The 5 Coolest Watches, January 2023

January is a time for new beginnings and resolutions you’ll never keep. What will always keep is a timeless watch. And unlike that physical planner that will inevitably be used less than the phone calendar you always have in your pocket, a watch is easy to put on and keep on day in and day out. There’s certainly no bad time to buy a watch, but there’s just something special about a January watch that you gift yourself after all of the presents come and go.

From field watches to microbrands to chronographs, these are the watches that the Cool Material team has had their eyes on this January.

CWC Cabot Fifty

Field watches may have been originally created for hard-wearing military use, but today they're just as appropriate for an every day wear. Cabot Watch Company (CWC) is one of the originals, having made British military watches for half a century. The brand's watches make a statement without being flashy, and the special edition Cabot Fifty is no exception. It has a 38mm brass case, black dial, and white Arabic numerals and markers. Traditional brass sword hands and a brass small second hand complete the piece. The historical touchpoints of field watches aren't lost here thanks to a strap made from World War II parachute smocks. A 42-hour power reserve on this automatic movement watch should be plenty for weekend warriors and those who just want to bring a little bit of classic watch wear to their night out ensemble.

The Bremoir Lexington Puts Art Deco on Your Wrist

The American microbrand BREMOIR drew inspiration from Art Deco and the Chrysler building for its debut Lexington watch. It utilizes Swiss automatic movement and comes in a 39mm case that fits most wrist sizes. Evidence of the watch's inspiration run throughout (including in the name--the Chrysler building is on Lexington Avenue). The crown is inspired by a car's hubcap, and stainless steel defines the look. For those who like to see the inside of what they're wearing, the gears are on full display from the back of the watch.

Linde Werdelin 3 Timer Sunset Collection

This watch signals the end of an era for Linde Werdelin. The tough-luxury watchmaker focuses on limited production pieces, and its 3 Timer is ending with a brightly colored Sunset Collection. It's got some size to it with a 44mm diameter, but this is a watch that's designed to stand out. Just consider the colors complete with matching bezel and rubber strap: Bright Yellow, Sunrise Orange, Sunset Pink, and Flame Red.

Ochs und Junior’s Settimana Seasons Series is Playfully Minimalistic

The minimalist Swiss watch brand Ochs und Junior got started in 2006. After a decade and a half, its paying homage to the seasons with the Settimana Series. Each season get its due, with the Spring (a light pink face), Summer (green), Fall (orange), and Winter (blue). The day of the week is shown in an innovative series of cascading dots on the right side of an interior circle. The watches come in two sizes: 36mm or 40mm. All are automatic watches powered by a Sellita SW 200-1 and feature a 38-hour power reserve.

RZE Valour Chronograph

Chronographs aren't as needed a technology as the days when the style first proliferated thanks to modern technology. But that doesn't mean wearing a chronograph on your wrist doesn't make a statement. The new RZE Valour Chronograph has a 39mm diameter and case made with light and tough Grade 2 titanium. Three different colored Panda dials lets you find the right color to match your everyday wear. It's not all looks, though. An SII VK63 Meca-Quartz Movement promises accuracy and easy maintenance while the sapphire glass with an inner AR coating, a titanium caseback, and a quick-release FKM rubber strap all help on the durability front (and don't hurt in the looks department, either).