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Top 75 Best Manly Hobbies For Men

Top 75 Best Manly Hobbies For Men

  • Next Luxury / Men's Lifestyle Advice
  • by — Brian Cornwell

Oscar Wilde once said, “Only boring people are ever bored.” As with so much of his work, this statement cuts right to heart of a dilemma many modern men face — what to do with their time when funds are limited.

If you only think inside the box of life experience you’ve already gained, you may be at something of a loss as to how best to answer this question.

However, when you view life as a constantly evolving exploration of the world, it opens up seemingly endless possibilities.

One thing to keep in mind, Gentlemen, is that no experience is wasted or wrong. What you must do is constantly challenge yourself to learn new things, improve existing skills, and, above all, engage as fully as possible with your world. When you take this approach, there will never be another boring moment.

As well, it’s part of the process that makes you a fascinating human being, a truly manly and complex individual that everyone will want to get to know.

Check out this ultimate list of hobby ideas for men looking to make the best use of their free time.

Best Hobbies For Men

1. Cooking and Grilling

Cooking-and-Grilling-Hobbies-For-Men

Being able to feed yourself well is a basic part of self-sufficiency, guys. Moreover, when you learn how things go together, and how to create a perfect meal from scratch, you make yourself an asset in any hungry situation.

2. Homebrewing Beer

Homebrewing-Beer-Hobbies-For-Men

This is an adventure in chemistry and physics that will teach you how to craft a product you want through empirical experimentation — trial and error — and help you to explore new and creative techniques.

It requires relatively few pieces of equipment (try a starter kit like this one from Craft a Brew), and the startup knowledge can be found for free. All you really need is time and some enthusiastic friends to play guinea pigs during the process of technique refinement.

3. Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing-and-Snowboarding-Hobbies-For-Men

If you want a way to become physically fit and improve your spatial reasoning skills, this is a great hobby. All it requires is snow, a little capital, and perseverance — the gear can be rented by the day.

These winter sports will teach you how to judge distance accurately, understand the way your body moves through space, and how to make correct decisions on the fly.

4. Leatherworking

Leatherworking-Hobbies-For-Men

This is a craft skill that will never go out of style. It teaches patience, and the direct relationship between cause and effect. Learning to work leather requires that you invest a little money and time, but beyond that the tools you need are inside your skull and at the ends of both your arms.

5. Chess

Chess-Hobbies-For-Men

It’s the original board game. Mastering the techniques of a champion may take you the rest of your life, but learning the basics of strategy — observation, planning, judging the quality of an opponent’s skill — can be picked up relatively swiftly.

Moreover, these are skills that you can apply to every life situation, and which will stand you in good stead in the realm of interpersonal interaction. Chess sets can be procured for relatively small sums (we like this handcrafted wooden set from Wegiel). Technique guides are available in both print and online for free.

6. Rocketry

Rocketry-Hobbies-For-Men

Similar to model construction, but with definitely real applications of physics and chemistry, this is the perfect hobby for honing your critical thinking and problem solving skills to a killing point.

What you learn through experimentation and research of fuel systems will stand you in good stead when solving problems in completely unrelated areas. Plus, nothing is more gratifying than creating something that works.

7. Investing

Investing-Hobbies-For-Men

This is a hobby much like chess, in that it requires you to gain skill in planning, prediction, and observation of how human desires motivate human actions. You need not actively invest capital at first; simply watch the stock ticker, read the reports, and immerse yourself in the business of business.

8. Lockpicking

Lockpicking-Hobbies-For-Men

You don’t have to be up to no good to acquire this skill. The tools are simple, but buying a practice lock from the hardware store is advised, since picking damages the tumbler mechanism of a lock.

Being able to pick a lock works better than a coat hanger or credit card if you or another has accidentally locked themselves out of their car or home. It sharpens your fine motor skills and teaches you how to manipulate a complex mechanism you can’t directly study.

Believe it or not, this sort of hobby actually enhances your cognitive abilities in other areas, such as abstract problem solving.

9. Archery

Archery-Hobbies-For-Men

This is no sissy hobby, guys. With access to a range where you can rent gear and practice, this is a relatively inexpensive hobby. Buying your own armguard, bow and arrows works as well, and can be done relatively inexpensively for beginners.

Archery teaches you focus and precision, all of which will stand you in good stead in a variety of pursuits.

10. Thrifting

Thrifting-Hobbies-For-Men

Like American Pickers, you can spend a free hour or two every week browsing the flea markets and antique shops. With a bit of study about maker’s marks and unique features of the Real McCoy, you’ll learn to identify authentic antiques and treasures from cheap junk.

You’ll also expand your knowledge of contextual history, which is never a bad thing and makes for great conversation.

11. Tattooing

Tattooing-Hobbies-For-Men

Dive in and ink up, Gentlemen. See the best tattoo ideas here for some inspiration.

As well as getting inked yourself, study the artistry behind the art. Learning the technique can even go as far as apprenticing yourself to an artist, should you find that you have a passion for creation of this sort. It will also enhance your eye for form, color, and imagery.

12. Bodybuilding

Bodybuilding-Hobbies-For-Men

This is the art of the self. As well as enhancing your physical health and appearance, you’ll give an enormous boost to your self-esteem, because bodybuilding goes beyond lifting weights. It incorporates nutrition, concepts of balance and proportion, planning and pacing yourself, and goal setting.

Whether you go for the buff look or not, this is one of the best hobbies for men, because you’ll stand straighter and go after what you really want in life with greater efficacy.

13. Rock Sports

Rock-Sports-Hobbies-For-Men

If you want the ultimate challenge of the Self, take up rock climbing, repelling, and other similar sports. While this hobby will require some investment of capital, because you must ensure your safety with proper gear and training, rock climbing teach you to actively evaluate your immediate environment, focus on details, and plan your moments.

It’s always a rush to feel you’ve succeeded and to know every inch of the rock face you just climbed with every sense you possess.

14. Classic Car Restoration

Classic-Car-Restoration-Hobbies-For-Men

A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Restoring a classic piece of fine machinery is a labor of love, sweat, and research. You’ll learn how to source quality parts for your baby, and how to install them — from the body to the minutest internal components.

It will require patience and a bit of money if you want to do it yourself, but another great, and often free way to experience this hobby is to work with someone who already does it.

15. Traditional Sports

Traditional-Sports-Hobbies-For-Men

Think you’re too old to engage in team sports? Think again. Whether your pleasure is rugby, soccer, baseball, basketball, American football or another team sport, adult recreational leagues exist in most places for most of these sports.

Pick one and rediscover the value of teamwork and planning. As well, it’s a great way to be both social and physical once you’ve left college and are a part of the adult working world.

16. Magic

Magic-Hobbies-For-Men

This is the art of human nature, of misdirection coupled with delight. Magic is a wonderful hobby that makes for great icebreaking tactics in new social situations, and also teaches you to see what others might miss or hope that you will miss.

17. Paintball

Paintball-Hobbies-For-Men

This is a great hobby to take up, men. While it will cost a little bit of cash to gear up, and also if you wish to reserve a game space, it enriches your life immeasurably and provides valuable physical activity.

Especially when you play with a team, you learn cooperative planning and implementation skills that will work for you in every group endeavor. As well, you’ll become adept and assessing your environment, and picking up on small details. If you don’t you’ll soon be tagged with some bright reminders to work on your game skills.

18. Electronic Models

Electronic-Models-Hobbies-For-Men

Building robots or other multi-component responsive devices will teach you about the human brain, and how it functions to send signals that beget action. Both computers and more simplistic mechanisms are based on our own organic processing units.

Plus, it’s a lot of fun to pit your latest invention against those of your friends in a Battle Royale. Trial and error will teach you how to perfect your creations for their intended uses, and engage you on a number of critical levels.

19. Survival

Survival-Hobbies-For-Men

There’s nothing more stimulating or masculine than pitting your wits against adversity, especially in the absence of modern conveniences. Learning survival skills will enable you to assess problems in every aspect of modern life and plot workable solutions.

As well, with survival training, there is no buck-passing. You are ultimately responsible for your actions and their consequences, even if they are spurred by uncontrollable circumstances. That makes it a truly manly hobby. Skill level: Marcus Aurelius.

20. Cycling and Mountain Biking

Cycling-and-Mountain-Biking-Hobbies-For-Men

Whether it’s on the trail or in the bike lane, cycling is a fantastic way to see the world through which you move in clearer detail than driving affords. As well, you’ll improve your health and your ability to assess upcoming obstacles.

Go ahead and invest in a good cycle like the Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mountain Bike and some quality safety gear. You won’t regret the purchase.

21. Photography

Photography-Hobbies-For-Men

Few hobbies will acquaint you with beauty more thoroughly than this one, both that which is apparent and that which hides beneath the surface of the banal or the ugly.

By learning this skill, you’ll hone your eye for composition of elements, and notice the surprising, the striking, and the exquisite faces of the world wherever you go.

22. Reading

Reading-Hobbies-For-Men

I cannot stress enough how vital it is to your manhood to be well-read. Push beyond magazine articles and blog posts, rediscovering the novel and the serious non-fiction literature.

If you think reading isn’t for you, it’s probably because no one ever exposed you to the worlds that await you between the covers of a book. See this list of the best 150 books for men to find out what you’re missing.

This is a hobby that requires nothing but time. Libraries still exist and will let you borrow books for free, so get there and get on it. It will make you more knowledgeable, more compassionate, more refined, and more awesome on every level.

23. Martial Arts

Martial-Arts-Hobbies-For-Men.

All disciplines represent the of focus and control of applied force. Martial arts also train you to understand how bodies move through space, how to understand your opponents, and how to respect both yourself and others.

Engaging in any of the many offered disciplines will improve you both as a man and as a part of the human community.

24. Skateboarding and BMX

Skateboarding-and-BMX-Hobbies-For-Men

These are both thrilling hobbies; though they require a great deal of practice to attain excellence, they offer substantial physical gratification. What these sports offer is an improved ability to accept the possibility of pain in the pursuit of that skill, and to face it without fear. Hesitation is often what leads to serious injury — going all out will save you in the end.

25. Geocaching

Geocaching-Hobbies-For-Men

This is a good hobby for groups. You’ve got to work together to meet the deadline of this modern spin on “X Marks the Spot”. Geocaching will enable you to read a GPS and enhance your map reading skills in relation to the physical environment. This works your brain and your body at the same time, thus improving the functionality of both.

26. Knife Making

Knife-Making-Hobbies-For-Men

Possessing skill in making weaponry enhances your understanding of its weaknesses and how to repair damage, when possible. While this skill will give you a healthy respect for the damage such weapons can do, you will also know that if you are ever stranded, you can create the means of your survival through tool making.

If this interests you, also investigate flint knapping which is the way all stone tools and weapons are made. It’s one of the oldest technological skills possessed by our species.

Once you’ve mastered knife making, you might be interested in learning the art of knife throwing.

27. Landscaping

Landscaping-Hobbies-For-Men

This element of outdoor design will sharpen your planning skills and your understanding of nested interrelated systems. Not only do shapes work together, but also water and earth features, species of plants, and symbiotic animal species working within the microenvironment that you’re landscaping.

28. Sculpting Stone

Sculpting-Stone-Hobbies-For-Men

Michelangelo said that when he began with a solid block of stone, he could sense the sculpture within, asking him to reveal it. This was likely a result of his early years of working in a marble quarry, where he was taught to read the lines of stress and potential fracture within the stone itself.

This hobby is an ancient one that many men have elevated to an art form over time. The art of being a mason has even been entangled with mysticism — those amazing individuals who created stone lace and structures weighing millions of tons that seemed made of light — in the great Gothic cathedrals of Europe.

This skill requires that you hone planning and understand the application of force and directionality. What could be more awesome?

29. Wet Shaving

Wet-Shaving-Hobbies-For-Men

Believe it or not, this is one of the aspects of the Barbering art, and it requires great skill. Unlike our modern ritual of slathering on chemical foam and dragging a disposable razor sloppily over our face, this involves fine razors, soap, shaving bowls and brushes, and the application of steam to soften the skin and hair.

It has all the formality of the ancient Japanese Tea Ceremony, and is a major component of Suavity.

30. Electronic Music Producing

Electronic-Music-Producing-Hobbies-For-Men

Whether you consider yourself musical or not, you should know that all of us are. In fact, the neural pathways in the brain that language uses are first laid down by rhythm and musicality.

There are a number of programs that will allow you to produce your own electronic music and even release it directly onto the web. William Congreve said, “Music has charms to sooth the savage breast.” That can be translated as an understanding of the soothing and elevating powers of music, both producing and appreciating it.

31. Writing

Writing-Hobbies-For-Men

This is one of the most humbling activities you can undertake, and also one of the most worthwhile. It will teach you how to communicate, how to craft a narrative effectively, and also how to be interesting.

The best thing about writing is that everyone can do it, whether they think they can or not. All it takes is time and lots of practices.

32. Darts

Darts-Hobbies-For-Men

Beyond the Friday night at the bar with the guys, learning how to play darts is a great hobby. That’s because it teaches you to hit a target for which you aim. It also drives home that precision trumps force nine times out of ten; a lesson that many guys could stand to learn if they haven’t already.

33. Sailing and Canoeing

Sailing-and-Canoeing-Hobbies-For-Men

This is yet another fantastic way to change how you view the world. Both sailing and canoeing teach you to interpret movement in a novel environment — on the water — and react with precision and assertiveness in the case of an emergency.

That’s because, when you’re in any watercraft, you are dealing with novel physics, and understanding them intimately is crucial in order to prevent minor accidents from becoming serious.

34. Flying

Flying-Hobbies-For-Men

Speaking of novel physics, did you know air is considered a fluid? It reacts very much in the way a body of water does. Learning to fly, even small craft, will enhance your ability to interpret and react correctly in response to circumstances. This is a fabulous skill to cultivate, even if you have a “drinking problem” and your name is “Striker”.

35. Rock and Mineral Collecting

Rock-and-Mineral-Collecting-Hobbies-For-Men

The earth yields many fascinating treasures, and you can easily cultivate this hobby. It will enrich your understanding of geophysical processes, and make you really interesting to take on a hike.

36. Drawing and Painting

Drawing-and-Painting-Hobbies-For-Men

Much like any art form, anyone can cultivate this skill set. What it requires is practice and letting go of fear, you can’t care what others think. You must learn to trust your judgment; once you’ve acquired the skills and know all the rules — break them with impunity.

This is a skill that will enhance your ability to discern patterns, both visual and behavioral, and is well worth cultivating.

37. Digital Design and Coding

Digital-Design-and-Coding-Hobbies-For-Men

Even if you only dabble your toes in the sea of code, it forms a huge part of a foundational understanding of how much of our world works. Should you apply yourself to learning it in depth, you render yourself free from dependence upon the knowledge and skill of others, which means they can’t lie to you or otherwise abuse that authority.

38. Astronomy

Astronomy-Hobbies-For-Men

Carl Sagan. Do I need to say more? Be amazed. Be constantly aware of all the wonder there is, just beyond this pale blue dot of our planet. It will enhance your compassion for your fellow humans and make you a better person, too. I promise.

Invest in a telescope like this affordable model from Gskyer and start getting to know the universe.

39. Scotch Tasting

Scotch-Tasting-Hobbies-For-Men

Technically both Scotch and Bourbon are also Whiskey, so cultivate a palate to discern the fine distinctions in flavor and subtle notes that dictate where your liquor has been. This is an interesting field not unlike wine tasting, but it definitely has a more traditionally masculine appeal.

40. Billiards

Billiards-Hobbies-For-Men

This is a game not unlike chess, but involving the application of physics: Force, spin, inertia, interference. If you cultivate this hobby, you’ll be a veritable Einstein of the tables.

It won’t stay confined to the fuzzy green surface of that table either. You’ll begin to see the same forces at work everywhere in your world.

41. Fantasy Sports

Fantasy-Sports-Hobbies-For-Men

This pastime uses applications of combinatorics and statistics, even if you never knew those were relevant to picking your draft. Learn how to work the system by educating yourself in how these maths can work for you.

42. Rebuilding Motorcycles

Rebuilding-Motorcycles-Hobbies-For-Men

Much like restoring classic cars, this hobby requires patience, sweat, skill, and research. But a beautifully restored classic bike is heartswelling to behold, especially when you know you rebuilt it.

43. Gold Panning

Gold-Panning-Hobbies-For-Men

This is a fun hobby that can actually pay off, if you’re diligent and develop an eye for that telltale gleam. Plus, you’ll find all sorts of interesting stones, and spend time outdoors in fresh air and sunlight.

44. Fencing

Fencing-Hobbies-For-Men

This is not for fancyboys. This hobby will teach you the dynamics of both offence and defense, as well as train your physical coordination, and ability to determine the next move of your opponent.

It has real life applications and can often come in handy with self defense.

45. Volunteering

Volunteering-Hobbies-For-Men

Studies have shown that doing things for others releases feel-good endorphins into our bloodstream. Improve your community; lend someone a helping hand; change the world one moment and one action at a time. You just might become addicted to doing good.

46. Poker and Cards

Poker-and-Cards-Hobbies-For-Men

This and other card games are a great way to be social and also enhance your risk-benefit assessment skills, and learn to read other human’s non-verbal communications. So get the guys together for an old-fashioned poker night once a week.

If you gain proficiency, you might try making a bit of cash at sanctioned gambling venues.

47. Guitar

Guitar-Hobbies-For-Men

We’ve covered how we’re all musical creatures, so why not try your hand at learning a musical instrument ? The guitar is an excellent one with which to begin, because you can buy one cheaply (check out the highly rated Fender FA-115), largely teach yourself the basics, and it can go anywhere you do.

48. Golfing

Golfing-Hobbies-For-Men

While many may scorn golf as a sport, imagine trying to put a pea through the mouth of a soda can at 100 paces. Get the point? Golf is a fantastic way to get a lot of fresh air and exercise. However, to gain skill at this sport, you need to work on developing your spatial reasoning skills, as well as understanding how things like wind impact the trajectory of your ball.

In the process, you’ll learn the proper posture and form of a great swing — which is part of conditioning your body to act with precision and power on demand.

49. Coaching and Mentoring

Coaching-and-Mentoring-Hobbies-For-Men

Much like volunteering, becoming a youth league coach or giving time to a mentoring program impacts your community.

You are providing a young person with emotional support and guidance that they may otherwise lack, which could possibly change the entire course of their life. That should feel pretty good, Men.

50. Meditation and Yoga

Meditation-and-Yoga-Hobbies-For-Men

Taking up this practice will enhance your experience of everything. Both disciplines rely on centering your Self. Yoga teaches you how your muscles are interconnected and how your body works, and can be a part of a great new direction in physical fitness for you.

51. Fishing

Fishing-Hobbies-For-Men

This is both a sport and a great way to be out of doors. Fishing involves an understanding of your intended prey, and how to lure and draw them in. This incorporates concepts of ecology, physics, and animal psychology.

More than that, it gives you time to simply be still, which is a skill that many Westerners have all but lost.

52. Traveling

Traveling-Hobbies-For-Men

The Dalai Lama says that you should travel somewhere you have never been each year. Stepping outside your comfortable groove of place and behavior, of your home culture itself, enhances your understanding of human behavior while also increasing your ability to empathize with individuals who are different from yourself.

That understanding and ability lead to a more peaceful outlook, a greater level of self respect, and deeper compassion for others in difficult situations.

53. Auto Racing

Auto-Racing-Hobbies-For-Men

While you may never go in for taking rounds in a Formula One event, auto racing is an exciting hobby that can help you to gage cause and effect in very real terms.

There are many tracks that offer novelty lessons and instruction in the basics of this great hobby.

54. Fishkeeping

Fishkeeping-Hobbies-For-Men

Keeping an aquarium could be a wonderful new hobby. Fish are less needy than cats or dogs, which can be ideal if you don’t get to spend a lot of time at home. As well, you are given carte blanche when it comes to designing the environment of your aquarium — within the needs of the fish you wish to keep, of course.

It would never do to introduce an aggressive species into an otherwise docile environment or put salt water species into freshwater.

55. SurfingSurfing-Hobbies-For-Men

Much like rock climbing, this sport encourages you to develop a proficiency in assessing your immediate environment and the changing circumstances moment to moment. It’s just you and the wave.

This can often lead to a very centered and relaxed view of the world, which is not a bad thing by any stretch.

56. Bowling

Bowling-Hobbies-For-Men

Bowling is actually a lot of fun, if you play with some great team mates, whether informally or in a league. Once you relax and stop wondering where your shoes have been, you’ll realize that it is a consummate game of skill that has much in common with darts and archery.

The application of precise force and the ability to gage the path of your ball determine how successful you are.

57. Interior design

Interior-design-Hobbies-For-Men

Don’t knock it, boys. Frank Lloyd Wright is famous for some of his iconic interior designs, such as wall-mounted globe lamps. It requires a deep understanding of how design elements function, both independently and together.

But, like everything else on this list, it is an understanding that is teachable.

58. Currency Collecting

Currency-Collecting-Hobbies-For-Men

Much like collecting interesting foreign stamps, collecting foreign or antique currency is an established enthusiasm. When you consider the amazing artwork that goes onto some of the bills in foreign countries, you may find yourself drawn in and passionately seeking a 1967 Quetzal note from Guatemala.

59. Foreign Languages

Foreign-Languages-Hobbies-For-Men

America is one of the least proficient countries in polyglot fluency. Learn a new language, especially one spoken in your community, and remove the veil of ignorance that hangs between you and what those people in the grocery store were saying.

60. Whittling

Whittling-Hobbies-For-Men

Minor woodworking can be an incredibly satisfying pastime, and also lead you to creating some beautiful art. Closely related to stone sculpture, wood is a softer and more forgiving medium and responds better to pressure, so you may find this preferable to masonry.

61. Genealogy

Genealogy-Hobbies-For-Men

A Hopi woman once told me that White People were simply “sad” because they had no story. They did not know where they really came from.

For many of individuals, history is a distant story, one that doesn’t involve us. Discover your roots, and you just might be surprised.

62. Cigar Enthusiast

Cigar-Enthusiast-Hobbies-For-Men

This can be a wonderful way to socialize. Much like wine and whisky tasting, it involves becoming sensitive to the differences in tobacco curing process, and even the wrapping materials.

63. Wine Tasting

Wine-Tasting-Hobbies-For-Men

All food takes much of its character from the soil, the air, and the water with which it is grown. Wine is no different. Grapes from one region will produce a wine with decidedly different characteristics than identical grapes grown in another region.

Learn about how wine is grown, made, aged, and paired with foods. It will broaden your understanding of how we experience our world through our senses even while it broadens your palate.

64. Movie Watching

Movie-Watching-Hobbies-For-Men

This is a hobby version of the professional movie critic. It also pushes you to explore genres and titles you would never otherwise have chosen.

Watch to learn, about places, people, dramatic effects, and storytelling. Watch for pleasure and understanding.

65. Gardening

Gardening-Hobbies-For-Men

Marcel Proust said once, “Let us be grateful for the people who make us happy, for they are the charming gardeners of our soul.”

Gardening actually improves your mental and physical health — beneficial bacteria in the soil are inhaled that actually boost your mood!

As well, when you garden, you are nurturing a living thing, watching it grow and become. It is one of the most satisfying and simple hobbies on this entire list.

66. Fashion Design

Fashion-Design-Hobbies-For-Men

When you understand how elements of style function together to create the latest trend, you can watch it trickle down from the runway to the thrift store. A deeper understanding of fashion will also allow you to dress yourself better and for less.

Plus you’ll become a regular Tom Ford when it comes down to knowing everything and anything about suits and style. Just do it, Men.

67. Snorkeling

Snorkeling-Hobbies-For-Men

This doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. You can kit yourself out for about $10, and then head for the nearest warm and sandy spot — preferably in clear waters like the Gulf of Mexico. This is part of experiencing the world directly.

Even though we’ve seen plenty of crystal clear water in the movies and on television, actually swimming next to a sea turtle is a life-changing experience. There is so much to be seen that cannot be truly understood until it is experienced.

Snorkeling and scuba diving allow you to get close to nature. So get out there and start experiencing.

68. Dancing

Dancing-Hobbies-For-Men

It’s not the facility of movement that women often gage to determine if you’re worth taking home. Rather, it’s about confidence to get out on the dance floor and move with her.

If you lack confidence in your ability, sign up for some dance lessons. It won’t kill you, and you’ll probably have a lot of fun.

69. Boxing

Boxing-Hobbies-For-Men

Here’s one for manly men. This martial art teaches you how your body can move through space, as well as how to gage the transference of energy via momentum. It’s one of the most intense yet rewarding hobbies for men.

You’ll take a beating from your coaches, but you’ll be grinning when you’re through.

70. Watchmaking

Watchmaking-Hobbies-For-Men

This is a skill that focuses ultimately upon precision and interrelatedness of complex systems in motion. Taking up this hobby will change the way you assess the world, but it will also broaden your understanding of the way that world works.

71. Woodworking

Woodworking-Hobbies-For-Men

Much like masonry, woodworking relies on a developed skill for seeing underlying patterns of stress or growth within the medium. Because wood has greater plasticity and is more easily procured than blocks of stone, you might enjoy this particular hobby more, while still gaining the valuable skill of seeing deeply into the nature of things.

72. Internet Marketing

Internet-Marketing-Hobbies-For-Men

Much like buying and selling in the real world, internet marketing involves a deep understanding of the desires that drive purchasing decisions. Taking up this hobby could help you to hone your abilities in your main career, and even lead to a serious side career.

73. Metalworking

Metalworking-Hobbies-For-Men

This may be one of the most interesting applications of a blowtorch I’ve ever seen. Metalworking can be an interesting and artistic skill to acquire.

Plus, if you become adept and understanding the mechanics and physical forces that govern your medium, you can use your skills to complete work on automobiles and other metal projects.

74. Camping

Camping-Hobbies-For-Men

It’s said that one week in the wilderness will help you to completely reset your circadian rhythms. Getting out into the great outdoors has also been shown to help clinical depression, simply by walking through a pine forest.

Camping gives you healthy exercise, a chance to disconnect from the world of instant access via the phone and the computer, and lets you focus on more important things, like your state of mind or the nature of true happiness.

75. Model Crafting

Model-Crafting-Hobbies-For-Men

This is a really fun hobby that can help you with focus issues, and attention to details. When you build a model, such as race cars or airplanes, not only do you have to put the parts together in the right way, but you must pay close attention to aspects of coloration and historical accuracy. It’s definitely something worth investigating.

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Brian Cornwell

Writer

Brian Cornwell founded Next Luxury in 2007 as a magazine for modern gentlemen.

Brian Cornwell founded Next Luxury in 2007 as a magazine for modern gentlemen.

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Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
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Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men

Premium Pick

Nordgreen Pioneer - Black Dial

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Best Choice

Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch

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Best Value

Citizen Sport Stainless Steel

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With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.

The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
 
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.

Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men

1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch

Tommy Hilfiger Men's 1791066 Stainless Steel Watch with Brown Leather Band

 

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If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.

 

2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial

Nordgreen Pioneer Watch with Black Dial

 

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Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.

An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast. 

 

3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch

Fossil Men's Grant Quartz Stainless Steel and leather Dress Watch Color: Silver, Brown (Model: FS4735IE)

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This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.

Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.

 

4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band

Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Brown Leather Strap Watch with Date, AW1361-10H

 

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If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.

Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.

 

5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch

Fossil Men's Machine Quartz Stainless Steel and Silicone Chronograph Watch, Color: Black (Model: FS4487)

 

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This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.

The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!

 

6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch

Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Stainless Steel Watch with Day/Date display, BM8180-03E

 

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This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.

Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.

 

7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch

Invicta Men's 0070 Pro Diver Collection Analog Chinese Quartz Chronograh Silver-Tone/Blue Stainless Steel Watch

 

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Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.

If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!

 

8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch

Casio Men's EF527D-1AV "Edifice

 

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This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.

 

9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch

Fossil Men's FS4774 Machine Smoke Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch

 

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This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.

 

10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch

MVMT Men's Minimalist Vintage Watch with Analog Date | Black Tan

 

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If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The brown leather strap is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.

 

11. Timex Weekender Watch

Timex Unisex T2P142 Weekender Blue/Yellow Stripe Nylon Slip-Thru Strap Watch

 

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If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.

 

12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch

PUMA Men's PU102941001 Ultrasize Black Sport Watch

 

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Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.

Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!

 

13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch

Timex Men's T20041 Easy Reader 35mm Brown Leather Strap Watch

 

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Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.

It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.

 

14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch

Fossil Men's Nate Quartz Stainless Steel and Leather Chronograph Watch, Color: Black (Model: JR1354)

 

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For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.

It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!

 

15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch

Timex Men’s T49905 Expedition Field Chronograph Black/Brown Leather Strap Watch

 

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Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.

You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.

 

16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch

Seiko Men's SNK809 Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch with Black Canvas Strap

 

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This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.

This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!

 

17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch

Invicta Men's 8932 Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Watch

 

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For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.

It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.

 

18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch

Seiko Men's SSC081 Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch

 

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This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.

If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.

 

19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band

Nautica Men's N14555G NST Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band

 

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Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.

 

20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band

Citizen Eco-Drive Men's AW1361-01E Sport Stainless Steel Watch with Leather Band

 

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The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.

 

21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch

Alessi Men's AL5032 Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Watch

 

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Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.

 

22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch

Invicta Men's 1517 I Force Collection Left-Handed Stainless Steel Watch with Cloth Strap

 

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Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.

If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.

 

23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch

TRIWA Men's Nevil Wrist Watch with Leather Band (Havana Brown/Brown Band)

 

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This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!

Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.

 

24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch

Victorinox Unisex 249034 Alliance Analog Display Swiss Quartz Black Watch

 

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Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.

This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.

 

25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch

Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Watch - BULL RUN

 

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Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.

The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.

 

26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch

Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Dial Black Leather Mens Watch T0954173605702

 

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Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.

 

27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch

Seiko Men's SNE331 Sport Solar Black Stainless Steel Watch with Beige Nylon Band

 

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Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.

If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.

 

28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band

Seiko Men's SNK807 Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Canvas Band

 

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This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.

If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.

 

29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band

Tommy Hilfiger Men's 1710294 Stainless Steel Watch with Brown Leather Band

 

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Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.

If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.

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Brian Cornwell

Brian Cornwell founded Next Luxury in 2007 as a magazine for modern gentlemen.

Brian Cornwell founded Next Luxury in 2007 as a magazine for modern gentlemen.

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