Every watch enthusiast knows that there are basically three classes of wristwatches. There’s the dollar store variant, the exceptionally expensive chronograph, and the middle-ground. The lower end men’s watch tends to be worn purely for utility, whereas the other two tend to be reflective of class.
For example, an Invicta watch can be in the upper middle class price range, whereas a Hublot or a Patek Philippe is decidedly for the certifiably wealthy patron. There are, of course, subclasses within these; some Invicta watches are rather inexpensive, and others – such as the Jason Taylor Invicta Bolt Zeus – can run into the low thousands of dollars.
To this end, consider the following designer watches that are fit for the wrist of the upper middle class gentleman.
1.The Jaegar LeCoultre Master Control Wristwatch
This watch is decades-old and yet still treated as though it’s fresh off the presses. Perhaps that’s because of the Golden Age classic look that it wears so naturally. It sports the watch connoisseur’s signature 1000 hours control, a gold seal, brilliantly-polished silver sunburst dial and a two-day reserve of power to help it keep perfect time even when the battery finally dies, and you must get a new one.
At prices between about $5,000 and $8,500 brand new, the Jaegar LeCoultre is decidedly in the upper middle class stratum.
2. The Omega Seamaster 300 – Fit for a James Bond; Also the Omega Speedmaster
Next up is a trending and wildly popular timepiece sponsored by the British super-spy, James Bond. Although worn by A-list actor, Daniel Craig, the price range lands this beauty squarely in the upper middle class.
The movement is the vaunted Omega Co-Axial Caliber 8400, and it can withstand a magnetic field of almost 1.5 Tesla – though why you’re wearing one in the middle of cyclotron is your business. Nonetheless, the Omega Seamaster Spectre 300 can be yours for under $3,000.
3.The Jason Taylor Invicta Watch Bolt Zeus Monster
At 6’6” tall and about 260 lbs. during his playing days in the NFL, Jason Taylor would require a big watch. As such, it is only fitting that the Invicta watch brand approached him to sponsor their gorgeous, thunderous quartz chronograph.
Named after the Lord of Mt. Olympus in Greek mythology, the Invicta watch Bolt Zeus comes in many color schemes and combinations. The most prominent are the gold and stainless steel accents – they’re irresistible to look at. The Invicta Bolt Zeus for men will set you back anywhere from $600 to $1,000.
4. The Cartier Tank
This centuries-old brand introduced the Cartier Tank is 1917. As a dress watch, it has come through the years unscathed; in fact, it is now a highly-regarded watch that is both visually-appealing and comfortable to wear all day. Favored by women and men, because the sizes are similar, and the rectangular shape – it also comes in a perfectly round shape – speaks to those with artistic inclinations.
In fact, the Cartier Tank is often seen on the wrists of celebrities and princesses, although the price range means you can wear one, too. Cartier Tanks rarely run above $3,000, and tend to stay in the middle $2,000 for either gender. Of course, if you want white gold, be prepared to pay double.
5. The Seiko Watch
In particular, the Seiko SKX007 has a strong resemblance to the Omega Seamaster 300. Of course, upon closer inspection, it’s quite distinct, as Seiko is a heralded brand of mid-luxury watches that stands of its own right. Furthermore, the watch is nearly indestructible insofar as water pressure is concerned, surviving without blemish at far greater depths than its listed rating of 200 meters.
Far from gaudy like some of the other expensive watches, this one denotes class and a sense of self-assuredness – although having something like the Invicta bolt Zeus certainly doesn’t suggest a lack thereof. The Seiko SKX007 is the most inexpensive watch on this list, and can be had for about $200.
Of course, there are more than five watches that qualify as being fit to be worn by the upper class man; however, these are inarguably a handful of the better ones. Top off your ensemble with one of the watches from this list, and watch the looks of approval skyrocket! Best of all, you’ll know for certain that you’re extroverting an elite sense of style.