What is an ‘everyday watch’? Well, the thing is that there aren’t really any pre-requisite requirements for an ‘everyday” or EDC (“Everyday Carry”) watch.
To put it simply, everyday watches can be anything that looks great whether you are wearing formal attire or a t-shirt and jeans combo. Most importantly, it should be a timepiece that matches your personality and that you’d feel comfortable wearing on a daily basis, rather than a watch you only take out for special occasions.
The watch strap could be stainless steel, leather, or rubber – as long as it provides general durability, comfort, and has a versatile aesthetic that goes with a lot of different outfits. Features such as luminous dials and water resistance are great to have but only really a priority if you have a very active lifestyle or do lots of outdoor activities.
Quick Picks
Below you’ll find a curated list of our favorite everyday watches. We’ve included everything from affordable to luxury and a wide variety of styles so you can find something that matches your personal preference.
Table of Contents
Best Everyday Watches
Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic Watch (H70555533)
Hamilton is known for its rugged field watches and has a wide variety to choose from in the Hamilton Khaki Field collection.
Their field watches also have a highly versatile design that makes them perfect for all occasions. This flexible appeal connects to their history-making military field watches and is designed for all-around use.
Resiliency is the main feature present in Hamilton’s Khaki Field watches. The rugged aesthetic brings about a vintage charm that makes the Khaki Field timeless in its appeal.
This timepiece features a Swiss automatic ETA 2824-2 movement with a power reserve of approximately 38-hours. The robust design makes the Khaki Field a versatile watch to wear on all sorts of social functions and even for just everyday use.
Timex Waterbury Classic Chronograph Watch
Classy and affordable, the Timex Waterbury Classic Collection comes in a wide variety of designs that give it outstanding versatility regarding its aesthetics. You can’t go wrong with a timeless design, which the Timex Waterbury Classic brings to the table.
Along with a focus on traditional timekeeping, the Waterbury Classic also adds another layer of refinement with its chronograph dial and date display. Another notable feature is the Indiglo nightlight for improved visibility even in the dark.
The Timex Waterbury Classic Chrono features a polished stainless-steel case and leather straps. Timex has many variations of this model also use stainless-steel jubilee and mesh bracelets, color and dial options.
The case structure also gives the Waterbury Classic a decent 30-meter water resistance that allows it to withstand water splashes.
If you are looking for a versatile and affordable everyday timepiece, the Timex Waterbury Classic collection is a great place to start your search.
Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless-Steel Watch (SNKL45)
Next up, we have the Seiko 5 SNKL45 series, which is another highly versatile and affordable timepiece. The Seiko 5 does have a sportier appearance which adds to its charm. That said, we can easily see the Seiko 5 accentuating both casual clothing and a formal business suit.
The Seiko 5 SNKL45 has a sleeker 37mm stainless-steel case build. This smaller size makes this timepiece a good choice for men with small to medium-sized wrists. The advantage of the smaller case diameter is that this watch is also a great dress watch alternative.
Housed within the modern, sporty aesthetic is the Seiko caliber 7S26 automatic movement. The mechanism clocks in a frequency of 21,600VPH and a power reserve of approximately 41-hours.
Other notable features include a date display located at the 4 o’clock position. Note that the SNKL45 only provides a 30-meter water resistance which should protect it from the occasional splash of water but not total immersion.
Overall, the SNKL45 is as aesthetically versatile as a watch can be. Regardless of your attire, this Seiko 5 timepiece will surely enhance your style, whether for casual or formal occasions.
Citizen Eco-Drive Corso Quartz Watch (BU2010-57L)
With a more specialized design, the Citizen Eco-Drive Corso exudes a more professional charm. The round 42mm stainless-steel watch incorporates a blue sunray dial that also features a chronograph design.
Within the distinguished and sophisticated aesthetic is a Japanese quartz movement that operates the main and three sub-dials. The Citizen Corso also provides a solid 100-meter water resistance making it suitable for some light recreational water activities.
In addition, the Corso also has a date display at the 4 o’clock position and, of course, Citizen’s proprietary Eco-Drive technology, which allows the Corso to recharge using both natural and synthetic light.
Check out all Citizen Corso models here.
Swatch High-Lands Mix Quartz Watch
When it comes to everyday casual timepieces, you can never go wrong with the always chic Swatch brand. The Swatch High-Lands Mix features a black with red accent hard plastic case measuring 41mm and a black silicone band.
The Swatch High-Lands Mix also has a sleek black dial that features minimalistic stick hands and hour markers using a Japanese quartz movement. There is also a day and date display located at the 3 o’clock position.
If you are looking for an affordable modern-style casual timepiece, you can’t go wrong with going for a Swatch timepiece. Swatch’s eclectic watch collection has the most versatility in the market, with more watch designs that you can shake a stick at. Plus, Swatch watches are pretty affordable as well.
Orient ‘2nd Generation’ Bambino Japanese Automatic Watch
The Orient Bambino has always been a personal favorite due to its refined design that subtly exudes charisma. We are currently at the 5th generation of Bambino watches, but make no mistake, previous-generation models still hold in today’s standards.
For example, the Orient 2nd Gen Bambino that we chose for this entry. 2nd generation Bambino timepiece incorporates hacking and hand-winding movement, which adds a level of prestige to its appeal.
The Orient 2nd Gen Bambino also has some similarities to the Daniel Wellington watch brand, making this a great affordable alternative. At the heart of the ever-stylish Bambino timepiece is an Orient caliber F6724 automatic movement with an analog dial display.
The automatic movement featured here also packs a 50-hour power reserve, while the case provides a 30-meter water resistance rating. As this is an Orient Bambino watch, it also utilizes a fancy domed crystal with its 40mm stainless-steel case.
The Orient Bambino collection always brings a dash of class, so it is an excellent choice for an everyday watch.
Tissot Everytime Swissmatic Watch (T1094071103100)
Minimalistic with a luxurious charm, the Tissot Everytime Swissmatic timepiece is stunning with its elegance. The beautiful shiny bracelet completes the 45mm polished silver-tone case’s overall look. While the dial hits the mark with its stick hour markers and hands, that adds a layer of sophistication to the watch.
The case also features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal window with an anti-glare finish. Inside the elegant aesthetic is an equally complex automatic movement that emphasizes the Tissot prestigious watchmaking background.
There is also a date display feature and a 30-meter water resistance rating attached to this Swissmatic timepiece. All in all, the Tissot Everytime Swissmatic watch is an excellent choice if you are looking for an everyday watch that showcases tradition and elegance.
Zeppelin Automatic Watch (76561)
If you are in the market for vintage watches, might we direct you towards the Zeppelin Automatic 76561?
This timepiece takes visual cues from the golden age of travel, the 50s. The Zeppelin features a polished round 40mm stainless-steel case with a white dial and brown leather strap.
Additionally, the gold-tone hour markers and leaf analog hands complement the visuals nicely. The Zeppelin logo uses the classic art deco font, which rounds off in the vintage aesthetic nicely.
We also love the transparent back case, which allows you to take a good look at the complex Swiss automatic movement that makes this fantastic “blast from the past” timepiece tick. A date display adds to the functionality quota, but the aesthetic is undoubtedly the Zeppelin 76561’s most significant appeal.
Victorinox I.N.O.X. Swiss Army Quartz Watch
Victorinox watches are vaunted for their build and functionality; their timepiece is also quite versatile regarding the design.
While undeniably a bit on the chunky side, the Victorinox I.N.O.X. comes with a certain robust charm that makes it quite charming despite the size.
At 43mm diameter and 12mm thick, the stainless-steel case is quite imposing. To the point that this might feel a bit too clunky for those with smaller wrists. However, despite the tank-like appearance, the I.N.O.X. is as sleek as they come when it comes to performance.
Operating using the ETA 2824 movement, the I.N.O.X. excels in tackling challenging terrains thanks to the high shock-resistant build of this mechanism. The case is also impeccably built with a water resistance rating of up to 200-meters.
The Victorinox I.N.O.X. Swiss Army Watch is not just an everyday timepiece; it is also an excellent all-around watch.
Marathon General Purpose Quartz Watch (WW194015SS)
The Marathon General Purpose Quartz watch is a fantastic field watch and a worthy everyday timepiece as well. The Marathon GPQ is a well-built watch that is a more affordable alternative to the Marathon General Purpose Mechanical watch.
Although similar in appearance to the latter, the GPQ features a more precise and convenient Swiss quartz movement. The GPQ also incorporates lightweight fiber shell housing along with an anti-glare coated sapphire crystal window.
To further enhance the dial’s legibility, Marathon equips the GPQ model with tritium gas tubes that are self-illuminating and last for up to two decades. The mil-spec standard also guarantees the durability and reliability of this timepiece.
As an everyday watch, the Marathon GPQ certainly delivers more than your standard timepiece. With its high-level durability, tritium gas tubes, and lightweight construction – the Marathon GPQ should also be an excellent field watch that you can rely on during outdoor activities.
Longines Conquest Automatic Watch (L3.776.4.58.6)
Coming in with a polished 39mm case and jubilee-style stainless-steel bracelet, the Longines Conquest exudes a level of finesse synonymous with the brand. Simple yet manages to be eye-catching, the Conquest timepiece is also quite versatile with its aesthetic.
The round case utilizes a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal window with an anti-glare finish. The screw-down crown effectively assists in giving the Conquest a solid 300-meter water resistance, making this a suitable dive watch as well.
Housed inside the intelligent design is a Swiss automatic movement that adds to the watch’s overall prestige. As for the black dial, being accompanied by luminous silver-tone pencil hands and index hour markers give it excellent legibility. Also, the 12 and 6 o’clock hour markers are in the form of bold Arabic numerals.
TAG Heuer Caliber 5 Carrera Automatic Watch (WAR211A.BA0782)
Time to introduce some genuinely high-end timepieces into this list, and what better way to do that than with a TAG Heuer watch?
The TAG Heuer Caliber 5 Carrera Automatic is a prestigious timepiece that will fit into any occasion.
Coming into the fray with a sleek 39mm case and a strap interchangeably with steel and leather, the Caliber 5 Carrera is simply a beauty. Various models are available that feature different dial variants that include black, silver, and anthracite. We chose the black dial variant for this particular entry as it is undoubtedly the most versatile in terms of design.
Within the sublime textured black dial are the luminous hour and minute hands that smoothly sweep across the flat black terrain. There is also a date display over at the 3 o’clock position.
At the heart of the Carrera is a caliber 5 self-winding movement with a power reserve of up to 38-hours. This automatic movement also provides top-notch accuracy with a 28,800VPH.
The TAG Heuer Caliber 5 Carrera is another highly versatile timepiece that will complement attires for both black-tie events and a casual t-shirt and jeans combo.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Watch (215.30.44.21.01.001)
Stylish for all occasions, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean is not just a stunning and top-tier dive watch as it can also be worn for different functions. The 43mm stainless steel case and bracelet showcase a robust and rugged build, which this timepiece indeed is.
Besides the name recognition that the Seamaster has, this timepiece also incorporates a stylish yet practical design. The stainless-steel case comes with a black bezel and dial, accentuated by the luminous silver-tone hands and hour markers.
Along with a robust exterior build comes an impeccable Omega caliber 8900 self-winding automatic chronometer movement that delivers on-point precision. This chronometer movement also has an outstanding 60-hour power reserve.
To add the icing to the cake, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean has a 600-meter water-resistant rating. It makes it an excellent timepiece for both land and sea, and with its remarkable style, for all events.
Like the look but not the price – check out these affordable Planet Ocean Alternatives.
Breitling Colt (A7438811)
Rugged and reliable, the Breitling Colt series features a well-rounded functionality with an impressive build. With its 44mm brushed and polished stainless-steel case with black leather strap, the Breitling Colt is one imposing timepiece.
The case also features a unidirectional rotating bezel which is a must-have for a diver’s watch, which the Breitling Colt certainly is with its 200-meter water resistance. However, despite the specialized build, the Colt is still an aesthetically well-rounded timepiece worn with various attires.
Along with a highly unique exterior build is an equally excellent interior structure. Underneath the rugged housing is a Breitling caliber 74 quartz chronometer movement. This mechanism guarantees top-notch accuracy at all times. Additional features include a date display and an End of Life (EOL) indicator. The Colt is a great entry-level pick for beginning Breitling Collectors.
Tudor Black Bay 58 (79030-0001)
Finally, we have the high-end Tudor Black Bay 58. This timepiece is a re-imagining of the timeless classic, Tudor 7922. This time around, though, the Black Bay 58 comes equipped with an in-house COSC-certified MT5402 automatic movement.
This outstanding and high-precision automatic movement perfectly complements the stunning appearance of the Tudor Black Bay 58. Along with the 28,800VPH and 70-hour power reserve, the Black Bay 58 comes with a highly versatile aesthetic making it a luxurious everyday watch.
The black dial takes center stage thanks to the luminous with gold accent snowflake hands and Rolex-like arrow hour markers. All in all, the Tudor Black Bay 58 will excel with both casual and formal attires.
Comparing TAG Heuer above with Tudor – read more here.
