Riedenschild automatic men's watch 5 ATM 42 mm black leather

A black dial against a silver-tone steel case and a black leather strap makes this Riedenschild an easy partner for a white or pale blue shirt, a dark suit or a simple knit with chinos. It is an automatic men's watch with a Miyota 8219 movement and a round 42 mm case, 12 mm thick, and it keeps its look quiet and uncluttered.

Dial and movement

The dark dial makes the time easy to read at a glance. Seconds run in a separate, off-centre sub-dial, a window shows the date, and a 24-hour indication helps you tell day from night. There is no battery to replace: the automatic movement winds itself as you wear the watch, and you can also wind it by hand with the crown if it has been sitting in a drawer. A power reserve keeps it running for a while once it is off your wrist. After that it simply stops, and you wind it and set the time again. The seconds hand keeps moving while the crown is pulled out, so setting the time can be done to the minute. A transparent case back lets you see the mechanism when you turn the watch over.

Case, strap and fit

The case is stainless steel, which resists corrosion, with a mineral glass crystal over the dial. Water resistance is 5 ATM, enough for rain and splashes, though it is best taken off for swimming. The black leather strap is 20 mm wide and softens and develops character with time, so keep it away from water to make it last. A 42 mm case suits most men's wrists, and our watch size guide will help you check the fit before you decide.

Understated enough to forget it is on your wrist, it moves easily from the office to an evening out. It comes in a presentation box, which makes it a straightforward gift as well.