How to choose a men's mechanical watch: a rating of the best mechanical watches

Men's wrist watches have long lost the function of the only gadget for showing the exact time. For the most part, today they are an attribute of the image, decoration, and a source of pride. Therefore, manufacturers still do not abandon the production and development of new models of mechanical watches, which at first glance seem to be an anachronism. Modern mechanical chronometers are attracted by the complexity and perfection of the mechanisms, the richness of the finishing, the quality of the materials used. Many of them are equipped with functions that were not previously characteristic of spring-driven wristwatches: self-winding, stopwatch calendar. To understand all the variety of models available on the market, it makes sense to familiarize yourself with the rating of men's mechanical watches that have earned the greatest number of positive reviews in the catalogs of online stores.

Mechanical watch manufacturers

Many companies are engaged in the development and production of analog clocks with a spring mechanism: from little-known Chinese companies to large European, Japanese brands.

In the domestic market, the attention of buyers is most often attracted by the products of the following companies:

• ORIENT. Japanese manufacturer. Known since the middle of the last century, when a number of models were presented, made of high quality materials and made in a recognizable style;
• TISSOT. A Swiss manufacturer that relies on the respectability of its accessories. They differ from analogs in a complex, carefully designed design;
• TAG. Watches from Sweden have almost a century and a half history. They have earned fame due to the technical excellence of the mechanisms;
• CITIZEN. This brand first appeared in Japan in 1931. CITIZEN watches are distinguished by a variety of styles, accuracy and rich functionality;
• DAWN. Watches under this brand, known since Soviet times, are produced by a watch factory located in Penza. Distinctive characteristics: time-tested quality, variety of models;
• EAST. Trademark of the Chistopol watch factory. Watches under this brand are known all over the world: they have been in space, are massively exported to dozens of countries. Popularity is ensured by the reliability of the mechanisms.

Also popular are such manufacturers as Moscow "Slava", FOSSIL (USA), Swiss INVICTA, STUHRLING, AVIATOR and many others.

TOP 13 men's mechanical watches

13th place. ZARYA G4441203

Functionally simple, but reliable domestic watches for men. Made in a minimalist design, they have a contrasting black and white dial.

Specifications:

• movement brand - 2609K;
• time display - arrow (analog);
• second hand - in the center of the dial;
• body - steel, waterproof WR30 (protection against rain and splashes);
• number of stones - 17;
• strap - eco-leather.

12th place. East 439075 "Komandirskie"

The Komandirskie watches have a recognizable design. Thanks to an unprecedented reliable mechanism, they have been in demand for more than a dozen years.

Specifications:

• mechanism - Vostok 2414A;
• dial format - twelve o'clock;
• numeral style - Arabic;
• the second hand is in the center;
• water resistance - WR20 (splash proof);
• body - brass;
• calendar - yes, date demo.

11th place. ORIENT AB04001W

The austere, laconic design of the ORIENT AB04001W mechanical watch makes it a versatile accessory suitable for both business meetings and everyday events.

Specifications:

• placement of the second hand - in the center of the dial;
• the design of the numbers is Arabic;
• format - twelve hours;
• stones - 21 pcs.;
• case - coated stainless steel;
• water protection - WR30 (rain, splashes);
• dimensions - 36 mm (diameter) x 11 mm (thickness).

10th place. Glory 1241418 / 300-2428

The Russian watch Slava 1241418 / 300-2428 is made in dark colors: the case and the field of the dial are painted black. Against this background, white arrows are visible even in minimal lighting.

Specifications:

• movement brand - 2428;
• stones - 21 pcs.;
• dial - 12-hour clock with a second hand in the center;
• the design of the numbers is Arabic;
• body - waterproof WR30 (rain, splashes);
• body - decorated brass;
• glass is a mineral material;
• diameter - 36 mm;
• backlight - fluorescent on the arrows.

9th place. ORIENT ER27008W

The classic dial of the Japanese ORIENT ER27008W watch will suit lovers of a strict style of dress. Thanks to the automatic winding, the owner does not need to remember about winding the watch - an elementary, but regularly forgotten procedure.

Specifications:

• mechanism - (ER) 48743;
• stones - 21 pcs.;
• autonomy - 40 hours;
• dial - Arabic numerals, twelve-hour format;
• water protection - WR50 (swimming);
• case material - stainless steel;
• strap - genuine leather;
• weight - 68 g;
• dimensions - 41 mm (diameter) x 12 mm (thickness).

8th place. East 446794

Domestic watch Vostok 446794 can accompany its owner in any conditions: they are not afraid of blows or dives. At the same time, the designers managed to get rid of the excessive brutality characteristic of tourist models. The high-strength body can only be guessed by insignificant details.

Specifications:

• mechanism - shockproof 2415.01;
• number of stones - 31;
• accuracy - +/- 1 min / day;
• autonomy - 31 hours;
• moisture protection - WR200 (work at depth with scuba diving);
• case and bracelet material - stainless steel;
• dimensions - 45 mm (diameter) x 15 mm (thickness).

7th place. FOSSIL ME3105

A feature of the FOSSIL ME3105 watch is the multifunctional field of the dial. In addition to the usual hour and muddy hands, the owner can see the operation of the balancing mechanism. The off-center seconds hand and an additional 24-hour time scale add originality.

Specifications:

• skeleton design - yes;
• dial - 12/24 hours, with an offset second hand;
• the style of the numbers is Roman;
• water protection - WR50 (swimming on the water surface, taking a shower);
• body - stainless steel with decorative dusting;
• dimensions - 44 mm (diameter) x 12 mm (thickness).

6th place. ORIENT ER2L001B

The ORIENT ER2L001B mechanical watch makes it easy to read the readings thanks to the bright white hands on the dark field of the dial. In addition to showing the current day of the week, day and month, the watch allows you to use a perpetual calendar.

Specifications:

• mechanism - Orient 48743;
• dial - twelve o'clock, no numbers;
• second hand - centered;
• water protection - WR50 (shower, swimming without diving);
• material of manufacture - stainless steel with PVD coating;
• diameter - 42 mm.

5th place. INVICTA 8926

INVICTA 8926 watch was developed for use by tourists, sportsmen, divers. For this, the case is made in a waterproof shockproof case. At the same time, the calm exterior makes it possible to wear this watch in everyday life or to wear it with a business suit.

Specifications:

• self-winding - yes;
• dial - twelve o'clock, analog;
• numbers - absent;
• fluorescent illumination of hands - yes;
• stones - 21 pcs.;
• water protection - WR200 (scuba work at depth);
• dimensions - 38 mm (diameter) x 13 mm (thickness).

4th place. STUHRLING 746L.SET.02

The STUHRLING 746L.SET.02 watch is made in a classic skeleton design. The owner can see a demonstration of the mechanism's operation both from the side of the dial and from below. Adds originality and a peculiarly executed dial, on which classic numbers alternate with dashes.

Specifications:

• mechanism - ST-90050;
• dial - with a central second hand, twelve o'clock;
• typeface of numbers - Arabic (+ dashes);
• moisture protection - class WR50 (swimming, shower);
• case - stainless steel;
• strap - leather;
• diameter - 42 mm.

3rd place. CITIZEN NH8380-15EE

Durable and waterproof, the CITIZEN NH8380-15EE watch is suitable for outdoor activities, as well as at home or at office. The long service life of this model is ensured by the use of a reliable mechanism and a case that does not leave any scratches.

Specifications:

• mechanism - 8200;
• automatic winding - yes;
• stones - 21 pcs.;
• dial - no numbers, 12-hour clock with a second hand in the center;
• arrow illumination - phosphor;
• water protection - WR100 (snorkeling);
• case diameter - 46 mm;
• case - stainless steel;
• strap - polyurethane.

2nd place. Aviator V.3.18.5.162.4

The design of Aviator V.3.18.5.162.4 watches in no way betrays its capabilities. In appearance, it is a strict accessory for business meetings. At the same time, the refined case is protected from shocks by a high-strength sapphire crystal, is able to withstand submersion under water and contains an anti-shock mechanism.

Specifications:

• mechanism - Sellita SW 290-1;
• stones - 31 pcs.;
• dial - twelve o'clock with an off-center second hand;
• the design of the numbers is Arabic;
• glass - anti-reflective sapphire;
• case - stainless steel;
• water resistance - level WR100 (diving with a mask);
• dimensions - 45 mm (diameter) x 13 mm (thickness);
• weight - 130 g.

1st place. TAG Heuer Formula 1 WAZ2113.BA0875

The leader of the rating was the premium watch TAG Heuer Formula 1 WAZ2113.BA0875. Possessing a restrained design, the model impersonates with high-quality materials and sturdy assembly. With this watch, you can safely go to mountain climbing and deep-sea diving. Operating conditions will not affect the accuracy in any way.

Specifications:

• dial - classic, 12-hour, with the central placement of the second hand;
• the design of the numbers is Arabic;
• calendar - date only;
• mechanism - TAG Heuer Caiber 5;
• water protection - WR200 (deep-sea scuba diving);
• case / bracelet material - stainless steel;
• dial protection - sapphire crystal;
• diameter - 42 mm.

How to choose the right men's watch: tips

First of all, it is worth deciding on the place of purchase. A high-quality mechanical wristwatch is an expensive accessory, one would expect from it a reliable and long-term service.In order not to face a fake, it is highly undesirable to purchase watches in non-specialized stores. Both a large hypermarket and a garage store will have little interest in solving problems of warranty service, if any suddenly arise. The same rule applies to online stores. The best place to buy is a watch boutique. As a rule, such outlets have well-functioning supply channels from the manufacturer and directly interact with official service centers.

In addition, when making a direct choice, it makes sense to take into account the following points.

• price. The watch must correspond to the financial condition of its owner. Expensive watches and leotards of Soviet production are not the best combination. The same bewilderment is caused by the Chinese forgeries on a well-dressed person;
• style. For tourism and sports, it is worth looking at models with appropriate characteristics. They should have a multi-functional dial with easy-to-read numerals. A business person is best suited to a strict watch with a calm design and a minimum of functions;
• the size. A small watch on the hand of a person with a wide wrist looks out of place. The opposite situation looks no better. Therefore, before buying, it is better not to hesitate to ask to try on a watch.

Also, do not forget about the strap or bracelet. They should not cause discomfort when worn for a long time. The choice of men's mechanical watches is a purely individual matter. Much depends on financial capabilities, aesthetic preferences, and functionality needs. Therefore, even before buying, it will be reasonable to familiarize yourself with the rating of popular models and find out their characteristic features.