Look down at your wrist. Do you have one of the best casual watches on right now? Maybe? Maybe not? If the answer is no, The Manual’s guide to the best casual watches will change all of that. If statement-making style is all about the details — which is very much true — then a sharp, versatile and yet easily wearable timepiece makes all the difference. The below casual watches will work for all sorts of summer style situations — and well beyond that. Whether worn with a slub pocket tee and light wash denim or slim chino shorts and a crisp polo, you won’t be in the wrong with one of the best casual watches from this guide. Shop away, and make sure you’re on time.
Timex Waterbury Chronograph Diver, $135
Timex has certainly upped the ante when it comes to standout, affordable style in recent years. The Waterbury line is exemplary in its rugged, vintage-inspired and sharp design. The handy triple chronograph and slick all-black colorway make this timepiece suited for your next rock concert or music festival — or the office on a casual Friday.
Standard Issue Instruments Pilot Mission Timer, $250
Watches with NATO straps owe a debt of gratitude to hard-working men and women in rough-and-tumble areas — like the military and aviation. The Standard Issue Instruments Pilot Mission Timer checks all the boxes when it comes to rugged, work-ready style — and it does so at an attainable price. This is a versatile watch to wear for travel or outdoor adventures alike.
Electric California Carroway Leather Watch, $225
Leather watches can be just as casual and easygoing as you need ‘em to be — take the handsomely designed Electric California Carroway Leather Watch. Featuring a crisp design and a handsome black-and-tan color combination, this is the right watch to wear on a weekend trip, and it might look best when worn sipping beers around a campfire — it’s that easy to wear.
MVMT Watches Calypso Watch, $145
For style that channels the look of a much more expensive watch, MVMT Watches is the place to go. The Calypso Watch, from the brand’s Modern Sport Collection, channels slick style and merges the dressy — rose gold design details — with the sporty (by way of a black rubber strap). In all, it’s a watch you can wear with a broken-in pocket tee and beat-up denim for plenty of relaxing summer evenings.
Timex + Todd Snyder Military Watch, $138
Last but certainly not least — the American watch purveyors at Timex meld minds with the lauded design sensibility of New York-based designer Todd Snyder. Crucially, the result is a hard-wearing military watch with classic design details (just look at those dial markings) and even more classic style — feel free to wear this one with lightweight navy blazer and a heather grey pocket tee (preferably both from Todd Snyder, too).
