Top 10 Watches for Daily Wear

We all dream of a Holy Grail watch with features and complications. Still, when picking an everyday watch, we look for something that isn’t overly complicated and readily meets the purpose. 

So, what exactly defines an everyday watch?

Watches that you can set and forget best define an everyday watch. There’s no mind-scratching complexity or mechanism to figure out, and it’s just easy to deal with. You can do anything or go anywhere and at any time while wearing an everyday watch from a reputed brand.

Now before you dart the questions - How should it look? How versatile should it be? Is it great for boardrooms and dress-down occasions? Does it provide sufficient water resistance? Can it function appropriately in uncomfortable scenarios and settings? The Luxury Hut has a few top tips to help you choose the ultimate everyday watch.

How do you choose a perfect everyday watch?

• An ideal everyday watch needs to complement your outfit while withstanding daily activities and providing reliable performance. In short, it should be versatile.
• These watches are an extension of your personality, and you must consider your needs, tastes and budget before settling on one.
• It’s advisable to pick a slimmer case, preferably between 36mm-42mm.
• The watch should provide water resistance of at least 50 to 100 metres.
• An everyday watch should have excellent lume properties, enabling you to read the time in dark environments.
• It should be sturdy enough to withstand the everyday bumps you encounter and still work just fine. Therefore, an everyday wristwatch should have a durable case material.

While there is so much hype related to overtly complex watches, surprisingly, many horophiles want to buy watches designed for daily use and not to be savoured only on special occasions. After all, you should at least be able to wear and appreciate the watch that costs you so much.

Now, some prefer their everyday timekeeping companion to look classic and simple, which is safe bait; others prefer a watch that exudes a sense of rugged elegance or maybe a timepiece with a defining feature, like a sports-oriented appearance or a bold crown.

Everyday watches are built to accommodate the wearer’s need, whether to sit quietly, make a statement, look pretty or portray one’s personal success. 

So, which one would you pick as your go-to companion for everyday wear? With so many luxury watch brands, collections and models available, which watch do you think, will fulfil all these criteria? 

Your Top 10 Picks for Everyday Watches

1. Rolex Datejust 

Rolex is an all-rounder. We could put many Rolex watches into the best everyday watch category. Aside from the cheapest Rolex watches and Rolex’s latest releases from Watches & Wonders 2024, only one watch is a clear winner as a perfect everyday watch – the ‘Datejust’.

Since 1945, the Datejust has been a phenomenal success for its elegance, timelessness and durability. It is the first waterproof wristwatch with a ‘date’ feature, and if you didn’t already know, the iconic Datejust is also a very good investment. Available in a range of dial colours, bracelets, markers and materials, the Rolex Datejust is the epitome of an everyday watch.

The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126333 is an apt description of an everyday timepiece that perfectly characterises the brand’s essence of timelessness.  Coming in a classic two-tone body, the watch sits comfortably at 41mm, representing the luxuriousness that has always been a part of Rolex. The eye-catching yellow gold fluted bezel perfectly complements the champagne dial featuring classic stick-style hour markers. And the Cyclops above the date window lens simply adds to its signature aesthetics. The Datejust 41 126333 is available on the Oyster as well as the Jubilee bracelet.

You can pair the Datejust with almost anything, be it a three-piece suit, a tux, or a casual leather jacket, to flaunt the timeless design. It’s a model that will appeal to everyone for both its style and practicality.

Key Features:

• Case Material: Stainless steel & Yellow Gold
• Case Size: 41mm
• Dial: Champagne
• Bezel: 18ct Yellow Gold Fluted
• Bracelet: Stainless steel & Yellow Gold, Jubilee
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Movement: Calibre 3235
• Water-resistance: 100 metres
• Power Reserve: 70 hours
• Retail Price: £13,050

2. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional 

Who wouldn’t want a piece of horological history on their wrist? Those who are thinking, "What is so special about the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch?" Well, the legendary Omega Moonwatch is the first timepiece to have been to the Moon and back. It was worn by the astronauts during the Apollo 11 mission in July 1969 and has since created hysteria among dedicated watch followers. These historical achievements and feats are one of the many significant factors why Omega watches are so expensive.

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Ref. 310.30.42.50.01.002 is clearly a great everyday watch. There’s so much to admire when you look at it. It is suitable for a lavish dinner party or after-work drink and is great for official meetings, too. You will find the watches on bracelets and leather straps to give your wrist game a liftoff!

The 42mm asymmetrical case features brushed surfaces and has a polished bevel running on the side. The black step dial has a snailed pattern in the centre and is adorned with long markers for seconds/minutes, short luminous hour markers and a chronograph track with 5 divisions per second. Along with the central chronograph function, there are three sub-dials featuring a 60-second, 30-minute and 12-hour counter. The anodised aluminium bezel ring has a famous dot over 90. As for the bracelet, the watch is presented on a polished stainless steel bracelet.

Key Features:

• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Case Size: 42mm
• Dial: Black  
• Bezel: Anodised aluminium
• Bracelet: Stainless steel
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Movement: Manual Winding
• Water-Resistance: 50 metres
• Power Reserve: 50 hours
• Retail Price: £7500

3. Vacheron Constantin Overseas

This Vacheron Constantin in stainless steel is an absolute stunner. The Overseas chronograph from Vacheron Constantin is full of style and vigour. The collection blends elegance with comfort, something anyone would cherish in their everyday timekeeping wristpiece.

The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Ref: 4600V/200A-B980 is a standout model from the collection, featuring a 34.5mm stainless steel case, providing extreme robustness as you set to achieve our day-to-day responsibilities. Elegant and relaxed, this watch is distinguished by its bezel, resembling the Maltese cross. If that’s not it, turn around, and you can admire the oscillating weight in 22ct gold with the open-worked case back. 

The incredible blue lacquered dial has a fantastic sunburst satin finish with a velvet-finished minutes track, a date window at 3 o’clock, 18ct gold applied hour/minute hands and hour markers, all highlighted with blue Super-LumiNova. Like the bezel, the bracelet on the Overseas has the brand’s signature Maltese cross motif. You can also switch the bracelet to a rubber or leather strap if you please.

Overall, this Vacheron Constantin Overseas is a solid option that doesn’t sacrifice specifications and style for a smaller size. In fact, this would be the real sweet spot for many wrists. Team the watch with formal attire or a casual brunch party with friends and get ready to claim the attention.

Key Features:

• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Case Size: 34.5mm
• Dial: Blue
• Bezel: Stainless steel
• Bracelet: Stainless steel/ Dark blue rubber strap/Dark blue calfskin leather strap
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Movement: Automatic Calibre 1088/1
• Water-Resistance: 150 metres (approximately)
• Power Reserve: 40 hours
• Retail Price: £22,300

4. Tudor Black Bay 58

Looking for the best value watch? The Tudor Black Bay 58 Ref. M79030B is one of the best choices out there. The watch is highly appealing to the enthusiasts, and we can see why. Measuring 39mm, it is great for slimmer wrists. The fact that the bezel and dial share the same colour makes it appear larger. So it fits perfectly on smaller wrists but appears larger – a clever trick indeed and probably why it counts itself as one of the best men’s watches in the market in terms of materials, craftsmanship and all-around usage.

The blue dial comes with the iconic Tudor snowflake hands and a logo at 12 o’clock. Silver touches are applied to the hands, hour markers and minute track of the black and steel bezel. Presented on a riveted steel bracelet, this Black Bay 58 Ref. M79030B appeals to smaller as well as larger wrists because of the micro adjustment mechanism that allows the wearer to add or remove links to fit perfectly. But the icing on the cake comes with the Calibre MT5402, a COSC-certified movement, offering a stunning power backup of 70 hours.

You can wear it on your wrist, knowing the Tudor Black Bay 58 is here to stay. This is one of the reasons why connoisseurs often make a Rolex Submariner vs. Tudor Heritage Black Bay comparison. You literally get so much at such a low cost. Elegant and versatile, it can be worn all day in any kind of situation, from the beach to the boardroom. Thanks to its 200 metres of water resistance, it definitely secures its position amongst the top luxury watches for your next adventure.  

Key Features:

• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Case Size: 39mm
• Dial: Blue
• Bezel: Stainless steel with 60-minute graduated disc in matte blue anodised aluminium and silver markings
• Bracelet: Riveted steel bracelet  
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Movement: Automatic Calibre MT5402
• Water-Resistance: 200 metres
• Power Reserve: 70 hours
• Retail Price: £3450

5. Rolex Submariner Date

Of course, this everyday driver, known as a ‘go anywhere, do anything’ watch, needs no introduction, but we’ll give one anyway. Rolex released the iconic Submariner at the Baselworld Watch Fair in 1956, and today, it is the quintessential luxury dive watch. While everything has been said and written about this luxury timepiece, there are still many facts about the Rolex Submariner you might not know.

The Submariner Date Ref. 126610LN embodies the very essence of the model with a case diameter of 41mm, a deep black dial and a black ceramic Cerachrom bezel with 60-minute graduations that are highly functional and attractive. Think you’ll get bored with the all-black look? The significant luminous hour markers on the pitch-black dial and the small date display at 3 o’clock that helps you read the date and time while you party all night long is sure to keep you hooked. Scratch and corrosion-resistant, you can wear it wherever you want with no risk of damage. Powered by the 3235 movement, this Submariner has an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day. So, if you wish your everyday watch to be both impactful and stylish, you can never go wrong with this novelty.

Additionally, if you’re aware of the famous Rolex Submariner price increase history, in that case, you’ll know that the Rolex Submariner counts itself as one of the top Rolex investments for 2024, wherein you can sell your Rolex at a greater price in the future. However, due to its incredibly high demand, getting your hands on the Submariner Ref. 126610LN is nearly impossible at both retail and secondary markets.

Key Features:

• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Case Size: 41mm
• Dial: Black
• Bezel: Unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with Cerachrom insert in black ceramic
• Bracelet: Stainless steel, Oyster
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Movement: Automatic Calibre 3235
• Water-Resistance: 300 metres
• Power Reserve: 70 hours
• Retail Price: £9000

6. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m

How can maritime history and an everyday watch go hand in hand? Here, we’re talking about the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M—a watch with an extensive nautical history yet extremely robust and elegant, making it attractive as an everyday watch.

Sitting comfortably at 38mm, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Ref: 220.10.38.20.03.001 includes all the ingredients that make it appealing to collectors and enthusiasts. Its striking sun-brushed blue dial is elegantly accented by a horizontal ‘teak’ pattern. It is inspired by the wooden decks of luxury sailboats, which reminds us of its maritime heritage and adorned with inward-tapered indices as hour markers filled with white Super-LumiNova and a date aperture at 6 o’clock. The bracelet is both brushed and polished. The water resistance of 150 metres is sufficient for any sort of real-life use and abuse. This Omega Aqua Terra is one of the more technically capable choices in this price bracket.

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Ref: 220.10.38.20.03.001 has a very distinct look, and you can easily recognise one when you see it from a distance. The design is very well done, and the aesthetic gives away a sports watch stance on the wrist. Still, it will glide smoothly under the tightest of cuffs, and you can easily flaunt it with formal and leisure attire.

Key Features:

• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Case Size: 38mm
• Dial: Blue
• Bezel: Stainless steel
• Bracelet: Stainless steel
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Movement: Automatic
• Water-Resistance: 150 metres
• Power Reserve: 55 hours
• Retail Price: £5900

7. Jaeger-Lecoultre Polaris Date 

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris date comes next on our everyday watch contender list. JLC has really done an excellent job designing it. It oozes quality and adds visual interest. You can easily pair this wristpiece with almost any outfit and make a statement. The Polaris shows off the no-nonsense watchmaking prowess that Jaeger-LeCoultre is known for.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date Ref: Q906868J is presented on a chunky 42mm stainless steel case, but the thin bezel makes it appear larger on the wrist. The watch suits all manner of occasions with its elegant appearance, and the blue lacquered dial enhances its appeal. One of the main features of the Polaris dials is that they all feature a trio of finishes – the central ring has a grained finish, the central section has a sunray pattern, and the inner rotating bezel embraces an iridescent matte finish. It is decorated with luminous hour markers as well as Arabic numerals, providing clarity for those everyday tasks. The watch is home to the calibre 899, ensuring high accuracy and offers 70 hours of power reserve. The blue rubber strap with the ‘Clous de Paris’ pattern adds to its blue glory.

The Q906868J is ideal for anyone who prefers to keep things simple yet elegant. Among the crowded market segment of many function-loaded watches, this time-only watch proves that trends eventually subside and that what remains is timelessness.

Key Features:

• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Case Size: 42mm
• Dial: Blue
• Bezel: Stainless steel
• Bracelet: Blue rubber strap
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Movement: Automatic, Calibre 899
• Water-Resistance: 200 metres
• Power Reserve: 70 hours
• Retail Price: £10200

8. Tag Heuer Carrera Day-Date

As classy as it can get, the Tag Heuer Carrera Day-Date is a beautiful watch! The Carrera lineup is one of their sleeker watch collections, suitable for a cocktail bar, pool or desk. Most of us know that Tag Heuer has a rich sporting heritage, with the Heuer Monaco worn by Steve Mcqueen. However, things have evolved with time, and Tag Heuer now offers some of the most underrated choices that ooze sleek sportiness, including the ones with blue, pink and black dials and day-date functions.

We particularly like the Tag Heuer Carrera Day-Date Ref. WBN2012.FC6502 with rich blue dial. The watch flaunts urban looks that readily appeal to the metropolitan man with a 41mm steel case that is water resistant to 100 metres, a display case back, and a sunburst-finish blue dial. The blue sunray-finished dial has rhodium-plated hands and indexes that make a daring statement and always ensure legibility with its white Super-Luminova. The most defining feature of this dial is the day and date feature at 3 o’clock, which brings functionality on the go. Worn on a blue alligator strap, this elegant three-hand automatic watch powered by the Calibre 5 movement is a revealer of one’s personality.

It’s precisely the steadfast design and supreme versatility that makes this watch such a winner. The Carerra is a classical beauty which feels comfortable and solid on the wrist, making it perfect for everyday use.

Key Features:

• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Case Size: 41mm
• Dial: Blue
• Bezel: Stainless steel
• Bracelet: Blue alligator strap
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Movement: Automatic, Calibre 5
• Water-Resistance: 100 metres
• Power Reserve: 38 hours
• Retail Price: £3000

9. Cartier Santos De Cartier

Cartier is one of the most elegant watchmakers, creating instantly recognisable timepieces. Their innate charm makes them desirable and popular. The Cartier Santos de Cartier is a popular watch collection, first released in 1904 by Louis Cartier in response to his friend’s request. There are always interesting stories behind Cartier’s most iconic creations, and the Santos is no exception.

Browsing through Cartier’s wide catalogue, we came across several models ideal for everyday wear, but the one that appealed the most to us was the stunning green dial of the Cartier Santos De Cartier Ref. WSSA0061. The green positively surprises, and it’s not audacious but a very classy and sporty colour that immediately gives this version a thumbs up! 

The medium size is ubiquitous in its appeal and reminds us of the Rolex Datejust for its universal appeal. The steel case of the Santos sits at 35.1mm in diameter and is surrounded by the iconic screwed steel bezel. The graduated green dial beautifully complements the steel and is adorned with polished Roman numerals. Polished hands and the iconic Cartier lettering on the dial face are distinct characteristics of a Cartier timepiece. That’s not the end. Cartier gives you the option to swap the steel bracelet for a green alligator skin leather strap as you head for an after-party.

Key Features:

• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Case Size: 35.1mm
• Dial: Green
• Bezel: Stainless steel
• Bracelet: Stainless steel or Green alligator skin strap
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Movement: Automatic, 1847 MC
• Water-Resistance: 100 metres
• Power Reserve: 42 hours
• Retail Price: £6750

10. Tudor Black Bay 54

The Black Bay 54 is the best example of Tudor’s first dive watch, and collectors appreciate its design, comfort, and value. Although the Tudor Black Bay 58 is a sure shot for vintage lovers, The Luxury Hut finds the Black Bay 54 ‘perfect’ for connoisseurs looking for an everyday watch.

Tudor surprised everyone with the Black Bay 54 Ref: M79000N. The timepiece pays homage to the slimmed-down former self, now measuring 37mm. The dial comes with no date but with the signature Tudor snowflake hands and dot and baton hour markers. Other design elements worth noticing include the polished bevels on the lug, screwed-down crown, ultra-domed sapphire crystal and smooth unidirectional steel bezel. The TUDOR rose on the stainless steel crown is another nice touch. Speaking of aesthetics, the Black Bay 54 looks quite similar to the old Rolex Submariner.

With its compact sizing and clean aesthetics, this Tudor Black Bay 54 is perfect for those who appreciate a more understated wrist appearance without sacrificing rugged functionality.

Key Features:

• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Case Size: 37mm
• Dial: Black
• Bezel: 60-minute unidirectional bezel in stainless steel with aluminium insert
• Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Movement: Automatic, MT5400
• Water-Resistance: 200 metres
• Power Reserve:  70 hours
• Retail Price: £3360

END NOTE

An everyday watch is considered one of the most significant timepieces to have in your collection, your locker, or your wardrobe. Be it for special occasions, smarter trips, taking a dip, dinner with the special person, or no matter what the scenario, these ten watches here are perfect for everything, ensuring your wrist will be ready when the time comes!