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The Best Smartwatches for Every Sort of Man in 2023

Stylish digital wearables that do more than just tell the time

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Esquire

Smartwatches aren’t a passing fad, and while they’re unlikely to replace meticulously made timepieces worn by Swiss watch purists, even the luxury brands have embraced tech in recent years, replacing precise mechanical gears and springs with touchscreens and computing power. You may not keep an Apple Watch as a family heirloom, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a stylish device to have strapped to your wrist.

You don’t have to settle for a device from a California tech giant, either, with some of the world’s most respected watchmakers – including Tag Heuer, Montblanc and Skagen – now packing smart tech into their sophisticated, elegant designs so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Do you want to go fully digital? There are loads of options from brands including Garmin, Apple, Samsung and Fitbit that give you tons of futuristic features, and look great while doing it.

We've picked through the best smartwatches on the market to suit busy, urbane lifestyles, featuring a variety of aesthetics and budgets. The models on our list are all connected – meaning they’ll pair with your phone for enhanced features – but not all will let you change watch faces or be a perfect gym companion. While some are hybrids with subtle smart modes, others have powerful sensors for tracking your workouts, sleep and health, plus getting smartphone alerts, making contactless payments or using built-in GPS.

Not sure which one to go for? There’s a guide under our product recommendations that’ll help to find the perfect model.

The Best Smartwatches

  • Apple Watch Series 9

    Best Smartwatch for iPhone Purists

    Apple Watch Series 9

    £398 at Amazon
    Read more
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic

    Best smartwatch for design

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic

    Read more
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular)

    Best smartwatch for would-be adventurers

    Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular)

    Read more
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro

    Best Smartwatch for Android Users

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro

    Read more
  • Withings Scanwatch

    Best Smartwatch for Hybrid Design

    Withings Withings Scanwatch

    Read more

    It’s no secret that we appreciate classic mechanical watches here at Esquire. From our 35 favourite timepieces of 2023 to the best men's watches under £1,000 (and yes, even James Bond’s watch) we spend our time admiring collections from watchmakers including Rolex, Omega and Breitling. It’s exciting to see brands experimenting with smart technology in their own unique ways, and we’ve built this list drawing from our own hands-on time with smartwatches, plus rigorous research.

    Best Smartwatch for iPhone Purists

    Apple Watch Series 9

    Apple Watch Series 9
    Best Smartwatch for iPhone Purists

    Apple Watch Series 9

    £398 at Amazon
    Pros
    • Brilliant iOS performance
    • Excellent build quality
    Cons
    • Lacks any Android support

    The Apple Watch. Also known as patient zero. As the Church of Jobs swooned, Switzerland shuddered – and dare we say with good reason. This game-changing smartwatch remains one of the best wearables to buy. Why the lasting popularity? Well, it's Apple for a start. But there's merit behind the marketing: build quality is strong but sleek, it has a robust operating system, and customisation options with the likes of Hermès. It’s easy to use, you get a full-blown fitness tracking suite built in and unlike the prior models the upgraded processor opens up new features, including faster and more reliable Siri integration, plus double-tap gesture control.

    Face sizes41mm, 45mm
    Operating systemwatchOS
    CompatibilityiOS
    Battery lifeUp to 18 hours
    Built-in GPSYes
    Water resistanceYes
    Best smartwatch for design

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
    Best smartwatch for design

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic

    Now 26% Off
    Pros
    • Smooth performance
    • Rotating bezel
    Cons
    • No iOS support

    After going on a brief hiatus last year, the rotating bezel is back. With a bigger screen and a more stylish appearance than the standard Watch 6 thanks to its stainless steel construction (the base model uses a lighter aluminum) the 6 Classic has a more traditional, time-tested, aesthetic. The physical rotating bezel is the main appeal – letting you navigate its menus by twisting the outside of the circular frame. Pair that with a sleek leather strap and you’ve a smartwatch that’s just as suitable for a whiskey tasting as it is for a sweaty hike.

    Face sizes47mm, 43mm
    Operating systemWear OS
    CompatibilityAndroid
    Battery lifeUp to 40 hours
    Built-in GPSYes
    Water resistanceYes
    Best smartwatch for would-be adventurers

    Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular)

    Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular)
    Best smartwatch for would-be adventurers

    Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular)

    Pros
    • Highly durable design
    • Lots of built-in health modes
    Cons
    • Large physical size isn't for everyone

    You don’t have to be Bear Grylls or Leo Houlding to make the most of the Ultra. Apple may have aimed it at the endurance athletes, hikers, marathon runners, kite surfers and divers of the world, but we can all appreciate a more powerful processor, double tap gesture control, on-device Siri, an 86-decibel siren and a quick action button – along with all of the usual Apple software and health tech. We like how it reinforces the design of the Series 9 with a sturdy titanium chassis that has the protective prowess to make RoboCop proud. It’s an ideal companion whether you’re climbing a snowy mountain, exploring the ocean or hiking a tough trail, but just as great for a Thursday morning treadmill session.

    Face sizes49mm
    Operating systemWatchOS
    CompatibilityiOS
    Battery lifeUp to 36 hours
    Built-in GPSYes
    Water resistanceYes
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    Best Smartwatch for Android Users

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
    Best Smartwatch for Android Users

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro

    Now 23% Off
    Pros
    • Smooth software
    • Great Android pairing
    Cons
    • Too big for smaller wrists

    It can feel like Samsung makes a bit of everything – whether that's smart ovens, projectors, or South Korea’s largest theme park (look it up) so it's no surprise to see it in the smartwatch game. The heaviest and most powerful of its new WearOS watch line-up, the Watch 5 Pro isn’t subtle – but expertly blends fitness features and a bold (if thick) design. And unlike some of the other hulky sport watches like the Fenix 7X, this fits just as well when worn at a dinner party as climbing up a mountain. It paired seamlessly with our Google Pixel 6 phone, providing speedy alerts and accurate health tracking – although you may want to check out the Pixel Watch for that, too.

    Face sizes45mm
    Operating systemWear OS
    CompatibilityAndroid
    Battery lifeUp to 60 hours
    Built-in GPSYes
    Water resistanceYes
    Best Smartwatch for Hybrid Design

    Withings Withings Scanwatch

    Withings Scanwatch
    Best Smartwatch for Hybrid Design

    Withings Withings Scanwatch

    Credit: Withings
    Pros
    • Stylish aesthetic
    • Really strong battery life
    Cons
    • Not a full smartwatch experience

    Want smart features without sacrificing style? This stainless steel beauty from Withings combines the look and vibe of a classic timepiece with loads of smart modes, letting you keep a close eye on heart rhythm, sleep quality and step counts, plus you can pair it with your phone to access GPS. It’s not a full-blown smartwatch so there’s no customisable watch faces, or voice assistants – but we love the 30 days battery life. It’s not a genius, but we think the black model looks sleek, and enjoy the small functional display.

    Face sizes38mm, 42mm
    Operating systemWithings
    CompatibilityAndroid, iOS
    Battery lifeUp to 30 days
    Built-in GPSNo
    Water resistanceYes
    Best Smartwatch for Hybrid Design

    Withings ScanWatch

    Withings ScanWatch
    Best Smartwatch for Hybrid Design

    Withings ScanWatch

    Pros
    • Stylish, clean aesthetic
    • Really strong battery life
    Cons
    • Not a full smartwatch experience

    Want smart features without sacrificing style? This stainless steel beauty from Withings combines the look and vibe of a classic timepiece with loads of smart modes, letting you keep a close eye on heart rhythm, sleep quality and step counts, plus you can pair it with your phone to access GPS. It’s not a full-blown smartwatch so there’s no customisable watch faces, or voice assistants – but we love the 30 days battery life. It’s not a genius, but we think the black model looks sleek, and enjoy the small functional display.

    Face sizes38mm, 42mm
    Operating systemWithings
    CompatibilityAndroid, iOS
    Battery lifeUp to 30 days
    Built-in GPSNo
    Water resistanceYes
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    Best Smartwatch for Long Battery

    Huawei Watch GT3 Pro

    Huawei Watch GT3 Pro
    Best Smartwatch for Long Battery

    Huawei Watch GT3 Pro

    Pros
    • Lasts for ages between charges
    • Sleek titanium body
    Cons
    • App experience

    If you need a lengthy battery life but don’t fancy spending more than £800 for the luxury of our top pick for the outdoors (sorry, Garmin) this Huawei watch gives you power for up to two weeks at a time, and just 10 minutes of charging gives you an impressive 24 hours of juice. We’ve been wearing this one for a while now and love that its angular matte titanium body blends seamlessly with a minimalist leather strap – although it’s a big shame the app experience when pairing with your smartphone isn’t quite as smooth as its WearOS rivals.

    Face sizes43mm, 46mm
    Operating systemHarmonyOS
    CompatibilityAndroid, iOS
    Battery lifeUp to two weeks
    Built-in GPSYes
    Water resistanceYes
    Best Smartwatch for Swiss Aficionados

    Montblanc Watch Summit 2+ Black Steel

    Montblanc Watch Summit 2+ Black Steel
    Best Smartwatch for Swiss Aficionados

    Montblanc Watch Summit 2+ Black Steel

    Pros
    • Premium design
    • Built-in GPS
    Cons
    • More expensive than many rivals

    Combining conservative Swiss sentiments with high-tech functionality is difficult, but not impossible. Just ask Montblanc: a storied European maison that released the Summit Smartwatch to praise from both sides of the aisle. The watch has the appearance of Montblanc's mainline, yet hides thoroughly modern touches underneath, namely full music download capabilities, quick performance from a Qualcomm Snapdragon 3100 chip, plus GPS for navigating the streets and a battery that’ll last around 24 hours at a time.

    Face sizes43.5mm
    Operating systemWear OS
    CompatibilityAndroid, iOS
    Battery lifeUp to 24 hours
    Built-in GPSYes
    Water resistanceYes
    Best Smartwatch for Keeping it Classic

    Fossil Gen 6

    Fossil Gen 6
    Best Smartwatch for Keeping it Classic

    Fossil Gen 6

    Now 60% Off
    Pros
    • Lovely smart-casual design
    • Good strap mechanism
    Cons
    • Battery life is just OK

    Few smartwatches can double up as smart-casual material. Fossil however, has managed to kill two ticks with one watch with the latest Gen 6. Based upon brown leather, the watch offers all the mod cons you'd expect, but gets more flexible still thanks to an interchangeable strap mechanism so you can select a lot of different band colours and styles. Battery isn’t stunning but you’ll get 80% back in a little over 30 minutes of charging. The Gen 6 may not be flashy, but it’s a top choice for fans of a clean, classic vibe.

    Face sizes44mm
    Operating systemWear OS
    CompatibilityAndroid/iOS
    Battery lifeUp to 24 hours
    Built-in GPSYes
    Water resistanceYes
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    Best Smartwatch for the Action Man

    Breitling Watch Exospace B55 Yachting

    Breitling Watch Exospace B55 Yachting
    Best Smartwatch for the Action Man

    Breitling Watch Exospace B55 Yachting

    Pros
    • Smartwatch support
    • Premium style and build
    Cons
    • Not a full smartwatch

    As with all things Breitling, the Exospace B55 Yachting – the brand's first connected chronograph – is very much for the would-be adventurer; the sort that prefers abseiling down a ravine or sailing rough seas to lounging on a sun-bed for two weeks in Barbados. No bad thing, of course, especially when you look at the features on offer. This isn’t a full-on smartwatch but pairs with your phone to let you view battery life, change time zones and tinker with settings such as brightness and notification alerts. Its got a digital and perpetual calendar and up to seven independent daily alarms – with a bright strap that’s guaranteed to turn heads. You'll have to buy your own fedora and whip, though.

    Face sizes46mm
    Operating systemBreitling
    CompatibilityAndroid, iOS
    Battery lifeUp to 10 years
    Built-in GPSNo
    Water resistanceYes
    Pros
    • Heaps of fitness tracking modes
    • Very comfortable to wear
    Cons
    • Subscription is needed for all features

    Reliable, sleekly designed and feature-packed, this is the smartwatch for the health nerds. The Sense 2 tracks the usuals – heart rate, step activity – but also your unexpected vitals – stress levels and skin temperature. You can keep tabs of everything using the integrated app’s health dashboard, which is your one-stop shop for either peace of mind or sleepless nights. Oh, it'll track those, too. With a battery life that powers through six days at a time, this is one wearable that won’t let you down, whatever the activity.

    Face sizes40.5mm
    Operating systemFitbit OS
    CompatibilityAndroid, iOS
    Battery lifeUp to six days
    Built-in GPSYes
    Water resistanceYes
    Best Smartwatch for Forward-Thinking Classicists

    Hublot Big Bang e Titanium 42mm

    Hublot Big Bang e Titanium 42mm
    Best Smartwatch for Forward-Thinking Classicists

    Hublot Big Bang e Titanium 42mm

    Pros
    • Premium design and build
    • Nice software experience
    Cons
    • More expensive than many rivals

    Another step into the smartwatch world by one of luxury horology's big boys, Hublot's Big Bang E takes the brand's craftsmanship and adds smart guts, courtesy of Google's Wear OS. In other words, this is a smartwatch for people with more than one understanding of the word 'smart'. We love the titanium build quality and the blocky lettering that surrounds the main face of the watch. Paired with the subtly striped rubber strap, this is a striking timepiece that expertly blends classic and modern design.

    Face sizes42mm
    Operating systemWear OS
    CompatibilityAndroid/iOS
    Battery lifeUp to 24 hours
    Built-in GPSNo
    Water resistanceYes
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    Best Smartwatch for Understated Cool

    Tag Heuer Watch Connected Calibre E4

    Tag Heuer Watch Connected Calibre E4
    Best Smartwatch for Understated Cool

    Tag Heuer Watch Connected Calibre E4

    Pros
    • Classic chronograph design
    • Stainless steel case
    Cons
    • More expensive than some rivals

    A classic chronograph combined with state-of-the-art smartwatch tech, the Tag Heuer Connected features a stainless steel case and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, plus an ultra-light black ceramic bezel. It's not just the design that's clean, but also the full touch screen interface: it's easy to navigate and has a number of accurate health monitors, including calorie, heart rate, GPS and sleep tracking. Going on an adventure? The water resistance protection of up to 50 metres gives you extra peace of mind.

    Face sizes42mm
    Operating systemWear OS
    CompatibilityAndroid/iOS
    Battery lifeUp to 24 hours
    Built-in GPSYes
    Water resistanceYes
    Best for Budget-conscious iPhone Fanboys

    Apple Watch SE (2022)

    Apple Watch SE (2022)
    Best for Budget-conscious iPhone Fanboys

    Apple Watch SE (2022)

    Pros
    • Affordable iOS experience
    • Accurate health modes
    Cons
    • Lacks an always-on display

    The Apple Watch line-up's budget-friendly option is ideal for those looking to monitor their fitness, rather than their entire life. As well as all those saved pennies, you get all the expected health tracking (heart rate, step counts, calories) plus it also keeps tabs on your exercise progress. If you can live without an always-on display and blood oxygen readings but want to stick with Apple due to having an iPhone, then get the latest Watch SE. You'll get the same crash detection feature that's in the more expensive models, even if you'll hopefully never have to actually use it.

    Face sizes40mm, 44mm
    Operating systemwatchOS
    CompatibilityiOS
    Battery lifeUp to 18 hours
    Built-in GPSYes
    Water resistanceYes
    Best Smartwatch for Weekend Warriors

    Garmin Forerunner 745

    Garmin Forerunner 745
    Best Smartwatch for Weekend Warriors

    Garmin Forerunner 745

    Pros
    • Accurate fitness tracking
    • Strong battery life
    Cons
    • Design isn't the most exciting

    Garmin's Forerunner 745 is aimed firmly at triathletes, with tracking functions for running, swimming and cycling as well as training plans, workouts and mid-race performance analysis (that's either a function or a bug, depending on how well you're doing). If you're not planning a triathlon, the wearable is still a very handy on-wrist coach, covering everything from yoga to skiing, so you can keep tabs on fitness and health vitals whichever way you like to break a sweat. The battery lasts for up to seven days, and you can sync it with Amazon Music and Spotify to store playlists for on-the-go.

    Face sizes30.4mm
    Operating systemGarmin OS
    CompatibilityAndroid/iOS
    Battery lifeUp to seven days
    Built-in GPSYes
    Water resistanceYes
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    What to consider when buying a smartwatch

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    So you're ready to buy a digital smartwatch instead of a classic mechanical timepiece. Here’s what you need to know:

    Budget

    As mentioned above, these are hardly set to be a family treasure that’s part of an inheritance, so you may want to keep the cost sensible. Thankfully, the price of the watches varies depending on brand, build quality and feature-set. The most affordable on our list is under £150 but the cost rises to more than £5,000 for a luxury brand. The Apple Watch is one of the best all-rounders, and you can pick those up for around £400.

    Battery life

    If you're on a hike, jog or find yourself travelling in a remote region Bruce Wayne style, you’ll need the battery on your watch to be long-lasting. While some models have to be topped up every 24 hours, others can easily last for more than two weeks. In general, there's one rule to live by here: the longer the better.

    Operating system

    This is the software powering the device. It will likely be Android (Wear OS) but some watch-makers have their own versions – such as Apple watchOS, Garmin Watch OS and Fitbit OS. Aside from the Apple Watch, all of the models on our list are compatible with both Android and iOS phones for app support and notifications. It's worth thinking about the available apps if you want to control smart devices, like smart plugs or home security cameras, from your wrist.

    Fitness and health modes

    Unlike mechanical timepieces, digital watches use tiny sensors for tracking health and fitness metrics, including heart rate, step count, sleep quality and calories burned during a workout. Advanced models measure blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) or check your heart's rhythm using an electrocardiogram (ECG).

    Water resistance

    Not every wearable is made to survive being submerged in water, so it’s worth checking if your chosen model comes with water and dust protection. Like smartphones, some smartwatches have an IP or ATM rating, but it’s not unusual to just see this described as how many metres the device can be plunged in before breaking. It goes without saying, best not to take any smartwatches without this into the pool.

    Headshot of Jason Murdock
    Jason Murdock

    Jason Murdock is our former Deputy Technology Ecommerce Editor, contributing to multiple titles including Good Housekeeping, Esquire and Digital Spy. With more than eight years’ experience covering tech at publications including Radio Times, Newsweek and the International Business Times, Jason has extensive knowledge on the latest gear and gadgets – reviewing phones, tablets, laptops, headphones, smart home products and more – and covering the biggest shopping events of the year, including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. For his coverage on cybersecurity in the International Business Times, he won Digital Writer of the Year at The Drum's Online Media Awards in 2017. When not writing and testing the latest gadgets, you’ll find Jason playing the guitar or learning how to parent his new baby. You can follow Jason on Twitter at @Jason_A_Murdock.

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