In order for a watch to earn the “Swiss made” appellation, it has to meet a specific set of conditions set by the government of Switzerland. It isn’t simply a marketing claim; it’s a legal standard, requiring the movement to be made, encased, and tested in Switzerland. In other words, Swiss watches are Swiss in the same way that Iberian ham is Iberian and French wines are French.

Swiss watches have set a worldwide standard for enduring quality, both in materials and in manufacture. Superior quality in materials means that these watches can last for generations, and retain their style and value for a lifetime. Their quality and durability has led to these watches being highly collectible, handed down for generations, and made them a great investment. For men who want a truly exceptional timepiece that will make a statement for decades to come, a Swiss watch is a choice that will become an heirloom. Here are some of the best:

  • Men’s Tissot Heritage Visodate Automatic

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    Made by the popular Tissot brand, the Heritage Visodate is a classic watch. It might not have any of the more contemporary functions typical of modern watches, yet it does exactly what it’s meant to do—tell the time. For a breakdown of what makes the Heritage Visodate tick, let’s consider the features of this watch.

    Features

    • White dial
    • Sapphire crystal window protection
    • Stainless steel case
    • The diameter of the face measures about 40 mm
    • Immobile stainless steel bezel
    • The watch has the conventional hands typical of classic watches
    • Numbers on the dial are represented by discernible bars
    • There’s a compartment for date display at the 3 o’clock position
    • Watch has a standard circular shape
    • The case has a thickness of about 11 mm
    • Swiss movement
    • The band is made from calfskin
    • Easy-to-fasten buckle

    Pros

    • Simple dial
    • Water resistant to a depth of 100’
    • Classic look
    • Time accuracy
    • Lightweight

    Cons

    • Costly
    • Reserve power dries up with days
    • Faster by about 10 seconds
    • Frequent winding required
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  • TAG Heuer Aqua Racer 500 Silver Swiss Automatic

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    The Aqua Racer series of watches from TAG Heuer just keep getting better and better. The movement is reliable, the looks are great, and the entire watch exhibits the quality from the onset. Every aspect of this watch is better than you'd expect. From the smooth bezel to the overall scratch resistance and generous 48-hour reserve power, you're given outstanding value. Let's take a closer look at this highly popular timepiece and see what makes it such a best-seller.

    Features

    • Anti-reflective sapphire glass protection
    • 3-link stainless steel band
    • Brushed stainless steel composition
    • 21 mm wide x 8-in. long bracelet
    • 41 mm diameter x 12 mm thick case
    • Swiss automatic movement
    • Screw-down crown
    • Black unidirectional bezel
    • Black ribbed dial
    • Date window
    • Luminous indices and hands
    • Deployant clasp closure
    • Water resistant to 1,640 ft. (500 m)

    Pros

    • Scuba dive quality water resistance
    • Anti-reflective and scratch resistant
    • Long-lasting clasp
    • Smooth ceramic bezel rotation
    • Just a few minutes of sun keeps your watch accurate
    • Crown cannot strip
    • Good degree of clarity from luminescence

    Cons

    • Power reserve is reported to be unreliable
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  • TAG Heuer Carrera 5 Swiss Automatic WAR211C.BA0782

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    The simplicity of this beautiful watch oozes style while remaining clear to read and practical. Every element of its construction is a true testimony to the trusted quality of TAG Heuer watches. The original Carrera series of watches were accepted as some of the best made. This present-day incarnation has kept to the timeless look and feel of the original Carrera 1887. Let's take a closer look at this well-priced precision engineered automatic watch.

    Features

    • Sapphire glass protection
    • 39 mm case diameter and 12mm thickness
    • Brushed and polished stainless steel casing and bracelet
    • 19 mm wide by 12 mm thick bracelet
    • Deployant clasp with push button
    • Grey sunray automatic dial
    • Silver tone luminescent markers
    • Swiss automatic movement
    • Calendar date display at 3 o’clock
    • 100 meter (330 ft.) water resistance
    • Transparent screw down case back
    • 15.4 ounces total weight

    Pros

    • Near-perfect accuracy
    • Highly scratch resistant case and glass
    • 38-hour reserve power
    • High water resistance
    • Bracelet can be pre-sized before shipping

    Cons

    • Grey face reduces readability when compared to original black design
    • Heavier than similar designs
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  • Omega Seamaster Automatic Silver-Tone

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    Omega's answer to the Submariner is their own Seamaster. Like the Submariner, the Seamaster has a classic look and enduring style that are as suitable for diving as it is for everyday wear. The deep blue bezel and dial face give the Seamaster a distinctive style that allow it to be worn both formally and informally, when you aren't diving with it.

    The 60 minute timer on the ceramic bezel allows you to time dives and decompression stops for safety underwater. It is water resistant to 300 meters or 1000 feet, and has a unique helium escape valve that allows helium to pass through the valve during decompression, without allowing water in.

    Unlike the Submariner, the Omega Seamaster has anti-reflective treatment on both sides of the crystal. The Seamaster has a look that is both classic and distinctive, making it an excellent, versatile design. It has all the features you need in a dive watch, but with a great look and solid style no matter where it goes.

    Features

    • Type and power reserve: Automatic chronometer with up to 48 hours power reserve
    • Case: Steel case with Omega’s unique helium escape valve at 10 o’clock
    • Bracelet: Steel bracelet with fold-over clasp
    • Crystal: The Seamaster has a domed scratch-resistant synthetic sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
    • Dimensions: 41 mm diameter, 13 mm height, 20 mm bracelet width
    • Display: The display includes the date
    • Bezel: Unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel with 60 minute dive timer and a luminous capsule at the 0 mark
    • Movement: The Caliber Omega 2500 movement is a self-winding, co-axial escapement movement with a rhodium-plated finish
    • Dial: Blue dial with contrasting stick and dot markers
    • Luminescence: Luminescent
    • Water resistance: 300 meters (1000 ft.)

    Pros

    • Highly visible and legible dial and dive timer allow accuracy even underwater and in low-light conditions
    • The combination of deep blue and polished steel is intriguing and sophisticated.

    Cons

    • The helium valve needs to be manually operated underwater, a feature that most divers don’t prefer, and may find difficult to operate wearing gloves. As a style element, it remains a distinctive feature of all Seamasters, but there are more functional choices for actual underwater environments.
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  • Rolex Submariner Automatic 114060

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    The Rolex Submariner is another legendary timepiece. It has all the features and functionality of an exceptional diver's watch, although many people choose to wear it simply for its style as a statement piece. The Submariner has been one of the most popular Rolex watches for decades, with a classic look and style that is, by now, imitated around the world.

    The most distinctive feature of the Submariner is the bezel. Made by Rolex out of Ceracrhom ceramic, the bezel is virtually scratchproof. Its 60-minute gradations allow divers to monitor dive times and decompression stops for safe, accurate dives. The zero marker has a bright, luminescent capsule that can be seen in even low-light diving conditions, and the knurled edge provides great grip and control underwater, even when wearing gloves.

    The bracelet of the Submariner also has a Glidelock adjustment system, so divers don't need tools to adjust the bracelet and wear this timepiece comfortably with or without a wetsuit.

    The bracelet and case are also made of Rolex's famed Oystersteel, developed specifically for durability in aquatic environments.

    The classic look and superb quality of the Submariner have made it a favorite for divers and non-divers alike, and the exceptional quality of materials and manufacture make this a chronometer to appreciate for decades.

    Features

    • Type and power reserve: Automatic self-winding chronometer with up to 48 hours power reserve
    • Case: Oystersteel case. Oystersteel is a proprietary steel alloy developed by Rolex and forged in-house for maximum corrosion resistance and a beautiful finish, even in harsh environments
    • Bracelet: The Submariner bracelet is made of Oystersteel, with an Oysterlock clasp for security. It has a Glidelock system that allows the bracelet to be adjusted without tools, making it easy to wear over a diving suit
    • Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire
    • Dimensions: 40mm diameter, 13mm thickness, 19.5mm bracelet width
    • Display: The luminescent markers are on the Submariner’s display are designed to be easy to read even when in deep water and in low visibility
    • Bezel: The defining feature of the Submariner is the unidirectional rotatable bezel. The engraved 60-minute graduation allows divers to accurately monitor their diving time and measure decompression stops to ascend safely. The corrosion-resistant ceramic bezel is scratchproof and keeps its color in ultraviolet rays, as well as in sea water and chlorinated water. The bezel’s knurled edge offers excellent grip underwater, even when wearing gloves. The numerals and graduations are platinum-coated for supreme durability
    • Movement: Rolex 3130 movement. The 3130 is a certified Swiss chronometer, having passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute tests and proven its reliability and accuracy The self-winding movement of this watch is equipped with Parachrom hairspring, for resistance to shocks and temperature changes
    • Dial: Rolex faces are made by hand, with the style and precision that sets these watches apart. The black face provides distinctive style and legibility, while 18ct gold hour markers resist tarnishing
    • Luminescence: It has Rolex Chromalight technology for long lasting luminescence after dark
    • Water resistance: Water resistant to depths of 100 meters (330 ft.), with a Twinlock double waterproofing system

    Pros

    • Bezel is meticulously designed for safe dive and ascent timing, with an edge that is easy to grip and a dial that is easy to read
    • It is water resistant to 300 meters (1,000 ft.)
    • The bracelet can be easily adjusted to account for wearing a wetsuit, or simply for comfort as the body reacts to temperature changes
    • Iconic style with excellent investment value over time

    Cons

    • This is the “no date” version of the Submariner. However, many people prefer the cleaner look of the no date version
    • Expensive, but then, it’s a Rolex
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  • Rolex Explorer II Oyster Polar Dial 216570WSO

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    The Rolex Explorer II is meticulously designed to take you all around the world in classic style.

    The case and bracelet are made of Rolex's Oystersteel, a proprietary 904L stainless alloy produced in their in-house foundry. 904L alloys are low-carbon steels with nickel, chromium, copper, and molybdenum. These alloys are commonly found in the aerospace and chemical industries, where their durability and corrosion-resistance are necessary for precision operations. While Oystersteel is expensive to produce and difficult to shape, it is exceptionally rugged and can take on a higher polish than other steel alloys.

    The Explorer II also has an unusual 24 hour bezel, with a dedicated hand that indicates the time on a 24 hour cycle, instead of the traditional 12 hours. This 24 hour function differentiates day from night, and is a great feature for the explorers the watch is named for. A 24 hour hand is necessary for world travelers who may lose track of time zones, or for adventures where it can be hard to tell day from night, like the depths of a cave or at extreme polar regions. An independent hour hand also lets you keep track of two time zones, another great feature for travelers.

    As you would expect from a Rolex, every feature of the Explorer II is crafted with care, precision, and superb quality, from the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal to the 18 carat gold hour markers on the dial. This chronometer can go anywhere that your adventures take you, crafted for superior style, reliability, and accuracy.

    Features

    • Type and power reserve: Automatic self-winding chronometer with up to 48 hours power reserve
    • Case: Oystersteel screw-down case back and winding crown. Oystersteel is a proprietary steel developed by Rolex for maximum corrosion resistance and a beautiful finish, even in harsh environments
    • Bracelet: The Oystersteel bracelet is robust and comfortable. The folding clasp is secure, and the Easylink system allows you to increase the bracelet length by 5mm for adjustable comfort
    • Crystal: The dial window is made of scratch-resistant sapphire, with a cyclops lens over the date indicator
      Dimensions: 42mm diameter, 13mm thickness, 15mm bracelet width
    • Display: Highly legible, detailed display. The Rolex Explorer II not only displays the current time, but it also has a 24 hour hand to track a second time zone. It also has an instantaneous date indicator
    • Bezel: It has a 24 hour bezel to distinguish day from night in any conditions
    • Movement: Rolex 3187 movement. The 3187 is a certified Swiss chronometer, having passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute tests and proven its reliability and accuracy The self-winding movement of this watch is equipped with Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, for greater durability and resistance
    • Dial: Rolex faces are made by hand, with the style and precision that sets these watches apart. The white face ensures readability, while 18ct gold hour markers resist tarnishing
    • Luminescence: It has Rolex Chromalight technology for long lasting luminescence after dark
    • Water resistance: Water resistant to depths of 100 meters/330 feet, with a Twinlock double waterproofing system.

    Pros

    • Great for all kinds of travel and adventures, with the 24 hour bezel and two-time zone feature
    • Bracelet can be quickly adjusted for comfort, another excellent feature for travelers
    • Oyster steel offers the corrosion resistance and durability of precious metal, with the polish and style of steel
    • Scratch-resistant crystal and shock-resistant movement can withstand tough environments
    • Date advances instantly at midnight

    Cons

    • Expensive, but then, it’s a Rolex
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  • Tag Heuer Formula 1 Swiss Automatic Watch

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    The TAG Heuer Formula 1 CAZ1010.BA0842 is a stunning watch which delivers matching service and timekeeping. The automatic movement is among the best you'll find for under $1,000, and the functional value is astounding. From professional quality water resistance to 660 ft. to a titanium bezel with tachymeter markings, there are lots of bells and whistles. Every feature of this watch works. Let's take a closer look at another fine product from TAG Heuer timing.

    Features

    • Scratch-resistant sapphire glass protection
    • Brushed stainless steel with stainless steel bracelet
    • Fixed black carbide titanium bezel with tachymeter markings
    • 43 mm case diameter, 12 mm case thickness
    • Swiss automatic movement
    • Luminous silver-tone hands with index hour markers
    • Arabic numerals at 12 o’clock positions
    • Chronograph displays 60 second, 30 minute and 1/10th of a second
    • Solid black rounded case with screw down crown
    • Crown and push buttons featured
    • Water resistant to 660 feet (200 m)
    • 16-oz. weight

    Pros

    • Above-average scratch and glare resistance
    • Water resistance suited to professional marine activity and water sport
    • Outstanding durability thanks to titanium carbide coating
    • High readability under low light conditions
    • Easy to operate chronograph
    • Versatile design aesthetics
    • 2-year warranty

    Cons

    • Not suitable for diving
    • Not a true mechanical movement
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  • Tissot PRC 200 Automatic with Chrono

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    Tissot is probably one of the most popular, reputable, and widely distributed brands of wrist watches out there today. This brand is now a part of the Swatch Group, the largest producer and distributor of watches today.

    Just to give you an idea of the Tissot brand name and its popularity, these watches have been proudly warn by people like, Elvis Presley, Grace Kelly, Nelson Mandela, Michael Owen, Danica Patrick, Nicky Hayden, and many others. This is the kind of watch that celebrities wear.

    However, lucky for everybody who is not a celebrity, the Tissot Men's T0554271105700 PRC 200 Stainless Steel Automatic Watch is absolutely beautiful, accurate, rugged, and it does not cost all that much. In fact, this particular watch is a little less expensive than the first one that we looked at above, yet it is no less functional or attractive.

    The Tissot T0554271105700 PRC 200 Automatic Watch is made with only the highest quality of components to ensure an insane level of durability, accuracy, and of course a really stylish look too. Tissot is a Swiss brand that has been around for over 150 years and they continue to pump out awesome products like this Tissot T0554271105700 PRC 200 Automatic Watch. You can wear this particular automatic watch at home, to dinner, on a date, or to a big business meeting. It is nice enough for any occasion, and rugged enough to boot. The fact that you don’t ever have to wind it is just a big bonus as far as we are concerned.

    Features

    • Stainless steel casing
    • Swiss automatic movement
    • Self-winding
    • 45-hour power reserve
    • Anti-reflective sapphire dial window
    • Analog display
    • Stainless steel link bracelet
    • Fold over clasp
    • Water resistant to 660 feet
    • 60 second, 30 minute, 6 hour displays
    • Date display
    • Luminous hands and markers

    Pros

    • Extremely accurate time telling
    • Very durable construction
    • Various time displays
    • Easy to read due to luminous hands and markers
    • Easy to maneuver and secure clasp
    • Water resistance
    • Very stylish
    • Not all that expensive considering its high quality design

    Cons

    • Not waterproof
    • Chronometer function does not always work
    • Case is thick and heavy
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  • Bulova AccutronAutomatic 64C104 Gemini

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    If you are searching for an absolutely beautiful automatic watch, the Bulova Men's 64C104 Gemini Watch is, in our opinion, one of the best automatic watches for under $1,000 on the market right now. This is true for many different reasons, the least of which is that it looks extremely elegant.

    This is the kind of watch that you could wear to impress a date, a boss, or anybody in between. Bulova is a big-time brand name in the world of wrist watches and they never fail to deliver high-quality products, as evidence by this Bulova Men's 64C104 Gemini Watch.

    The plethora of neat features which the Bulova Men's 64C104 Gemini Watch brings to the table will need to be discussed in further detail. This automatic watch does not need any winding; the movement from your arm is more than enough to power it, a big convenience factor.

    Another impressive aspect here is the great accuracy at which the Bulova Men's 64C104 Gemini Watch tells time. It uses a special timing mechanism that is much more efficient and accurate than quartz. Besides that, the Bulova Men's 64C104 Gemini Watch is a very good looking and durable watch. Not only is it built to look nice, but to last for many years to come as well.

    Features

    • 12-hour chronograph function
    • Precise to within 1/1000th of a second
    • Much more accurate than quartz
    • Stainless steel bracelet and housing
    • Secure clasp clip
    • Leather band
    • Curved mineral crystal watch face
    • Multiple layer carbon fiber dial
    • Luminous markers and hands
    • Water resistant to 300 meters
    • Screw back and screw down crown
    • Exhibition back
    • 60 second, 30 minute, and 12 hour sub dials
    • Displays day and date

    Pros

    • Extreme accuracy – to within seconds in a year
    • Very durable – stainless steel and waterproof
    • Rugged leather band
    • Very secure and easy to maneuver clasp
    • Displays time, day, date, in various ways
    • Luminous hands and markers for very easy reading
    • Extremely stylish and elegant design
    • Comes with a nice padded box

    Cons

    • Very large
    • Bulky
    • heavy
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  • Tissot Men’s Automatic III Stainless Steel Watch

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    Another watch worth considering at under the $500 mark is the Automatic III. It is produced by Tissot, a brand which has become incredibly popular. The Automatic III watch comes in four variants which the differences are the band type and color of the face. However, for this review, we will focus on the black dial with a stainless steel band. The Automatic III watch is a great watch but what makes it special? Let’s assess the features to determine that.

    Features

    • Black-colored face
    • Sapphire crystal window construction
    • Date display at the 3 o’clock position
    • Stainless steel case and band
    • Seconds hand is shaped like an elongated hammer with the enlarged head locked in (represents the T in Tissot)
    • Immobile stainless steel bezel
    • Slender bars as markers
    • Hands are luminous
    • Case has a diameter of 39.7 mm
    • Case thickness 9.5 mm
    • Automatic movement
    • Secure butterfly clasp
    • Sapphire crystal protects the back of the watch
    • 38 hours maximum reserve power
    • Fits most forearms
    • Case body is polished
    • Crown engraved letter ‘T’
    • Circular pattern on the dial
    • Adjust the day on display with counterclockwise movement of the crown
    • Adjust the date through clockwise movement of the crown
    • Automatic winding movement

    Pros

    • Hacking movement
    • Comfortable on the wrist
    • Solid appearance
    • Nice display at the back
    • Scratch-resistant dial window
    • 2-year international warranty

    Cons

    • Press-fit case back
    • Accuracy flaws
    • Sparingly water resistant
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