Watches aren’t just back in style. They are one of the most sought-after accessories for teenagers all over the world, boys and girls alike.
Fashion brands such as Calvin Klein and mainstay watch brands like Casio are marketing to fashion-forward teens who want to add some pop to their daily outfits. A great watch is more than just something to wear on your wrist. It’s a boost of confidence and a fashion statement unlike anything else.
For those with teenage boys and teenage girls in their family (or those reading who are teens themselves), there’s a confusing glut of watch choices available for sale right now. That’s why we’ve pared things down into a neat, easy list of The 6 Best Watches For Teenagers In 2021.
Let’s start with the #6 entry on our countdown!
The 6 Best Watches For Teens In 2021
6) Casio Men’s Illuminator Collection Black Digital Watch
- Square watch with digital display featuring LED light, daily alarm, and hourly time signal
- 42.4 mm stainless steel case with mineral dial window
- Quartz movement with digital display, 1/100 Sec. Stopwatch
- Resin band with buckle closure
- Water Resistant; Accuracy : ±30 Seconds a month
A simple digital timepiece with a strong mineral crystal glass window and digital display, the Casio Men’s Illuminator Black Digital Watch is a prime retro fit for a teen. If they’ve watched Stranger Things (and it’s likely they have), they’ve probably marveled over this 80s-inspired gem. This chronograph watch is a battery-powered beauty. Barack Obama even wore it during his days at Harvard. When it comes to your search for cool watches, it’s a safe buy.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Digital
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 42.4 mm
Case Thickness: 10.26 mm
Strap Material: Plastic
Strap Length: Unisex
Strap Width: 23.7 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Pros
- It’s the cheapest watch on our countdown, but it’s still got plenty to it!
- The 80s aesthetic is in right now! This watch will be a total hit in the halls and in the classroom.
- The added illumination function is a welcome addition for night hangouts.
Cons
- The polyurethane band isn’t as comfy as a silicone strap or nylon band.
- The mineral dial window is sturdy, but it’s still prone to scuffs.
5) Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch With Canvas Strap
- Round watch featuring blue dial with day/date windows at 3 o'clock, luminous sword-shape hands, and textured off-center crown
- 37 mm stainless steel case with Hardlex dial window
- Automatic self-wind movement with analog display. Case Back: Skeleton
- Canvas band with buckle closure. Case thickness: 11 mm
- Water resistant to 30 m (99 ft): In general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, but not suitable for swimming
Seiko is one of the most trusted watch brands for those looking for entry-level and mid-level timepieces. And the Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch With Canvas Strap is no exception. It’s the only automatic watch on our list, and it boasts a 40-hour power reserve that’s unbeatable at its low price point. It’s also quite durable thanks to its high-quality Hardlex dial window and tough canvas band. If you want to steer clear of battery-powered watches, this is your best option.
Specs
Display Window Material: Hardlex
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 37 mm
Case Thickness: 11 mm
Strap Material: Canvas
Strap Length: 10.25 inches
Strap Width: 18 mm
Strap Color: Blue
Dial Color: Blue
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Pros
- The Hardlex dial window holds up against scuffs, scratches, dings, and dents.
- The blue-on-blue design scheme is an attractive fit for teenage boys and girls.
- The canvas band is comfy and doesn’t wear out easily.
Cons
- Automatic movements don’t keep time nearly as well as quartz movements.
- This watch may be too small for some medium-sized and larger wrists.
4) Casio G-Shock Men’s GA110RG-1A Black Watch
- Shock-resistant sports watch featuring black and copper-tone dial with LED light, countdown timer, and 1/1000-second stopwatch
- 51 mm resin case with mineral dial window
- Japanese quartz movement with digital display
- Also features flash alert, world time (48 cities and UTC), multi-home time, 12/24 hour formats, and ribbed resin band with buckle closure
- Water resistant to 200 m (660 ft): In general, suitable for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports, but not scuba diving
For active teenagers who play a sport (or three), the Casio G-Shock series is a godsend. Our pick from this line of shock-resistant, water-resistant baddies is the Casio G-Shock Men’s GA110RG-1A Black Watch. It’s dual analog/digital display scheme is cool as heck, and the resin casing withstands sudden impacts better than most any other watch you can find. With this around your wrist, you never have to worry about a watch breaking during a swim, job, or intense hiking/biking session.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog/Digital
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Resin
Case Diameter: 51 mm
Case Thickness: 17 mm
Strap Material: Resin
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 16 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Pros
- This watch may have the toughest mineral crystal dial window we’ve profiled at its price point.
- With a water-resistant rating of 200 meters and prime shock resistance, this watch is stronger than any other on this list.
- The Japanese quartz movement keeps time effortlessly.
Cons
- To be honest, this watch isn’t the most attractive one on our countdown.
- The small digital display is hard to read for those with visual impairments.
3) Diesel Men’s Master Chief Stainless Steel Quartz Watch
- Instantly step up your style game with Diesel's Master Chief watch, featuring a unique case shape, a sleek dial with cut-out detail, and luminous hands that stand out day or night.
- Case & Dial: 46mm diameter; stainless steel case with black dial and unique crown guard; mineral crystal face resists scratches
- Watch Band: 27mm band width; brown genuine leather band with adjustable buckle closure
- Movement: Quartz movement with three-hand analog display; imported
- Water Resistant: Up to 100m (330ft): Can be worn bathing, swimming or snorkeling and shallow diving; 10 ATM
Perhaps the most atypically fashionable watch on our countdown, the Diesel Men’s Master Chief Stainless Steel Quartz Watch is urban chic at its finest. The addition of a steel cut-out at the 3 o’clock position gives this timepiece a personality of its own. And it plays quite well off the stark black dial and dark brown leather strap. This is a one-of-a-kind watch for teenagers who are looking to stand out from the crowd.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 46 mm
Case Thickness: 12 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 27 mm
Strap Color: Brown
Dial Color: Black, Gray
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 10 meters
Pros
- This is watch is different in all the right ways. It does its own thing unapologetically.
- The steel cut-out is a cool addition that adds to the stylish warehouse party aesthetic.
- The stainless steel case is able to take a beating.
Cons
- The luminous hands aren’t the most resonant. It’s still hard to read at night.
- The leather watch band can lose its color and form with repeated wear.
2) Daniel Wellington Classic Durham Watch
- Designed in Sweden, Daniel Wellington timepieces feature minimalist Scandinavian style and are the perfect gift or personal accessory for every occasion.
- Signature Rose Gold Double Plating On 316L Stainless Steel
- 36mmmm dial in Eggshell White
- Japanese Quartz Movement
- Durable, water-resistant case Up to 3 ATM
Daniel Wellington makes timepieces that exude luxury without the cost of a high-end timepiece. The Daniel Wellington Classic Durham Watch is a slim, sleek feminine piece of watchmaking art that’s all the rage among teenage girls right now. We love the contrast of the rose-gold tone case, the soft brown leather strap, and the off-white dial. It all works in perfect harmony and gives this watch touches of versatility and class.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Rose Gold
Case Diameter: 36 mm
Case Thickness: 6 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Length: 160-200 mm
Strap Width: 18 mm
Strap Color: Brown
Dial Color: White
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Pros
- This watch exudes minimalist femininity at its finest.
- We love the rose-gold tinting and how it brings the whole piece together.
- The Japanese quartz movement is exceptionally accurate.
Cons
- The thin case and strap make it a no-go for bigger wrists.
- The leather band takes some breaking in for it to be comfortable.
1) Nixon Time Teller Watch
- TIME TELLER, ALL BLACK. The 37mm Time Teller has a sleek 3-hand movement, applied indices and custom-molded hands. Built with custom 5-link stainless steel jewelry style bracelet and sliding buckle
- ORIGINAL NIXON DESIGN. An all-time best-seller with an unpretentious versatile appearance, this all black women’s watch is water resistant up to 100m and protects against everything from rain to surf. Snap down the top piece of your buckle to secure in place
- SIMPLIFY TIME. Clean lines cut through cloudy philosophy, while its simple, high concept design keeps things precise. The Time Teller is a simple Nixon watch that stands the test of time. The dial includes applied indices, and custom molded hands
- FUELED BY ADVENTURES. We deliver products that meet your needs in various high-stress work and play environments, whether it’s across the globe or down the street. Pull out the crown to set the time
- FOR A LIFE WELL LIVED. Through our dedicated teams’ perspectives, we contribute to a single unified expression: team-designed, custom-built accessories
The Nixon Time Teller doesn’t come with flashy nuances like luminous hands or high-end smartwatch capabilities. Regardless, it’s simply one of the coolest watches we’ve ever profiled. Teens and young adults look to Nixon watches for a jolt of street-inspired style around their wrists. The Nixon Time Teller may not have sports watch features like a countdown timer, but the multiple color options available make it the perfect accessory for any teen’s wardrobe.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Push-Button Foldover Clasp With Safety
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 37 mm
Case Thickness: 10 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Length: 10 inches
Strap Width: 20 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Pros
- This watch is so simple yet so singularly refined in its aesthetic.
- The Time Teller series has multiple color options for a teenager to choose from.
- This watch is deceptively sturdy, especially with its 100 meters of water resistance.
Cons
- It’s really hard to read the time when this timepiece is under direct light.
- We’d have appreciated a backlight function for use at night.
FAQs
What are the key features to look for in the best watches for teenage boys?
Teen watches aren’t hard to figure out. Watches for teenagers need to balance functionality, style, and have all of the things one looks for out of a great watch. Watches for teenage boys need to do all this while making a unique fashion statement that aligns with a guy’s personality.
Key features include an accurate timekeeping mechanism such as a Japanese quartz movement, an easy-to-read watch face, a sturdy and scratch-resistant mineral crystal dial window, GPS capabilities and activity tracking (for smartwatches), a comfortable nylon strap or resin band, a water-resistant construction, and the kinda flair that their friends can’t help but comment on when they post pics to social media.
Is an Apple Watch worth the price for a teenager?
The Apple Watch is a revolutionary device. It’s not only one of the best watches for teenagers out there. It’s one of the best watches, period. However, the new Apple Watch Series 6 is a pricey high-end smartwatch that may not appeal to every teenage boy (or girl). In fact, you’re better off sticking to one of the timepieces on our countdown if the teen you’re shopping for doesn’t have an iPhone. Syncing is a bit part of the Apple Watch draw.
Any Apple Watch purchase comes with top-quality smart watch features such as a fitness tracker, heart rate monitor, a simple yet attractive interface, and compatibility with music streaming services and some of the best apps in the marketplace right now. They are, undoubtedly, cool watches. However, they may cost too much when you’re shopping for a teenage boy with fickle tastes.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for the best watch for a teenager in 2021, you can’t do any better than the six choices on the list above. Whether it’s a casual watch, dress watch, or sports watch you’re after, there’s a timepiece for the teen in your family on our countdown.