5 of the best men’s watches from Monterey Watch Co

For those of us that like our watches to look the part but not cost an arm and a leg, brands like Monterery Watch Co. are a bit of a godsend as they boast an excellent selection of men’s watches that can be on your wrist in time for Christmas and for under $500. The value for money with these watches is off the scale in our opinion here at The Coolector and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a higher quality watch for the price point.

The overriding objective of Monterey Watch Co is to make a killer watch that honours the classic dive watch and sport watches out there, and make them accessible to all timepiece fans, not just those with the big wallets. They make all their watches in small batches and ensure to handle each one. And deliver it to the customer with a personal touch and a hand-written note in each box. That’s an ethos we can get behind here at Coolector HQ. Check out our pick of 5 of the best men’s watches from Monterey Watch Co. below:

Slipstream Chronograph

The Monterey Watch Co. Slipstream chronograph combines classic design with great value. Featuring a 42mm case, reverse panda dial, and VK64 hybrid movement, it offers vintage-inspired style with practical functionality. The bold Arabic numerals, C3 lume, and silver stick hands provide excellent legibility, while the black leather strap with white stitching adds a refined touch.

buy now | $349

Route 12

The Route 12 watch combines utility, style, and functionality, inspired by the legendary Panerai Luminor. Named after the iconic North Carolina beach road, this 42mm piece is built for both adventure and elegance. Featuring 200M water resistance, triple-applied C3 lume, NH35A Seiko movement, and a double-domed sapphire crystal, it transitions seamlessly from beach to boardroom. And you may notice the line going to the M at three, and with the hands at 2:18 it gives the appearance of a parachute…a special nod to military airborne troops.

buy now | $349

Dark Bayou SE

The Dark Bayou EM dive watch features an NH35A automatic movement, a 40mm stainless steel case, and a captivating black dial with gold accents. With 100m water resistance, sapphire crystal, and a 60-click unidirectional bezel, it blends vintage diving style with modern precision. Choose between a stainless steel bracelet or a rugged NATO strap.

buy now | $279

Blacktip Virginia SE

The Blacktip Standard series, first launched in 2022, pays homage to iconic dive watches with a refined 2024 update. Featuring a 40mm case, luminous ceramic black bezel, sapphire crystal, and NH35A movement, it’s built for versatility. The watch offers water resistance up to 100m, a date window, and a choice of oyster-style bracelet or NATO strap, making it a perfect companion for adventures above or below water.

buy now | $269

EBC Watch

The EBC Watch from Monterey Watch Co. is an adventure-ready timepiece featuring a Seiko NH34 GMT movement, fixed 24-hour bezel, and a luminous white dial with a signature red sweep hand. With a 40mm case, sapphire crystal, 100m water resistance, and a stainless steel bracelet, it combines style and utility.

buy now | $299