We’re still working on the spaceships to get people to Mars, but our Martian wristwear is all set to go. Russian watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin has created the aptly-named Mars Conqueror Mk3 Fighter — the first Martian mechanical watch in history. And holy cow, is it loaded with features.

Mk3 Fighter Features

Like everything with this watch, the titanium build is an intentional nod to the traditional aircraft and spacecraft material. Triangular edges complement the trapezoidal design, which resembles the mooring lock of a spacecraft docking system.

Guided by what he needed from a watch during his time in the military, Chaykin made the hands large enough to be clearly distinguished from the dial. And as a tribute to the vehicles that would be getting the explorers to Mars, he designed the hands with the distinctive shape of rockets.

Martian Time

One of the most interesting features of this watch is the “Mars Time” feature. To figure out Martian time, Chaykin had to actually work out a synchronization between Mars time and Earth time. On the watch face, the larger dial tells the terrestrial time, while smaller dials display the time and date on Mars. As a result, the watch can be used to show the duration of missions in sols (Mars-days).

While it’s a unique and showy piece, this “Mars Time” function gives the Mars Conqueror Mk3 Fighter some actual street cred. Its functionality as a potential timepiece for Mars explorers makes it one of a kind.

Universally Rare

Well, eight of a kind, anyway. If you’re looking to get one of these watches, you have about as good a chance of snagging one as you do of actually going to Mars, since only eight of the first edition have been made. Each Mk3 Fighter demands €19,710, or around $24,000 USD at the time of writing.

There’s no word on water resistance, but until we find water on the Red Planet, that shouldn’t be an issue.

Purchase

French Swiss-made watch brand Bell & Ross has built its reputation on performance and readability. B&R says it “regularly supports elite units,” and its experience vindicates that claim: its chronograph watches have been in outer space and on bomb squads.

Leave it to B&R, then, to build a civilian watch that’s highly legible and capable, but professional enough for the board room. As its name implies, the V2-94 FULL LUM has a fully luminous face in two colors. It adds a chronograph and 100-meter water resistance, and secures with a subtly patterned black rubber band.

Take the limited edition V2-94 FULL LUM into the field with confidence, no matter where you do battle.

Chronograph Watch Performance

Bell & Ross uses Super-LumiNova to make the V2-94 FULL LUM glow. It’s an intentional choice of material based on function: Super-LumiNova pigment charges with sunlight or artificial light, resists temperature and environmental influences, plus it’s non-radioactive and complies with the EU’s REACH protocol that protects human and environmental health.

The V2-94 FULL LUM showcases pale yellow and pale green Super-LumiNova, using skeletonized hands, bubble numbers (reminiscent of aircraft instrument panels), and robust pips to create a high-contrast face readable at any light level.

It counts seconds on a small dial at 3 o’clock and houses a 30-minute chronograph in another at 9 o’clock. It has a modest date window.

The case is satin-finished and polished steel, and the crystal is ultra-domed sapphire with an anti-reflective coating. The watch is water-resistant to 100 meters.

Inspiration

Military aesthetics and functionality inspired Bell & Ross’s co-founders, who committed to a function-shapes-form approach and took aesthetic cues from aeronautical instruments to deliver highly readable pieces that perform specific functions.

The V2-94 FULL LUM plays the role of a versatile chronograph, with its professional appearance, stopwatch functionality, and readability under any lighting conditions.

The Buy

A reputation of high-leverage tactical excellence does not come cheap — neither does a trip beyond the atmosphere, or wearing a watch from a brand that’s been there. Find the V2-94 FULL LUM on Bell & Ross’s website for $5,100 and proceed with intent: it’s a limited edition of 250 pieces.

If the Swiss are known for two art forms, they’re chocolate and watchmaking. Whether the Swiss are master chocolatiers is a matter of subjective taste. Timekeeping, however, is a matter of objectivity; watch aficionados around the world celebrate Swiss watchmakers for their remarkable engineering, unconventionally old-school craftsmanship, and emphasis on artisanal metallurgy. If you’ve got reason to doubt it, we encourage you to take a look at Jaeger-LeCoultre’s latest, the Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 Quadriptyque.

After 6 years of preparation, 12 patents, and countless human hours spent on re-engineering, the Calibre 185 comes to market as a first-in-kind, four-faced mechanical dress watch.

Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 Features

First, let’s run down the global list of features that make this timepiece so significant, and then we’ll wind our way through the unique facets of each face.

Global Features:

• A slim, rectangular case measuring just 51.2 mm x 31 mm x 15.15 mm
• Hand-wound movement
• 97 jewels across 11 complications
• 50-hour power reserve at a 28,000 bph beat rate
• Simple reset via an automated winding and setting mechanism

Face I:

• Time display
• Perpetual calendar
• Flying tourbillon/running seconds indicator (at 7 o’clock position)
• Partially skeletonized guilloche pattern dial to reveal day, month, and date wheels

Face II:

• Situated on the reverse side of Face I
• Smaller time display with digital jumping hour
• Visible, chiming minute repeater components

Face III:

• Situated inside the case
• Incorporates three predictive lunar cycle displays (anomalistic, draconic, and synodic)

Face IV:

• Situated in the case back
• Displays moon phase as seen from the southern hemisphere

Availability & Pricing – Hold on to Your Seats!

The Calibre 185 is JL’s 90th-anniversary commemorative watch. Given the severity and human hours spent crafting just one of these master timepieces, it should come as no surprise that the Swiss horologist is releasing only 10 pieces.

The cost? A humbling €1.35 million each, or about $1.6 million at the time of writing. For availability and reservations, visit the brand’s website.

If this is the first time you’ve considered the idea of a sustainable watch, you’re not alone. I’ll admit I hadn’t thought about it until Danish accessory maker Skagen introduced its Aaren Naturals line to us. For watches under $150, you’ll have a hard time accessing a more sustainable brand.

Aaren Naturals is Skagen’s latest collection of environmentally sustainable watches. The watches incorporate pro-planet features that range from common sense to cutting edge. The line, released in celebration of Earth Day, furthers Skagen’s company sustainability goals and carries the pedigree of parent company Fossil.

Background and Concurrent Events

Brands at every level of the fashion industry face ever-stronger criticism for unsustainable practices, but there are indications that it’s beginning to turn a corner. Skagen, originally a family-operated business now owned by Swiss watch titan Fossil, aligns itself strongly with sustainable values.

Chief Brand Officer Steve Evans says, “our teams are working diligently to transform our processes from sourcing to design, for a greater, more sustainable future.”

What does that look like? Skagen has set concrete sustainability goals for its products, such as reducing its water consumption from leather tanning by 45% and designing all its in-store promotional materials to be recyclable. Each goal has a deadline of 2025.

The Skagen Aaren Naturals Watch displays progress toward both goals, using a plant-based leather alternative for its strap, and 100% recyclable core packaging.

Reducing Waste with Watches Under $150

The Skagen Aaren Naturals watches utilize basic and highly innovative sustainability features. For most, its 100% recyclable paper packaging is a no-brainer. But leather alternatives made with bark, cork, and apples?

Actually, plant-based leather alternatives are on the rise — most, like Skagen’s, incorporate some polyurethane but use mostly plant material. The fashion industry is actively at war over whether “vegan leather” is actually “more” sustainable than leather made from animal skin.

Determining the truth is a pretty challenging task — as you can imagine, many interested parties have some “skin” in the game. But there’s no question that leather alternatives reduce water consumption from tanning and mitigate land depletion from cattle farming. Skagen even commits to sustainability in the traditional leather it does use. To source its leather, the company consults with the Leather Working Group, a non-profit worldwide organization dedicated to identifying and developing the best sustainability practices for the leather industry.

The Aaren Naturals watch also incorporates recycled material in its steel case. The handsome, straightforward watch is available in several colors with various leather and leather alternative band choices.

Upshot and Purchasing Skagen Aaren Naturals Watches

Skagen commits to environmental sustainability in its product line by using best sustainability practices for its traditional materials and deploying alternative materials when possible. The brand’s watches have established a positive reputation under the Fossil umbrella.

Skagen releases the Aaren Naturals watch line to commemorate Earth Day 2021, at MSRP $125 — a small price to pay for a sustainable future in fashion.

If you’re looking for a generic fitness watch to track calories and count steps throughout the day, they are easy to find. Every wearable brand has a slew of options designed for casual users, fitness-minded folks, or people who like to track their daily habits. The Garmin Instinct Tactical Edition is decidedly not one of these run-of-the-mill fitness tracking watches.

This is the watch Garmin produced specifically with the military in mind. The design is jam-packed with features that provide critical information and support your need to navigate on land, at sea, or in the air with certainty.

Garmin Instinct Tactical Edition: The Basics

The Instinct watch comes in a variety of models specially geared toward general users, surfers, or Esports buffs. But this is the Tactical Edition — it is built to military specifications and ready for action when the going gets tough. Whether operating in the dark, in areas where frequent charging isn’t an option, or even when jumping out of a plane — the Garmin Instinct Tactical Edition is the real deal.

Its construction meets military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance (up to 100 meters). It has a battery life of up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, 16 hours in GPS mode, and 40 hours in UltraTrac battery saver mode.

The Tactical Edition uses dual-format GPS with longitude and latitude references for precise coordinates and comes outfitted with specialized modes crafted for tactical performance.

Tactical Modes

In Stealth mode, the Garmin Instinct Tactical Edition will stop storing and sharing GPS positions and disable wireless connectivity.

In Jumpmaster mode, the Instinct calculates high-altitude release points and assists in navigation after a jump. It also allows users to set projected waypoints and has a screen that is compatible with night-vision goggles.

It also comes equipped with everything you’d expect in a smartwatch, like heart rate monitoring, sports apps, and smart notifications.

Of course, it only comes in Black or Coyote Tan colorways.

How Much?

The Garmin Instinct Tactical Edition goes for an MSRP of $300. Garmin also sells the Instinct Solar Tactical Edition — which includes all the same features as the base watch plus a solar battery to drastically extend battery life — for an MSRP of $450.

The  Garmin Instinct Tactical Edition is a watch custom-built for true tactical watch performance. No matter where you are, it’s ready to help keep you in the fight.

Purchase

The 1960s Race for Space exposed us to the galaxy’s ethereal designs and kindled our collective passion for it all. The watchmakers at Citizen took cutting-edge technology and the highest quality materials to create the ultimate standard in titanium watches. Citizen’s Super Titanium multi-toned watches feature one of the most difficult to process metals, and their designers drew inspiration from satellites, rockets, and the heavens. Bring the watch from concept to creation was a major technological undertaking. So, Citizen developed the space-age technology needed to mold, elegantly design, and polish the titanium timekeeper.

Their sleek yet functional design combines the greatest satellite technology — seriously, GPS provides the time for every timezone on Earth — and incredibly beautiful detail. Marking the 50th anniversary of revolutionary titanium technology, this is the watch to defy the whims of time and fashion. This, dear friends, is the exclusive Citizen Super Titanium collection.

Titanium Specialty

Titanium is not only incredibly durable (we’re talking five times stronger than stainless steel) and scratch-resistant, but it is also one of the most comfortable metals to wear against your skin, checking the hypoallergenic boxes. Citizen uses a unique surface-hardening technology to produce two-toned colors for their watches; the appearance of the watch face, case, and band can change depending on the angle and lighting conditions around the watch. The Duratec processing also allows for a lightweight design that’s not only aesthetically appealing but also rust-resistant.

Citizen Super Titanium Watch Design

Clean lines and sharp edges are the marks of this design line. The case is made from a two-piece construction, giving it a unique and elegant look. Each piece is made from Duratec-produced titanium but employed different processing emphases to enhance each of the 11 color options. All done through Citizen’s proprietary surface-hardening technology. De-emphasized, concaved push buttons make for an even sleeker look while still allowing the wearer access the button controls. A beautifully unique triangular prism design of the band sets this watch apart from the rest, especially with the detailed, uniform hairline polish reflected on each prism.

The case itself is 47.5 mm wide and 14.7 mm thick for a commanding design without overwhelming your wrist. The face is sapphire crystal glass with an anti-reflective coating applied over top. Naturally, both the case and the band feature Duractect-technology titanium for durability, style, and quality. The included battery can run up to five full years on a full charge, no small feat in our books.

Although these watches may seem all show, their stamina is remarkable, too. Citizen’s in-house testing runs each watch through the quality assurance gamut, where they receive a rating and shock-resistance certification.

What else sets these watches apart, you ask? There are only 550 of them in the entire world.

Space Tech

The Citizen Super Titanium brandishes Satellite Wave GPS, which gives you the most precise time and date to the second, wherever you are on earth. It also self-adjusts to whatever timezone you travel to, whether you’re on the high seas, jet setting across the globe, or trekking across international mountain ranges. Citizen has joined with the HAKUTO-R lunar exploration program to provide their unique titanium processing equations to the space industry — the same titanium processing techniques and technology they engineer into their Super Titanium watch collection.

Futuristic Purchasing

This exclusive 50th-anniversary Super Titanium watch will debut for purchase in Winter 2020. Both men’s and women’s versions will be available. Where and how remains to be seen, but we would guess that with only 550 available worldwide, reserving yours at your nearest Citizen watch dealer would be a prudent investment.

Purchase

A wristwatch is the classic gentleman’s accessory. Although the market is burgeoning with all varietals of watches, we here at Improb are especially fond of the timepieces produced by Citizen Watch Company. The Tokyo-based watchmaker places great focus on innovation, quality, aesthetics. And their handsome collection strikes a rare chord — that of affordable pragmatism and high-end luxury.

Citizen’s patented, battery-free Eco-Drive technology powers each watch by converting any light source into energy and storing it in a perpetually-rechargeable power cell.

While a Citizen wristwatch never ceases to impress, we’ve culled through their reputable catalog in search of the crème de la crème. So, without further ado, here is our selection of the best Citizen watches for men.

The Best Citizen Watch

Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch (BEST CHOICE)

The Promaster 300 Meter Diver is our favorite thanks to its professional-diver designation and understated, sexy profile.

Citizen’s battery-free lighting-powered Eco-Drive technology powers this dive watch under $500, so feel free to test out its remarkable water resistance — rated up to 1,000 feet (300 m).  Luminous strontium oxide aluminate makes the Promaster’s hands and hour markers easy-to-read in low-light; the rotating bezel makes tracking dive time clear and reliable.

Finally, the massive 48-mm stainless steel case, understated 29-mm urethane band, and rugged metal buckle converge to make this one chronograph that can’t be missed.

Purchase

Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Field Watch

This watch is best suited for the rugged outdoorsman, adventurer, or those who simply favor the field watch‘s strength and style.

This military-style watch will outlast each adventure and even boasts water-resistance up to 330 feet (100 meters) should you end up submerged. The three-hand analog display with quartz movement and luminous hands are easy to read even when your adventures creep into the wee hours of the night.

Its low-profile 37-mm case and 18-mm woven nylon band mean it’s the smallest on our list, but don’t write it off — the Chandler is a lean, rugged machine.

Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Blue Angels

This U.S. Navy Blue Angels-approved piece, dressed in the squadron’s navy and yellow, is somehow both elegant and athletic.

The timekeeping feature-set alone is impressive: atomic-synchronized accuracy across 26 time zones, radio-controlled accuracy across five additional zones, a chronograph, and an integrated stopwatch. Its anti-reflective dial and slide-rule bezel provide clear visuals and absolute precision. And although this namesake watch has its head in the clouds, it’s still water-resistant up to 660 feet (200 m).

The moderately-sized 43-mm stainless steel case, Blue Angels-crested case back, 23-mm duo-tone leather strap, and Citizen-classic buckle make this a sentimental yet style-versatile classic.

Citizen Men’s ‘Military’ Quartz Stainless Steel Watch

Citizen’s Military watch is well equipped for challenge and adventure. It boasts a respectable water-resistance up to 330 feet (100 m) — perfect for water-logged drills or shoreline recreation.

The black-ion plated 43-mm stainless steel case, matching buckle, and woven Codura/nylon band complete this enduring, handsome timepiece.

For more quality timepieces, check out our guide to the best Omega watches.

Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch

This classic, stainless steel timepiece is absolutely classic. The moderately-sized 42-mm case, 21-mm stainless steel link band, and traditional foldover clasp make for intuitive dressing and a nostalgic look.

The anti-reflective sapphire dial window is readable in the sunniest conditions. Should that sun encourage you to take a dip, there’s no need to fret about your watch as it is water-resistant up to 330 feet (100 m).

Our guide to the best Rolex watches features more classy timepieces like this. Check them out.

Citizen Men’s CA0649-06X Eco-Drive Watch

Citizen’s Brycen beams style and elegance. This big watch will move from work to home, to a hike or a night out with ease, making it a premier versatile option. And let’s not forget it’s water-resistance up to 330 feet (100 m).

Its substantial 44-mm case coupled with its contrasting face and hands make for a standout yet nowhere near flashy. The thick, 26-mm leather strap only adds to its appeal and promises to look even better with age.

Citizen Eco Drive Promaster Diver Watch

Consider this the little brother to our Best Choice. With it, you’ll get all of the same bells and whistles as our first pick, with a few style variations and less robust water-rating.

The Promaster 200 Meter Diver fields the second-highest water-resistance on this list — 660 feet (200 m)

Like other classic dive watches, this one is outfitted with a unidirectional bezel so you can track your time underwater.

Other features of this watch include a luminous three-hand display with a quartz movement for that classic tick. A stainless steel case and crown make this watch durable for all your above or underwater adventures. For additional visibility, while underwater, there is an anti-reflective mineral crystal face.

If you are into luxury timepieces, you will surely be interested in some of these amazing Nomos watches from our list.

Citizen Eco-Drive Avion Watch

While Citizen’s Avion may be the most economical watch on our list, it still packs a mighty punch. It’s ready to complement any outfit, and excellently versatile option for work, home, formal events, or nights out.

The three-hand analog display is easy to read and offers casual water-resistance up to 330 feet (100 m).

The Avion boasts a moderately-sized 45-mm case and 22-mm leather band, so it’s large but not flashy.  And, like most other picks on this list, it is a quartz watch. If you want a timepiece that makes a statement but won’t detract from your other accessories, this is the watch for you.

Citizen Eco-Drive Navihawk Atomic Watch

The Navihawk is one of the only driving watches on this list. It boasts multi-function chronographs for timekeeping, whether you’re in the gym or on the track.

Unlike many other watches listed here, this watch has digital information displays and features atomic timekeeping. Luminous markers and an anti-reflective mineral crystal display mean it’s easy to read regardless of light conditions.

The massive 48-mm case and orange accenting may seem over-the-top to some, but if you’re looking for an easy read (or to stand out in a crowd), this watch is an attractive choice. And its 23-mm “Navihawk” embossed urethane band is nothing less than determined.

You will find more timeless timepieces by checking out our guide to the top Tag Heuer watches.

Features to Look for in Citizen Watches

Size – Choosing a watch size is heavily dependent on your wrist size. Before choosing a watch, measure your wrist in inches. If your wrist diameter is 6 to 7 inches or smaller, you might opt for a 38 to 42-mm case size. Men’s watches with diameters smaller than 38 mm do exist but are pretty rare due.

If your wrist measures 7.5 to 8 inches, consider a larger watch face. In this case, it might be wise to opt for a watch that is 44 to 48 mm in diameter.

Style – When it comes to shopping for your new Citizen timepiece, there are five primary styles to be aware: dive, dress, driving, field, and pilot, dive. Each style type has various designs, functions, and purposes. Dress watches are generally thinner and can easily slide out of a cuff. They usually come with a leather band and are worn for fancier occasions, with tuxedos, and at high-end events.

Field watches originated in the trenches of World War II. These watches will be more rugged and durable as well as easy to read in low light conditions. The band is usually leather or fabric. While this band option might seem less robust than a metal band, metal will scratch too quickly in the field, and a leather strap is quicker and easier to replace when the time comes.

Pilot watches diverge slightly from field watches. Pilot watches should still be easy to read in low light conditions. These watches’ style is less defined, but you can usually expect a leather strap, medium to large face, and a more casual overall look.

Dive watches do what their name suggests; they dive. The signature feature of a dive watch is that it is water-resistant. This style of watch focuses on those who spend lots of time in or around water. Other features of dive watches include a unidirectional bezel, so a diver knows how long they have been underwater, a metal band, and a medium-sized face.

Lastly, we have driving or racing watches. The hallmark feature of these bad boys is that they have a stopwatch. Drive watches tend to be medium to large, flashy, and often made of stainless steel. Another common feature of drive watches will be contrasting, bright colors.

Case Material – Case materials vary in quality and cost. Most cheap and less expensive options will use a hollow stainless steel case; while this is lightweight, it is not very durable. You may also see ceramic, plastic, or aluminum cases in the lower cost spectrum of watches. Slightly higher quality watches will have a solid stainless steel case. With this construction, you’ll get a higher-quality and longer-lasting piece. Stainless steel can also be refinished to 90% to 95% of its original condition, making this watch a purchase that will last for decades with proper care. Lastly, most manufacturers make the highest quality watches with precious metals.

Gold, platinum, titanium, and silver are also all common choices. Silver tarnishes quickly and is becoming rarer these days. However, it is highly resistant to decay. Titanium is a durable yet lower density metal. Titanium is lightweight while still being dent and corrosion-resistant. Platinum is an incredibly hard and scratch-resistant metal that can be refinished to almost new condition. Gold comes with quite a bit of lore and status behind it.

The two most common gold choices are yellow or white gold. Yellow gold tends to be flashier and displays status; however, it easily scratches compared to other precious metals. White gold is becoming a premium choice for those who don’t want the flashiness of yellow gold but are looking for a pure, precious metal durable enough for their watch.

Bracelet – Watch straps and bracelets come in quite a variety, allowing you the chance to make sure your choice of watch for the day matches your outfit. Many higher-end watches will feature a bracelet or strap made of the same precious metal as the case. These metals will have the same qualities in the case that they do in the bracelet. You may also see leather as an option in some high-end options.

If we take a step down a notch in price, aluminum and hollow stainless steel bracelets become more common. Fabric and silicone straps are more common among sports watches. Regardless of your needs, there’s a watch strap, or quite a few, for you.

Lastly, if you opt for a metal band, you should look for one held together by screws, not pins. Those with screws tend to look classier and provide a more solid construction making them longer lasting than those held together by pins.

Movement – Movement in a watch refers to the way your timepiece tells time. If you crave the classic tick sound from your watch as the second-hand moves, you’ll want to opt for quartz movement in your new wrist piece. Quartz movement refers to timepieces that move via an oscillator powered by a piece of quartz, which is powered by a battery. This combination provides the classic tick we are all so used to hearing.

If you prefer a quieter, smoother movement, consider looking for a mechanical watch. Mechanical movement is powered by an uncoiling metal spring to distribute power to the watch’s hands — the spring winds in two different ways. The first option is a hand-wound movement, and the other option is a spring that winds using the kinetic energy from the wearer’s wrist.