Best Mens Watches for Work

Whether you work at a construction site or an office building downtown somewhere, a durable watch is undoubtedly an essential purchase for the discerning working man. The best watches for the workplace are rugged and offer a wealth of amazing features including world time, an easy to read watch face, 24-hour time capabilities, and durable cases that are both water and shock-resistant.

Whether you’re in the market for a solar-powered watch with a day-date window or a cheap digital watch with a rugged case, the best watches for work are built to last when the hours get long at your worksite.

Now, there are hundreds of watches out there that claim to be the best for the modern workplace. How can you find the right watch for you and your particular work routine when every watch brand out there claims to have the right solution for you?

That’s where we come in. We’ve tested watch after watch, narrowing down the contenders for our in-depth list of the 6 Best Men’s Watches For Work In 2021. We’ve also put together a useful Frequently Asked Questions section to further help you in making an informed purchasing decision.

First, let’s get to our countdown!

Top 6 Men’s Watches For Work

6) Casio Men’s G-Shock Stainless Steel Quartz Watch

The first of three Casio G-Shock watches on our list, the Casio Men’s G-Shock Stainless Steel Quartz Watch is an absolute beast of durability and superb shock resistance. This solar powered analog/digital watch standout is simply one of the most durable watches you’re going to find at any price point. We’re also big fans of the interplay of digital and analog watch elements which both serves as incredibly useful and extremely attractive when gazing at the watch face.

Specs

Display Type: Analog/Digital

Clasp Style: Tang Buckle

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 59 mm

Case Thickness: 16.1 mm

Strap Material: Resin

Strap Width: 26.8 mm

Strap Color: Black

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 200 meters

Movement: Quartz Movement

Pros

• The sheer amount of features are astounding. This watch includes world time, a double LED light, 5 daily alarms, and an accurate countdown timer.
• This is one of the most durable watches you’re going to find at this price point. It’s an affordable watch which will last you for years.
• One great thing about the stainless steel case is that it barely shows any nicks or scratches unless your really gouge it. This watch will stay attractive no matter what you throw at it.

Cons

• The mineral dial window is not as impervious to scratches as sapphire crystal or a harder glass substitute.
• This watch has an aesthetic which may not be for everyone. The watch face is a bit busy and hard to read for those with visual impairments.

5) Timex Men’s Expedition Scout 40 Watch

For those looking for a budget work watch with a simple and attractive aesthetic, there’s the Timex Men’s Expedition Scout 40 Watch. For the price of a couple movie tickets, you can score this rugged little wonder. That’s a fantastic deal which is made even more impressive by included features such as an Indiglo light-up dial, a water resistant rating of 50 meters, and one of the comfiest nylon watch straps we’ve every tested. For comfort and durability in a watch that’s budget friendly, you can’t do much better.

Specs

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Tang Buckle

Case Material: Brass

Case Diameter: 40 mm

Case Thickness: 10 mm

Strap Material: Fabric

Strap Width: 20 mm

Strap Color: Green

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Brass

Water Resistance: 50 meters

Movement: Quartz Movement

Pros

• This watch is a budget wonder. We dare you to find another watch that offers this kind of durability and attractive aesthetic at such an agreeable price.
• The fabric watch strap is both attractive and super comfy. It fits well on both smaller and bigger wrists.
• One of our favorite things about this watch is the contrast of the olive green watch face and the white Arabic numerals. It simply looks better than any other watch we can think of in the budget bin.

Cons

• The accuracy of the included quartz movement in this watch is a little bit suspect. Several people have complained about having to reset it over and over.
• It’s a durable watch compared to most budget watches, but it’s not as scratch or impact resistant as any one of the Casio G-Shock watches we’ve included on this list.

4) Casio Men’s G-Shock Master Of G Rangeman Watch

While it’s a bit more expensive than some of its G-Shock counterparts, the Casio Men’s G-Shock Master of G Rangeman Watch is well worth the investment. There are no other watches we can think of which offer this level of water and shock resistant durability, especially when it comes to the world of digital watches. The biggest selling point of this watch is its multi-band atomic timekeeping technology which promises the most accurate time you’re going to find in any watch anywhere. This watch is simply unbeatable when it comes to accuracy and ruggedness.

Specs

Display Type: Digital

Case Material: Resin

Case Diameter: 54 mm

Case Thickness: 18.2 mm

Strap Material: Carbon Fiber Insert

Strap Width: 25 mm

Strap Color: Black

Dial Color: Black

Water Resistance: 200 meters

Movement: Japanese Automatic Movement

Pros

• The inclusion of atomic timekeeping technology makes this the most accurate watch on our countdown, hands down.
• Casio’s patented Tough Solar technology allows you to power your watch movement in both artificial and natural lighting.
• Of all the watches we’ve profiled, this is the best watch when it comes to water immersion. If you’re a water sports fan or just like lounging in the pool, its resistance to water is absolutely astounding.

Cons

• This is the most expensive watch on our list. If you’re looking for a budget watch for work, look elsewhere.
• The digital watch display can be extremely hard to read for those with visual impairments.

3) Timex Expedition Sierra Watch

With an atypical dial scheme and a watch design constructed with both hiking and hard workdays in mind, the Timex Expedition Sierra Watch is both scratch resistant and shock resistant to an extraordinary degree. It also includes an accurate chronograph function, an Indiglo dial function which makes it easy to read in low light, and a comfy leather strap that’s nearly impervious to rips and tears. It’s also got a very stylish, rustic presentation which will look good both with your work clothes and your casual attire.

Specs

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Tang Buckle

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 43 mm

Case Thickness: 14 mm

Strap Material: Leather

Strap Width: 22 mm

Strap Color: Brown

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 100 meters

Movement: Quartz Movement

Pros

• One aesthetic quirk we really love about this watch is the contrast between the soft brown leather band and black watch display. It really gives this watch a classic and rustic feel.
• If you’ve never had a Timex watch before, you’ve been missing out. Timex is one of the most trusted and quality watch brands you’re going to find outside of the realm of luxury watches.
• The Indiglo light function allows you to read your watch with no problems no matter how low the light gets.

Cons

• The numerals and verbiage on the display can be extremely hard to read for those with visual impairments.
• This watch may not fit some larger wrists.

2) Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GG-1000 Watch

Are you working at a construction site where inclement weather is an ongoing concern? The Casio G-Shock Mudmaster is the perfect accessory for such a wild work environment! Not only does it offer the trademark water and shock resistance of the G-Shock line, but it also adds an extra layer of mud resistance which keeps your watch ticking no matter how caked in dirt and grime it gets. It also has several great premium watch features including a 24 hour format, a powerful LED light, a thermometer, and neo-brite luminscent hour and minute hands.

Specs

Display Type: Analog/Digital

Clasp Style: Tang Buckle

Case Material: Resin

Case Diameter: 52 mm

Case Thickness: 15 mm

Strap Material: Resin

Strap Width: 30 mm

Strap Color: Beige

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 200 meters

Movement: Quartz Movement

Pros

• Mud resistance? Yup! There isn’t another watch out there that we know of which offers this level of mud, water, and shock resistance.
• The LED light included in this watch model is one of the brightest we’ve ever tested in this price range.
• The resin casing is really strong and barely shows nicks and scratches after impact.

Cons

• The watch display can be cluttered and hard to read for some.
• The aesthetic of this watch may not be the most attractive to some. It prides utility over grace, and that may not vibe with some people’s styles.

1) Citizen Men’s CA0648-09L Eco-Drive Watch

There are solar powered watches and then there’s the Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive watch. Eco-Drive technology allows you to power your watch even in the lowest of artificial light, ensuring you’re never stuck with a dead watch wrapped around your wrist. It also contains a super accurate Japanese quartz movement which promises accuracy beyond that of normal quartz movements. There are several other features to enjoy including a tachometer bezel and a chronograph, but it’s the gorgeous aesthetic and quality of the Citizen brand name which earned this watch our #1 slot.

Specs

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Tang Buckle

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 44 mm

Case Thickness: 17 mm

Strap Material: Leather

Strap Width: 26 mm

Strap Color: Black

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 100 meters

Movement: Japanese Quartz Movement

Pros

• We’re huge fans of Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology. No matter what light source you have around, this watch can glean power from it.
• This watch is definitely our pick for the most attractive on this list. It marries refinement and utility in a way that’s atypical for watches like this.
• The Japanese quartz movement is undeniably accurate and rarely loses time. You’ll be able to keep your meetings without worry!

Cons

• This watch may not be for those with larger wrists as the point of the buckle can dig into your skin at the wrong angle.
• We can’t think of much else! This watch is that awesome. We mean it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to buy a cheap watch for work?

If you’re looking for a watch for work at the cheapest price possible, you have a few different retail options. While some department stores have a selection of watches in brands you know, you might be better off going to a big box store or a discount retailer that also has a large watch selection. However, you’ll find more brands in watches that fit your particular needs if you look online. Online retailers are usually the best place to find watches at a price which fits your budget, and all of the watches listed above are available from the majority of well-known online marketplaces.

What are the best watch brands to wear at work?

Out of the six watches listed on our countdown, Casio is responsible for three of them. Casio knows exactly how to make a great watch for mens needs in the workplace and elsewhere. We’re especially fond of their G-Shock series of watches thanks to their peak shock resistance and water resistant casings which will survive through pretty much anything you throw at them. If you’re looking for a brand of watch that promises unmatched durability at an affordable price point, Casio is the way to go.

Closing Thoughts

If you’re looking for watches built to last through the longest of work shifts, look no further. The six watches on the list above are as durable as they come, and you can secure them for a price which won’t leave your bank account in a bad way. Whether you need an easy to read watch with a scratch resistant sapphire crystal dial window or something else, there’s something for every worker on this countdown.