Best men’s watches in Australia

The best men's watches in Australia

• Best overall watch: Rolex New Submariner 114060
• Best digital watch: Skagen Connected Falster 2
• Best sports watch: Apple Watch Series 6
• Best watch under $5,000: Omega Men's Seamaster Diver
• Best watch under $500: Gucci SYNC XXL Swiss Quartz Stainless Steel
• Best watch under $150: Emporio Armani Men's Luigi Chronograph Dress Watch

Whether you want to flash a luxury timepiece, the latest sports watch or something eyeball catching yet budget priced, we've got you and your wrist covered.

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If you wish to make what is (arguably) the most aspirational and street cred enhancing watch purchase there is, Rolex's Submariner 114060 Steel Black Ceramic 2019 Edition has 4.1 out of 5 stars from 40 Amazon reviews. This is, by many accounts, a beautiful timepiece that eschews the older aluminium bezel for a smarter-looking newer ceramic style. It's quite the wrist-mounted head-turner.

The impressive features list of this elegant watch also includes automatic movement, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, waterproof screw-down crown and the aforementioned unidirectional rotatable black Cerachrom time lapse diver's bezel. The ceramic build of the bezel is reported to considerably increase overall durability, though some owners report something of a heavy, solid feel to this watch, owing to the substantial 152 gram overall weight.

In terms of style, the genealogy of this piece can be traced all the way back to those original, iconic 1950s Rolex Submariner watches. This modern reimagining preserves the elegance of its forebears and opts for a simple dial that's perfectly symmetrical. Said dial is black and that's balanced with blue Chromalight markers with subtler white gold detailing. It's a versatile look that could feasibly make it go well with almost any outfit you opt to pair it with.

Furthermore, there's also an impressive degree of exquisite detail and craftsmanship on display here – figuratively speaking, of course, because these are built by machines with scientific precision. All that being said, this is the sort of piece you'll put under a magnifying glass in order to marvel at it more fully.

It's also worth noting that this comes bundled with all the accoutrements you'd expect in the box – books, hang tags, polishing cloth, papers, etc – and it has a one-year warranty.

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If you're looking to fuse old-world style and elegance with new-age digital wizardry, Skagen's Connected Falster 2 provides a more than decent middle ground with its 3.6 out of 5 star rating (after 304 Amazon reviews). This eye-catching men's smart watch certainly looks the part – especially if you go with the more alluring rose gold or silver colour options. The less flashy among you can play it more conservative with grey.

Minimalist in style and secured to your wrist via a stainless steel 20mm wide mesh bracelet strap, the Falster 2 boasts a 40mm full-colour display that's nestled in an 11mm thick stainless steel dial. We're talking a 1.19-inch circular AMOLED screen with a more than capable 320 x 320 resolution.

Though that face is technically a step down from the predecessor model by 2mm, it's hard to be disappointed as you're still getting the striking simplicity and symmetry that's come to be expected from this brand's Danish design sensibilities.

Moreover, hiding behind this gorgeous, slightly more diminutive, face are some increased technological smarts. The Falster 2 is powered by Google's proprietary Wear OS and compatible with either your iPhone or Android smart device. A number of complementary digital faces can be swapped in using the easy-to-grasp navigation system that's handled by three discreetly placed side buttons. The more prominent middle button (which is essentially a rotating crown) allows you to quickly option scroll or flick through your installed apps.

Other noteworthy features include water resistance to 3 ATM – generally speaking, that means it's suitable for short periods of exposure to water i.e. drizzling rains, beach weather and sudden splashes of champagne. It's also appreciated that we can all say good riddance to the plugging and unplugging of cables. This timepiece can be effortlessly charged by simply placing it on the inductive charging magnet.

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Apple is always at the top of the tree when it comes to quality smart devices, and their Apple Watch Series 6 is no exception with a highly recommended 4.8 out of 5 star rating (after 617 Amazon reviews). First made available on 20 November 2020, this device has received near-universal praise from critics, quite a number of whom have gone so far as to call it a best-in-class smart watch.

Weighing a paltry 30.6 grams and widely reported to be comfortable to wear, The Series 6 is as stylish looking as it is features packed. Looks-wise, little has changed in the already alluring design of the Series 5. This successor does, however, come with a slightly larger 448 x 368 pixel display (versus the previous 394 x 324 offering).

Speaking of pretty faces, this is an always-on, colour retina display that fully supports customisable digital backdrops. The digital functions of this timepiece can also be updated in a no fuss manner via infrared wireless.

Right out of the box, the supported applications for this watchOS 7 device includes a GPS, fitness tracker, sleep monitor and heart rate monitor. In layman's terms, that effectively means you can easily manage your workouts, calories, trends and pace while also plotting your running routes via satellite data.

There's also a safety element to the Series 6 in that it can measure your blood oxygen levels via sensor – truly a boon in these worrying, COVID-19 times we find ourselves in. This is a device that can be trusted to periodically capture and calculate your SpO2 levels when you're at rest, or you can trigger a measurement on demand.

Last but not least, the included lithium polymer batteries deliver a respectable amount of charge. The advertised 18-hour battery capacity is nothing to sneeze at. If you're the type to use minimal features, many users report a battery duration that can inch beyond the 24-hour mark.

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If you're looking for a comfortable and sharply designed watch, Omega Men's Seamaster Diver comes well recommended with its 4.5 out of 5 star rating after 23 Amazon reviews. Though it was originally released in the mid-to-early 90s, many watch-lovers agree that this classic design has aged like a fine wine.

In terms of aesthetics, you're looking at a tried-and-true round watch style in silver-tone stainless steel with brushed sides, plus a blue dial with stick and dot markers. This is also Swiss-automatic movement with analogue display. Glare shouldn't be a problem either, thanks to an anti-reflective sapphire crystal dial window.

With a case diameter of 41mm and a thickness of 12mm, this is both a handsome and sensibly proportioned timepiece. Interestingly, owning this may net you some incidental approval from any James Bond fans in your immediate vicinity. Leading man Pierce Brosnan sported a Seamaster Diver during his four film run in the role of 007. All that being said, Q Branch laser functionality is not included.

Your expensive wrist investment is going to be held securely via a 20mm width link bracelet. It's also a cinch to take off due to a deployant clasp with push-button closure. Obviously, being of the Seamaster Diver designation makes this Omega offering well-suited for avid sailors or other aquatic-minded folk due to its 300 metre (984 feet) water resistance. Divers can also rely on a unidirectional bezel function to measure elapsed time spent underwater.

Providing you stick within its water pressure limitations, the Omega Seamaster Diver represents impressive, own-for-life craftsmanship and reliable build quality. More importantly, and by many reports, the Swiss engineering within manages to keep quite good time for a decades-old mechanical watch.

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Those of you looking to own a better-than-your-average watch without breaking the bank should know that Gucci's SYNC XXL has put a smile on the face of many Amazon reviewers (it has earned a 4.5 out of 5 star rating after 648 reviews). Quality-wise, this 2014 offering is a Swiss quartz stainless steel timepiece, and its inimitable and stylish design no doubt makes it something of a compliment magnet

What's presented here is a striking stadium-shaped bezel, a silver-tone dial (with a somewhat obvious advertised logo that eliminates the need for name-dropping) along with a date display at three o'clock. All of that elegance is encased in a 42mm stainless steel case with mineral dial window, and it's all securely fastened to your person via a 22mm-wide silicone band with buckle closure. It's also relatively lightweight for its class, coming in at a perfectly reasonable 82 grams.

In terms of features, you're getting that world renowned Swiss quartz movement with analogue display, a high contrast date window on the face and, according to some of Amazon's more rough and tumble reviewers, decent shock resistance.

While it doesn't technically fall into the sports watch category, outdoorsy types can expect fairly decent water resistance of 50 m (165 ft). Typically speaking, you'll be able to get away with short stints of recreational swimming, but snorkelling and diving will be pushing your luck and warranty.

Though it does sit a bit higher on the wrist than most, the general consensus by critics is that this is a sleek, stylish and classy watch for its price bracket. Better yet, you can better tailor this to your look with the additional colour options of blue/steel, black/steel, red/steel and the always versatile silver/steel.

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The Emporio Armani Men's Luigi Chronograph Dress Watch comes with a 4.6 out of 5 star rating after 1.4K+ Amazon reviews, and it's proof you can buy a budget-priced watch that will also deliver style, substance and a brand name worth dropping into conversations.

By many reviewer accounts, Armani has been spot on in labelling the Luigi Chronograph a "functional and special" gents watch. Build-wise, it's constructed from black ion-plated steel, and this darker motif carries across to the leather band along with a pitch-black dial (the latter being a slightly unusual choice that lends this timepiece something of a unique look).

The footprint here is well within expected norms, thanks to a circular case that's 41mm wide and 12mm thick (which basically means this watch shouldn't sit too high off the wrist at all). The face is also comprised of a durable mineral crystal that helps protect the watch from scratches. For the record: there are a number of anecdotal accounts from watch-bumping reviewers that back this manufacturer's claim up.

The features of the watch include (among others) date function and, as the product title would suggest, a chronograph (in this case a full hour, minute and second readout). Something to note: this watch is marketed as water resistant to 50m (165ft), but some reviewers have suggested you perhaps shouldn't push your luck in this regard – strictly light splashes and exposure to reasonable natural downpours only.

Last but not least, this watch ships with a guarantee from the manufacturer. That's great for both warranty purposes and, according to some reviewers, to serve as proof of authentic Armani purchase to silence your green-eyed friends.

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Buying a men's watch

Though we're living in the age of the do-everything-smartphone, owning a timepiece for your wrist has by no means passed us by. In addition to being more reliable and easier to access, it's a chance for a powerful, unspoken statement to be made.

Do I need a men's watch?

You absolutely do. Though we live in a fast-paced modern world with smartphones that can tell you the time, they're devices that are hamstrung by finite battery reserves. Building yourself a quick sundial can be something of an impractical solution. A better bet is to have something on your wrist that can always keep you abreast of those all-important hours and minutes.

Ease of use and ease of access are also highlights of a watch. You don't have to dig into your pocket, purse or briefcase for a time-telling smart device – simply lift and twist your wrist. Who doesn't love the hands-free convenience of a watch?

Last but not least, there's the age-old benefit of owning yet another flashy status symbol. 1980s Madonna was right – this is indeed a material world we're living in. Fact is, you can assume a lot about a person by the sort of watch they wear. You only get one shot at making a good first impression.

What to consider

:

• The prestige/street cred of the brand name
• The specific country of manufacture (Swiss timepieces in particular are highly sought after)
• Water resistance depth (do you require a diver-spec watch or low-level protection from rain?)
• Do you require a digital or analogue face?
• What outfit are you hoping to accessorise with? (formal, sportswear, casual, etc)
• Are the materials of this watch scratch-proof – if not, will your day-to-day activities damage it?
• If the timepiece is a collector's item, does it come with the proper authenticity documentation?
• For smart watches: what's the duration of stand-by battery life?
• How easy will your smart watch be to recharge at the end of a day – does it require a cable connection or wireless charge?
• What is the OS of the smart watch and is that compatible with your phone?
• What apps are supported by the smart watch in question?

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Amazon prices last updated on 20 December, 2024 at 08:00 pmeBay prices last updated on 20 December, 2024 at 07:20 pm

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We then considered our own testing experience, comparing the design, technical specifications and value for money for each range of men's watches, prioritising things like build quality, function and how versatile these timepieces can be as fixed accessories in your ever-changing look.

We carefully researched each product and read online customer reviews (as of December 2020). We ended up with what we believe are the six best men's watches in Australia

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