Top 115 Best Wolf Tattoo Ideas for Men – [2021 Inspiration Guide]
The wolf is an immensely popular, enduring theme of strength, power and grace.
The supple flow of movement under fur, its beauty, loyalty, and fiercely protective mentality are elements of the wolf that give it almost universal respect. It is why wolves feature in our list of the 50+ best tattoo ideas.
A wolf tattoo is a great way to display strength, familial loyalty and devotion, while for others, a wolf tattoo can be part of dreams, aspirations, or associated with the moon. A howling wolf tattoo represents strength, free spiritedness.
Whatever symbolism your wolf depicts, there is a range of awesome technical options and tattoo style that can bring it to life.
To help you uncover wolf tattoo ideas and inspiration, check out the following gallery of the top 115 wolf tattoo designs for men. From geometric tattoo ideas that seem bizarre, to classic realistic tattoos of the lone wolf howling at the moon, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
See more about - The Top 95 Best Wolf Tattoos
1. Upper Arm Wolf Tattoos
2. Wolf Sleeve Tattoo Ideas
This wolf tattoo slaps! It’s an awesome combination piece mixing portraiture, animal realism, and elements of abstract to frame a work of mastery. Both the woman’s image and wolf are depicted with flawless technique, and the piece’s shading is pinpoint. Where the half sleeve stands out most though, is in the delivery of white ink highlights to the outer rose petals, dream catcher headdress, and eyes of the woman. These technically oriented flourishes maximize the tattoo’s eye catching effects and transform a great piece into one of the very best.
When choosing a wolf tattoo sleeve, focus on your central theme, keep it simple, then slowly piece the body art together in its entirety. Whether you want a cohesive collection of tattoos or one organic piece ensure that it’s ink work which you and your tattoo artist can be proud of. The examples above show that you can portray a realistic wolf in your sleeve design, but there needs to be more to it when incorporating the length of arm or leg.
Time and budget are also important factors to consider. How much time are you willing to give for this endeavor? And how much money are you willing to spend to bring your wolf dream tattoo to life?
3. Watercolor Wolf Tattoo Ideas
A 50/50 wolf mixing realism with watercolor to make an arresting feature tattoo. Juxtaposing each eye to the opposite technique is a smart which makes the wolf’s visage a focal point. The vivid blue of the water color is the more interesting half despite the entire blueprint being the same. It ‘fits’ the image more so than the black and grey half next to it.
This a beautifully delivered water color wolf with a funky screen print sensibility. It’s made more effective by using the central features – eyes, muzzle, and whiskers – to center the image in classic black line before working around it in vivid color. ‘Running’ paint at various points is another technical feature the artist has deployed with success.
This inky wolf is a delightful tattoo. The piercing tawny eyes give the whole piece an element of quality. The use of a water color feel in black ink is a smart use of technique, aided by the artist’s decision to have the central, heavier work move away from the beast’s face in odd directions before trailing downward. The addition of just a smidgen of yellow ink at the side of the image is also a deft touch to alleviate a little of the blackness and support the wolf’s eyes.
A watercolor wolf tattoo is a bright, vivid marking made up of numerous subtle color gradients and techniques that create a more gradual color fade-out. The wolf is an outstanding motif for use in watercolor tattoo designs, because the style of watercolor tattoos is more delicate and fluid than “traditional” tattoos and works well with symbolic meaning attached to wolves, such as the moon, dreams, and visions.
For a watercolor wolf tattoo of this kind it’s best to check out your potential artist’s prior watercolor pieces to ensure you’re comfortable before proceeding with a booking and deposit. You can check their gallery of work online, via social media, or through an in-studio visit to see a folder of their best ink.
4. Innovative Wolf Tattoos
The are some brilliant aspects to this black wolf tattoo. The shape of this half sleeve creates an excellent border for the image, and mixing the black of the canine itself with negative space of the trees and smaller figure is also a deft touch. However, not giving the wolf a visible mouth or jaw leaves this tattoo looking a little strange – it creates some color and shaping issues under the nose that would be taken away by the addition of a slight snarl or even a lolling tongue.
Wow, what an epic tattoo. The woman’s face here is photographically flawless. The inky lines run down her face in beautifully etched black line. The wolf is a snarling menace of abstract black line ferocity and intricate dotwork – the purposeful use of line ‘errors’ make the beast much sharper and more effective. But it’s the mottled mix of snakeskin color and shading back towards human that sets the piece apart, yet brings it together as well. The total image is highest quality art on skin.
Not sure what’s going on here, to be honest. There’s definitely a black wolf etched in with cool technique to delineate the beast’s fur, but it doesn’t have a mouth. And there are four arms, with no bodies, limbs, or anything else. It’s a cool abstract image, yet incredibly weird at the same time.
Any tattoo artist worth their salt brings their A game to creating a wolf tattoo. The beast has so much scope for innovation and expression. Even if the wearer has a tightly defined idea for their wolf tattoo, the range of opportunities to play with technical aspects and composition is lots of fun.
Japanese culture, new wave, or abstract 3D, color or black and gray, fur and fang, darkness and light, dreamscape or nightmare, a wolf tattoo design can head in any direction, incorporating any mix of application choice into a beautiful wolf tattoo design.
These examples show off flowing dreamcatcher tattoo elements, Native American culture, and spirit animal depictions of dreams, or the juxtaposition of angry wolf with calm human in a range of arresting ways.
5. American Traditional and Neo Traditional Wolf Tattoo
Wolf concepts of loyalty, courage and strength are important topics in American traditional wolf tattoo, thanks to the style’s heavy association with symbolic meaning and frequent references to the military which the tradition was built on.
Neo traditional style builds on these concepts, but opens the genre to more lurid examples within the tattoo art. These example designs show the best of simple old school design right next to the vivid color schemes and out there placements of the newer wolf tattoo meaning.
6. Uniquely Placed Wolf Tattoo Designs
The tattoo mentality of “not above the collar, or below the cuffs” has been obliterated in recent years, as tattoo expression now reaches every part of skin on the human body. It might not be to everyone’s taste, but that’s too bad.
These finely etched wolf tattoo examples are placed in a variety of positions that were once considered off limits – an old school tattoo shop, aware of how society still treats visible tattoo may still try to stop a subject taking the plunge. What they all share is a commitment to quality tattoo art, whether it’s a Japanese wolf on the hand, or a snarling alpha wolf on the charge.
7. Geometric Wolf Tattoo Art
The artist’s command of black line technique is put on full display with this brilliantly etched image. It’s like the wolf’s fur has been pulled up away to show a mash up of angles, circles, lines and arrows where the flesh should be. The effect of highlighting a portion of each large circle with slightly thicker black line is an exceptionally deft piece of artwork.
A geometric wolf tattoo can be depicted in anyone of a hundred ways and done with tremendous skill. The examples above are testament to the use of a brilliant range of broad geometric tattoo designs – fractal triangles, straight lines, face splits and symmetrical break ups, recurring patterns and border shapes – all made to throw off or augment the traditional realistic view of a wolf tattoo.
8. Realistic Wolf Tattoo
This is a solid wolf tattoo in the realist style. The artist has shaped a half sleeve around a snarling wolf, with realistic depiction of the fur, muzzle whiskers, and red eye key features. The fill images of moonlight trees are also successful at shaping the piece.
This piece is effectively two separate wolf tattoos joined together by shared space. The upper wolf is a great realist example, the skin of it’s nose and fur of the head look like you could run your hands over it and come away fluffy. The supporting artwork is a deft piece of gray and black shading that creates a small tattoo of the moving wolf mirrored by ambiguous shadows off the ground.
Just like with other animals of power, strength, and command – like a bear or lion tattoo – the most popular style of tattoo for the wolf by far is a realistic tattoo design. The wolf’s face offers a great starting point for any kind of realistic tattoo, due to its range of expressions, and the ability to convey a range of meaning into a facial expression.
Whether it’s a black and gray wolf, or full color wolf design, a skilled tattoo artist can bring it to life, and easily imbue the animal tattoo with the required symbolism to get it’s point across clearly.
9. Technical Wolf Tattoo Design
Whatever your wolf tattoo meaning it offers an almost unrivalled opportunity to play with the technical tattooing aspects. A howling wolf, snarling aggressive wolf, or loyal and patient wolf can be depicted with the right deployment of linework for the muzzle, tongue, and wolf’s face.
The type of fur is the most fun -there’s unlimited potential for exploring the patina and consistency of gray or white wolf fur, or the outline and make up of wet fur or a body dappled in shadow, while negative space, line thickness, and abstract concepts can also be explored to make a cool wolf tattoo.
10. Wolf Chest and Shoulder Ink
What an amazing neo classical tattoo. The piece is so well crafted that looking at each different element sucks you in to pinpoint on that part of the artwork. It’s hard to actually keep your distance from it and take all of this chest tattoo in. The most mesmerizing part is how the simple, black line that borders each part and either joins or separates it to the next, can be inked in with such vivid style. You could be forgiven for thinking they were bright neon given their ability to stand out. This is so cool!
Is this the ‘dark’ tattoo version of a turducken? The human skull stretching out from the demonic wolf’s head to bite across the sternum is a nifty image. The piece utilizes balance of light and dark, color and black and gray to provide a nice chest tattoo, although shading under the Koi (right breast) may have benefited from a bright blue or aqua instead of black.
Look, the wolf on the left breast and shoulder needs to see a vet. The slavering mouth and discoloration over its left eye seems like rabies to the untrained eye. The realist wolf on the right seems ok though, if a little concerned about getting closer to its pack mate. Added to the skull in a headdress below these three images create a nice triangular shape to the chest artwork. The use of different grades of black and gray alternate shading show good command of technique, while the skeleton’s eye sockets are an epic freakshow.
As you witness a wolf’s clean, plush and bright coat of fur, the contrast of deep, red blood spewing from the wolf face makes for a powerful symbol of contrast. The wolf can be majestic with a peaceful nature, yet also aggressive and ferocious when determined or provoked. Demonstrating this kind of duality works really well on areas such as the chest or shoulder, as they offer a broad canvas to work on.
11. Wolf Tattoos for the Forearm
12. Wolf Tattoos for the Back
Wolf Tattoo FAQs
What does a wolf tattoo symbolize?
A wolf tattoo is a great way to display strength, familial loyalty and devotion. The wolf is a pack animal. For every lone wolf on the prowl, there are ten more who work within their family unit, and this concept makes for compelling body art.
Wolves are fierce, naturally loyal creatures that hunt together and rely on each other for survival. They have a clearly defined family structure with clearly articulated roles and responsibilities.
Some people get their family wolf pack tattoo, a single wolf paw tattoo, or protective image of the snarling, angry wolf.
For others, a wolf tattoo can be part of dreams and aspirations. They are powerful motifs in Native American tradition, Japanese, or Celtic wolf tattoo and linked closely with the moon, the world not yet awake, visions and illusions.
What does a howling wolf tattoo mean?
An alpha wolf is known for howling at the moon to communicate with other wolves. A howling wolf tattoo represents strength, free spiritedness, and a connection to being wild, free, and unfettered.
Some individuals can feel like a rebellious lone wolf in society. The concept of being free and wild is quite liberating. A wolf is truly one with nature, roaming the wilderness with the ability to protect itself and survive on its own.
Some interpret this as protecting a secret or carrying a burden too.
How much are wolf tattoos?
The cost of a wolf tattoo comes down to various factors that impact on time. The less time your bad ass wolf tattoo takes to get inked the less it will cost, unless you’re working with a master that charges a per piece rate for the artwork you wish to get and then the cost is quite immaterial to the desire for beautiful body art.
An easy black and gray shaded small wolf tattoo on the forearm or shoulder can take an hour or two – minimalist black line ones even less – and cost as low as $200, while large complex pieces might start at $1000 and climb higher for painstaking dot work detail, an embellished white wolf, heavily detailed tribal tattoo or abstract new wave style wolf head.
The average cost for an experienced artist is usually around $150 – $200 an hour. In demand, harder to book artist charges start at $300 and go up to $500. Make sure before you commence your wolf piece that you have a good understanding of the cost framework.
Allow 15-20% on top of the expected total to tip your artist once your work is complete.
Did you enjoy these different wolf tattoos? Looking for more of a different tattoo idea? Click on the links below for more cool wolf tattoo and associated galleries:
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.