People -- 9 hours ago
Words: Zak Maoui
A lot of our favourite watches at Gentleman’s Journal — and most of the ones we tend to shout about — have hefty price tags. And there’s usually a good reason for this; some are crafted from precious metals such as gold or platinum, some are limited editions of already stunning timepieces, and some are constructed using techniques so complex even we can’t get our heads around them.
But many of us aren’t looking to wrap tens of thousands of pounds around our wrist on a daily basis. Instead, we want something that will look good in the boardroom without worrying us every time we take it on the tube. So we’ve rounded up six of the best watches under £2,000 that are worth your time. From an Oris to a Tissot, each of these timepieces has a fantastic movement, great provenance and the ability to catch a compliment or two around the office. And you’ll still be able to pay your rent.
For those seeking a retro feel: Tissot PRX 40mm
If you’re looking for an entry-level timepiece with a good chunk of legacy behind it, this Tissot is a good place to start. Created for those with an eye for design, the PRX brilliantly pairs twenty-first century features with a Tissot case shape from 1978. This slim, smooth watch has an authentic ‘70s feel and a 40mm case with a dark blue dial and stainless steel bracelet adds to its timeless aesthetic.
For those drawn to tradition: Longines Conquest Heritage
Perhaps the most expensive looking watch on this list, Longines’ L1.650.4.72.2, isn't technically under £2,000, but it's worth the extra pounds. It features a self-winding mechanical movement beating at 25'200 vibrations per hour, with a monocrystalline silicon balance-spring power reserve up to 72 hours. Meanwhile it has an 18-carat gold medallion decorated in hand- painted enamel, and is water-resistant to 5 bar.
For those of a practical mindset: Nomos Tangente Reference 101
Simply designed, monochromatic and effortlessly sleek, this black, white and blue wristwatch does the job and then some. The classic watch in its original form, with the unisex NOMOS diameter of 35 millimeters, this watch has been a mainstay for the best part of a quarter of a century. Ultra clean, it is inspired by the Bauhaus era, and the five numerals come in a typography reminiscent of it.
For those after some colour: Oris Big Crown Pointer Date
The watch Oris introduced in 1938 is an icon of the brand and its back in full gloried colour. There are 11 references in total, seven dial colours, two case sizes, a choice of movement in one of those, and a new bracelet. Sunshine yellow? Earthy green? Terracotta? You name it, you'll get it.
For those who want a timepiece to talk about: Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Mechanical
Finally, and by far the best value timepiece on this list, Hamilton flies into the running with its NATO-strapped, hand-winding pilot’s watch: the Khaki Pilot Pioneer. A reinterpretation of a vintage military watch produced for the British Royal Air Force in 1973, this compact timepiece is powered by the famous H-50 hand-winding movement — that boasts 80 hours of power reserve.
For those on a budget: Baltic HMS 003 Silver Blue
This watch might come in at a fraction of the price of other dress watches, but it doesn't mean it's any less striking. The HMS 003 is a three-hand watch that oozes class and sophistication and its aesthetic is inspired by the 1940s. Its 36.5mm case is made from a single piece of stainless steel, which dazzles in the light, while the rest of the dial has a matte sandblasted finish, adding a subtle contrast to the overall effect.
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