The 3 best watches for designers

These top timepieces, some recommended by pro designers, will help give your wrist a design twist. A watch is a very personal thing. Not only do we choose them on their style (and indeed how they match our overall look) but also because of their features, history, and perhaps even brand. But overall, of course, it's how a watch looks that draws our attention. Whether you're after a simple timepiece, a retro classic, a watch with a difference or one of the new raft of smart devices that enable you to receive notifications on your wrist, here we've picked a top selection – with the help of a few design experts and friends of Creative Bloq. >1. Aark Collective Iconic Graphite

Price: $379 Aark Collective's Iconic Graphite watch is a beauty. We particularly love the face details – the chronograph functions being housed in an acid-etched circle (60 seconds), diamond (60 minutes) and hexagon (24 hours). A rotating bezel is complemented with a 3mm Italian calfskin band. What's more, the 316L Aircraft-grade stainless steel has been PVD ion plated – meaning it's tough and durable as well as stylish and precise. The Iconic is also available in 'Monochrome' and 'Inox', but it's the Graphite we love (as does Empire magazine designer Olly Gibbs. The Timless Karat by the same company is another of Gibbs' favourites >2. Braun BN0171

Price: £275 What designer doesn't appreciate the simplicity and subtleties of a Braun timepiece? The BN0171 is probably the exemplary case in point, with a full ceramic case and bracelet and the iconic yellow second hand – and pretty much nothing else. Still, this doesn't stop it from being a stunning watch – it looks fantastic in both stone beige and black. In terms of features, well, like the design, it's pretty sparse (plus it's only water resistant to 3ATM). But that doesn't stop it from being a truly desirable 'physical interpretation of Braun's less is better philosophy'. T3 magazine art editor Luke O'Neill wants one on his wrist. >3. Mondaine Official Swiss Railways Watch

Price: Varies (Evo Big Date pictured: £159) The Mondaine Swiss Railways Watch, based on the 1944 Official Swiss Railways Clock by Hans Hilfiger, was first released in 1986 and today looks as stylish as it ever did. There are three collections available: the Stop2go, the Classic and the Simply Elegant. Whilst all three are utterly charming, we particularly like the Stop2go, which runs a little fast for 58 seconds, and then stops for 2 seconds at the full minute. Dave Greasly of branding agency sidebyside loves his Mondaine, even though "the date is always wrong and it's seven minutes slow!". Mondaine also makes the Mondaine Helvetica – a simple, stylish collection of watches echoing the form of the quintessential Swiss typeface.