If you’re looking for a true conversation piece, check out some of these unusual men’s watches. Even if you aren’t in the market for one, they’re still fun to learn about.
Watches are a great medium for designers to express themselves. Timepieces blend architecture, fashion, and art into one place.
That’s why even the weirdest watches are still pretty captivating to look at and learn about. And that’s even if we’d never wear them ourselves.
Today’s edit of men’s unusual watches features a mix. Some are more wearable than others. Still, all of them are engaging and unique, perfect for anyone interested in innovation or standing out.
10 Men’s Unusual Watches
Here are ten unusual watches for men in no particular order!
Álvaro Siza Lebond Diamond Watch
As someone who’s worked in the art industry for years, including in luxury watch auction houses, fine art watch collabs always intrigue me. The square case of this timepiece actually wears like a diamond shape on your wrist.
The design is based on architect Álvaro Siza’s pool design at the Leça de Palmeira. Even the hands echo his minimal approach to building signage.
Available at the MOMA, which also exhibits Siza’s work, this watch is a wink and nod at other architecture buffs. Those who don’t know much about contemporary art and architecture will think it’s a unique abstract timepiece.
Unlike so many “artistic watches,” this guy boasts top-notch specs. Two include a sapphire crystal and a light but strong micro-sanded titanium case.
Accutron Spaceview
The Accutron Spaceview is unusual in its impeccably complex design and in how it works. Truly, this is a conversation piece.
It runs on electrostatic energy, which allows the second hand to sweep as smoothly as an automatic.
When you tap the case, kinetic movement causes the dial’s turbines to spin — which you can watch in action. It’s these turbines that power the hour and minute hands.
Gadget fans rejoice. You have a watch that you can geek out over that’s as chic and sophisticated as the old classics.
Studio Underd0g Pizza
Collectors love an irreverent watch (see the Rolex Domino’s). Everything Studio Underd0g makes is unique, and they aren’t all irreverent. In fact, many are quite sleek. However, they’re all fun.
The Underd0g Pizza Party, a partnership with Time + Tide, is definitely their most playful offering. I wouldn’t wear this personally, but I’m glad it exists. I respect any watchmaker who builds such a playful concept with full seriousness.
This chronograph has a near-flawless design, from the beautiful texturing of the cheese on the dial, to the embossed toppings. Even more controversial — you can get a pineapple pizza version.
Autodromo Group C
With their LCD module and EL backlight, Autodromo Group C watches almost remind me of upgraded Casios. In fact, that’s sort of the design concept behind them. They’re a “grown-up version” of the digital watches many guys wore as kids.
That’s what makes it unusual. This concept isn’t common in the market, nor are premium-built digital watches that meant to be kept forever.
Its square slab of a case found inspiration in classic automobiles, like the Porsche 962 and Sauber C9. This serves up the digital watch nostalgia, as well as autosport nostalgia in a relevant, modern body.
Depancel Serie R Cruiser
I’m not going to bury the lead here. I think Depancel makes some cool watches. I’m highlighting the Depancel Serie R Cruiser because it utilizes a variety of different engineering-focused visuals.
There’s the square case, stepped and rounded at the top. Unexpectedly, the dial is round, though the negative space has visible screws.
And the textures? Exquisite. It’s a mechanics-focused build for those who love racing watches or sciencey-forward watches.
Ciga X011-BLOG
Ciga is known for its unusual watches. This model is particularly fascinating for two reasons.
First, is its looks. Steampunk often comes off as costumey to me, but this is a pretty sleek rendition. Perhaps it’s the subtle addition of polished colors. Or maybe it’s because anything can look classy if you build it well enough.
Second, is that very build, which, of course, the watch is visually forthcoming about. It’s inspired by SUV cars.
So all of that crash-safety tech is on this watch case, including a suspension system, shock absorbers, and a dual shell. It’s no wonder this watch won so many Red Dot awards.
Eone Bradley Classic
I find that the Eone Bradley Element black gets a lot of love. But I think the Classic really highlights the sculptural design more effectively. The use of different colors allows the topography to pop more.
Each section is more isolated-looking, allowing your eye to really journey through what looks like a miniature ecosystem. I personally love the gold and white version because of how it adds brightness to an otherwise (purposefully) sterile aesthetic.
However, looks aren’t everything. This watch allows vision-impaired people to tell the time by touching two magnetic ball bearings.
IWC Big Pilot Top Gun Edition Mojave Desert
Any perpetual calendar is “unusual” in the sense that it’s always difficult to build. This is a case in which the unusual and remarkable overlap.
Beyond that, this version of the IWC Big Pilot has a matte, muted look. It’s almost monochromatic, leaning hard into the desert vibe. If a really good crepe-soled desert boot were a watch, it would be this watch.
And, of course, all of the IWC Big Pilot hallmarks are there. There’s the excellent, visible movement, as well as that delightfully big crown.
Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Red Radar Ceramic
How can you even tell time on red radar ceramic? My answer is, who cares? It’s cool. Also, did you know that the radar screen is actually quite realistic? This is approximately what aviation dashboards look like.
The red features on the dial literally reproduce the scanning light beam you’d see on the dashboard. It’s not just engaging, but it kind of makes you feel like you’re wearing a superhero watch. And yes, you can tell the time with it.
There are two discs for the hour and minutes. The disc with the fighter plane shows the minutes, and the disc with the passenger plane shows the hours.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra 2024
Right of off Watches and Wonders, this 2024 Ultra version of the Bulgari Octo Finissimo is even more unusual than the original. It’s so wildly thin that it almost looks like a giant computer chip.
Still, it’s the most elegant computer chip you’ve ever seen. I love the beautiful pink jewels and the busy gears throughout the face. Naturally, this COSC-certified timepiece is made with impeccably sandblasted titanium.
FAQ
Here are some quick answers to common questions about unusual watches.
What Makes a Watch Unusual?
Any unconventional feature can make a watch unusual. Perhaps it has an uncommon case shape or a unique and innovative movement. Or it might combine elements that don’t always go together, like a diver’s bezel with a chronograph face.
What Brands Make an Affordable, Unusual Watch?
Brands to consider include Eone Bradley, Xeric, and Mr. Jones. Amazon also sells many unusual fashion watches from around the world.
Is an Unusual Watch a Good Everyday Watch?
It depends on your personal style and what you do for work. If you love unconventional accessories and your lifestyle puts you in lenient dress codes, sure! Otherwise, you can go for a smaller or subtly unusual watch.
Conclusion: Take a Risk
Men’s unusual watches are a great way to experiment with style.
If you ever want to change up your look, even just a little, start with watches. Unlike a shirt or pants, you can always just take it off on a night out if your boldness subsides.
And, if you’re feeling a bit unsure about acquiring an unusual watch, consider it a wearable piece of art first and a timekeeping device second.
What are some of your favorite unusual watches? Let me know in the comments!