The Best Watches of 2016

Published May 4, 2016 12:00AM

Filson Scout

Traditionalist outfitter Filson combines mountain rugged with urban modern in this sturdy aviator watch with Shinola Argonite quartz movement. A scratch-resistant crystal with antireflective coating adds practicality, Super-LumiNova hands stay bright all night, and the thick bridle-leather strap lends an Old West feel to this hefty but handsome timepiece.

Seiko Prospex Solar Flight Computer Chronograph

“Flight Computer” refers to a series of bezel markings that help calculate your fuel consumption, speed, and distance—nothing you need in the age of onboard GPS, but fun in a retro way. It’s part of an aeronautical look that, unlike other chronographs, stops short of gaudy. Solar cells provide power, and a 100-meter water-resistant steel case adds to this ticker’s great value.

MTM Black Warrior

Encased in titanium, this Warrior was designed to handle the conditions encountered on Navy SEAL ops, so it should hold up fine through anything you subject it to. The orange-red dial pops, and the trusty MTM features are all here: 200-meter water resistance, quartz Swiss Ronda movement, and 25-year tritium tubes on the hands that glow brightly into the wee hours.

Nixon Descender

Living up to its name, the Descender has a bomber stainless-steel case that can withstand depths up to 300 meters should you fall out of your submarine. The domed crystal will survive some banging around, and antiglare treatment enhances readability in full sun. Nice: Nixon set the crown on the left to keep it from digging into righties’ wrists.

Electric Prime

The Prime has all the throwback charm of a War Games–era digital watch: strictly basic time, date, alarm, timer, and stopwatch with aqua-blue display. The water-resistant polycarbonate case is tough but light, the hardened mineral crystal can take a beating, and the silicone band with Grilamid buckle is supple and comfy.

Victorinox Swiss Army AirBoss Mechanical Chronograph Black Edition

Cool, understated design is what Victorinox does best. Named for the dude on an aircraft carrier who coordinates takeoff, this stealthy chronograph uses a self-winding movement and features a tarnish-resistant finish, hard crystal, and minimalist nylon strap.