A beautiful watch collection is a must-have for every stylish man. Whether you are a budding watch enthusiast looking to start a collection or a dedicated watch lover, every man should actually have the following five watch types in his collection. After all, every style has a different function and appearance. 
And whatever your budget, you can always find a watch in one of these five styles from a reputable brand. This way, you are ready for any occasion or adventure that comes your way.

1 A ‘dress watch’

A beautiful dress watch pairs best with formal attire, such as a suit, but also with a smart polo shirt or dress shirt. You usually wear this type of watch to work or other formal occasions such as a wedding, a visit to a chic restaurant, etc. 

The characteristics of a dress watch are a small size (max 40 mm), a thin case, a minimalist dial, and a leather strap or a fine mesh strap. Try to match the color of the leather strap to the color of your belt and the shoes you wear most often. Or buy a watch with a quick-release strap so you can easily change the strap yourself.

Want to read more about ‘dress watches’? Then visit our blog “Dress Watches for men: Less is More”.

2 A Sports Watch

Due to their sporty appearance, often bright colors, and large size, sports watches are not really suitable for wearing with smart clothing. This is because sports watches are specifically designed to be worn during sports. You can use them to measure and track your performance. The design is also specifically tailored to sports and exercise. Featuring flexible, sweat-resistant straps, a waterproof case, and easy-to-use buttons.

3 A ‘tool watch’ 

A ‘tool watch’ is more than just a watch; it is an instrument specifically designed for professional tasks—such as diving, flying, or navigating—rather than merely for show. These watches are characterized by excellent technical specifications such as high readability, water and shock resistance, and often include extra functions such as timers or navigation aids, making them much more than just a clock. 

A tool watch is an indispensable timepiece for any collection, suitable for outdoor activities, whether you are going for a long hike, mountain biking, or attending your child’s football match. Your tool watch can withstand the elements. Examples of ‘tool watches’ include pilot watches and military field watches. 

Pilot watches are stylish, functional, and a great option for casual daily wear, with a trendy retro look. The hallmark of a pilot watch is its excellent readability. Other features include luminous hands, an oversized crown, and straps made of sturdy material, often with rivets. They also typically feature complications such as a chronograph and a tachymeter, which allowed distance and fuel consumption to be calculated. 

Read more about military watches in our blog “What is a good military or tactical watch?”. 

Field watches were originally military watches; functionality took precedence over form. Nowadays, field watches are more suitable for casual wear, but due to their functionality, they are also very useful for outdoor athletes, for example. Features include water resistance, resistance to temperature fluctuations, and readability in the dark. Field watches can also usually be stopped by pulling out the crown, allowing soldiers to ‘synchronize’ their watches exactly. The (NATO) straps of field watches are generally made of canvas, nylon, or leather.

For more information, read our blog “Watch Trend: Field Watches”.

4. A Dive Watch

A dive watch is a cross between a sports watch and a tool watch. It is specially developed for swimming and diving. But even if you are not often near water, a dive watch is a practical and stylish addition to your collection. You can wear a dive watch during active pursuits or pair it with any casual outfit.

Features of a dive (style) watch include high water resistance (at least 10 ATM), clear, luminous hands and indices for good visibility underwater, and an adjustable strap. Additionally, dive watches always feature a rotating bezel that allows you to keep track of elapsed dive time.

5. A Chronograph

A chronograph is essentially a watch with a stopwatch. The elapsed seconds and minutes are read from separate sub-dials.

Racing watches are a distinct category of chronographs and are specially made for racing drivers. The watches often resemble classic racing cars and feature bright colours or patterns. The tachymeter and chronograph are reminiscent of a sports car dashboard.

You can read more information about exactly what a chronograph is and how it works in the blog “What is a chronograph watch?”.

And finally, as the sixth: The everyday watch that can take a beating

In addition to these five watches, every man needs an everyday watch that can take a beating. Also known as a ‘daily beater’. This is usually a watch that isn't too expensive and can take scratches. Doing odd jobs at a friends' house, tinkering with your car, playing football with the kids —these are all activities where you don't wear your most expensive watch. The daily beater is strong, can take a beating, is resistant to moisture, and isn't too expensive. A brand with a good price-quality ratio is Lorus, for example, or choose a cheerful plastic watch from Swatch. And with a shock-resistant G-Shock watch, you are basically always on the safe side.

Men's watches at Watch.co.uk

Watch.co.uk offers an extensive collection of men's watches from well-known brands. Filter our selection by brand, price, or features to find your ideal watch. Or visit our watch types page to search by watch style. Need personal advice? Our Customer Service colleagues are always ready to assist you.