Top 96+ Best Cool Simple Tattoo Ideas in 2021
Simplicity in tattoo art is often the way to achieve the greatest impact and unmistakably deliver the poignancy of a deliberate meaning.
A simple tattoo design is often the best way to display a bold and intense image on skin. Single-color designs fascinate the eye because the interplay of line work is visible, and conveys the intended message of symbolism with clarity.
A small tattoo design standing out against the wrist, on the finger, neck or ankle pack another kind of punch by utilizing only as much ink as is necessary to impart their distinctive effect.
Simple tattoo design and clean placement denotes clear intentions. Unnecessary intricacy only distracts from a precise message.
The following collection of 96 simple tattoo design ideas depict a range of images on skin, often in captivating variations of black ink and linework. There’s plenty of tattoo inspiration collectors can take to their next session with the artist.
See more about - The Top 50 Best Ultimate Tattoo Ideas
1. Minimalist Tattoos
See more about - Top 83 Minimalist Tattoo Ideas
Simplicity is a trademark of contemporary . ideas are worth considering, especially for individuals with interest in small or and visible pieces of .
Minimalist, is perfect for beginners to make their first foray into , but they are also excellent additions to previously existing arrangement.
These smooth little beauties are sometimes produced by a with a single black line that artfully traces a desired emblem with clarity, and done via a custom or canny use of flash.
2. Simple Rose Tattoos
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See more about - Top 51 Best Simple Rose Tattoo Ideas
The symbolizes love. When explored in art this queen of flowers doesn’t need to be lavish and overwrought, the rose can be equally arresting as a image.
The rose is a timeless and will always remain so. It’s a favorite for almost every style of , from to geometric or designs utilizing the .
It’s a bloom almost universally recognized, even in outline form.
3. Simple Tattoo for Men
Whether an elegant or large and powerful, cool add a suggestive statement with flowing, seamless design.
Cool designs range in size from the tiniest suggestive tattoos, as comical as the of a computer power button on your , to a more fluid and bold design like a full chest or of a wave.
The main elements that set this type of apart from those of other categories is the fluidity of breaks in the design and the use of generally , though some designs may contain one or two colors such as gray shading, blue, or red.
4. Simple Flower Tattoos
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See more about - Top 41 Simple Flower Tattoo Ideas
The bigger and more elaborate flower tattoo the better right? Not exactly.
By starting small and going with a simple flower design, you’ll slowly ease your way into body art or go with a comfortable design that suits your tattoo needs.
Simply executed tiny tattoo or small simple pieces can look just as good as larger more detailed personal expressions, especially on areas such as the forearm, wrist, ring finger, and hand.
There are countless design ideas to go with for symbolic and meaningful tattoo blooms, and their smaller stature means they can be placed anywhere.
5. Simple Cross Tattoo
See more about - Top 51 Simple Cross Tattoo Ideas
We are used to seeing the cross in our daily lives as memorials.
You could choose to commemorate the life of a friend or family member with a simple , and a banner across it highlighting their name.
Perhaps you want to showcase your faith in Christ, but without the flash or flair of elaborate tattoos.
A small wooden cross would be ideal to show his life as a carpenter and his humility.
Perhaps you want to celebrate your Celtic roots. A of the Celtic cross in black or green might be the perfect way to express your roots and heritage with pride.
6. Small Simple Tattoos
See more about - Top 63 Small Simple Tattoo Ideas
For any one getting a for the first time, it can be a pretty daunting experience. The truth is, it doesn’t have to be.
While the pain from getting a might be temporary, the on your skin is definitely permanent.
Everyone knows this, yet most people still tend to think big when it comes to their first .
Bigger the better right? Not exactly.
The truth is, a that’s well executed by your can look just as good.
There are countless hugely symbolic design ideas to go with, from an or a to the , a or cool heart outline.
7. Simple Music Tattoos
See more about - Top 43 Simple Music Tattoos
Many people get music tattoos because they can easily tie their emotions and memories to it, so whenever they hear a certain song, they can relive that moment once again.
Music can be a huge part of someone’s life, and a tattoo that represents their love for it both symbolizes its importance to them and their will to love or play music forever, the same time a tattoo lasts.
Not everyone likes a big tattoo, so many turn to simplistic music tattoo designs like one specific note or treble clef, a minimalistic guitar or piano, or a lyrical quote from their favorite song.
8. Simple Compass Tattoos
See more about - 50 Simple Compass Tattoos
The compass is more than just a wayfarer’s gadget, but symbolic of the inner compass we each carry within us, the one that keeps us on our path no matter what life throws our way.
A emphasizing the compass is a reminder of that inner, infinite tool every man possesses.
Simple in design but nevertheless a powerful totem, the compass can be worn anywhere and guide in a similar fashion.
Understated and poignant, the compass is a lasting token of your own ongoing journey.
9. Simple Forearm Tattoo Ideas
See more about - Top 33 Simple Arm Tattoos for Men
Simple arm tattoos are some of the best for emphasizing strength and fearlessness. A visible is prominent and moves with every action that you take.
It is impossible not to notice, and it demonstrates a confident desire for self-expression yet often commands respect from every eye.
Simplicity in illustrations can take many forms. A representational picture done in clear, clean lines is emphatic and engaging.
Abstract motifs centered on the joints or entirely surrounding the arm work well.
10. Simple Skull Tattoos
See more about - 40 Simple Skull Tattoos
Today skull tattoos are worn in a number of styles and fashions, from anatomically precise to Gothically decadent. Many opt for the skull tattoo to symbolize triumph over death or adversity, and rebellion in the face of life’s rules and hypocrisies.
The skull tattoo is more than just a reference to life and death, it’s the mark of the wearer’s own ability to tread the line between the two.
Beauty and decay are the skull’s most poignant allusions, with the pictorial skull-and-rose combination sending a powerful message of good and evil being one and the same, a contrast borne of equal parts.
11. Simple Wave Tattoo Ideas
See more about - Top 43 Simple Wave Tattoo Ideas
For many cultures, the wave is a gentle reminder that you can indeed choose to fight the current and risk being swept away, or trust in the timeless tide to deliver you to where you are destined to go.
For those who dwell near or on the water, the wave is often worn as a protective totem, a message of unity with the elements. Sailors, swimmers, and surfers alike all understand that the tide is much greater than themselves, and respect the forces beyond their control.
The simple wave tattoo is just that: a simple but decisive symbol of one’s acceptance that there are greater forces in the world compelling us, that depending on one’s outlook and approach life can be a constant struggle or smooth sailing.
12. Simple Hand Tattoos
See more about - Top 71 Simple Hand Tattoos
While cultures from around the world have decorated their hands with bold and often astonishingly detailed small tattoo ideas tattoo ideas for thousands of years, today’s designs can be as simple as the wearer wishes, and at no expense of style.
Sailors, warriors, and priests often tattooed sacred symbols onto their hands for protection against evil. Contemporary designs have extended to geometric tattoos – such as an arrow tattoo, mountain or moon tattoo to define nature and life’s path.
Many modern couples even prefer to get a matching tattoo of their nuptial bands or a heart tattoo on their fingers, with class rings and friendship emblems not far behind.
13. Simple Line Tattoos
See more about - Top 43 Simple Line Tattoo Ideas
Cool, small tattoo ideas done with simple linework tattoos can add a clean and clear dimension to even the busiest of tattooed bodies.
Often drawn up in just black ink, these designs suit geometric tattoos featuring shapes and lines, or other recognizable design concepts such as a moon tattoo or feather tattoo design.
A gifted linework tattooist can create a fine, long lasting piece of body art in just a few minutes, practically anywhere on the subject’s frame.
14. Simple Tree Tattoos
See more about - 50 Simple Tree Tattoo Designs
Traditionally, tree tattoos symbolize knowledge, growth and wisdom.
Other representation of the tree in body art includes: nourishment, immortality, fertility and freedom.
Many tree tattoos – particularly popular in Celtic tattoo culture – incorporate the tree of life, often demonstrated by circular tree artwork with branches and roots intertwined.
15. Simple Chest Tattoos
See more about - Top 37 Simple Chest Tattoo Ideas
Simple chest tattoos can be just as beautiful as intricate ones, even if most are less obvious.
Being that there’s so much to choose from, many turn to minimalistic ideas and designs that can still get their symbolism across.
People most often get tattoos on their chest because they want their tattoo’s meaning to be close to their heart.
16. Simple Traditional Tattoos
See more about - 50 Simple Traditional Tattoo Ideas
Simple traditional tattoos cross borders and are boundless in their artistic expression. Travel the torrid seas with a nautical compass or anchor tattoo. Get closer to the stars with a moon tattoo or a mountain.
Unleash the deep roots of American culture with a bald eagle or bear. Weave the knot of Celtic heritage with a cross or hammer to forge a serendipitous destiny.
The imagination is limitless with potential for these epic tattoos, for they all are deeper than what meets the eye.
17. Simple Leg Tattoos
See more about - Top 51 Simple Leg Tattoo Ideas
For a very long time, tattooing in the western world was confined to the upper body.
Since very few clothing styles in the west allowed for legs to be shown with ease, tattooing was considered an upper body only event.
Today, leg tattoos are common and accessible. The unique contours of the musculature of the calf and thigh allow for a skilled artist to create natural shadows and optical illusions with the image of your choice.
Simple Tattoo FAQs
An old adage in the tattoo world says “bold will hold”.
Good linework forms the backbone for simple designs, and bold heavy line creates tattoos that will stand the test of time.
Linework can come in any number of different styles and designs, from script work to American traditional pieces, but a consistent application and full saturation of ink are required for any tattoo that can be expected to last.
Dotwork (also known as pointillism or stipple shading) is an interesting stylistic trend the has gained popularity over the last decade.
A tattooist uses this technique to create an effect that is reminiscent of lithographs and illustrations from books printed using traditional techniques.
Dotwork, while expensive due to the painstaking precise technique and time needed to etch, is becoming a bold alternative to more classic shading techniques, adding layers of texture and depth to designs that make for more eye-catching tattoos.
Some tattoos are straightforward in their meaning: family names, inspirational quotes and photo-realistic portraits of loved ones show the importance these things play in the wearer’s life.
For some people, however, less candid designs better suit their personality and sense of style—as well as their sense of humor.
Other tattoos take common objects and incorporate them into ink with more profound significance, taking the ordinary to the extraordinary with the use of a clever concept.
Tattoos are deeply personal, and for some people, bright colors just aren’t true to their personality.
For these people, black is the only way to go, and many people still prefer the striking nature of these blackwork tattoos.
While many people use blackwork to create tribal tattoo designs that are primal in their appeal, script work, cross-hatch shading, and clever composition can all be utilized to create black tattoos that are as unique as any color piece.
Simple tattoos are a great choice to convey powerful meanings through the use of shapes.
One shape that is utilized to great effect in these pieces is the circle: it’s packed full of symbolic meaning.
The circle is a shape that represents perfection and is strongly associated with the divine.
The unique nature of the circle can also be understood with the help of mathematics, like Pi for example, with its infinite decimal points carrying on forever but never repeating.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
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
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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
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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
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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
