GET MORE THAN JUST FACE VALUE
An eye-catching design needn’t mean an eye-watering price. On a budget? Tick one of these off your wish list
There’s a common misconception that the more you shell out for a watch, the better it’s going to be. The reality, as ever, is more nuanced. Though you’ll only very rarely find an expensive watch that is entirely a waste of money, the price of a timepiece often denotes factors such as its rarity, the complications within and the value of the metals and stones without: basically, stuff that has little to do with whether it’s reliable and looks cool. That means it’s absolutely possible to find something that is both interesting and pleasingly inexpensive – and more so now than ever, in fact.
As a case in point, Seiko has rebooted its historic “5” concept in its new 5 Sports Collection. In 1963, the Japanese watchmaker released a smartly designed timepiece equipped with five key attributes: an automatic movement, a day-date display at three o’clock, water resistance, a recessed crown at four o’clock and a case and bracelet built for durability. Each watch in its new series offers the same attributes, all for £300 or less.
Elsewhere, Hamilton scored a critical and commercial hit with its recent Khaki Field Mechanical, and Timex sent design fans on a thrill ride back to the 1960s with its 34mm Marlin – a smart investment in iconic style at under £200. So, by all means, save up for that Pepsi-bezel GMT II – but surely you could forgo one instalment?
Make Your Money Go Further Clean your watch often with a soft cloth and soapy water to keep dust out of the case
01 Stainless steel DS PH200M Powermatic 80 42.8mm £645 CERTINA
02 Blue polymer and rubber Mayfair Sport 40mm £350 BAMFORD WATCH DEPARTMENT
03 Stainless steel Heritage Visodate Automatic 40mm £495 TISSOT
04 Silver plastic Skinmesh 36.8mm £91 SWATCH
05 Black brushed DLC-coated stainless steel Field Watch 38.5mm £600 UNIMATIC
06 Stainless steel Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm £395 HAMILTON
07 Stainless steel Marlin Hand-Wound 34mm £175 TIMEX
08 Stainless steel 5 Sports 42.5mm £255 SEIKO