The Best Watches of 2021
These timepieces are ready to get down to business
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Oris Aquis Date ($2,200)
Like a Mercedes, the Aquis Date has a refined, timeless design but a lot going on under the hood—like automatic movement, visible through the caseback window. With 300-meter water resistance and a nicely tactile timing ring, it’s also a true dive watch. The glowing hour markers look sweet in the dark.
Breitling Superocean Automatic 42 ($3,450)
With its brilliant orange face, this dive watch grabs your attention. But it still means business, with a 500-meter water resistance that’s unsurpassed for the price range, quiet Caliber 17 movement, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Bonus points for the microadjustable sliding clasp.
Teslar Re-Balance T-1 Chrono Sport ($875)
The Re-Balance has a copper nanotech chip that puts out a seven-to-nine-hertz frequency. The brand claims this works with electromagnetic fields to reduce the effects of stress and boost immunity. Testers felt good wearing it, though the sleek looks—it has a carbon-fiber motif on the ring—may be responsible.
Momentum Atlas 44 ($195)
High quality for an accessible price, Momentum’s field watch features a light but tough titanium case and scratchproof domed sapphire crystal. Even better is the fresh design: simple markers, easy-to-read numerals, and clean typeface.
Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Master Series 3749 ($890)
Like Grylls, the 3749 has special-ops chops, including chronographs and an inscription of the Morse code sequence for SOS. Made from a proprietary carbon compound, the case is bombproof and water-resistant to 300 meters. The compass on the band slides off when you’re at home.
Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression Automatic Black Stainless Steel ($1,395)
First introduced in 1953, the Super Sea Wolf keeps its classic vibe, as in the Bakelite-esque K1 glass crystal insert on the bezel. But it also employs modern tech, like precise automatic movement. The 13-millimeter-thick case and stainless-steel band are burly, and the all-black scheme with an aqua second hand is simple yet eye-catching.