Words: Violet
Justifying spending a great deal of time over a watch worth less than £200 is questionable. However this does not mean that the selection should be belittled in any way as it is a huge industry. So who buys watches under £200, why do they buy them, and what should they be buying?
First of all, it must always be remembered that a book should never be judged by it’s cover, and from this perspective, cars and watches are in the same boat. Men of significant power and wealth often conceal their position through driving beaten up old Vauxhalls and wearing digital watches. Take Bill Gates for example, he is often spotted sporting a Casio type digital watch, perfectly functional for Bill’s everyday needs without being flashy. This is the same as Morgan Freeman cruising around in a 1997 Nissan Maxima. Even more excruciating, one of Ireland’s most prominent businessmen was heard to say his favourite car was the famously awful Renault 4! We’re unsure whether this quote has been amended to a mo-ped following Ireland’s recent run of financial misfortune!
So back down to the watches, hot at the minute are the Swedish British combination of Larsson and Jennings, making classic thin cased watches on multi coloured straps. These watches can be spotted on the wrists of many preppy young men across the UK, and their sponsorship of The Yacht Week have made them a desirable item for the fashionably nautical, along with some Vilbrequin swimming trunks and a backwards cap. (RRP £160 – £200)
Available from £195 at larssonandjennings.com
Second on the list is the timeless Swatch watch. Possibly the finest timpiece for those who don’t care much for watches, can probably afford something a lot smarter, but they have a racey pair of reading glasses and the pattern on their Swatch watch matches them quite nicely! Robust, reliable and easily replaced, nobody will ever snigger at a Swatch. (RRP around £100)
Available from £76 at swatch.com
Finally, fashion watches have become much more prominent over the past few years, and none more than Michael Kors. The American designer has hit the nail on the head by making watches an essential accessory. Big, bold, even a little bit flashy, dress it up, dress it down, it’s the perfect watch. (RRP £150 – £300).
Available from £180 at michaelkors.com,
By The Watch Man London thewatchmanlondon.co.uk
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