# Best men's watch brands to buy right now > From heritage Swiss brands to affordable newcomers, here's where to find your next timepiece. - Title: Best men's watch brands to buy right now · Men's Health - Summary: From heritage Swiss brands to affordable newcomers, here's where to find your next timepiece. You don't need to spend five figures on a luxury watch… - Keywords: watches, seiko, movado, oris, tissot, hamilton, shinola, vaer, citizen, casio, cartier, rolex - Source: Men's Health — https://menshealth.com/style/a71573916/best-mens-watch-brands - Author: Tim Kohut - Published: 2026-09-16T19:40:58+00:00 - Read time: 4 min - Topics: watches, seiko, movado, oris, tissot, hamilton, shinola, vaer, citizen, casio, cartier, rolex ## Getting into watches is a rite of passage Owning a quality watch marks a step into adulthood, like smoking meats or diving into World War Two documentaries. You don't need to spend five figures on a luxury brand to elevate your everyday style. ## Heritage brands offer similar looks for less Many century-old brands deliver luxury aesthetics and function for under $1,000. If you want to show off, consider buying second-hand from licensed retailers for anxiety-free used options. ## Seiko: Japanese heritage at all price points A Japanese brand since the late 1800s, Seiko offers timepieces ranging from $250 to several thousand dollars. They're simple, subtle, and work for just about any occasion. ## Movado: Swiss minimalism since 1881 Known for ultra-simplistic design without traditional numerals, Movado watches are sleek and timeless. Most models cost under $500, making them surprisingly affordable for a Swiss heritage brand. ## Oris: Swiss luxury with practical function This 115-year-old Swiss brand makes everything from sleek dive pieces to modernized everyday watches. You can grab a new model for as little as $2,000, making it affordable for a luxury heritage brand. ## Tissot: Swiss bang for your buck One of the best value heritage watch brands, Tissot has offered classic styles since 1853. Most pieces are available for well under $1,000 and ship quickly from major retailers. ## Hamilton: Entry-level Swiss excellence Founded in 1892, Hamilton is at the top of the entry-level Swiss watch list. Its iconic Khaki Field Watches and budget-friendly Jazzmaster models hover around $500. ## Shinola: Affordable luxury from Detroit Named after a defunct Detroit shoe polish company, Shinola manufactures hand-crafted watches in the same state. It combines classic rugged style with a modernized twist at accessible prices. ## Shinola Runwell: A flagship timepiece The Runwell is Shinola's signature watch, priced at $795. It works with just about anything and is worn daily in and out of the office by style editors. ## Shinola Vinton: Another standout option The Vinton is another Shinola favorite, priced at $750. It delivers the same quality and versatility as the Runwell at a slightly lower price point. ## Vaer: New brand, proven quality Founded in 2016, Vaer has quickly risen through the ranks with utilitarian watches priced from $150 to $800. Built to last with durable materials and US construction, it's known for field watches. ## Citizen: Japanese heritage with Eco Drive Founded in 1918, Citizen's proprietary Eco Drive technology converts both artificial and natural light into electrical energy. Its watches are sleek, well-built, and balance form and function perfectly. ## Casio: Budget watches with serious range One of the best budget watch brands, Casio started as a calculator company in 1957 before launching watches in 1974. G-Shock models range from $20 to $8,000, offering hardwearing shockproof options. ## Cartier: Timeless luxury since 1847 A French brand with unmatched longevity, Cartier is famous for its Tank watch, worn by Muhammad Ali. Prices are steep, but you can find pre-owned pieces from trusted retailers at lower costs. > The Greatest of All Time, Muhammad Ali, used to rock its signature men's style, the Tank ## Rolex: The household name in watches Founded in 1905, Rolex is the most well-known watch brand and a status symbol. The Submariner gained fame from James Bond films. Most new models cost five figures, but used Datejust watches can be found for around $3,000. ## Tudor: Rolex's more affordable sub-brand Founded in 1926 by Rolex's Hans Wilsdorf, Tudor is a more accessible way to experience Rolex luxury. It offers durable, masculine watches in rugged, muted shades, with the Black Bay being a celebrity favorite. ## Victorinox: Swiss Army's watch division Victorinox, famous for its Swiss Army Knife, has made watches since 1989. The brand offers performance-forward, everyday watches at reasonable prices, with the Concept One solar watch being particularly popular. ## Panerai: Military heritage meets style Founded in Florence in 1860, Panerai supplied diving watches to the Royal Italian Navy. Its current watches honor this military history, combining sporty and sleek designs built for performance. ## Key takeaway You don't need to spend five figures on a luxury watch. Heritage brands like Seiko, Tissot, and Hamilton offer excellent style and function for under $1,000, while newer brands like Shinola and Vaer deliver quality at accessible prices.