They may seem unnecessary, now that smartphones rule the world, but an analog watch is still a cornerstone of modern man's wardrobe. No "stylish" icon - be it a secret agent or a rap legend - would be seen without one of those elegant jewellery attached to their wrist, and for good reason. A beautiful watch will add a sense of refinement to any conceivable outfit and also makes it a great investment.
One could even say that a good watch is a timeless purchase.
Unfortunately, high-end watchmaking is a wealthy sport - brands like Piaget and Patek Philippe demand the kind of income normally reserved for oil tycoons, drug barons and, worst of all, bankers.
That does not mean the rest of us have to work with an old wrist watch. Nowadays, there are many brands of watches for men on sale here and there, goods, less good things, to avoid. and also those that you like without knowing why. To help you choose a jewel that is the most elegant (and affordable) possible, here are some tips to consider before investing in an analog branded watches for men.
We'll be restricted to the entry-level and some mid-range here - the luxury watches are a totally different game, just like the digital and the watches of the athletes.
Choose size
The watch cases are measured in millimeters. Ideally, a case should be large enough to fit comfortably in the middle of your wrist, leaving some space for the wristband. Most men will find that a diameter of 34mm-50mm will suffice.
Choosing the best for you depends primarily on the size of your wrist. Too big, and the men's leather strap watches will swallow your wrist and make you look like Jay-Z. Too small, and your beautiful timepiece ends up looking more like a bracelet. A thick box will turn heads, while an end will be more like a discreet accessory than a catchy object.
Since it's always easier to test real first, we strongly advise you to check a watch size in a catalog of Mistura before you buy it.