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The best luxury watches for men don’t have to cost $10K

Before investing in a luxury watch, check out these excellent options for the best bang for your buck

Man wearing luxury watch on the town
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Every great watch rotation needs a healthy assortment of the best luxury watches, or at the very least, one especially investment-level timepiece. It's a step up in every way from the timepiece you might be used to wearing daily, whether it's a smartwatch, a rugged silicone strapped watch, or a "daily driver" leather watch that you've had for years. A luxury watch is a marker of intention. It adds elegance and refinement to your most well-tailored ensembles and reminds you of both meaning and purpose that keeps you on track throughout the day. The best men's watches are a welcome addition to your wrist game.

The best luxury watches feature precise movements, handsome dial designs, high-quality case and strap materials, and just a little something extra to separate them from the rest of the pack. Sure, these timepieces are more expensive, but that's a good thing: There's hardly a situation where you can't wear your new favorite luxury watch, and that goes for more casual affairs, too. It's worth buying and wearing as often as possible, all the better to get some "ROI" on your purchase. Where to start with the luxury watch market? We've got a few crucial picks in mind.

Panerai Luminor Marina
Panerai Luminor Marina
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Porsamo Bleu Francoise Luxury Chronograph
Porsamo Bleu Francoise Luxury Chronograph
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Longines HydroConquest Automatic Watch 
Longines HydroConquest Automatic Watch 
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Gucci G-Timeless Leather Watch
Gucci G-Timeless Leather Watch
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Salvatore Ferragamo Sapphire Chronograph
Salvatore Ferragamo Sapphire Chronograph
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Movado Strato Chronograph
Movado Strato Chronograph
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Tag Heuer Formula 1 Stainless Steel Watch 
Tag Heuer Formula 1 Stainless Steel Watch 
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A close-up of a man's hand wearing a Panerai Luminor Marina.
Panerai

Panerai Luminor Marina

There's certainly plenty of debate about the best luxury watches, but Panerai's timepieces are rugged and handsome, wearable with a suit and finely crafted leather boots or with a pocket tee and your best jeans. If you are spending more money on a watch, it's hard to beat that kind of versatility.

Panerai Luminor Marina
Panerai Luminor Marina

Porsamo Bleu Francoise Luxury Chronograph

Run by a third-generation jeweler and a century of experience with gold, silver, diamonds, and other precious and semi-precious stones, this brand is worth the money. While they have a whole inventory of excellent timepieces, this all-black option will add a depth of class to your collection. While most steel bracelets and casings are chrome or silver colored, this piece is truly unique.

Porsamo Bleu Francoise Luxury Chronograph
Porsamo Bleu Francoise Luxury Chronograph
A Longines HydroConquest Automatic Watch on plain background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Longines HydroConquest Automatic Watch 

Longines watches are precise and durable, yet refined and wearable in most situations (even adventurous ones, like diving). Why not go all out with a timepiece you can wear on any adventure, whether exploring a new city, meeting new friends, or trying new things? This watch is fairly priced for all the wear you'll get out of it, too.

Longines HydroConquest Automatic Watch 
Longines HydroConquest Automatic Watch 
A Gucci G-Timeless Leather Strap Watch on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Gucci G-Timeless Leather Watch

Gucci is nothing if not bold when designing the best menswear and accessories on the market, and this leather strap watch puts the brand front and center on your wrist. Was there any question that there wouldn't be a Gucci installment on a luxury list such as this? Of course, if you're electing Gucci, you have to go with something very unique that stands out, like this option.

Gucci G-Timeless Leather Watch
Gucci G-Timeless Leather Watch
A black Salvatore Ferragamo Sapphire Chronograph on plain background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Salvatore Ferragamo Sapphire Chronograph

Ferragamo blends the sporty (a durable and unstainable silicone band) and the fashion-forward with one precisely crafted watch sure to work with any outfit. Begin with the preppy ensembles (think a polo, white jeans, and driving loafers) or casual (like your favorite henley and dark blue jeans). It's a fine luxury watch, any way you look at it.

Salvatore Ferragamo Sapphire Chronograph
Salvatore Ferragamo Sapphire Chronograph
A blue Movado Strato Chronograph on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Movado Strato Chronograph

If you invest in one of the best luxury watches for men, you might as well go big. This bold chronograph watch features an oversized dial and vibrant color for maximum style and functionality. Sure, you can go versatile and get a silver watch that goes with everything, or you could show off your investment by getting something that stands out!

Movado Strato Chronograph
Movado Strato Chronograph
Stylish sport luxury watch for men.
Macy's

Tag Heuer Formula 1 Stainless Steel Watch 

Tag Heuer is one of the top names in the watch game, and the Formula 1 keeps the reputation going. This crisply designed, speedy, and sporty watch is a fitting nod to the brand's racing-fueled history. It's wearable heritage and style at its best.

Tag Heuer Formula 1 Stainless Steel Watch 
Tag Heuer Formula 1 Stainless Steel Watch 

There you have it. You have the investment capital and the possible options, the only thing left to do is choose the watch you want to elevate your life.

Beau Hayhoe

Beau Hayhoe is a freelance men's style writer, consultant and PR pro based in Brooklyn. Beau's menswear and gear writing has appeared on a number of prominent men's style and lifestyle sites, including GearMoose, Maxim, InsideHook and more. He also covers music for The Line of Best Fit. Outside of working hours, Beau enjoys all things craft beer and has a passion for live concerts. Find him on Instagram (@BeauHayhoe) and follow him on Twitter (@BoKnowsClothes).

Send all editorial inquiries HERE.

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