(SPOT.ph) Just like swanky sports cars and niche holiday destinations, luxury timepieces seem like a language that men pick up upon reaching a certain age bracket or advancing to a particular job level. We get the need to talk about material, movement, tech specs, and what have you with fellow enthusiasts. It's likewise easy to relate to the satisfaction of setting aside a Rolex or Omega fund the way one does for life insurance.
You could say that a premium timepiece, for men, is what jewelry or an It bag is to women. And being able to adorn one’s wrist with something so badly wanted and acquired with one’s own money—as opposed to being inherited—is a stylish way of saying, “I’ve arrived.”
But what kind of a watch should a guy wear when he is not yet of that age or that job level? Here are 10 decent stainless-steel watch options to consider. Affordably priced, they don’t scrimp on looks, offer an instant wardrobe pick-me-up, and can measure up to their more expensive Swiss and Japanese equivalents, too. After all, when it all comes down to it, telling time shouldn’t cost that much.
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Find the best watch for men in the Philippines for every budget, ranging from P2,000 to a little over P25,000:
Classic Men’s Watch (P4,490) from Timex
Gold? Sold! A simple gold three-hand watch, like this one from Timex, offers even the simplest shirt-and-jeans combo or a nondescript work ensemble an automatic upgrade. It also comes with a day and date indicator and has water resistance for up to 30 meters.
Available at Timex, Watch Republic, and on Zalora.
Men’s Stainless Steel Mesh Analog (P8,850) from Kenneth Cole
This modern silver pick from Kenneth Cole is slim and stylish enough for work or play. Its mesh strap adds just the right amount of sophistication to any look. Wear it with a short-sleeved top to show off or pair it with a dress shirt and let it peek out from under the cuff.
Available at The SM Store, Robinsons Department Stores, Landmark, and on Zalora.
Unisex Classic Watch TA319 (P4,590) from Timex
This Timex watch’s white face and silver stainless-steel bracelet are simple but don’t scrimp on style. Its glossy white dial color and plain hands make it a great choice for those who want a no-frills timepiece. We recommend wearing this with an oxford shirt in white or pale blue.
Available at Timex, Watch Republic, and onZalora.
Gents BN0021 Classic Watch with Mesh Strap (U.S. $140; roughly P7,145) from Braun
You may be more familiar with German brand Braun's razors, but did you know they also make watches that embody the brand's design philosophy? This watch in black and silver looks contemporary and cool with its Bauhaus-inspired dial, and was designed with quality, functionality, and longevity in mind. The black face and yellow second hand lend a nice touch. It also has a scratch-resistant mineral glass.
Available online.
Drive BM6991-52H (U.S. $180, roughly P10,000) from Citizen
You can't go wrong with this modern and deceptively simple piece from Citizen with gray accents. At first glance, this stainless-steel watch looks like your regular timepiece, until you find out that it's light-powered—"powered by light, any light," reads the description on their website. Thanks to their Eco-Drive technology, you won’t need a battery, ever.
Available online.
Sky Icon (GBP 140; roughly P8,920) from Swatch
This timepiece from Swatch features a light-blue dial that contrasts with dark blue sub-dials. The mix of silver and icy blue looks cool to the eye—and that it comes from a cool watch brand makes perfect sense. This is perfect for fans of the Swiss brand, who have probably grown up with several of their vibrant, colorful designs.
Available online.
Neutra Chronograph Stainless Steel Leather Watch Fs5384 (P10,940) from Fossil
This elegant chronograph from Fossil comes in a handsome silver, black, and white colorway. Complement its look by wearing it with a sleek suit or a minimalist weekend get-up.
Available on Zalora.
Escape Men’s Stainless Watch (P10,990) from Police
Wear this evening-inspired chronograph from Police at any time of day and look classic—but make it fashion. The Italian brand started as a sunglasses manufacturer, followed by perfumes. They got into producing timepieces in 2003, geared towards trendy and non-conformist individuals.
Available at Watch Republic and on Zalora.
Prospex Automatic Great White Shark SRPD23K1 (P21,999) from Seiko
Seiko is known for their inexpensive yet reliable quartz watches, and collecting them has become a thing. The silver band, two-tone bezel, and 200-meter water resistance of this timepiece all point to an active lifestyle and a gentlemanly bearing—two hallmarks of a mature man’s ideal self.
Available at Seiko and on Zalora.
51-30 Chrono (U.S. $500; roughly P25,500) from Nixon
Available in colorways such as Gunmetal, All Rose Gold, and Gold and Blue Sunray, this chronograph from Nixon is a trendy guy’s kind of a classic timepiece. It has a slightly oversized 51-millimeter face and side buttons on the left for that added quirky feel. Plus, you can have it engraved when you order it online.
Available online.
Prospex Save the Ocean Solar Special Edition SSC741P1 (P20,339) from Seiko
This special edition Seiko chronograph has all the right details—shape, color, and technology—that speak of elegance, modernity, and a classic sense of cool. It's solar-powered and can last up to six months without having to charge, plus, it's water-resistant for up to 150 meters.
Available on Zalora.
