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10 Watch Styles Every Man Should Own for the Perfect Collection in 2025
If there’s one accessory that truly defines a man’s style, it’s his watch. Not just one watch—the right mix of watches for every mood, event, and outfit. In 2025, building a diverse watch collection is easier and more exciting than ever, thanks to traditional luxury brands and the surge of innovative microbrands offering incredible designs and value.
Let’s explore the 10 essential watch styles every man should own to create a collection that’s versatile, stylish, and ready for any occasion.
Why Every Man Needs a Versatile Watch Collection
Watches as Tools and Style Statements
Watches started as pure tools—keeping time for soldiers, divers, and pilots. Today, they’re also powerful style statements. The watch you wear sends a message about your taste, lifestyle, and attention to detail.
Matching Watches to Life’s Occasions
From weddings to business meetings, travel to the beach, no single watch fits every scenario perfectly. A well-rounded collection ensures you’re always prepared, stylish, and confident.
1. The Dress Watch
Slim Cases for Formal Attire
A dress watch is the definition of elegance. Think:
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Thin cases that slide under shirt cuffs
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Leather straps (usually black or brown)
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Modest diameters (around 36–39mm)
Timeless Dial Designs
A clean dial with minimal clutter—just simple indices or Roman numerals. Microbrands like Baltic and Lorier are creating stunning dress watches that rival traditional Swiss pieces for a fraction of the price.
2. The Dive Watch
Water Resistance and Sporty Appeal
Dive watches are rugged yet stylish. Key traits include:
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Water resistance (usually 200m or more)
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Rotating bezels for timing dives
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Bold, luminous markers for visibility underwater
Even if you never dive, the sporty aesthetic pairs perfectly with casual outfits.
Microbrands Making Waves in Dive Watches
Brands like Zelos, Baltic, and Christopher Ward offer incredible dive watches with top specs and unique designs without the luxury price tag.
3. The Field Watch
Rugged Utility and Simple Dials
Born from military needs, the field watch is:
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Tough and legible
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Equipped with simple Arabic numerals
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Typically on canvas, leather, or NATO straps
Perfect for Casual Wear
Field watches are ideal for hiking, weekends, and casual settings where you want a low-key, reliable piece.
4. The Chronograph
Functionality Meets Style
A chronograph isn’t just a stopwatch—it’s a conversation piece. Features include:
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Sub-dials for timing events
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Sporty aesthetic
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Pusher buttons on the case
Microbrand Options in Chronographs
Brands like Furlan Marri and Studio Underd0g have released chronographs with stunning design cues, rivaling big names for a fraction of the cost.
5. The GMT/Travel Watch
Tracking Multiple Time Zones
If you travel for business or leisure, a GMT watch lets you track home and local time simultaneously—a feature that’s both practical and stylish.
A Must-Have for Business and Leisure Travelers
Many microbrands offer GMT complications without the luxury price tag, making this once-high-end feature accessible to all.
6. The Pilot Watch
Bold Numerals and Legibility
Pilot watches stand out for:
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Oversized, highly legible numerals
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Large crowns for easy adjustment
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Clean dials often featuring triangle markers at 12 o’clock
Aviation Heritage Designs
Microbrands like Laco and AVI-8 bring authentic aviation style to modern collections.
7. The Casual Everyday Watch
Clean Dials and Versatile Styling
This is your go-to for daily wear—simple, durable, and adaptable. Look for:
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Mid-sized cases
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Easy-to-read dials
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Comfortable straps
When One Watch Does It All
Microbrands excel at creating versatile pieces that transition from office to weekend seamlessly.
8. The Digital or Hybrid Watch
Retro Charm of Digital Displays
Retro digital watches like those from Casio are making a strong comeback. Perfect for:
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Casual days
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Nostalgic vibes
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Affordability
Smartwatch Crossovers for Modern Needs
Hybrid watches blend analog styling with discreet smart functions—ideal for those who want tech without losing traditional looks.
9. The Minimalist Watch
Understated Elegance
Minimalist watches prove that less is often more. Features include:
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Uncluttered dials
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Thin cases
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Simple color palettes
Popular Microbrands Doing Minimalism Right
Brands like Sternglas and Uniform Wares are creating stunning minimalist designs perfect for both casual and formal wear.
10. The Statement Watch
Bold Colors and Unique Cases
Sometimes you want your wrist to start the conversation. Statement watches feature:
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Vibrant dial colors
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Unusual case shapes
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Unique materials like bronze or ceramic
For Those Who Dare to Stand Out
Microbrands like Studio Underd0g and Boldr are known for playful, eye-catching designs that set you apart from the crowd.
EST 1935’s Recommended Picks
Our Favorite Models for Each Style
At EST 1935, we love:
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Dress: Baltic MR01
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Dive: Zelos Swordfish
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Field: Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
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Chronograph: Furlan Marri Chronograph
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GMT: Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT
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Pilot: Laco Augsburg
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Casual: Lorier Falcon
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Digital: Casio A100
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Minimalist: Sternglas Naos
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Statement: Studio Underd0g Watermel0n Chronograph
Why Microbrands Belong in Your Collection
Microbrands bring:
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Unique designs
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Fantastic value
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Direct connection with founders and communities
They let you build a collection full of personality and quality without breaking the bank.
FAQs About Building a Watch Collection
How many watches should I own?
Start with three (dress, casual, sport). Over time, expand into styles that match your lifestyle.
Are microbrands worth collecting?
Absolutely—many offer limited runs and unique designs that make them collectible.
Should I spend more on my first watch?
Buy what you love and can afford. There’s no rule that your first watch has to be expensive.
Can one watch fit all occasions?
Some versatile watches come close, but having a few options is ideal for different situations.
How do I prioritize purchases?
Think about your lifestyle—buy the watch you’ll wear most often first.
Do trends matter in watch collecting?
They’re fun, but timeless designs hold value better. Mix trendy pieces with classic staples.
Conclusion: Curating Your Perfect Watch Collection
A great watch collection doesn’t have to be massive—it just needs variety. By covering these ten essential styles, you’ll be prepared for everything life throws your way, from boardroom meetings to beach vacations.
At EST 1935, we’re here to help you discover both timeless icons and innovative microbrands that bring passion and personality to your wrist. Let’s build the perfect collection—together.
Image Credit: Seiko

