Best Temple Fade Hairstyles in 2021
The temple fade, or temp fade, is a type of haircut where hair gradually fades into the skin around the temples, making subtlety and versatility its key attributes.
Since its essential location is at the temples, this leaves room for a wide range of hairstyles on the rest of the head. This article will explore the variety of temple fade placements, to diverse hair textures, lengths, and styles it can be paired with.
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1. Low Temple Fade
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This is the most subtle version of the temple fade haircut. It is placed low enough that the highest point of the sideburns is just slightly visible as the hair blends into the skin. With facial hair, the head hair just briefly becomes short enough to clearly see skin before transitioning to the jaw and chin. This makes the temple fade less apparent when viewed from afar. This placement of the fade is appropriate for those who would like to try this style without grabbing too much attention. Another benefit of this hairstyle is that it allows more hair on the sides for those who want to add more width to their faces.
2. Mid Temple Fade
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This is the most commonly thought of version of the temple fade haircut. The midpoint of its transition sits right above the height of the ear, allowing it to be noticeable, but not dominating over the head.
This also provides more space for the gradient of hair length to transition, allowing the fade to be more blended. The fading can optionally be brought back to the nape of the neck as well. This is a fitting style for those that want to blur their temple and neck hairlines while adding interest to their hairstyle overall.
3. High Temple Fade
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This placement of the temple fade begins to blur the definitions between itself and other haircuts. The essential component of this placement is for the fade to blend up close to the top hairline.
While some versions may only blend the temple area, others may bring the blend further back behind the ear, almost resembling a burst fade. Some may even take this a step further and bring the fade to the back of the head, looking close to a drop fade.
Overall, the high temple fade has a debatable definition, giving room for different interpretations and presentations of this haircut.
4. Taper Temple Fade
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Speaking of blurred definitions, the taper temple fade is essentially a longer version of the temple fade, where the hair is not blended down to the skin.
This still provides a gradient of length while allowing for more coverage from the hair, which is also helpful for those who would like to add more width to their face. While the taper fade and temple fade may be different haircuts, the taper temple fade is a style that includes elements of both.
5. Bald Temple Fade
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Counter to a taper temple fade, the bald temple fade leaves a significant amount of skin hairless, which makes the hairline appear higher than it naturally is. This gives a more striking appearance to the look, with more contrast between the skin and hair.
This is ideal for someone who wants to take off some width and make their face appear longer. To maintain the baldness of this fade, it is necessary to touch up the edges of the fade every week.
6. Line Up Temple Fade
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For those looking for more contrast in the form of lines, the temple fade haircut can be combined with lineups on other areas of the head, such as the forehead and neck hairlines.
This lets the wearer take advantage of the gradualness of fades while still having enough definition to the frame of their face. This is especially beneficial to those with rounder features who desire more edges to contrast this. The squared lineup is an example that can help bring this contrast.
6. Temple Fade with Straight Hair
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With straight hair, sleeker styles are often paired with the temple fade haircut. These include an array of options such as slicking hair back in a pompadour, putting hair forward with various lengths of bangs, keeping it short like a crew cut, or even adding in razor lines to spice up the hairstyle.
Additionally, the transition of hair length down the temple fade tends to be smoother, as the hair appears to grow in a more unified direction. Specific hairstyles for straight hair will be covered in more detail later in this article.
7. Temple Fade with Curly Hair
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Whether natural or artificial, curly hair can look even more stylish with a temple fade haircut. Curly hair offers more bounce and body to the hairstyle, allowing it to appear livelier.
The temple fade allows the volume of the hairstyle to more gradually transition into the width of the face. This combination is also compatible to those with smaller foreheads who would like it to appear larger. Haircuts and styles that suit curly hair include blowouts, bangs, and different types of undercuts.
8. Temple Fade with Coily Hair
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Many outstanding hairstyles can also be achieved with coily hair paired with the temple fade haircut. Shorter hair can provide a more conservative, easier to maintain style that still shows off texture, while longer hairstyles can construct more bulk and give more power and personality to your hairstyle.
Similar to curly hair, more voluminous hairstyles can be gradually blended to the head shape with a temple fade. Examples of what can be paired with the temple fade are closely cropped styles, waves, cornrows, dreadlocks, various sizes of afros, and afro puffs.
9. Waves with Temple Fade
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Waves are a hairstyle that is achieved when curly or coily hair is trained to stay in a tight pattern against the head through routine brushing and applying hair products, such as wave cream.
Adding a temple fade to this hairstyle gives it a smooth transition to the skin, allowing the waves to subtly fade. This hairstyle is most often known as 360 waves, since it typically consists of waves that go all around the head. However, this can be optional.
A more minimal version of this is to have waves only on the top of the head, and have them slowly blend to the shorter hair on the sides and back.
10. Buzz Cut Temple Fade
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While the buzz cut is a simple hairstyle, it can be made more interesting by adding some gradation in the form of a temple fade haircut. This transition of hair length can be made even more apparent with slightly longer versions of buzz cuts.
Pairing this up with a lineup can also add more interest, making a basic hairstyle look more modern and put together, while still easy to maintain. Another positive aspect of the buzz cut is that it can easily work for all hair textures.
11. Cropped Temple Fade
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Cropped hairstyles have a range of lengths that can be paired with temple fades. This can include forehead hair that barely passes the hairline to hair that covers a big half of the forehead as bangs.
The length on the sides can also provide different effects on the temple fade. Short hair on the sides allows more room for the hair to transition into the temple fade, while longer sides create the effect of an undercut or blunt transition, before the gradual transition of the temple fade.
This offers more variability to how the temple fade appears. Cropped hairstyles are also suitable for those with wider foreheads that they would like to appear narrower.
12. Spiky/Textured Hair with Temple Fade
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A temple fade haircut helps add a smooth contrast to the jagged edges of spikey or textured hair. This style looks best on straight to wavy hair, and brings more volume to the top of the head, making it an effective way to add more perceived width to those with narrow foreheads that they would like to widen.
This type of hairstyle also permits more room to decide on how the hair can appear. For those looking for a more hardened look that references the late 90s and 2000s, spiking the hair up with gel and stiffening it with some strong hold hairspray works.
For those looking for a softer texture, applying hair wax or pomade and scrunching the hair up can help hold in some texture.
13. Blowout Temple Fade
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The blowout hairstyle, or the Brooklyn fade, is styled in a way that looks like the hair has been windswept, which is achieved by using a blow-dryer and an assortment of hair products.
Similar to spiky or textured hair, gel and hairspray work best to keep it looking frozen in mid-air, while wax and pomade offer a softer look. This is a style that has been classically associated with the temple fade haircut, where the combination creates an even larger extreme of more volume on top that is faded into the temples and back.
That said, this is another hairstyle that is suiting for those with more triangular face shapes, where one might want to add more width to a narrow forehead.
14. Pompadour Temple Fade
The pompadour has been one of the most sought-after men’s hairstyles of the 2010s, and has been popular in other decades as well. Adding a temple fade is a way to update the hairstyle while adding visual interest.
This style is most often achieved by adding volume to straight or wavy hair, which can be done by training the hair to come forward slightly, then styling it back with pomade. This can be held in place with a bit of hairspray as a finishing touch.
15. Afro Temple Fade
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Afros come in various sizes, but a temple fade haircut can be incorporated to any of them by adding some subtlety to their transition to the hairline. For easier maintenance, small afros or TWAs, which stands for “Teeny Weeny Afros”, are a great way to start a natural hair journey.
These can be kept short or grown to achieve a larger size, with the growing stages serving as a transition to gradually become more acquainted with taking care of longer natural hair.
16. Cornrows with Temple Fade
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Cornrows are not only an African-originated protective style that can minimize hair damage, but also look stylish and can be braided in an array of creative ways. Temple fades can add some flavor to them by providing a gradient to the hairline while still allowing them to take center stage.
Cornrows can be done at braid bars or salons, but can also be achieved at home if one desires to learn and practice the art of cornrowing.
They can be kept in for as short as a few days to as long as a few months, depending on how well they are cared for and personal tolerances with having hair kept in the style.
17. Dreadlocks/Twists with Temple Fade
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Dreadlocks and twists can vary greatly in length and are most suitable for those with coily hair. The edges are often tidied up and kept short to keep the style looking neat.
One way to cut the edges is in the form of a temple fade haircut, giving a more gradual change in length as the hair fades into the skin. Dreads and twists should be washed at least once a week with residue-free shampoo to keep them clean and healthy.
Depending on their condition, it is also important to moisturize them with water and water-based moisturizers as needed.
18. Undercut Ponytail/Bun with Temple Fade
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For those with long hair, pairing it with a short temple fade haircut gives a striking contrast in lengths that can make your style appear more dynamic. Tying it up in a ponytail or bun allows you to show off your temple fade, creating a hybrid style.
This works for all hair types as well, where those with straighter hair can create updos with more visual simplicity, while those with coilier hair can create updos with more volume and visual interest.
Hair that is curly to coily can puff out more when tied in a ponytail, and can also be coiled into the aforementioned dreadlocks and twists, which can be secured into an updo.
Temple Fade vs. Taper Fade
The key difference between a “temple fade” and a “taper fade” is the way the hairline is blended between the hair and skin.
The temple fade haircut focuses on blending the hairline at the temples so that there is a gradient where the hair seems to disappear or “fade” into the skin as it gets shorter. It is recommended for those interested in experimenting with fades, but not looking to commit to it all around their head.
The taper fade haircut also has a gradient of length, but does not blend into the skin as gradually as the temple fade haircut, allowing the hairline to be more visible. This considered, some sources may categorize the taper fade cut as technically not a fade, but more of a general taper haircut, since the hair does not blend into the skin. However, in this article, it is classified as a fade.
The taper fade haircut is best for those that prefer a more traditional haircut, but also want to look of the times. Even though it is not one of the top-of-mind types of fades, the classic taper fade haircut is a more timeless option.
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
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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
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.