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A Collection Of The Best Everyday Watches For The Modern Gent - Chrono Hunter

Updated December 2023

If Gollum was looking to buy a watch, he would probably look for one to rule them all. Precious indeed! Step forward the everyday watch. The everydayer or everyday driver to some, this is arguably one of the most important types of watches to own.

Sure, you could look at an iconic sports watch such as the Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time or TAG Heuer Carrera. Then there are dive watches like the legendary Rolex Submariner or Tudor Pelagos 39 which have been turning many avid collectors and enthusiasts. But it’s the everyday watch that is the burning horological topic of interest. On the move, doing anything or going anywhere and at any time, many horophiles looking to buy a watch are more focused on daily usage.

How versatile should it be? What types of scenarios and settings is it suitable for? Is it great for fancy functions, boardrooms and dress down occasions? Does it offer sufficient water resistance? Fret not time peeps as Chrono Hunter has a few top tips for the ultimate everyday watch. Firstly, we suggest a slimmer case between 36mm-42mm and yes, your everyday watch should offer at least 50 to 100 metres of water resistance.

Whilst it should have excellent lume properties, the everyday watch should blend in effortlessly when it comes to your fashion game. Plus it needs to stand up to the everyday bumps and grinds you will no doubt encounter.

Scour no more as we reveal the best everyday watches for the modern gent, leaving you inspired and thirsty to learn more.

Longines Conquest 39 - Sunray Blue

First up is the Longines Conquest which is part of their timeless Conquest collection dating back to 1954. And we do like everyday watches that are evergreen. The Conquest lineup gave birth to the HydroConquest range. This popular collection of dive watches are both charming, innovative and very much refined.

Source: Swissluxury.com

Measuring 39mm, the ideal size, in our view for an everyday watch, the Longines Conquest is available in either a beautiful sunray black or blue dial. We prefer the latter with its steel bracelet, polished bezel, signature Arabic hour numerals, rectangle shaped indices filled with lume and date aperture located at 3 o’clock. High legibility is the order of the day

We like the brushed and polished finish which can be seen throughout the case while the Longines winged emblem is a nod to its aviation heritage. And if you want to buy a Longines rich in aeronautical lineage, check out our thoughts on the Majetek here. Powered by the ETA Longines Calibre L888, it screams high-end classiness and sophistication.

Meanwhile, it will stand up to all those bumps and scrapes your daily grind might involve thanks to the tough sapphire crystal. Beating at 25,200Vph, it offers an impressive 300 metres of water resistance and has enough energy to last up to 72 hours. Whether on a weekend break, last minute business conference or wedding abroad, this sporty chic number should stand you in good stead no matter what the occasion.

You can buy a Longines Conquest 39mm for the retail price of £1,250 at the time of writing

Other Specs:

Strap: Stainless Steel / Diameter: 39mm / Movement: Automatic / Markers: Arabic / Clasp: Deployment / Glass Material: Sapphire Crystal / Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and date.

Tudor Black Bay 54

The Tudor Black Bay 58 may be a sure fire thing for vintage watch fiends. But Chrono Hunter believes the Black Bay 54 is going to be the perfect everyday watch for many connoisseurs this year.

Source: Tudor

A new release by Tudor at Watches and Wonders 2023, a couple of subtle amendments has made the watchmaking world sit up and take notice. Paying homage to the Oyster Prince reference 7922, this timepiece pays homage to the slimmed down former self, now measuring 37mm. It’s a celebration of their first diver and who’s for us to spoil the horological party.

Unlike vintage Tudors which utilised third party movements, this boasts the up to the minute in-house calibre MT5400. Plus, you are enjoying double the water resistance in contrast to the Tudor Submariner, which now stands at 200 metres. Although there’s no date, we ain't crying over spilt milk here but you’ll be soon drying those tears as it has lots of investment potential due to its iconic back story.

Just 11.2mm in height, there’s polished bevels on the lugs, ultra-domed sapphire crystal, screw-down crown and smooth as butter unidirectional bezel that benefits from a 60-click motion. The crown adorned with the vintage Rose emblem is another nice touch. A contender for best everyday watch of 2023, this is as hot as Katy Perry’s performance at the Coronation of King Charles III.

- You can buy a Tudor for the retail price of £3,200 at the time of writing

Other Specs:

Case finish: polished and satin / Crystal: domed sapphire / Bracelet: Tudor “T-Fit Clasp System / Chronometer: COSC Certified / Lug to Lug Measurement: 46mm / Power Reserve: 70 hours / Dial: sunray black with applied markers and Snowflake hours hand

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M

Now maritime and an everyday watch shouldn’t go hand in hand. But they do when you are talking about the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m. With a nod to its nautical history, it resonates as a simple yet attractive everyday watch. Many will get a horological kick out of wearing this watch on the wrist.

Source: Omega

Measuring 38mm, it is home to the METAS approved Omega Co-Axial calibre 8800 self-winding movement offering first rate resistance to magnetic fields, free sprung balance and silicon balance spring. Admire the Rhodium-plated hands and rotor adorned with Geneva style waves, while the case is made from a durable 316L stainless steel which is revered for its anti-corrosion properties and sublime lustre.

Although the power reserve is 55 hours, it should be sufficient to hop on a flight across Europe for that luxury weekend getaway and be back in time at your desk Monday morning! The bracelet is both polished and brushed while the indexes offer white Super-Luminova properties.

Meanwhile, the date aperture is situated at 6 'o'clock. Many watch enthusiasts will love the sun-brushed blue dial with its teak-like pattern resembling wooden decks on high-end yachts. Versatile, understated and beautifully made, these watches can be worn as part of your office attire, on a countryside walk or sipping a cocktail sailing the Seven Seas!

- You can buy an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M for the retail price of £5,800 at the time of writing

Other Specs:

Lug to Lug Measurement: 45mm / Thickness: 12.2mm / Frequency: 3.5Hz / Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal / Clasp: Butterfly / Screw in crown / Weight: Approx 131g

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date

With more lacquer on the face than Lionel Richie (well 36 layers to be exact!) comes our next everyday watch contender, The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date. To suit all manner of occasions, this pine green dial watch has it all for avid horophiles. Yes, you could buy a Rolex Submariner with its calibre 3235, Triplock waterproof screw-down crown and Oyster bracelet. But that is so 2020.

Source: Swisswatches Magazine

At Chrono Hunter, we do things differently. That's why we are the best when you buy a watch or sell a watch through our distinctive platform. JLC has really enhanced the everyday watch category with the Polaris Date. Sure. you’re getting Haute Horlogerie. But you can pair this with any khaki style outfit, coat, gilet or your 4x4 Jeep! Rugged and multi-functional this is a total new ball or watch game compared to the Reverso.

Sportier than Cristiano Ronaldo, we rather like the orange hues emanating from the indices and rotating inner bezel, allowing you to measure countdowns. As for the transparent case-back, it has a gorgeous Côtes de Genève finish with circular graining. Presented on a chunky strap made from rubber, this watch will hold up against the everyday. Home to the impressive calibre 899, this new generation movement incorporates the cutting edge technology from the brand.

The interchangeable strap system, gradient green dial as well as hour markers and Arabic numerals filled with Super-Luminova ensure high levels of clarity for those everyday tasks. With a nod to the first Memovox Polaris, this everyday watch is a sure fire horological hit.

- You can buy a Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date for the retail price of £9850 at the time of writing

Other Specs:

Water Resistance: 200 metres / Power Reserve: 70 hours / Case back: Sapphire / Diameter: 42mm / Buckle Width: 20mm / Vph: 28,800 / Thickness: 13.92mm / Case: Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust

We could have put many Rolex watches into the best everyday watch category. Aside from the new Rolex models released at Watches and Wonders 2023 like the Yacht-Master 42 (props to their grade 5 titanium alloy), there can only be one winner as an everdayer fit for your wrist. The Rolex Datejust.

Source: Swisswatch Expo

Making a horological impact since 1945, it has been a phenomenal success for the brand. Reinventing the timekeeping wheel, these watches are elegant, classic and have the history to support it. Besides, the Datejust was the first ever self-winding waterproof timepiece that showcases a date window. Available in a wealth of dial colours, markers, bracelets and materials such as Everose gold and white gold, this magnificent novelty is the epitome of an everyday watch.

Pioneering at the time and still to this day, the modern wearer can tailor this to his personality. Horophiles and watch enthusiasts alike can pair the Datejust with a three piece suit for the office, casual leather jacket or even a tux to showcase this timeless design. And the Cyclops lens and five metal links simply adds to the signature aesthetics and time telling.

Measuring 36mm, there really isn’t enough hours in the day to remind you of the number of variations and bezel types on these watches including domed, fluted, smooth and diamond-set. These are all made from 18ct white, yellow or Everose gold. And then there are the Oyster, Jubilee and President bracelets! With more than seven decades of constant upgrades and tweaks featuring the new calibre 3235, the Datejust is the everyday standard that everyone attempts to follow.

- You can buy a Rolex Datejust pre-owned on the secondary market for upwards of £6,500 at the time of writing

Other Specs:

Functions: Time with running seconds, date display / Water Resistance: 100 metres / Power Reserve: 70 hours / Case back: Sapphire / Lug Width: 20mm / Lume: Chromalight (newer watches) or Super-LumiNova

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional

Where would be without that trusty Speedy? Who wouldn't want a piece of horological history adorning their wrist? After all, this legendary timepiece has been to the moon and back, worn by Apollo 11 astronauts at the time of this inaugural landing.

Source: Omega

We can’t say the same about the Omega Moonswatch Mission To Moonshine Gold (Did you miss the latest drop in Las Vegas on May 6, showcasing pink lume at the end of the second hand??). Bonkers.

Moonswatch Mission To Moonshine Gold “Pink”, Source: Professional Watches

Although this release was in conjunction with the full pink moon, there have been another 19 cities announced. And, you can bet your bottom dollar there will be many lining up and clambering to get their mitts on the next launches. Nonetheless the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional has created equal timekeeping hysteria among dedicated watch followers.

Measuring 42mm, this timepiece clearly goes down in folklore but is also a great everyday watch for those looking to buy an Omega etched in time. Featuring hesalite glass, three subdials, baton markers, sapphire crystal and a seahorse engraved on the caseback, there’s so much more to admire.

Suitable for a lavish black tie affair, rocking it at a dinner party or after work drinks, this watch is precise, enduring and extremely reliable. Beating at 3Hz, it is powered by the Calibre Omega 3861 which is as precise as one of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s snooker shots. And this is certainly a 147 every time! Taking four years to manufacture, they don’t dish out Master Chronometer Certification to any watches.

Available on a leather strap or stainless steel bracelet, if you want to give your wrist game an extra liftoff into luxury territory, we think you should upgrade to the Speedmaster Professional in Sedna Gold (£38,400 RRP)

- You can buy an Omega Speedmaster in stainless steel for the retail price of £6,400 at the time of writing

Other Specs:

Water Resistance: 50 metres / Power Reserve: 50 hours / Dial Colour: Black / Movement: Manual Wound / Bezel Ring: Anodised Aluminium / Clasp Type: Fold Over / Function: Chronograph, Tachymeter

TAG Heuer Carrera Hand Collection

As classy as the Met Gala comes another novelty that’s worthy of a mention from TAG Heuer’s Carrera lineup. One of their sleeker watch collections that is suitable for the desk, pool or by the cocktail bar, a melange of high clarity and sleek sportiness make this a hot everdayer.

Source: TAG Heuer

And we all know about TAG’s racing heritage, oozing out of the Heuer Monaco as worn by Steve Mcqueen and the TAG Heuer F1. Truth be told, these watches are underrated yet offer a number of different choices from black, blue and pink dials to day-date and twin time versions.

Plus, there is also the opportunity to enjoy a range of sizes to suit any wrist. Ranging from 29mm to 41mm with gold baton markers, silver baton markers, refined indexes as well as luxurious black and gold dial combinations, there really is a Carrera to suit every metropolitan man about town. We particularly like the Carrera date in a fetching cobalt blue. With an impressive calibre 7 movement it does have plenty of horsepower to rival the Grand National.

- You can buy a TAG Heuer Carrera 3 with sunray brushed green dial for the retail price of £2,750 at the time of writing

Other Specs:

Diameter: 36mm / Water Resistance: 50 metres / Power Reserve: 56 hours / Case: Polished and Brushed Steel / Caseback: Sapphire / Clasp Type: Steel Folding with Push Buttons / Indexes: Applied / Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date

Grand Seiko SBGA211

Taking inspiration from the Hotaka mountains, there just had to be a Grand Seiko on our list of best everyday watches. In terms of execution, the finishing on both case and dial is what we have been accustomed to with these timepieces. And we haven’t even mentioned the new 2023 Tentagraph Chronograph SLGC001 with its groundbreaking Dual Impulse Escapement.

Source: Grand Seiko

Icy cool, brilliant white and crisp as morning dew on a winter’s day, the white dial captures the landscape and epic case majestically. Boasting the epic Spring Drive 9R65 movement, we like that the watch is extremely feather-like on the wrist, meaning you can stride through the hotel lobby or to dinner with extreme confidence and precision. Talking of which, the way the steel tempered blue seconds hand gently sweeps round the dial is arguably one of the best in the timekeeping business.

It has without doubt stirred us into a trance over at Chrono Hunter HQ. The ingenious creativity is sublime while it provides 100 metres of water resistance that will cover you for the majority of splashes or low level snorkelling.

Whilst it might not float mechanical watch boats, the high intensity titanium case means this beauty won’t pick up any scratches or corrosion in a hurry. Measuring 41mm, the Grand Seiko SBGA211 comes complete with a 72 hour power reserve. Rest assured it won’t let you down for the entire weekend and beyond.

- You can buy a Grand Seiko SBGA211 for the retail price of £5,800 at the time of writing

Other Specs:

Lug to Lug: 49mm / Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (±1 second daily) / Thickness: 12.5mm / Weight: 100g / Clasp Type: Three fold with easy push button release / Other functions: Power reserve indicator, hours, minutes, seconds, date display

Longines Legend Diver 39mm - Time Only

As the year ticks down and we all turn that bit grey and wiser, we can’t help ourselves with an impressive number that could fit into any Christmas luxury stocking…The Longines Legend Diver 39mm.

Source: Longines

Off the back of some new releases this year including the aviation inspired Spirit Flyback Chronograph and Spirit Zulu Time 39mm, 2023 has seen another impressive release from the St-Imier brand. Taking its cues from the 1959 model right down to the original 39mm dial, this magnificent revamp is not just a delicious dive watch. It is so much more.

Part of their Heritage lineup, it combines retro aesthetics with sublime modern engineering, making it a favourite among watch enthusiasts. With not one but two crowns and an internal rotating bezel, this go anywhere and do anything (pretty much) timepiece enjoys many elements that have seen it rise in popularity…despite being a new horological kid on the block.

Incorporating a gorgeous blue lacquered dial with plenty of polishing, 300 metres of water resistance, sapphire glass and copious amounts of Swiss Swiss Super-LumiNova®, this guarantees perfect clarity in all manner of lighting conditions.

COSC certified, it possesses immense style, elegance, robustness and strength. This highly durable watch is the ideal everyday companion if you are looking to buy a Longines with added style and panache. This comes from the silvered polished with Arabic numerals and elongated indexes with a diver, a symbol of this legendary collection beautifully etched on the caseback.

Available in four different options, we are particularly drawn to the stainless steel and NATO strap selections which look super sleek for everyday use and in a range of informal and smarter environments. The lug to lug distance has been given a makeover, dropping from a somewhat oversized 52.4mm, shaving off more than 5mm.

Transcending eras, the no date Longines Legend Diver 39mm is a masterful blend of vintage aesthetics and modern functionality. Whether you are drawn to its historical significance, dive watch features, or timeless design, this latest novelty captures the spirit of adventure while remaining an extremely fashionable companion for everyday wear.

- You can buy a Longines Legend Diver 39mm for the retail price of £3,050 at the time of writing

Other Specs:

Reference: L3.764.4.90.6 / Power Reserve: 72 hours / Caseback: Screw down / Movement: Automatic / Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds / Case Thickness: 12.7mm / Lug to Lug: 47mm / Weight: 140.4g

The Rest Of The Best Everyday Watches

Ideal for the would-be one watch collectors among you, here are Chrono Hunter’s best of the rest;

Zenith Chronomaster Revival

Whoever came up with the first automatic chronograph, please stand up. Was it Seiko, TAG Heuer or perhaps Zenith? Whatever the case, you’d be a fool to overlook the Zenith Chronomaster Revival. Vintage siren alert. With a nod to the legendary chronographs during the 60’s and 70’s, these watches utilise their previous references and incorporate iconic elements into the design like the steel ladder bracelet.

- RRP £8,300 (at the time of writing)

Rolex Milgauss

Although discontinued at Watches and Wonders 2023, the Rolex Milgauss still has plenty of horological legs as an everyday driver…if you get your hands on one. Ok, we get some may not be fond of the orange lightning bolt seconds hand. Nonetheless, as a casual timepiece, this ticks many boxes. Enjoying a 48 hour power reserve, this watch houses the calibre 3131 and provides 100 metres of water resistance. COSC certified, this ain't just for mechanical engineering nerds. In fact, we can see enthusiasts and business execs express their individuality by wearing the Milgauss on their wrists.

- Secondary market value in excess of £9,000 (at the time of writing)

Tudor Ranger

High ho silver and away. Well you won’t need the Lone Ranger or Tonto to tell you what impression the return of the Tudor Ranger has made on watch enthusiasts. Measuring 39mm, they have done a great job of reintroducing this piece that can slip into any everyday look. Measuring 39mm, it boasts the calibre MT5402 (previously seen in older Black Bays) alongside a sapphire crystal case, 100 metres of water resistance and a lug to lug measurement of nearly 48mm. Another hot contender.

- RRP £2,630 (at the time of writing)

IWC Portugieser

If you are in pursuit of the best one and done everyday watch, then we think the IWC Portugieser is surely another hot contender. Known for its timeless design, precision engineering, and maritime heritage, the Portugieser line has become an iconic representation of luxury and sophistication.

Considered one of the most popular lines to this day, The origins of the Portugieser date back to the 1930s when two Portuguese businessmen approached IWC with a special request for wristwatches with the precision of marine chronometers. This led to the creation by Kurt Klaus of the first Portugieser, a watch that combined a large pocket watch movement with a wristwatch case, setting the foundation for a collection that would stand the test of time.

Enduring in design, this truly is a perfect everyday timepiece for those looking to buy an IWC. Its presence has been felt on the wrist of many well-known clientele from Keith Richards and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau who has flexed reference 544401 to Borat creator and all round comic genius Sacha Baron Cohen who has adorned reference IW371610. We like very much! The latter is a striking feat of technology incorporating 18kt yellow gold on a black alligator leather strap that’s fit for any special occasion.

Since 1939, the IWC Portugieser has been winning over watch fiends and collectors with its impeccable precision, engineering and performance. Some of the Portugieser watches can display many elements and complications like the exact day, date tourbillon and moonphase among other factors whereby you can keep time for up to the next five centuries across some models! Their self-winding movements are the epitome of accuracy while you can choose from many eye-catching dials in black, white or blue.

One of the most distinctive features of the Portugieser collection is its clean and elegant design. The watches often boast a simple yet sophisticated dial with Arabic numerals, leaf-shaped hands, and a railway track-style chapter ring. The emphasis on legibility and clarity is a nod to the navigational instruments that inspired the original models. IWC takes pride in using high-quality materials to create its watches. Stainless steel, gold, and platinum are commonly employed, ensuring durability and a luxurious feel. The attention to detail in the finishing, be it polished or brushed surfaces, further enhances the overall aesthetic appeal.

A notable sub-collection within the Portugieser line is the Yacht Club. Inspired by the world of sailing, these watches feature sportier designs with additional functions such as a flyback chronograph and water resistance. The Yacht Club models seamlessly blend elegance with a hint of athleticism.

- RRP £16,700 (IW371610) As of December 2023

Hublot Classic Fusion Original Titanium 38mm

You heard us right. Hublot and everyday watches? Don’t rule it out. The timekeeping rebel but with a great cause to change the industry, the Classic Fusion range is not to be underestimated as a versatile everyday potential.

Understated and a more sophisticated choice to those epic Big Bang models which some love or hate, this is the closest version the brand has to taking cues from its earliest releases during the 80s when they were as on point as Spandex and Miami Vice. Unlike Don Johnson’s rolled up white suit, times have changed. And with “42 years of audacity” since the first rubber strap novelty as they state on their site, who are we to argue with their groundbreaking innovation and sexy design.

After all, aren’t we entitled to change our opinion? Shaking the industry since 1980, this Grade 5 titanium piece, the Classic Original is perfectly proportioned that packs in three handed watches and chronographs within this specific range, suitable for a wealth of wrists with case sizes ranging between 33mm and 45mm.

Lightweight and comfortable, there’s plenty of vintage vibes going on which bears resemblance to an early Royal Oak…but at a fraction of the price! Total simplicity and effortlessness can be examined in the, well almost thrilling black dial that has a sunray finish. But that is the point. Hublot have taken a less is more approach with the Classic Fusion Original and elevated it.

So this comes sans lume with only hour markers and without a minute track. Who cares? Not us. This three handed beauty with a date aperture at 3 o’ clock doesn’t need to show off to make a big statement in the everyday category. Is this the Hublot horological elephant in the room? Quite possibly. Want to buy a watch for a fraction of an AP or Patek Phillipe Nautilus but exudes precisely the same captivating glamour?

It’s a no brainer in our esteemed view.

- RRP £6,800 as of December 2023

Conclusion

We hope you have enjoyed our comprehensive look at some of the best everyday watches. Oh yes, did we also mention the Panerai Radiomir Quaranta? For all those day to day requirements though, an everyday watch is considered one of the most significant timepieces to have in your timekeeping locker…or wardrobe for that matter. Be it for smarter occasions, taking a dip, dinner with the in-laws or impressing your date, no matter what the scenario, you will be wrist ready when the time comes!

Want to add an everyday watch to your collection? Can’t decide whether to buy a Rolex or buy a Tudor Ranger? Let Chrono Hunter assist. Contact us here and we can set the ball rolling for your one and done luxury piece. We are the go-to platform to buy a watch or sell a watch. Benefit from a multitude of offers via our established network of retailers and start saving money the smart way. Benefit from peerless service, horological expertise and phenomenal Trustpilot reviews ensuring you are in the safest hands.

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