograph to join the Shinola lineup doesn’t come cheap: It clocks in at about $1,495, but it’s the sort of adventure watch you can dress up slightly (try it with a navy blazer, an Oxford shirt and rust-toned five-pocket pants) or style casually and simply with chino shorts and a pocket tee after a day on the water). For a handsome blend of rugged style and real-world utility, you very well might want the new Shinola chronograph watch on your wrist this season.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: This Exclusive Huckberry x Timex Black Max Watch Is On Sale Now for a (Very) Limited Time

It’s amazing what you can find in the world of the best men’s gear when you take a closer look and keep an eye out for the unexpected: In this day and age, that might mean scouring the digital pages of one of the best online shops for men, rather than perusing the aisles of a vintage store, but the process largely remains the same. So imagine the surprise of this Brooklyn style writer when looking through the always-covetable wares of the Huckberry Sale section.

Shop the best menswear and more at Huckberry

Along with an enviable selection of the best waxed jackets, rugged winter boots, durable travel bags and cozy winter sweaters was one of the more exclusive watches of the moment: The Huckberry x Timex Black Max 1979 Watch, an homage to a racing watch favorite that had become increasingly rare.

Yes, let’s get to the chase here, because the Huckberry Sale section contains a rare find in a collaborative watch from the iconic American watchmaker and the must-shop, do-it-all retailer, with plenty of nods to archival Timex watches built into one highly affordable timepiece. Marked down right now an astonishing 40 percent (which brings the price down below $150), the Huckberry x Timex Black Max 1979 Watch is perhaps one of the coolest watches at the moment, and certainly among the more affordable considering the bang for your buck that you’re getting.

The Huckberry x Timex Black Max 1979 Watch looks to an ultra-rare archival watch that’s been out of commission for nearly five decades, Huckberry notes, calling this sleek limited-edition watch a ” bold reissue of a Timex classic.” As we talked about on this Brooklyn style blog when this crisp, speed-inspired watch went on sale in December, the Huckberry x Timex Black Max 1979 Watch boasts a racing-inspired dial design and a stainless steel case, plus 100 meters of water resistance.

Beyond that, the Timex signature analog quartz movement ticks away within, while the 41mm dial should rest nicely on most wrists. The all-black colorway with an orange seconds hand and bold white indices offers a change of pace within the Huckberry x Timex Black Max 1979 Watch, while the band is interchangeable and compatible with other 20mm straps — multiple watches for one agreeable price, ehh my friends? Complete with a Huckberry-branded crown, this collaborative watch is merely the latest and greatest style offering from two brands that know a thing or two about style and savings — shop accordingly this week, folks.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: This Reliable Timex Watch is Now 40 Percent Off at Bespoke Post

There’s something to be said for the careful consideration that comes with adding a finely crafted, affordable watch into your style rotation. Perhaps you’re a budding watch enthusiast, perhaps you’ve worn one for years, and perhaps you land somewhere between the two: Curious about getting into watches, familiar with some top brands and ready to accessorize your #OOTD in fine fashion.

Consider yourself sorted out now with the latest and greatest from the Bespoke Post Sale section, long a retailer with its eye on the pulse when it comes to the coolest gear on the market, period.

Find out more and shop now at Bespoke Post

And right now, you can find perhaps your new favorite casual watch on sale via Bespoke Post, with the Timex Waterbury Dive Watch marked down now by 40 percent (it’ll set you back $198 these days).

It can seem confusing at first to get into the world of watches, with various movements and complications (and some very, very expensive models on the market) but long-running American watchmaker Timex sure does make it easy, and the Timex Waterbury Dive Watch is proof positive of that approach.

Over the years, the company’s designs have gotten more stylish and highly functional in equal measure, and this timepiece (billed by Timex as a “watch for in and out of the water”) delivers the goods in terms of form and function.

It’s water resistant to 100 meters, but you’ll assuredly want to swap out the brown leather strap for something better suited to, well, the water. The Timex Waterbury Dive Watch also boasts a crisp green dial and a nicely sized 40mm case size, which should suit most wrist sizes.

Its mechanical automatic movement is also a reliable option for a watch at that price point — highly reliable and useful, in fact The Timex Waterbury Dive Watch comes complete with a unidirectional rotating bezel to track your depth (should you chose to plunge into the ocean deep wearing this handsome timepiece). Toss in the fact that yes, it’s 40 percent off right now, and the blend of style and savings is set from a legendary retailer and watchmaker. Where will your Timex take you, is the question? See you out there, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Huckberry x Timex Black Max Watch – A Rare and Rugged Wrist Game Upgrade

Huckberry x Timex review.

I’m often on the lookout for the latest and greatest gear, from the coolest new men’s watches to the right pair of leather boots or the perfect henley — or some combination of all of the above, which can readily be worn at the same time (as you well know if you keep up with this blog!).

And so when two respected brands I love come together to craft a rugged watch, you could call it a perfect meeting of the minds, one that makes so much sense, it’s enough to keep you coming back for more — and so it goes with Huckberry x Timex, an ongoing partnership that’s resulted in some highly rugged, hard-wearing watches with plenty of style points.

Learn more now at Huckberry

The latest in the Huckberry x Timex series is no slouch either, to say the very least. The Huckberry x Timex 1979 Black Max, which just debuted yesterday, in fact, takes things to the next level in terms of Huckberry’s penchant for rugged and durable gear, combined with the Timex knack for using historical inspiration to craft wildly useful modern watches.

Available for a limited time only, the Huckberry x Timex 1979 Black Max harkens back to the 1970s and racing watches of the era, bringing back what the famed American watchmaker calls one of its most sought-after vintage collectibles. The meeting of the minds simply couldn’t be more perfect, at least in my book, featuring a bold racing dial and a blacked-out titanium case for plenty of durability.

The Huckberry x Timex 1979 Black Max also features what looks to be a matte-finish stainless steel band to complement its hard-wearing 41mm case. And within, you’ll find a reliable quartz movement, while the crown itself features the Huckberry logo.

Shop the best men’s watches at Huckberry

It’s yet another sturdy watch from a brand well-known for crafting ’em the right way, and at highly affordable prices, to boot. It’s also priced to sell at just $249, making the new Huckberry x Timex 1979 Black Max a worthy addition to your shopping cart (and your everyday carry) this holiday season.

It’s also suited for adventures off-grid, boasting 100 meters of water resistance — all in a strong, dependable Huckberry-approved design. If I had to guess, I’d say your new favorite adventure watch just might have arrived.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Shinola Is Offering Savings of At Least 20 Percent On the Best Watches and Accessories for Men

Shinola men's watch review.

If you’ve been keeping up with this Brooklyn style blog, as I’ve been saying for several weeks now, you know that it’s prime time for scoring savings on tried-and-true favorites — as well as top-notch gear selections you might not normally find at a discount.

And so it goes when it comes to shopping for one of the best watches for men: A wristwatch these days is a purposeful, fashionable and stylish investment, even if you’re not dropping thousands on a Rolex or an Omega (or even a pre-owned luxury watch). That’s where Shinola, with its blend of Art Deco inspiration and modern performance, makes its case to join your watch rotation, with plentiful options below $1,000 and even $750 these days.

There are options aplenty that lean more towards the entry-level market, and I’d put Detroit-based Shinola firmly in that category — a step up from even the most premium Timex models (for instance) and nicely balanced between accessible, well-made and tastefully refined. I’m also a fan of the excellent Shinola Hotel and the company’s home goods offerings, but that’s neither here nor there at the moment, ehh?

Find out more now at Shinola

As is so often the case with Shinola men’s watches (and other producers), there’s a debate between quartz and automatic/mechanical watches (Shinola makes both!).

Take your pick as to whether you prefer a durable battery or something with more craft, because, again, Shinola does both (and has built out its brand focus over the years into more premium assembled watches). You can also shop handsome leather goods, stylish travel bags and even accessories like candles and matches at Shinola — talk about fun for the whole family, yes?

We’ll leave the quartz-versus-automatic debate to watch forums, but for now, let’s dial in (pun intended!) on the task at hand: Shinola is offering at least 20 percent off your purchase of stylish watches and men’s accessories sitewide, but buyer beware: That promo only runs through the end of the day today!

To get more specific: You can save $100 when you spend $500 at Shinola, on up to savings of $500 on your purchase of $2,000. For a watchmaker that doesn’t run sales all that frequently, it’s worth checking out and stocking up ahead of the holidays — on gifts for the watch lover, gifts for the lover of fine leather goods, and even the person on your list who loves a well-made blanket or a richly crafted candle. At Shinola, the possibilities are limitless (or, nearly limitless) and well beyond the world of watches, but these savings only run through today. Shop accordingly, my friends — cheers!

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: VERO Watches Open Water 41 Watch – The Most Reliable Tool Watch in Your Everyday Carry

In the very same way that you put plenty of thought into the boots you lace up, the denim you wear, the henley you select and the hard-wearing waxed jacket that you rock during the brisk autumn and winter months, consider your everyday carry essentials just as vital. Of course, if you read this Brooklyn style blog, you know that all too well — in the best way possible.

And if durability and rugged appeal plus performance is the name of the game, then upstart watchmaker VERO Watches has just what you need to amp up your everyday carry, and then some. And in my experience testing out the handsome and reliable VERO Watches Daybreak 41 Watch as shown above, it’s a brand worth knowing, wearing and putting to the test.

Learn more and shop EDC gear now at VERO Watches

You see, testing out the durable-as-can-be VERO Watches Daybreak 41 Watch has been high on my to-do list for some time, especially as I crisscross the country and the globe in my many freelance writing pursuits.

The company calls themselves “champions of the modern American field watch,” a claim that’s hard to dispute given their partnerships with everyone from the U.S. Forest Service (yes, really!) to Realtree’s rugged outdoor camo.

It all makes for compelling performance, style and utility, as the decade-old Portland, Oregon company looks to change the way watches are made, starting with flagship standbys like the VERO Watches Daybreak 41 Watch.

Boasting matte bead blasted stainless steel fabrication and an impressive 656 feet of water resistance, this reliable watch can go just about anywhere you like — I myself have worn it to Charleston, South Carolina dive bars and on cross-country flights without missing a beat.

The VERO Watches Daybreak 41 Watch is crafted from tough 316L stainless steel, while its DLC coated 60-click unidirectional bezel is firm, sturdy and designed to perform from sunrise to sunset (and then some).

The movement is Swiss-made but US-assembled with the rest of the watch, but the coolest part about the highly wearable VERO Watches Daybreak 41 Watch might be its fiery orange dial — there’s simply no other watch in my collection like it, which makes it a highly appealing prospect given its functionality and its blend of form and fashion.

Shop watches and EDC gear now at VERO Watches

SuperLuminova markings give the dial plenty of legibility, and it doesn’t hurt that your new favorite dive watch boasts a 4.98 out of 5-star-rating average across the VERO Watches site.

While this brand isn’t as massive (yet!) as other American watchmakers, it’s remarkable to see what they’ve done in just a decade when it comes to making some of the best American watches. Count on timepieces like this one to get the job done — I know I certainly will.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Enter to Win This $10K Vintage Rolex at Bespoke Post With Every Dollar Spent

The concept is simple with today’s stylish, ultra-covetable discount: Spend more, earn more (chances to win, that is). It’s an investment proposition of sorts from the good folks at Bespoke Post, all-around purveyors of some of the coolest gear for guys, period.

That includes a monthly series of the best subscription boxes for men, but the possibilities are nearly limitless if you scour the site long enough — and they make and sell so much of the best gear for guys, that each purchase puts you in the running for something as enviable as it gets.

Shop the best men’s gear and more at Bespoke Post

Bespoke Post teamed up with luxury watch authenticators and resellers Bezel on a Bespoke Post vintage watch giveaway, and namely, the chance to win a $10K vintage 1997 Rolex Submariner. How’s that for a heck of a deal, with one entry for every $1 spent?

The 1997 ref. 14060, 40mm Oystersteel Submariner is a modern marvel, complete with a black tritium dial with some subtle aging if you look closely. It’s a tantalizing prospect as far as a watch and a giveaway-worthy opportunity is concerned, complete with the chance to also take home $5K in cold, hard cash via the Bespoke Post vintage watch giveaway.

You’ve got until October 31st to enter to win (entry via purchase through Bespoke Post on some of the best gear for guys, that is).

As if that wasn’t cool enough, the watch itself comes with its original box and papers, while it’s billed as coming in excellent condition overall.

Throw in that extra cash for good measure — plus the simple opportunity to score some of your new favorite style picks of the season when you enter the Bespoke Post vintage watch giveaway, and you could make the case it’s one of the coolest, sharpest things the much-loved online retailer has ever done.

Let’s say we take a closer look at the Bespoke Post vintage watch giveaway via your online purchase, and may the best guy or gal win this handsome watch.

by Beau H.

The Friday Find: The PANZERA Flieger 45G Is Made For Elite Pilots (And Your Own Watch Rotation)

Panzera Flieger 45G watch review.

In my many freelance writing pursuits, I’m very fortunate every day and every week to stumble upon some of the coolest gear, menswear and products (period!) on the market, and across a wide variety of categories. That’s an understatement, I should think!

And while I certainly consider myself something of a watch buff as I cover some of the very best watches for men, I hadn’t yet discovered the wonders of Australian-made watch company PANZERA. Talk about a brand that’s about to get a whole lot more well-known: The company was recently tapped by the United States Air Force’s elite Aggressor Squadron to deliver a custom, pilot-approved timepiece.

And while that resulting timepiece is only available to USAF pilots, I had the chance to check out another stellar PANZERA watch as of late, as you might have seen on my Instagram — the results are in, and the PANZERA Flieger 45G is simply one of the coolest watches I’ve had the pleasure of trying lately.

Don’t get it twisted: While handsome and stylish on the surface, this pilot’s watch is every bit as functional as it is formidable, and that’s the kind of piece we look to spotlight in our weekly Friday Find series (view past entries here).

With customizable options aplenty (select from two case and three dial color options), plus ten strap options, the combinations are nearly endless. I opted for a black dial, brown leather and silver case build, but the real story here when it comes to the PANZERA Flieger 45G is the burly build, the handsome and thick leather strap and its GMT functionality.

Equally appreciated in my experience to date with the rugged and yet versatile PANZERA Flieger 45G is the trio-date window, with today’s date marked at the red arrow — an eye-catching design detail that sets it apart from the pack. I also appreciate the functional inner bezel for easy time-zone tracking at a glance, while its dial and hands are topped by scratch-proof sapphire and adorned with Super LumiNova luminous markings.

Shop for your new favorite watch at PANZERA

For a bit under $1K, this striking pilot’s watch is a wrist game upgrade worth making: Functional, fashionable without being too flashy, and utterly dependable in my experience to date. And while it’s not quite as souped-up as the timepiece used by real-life pilots, the dependable and hard-working PANZERA Flieger 45G is the next best thing — take that to the bank, and to your watch collection, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Shinola Ceramic Monster Automatic Watch is a Rugged Summer Wrist Game Essential

Shinola Monster Watch review.

While we’ve talked plenty about the best summer gear across the board — from stylish boat shoes to breezy T-shirts, versatile buttondown shirts, stretch chino shorts and even canvas sneakers — it’s high time we considered another crucial addition to your summer gear rotation. Take a look at your wrist: Are you a fan of watches? A budding watch enthusiast or a seasoned veteran?

Or perhaps somewhere between the two, but with a knowledge of and appreciation for the finer things in life, like Shinola men’s watches? Then you’ve come to the right place today as we consider one of the best watches for men — especially as you look to plot out your next summer adventure.

Learn more now at Shinola

Wearing a wristwatch in this day and age isn’t quite for everybody, as we’ve learned over the years, but if you’re into the style, intentionality and classic looks the right timepiece can provide, then I say again: You’ve come to the right place as we consider the adventure-ready delights of the Shinola Ceramic Monster Automatic Watch.

When it comes to Shinola reviews, we’ve talked about refined watches for everyday wear, as well as complementary pieces like one of the best leather duffel bags for men, and the Detroit-based brand has the market cornered as far as blending the best of the past with the present as far as the best men’s watches are concerned.

The Shinola Monster line of watches is also a personal favorite for that reason, boasting larger case sizes than typical dress watches and featuring more bells and whistles made to take on the deep waters of the Great Lakes (or the dust of the hiking trail, or somewhere in between the two).

The rugged Shinola Ceramic Monster Automatic Watch gets its good looks from the use of a black ceramic material for its case and outer bezel — the material is strong yet lightweight, and made to resist the elements.

The company also finished off the crown of the Shinola Ceramic Monster Automatic Watch with a stainless steel coating for further durability — it’s like the brand has taken the best stainless steel dive watches, then lightened them up across the board with cutting-edge ceramic.

It doesn’t hurt that its minimal black build is complemented nicely by an integrated black rubber strap — this strikes me as the sort of watch that looks as at home with a short-sleeve henley and blue jeans as it does with swim trunks and a pocket tee on the shore. Even the caseback is adorned with red detailing, a touch one can’t help but love in terms of rugged, functional looks.

The wave-edged dial of this handsome yet sleek watch reminds the wearer — yourself included — of the depths of the Great Lakes, tastefully accented by red dial details. And you can be sure accuracy is top of mind as you wear this watch day in and day out, from city to shore, thanks to its SW200-1 Automatic movement.

Shop men’s watches and more at Shinola

If you want a hard-wearing adventure watch that packs in plenty of bells and whistles in a subtle manner, then the latest Shinola Ceramic Monster might just be for you — and if it’s your first introduction to a legendary modern brand with hard-working Detroit roots, I say for a final time: You’ve come to the right place.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Oris Divers Date Watch – A Seriously Rugged Watch for Outdoor Adventures This Summer

In my book, the best gear for men from head to toe exudes rugged toughness, style and versatility, from your choice of chambray shirt to your selection of dark blue denim, brown leather boots and of course, the watch you wear on your wrist.

In the smartphone age, wearing one of the best men’s watches is a more deliberate style move, an investment in something that can elevate any look — and provide critical functionality in places your smartphone can’t. The Oris Divers Date Watch shown above, as sold by my good friends at Huckberry, certainly delivers in that regard.

Shop men’s watches and more at Huckberry

And while I love, say, Shinola men’s watches — as you might have seen in Shinola reviews on this very blog — the very best everyday carry gear for men also requires a deeper look, another point of view:

There are options aplenty out there when it comes to the best dive watches for men, like the handsome Oris Divers Date Watch shown above. Yessir, it’s a certified winner in matters of both looks and performance, with the specs to prove it.

For the unfamiliar, Oris is a somewhat overlooked heritage watch brand deeply rooted in the art and science of the best dive watches for men. The Oris Divers Date Watch speaks to that legacy quite handily, and stylishly, at that. In fact, Oris released its first-ever dive watch back in 1965, and this durable and subtly fashionable diver nods to those roots in the best way possible.

Best dive watches for men.

You see, the Oris Divers Date Watch gets distinctly 1960s touches like compressed bezel numerals and a monochromatic color scheme not unlike much more expensive dive watches (looking at you, Rolex).

Sized in relatively throwback fashion at 39mm in terms of dial size, a Swiss-made 733-1 automatic mechanical movement powers this watch with a 41-hour power reserve (designed to keep the watch ticking and on track even if you don’t wear it for a period of time).

Its rugged yet slightly dressy stainless steel build is accented by 200 meters of real-world water resistance, meaning you can easily wear this watch into the water and its depths without missing a beat. Of course, the timepiece also comes with a sporty black rubber strap for even more variety and versatility.

Yet, the classic profile of the tough-as-nails Oris Divers Date Watch also lends itself to styling in luxurious fashion with a knit polo, stretch chinos and brown leather loafers. Take my word from it: If Huckberry approves of its performance, then a timepiece like the sturdy Oris Divers Date Watch belongs in your wrist game rotation ASAP this summer.