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 the house – or, as they so diplomatically put it – 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 a whole raft of 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 SRP777K1
If you’re looking for reasonably priced sport watch then few brands do them better than Japanese manufacture Seiko. Its Prospex line brings together its 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 SRP777K1. 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 ‘Pioneer’ from Nordgreen strikes a tricky balance for an exceedingly 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 suave. The black leather strap can be swapped out for a metal bracelet, 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 Index Automatic
Sneaking in just under the £1,000 mark, this is proper, full tilt Swiss mechanical watchmaking in a handsome, timeless styling. Powered by an in-house automatic calibre FC-303 movement, the Classics Index Automatic offers a 38-hour power reserve and water resistance to 50 metres. With its rose gold-plated 40mm case, elegantly simple dial and leather strap, it’s also 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 Max Bill Automatic
Towards the top of our budget is Junghans and, if you can stretch to it, then you’ll get a lot of watch for your money. The Max Bill Automatic is an exercise in flawless design, courtesy of the late eponymous artist who dreamt it up in the 1950s. While this watch is modern re-edition, it’s virtually identical to the original, even down to the domed plexiglass, long, slim hands and minimalist monochrome dial design. Most impressively for the price though, the Max Bill Automatic is presented on a luxurious alligator strap – a touch commonly only seen on much pricier models.
Baume & Mercier Classima
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. Pair it with a finely tailored suit for ultimate weekday style.
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 Sicilium
A Swiss brand that’s as proud of its movements as any of its pricier neighbours, this sleek all-black timepiece is finished with a crystal caseback so you can admire the inner workings of the automatic movement powering it. Designed to be the ultimate wear-anywhere watch, its uncomplicated face, bold hands and markers and clean polished steel 40mm case are subtle, understated and more than up to the challenge of whatever your day-to-day looks like.
These are the understated watches that still make a statement…
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