Words: Charlie Thomas
When it comes to dressing well, we are of the opinion that less is more. Keeping things simple is an art though and many people fail, often going overboard with accessories and pointless adornments in order to appear stylish. A similar concept can be applied to the watch world.
It can be tempting to purchase that statement timepiece, but opting for a minimal take on design will serve you well in the long run, as your new watch will stand the test of time. Here are the best minimalist watches under £1000.
SHORE PROJECTS
Inspired by the British seaside, Shore Projects are all about simple functionality. They’re made of rugged stainless steel, and with a water resistance of 100m you needn’t worry about wearing them from the sea to the shower. This Whitstable model features a black dial with contrasting white hour markers and hands, as well as a marine-inspired navy nylon strap, which is easily interchangeable thanks to a lightening-quick mechanism.
Shore Projects Whitstable, £115 from Shore Projects
ABBOTT LYON,
Minimalist watches are often inspired by vintage dress watches of the mid-century, and the Abbott Lyon Covent is no exception. Everything from the bezel, lugs, hour markers and crown is kept proportionately thin, which makes it elegant in the subtlest of ways. The highly-legible white dial boasts a tiny date window at 6 o’clock too, ensuring the stark face falls on the right side of sparse.
Abbott Lyon Classic Covent, £125 from Abbott Lyon
DANIEL WELLINGTON,
Daniel Wellington have firmly established themselves as leaders in the burgeoning entry-level watch market, and it’s easy to see why. Choosing to forgo all complications, DW watches appeal to those with a keen eye for pared-back design and timeless style. We favour the St Andrews model, for its burnished brown leather strap, off-white dial and slim rose-gold coloured case – it’s perfect for work or play.
Daniel Wellington St Andrews, £109.74 (down from £180) from Amazon
UNIFORM WARES,
Uniform Wares continue to impress, having released an entirely new-look collection towards the tail-end of last year. Now completely Swiss-made, the brand’s quality of finishing has never been better, and this is evident in this C35 model, complete with polished stainless steel case, signature Milanese mesh strap and esteemed Ronda 1062 4-jewel movement.
Uniform Wares C35 with Milanese Mesh Strap, £430 from Uniform Wares
JUNGHANS,
Towards the top of our budget is Junghans, but if you can stretch to it then you’ll get more watch for your money than anywhere else. The Max Bill Automatic is an exercise in flawless design, courtesy of the late eponymous artist who dreamt it up in the 1950s. Whilst this watch is brand new, it’s virtually identical to the original even down to the domed plexiglass, long, slim hands and small date window. Most impressively for the price though, the Max Bill Automatic is powered by a self-winding movement, which will please purists after a precise mechanical timepiece.
Junghans Max Bill Automatic, £825 from Jura Watches
Are you looking for timeless watches, rather than minimalist? Look no further.
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