Watches: an in-depth look at what £500 can get you

People are divided over the wearing of a timepiece. My father has worn the same watch for as long as I can remember – probably for as long as I’ve been alive. It was an heirloom, passed down to him from his father. It has a damaged strap and the glass face bears the marks of years of use. He’ll never change it. He’s as loyal to it as his Labrador is to him.

Conversely, I sit opposite one of the country’s leading horology writers and his wrist is like a museum – one beautiful watch after another, a testament of artisan proficiency. I regularly push him to share his absolute favourite, even under the promise of assured secrecy, but I’m met with the same response every time: “such revelations do not exist”. For him, watch discovery is never ending.

At the other end of the scale there are those who like simplicity, those who don’t see a watch as a major investment worth breaking into your children’s university fund for, but like to have one on their wrist. Something that isn’t crammed with additional sub-dials and complicated complications, but won’t be laughed at in the boardroom. For these people, there is a wave of options.

When it comes to watchmaking, nothing can compare to the likes Vacheron, Breguet, IWC, Montblanc, etc.. You simply can’t compete with such stalwart watchmaking heritage. But obviously these esteemed names come with a price tag out of everyday reach for the everyday man. So, we have set out on a search to determine what the best out there is under £500.

In the case of fairness, I called all of the following 9 watches in and spent a day living with each on my wrist. Here are the results:

I’ve long been a fan of Shore Projects. Launched in late 2013 by a group of sea-loving friends, their aim was to make a simple watch that they actually wanted to wear every day. They took a minimalistic approach, and as a result there is nothing confusing about the dial, nothing byzantine or pretentious – this watch tells the time, with two hands, nothing else. The interchangeable straps mean that you can match the watch to a suit or casual wear, and it’ll look great with both. Very easy to live with – in fact, hard to take off once used to it.

Prices start from £115

The least expensive on the list, at just £55, I was intrigued to get Kartel in my hand. I like the initial look of the piece and its simple design – it features a Japanese movement. The company is based in the North East of Scotland and their timepieces, they say, are inspired by the beautiful landscapes. While the look is clean, realistically this watch won’t last as long as some of the others on the list – but with such a reasonable price-tag this is to be expected.

Price: £55

For those after a watch that combines the classic with a modern touch, Brathwait is an attractive option. Their watches are aimed at those of a gentlemanly ilk, inspired by English poet Richard Brathwait, who penned the decorous work The English Gentleman in 1631. As is the fad with these achievable brands, simplicity is intrinsic to design. A Brathwait tells the time and the date – no dial clutter, no fuss, no complications that baffle.

Prices start at £100

In all honesty, I wasn’t keen when this dropped, rather heavily, into the office. It seemed a tad clunky – its casing is almost twice the size of any others on the list. But Timex is a brand that has long offered good value for money. And actually, once on my wrist my opinion slowly changed. It suited a toned-down, country look – as it was paired during a recent weekend – and, while I by no means fell in love with it, my initial bias was proved preemptive.

Price: £90

The Farer was instantly liked in the office. The dial is modest, uncluttered and clean, yet by no means boring. The vibrant sub-dial and contemporary colours show the exciting youth of the brand, while the classic lines show that they have done their homework, and by having the pieces hand-assembled in the zenith of horology, Switzerland, they have also not shrimped on sourcing the best craftsmanship available. These watches are not only built to look good, they are built to last. Looks great with casual wear.

Price: £380

Mondaine has long been recognised as a purveyor of monochrome design, renowned for its iconic pieces inspired by the Swiss Railways clock. They have stayed true to this minimalist ethos with the Mondaine SBB. Its bold hands and hour markers certainly aren’t for everyone, but for those who like to combine tradition with minimalism, this is a great piece.

Prices start at £149

I immediately liked the Tissot – everything from the strap to the hands is appealing. A mechanical watch with an automatic movement, this is the obvious pick if pairing with a suit or smart dress code. It screams of class, yet retains that all-important classic design. Although the most expensive of the lot, the Carson is great value for money.

Price: £475

The likelihood is that you see more of these watches than you do any others – especially if you work in the city. They look great, suit every occasion, and offer tried and tested reliability. It felt instantly at home on the wrist, and another that I didn’t want to take off. If you wear a suit regularly, this is a safe bet.

Price: £215

Last but not least, the Citizen Eco Drive. It features a stainless steel rose gold-tone with a black dial, luminous hands, date indicator and brown leather strap that’ll look great once aged a little. It didn’t stun above the others as a watch to live with everyday, but at its price point it can’t be ignored.

Price: £149

I’m a huge fan of both the Tissot and Larsson & Jennings iterations. Both tick the boxes of what I look for in a watch – elegant simplicity. They look great and offer revered durability. But pushed for a choice for a watch I’d wear everyday, for every occasion, and never tire of? It would have to be Shore Projects – they are my top pick.