A man's watch is, first and foremost, a tool. Whether used to count down the minutes to happy hour or to time your next bike ride, this tool takes on many forms. Thus, a man's watch is, secondly, an accessory -- one that should make a subtle-yet-strong statement.

So… Digital? Roman numerals? Mechanical? Leather? Sportsy? Slim? Watches can be extremely complex (and extremely expensive), but ultimately, they should be should be two things -- functional and fun. Keep this in mind as you look for a new watch, or look to gift one this holiday season.

Also note, you don't have to spend a forturne on a great timepiece. In fact, we've selected nine great watches in all shapes, sizes and styles -- from boxy-retro to stealthy-minimal -- all priced at under $300. We even found an eco-friendly wooden watch (#9) and a charitable buy-one give-one design (#2) for you socially conscious watch wearers. 

1. Void Steel V02 Retrograde, $188.99

2. Human Time Project 1, $95

3. Diesel DZ1469, $160

4. Timex Chrono T2N143, $132.00 

5. Nava Tempo Libero, $179.99

6. Nooka Zot Mr, $275

7. Mr. Jones Watches Cyclops SE, $187

8. Nixon The Spencer, $239.95 

9. WeWood Date, $119

Lily Ko (lily.7x7 @ gmail.com) studied fashion design and merchandising at Central Saint Martins and the Academy of Art University. In addition to writing for 7x7, Lily is an editor at SF Station, works as a freelance stylist and covers food, fashion and fun on her blog, Curated SF.