The Most Criminally Underrated Watches

When it comes to watches, the classics are the classics for a reason.

View in Browser  Friday, August 22, 2025 Watches serve a purpose—telling time, of course—but true watch nerds know that it's not just about function. It's about emotion. And while there's something special about a watch that's instantly recognizable, it might be even more fun to wear one that flies under the radar and demands a second look. That's why we looked at 10 of the best known watch brands in the world—and then picked out a model from each that deserves a whole lot more recognition. From a tool watch designed for railway workers to a dressy one that never fit neatly in a single category, one of these underrated watches might just become your new daily companion. – Jonathan Evans, style director   Plus: Kathryn Bigelow's A House of Dynamite looks tense as heck The secrets to dressing well in your 60s  There's poisoned water in West Virginia. The EPA hardly seems to care. The 10 Most Underrated Watches From Famous Brands Look beyond the obvious options and you might just land on something better. When it comes to watches, the classics are the classics for a reason. Thanks to their good looks and functionality, they've stood the test of time and eared a dedicated fan base along the way. But they're not the only tickers you should consider if you're in the market. Sometimes, the best option is one that everyone else in the room never even considered. That's why we're looking at 10 major watch brands—not their flagship models, but the under-the-radar pieces that rarely get the attention they deserve. READ THE STORY Trump is trying to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia again. It's completely vindictive.  Charles P. Pierce explains what happens if this case ever gets to court. >> The best sci-fi movies of 2025 (so far) feature companion bots to supervillain presidents. Eric Francisco recommends his favorites. >> I've Reported on Trump for a Decade. Here's How I Cover Someone Who Doesn't Trust the Press. As a member of the White House press corps, I'm used to long flights on Air Force One. Reporters know they can usually take an Ambien and go to sleep, confident that the president is almost certainly not coming back to the press cabin. But with Donald Trump, you never know. During his first term, after a rally out west, he came back to talk to us. Had we watched the big Democratic presidential-primary debate from a few hours earlier? No, we replied. We were at the rally with you, sir. "I DVR'd it," he said. "It's up in my cabin. Do you guys want to come watch?" Trump led us to his cabin, which other presidents definitely don't do, where he turned on a recording. We watched as he provided WWE-like color commentary. As Told To Stinson Carter The Most Expensive Apple Watch Is on Sale Right Now One way to make yourself feel better about summer ending? Engage in a little retail therapy with some of the many Labor Day sales happening right now. This time of year is one of the best opportunities to snag big-ticket wants and needs at a fraction of the price—and yes, that includes Apple products. Here's a trick of the trade when it comes to all of the Apple gadgets we can't live without: Amazon is often the most affordable place to get them. Want to replace or upgrade your AirPods? Our favorite model, the AirPods 4, are $99 right now (on sale with noise cancellation too). Is your laptop on the fritz? There are several discounted MacBooks ripe for the picking. Need a new iPad in the mix for your family? Act fast to score a huge deal on one of the many options on Amazon. By Gibson Johns and Elly Leavitt Follow Us Unsubscribe | Privacy Notice | CA Notice at Collection Esquire is a publication of Hearst Magazines. ©2025 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent by Hearst Magazines, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3779