Words: Zak Maoui
If there’s one thing that’s traditionally linked to a beautiful timepiece, it’s a huge and unrealistic cost. A quick sweep of any fine Swiss watchmaker’s website and you’ll undoubtedly stumble across incredible watches that cost more than a house deposit, or you'll have to find out the "price on application."
However, given that making sensible investments is one of the most important traits a man can learn, you’ll be pleased to learn there are watchmakers offering great timepieces at a far more reasonable price. And you don’t have to skimp on quality either. Crafted from fine materials and complete with mechanical movements, here are the best watches available for under £1,000.
Seiko Prospex Turtle SRPE93K1
If you’re looking for reasonably priced sport watch then few brands do them better than Japanese manufacture Seiko. Its Prospex line brings together more then 55 years of sport watch making expertise in one place with options for land, sea and sky – but our pick of the range is the Turtle SRPE93K1. Powered by an automatic movement, it boasts all the hallmarks of a great diving watch – unidirectional bezel, 200 metre water resistance, Lumibrite coated hands and indices – in a classically designed package that won’t break the bank.
Nordgreen Pioneer
Designed in Denmark by Jakob Wagner, the Native from Certified B Corp watch brand Nordgreen comes in at a very reasonable price. With its gun metal case and refined navy dial, the watch walks the difficult line between practicality and elegance; at once resembling a tool watch and something a little more easy on the eye. The brown strap can be nterchanged for something different, like a chain strap, while it ticks with an endlessly reliable Japanese Quartz movement and there are many nods to Nordgreen’s sustainable business practices across the dial — from the wind turbine-inspired hands to that clean chronograph face.
Frederique Constant Classics 40mm Mens Watch FC-292MC4P5
Sneaking in just under the £1,000 mark, this is proper, full tilt Swiss mechanical watchmaking in handsome, timeless styling. Powered by an in-house automatic quartz movement, the Classics 40mm Mens Watch FC-292MC4P5 offers water resistance to 50 metres. It comes with a gold-plated 40mm case, elegantly simple dial and leather strap, which makes it a hugely aesthetically pleasing everyday watch.
William Wood Valiant Red Watch
Not familiar with William Wood? Well it’s time you got acquainted. The London-based watchmaker was founded by Jonny Garrett in honour of his late grandfather, the eponymous William Wood, and combines traditional British design with high quality Swiss and Japanese movements. Unusually William Wood offers is customers a choice of movement. This red diving watch from the Valiant collection, for example, is available with either an ETA 2824 automatic or Seiko NH35 automatic movement and comes with five easily interchangeable straps, offering a level of customisation really seen in fine watchmaking.
Junghans Form C 40mm 41/4770.00
With Junghans you’ll get a lot of watch for your money. The Form C 40mm 41/4770.00 is an exercise in flawless design, and comes with a stainless steel case that houses a minimally chic dial display. A quartz movement ticks within the sporty Form C chronograph, while a hard-wearing sapphire crystal allows it to stand up to the tests of everyday life.
Baume & Mercier Classima 10323
Treading a fine line between everyday watch and fine black tie timepiece, the Classima from Swiss watchmaker Baume & Mercier is all about refined taste and timeless looks. With its quartz movement, 40mm stainless steel case and crisp white dial, it’s the perfect option for anyone looking to buy their first serious watch – or who needs something boardroom-ready on a budget.
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
American watch brands often get a bad rap for, well, not being European but we’re inclined to think that’s rather unfair. Especially when manufactures like Hamilton have been turning out impressive mechanical timepieces – at extremely reasonable prices – for more than a century. This Khaki Field Mechanical watch is a case in point. Powered by an in-house H-50 automatic movement with a huge 80 hour power reserve and optional date movement, it more than stands up to its Swiss counterparts. We’re also rather charmed by its bold dial design and hard-wearing stainless steel case too.
Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium
A Swiss brand that’s as proud of its movements as any of its pricier neighbours, this sleek silver and black timepiece is finished with a clear crystal case-back, which allows you to admire the Powermatic 80 movement that makes it tick. Designed to be the ultimate wear-anywhere watch, its uncomplicated face, bold hands and markers and clean polished steel 40mm case are subtle and understated.
Certina Heritage DS Powermatic 80 41mm Mens Watch
The DS Powermatic 80 that motors the Certina Heritage DS Powermatic 80 41mm brings traditional watchmaking to you at a cut of the price of other watches. At the heart of the timepiece's inner workings sits a Powermatic calibre with magnetism resisting Nivachron, which ensures unrivalled precision. It's a classic watch - Roman numerals and batons, a gold dial and brown leather strap - that rivals any modern gadget.
These are the understated watches that still make a statement…
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