In 2026, men’s watches are going through a genuine design evolution. The dominant trends include colourful dials — deep reds, forest greens, navy blues — moving away from safe neutrals; integrated bracelets that flow seamlessly from the case for a cleaner, more modern profile; skeleton dials that reveal the movement inside; and the return of square cases challenging traditional round proportions.
For Indian buyers specifically, watch trends in India are evolving rapidly — minimal and clean designs are highly preferred, metal straps and bold dials are trending, and the Tissot PRX series is especially trending in 2026 as the most-recommended entry point for Swiss watches.
What’s driving this shift is a generational change in the Indian watch buyer. More men between 22 and 40 are treating watches as identity statements, not just accessories. They research before buying — they know the difference between a Miyota movement and an ETA clone, they understand quality grades, and they want value for money whether they’re spending ₹999 or ₹7 lakh.
These 10 watches represent what Indian men are actually searching for, buying, and wearing right now.
The 10 Trending Watches For Guys 2026
1. Rolex Submariner — The Watch Every Guy Wants
Style: Dive watch | Case: 41mm stainless steel | Movement: Automatic Caliber 3235 Original price: ₹7 lakh+
There is no watch more universally recognised than the Submariner. Rolex has built it essentially the same way since 1953 — rotating bezel, oyster case, jubilee or oyster bracelet — and it doesn’t need to change because the design is already perfect. The Submariner works with a suit, a t-shirt, or swim shorts. It works at a boardroom meeting and at a beach. The Rolex Submariner remains one of the most iconic watches even in 2026 — its timeless design makes it a true status symbol.
Why it’s trending: The Submariner is the gateway watch — every guy who gets into watches eventually ends up wanting one. The black dial + black bezel combination is the most searched watch design in India in 2026.
Who should wear it: Anyone who wants one definitive luxury watch design that never goes out of style.
First copy availability: 7AA and 7AAA quality first copy Submariners available with working date, solid bracelet, and automatic movement. → Shop Rolex first copy for men
2. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak — The Square Bezel King
Style: Luxury sports | Case: 41mm stainless steel | Movement: Automatic Caliber 4302 Original price: ₹15 lakh+
The Royal Oak is the watch Virat Kohli wears. The watch corporate India wears when they want to signal taste beyond Rolex. The octagonal bezel with exposed screws, the integrated “Jubilee” bracelet, the “Grande Tapisserie” dial texture — these are design details that watch people actually notice. Integrated bracelets have steadily grown in popularity and by 2026 are firmly established as a defining design element — flowing directly from the case for a seamless, cohesive appearance. The Royal Oak pioneered this exact design in 1972.
Why it’s trending: AP Royal Oak is the most aspirational watch in India right now for the 25–40 age group. The NCR corporate buyer, the Bengaluru startup founder, the Mumbai finance crowd — all want the Royal Oak silhouette on their wrist.
Who should wear it: Professionals who want the most recognisable luxury sports watch design that isn’t a Submariner.
First copy availability: AP Royal Oak first copies in 7AAA quality with the iconic octagonal bezel and tapisserie dial.
3. Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 — The Best Value Swiss Watch In India
Style: Sports-casual | Case: 40mm stainless steel | Movement: Automatic Powermatic 80 Original price: ₹48,000–₹70,000 |
The Tissot PRX dominated Indian watch conversations in 2024–25 and continues to be the most recommended Tissot men’s watch in 2026. Its integrated stainless steel bracelet references the luxury sports watch aesthetic of much more expensive watches. The PRX is essentially a mid-budget Royal Oak — the same integrated bracelet philosophy at a fraction of the cost. For anyone who wants a genuine Swiss automatic with sapphire crystal and 80-hour power reserve under ₹50,000, this is the most logical choice.
Why it’s trending: The Tissot PRX series is especially trending in 2026 — it’s the watch watch enthusiasts actually recommend when someone asks “what should I buy as my first serious watch?”
Who should wear it: Office professionals aged 25–35 who want a genuine Swiss automatic without spending a lakh.
First copy availability: Tissot PRX first copies with integrated bracelet and slim profile.
4. Casio G-Shock GM-2100 — The Metal G-Shock That Changed Everything
Style: Sports/casual | Case: 44.4mm resin/metal | Movement: Quartz solar Original price: ₹12,000–₹18,000
G-Shock launched in 1983 after Casio engineer Kikuo Ibe spent two years designing a watch that could survive a three-story drop. It still can. The GM-2100 metal series has made G-Shock relevant again for men who want toughness with a premium look. The GM-2100 specifically is the watch that convinced an entire generation of Indian men that G-Shock isn’t just for sports — the metal bezel and cleaner dial make it office-appropriate. The “CasiOak” nickname (its resemblance to the Royal Oak) has made it the most talked-about affordable watch of the last three years.
Why it’s trending: The GM-2100 hits the intersection of practical toughness and stylish design. It’s the most practical luxury-looking watch under ₹20,000 in India.
Who should wear it: College students, young professionals, anyone who commutes in Indian cities and needs a watch that survives real life.
First copy availability: G-Shock inspired first copies at highly affordable price points.
5. Omega Speedmaster Professional — The Moonwatch
Style: Dress-sport | Case: 42mm stainless steel | Movement: Manual-wind Caliber 3861 Original price: ₹4.5 lakh+
The Omega Speedmaster — also known as the “Moonwatch” — is the watch worn on the Moon during Apollo 11 in 1969 and remains a perfect choice for those who want something sporty with historical significance. The tachymeter bezel, the manual-wind movement, the black dial — the Speedmaster has an aura no other watch at its price point can match. It’s simultaneously a tool watch and a piece of space history.
Why it’s trending: Omega’s James Bond connection (Seamaster) and NASA moonwatch heritage (Speedmaster) drive constant search interest among Indian buyers who research watches seriously.
Who should wear it: Watch enthusiasts who want depth of history behind their watch, not just a design.
First copy availability: Omega Seamaster and Speedmaster first copies in multiple quality grades.
6. Hublot Big Bang — The Boldest Statement Watch
Style: Luxury statement | Case: 44mm titanium/ceramic | Movement: Automatic HUB1280 Unico Original price: ₹5 lakh+ ₹1,999
The best model for India is the Hublot Big Bang 44mm Steel — the original, still the best. The Big Bang is unapologetically big, bold, and attention-seeking. It’s the watch Salman Khan wears. The H-shaped screws, the fusion of rubber and steel or ceramic, the layered case construction — the Big Bang doesn’t care about restraint. For men who want a watch that gets noticed immediately, nothing else on this list comes close.
Why it’s trending: Hublot Big Bang is India’s most searched luxury watch after Rolex. The combination of bold design, celebrity association, and that iconic silhouette makes it the aspirational statement watch for 2026.
Who should wear it: Men with confident personal style who want a watch that makes an immediate visual impact.
First copy availability: Hublot Big Bang first copies with working chronograph, ceramic bezel variants, and skeleton dial options.
7. TAG Heuer Carrera — The Chronograph For Guys Who Know Watches
Style: Motorsport / Dress-sport | Case: 42mm stainless steel | Movement: Automatic Caliber Heuer 02 Original price: ₹1.5 lakh+
The Carrera is TAG Heuer’s masterpiece — designed in 1963 by Jack Heuer for rally drivers who needed a clean, legible chronograph at racing speed. The three sub-dials, the open-heart movement visible through the caseback, the racing-inspired dial layout — the Carrera is everything a sports chronograph should be. Among 2026’s key watch trends, skeleton designs that celebrate mechanical artistry are becoming increasingly significant — and the Carrera’s exhibition caseback is exactly this aesthetic.
Why it’s trending: The Carrera sits in the sweet spot — prestigious enough to impress watch people, not so ostentatious that it feels flashy. The ideal watch for the discerning 30-something professional.
Who should wear it: Men who appreciate mechanical watchmaking and want a chronograph with genuine racing heritage.
First copy availability: TAG Heuer Carrera first copies with working chronograph and three sub-dial configuration.
8. Cartier Santos — The Square Dial Comeback Watch
Style: Dress-casual | Case: 39.8mm stainless steel | Movement: Automatic 1847 MC Original price: ₹2.5 lakh+
The Santos was the world’s first wristwatch — created in 1904 for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont who needed to check time while piloting. The square case, exposed Roman numerals, screwed bezel — the Santos is the most elegant watch on this list. Square cases are one of 2026’s key trending design directions — challenging traditional round proportions and attracting style-conscious buyers who want something architecturally distinctive. The Santos leads this trend with 120 years of history behind it.
Why it’s trending: The Santos is the watch that genuinely stylish Indian men are discovering in 2026. Not as widely worn as a Submariner, which is precisely the point for buyers who want distinction.
Who should wear it: Men who value design history and want a luxurious dress-casual watch that most people haven’t seen before.
First copy availability: Cartier Santos first copies with Roman numeral dial and iconic square bezel.
9. Fossil Townsman Automatic — The Best Fashion Automatic Under ₹15,000
Style: Casual-dress | Case: 44mm stainless steel | Movement: Automatic with skeleton display Original price: ₹12,000–₹18,000
Fossil is American, makes quartz and some automatic movements, and prices everything between ₹7,000 and ₹25,000. The Neutra Chronograph and Townsman Automatic are the two models that actually look and feel more expensive than they are. The Townsman Automatic specifically shows the movement through a skeleton dial window — you get the visual satisfaction of seeing gears turn without paying Tissot prices. It’s the perfect entry point for men who want an automatic watch without a major investment.
Why it’s trending: Fossil hits exactly the price point where college students and young professionals can justify spending on a branded automatic. The skeleton window makes it look far more expensive than it is.
Who should wear it: Men buying their first automatic watch, or anyone who wants a stylish daily wearer under ₹15,000.
First copy availability: Fossil-inspired first copies at even more accessible prices.
10. Casio Edifice EFR-570 — The Sports Chronograph For Real Life
Style: Sports-casual | Case: 43.3mm stainless steel | Movement: Quartz chronograph Original price: ₹8,000–₹14,000
The Edifice is Casio’s premium sports line — everything G-Shock is for toughness, Edifice is for style. The EFR series specifically offers stainless steel construction, working chronograph, tachymeter bezel, and sapphire-coated glass at a price that makes Swiss-watch owners uncomfortable. Casio is one of the most popular brands in India — famous for budget-friendly, durable, and sporty watches, especially the Edifice series. The EFR-570 specifically has the most premium look Casio has ever achieved at under ₹15,000.
Why it’s trending: The Edifice gives Indian buyers the sports chronograph look — multiple sub-dials, tachymeter, metal case — without requiring a bank decision. Perfect for the buyer who wants function and looks without overpaying.
Who should wear it: Men who want a versatile sports watch for office, gym, travel, and everything in between.
First copy availability: Casio Edifice-inspired first copies with working chronograph functions.
How To Choose The Right Watch Style For You
With 10 genuinely different watches above, here’s the fastest way to pick the right one:
| If you are… | Best watch choice | Price range |
| Office professional, wanting a classic | Rolex Submariner / Tissot PRX | ₹1,499 first copy / ₹48,000 original |
| Corporate, wanting to impress | AP Royal Oak | ₹1,999 first copy / ₹15L+ original |
| Sports-minded, daily wearer | G-Shock GM-2100 | ₹699 first copy / ₹12,000 original |
| Fashion-forward, bold personality | Hublot Big Bang | ₹1,999 first copy / ₹5L+ original |
| Watch enthusiast, history matters | Omega Speedmaster / TAG Heuer Carrera | ₹1,499 first copy / ₹1.5L–4.5L original |
| Stylish, wants something different | Cartier Santos | ₹1,799 first copy / ₹2.5L+ original |
| First automatic watch buyer | Fossil Townsman Automatic | ₹999 first copy / ₹12,000 original |
| Student / daily practical | Casio Edifice EFR | ₹799 first copy / ₹8,000 original |
First Copy vs Original — What Indian Buyers Need To Know
Every watch on this list has two versions available in India — the genuine original and a first copy. Here’s the honest breakdown:
Original watches are a genuine investment. Rolex holds value better than almost any watch brand in India. Certain models like the Submariner and GMT-Master II have actually appreciated in value over the past decade, making them genuine assets. If you can afford a Rolex or Omega comfortably — buy the original. It’s a purchase that holds value and can be passed down.
First copy watches are for everyone else — and that’s a much larger group. First copies look virtually identical to originals at normal viewing distance. Quality has improved dramatically, with 7AA and 7AAA grades delivering impressive finishing that’s difficult to distinguish without close inspection.
The movement, crown mechanism, and drop resistance are different from originals — but for daily wear and style, a good first copy delivers the look you want at a fraction of the cost.
At Premium Watch Store, every first copy watch comes with live WhatsApp video verification before you pay — you see the exact watch before it leaves us. COD available across 43+ Indian cities. Starting from ₹999 with 1-year warranty.
FAQ
Q: Which is the most trending watch for guys in India in 2026?
The Rolex Submariner remains the single most searched and desired watch for men in India in 2026. Among affordable Swiss watches, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is trending strongest. For sports watches, the G-Shock GM-2100 metal series is the most talked-about watch under ₹20,000. For bold statement watches, the Hublot Big Bang leads searches.
Q: What watch styles are trending for men in 2026?
The four dominant trends for men’s watches in 2026 are: integrated bracelets flowing seamlessly from the case (AP Royal Oak, Tissot PRX style), colourful dials in forest green, navy and deep red, skeleton dials revealing the movement, and square cases like the Cartier Santos. Clean, minimal designs with metal bracelets remain the most versatile and most purchased.
Q: What is a good watch for a guy under ₹5,000 in India?
The best options under ₹5,000 in India are first copy watches — premium quality designs inspired by Rolex, Omega, G-Shock, and TAG Heuer, starting from ₹999. You get the look of a luxury watch at an accessible price. Look for 7AA or 7AAA quality grades, buy from a seller who offers live video verification before dispatch, and ensure COD and a return policy are available.
Q: Is Casio G-Shock still trendy in 2026?
Absolutely — and specifically the GM-2100 metal series has made G-Shock more stylish than ever before. The metal octagonal bezel gave G-Shock a premium look it never had in its original resin form, making it workplace-acceptable without losing its famous toughness. G-Shock is the most practical everyday watch for Indian buyers considering climate, commuting conditions, and budget.
Q: What watch should a college student buy in India in 2026?
For college students, the sweet spot is ₹999–₹2,000 for first copy watches or ₹7,000–₹12,000 for genuine fashion brands. First copy watches from Rolex, G-Shock, or Fossil-inspired designs offer the best visual value — you get a luxury-looking watch at a student-friendly price. The Casio Edifice EFR series at ₹8,000–₹14,000 is the best genuine branded option for college students who want a sports chronograph.
Q: Which watch brand is most popular among guys in India in 2026?
For aspirational luxury: Rolex is the most desired brand. For actual purchases: Casio is the most commonly bought brand in India due to its unmatched price-to-quality ratio. For Swiss entry-level: Tissot is the most recommended by watch enthusiasts. For bold fashion watches: Hublot and Emporio Armani are popular in the 22–35 age bracket.
Conclusion
The 10 trending watches for guys in India in 2026 cover every style and every budget — from the iconic Rolex Submariner to the practical Casio Edifice. The right watch depends entirely on where you wear it, what you want it to say about you, and what you’re willing to spend.
If you’re buying an original — start with the Tissot PRX as your first serious Swiss automatic, or save up for the Submariner if you want the ultimate investment piece. If you want the luxury look without the luxury price — shop first copy watches with live video verification, COD, and a real return policy.
Browse our full collection of first copy watches for men — all 10 styles above are available, starting from ₹999, delivered across India.
