If you’re a watch aficionado like myself, you’d be searching the internet for photos and reviews of watches until 3am. While this addiction is both unfortunately and incurable, it comes in handy when readers ask about what watches they should consider purchasing next. Of course, a watch is a very personal item and one should alway purchase a watch much like how he’d purchase any attire – with care and scrutiny.
Personally I’m a big fan of minimalist watches which don’t have complicated displays, nifty features or so-called “cutting edge technology”. Watches should serve their sole purpose: to tell the time and date. So here are some of the best minimalist watches for men under $500. These are men’s watches which fit the following criteria:
- The watch face must be clean and simple
- It must be durable (no flimsy plastic, G-Shock watches here)
- It be an analog watch – i.e., it must have a clock-face (no digital watches)
- Must be under $500
Best Minimalist Watches For Men #1-5
Best Minimalist Watches for Men #1: Grand Frank Aberdeen White Leather Watch
Swedish clothing brand Grand Frank is very active on Instagram, and the many people are enamored by their watch collection. Personally, their Aberdeen White Leather Watch stood out for all the right reasons; it features a polished stainless steel case, simple markers on a plain white watch face and brown leather strap. It doesn’t get more classic than that.
The fact that this Grand Frank watch is also 100m water resistant and has a scratch-resistance mineral glass makes it an affordable addition to any man’s watch collection. The company also offers complimentary international shipping.
Best Minimalist Watches for Men #2: Rollo 42MM from Nixon
Nixon may not be traditional watchmaker, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to make good-looking minimalist watches for guys. The Rollo 42MM watch is a great example of this – it has a clean and simple watch face in a stainless steel case, making it suitable for swimming and outdoor activities.
The second hand comes in a bold yellow which adds a touch of colour. The Rollo has a handy Miyota Japanese quartz 3 hand movement with date function at 3 o’clock and comes in a large 42mm diameter watch face. It’s $320 affordable entry price point makes it a great addition to a minimalist watch collection. The Rollo comes in six different colours.
Best Minimalist Watches for Men #3: Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield Watch
There’s a few good reason why Daniel Wellington watches have risen in popular in recent years: Black leather band? Check. Large and readable watch face? Check. Water resistant? Check. Of the many models the company makes, the minimalist Classic Sheffield is one of the most popular with its eggshell white watch face. Its 6mm thickness of the watch is also thin enough to wear under a shirt so the sleeves don’t hit it. The Classic Sheffield comes in both Rose Gold and Silver case colours.
Best Minimalist Watches for Men #4: Uniform Wares M40 Watch
It’s no surprise there’s a cult following for Uniform Wares’ utilitarian timepieces. One look at their M40 watch line explains why; the company has focused on both the aesthetics and hardware of their products. Aside from an elegant 3-hand system with a date display, the company also uses scratch-resistant sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating for all their timepieces. The end result is a minimalist timepiece with Bauhaus influences.
Best Minimalist Watches for Men #5: Kitmen Keung
Kitmen Keung’s Long Distance watch has a unique functionality: it shows two different time zones in one watch face. While other designers might over-complicate this functionality, Keung’s remains simple and elegant with its brushed stainless steel case and off-white watch face. There’ a time dial for each time zone which makes for an interesting yet minimalist design.
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Best Minimalist Watches for Men #6: Mondaine ‘Evo Big’
If you’ve ever been to Switzerland, this watch face will look much like all the clocks you see at the country’s train stations. That’s because they’re made by the same manufacturer. Mondaine has created the ‘Evo Big’ watch in a generous 40mm diameter, and with its clear and simple display there’s no way you’ll miss your train.
Best Minimalist Watches for Men #7: Larsson & Jennings ‘Lugano’ Minimalist Watch for Men
The Swedes are known for their love of minimalism which is why the ‘Lugano’ watch from Larsson & Jennings makes it into our best minimalist watch list. With its clean, gloss-white dial, polished stainless steel case, the Lugano is a timeless everyday option.
Best Minimalist Watches for Men #8: Skagen ‘Hald Steel Mesh’ Watch
Danish lifestyle brand Skagen are known for their exquisite design and their ‘Hald Steel Mesh’ watch is no exception. With a andblasted face containing two eye-catching sub-dials, the numeral hour markers are featured in a quietly contrasting color. The brand’s signature steel-mesh band completes the design at under $500.
Best Minimalist Watches for Men #9: Shore Projects ‘Newquay’
If you like to change up your watches without breaking the bank, Shore Projects‘ designs are just what you need. Aside from the minimalist watch faces, there is an endless selection of different straps that can be clipped on and off when you fancy a change.