A good men's watch is the one you reach for every morning without thinking. Getting there comes down to five choices: size, movement, strap, dial and complication. This guide walks through each one so you can choose with confidence.
1. Size: 38mm or 40mm?
Men's watches are measured across the case, without the crown. Today most men wear between 38mm and 42mm.
| Wrist size | Best case size |
|---|---|
| Under 16.5 cm | 36–38mm |
| 16.5–18.5 cm | 38–40mm |
| Over 18.5 cm | 40–42mm |
A simple check: the lugs (where the bracelet meets the case) should not extend past the edges of your wrist. Most Valuchi men's watches are 40mm, the most versatile size; the Soluna Automatic is a slightly more classic 38mm.
2. Movement: quartz or automatic?
Quartz runs on a battery. It is very accurate, needs no attention and is the practical choice if you wear several watches. Automatic is mechanical and winds itself from the motion of your wrist. No battery, a smooth sweeping seconds hand and the pleasure of a small machine on your wrist. An automatic stops after a day or two off the wrist, so you simply reset it when you put it back on.
Not sure? Many men start with quartz for everyday reliability and add an automatic later. See all automatic watches.
3. Bracelet or leather strap?
A stainless-steel bracelet is the most versatile: it works with a suit, survives summer heat and never needs replacing. A leather strap is warmer and dressier, ideal for evenings and cooler months. Several Valuchi 40mm models have quick-release straps, so you can switch between the two in seconds. See our watch straps.
4. Dial colour
- Black: the safest everyday choice, works with everything.
- Blue: the most popular colour in men's watches, more character than black yet still classic. See blue dial watches.
- Green: confident and on trend, especially with rose gold. See green dial watches.
- Ice blue and red: statement colours for a second watch. See red dial watches.
5. Complication: what should the watch do?
A complication is any function beyond hours and minutes.
- Date: the most useful everyday function. The Date-Master 40mm keeps it clean and simple.
- Moonphase and calendar: day, date, month and the phase of the moon, on the Lunar Calendar and Dual Calendar. Read what a moonphase watch is.
- Chronograph: a built-in stopwatch with sub-dials for a sportier look.
- Day and night indicator: a rotating sun and moon disc, on the Soluna Automatic.
6. Arabic numerals or classic indices?
For a watch with real personality, consider Eastern Arabic numerals. They turn a classic dial into something personal and are especially valued across the Gulf. Read our Arabic numeral watch guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best size men's watch?
40mm suits most men's wrists and works for both formal and casual wear.
Is an automatic watch better than quartz?
Not better, different. Quartz is more accurate and lower maintenance; automatic is mechanical and battery-free. Choose the one you will enjoy wearing.
Can I wear a watch in the water?
Most Valuchi watches are water resistant to 5 ATM: fine for rain and hand washing, but not for swimming or showering.
Do you ship to the Gulf?
Yes: DHL Express to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain and Aramex to the UAE, with a 24-month international warranty on every watch.
Browse all men's watches.
