People often say it’s the little things in life that matter the most. The beauty behind this quote is that it applies to even the most ordinary things in life. Take for example, adding seasoning to a dish, waking up earlier than usual, or finding the perfect accessory to complete your outfit. These simple and little things can actually make huge differences in our everyday routines. And, for us, watches are the perfect embodiment of this concept. The best everyday watches, though disregarded by some, can actually do wonders to your look and lifestyle.
An everyday watch is a stylish and resilient accessory that is essential to anyone, especially those who wish to express themselves through what they’re wearing. Aside from that, watches are also functional innovations that have a rich history and significance to the world. In truth, there are so many other advantages to this accessory, ranging from being a good investment to being a quintessential piece to one’s daily look.
Now that we’ve established this, you’re probably wondering “How do I know which watch to get?” and the honest answer to that is only you will know which one to purchase. However, do not fret as we have taken the liberty of curating a list of the best everyday watches to guide you in your judgment.
What makes the best everyday watch?
There are really a lot of factors to take into consideration when looking for the best everyday watch for yourself. It will mostly depend on your budget and your personal preferences in terms of style, colour, specifications, etc. Aside from that, some people like to look at the long-term outcome of investing in a watch so they also take into account its durability, resale value, and brand recognition.
In reality, the term “everyday watches” differs for everyone. Just because it is an accessory you’ll be using daily does not mean it has to be cheap or expensive. Regardless of whether it falls within the buyer’s budget and preferences, it is up to them if they’ll actually use it or not. In the list below, you will find a wide variety of timepieces, ranging from different styles, brands, and price points, to help you envision the best everyday watch for you.
Best Everyday Watches to Consider
1. Seiko Presage SRPB43J1
Seiko is a very well-known brand that originated from Japan. Just by looking at one of their watches, you can already tell that they try to incorporate Japanese craftsmanship and artistry into their collections. The Seiko Presage is a simple yet sleek option for those looking for a really high-quality timepiece within a reasonable price range.
This particular model comes in a 40mm stainless steel case with a genuine leather band and a blue/silver dial. It is an automatic watch with a manual-winding capacity movement and a power reserve of 48 hours. The Seiko Presage SRPB43J1 retails for a little over $400 USD, which is a great deal for such an elegant piece.
2. Fossil The Minimalist Three-Hand Dress Watch
Next on the list is the Fossil Minimalist Three-Hand Brown Leather Watch. We know it sounds quite complicated but trust us when we say that this piece definitely lives up to its name. This watch is the perfect subtle and lightweight choice for the minimalist at heart.
It has a 44mm stainless steel case in silver, a 22mm (width) brown leather strap, and a beige dial colour. It also has a quartz movement, a 3-hand dial component, and a water resistance of 30 metres (or 3 ATM). Furthermore, if you check out their website, you’ll find that this model comes in many different dial and strap colour variations and a free engraving option, all for $119 USD.
3. Timex Southview Multifunction Watch
A lot of people may know Timex from their infamous Mickey Mouse watch, which dates back to the early 1900s. But let’s just say that their popularity did not stop there. Until now, Timex remains to be a brand best known for their laid-back and almost humorous watches. The Timex Southview Multifunction Watch is a perfect example of this.
The photo above shows a 41mm silver-tone brass case, a black leather strap, and a black dial. It also features a 3-hand quartz movement, partial Roman numeral dial markers, and a day, date and 24-hour sub-dial display. In addition, this model comes in multiple dial and strap colours. It definitely gives off a casual yet innovative vibe to it. The best part is that it retails for only $72 USD, making it one of the best everyday watches under $100 USD.
4. Lacoste TR90 Japanese Quartz Watch
Lacoste is a brand that has already made a name for themselves in the fashion industry. A single look at their iconic logo and you would already know that this product is a part of Lacoste’s vast collection of apparel and accessories. The Lacoste TR90 Japanese Quartz Watch definitely lives up to the brand’s “preppy” reputation. This piece has a very chic feel to it especially with the use of black and hints of gold in the design.
It comes in a 42mm black case with a black rubber strap, a black dial with gold markers, and the iconic crocodile logo at the 3 o’clock marker (also in gold colour). In addition, it uses a quartz movement and has a water resistance of up to 50 metres. This timepiece, priced at $95 USD, is perfect as a classy everyday watch.
5. Swatch Skin Quartz Watch
It is hard to believe that Swatch was only founded in the 1980s, making it one of the youngest brands on this list. But don’t be fooled because they are regarded as one of the most popular watch brands out there. What makes Swatch so famous is their penchant for creating fun, vibrant, and trendy timepieces. The Swatch Skin Quartz Watch is the perfect everyday watch for those who tend to lean towards light-coloured and trendy accessories more.
It comes in a 34mm case, a silicone strap, and a silver dial. It also follows an analogue display, a quartz movement, and has a water resistance depth of over 30 metres. This piece is priced at $97 USD and definitely a good option for an everyday watch.
6. Tommy Hilfiger Quartz Dress Watch
Offering premium-tier clothes, shoes, accessories, and fragrances that embody the classic American spirit, Tommy Hilfiger is also another well-established brand in the fashion industry. Their products tend to give off that old school, ’90s classic vibe and this watch definitely has a similar feel to it.
This Tommy Hilfiger Quartz Dress Watch comes in a 40mm case with a croco-embossed Calfskin leather strap, a white dial, gold dial markers, and the Tommy Hilfiger logo at the 3 o’clock marker. It also features a quartz movement and a water resistance of up to 30 metres. Costing around $64 USD, this watch is one of the best dress watches under $100 USD. This piece is a perfect pick for those who are looking for a great watch with a sophisticated retro feel to it.
7. Tissot Carson Dress Watch
Tissot is a Swiss brand that has been in the luxury watchmaking industry since the 1850s. Many watch connoisseurs have high regard for Tissot because it is well-known for its exceptional quality and affordability despite being recognised as a luxury brand.
This Tissot Carson Dress Watch has a 40mm stainless steel case, a stainless steel bracelet and bezel, and a black-coloured dial. It features a quartz movement, large Roman numeral dial markers, and a date at the 6 o’clock position. What’s more, it also has a water resistance depth rating of up to 50 metres. This masterpiece is, without a doubt, one of the best starter watches under $300 USD and is priced at approximately $260 USD. Definitely a resilient everyday watch that would look great in both casual and formal settings.
8. Hamilton Khaki Field Watch
Hamilton Watch Company is a Swiss manufacturer that actually originated from the United States. Military-based collections and appearances in many American films are just some of the reasons behind their popularity. Hamilton makes a good contender for the best everyday watch because of the rich history behind its straightforward design and functionality.
This Hamilton Khaki Field Watch comes in a 38mm stainless steel case with a black leather band and a black dial. It features an analogue display and an automatic movement with a self-winding component. It also has Arabic indexes, a 24-hour format, and a date window at 3 o’clock. This watch has a water resistance depth of 100 metres, meaning it is suitable for light water activities such as swimming. The Hamilton Khaki Field Watch, priced at approximately $450 USD, is definitely a great everyday watch to check out.
9. Seiko 5 Sports Automatic Watch
Even though this marks the 2nd Seiko watch on the list, the Seiko 5 Sports collection differs from the others. Many who are in the early stages of their watch collection recognise the Seiko 5 Sports as a staple. The models under this series are known for being heavy-duty, functional, and affordable.
The Seiko 5 Sports Automatic Watch comes in a 40mm stainless steel case with a stainless steel bracelet and a black-coloured dial. It features an automatic movement and a day-date component at 3 o’clock. It also has a water resistance depth rating of 100 metres. What’s great about this watch besides its reliability is that the Seiko 5 Sports Automatic only costs around $255 USD, making it one of the best everyday sports watches under $500.
10. Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s I.N.O.X. Watch
You have definitely heard or seen Victorinox at least once in your life. You may know them as a popular manufacturer of Swiss Army knives, but there is more to them than that. Well-executed mechanical innovations is what Victorinox is famous for as a watch brand. This brand is a great option for those aiming for a firm and sophisticated style.
The Victorinox Swiss Army I.N.O.X Watch comes in a 43mm stainless steel case with a stainless steel bracelet and a black-coloured dial. It has an analogue display, a Swiss quartz movement, and a date component in between the 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock dial markers. In addition, it has a water resistance depth rating of 200 metres and is definitely a watch that can take on extreme circumstances. This piece is priced at $190 USD, which is a great deal for one of the best everyday watches under $200.
11. Daniel Wellington Petite Ashfield Watch
Probably the most recently founded brand on this list is Daniel Wellington. Through their maximisation of social media marketing, Daniel Wellington quickly rose to fame a couple of years back. This watch has a very elegant vibe to it mixed with a minimalistic design and is the perfect everyday watch for those who are into trendy yet simple pieces.
The Daniel Wellington Petite Ashfield Watch comes in a 32mm stainless steel case with a stainless steel mesh bracelet in black and a matte-finish black dial as well. It features a Japanese Quartz movement and has a water resistance depth of 30 metres and priced at approximately $189 USD.
12. TAG Heuer Aquaracer Automatic Watch
Among the watches on this list, the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Automatic is definitely on the pricer side. However, TAG has proven in most, if not all, of their collections that you’ll be getting your money’s worth when you choose to invest in a TAG Heuer timepiece, as they value precision and reliability above all. The Aquaracer series was created to withstand the toughest circumstances, meaning you won’t have to worry about its durability if you do choose to wear it everyday, making it a good candidate for the best everyday watch.
This model of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Automatic comes in a 43mm stainless steel case with a stainless steel bracelet, a black opalin dial colour, and a two-tone bezel. It features a Calibre 7 Automatic movement, has a water resistance depth rating of 300 metres, and is priced at approximately $2,500 USD. If you’re looking into buying a luxury watch for everyday use, the TAG Heuer Aquaracer is definitely one of the best everyday watches out there.
13. Mido Multifort Patrimony Automatic Watch
When talking about Swiss watches, the brand Mido does not come up often. However, it is definitely one of the most dependable watch brands out there. It was founded in the early 1900s and is recognised for being able to find the perfect balance between accuracy and stylish design. As mentioned, Mido is often considered as underrated. Staying in the watchmaking industry for over a 100 years is no easy feat, which is why there is no denying that Mido was able to keep up with its competitors despite being an underdog. Mido is a great choice for those who want a more intricate and refined watch.
This Mido Multifort Patrimony Watch comes in a 40mm stainless steel with rose gold case, a brown leather strap, and a black dial. It features an automatic movement and has a water resistance depth rating of up to 50 metres. The Mido Automatic Multifort Patrimony, priced at $820 USD, is a great candidate for the best everyday watch.
14. Philip Stein Prestige Titanium Chronograph
Up next is a brand best known for their clever incorporation of health and wellness into watchmaking. Philip Stein is able use technology to create timepieces that are classic in design, functional, and beneficial to the wellbeing of its wearers. This is a great watch for those who really want to make the most out of their investment. It has a sophisticated design plus the functions of every other watch and more.
This model of the Philip Stein Prestige Titanium Chronograph comes in a 57 x 38mm stainless steel case a titanium band in silver, and a gray-coloured dial. It features a Swiss Quartz movement, has a water resistance depth rating of 50 metres, and costs approximately $892 USD.
15. Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Now, our next item may seem like a ridiculous candidate on this list. But let’s just say that when money isn’t an issue, then the Rolex Oyster Perpetual is your best bet for an everyday watch. First of all, Rolex is known to be the King of the Luxury Watches. Therefore, purchasing any of their watches is already a pretty solid investment. However, that’s not the reason why it serves as a good everyday watch. The Oyster Perpetual is such an elegant and precise masterpiece that would be a great find for anyone.
This model of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual comes in a 34mm stainless steel case, a stainless steel band, and a blue-coloured dial. It features an automatic movement with a self winding component and has a water resistance depth rating of 100 metres. The Oyster Perpetual, priced at a whopping $6,500 USD, is the best everyday watch for luxury lovers.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! You managed to go through all 15 timepieces on this list! You’ll definitely have a wider perspective of how vast the watch industry is by now. There are so many brands out there that it would probably take up thousands of pages if we were to write about each one. Again, the point of this list is not to convince you to buy one out of the 15 mentioned. Rather, we’re here to help you realise what would make a good everyday watch for you. At the end of the day, the choice is yours. It is only you who knows which piece would be the perfect one for you.
If you’re a vintage watch lover, check our article on the Best Retro Watches.
