THE JOURNAL

Sure, watches are meant to be switched in and out, but there’s something seriously satisfying about finding a tried-and-true staple that rarely leaves your wrist. We call it an “everyday watch” here at MR PORTER – a classic investment buy that combines versatility with all the technical features suited for daily wear. Dressed up or down, these watches serve as the backbones of wrist rotations and, if cared for, should only appreciate in value and last beyond a lifetime.
Whether you are a lover of pared-back horology and all things slim and sleek or you’re on the hunt for something big, chunky and complicated, we’ve chosen seven watches, each of which go way beyond just any ordinary watch to offer looks and function to suit all budgets.
01. Bell & Ross BR 05

Bell & Ross has a reputation for taking things to the next level. It certainly pushed boundaries in 2019 when it launched the BR 05. Propelling the brand into the luxury sports market, the go-anywhere watch brought punch to the brand’s classic circle within a square template with its sleek silhouette and 1970s undertones. Now a brand staple, the model has prompted several redesigns, like this unique copper dial, bringing warmth and depth to the wrist.
02. Oris + Cervo Big Crown Pointer Date

All Oris watches bear clean, charismatic design and approachable prices. But perhaps none more so than the Big Crown Pointer Date. The range is one of our most beloved, for its richly hued dials and house mechanical movements. This vintage-inspired iteration is made in partnership with Cervo Volante. Geared with a sustainable deer leather strap, the model is not only distinctive, but eco-conscious, too.
03. Cartier Santos de Cartier

A truly versatile timepiece is a tricky find, especially when it comes to dress watches. But, the Santos de Cartier is a rare case, flaunting both comfort and style with all manner of fine details. The first wristwatch to carry the Cartier name, the Santos debuted at the turn of the 20th century when Mr Louis Cartier created a watch for Brazilian aviator Mr Alberto Santos-Dumont. Today, the emblematic silhouette is beloved by everyone from Mr Jake Gyllenhaal to Mr Tom Cruise. This particular reference, with its midnight-blue dial, being the epitome of Cartier style.
04. Montblanc 1858

The first-ever diver’s watch to debut in Montblanc’s 1858 collection hits all the right notes for a daily wearer. Not only is it the perfect storm of steel brawn and lightweight comfort, but visual quirks, such as chunky cathedral-style hands and a black textured dial inspired by the glacial lakes of the Mont Blanc massif, endow it with top-spec appeal. With oodles of character, the 1858 is a one-for-all watch that you’ll be wearing all year round.
05. NOMOS Glashütte Club Campus

Long renowned for its modern, sleek aesthetics, NOMOS Glashütte created its most accessible watch to date with the Club Campus; an entry-level collection targeted at first-time watch buyers. This stainless-steel variation is a killer option for any wrist size. If its handsome midnight-blue dial and 1960s-style expandable bracelet isn’t enough to convince you, its Neomatik calibre DUW 3001, a small-but-mighty in-house movement of just 3.2mm, surely will.
06. IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser

The Portugieser is one of IWC Schaffhausen’s most successful watches ever, and rightly so. It’s been around for more than eight decades, and, in that time, graced the wrists of notable men, from Mr John Krasinski to Mr Keith Richards. Its overall design has also remained relatively unchanged, and its chunky, dominating presence is just as iconic now as it was upon its debut in 1939. Equipped with IWC’s in-house 82200 automatic movement, our choice flaunts a minimalist dial punctuated with royal-blue numerals and framed by a thin steel bezel.
07. Baume & Mercier Riviera

The Baume & Mercier engineers famously tested the resilience of its Riviera watch by strapping one to the wheels of a BMW M1 during the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It endured, emerging unscathed and cementing the model into the watchmaking hall of fame. To celebrate the timekeeper’s 50th anniversary, the Swiss brand has shrunk its dimensions. Now 39mm across, its smoky dial and 12-sided bezel make for a tidy package to suit any man’s wardrobe.