So you’re in the market for a new watch, or perhaps are looking to buy one as a present. The choice is – to put it mildly – mind boggling. With watches available to suit every occasion, how do you narrow it down when you aren’t wanting to spend thousands but still want something really special? The ideal answer is of course to come and visit your friendly local independent retailer, and we will be happy to help you choose, but in order to give you a useful starting point, I have put together a list of 6 watches I consider to be fantastic value, amazingly well designed or just incredibly reliable.
The Seiko Solar 100m with green dial is a utilitarian but very good value watch. The subtle green of the dial contrasts nicely with the steel case, coin-edge bezel and highly comfortable brown leather strap, and with a solar powered movement you’ll never have to change the battery, making this an ideal ‘workhorse watch’. RRP: £169
The Certina DS-8 ladies Chronometer is another straightforward looking but good value piece. For £295 you get a Swiss made, COSC certified quartz chronometer, accurate to around 10 seconds per year, a sapphire glass 25% thicker than the industry standard, water resistance to 100m and a sturdy leather strap with deployment clasp. It probably goes better with Wellies and a 4×4 than a little black dress, but sometimes that’s what’s required.
The Skagen Ancher in black PVD is a very understated watch, ideal for evening wear. The dark tone of the case and bracelet are complimented nicely by a subtle hint of rose gold colour around the bezel to add a touch of class. The mesh bracelet is easily adjustable, and is also made with a tough, matte black PVD coating.
The Citizen Ladies Jolie with diamonds at £299 is a fantastically elegant watch featuring a bold angular case design and a striking dial set with 12 diamonds, and gold centre links on the bracelet. Stylish but not flashy, and with a reliable Eco-Drive movement, this versatile piece could be an everyday watch or something for the evening.
The Rotary Henley GMT is a smart looking watch with a lot to offer. The quartz GMT movement combines with the ultra hard ceramic rotating bezel, making this watch capable of showing two time zones simultaneously, perfect for someone who likes to travel. The soft tan leather strap makes it super comfortable to wear, and 100m water resistance means it should survive the most rugged of journeys. RRP £229
The Elliot Brown Kimmeridge is built for durability, while looking very stylish at the same time. Based in Poole, Dorset, Elliot Brown watches are all assembled in their UK workshop, and come with many features including triple sealed crowns, custom movement holders, solid strap bars, bolted-down, reinforced casebacks and extra thick crystal glasses. This version with a beautiful pale blue leather strap and a silver sunburst dial is but one of many possible combinations, and Elliot Brown will build whichever you prefer.
These 6 watches are just a tiny selection of our stock, so if you are looking for a special gift (even if it’s a gift to yourself!), feel free to come and see us and check out the rest of the range.
Also – Happy belated Christmas and new year…!
Ian Palmer – January 2019
