Wrist Elegance: Explore the best branded watches for men - where style meets luxury

Branded watches are an indulgence which men love. Sometimes it’s hard to find the perfect watches for men that are both timeless and come in an affordable price bracket. Curated here are some such watches that will tick all those boxes and more.
Wrist Elegance: Explore the best branded watches for men - where style meets luxury
Having spent over a decade with my better half who loves a good watch, I feel like I have known about watches for men and how to find those rare deals and discounts for a while now. A watch as I have experienced first hand, to most men is not just a watch but an extension of their style, personality and general taste in fashion. Men use watches the same way women use their diamond jewellery; with caution while flaunting them from the minute they put it on. To men, a good watch is like owning a good accessory that will strap onto their wrists but reflect their style effortlessly. Many people have navigated towards smartwatches, but a smartwatch cannot compete with a good old analogue or chronograph watch when it comes to looking exuberant and classy. A good watch can catch everyone's eye and also be a great conversation starter. Many times you will hear women say, look at the watch a man wears, it will tell you about his style and how indulgent he truly is.
Understanding a wristwatch and its various parts
When looking at a watch there is so much more than just the dial and watch strap. It is important to understand the nuances of each part of the watch before you set out to buy one. Why does this help? Because it allows you to understand what materials to pick, how to find durable styles and to ensure your watch can be repaired and fixed and not permanently damaged. If you understand the anatomy of your watch, you understand its value and how to take care of it.
Bezel
The bezel is one of the most important parts of a watch. It refers to the casing or ring surrounding the dial of the watch. Usually constructed in metal or ceramic, this ensures the safety of the dial and the strength and durability of the watch if you drop it.
Dial
Visually, a watch is nothing if you take away its dial. This houses the hands, numbers and other mini dials and screens and is what you look at when looking at your watch for the time.
Hands
Watch hands are designed creatively to add flair and depth to a watch. These are the working or mechanical parts of any analogue or chronograph watch.
Crown
This is the mechanical knob on the side of the watch that winds the watch and also helps to set the time and date. The crown is usually accompanied by chronograph buttons and dials in chronograph watches.
Crystal
The glass/fibre transparent shield on top of the watch that protects the dial and hands is known as the crystal. The better the quality of the crystal the more luxurious and premium a watch looks.
Hour markers
The indicators created on the dial of the watch to mark time are known as hour markers. These are usually numbers or small lines. Sometimes these are also replaced with gemstones and rhinestones for an uber-luxury appeal.
Sub-dial
Sometimes smaller dials are placed inside the main dials to indicate more values apart from time. These dials are known as sub-dials.
Watch strap
The strap created to go around your wrist which is attached to the watch dial is known as a watch strap. This can be of many materials like metal chains, leather, rubber and more.
Tips on how to keep your watches clean and forever perfect :
  • Use a soft cloth along with the right cleaning solutions to ensure your watch is clean and does not get scratched or damaged in the process.
  • Protecting your watch from dust and more will help you preserve its quality and lustre so ensure that you always store your watches in their boxes or cases and do not leave them outside for long periods.
  • Keep your watches for men away from water. While most watches are water resistant, it is always best to keep them away from direct contact with water to maintain the shine and quality of all the different parts of a watch.
  • Do not apply harsh chemicals that could roughen or bleach your watch straps. If the watch strap is detachable and leather in nature choose to get it dry cleaned.
  • Get your watches serviced regularly and avoid opening the casing yourself. Any cleaning required will be done during the servicing and ensure the internal parts of your watch remain clean and perfect.

Things to keep in mind while buying watches for men :
Dial size

Wristband material

Battery life

Brand manufacturer

Waterproof/Water resistant

Price point


Expert experience: Things I consider while buying my husband a watch
My budget
Over the years I have realised it’s always best to walk into a watch store or open a shopping app after I am clear on what my maximum budget is. I spend a day thinking about how much I want to spend and what is the maximum I am ready to splurge. This understanding helps me make quicker decisions and also avoids any heartbreak of feeling like I cannot buy him the watch I want.
His previous collection
Before indulging in the experience of shopping for a new watch, I like to sit and browse through his existing watches and understand the gaps in his collection. Does he need another expensive watch or will getting him one that he can wear every day make more sense right now? Understanding his needs helps me add those filters and find the perfect watch which will brighten that smile.
My husbands watch collection
My husband's collection of watches that I have gifted him over the years.

The brand I want to pick
Knowing which brand I want to purchase from has helped me make the quickest decisions in the past. With my budget and the style of the watch crystal clear in my mind, knowing the brand I want to add to his collection of watches helps narrow down a search so quickly that the last time I sat down to buy a watch it took me a total of 15 minutes from start to payment being debited from my account.
So if you like me, want to indulge in some good branded watches for men. Find my top picks for different price points right here.
My pick for the best watch under 40000
To me, a Diesel watch is not just luxury and indulgence but a dive into style and personality all boxed into one attractive package. The watches from Diesel are designed to catch your eye with their fancy dials and flashy elements and this watch is everything I would expect from a diesel watch. Fancy looking, very stylish and has all the features you need in a non-smartwatch.
Features
Case Diameter 57 millimetres

Watch Movement Type Quartz

Band Material Stainless Steel

Band Colour Red


What I loved
I love the stainless steel watch strap that comes in the shocking red colour which is attractive and very fancy. Perfect for anyone who wants a bold and beautiful watch.
User ratings on amazon 4.4 / 5
What users have to say
Users have very mixed reviews on receiving this watch. While most love the watch and its quality many have complained that the packaging is a bit disappointing when compared to the price point of the watch. The bright red as seen in the photo is exactly what you get. All in all some happy users.
Read more: Top branded watches for men
My pick for the best watch under 30000
Sometimes you want a watch that comes from a top watchmaker but is subtle and sophisticated and is a classic piece in itself. This watch from Emporio Armani is exactly what you need if that is the vibe you are looking for. A truly sophisticated watch with multiple mini dials and a date ticker as well. The overall look makes it a must-have.
Features
Case Diameter 46 millimetres

Watch Movement Type Quartz

Band Material Stainless Steel

Band Colour Grey


What I loved
I love the overall timeless look and feel the watch has. A truly special watch to mark important occasions to make any man feel special. The dial comes in a deep blue colour which is very attractive encased in the grey coloured bezel.
User ratings on amazon 3.8 / 5
What users have to say
A watch that seems to be a favourite for gifting. Users love the watch and the quality. They are very happy with the design and most men acknowledge that this was a lovely gift they received from the lady loves. The make and quality are what most users have appreciated.
My pick for the best watch under 20000
Every watch connoisseur will vouch for the fact that owning a Casio watch is the ultimate must-have in every collection. With its unparalleled mechanism and true quality, this watch is a great choice to make. The Casio black dial watch comes with a super attractive dial which comes with multiple smaller dials and watch hands making it a top design style. The unique style makes it very attractive and worth buying for sure. The price point is so good that it will make the perfect gifting option for anniversaries and special occasions.
Features
Case Diameter 48 millimetres

Watch Movement Type Quartz

Band Material Resin

Band Colour Black


What I loved
The all-black design of the watch stole my heart. I can picture myself picking this watch up and gifting it to my husband on his next birthday. The smart design and the all-black minimalistic approach make it a great choice for everyday wear. And a Casio watch to wear daily is the perfect pick for any man.
User ratings on Amazon 4.3 / 5
What users have to say
Users are in love with the watch and have reported back that it looks exactly like its image. They love the fact that the watch is not too heavy making it great for long-term wearing as well. The users love the reliability of the brand and the fact that the watch is a timeless piece they can own forever.
My pick for the best watch under 10000
The black dial watch from Armani is a top choice for branded watches for men which is affordable and comes from a reliable and highly coveted designer brand. The watch comes with a steel body and watch strap with a very minimalistic style dial which is attractive and classy making it a top pick on this list.
Features
Case Diameter 44 millimetres

Watch Movement Type Quartz

Band Material Stainless Steel

Band Colour Silver


What I loved
I love the timeless and classic design and style of the watch. It’s truly a watch that will never go out of style making it a great pick if you are unsure of picking out a fancy watch design. This is the sort of style that will suit men of all age groups and will blend into any type of outfit styling making this a very versatile pick for everyday use. The price point also makes it super affordable which in my eye is a plus.
User ratings on Amazon 4.2 / 5
What users have to say
Users have reported that the quality is very good and the overall look of the watch is royal, chic and very classy. They are happy with the watch and have styled it on multiple occasions proving that the watch is a crowd pleaser for real.
My pick for the best watch under 5000
When on a budget but you still want to pick a beautiful watch then this is the perfect watch for you. The beautiful and sophisticated dial design matches wonderfully with the stainless steel body and watch strap giving the watch a very sophisticated appeal. The watch is perfect for daily wear and will make a great choice for the brand-conscious man on a budget. Truly one of the best budget-branded watches for men.
Features
Case Diameter 43.78 millimetres

Watch Movement Type Quartz

Band Material Stainless Steel

Band Colour Silver(Metal)


What I loved
The price point simply steals the show for me. A Tommy Hilfiger watch at this price point is what I call a steal deal and have already added it to my cart waiting to check it out as we speak. The offers sometimes are so good that you simply cannot resist making that purchase. This watch looks great and will be a great gifting option for my brother, father or husband as well. When on a budget but you still want to pull off a coup. This could be the answer.
User ratings on Amazon 4 / 5
Editors wishlist
I went back to my wishlist to see if I had any gems stored from my hours of midnight browsing and planning gifts for the next three years. I found this gem right there and simply have to share it with you guys. This watch is something I cannot wait to get my hands on. With my husband's birthday approaching soon, this is a top contender and such a gorgeous pick too.
The Fossil men's watch is a gorgeous watch with a brown dial enclosed in a beautiful graphite black bezel which makes it look truly unique and designer. The dial-in itself is very attractive and the skeleton-style design makes it look very industrial yet quirky which adds to its charm. The watch is perfect for marking a great occasion like a milestone birthday or even an engagement or wedding.
Features
Case Diameter 48 millimetres

Watch Movement Type Automatic

Band Material Leather

Band Colour Brown


What I loved
The brown and subtle golden brown tones of the dial had my attention from the beginning. While the watch comes in a variety of colours and styles, this particular colour combination is what my heart skipped a beat. The dial paired with a leather strap is just perfection in my eyes.
User ratings on Amazon 3.9 / 5
What users have to say
Users are very happy with the watch and have reported back praising the automatic watch movement style and the make as well. They claim the quality is good and the watch runs beautifully.
My verdict on the top branded watches for menBranded watches for men are the perfect indulgence and if budget is not a constraint then pick the Diesel Analog Gray Dial Men's Watch for the best design and style which is trending today. But if you want something a little more intimate for a special gift then go with my wishlist favourite and pick the Fossil Townsman Men's Watch as it will make the special someone in your life skip a beat when they unbox it.
Read more: The best watches for men
Top branded watches for men: FAQs
1. Which are the best watch brands for men in India?
  1. Fossil
  2. Tommy Hilfiger
  3. Casi
  4. Armani Exchange
  5. Diesel
  6. Mathey Tissot
  7. Guess
  8. Hugo Boss
  9. Titan
  10. Fastrack
2. How to ensure your watches do not spoil and last for many years?
Storage and cleaning is very important. Store them well in boxes and keep them away from moisture. Also, ensure regular servicing of your watches as this will keep the mechanism functioning properly.
3. Can I get branded watches online?
Yes, many online websites now feature multiple top watch brands for men and also offer incredible deals and discounts.
DISCLAIMER: The Times of India's journalists were not involved in producing this article. The product prices mentioned in the article are subject to change with offers from Amazon.
author
About the Author
Neha R Khandelwal

Neha R Khandelwal is a seasoned fashion editor with the TOI Most Searched Products; where she is now bringing her obsession with baking and cleaning to the table with deep insights on ovens, microwaves, vacuum cleaners and more. With a background in design and two degrees from the International Institute Of Fashion Design; her perspective on style and the latest trends in clothing, footwear, handbags, accessories and more is insightful and carefully curated. In a career spanning over 10 years, she has excelled and honed her prowess in the fields of content development, marketing, social media and more which makes her an all-round expert in the fashion and affiliate marketing industry.

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