10 of the best everyday watches for any budget and any lifestyle

Russell Sheldrake

As monstrous and unnatural as it sounds, there are people who only want one watch in their lives. In days past, this wasn’t such an unusual thing. People from my parents’ generation often wore the same watch for a lifetime, or at least until it was well beyond repair. One watch to rule them all, if you will. I am not that one-watch person, however, and if you’re a regular reader, I’m betting you’re not either. But I certainly appreciate a watch that nails the refined versatility thing. One that can take a bit of hard use? Even better. These timepieces are now known as go-anywhere, do-anything watches. And for a watch to actually go anywhere and do anything, they need to meet certain criteria. They can’t lean into one aesthetic or category too hard, this means the watch can go with any outfit and fit any situation. It can’t cost the world, and while I appreciate affordability means different things to different people, you can’t be spending more than the watch is truly worth. And finally you have to love it enough to look at it every day. It’s kind of in the name.

Citizen Tsuyosa

The Tsuyosa has been a hit ever since it tiptoed its way into Citizen’s lineup. Enthusiasts have praised its Rolex Oyster Perpetual/Oysterquartz looks at ramen prices, and I’m inclined to agree. It offers a well-proportioned, stainless-steel 40mm case with that angled Oysterquartz look, a range of dial choices, an integrated bracelet that riffs on the Rolex President, and a reliable Miyota 8210 automatic movement. Me? I’m going with the yellow dial, for those budget baller OP feels. Price: US$360 (on sale, regular RRP US$450)

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38

The Hamilton Khaki Field has been the darling of the outdoorsy set for a while now, and for good reason. Its highly legible dial, paired with a trustworthy movement and a versatile case size of 38mm makes it a go anywhere, do anything kind of watch. While it may be tough, it can be dressed up when needs must on a leather strap, but when you’re heading out on adventures, throwing this on a khaki fabric strap is very hard to beat. Price: US$595, available from the T+T Shop

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

What can be said about the Tissot PRX Powermatic that hasn’t been said already? It’s got a classy integrated design that remains as scorchingly hot as any in the category, an 80-hour power reserve, 100 metres of water resistance, and an ever-expanding selection of dial options. Price: $725, available from the T+T Shop

Serica ref. 6190 Field Chronometer

Serica has been on the rise of late, and the ref. 6190 is proof of its universal appeal. With a few different dial options, including this rather striking California look, the brand’s Field Chronometer has a real contender for one of the best vintage-inspired models around right now. The domed crystal and the big crown give it just enough old-world charm without taking away from its usability. It still feels a little overlooked by the wider industry, but I can’t imagine it’s going to stay that way for long. Price: €990 (~US$1,100)

Doxa SUB 200

While this does lean heavily into the diver model category, I hope you’ll forgive me for straying from my original premise ever so slightly. The SUB 200 is an excellent go anywhere watch and thanks to the dressiness of its beads-of-rice bracelet, it feels like a dive watch that can be worn away from the water. Everything that we know and love about Doxa is here, with a great water resistance, clean aesthetic, and reliable movement. What more could you ask from a watch to wear everyday? Price: US$1,050, available from the Time+Tide Shop

Oris Divers Sixty-Five

I have a confession to make here, I am biased towards this as it is my everyday watch. The Oris Diver has been my everyday watch now for nearly four years and I imagine it will continue that roll for a number of years to come. It’s unassuming, and perfectly balanced on the tapered bracelet, giving it a comfortable feel 24/7. I’ve done it all with this watch, gone on long hikes through the rain, taken it kayaking, gone to concerts, worn it to business meetings, and it’s never felt out of place, nor has it failed me in terms of its toughness. Price: US$2,700

TAG Heuer Carrera Date 39

This is another model that leans into the simple aesthetic where a brand’s identity has been distilled down into its purest form. Here we have a legendary chronograph in the form of the Carrera being simplified into a time-and-date format. The sportiness of the case shape and overall design has been kept, leaving us with the TAG Heuer version of a simple timepiece. This is not an easy thing to do from a design perspective, as the smallest of details matter. Price: US$3,200

Tudor Black Bay 36

The non-diver Tudor Black Bay has always felt like an also-ran when compared to the hyped-up dive models (and the fuss surrounding them), but don’t sleep on this bezelless version. Available in a range of sizes, it features Tudor’s 70-hour, in-house chronometer-certified movement, a refined case design, and a Jubilee bracelet with the near-perfect T-fit quick adjust clasp. My choice is the 36mm size, with the lovely anthracite and gilt no-date dial. It’s a versatile, well-sized timepiece with a subtle vintage flair, yet it’s robust enough for everyday use. The sportier version of this watch – the Tudor Black Bay Chrono – is also a great choice, and is one of the best diving chronographs. Price: US$3,925

Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium

Ever since the relaunch of the Santos de Cartier line, it has been hard to escape its riveted bezel and bracelet. The medium size has been ubiquitous in its appeal across ages, nationalities, and genders, and has quickly become the thinking person’s Datejust thanks to its universal appeal with a point of difference. It’s not often we see shaped watches be adopted so broadly, and I think it speaks to just how well executed this model is in its proportions and finish. Price: US$7,050

Grand Seiko SLGW003

The Grand Seiko SLGW003 is by far the dressiest watch on this list, as well as the most expensive. While I don’t think I could ever match how well my colleagues speak about this watch and all of its many benefits, the way it functions as an everyday watch is incredible. Comfort on the wrist, understated elegance, and a tough yet accurate movement, this would be an excellent companion on your wrist, no matter the situation – as long as you can afford it. Price: US$10,700