We Compared 21 Men’s Watches — Here Are the Top 5 for Summer 2025

By Jayden Mitchell

Last Updated Mar 13.2025

Finding a stylish, durable, and affordable watch for this summer isn’t as easy as it sounds.

 

That’s why we decided to test 21 of the most popular watches on the market — from well-known luxury brands to new, up-and-coming alternatives. Our goal? To find the perfect timepiece that looks great, holds up to daily wear, and doesn’t break the bank.

 

We looked at design, materials, water resistance, brand reputation, and overall value. And after a few weeks of testing, five watches clearly stood out from the rest — including one that truly surprised us.

 

Here’s our honest take.

Discover our #1 choice

SUMMER 2025 WATCH GUIDE: THE TOP 5 PICKS FOR MEN

SUMMER 2025 WATCH GUIDE: 
THE TOP 5 PICKS FOR MEN

1. Nautilus 
by Lunaro

Price: £99

"Best Overall Value"
RATING
9.8/10

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Why we love it: 

Lunaro nails the balance between elegance and affordability. It looks like a £500+ watch, but without the price tag. Built with premium materials, it doesn’t just look great — it feels great on the wrist. Plus, it comes in luxury packaging and is water-resistant (3ATM).

Material: Solid Stainless Steel, Sapphire-Coated Glass

Pros

  • Design inspired by a luxury icon priced over £60,000

  • Reliable automatic movement

  • Water-resistant (3ATM)

  • Sapphire-coated scratch-resistant glass

  • Solid 316L stainless steel case

  • Comes in a premium gift box

  • Easy to dress up or down

  • Shipped from Europe within 48h

  • 2-year included warranty

Cons

  • Limited availability for some colors

  • Only available on www.lunarowatches.com

  • Might feel too bold for minimalists

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2. Presage 
by Seiko

Price: £1.280

"Best Craftsmanship (but Pricey)"
RATING
8.3/10

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Why we love it: 

The Seiko Presage combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with timeless design. Known for its intricate dials and mechanical reliability, it’s a great option for watch lovers looking for an elegant, understated piece. However, the price puts it in a very different category than most entry-level timepieces — and it may not be the best fit for everyone.

Material: Stainless Steel Case, Hardlex Crystal

Pros

  • Elegant, dressy design with detailed dials

  • Brand heritage with over a century of history

  • Often comes with both a leather and steel strap

  • Durable Hardlex crystal glass

  • Visible case-back (on some models)

  • Easy to dress up or down

  • Visible case-back (on some models)

  • Easy to dress up or down

Cons

  • Premium pricing —  £1000+

  • Mechanical movement requires regular winding or wear

  • Not suitable for casual or sporty outfits

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3. Edifice 
by Casio

Price: £169

"Affordable Tech-Look Option"
RATING
7.4/10

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Why we love it: 

Casio’s Edifice line combines sporty aesthetics with basic chronograph functionality. It’s a decent entry-level option for someone who values reliability and a recognizable name — but it lacks the luxury feel or bold design appeal of higher-tier watches.

Material: Stainless Steel, Mineral Crystal

Pros

  • Accurate Japanese quartz movement

  • Chronograph function included

  • Comes with a branded metal box

  • Trusted brand history

  • Affordable pricing

Cons

  • Feels lightweight and hollow compared to higher-end models

  • Mineral crystal scratches easily over time

  • Disappointing water resistance – doesn’t hold up beyond basic splashes

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4. Townsman 
by Fossil

Price: £259

"Nice Design, Average Specs"
RATING
7.2/10

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Why we love it: 

The Fossil Townsman strikes a balance between classic elegance and everyday wearability. It features a semi-skeleton dial and automatic movement that appeals to vintage lovers. It has presence on the wrist and solid finishing, but at this price point (~£200+), compromises are inevitable — especially when compared to other watches in its range.

Material: Stainless Steel Case, Mineral Glass, Automatic Movement

Pros

  • Automatic movement — no battery required

  • Unique semi-skeleton design adds charm

  • Trusted heritage from a long-standing American brand

  • Sapphire-coated scratch-resistant glass

  • Leather strap version available for added versatility

  • Can be worn casual or slightly dressy

Cons

  • Priced over £200 with basic materials

  • Average finishing compared to competitors

  • No sapphire coating at this price

  • Thick case may feel bulky for some

5. Classic 
by MVMT

Price: £120

"Minimal Price, Minimal Presence"
RATING
5.8/10

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Why we love it: 

MVMT has built a reputation for delivering clean, minimalist timepieces at highly accessible prices. The Classic model is stylish, lightweight, and easy to wear — perfect for someone looking for a first watch without breaking the bank. But the low price comes with a few trade-offs in materials and presence on the wrist.


Material: Ion-plated Metal Case, Mineral Glass

Pros

  • Very affordable — usually around £120

  • Clean, minimalist design

  • Lightweight and comfortable for daily use

  • Sapphire-coated scratch-resistant glass

  • Wide range of color options

  • Simple quartz movement, low maintenance

  • Wide range of color options

  • Simple quartz movement — low maintenance

Cons

  • Mineral glass offers low scratch resistance

  • Lacks visual impact — may feel generic

  • Brand lacks strong horological heritage

  • Feels lightweight and less premium

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Special Deal Secured by 
The Gentleman's Review

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The Gentleman's Review

Jayden Mitchell

With over 12 years of hands-on testing and reviewing timepieces, Marc has built a reputation for cutting through the hype and spotlighting real value. From high-end Swiss models to affordable game-changers, his mission is simple: help readers find the watches that truly deliver. His honest insights now feature in our “Top Picks Report”

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