Best watch gifts for him in the UK (2026)
Our top watch gift for him is the Casio G-Shock GW-M5610U: tough, solar charged and radio controlled, so he'll never need to set it or change a battery. The runner-up is the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD55, a classic first automatic that feels like a proper present. For a special occasion, the Tissot PRX is the Swiss steel watch that suits almost anyone. This page is for anyone buying a watch for a partner, father, son or friend. We compared gift picks on style, versatility, size, reliability and how forgiving they are if you're unsure of his taste.
By The Watch Sorted desk · Updated 6 November 2026 · 29 products, all price-tracked
Our picks
Photo: AmazonSeiko 5 Sports SRPD55K1
The first automatic we'd point most people to.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our pick of the affordable dive watches: solar, properly water resistant and tough.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.The watch we'd point most people to at this price.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.All 29 compared
Photo: AmazonOur top pickThe first automatic we'd point most people to.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The first automatic we'd point most people to.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want time to the second: an automatic gains or loses a few seconds a day and needs a service every few years.
Read the full review →
Photo: AmazonRunner-upOur pick of the affordable dive watches: solar, properly water resistant and tough.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
Our pick of the affordable dive watches: solar, properly water resistant and tough.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
Read the full review →
Photo: AmazonAlso goodThe watch we'd point most people to at this price.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The watch we'd point most people to at this price.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
Read the full review →
The everyday G-Shock to start with: thin for the range, tough and easy to read.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The everyday G-Shock to start with: thin for the range, tough and easy to read.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
Read the full review →
The cheapest way into a proper G-Shock, and still one of the best.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The cheapest way into a proper G-Shock, and still one of the best.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want hands on a dial: it shows the time in digits.
Read the full review →
The gold Casio: a cheerful, low-cost gift that suits almost anyone.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The gold Casio: a cheerful, low-cost gift that suits almost anyone.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want hands on a dial: it shows the time in digits.
Read the full review →
The best cheap dive watch: properly water resistant for little money.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The best cheap dive watch: properly water resistant for little money.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
Read the full review →
A good Swiss watch for the office.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A good Swiss watch for the office.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A big, solid-feeling chronograph for the money.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A big, solid-feeling chronograph for the money.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a small wrist: the case is 47 mm.
A smart solar watch for every day.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A smart solar watch for every day.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
Read the full review →
A classic dress watch with an automatic movement.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A classic dress watch with an automatic movement.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want time to the second: an automatic gains or loses a few seconds a day and needs a service every few years.
The Scout in its most outdoorsy look.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The Scout in its most outdoorsy look.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch that never needs a battery.
A real Gucci, Swiss made; you're paying for the name and the design, not the movement.
Our verdict
A real Gucci, Swiss made; you're paying for the name and the design, not the movement.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want the most watch for the money: a Tissot PRX costs about half as much and is the better watch on paper.
Read the full review →
A real Gucci, Swiss made; you're paying for the name and the design, not the movement.
Our verdict
A real Gucci, Swiss made; you're paying for the name and the design, not the movement.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want the most watch for the money: a Tissot PRX costs about half as much and is the better watch on paper.
Read the full review →
The Armani name on a fashion quartz: it looks the part, but most of the price is the label.
Our verdict
The Armani name on a fashion quartz: it looks the part, but most of the price is the label.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a better-made watch for the money: a Seiko or Citizen at the same price beats it.
Read the full review →
The Armani name on a fashion quartz: it looks the part, but most of the price is the label.
Our verdict
The Armani name on a fashion quartz: it looks the part, but most of the price is the label.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a better-made watch for the money: a Seiko or Citizen at the same price beats it.
A cheap way into a self-winding watch with a designer name.
Our verdict
A cheap way into a self-winding watch with a designer name.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want the best automatic for the money: a Seiko 5 Sports or an Orient Bambino is the better watch at this price.
A glossy fashion watch where the Michael Kors name is most of the price.
Our verdict
A glossy fashion watch where the Michael Kors name is most of the price.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a watch to keep for decades: a Citizen Eco-Drive or a Seiko at the same price is the better-made watch.
A chance to buy a Burberry watch new, now that the brand has stopped making them.
Our verdict
A chance to buy a Burberry watch new, now that the brand has stopped making them.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want after-sales care from the maker: Burberry no longer makes watches, so repairs depend on the shop and independent watchmakers.
Loud Versace styling, Greek key and Medusa included; it's the look you're paying for.
Our verdict
Loud Versace styling, Greek key and Medusa included; it's the look you're paying for.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want value: at this price a Tissot or a Hamilton is the better Swiss watch.
Read the full review →
Loud Versace styling, Greek key and Medusa included; it's the look you're paying for.
Our verdict
Loud Versace styling, Greek key and Medusa included; it's the look you're paying for.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want value: at this price a Tissot or a Hamilton is the better Swiss watch.
Read the full review →
A cheap, casual designer-name watch: fine for everyday, nothing special inside.
Our verdict
A cheap, casual designer-name watch: fine for everyday, nothing special inside.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want the best watch for the money: a Citizen or a Casio Edifice at the same price gives you more.
A cheap, casual designer-name watch: fine for everyday, nothing special inside.
Our verdict
A cheap, casual designer-name watch: fine for everyday, nothing special inside.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want the best watch for the money: a Citizen or a Casio Edifice at the same price gives you more.
A big, loud fashion watch for people who want it noticed.
Our verdict
A big, loud fashion watch for people who want it noticed.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have slim wrists or want something subtle: Diesel watches are big and showy.
A big, loud fashion watch for people who want it noticed.
Our verdict
A big, loud fashion watch for people who want it noticed.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have slim wrists or want something subtle: Diesel watches are big and showy.
Car-dashboard styling at a fair price; Maserati the car maker doesn't build these.
Our verdict
Car-dashboard styling at a fair price; Maserati the car maker doesn't build these.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a real watchmaker's name: a Seiko or Citizen at the same price is the better-known watch.
An affordable self-winding watch with a car-brand name on the dial.
Our verdict
An affordable self-winding watch with a car-brand name on the dial.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want the best automatic for the money: a Seiko 5 Sports is the better watch at this price.
Our pick of the square G-Shocks: no battery to change and always on time.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
Our pick of the square G-Shocks: no battery to change and always on time.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
Read the full review →
The GA-2100 to buy if you never want to change a battery.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The GA-2100 to buy if you never want to change a battery.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
Read the full review →ⓘ Some links are affiliate links: a purchase may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. It never decides what we pick or how we rank it. Prices shown may have changed since they were checked.
Before you buy
Think about what he wears.
Look at his current watch, if he has one: size, style and whether he wears it daily. Someone who wears a G-Shock may not want a dress watch, and someone with a smart office job may not wear a big sports watch. If he doesn't wear a watch at all, a light, simple watch like a G-Shock GA-2100 or Timex Expedition is an easier start than a heavy steel bracelet.
Size if you're not sure.
A case of 38 to 42 mm is the safe middle for most men. If he has slim wrists, go smaller; large wrists can take 42 to 44 mm. Lug-to-lug length matters too. Measure across the case of a watch he already owns, excluding the crown. Most watches he'll be comfortable in are within a couple of millimetres of that.
Bracelet sizing.
Steel bracelets usually need links removed to fit. A jeweller does this in minutes, often for free if you buy from them. A leather, nylon or rubber strap is easier to get right without knowing his wrist size. Keep the removed links safe in the box.
Safe styles.
A steel sports watch on a bracelet (Tissot PRX, Seiko 5 Sports, Citizen Eco-Drive) suits most men and most occasions. A G-Shock suits active people and is hard to get wrong. A dress watch suits someone who wears suits. Avoid very large watches (45 mm or more) unless you know he likes them; they suit fewer wrists. A black or blue dial is easier to get right than a bold colour.
Automatic as a gift.
An automatic watch feels like a special gift because it's mechanical and needs no battery. The Seiko 5 Sports and Orient Bambino are affordable options. Make sure he won't mind setting it after a day or two off the wrist. Include a note that it may need winding or a shake if it's been sitting in the box, so he doesn't think it's broken.
Solar and radio.
For someone who doesn't want to fuss with a watch, a solar and radio-controlled model like the G-Shock GW-M5610U or a Citizen Eco-Drive Radio Controlled is ideal: always right and no battery. These are also good for older relatives who don't want to fiddle with setting watches or changing batteries.
Engraving.
Many watches can be engraved on the case back, but check first: some have glass display backs or logos that don't leave room. Engraving usually rules out returns. A short inscription, initials or a date works best. Some shops engrave for free or a small fee.
Returns and receipts.
Check the shop's returns window and keep the box and paperwork. A gift receipt helps if it doesn't suit. Buy from an authorised seller so the warranty is valid. Leave the protective film on until he's tried it, and don't remove links until you're sure it's the right watch.
Timing.
Watch prices move through the year, with discounts around Black Friday and in January sales. We track UK prices through the day, so the prices on this page are current.
We haven't tried every watch on. We chose gifts from what UK shops sell and compared the makers' published specs: style, size, movement, water resistance and materials. We favour versatile watches from reliable makers that are hard to get wrong as a gift. UK prices and stock are tracked through the day. Read our full methodology →
More buying guides
Common questions
What is a good watch gift for him?
The G-Shock GW-M5610U for an active man, the Seiko 5 Sports for a first automatic, and the Tissot PRX for a special occasion. All suit most styles.
What size watch should I buy him?
If you don't know his wrist size, 38 to 42 mm is the safe middle. Look at any watch he already wears for clues.
Can I get a watch engraved as a gift?
Usually, if the case back is solid steel. Check before buying, as glass backs and logos limit space, and engraved watches usually can't be returned.
Is an automatic watch a good gift?
Yes, for someone who appreciates mechanical things. Make sure he won't mind setting it after a day or two off the wrist. If not, a solar or quartz watch is more practical.
What if the bracelet doesn't fit?
A jeweller can remove links in minutes. Keep the removed links in case he wants it larger later. Strap models are easier to adjust without help.
What is a good first watch gift for a teenage boy?
A G-Shock DW-5600 or GA-2100 is tough, practical and popular with teenagers. A Casio retro digital is a cheaper option. For a smart watch for interviews and occasions, a Timex Weekender or Casio MTP-1302.