Best Watches for Engineers

Engineers are an essential yet unsung part of our society and our lives in general. The modern comforts we enjoy in sectors ranging from the technological to agricultural owe a major debt to the work of intuitive and forward-thinking engineers. Some may earn big money in industries such as aerospace and defense. Some may be somewhat underpaid working in industries with less money to go around.

Either way, engineering is one of the coolest career fields there is. Therefore, it makes sense that only the coolest watches will do for the engineer in your family or friend group. But what exactly is the coolest watch for an engineer? Is it simply the best watch for a man? Or is less about it being a nice watch for men and more about functionality and inventive design?

After all, engineers are theoretical and practical inventors. They take problems that are insurmountable most and turn them into workable devices, gadgets, and systems both for essential use and leisure. So, an engineer deserves the best branded watches which push the envelopes of style and function just like they do every day at work.

So, what are the best watches for engineers? We’ve scoured through dozens upon dozens of potential candidates to create our definitive list of The 6 Best Watches For Engineers In 2021. And be sure to stick around after the list for our handy Frequently Asked Questions section!

But first, onto the countdown!

The 6 Best Watches For Engineers In 2021

6) Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch

A hand-wound mechanical watch for those engineers who want a touch of class and affluence in their wardrobe, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is an absolute luxury among luxuries. If NASA looks to these watches as their choice for space travel, you know that engineers will get a kick out of it too.

Specs

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Tang Buckle

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 40 mm

Case Thickness: 6 mm

Band Material: Nylon

Band Length: Un

Band Width: 24.1 mm

Band Color: Silver

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 50 meters

Movement: Mechanical Hand Wind

Pros

• This self-wound stunner of a mechanical watch is easy to set and so hard to break.
• The durability of the Hezalite crystal dial window and black PVD bezel are undeniable. This watch is nearly unbreakable.
• If you want a piece of history, this is it. This was the first watch worn on the moon!

Cons

• The mechanical hand wind system can be annoying and cumbersome for those used to automatic watches.
• The dial window is durable but can be hard to buff out scuffs if your hit it in just the wrong way.

5) Rolex Men’s Oyster Perpetual Dark Rhodium Dial Watch

If you’re not familiar with Rolex’s offerings, it’s time to get familiar. The world’s most famous luxury watch brand is famous for a reason — they create beautiful watches which outlast the competition regularly. This particular beauty is a bit more understated than other entries on this list, but its classy aesthetic is just a cover for a beast of an automatic watch which lasts and keeps time without incident.

Specs

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Deployment Buckle

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 39 mm

Band Material: Stainless Steel

Band Color: Silver

Dial Color: Rhodium

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 100 meters

Movement: Swiss Automatic

Pros

• The Swiss automatic movement is one of the most precise movements we’ve tested.
• The rhodium sun ray dial will be the talk of your next dinner party. It’s that gorgeous.
• You know what you’re getting with a Rolex — handmade one-of-a-kind time pieces which last for generations.

Cons

• Be careful where you buy your Rolex. It’s the most frequently counterfeited watch brand out there.
• Rolex quality comes with Rolex prices. This watch is an investment.

4) Ball Engineer Master II Black Dial Watch

This atypical and gorgeous Swiss automatic time piece is built with the rigors of engineering work in mind. Its case and strap combination are among the most durable on this entire list. And we just adore the hints of red on the stark black dial, along with how the smaller dials are presented in the design scheme. It’s a looker and a hard worker.

Specs

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Tang Buckle

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 44 mm

Case Thickness: 17 mm

Band Material: Silicone

Band Width: 21 mm

Band Color: Black

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 100 meters

Movement: Swiss Automatic

Pros

• This watch is made for engineers! That means an inventive design and durable case/bezel/strap combination.
• The unique, lovely color scheme on the dial will have people stopping and gawking at it.
• We adore the comfort of the silicone strap. It feels so soft and light around your wrist.

Cons

• The sapphire dial window is strong but not quite as rugged as other options on this list.
• Delays are pretty common when waiting for this watch to come back into stock.

3) Casio Men’s Vintage CA53W-1 Calculator Watch

Which of these watches is not like the others? The Casio Men’s Vintage CA53W-1 Calculator Watch is the only budget offering on our countdown, but don’t get it twisted — you get crazy value, fantastic calculator functionality, and a unique retro aesthetic for a steal of a pricing deal. For engineers trying to save a few bucks and for those with a sense of humor and whimsy, this watch is for you.

Specs

Display Type: Digital

Clasp Style: Tang Buckle

Case Material: Resin

Case Diameter: 35 mm

Case Thickness: 8 mm

Band Material: Resin

Band Length: Men’s Standard

Band Width: 20 mm

Band Color: Black

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Resin

Water Resistance: 50 meters

Movement: Quartz

Pros

• The eight-digit calculator is both easy and super enjoyable to use.
• This is the only budget watch on our list and for good reason — you get great functionality for very little money.
• We adore the late 1970s, early 1980s retro aesthetic of this watch. It looks as fun as it actually is!

Cons

• This watch is definitely low on the durability scale. You may find yourself replacing it a couple times.
• The retro look of this watch isn’t for everyone and definitely isn’t for every outfit.

2) Hamilton Men’s Open Heart Watch

We’re simply fans of the aesthetic and function of this gorgeous, inventive mid-level watch. The leather strap has a sophisticated feel to it, and everything else about this watch balances that sophistication with a distinct flair for design. The cut-out dial scheme is one of the coolest looking dial designs on any watch we’ve tested. An absolute showstopper.

Specs

Display Type: Analog

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 40 mm

Case Thickness: 11 mm

Band Material: Leather

Band Length: 8.5 inches

Band Width: 20 mm

Band Color: Dark Brown

Dial Color: Silver Cut-Out

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 50 meters

Movement: Automatic

Pros

• This watch hits #2 on our countdown because it offers a luxury aesthetic and unique design for a fraction of the cost of a luxury watch.
• The cutout skeleton dial is a joy to look at and show off to friends. It’s that cool.
• The automatic self-wind movement stores 38 hours worth of power in its reserve.

Cons

• For those with visual impairments, this is the hardest watch to read on our list.
• The power reserve can diminish over time, so just fair warning.

And the best watch for engineers is…

1) Stuhrling Original Men’s Legacy Automatic Skeleton Luxury Dress Watch

Some watches for engineers look the part. Others act the part. This one does both and does them beyond well — and for much less money than you’d think! This Stuhrling gem has a gorgeous skeleton dial which displays the inner workings of this self-winding watch masterpiece. And for those engineers who are tough on their watches, the Krysterna proprietary crystal which protects the front and back of the watch is more rugged than sapphire crystal. This watch lasts with style.

Specs

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Tang Buckle

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 46 mm

Case Thickness: 15 mm

Band Material: Leather

Band Length: Men’s Standard

Band Width: 22 mm

Band Color: Black

Dial Color: Silver

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 50 meters

Movement: Automatic

Pros

• Aesthetically speaking, this is the perfect watch for engineers. Its full skeleton dial offers a unique look into the inner workings of this superstar offering.
• Do you want a time piece that looks every bit a luxury watch but doesn’t cost the same? Here you go.
• This watch is tougher than nails. It will survive pretty much anything you throw at it.

Cons

• Some models lose time quickly after a year or so of use.
• The band may be too thin for comfort for some.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best watch for the money?

In a countdown full of expensive luxury and dress watches, the Casio Men’s Vintage CA53W-1 Calculator Watch is the outlier. It’s an absolute budget marvel which doesn’t cost much more than a movie ticket. It’s retro calculator watch design looks spiffy on any wrist and will at least generate its fair share of smiles from those in the know. The quartz movement is super reliable and among the( most unique quartz watches we’ve ever profiled. That’s what a full eight-digit calculator and added functionality brings to the table — a unique, inventive presentation which will is on the low end of the pricing scale for quartz watches.

The resin band is as comfy as a rubber strap, conforming to your wrist. For engineers on a budget or those who just love retro design schemes, this is definitely the best watch for the money for engineers.

Which brand is best for men’s watches?

While the idea of the best brand is subjective to your own preferences, we tend to look at Rolex as the best brand for men’s watches on the planet today. The time that Rolex’s manufacturing team spends on each time piece manifests in precision craftsmanship that’s unparalleled in the world of men’s watches. And the materials they use are absolutely top of the line. The sapphire crystal dial windows on the lion’s share of their luxury watches are nearly impenetrable. If you’ve never had a watch with a sapphire crystal dial window, you’ll notice the difference right away in clarity and scratch resistance.

We haven’t even mentioned the unique style and design schemes of every Rolex watch. There’s a watch design in Rolex’s oeuvre for any man, any engineer, or anyone who loves watches. It’s one of the most trusted and beloved brand names in the watch industry for a reason. You may prefer your IWC Ingenieur or something different for your personal taste, but you can never go wrong with a Rolex.

Closing Thoughts

If you’re an engineer or you know someone who is, you know how much intelligent and effective design schemes mean to those working in the field. Whichever one of the six watches you choose from the countdown above, you know you’re going to get a watch which mirrors that passion while also offering technological perks like an extended power reserve or aesthetic joys like a beautiful leather strap.

Ignore the social media features which push other watch brands as the best watches for engineers. Grab one of the watches above and you’ll be happy — either giving it to an engineer you love or wearing it yourself for you next big job.