If you thought the business of men’s watches would take a downturn with the advent of the smartphone, think again. The watch industry is booming!
From smartwatches to dive watches, sports watches to field watches, there are enough watches in the marketplace right now to make a man’s head spin with options. And there are tons of great designs out there with plenty of added benefits including a rotating bezel, multiple time zones, leather bands, prime water resistance (and/or G-Shock capabilities), classy thin case offerings, and precious metal constructions.
With so many great watches to choose from, you’re probably asking yourself — how many watches should a man own? Is three watches enough? Four? Should I have a watch collection at all? Does a beater watch count?
Don’t get left in a lurch headed into your next dinner party? Bookmark this handy guide on the ins and outs of men’s watch ownership and help us help you!
Should an average man have a watch collection?
Yes! No matter what types of watches you’re into and when you decided to wear them, having a selection of watches in your dresser is huge. Even if you have just one durable chronograph with a classy leather band and white numerals, it’s better than nothing.
However, that’s not the answer for a true watch enthusiast. And it’s not the answer for a man who wants a quality watch for every occasion. From work to play, wearing the same watch over and over again is just boring and oftentimes counterproductive. Why wear a dress watch while you’re jogging? Who wants to show off a beat-up digital watch on a hot date?
Get yourself out there and check out the watch market. Match watches to your outfit choices and build a collection worth wearing!
How many watches should you have in a collection?
You don’t need to buy watches every paycheck to have a quality watch collection. In our estimation, a man should own anywhere from three to five watches in their collection. You should always have a clean dress watch for a night out, a durable sports watch for hiking and biking, a smartwatch or digital watch for tasking, and a couple of other watches on hand for style purposes.
You don’t need a watch for every pair of shoes or a new bracelet for every tie you own. The idea of a watch collection is to get the most out of your wrist accessories. It all depends on what you need and what you do. Are you into the Great Outdoors and value sport above everything else? Are you talking with prospective clients and looking to impress them with your fashion sense?
Build a watch collection of at least 3 to 5 watches that fits you! Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Just do you!
What kind of watches should a watch enthusiast have in their collection?
Dress Watch
The cool thing about dress watches is that you can find them at all different price points. There are gorgeous dress options out there for less than a hundred bucks. And there are luxury dress watches that will set you back a pretty penny. It all depends on what you’re looking to spend, how long you want a watch to last, and what kind of features and dial design you’ve got your heart set on. One or two good dress watches will take your business and business-casual outfits up a notch or three.
Sports Watch
Do you love to bike? Are you a part-time tennis player or golfer on your off days? Sports watches are built for men with active lifestyles. And they often offer strong water resistance, shock resistance, and bonuses like stopwatches for timing your reps or laps as you go.
Dive Watch
Dive watches are a must for those who spend a lot of time in the water. Even if you’re just swimming in a pool or lounging by the beach, these water-resistant beauties are worth the investment. And if you get into stuff like scuba diving or snorkeling, your dive watch will be primed to go along on the journey with you.
Fitness Watch
Fitness watches are a cool subsection of sports watches that do rad things like track your steps, count your calories burned, and give you measurements of your heart rate and oxygen levels. If you’re looking to get ripped or just feel better about yourself, fitness watches can help you set the right goals for a better life.
Everyday Watch/Casual Watch
Sometimes you just want a cheap watch that you can throw on when you go out grocery shopping or to the mall. There is plenty of budget everyday watches out there with solid durability and unique designs fit for the job!
Digital Watch
If you watch Stranger Things or if you were a child of the 1980s or 1990s, you know the true appeal of a retro digital watch. Analog watches are great and all, but digital watches are a mood for some of us. Get yourself a burner or a cheap Casio for when that time comes.
Smartwatch
Smartwatches have evolved by leaps and bounds in recent years. Even the Apple Watch is a completely different beast than it was in its first and second incarnations. Smartwatches now offer brilliant displays, gorgeous and strong cases, and a litany of features that would make some phones blush.
Field Watch
Field watches are survival watches built for the most strenuous of active lifestyles. If you like to rock climb or camp for weeks at a time, get yourself a field watch with a jerky-tough strap. The best field watches will last you for years, no matter what you throw at them.
What kind of activities should a man have a watch for?
If you buy only one watch, what type of watch should it be?
Frequently Asked Questions
How many watches does the average man own?
Some men haven’t worn a watch since they were a kid. If you’re reading this article, you’re likely not one of them. According to recent data, the average man owns at least 1-2 watches. And, the average watch collector owns anywhere from 15-20 timepieces. If you want a really solid watch collection, you probably need more than one. However, twenty watches might be overkill. Just find the types of watches that work for you and find 3-5 watches or so that fit the bill.
What are the benefits of watch ownership?
From dress watches to sports watch offerings (and everything in between), watches are an irreplaceable part of a man’s wardrobe. From the car you drive to the sports you play, watches add style and substance to everything you do. And some of the best watches out there feature key elements like water resistance and gorgeous dial designs that will bump up your style game to heights yet unseen.
Should I invest in an elegant timepiece for special occasions?
It’s a really good idea. If you have the money to spend on a great luxury watch, do it. A top-shelf Rolex or Patek Philippe will turn heads while giving you the confidence to own every party and function you go to.
Is the Omega Speedmaster worth the money?
Yes. Every version of the Omega Speedmaster is worth the four-figure price point it commands. Options such as the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch offer peak durability, usage life, and style in a way that paces the luxury watch field. If you’ve got a nice suit and big dreams, the Omega Speedmaster is the perfect accessory for you.
Closing Thoughts
Whether it’s for outdoor activities or business functions, most men need and deserve a selection of watches for both functionality and style. You can grab a Rolex for the clout and a Casio for the stopwatch. Or, you can go your own way and find watches you like with the features that mean the most to you. Whatever you decide to do, most people would benefit from a strong watch collection. A few timepieces are all it takes to boost your accessory game and get you where you want to go how you want to look.