Watches are a notoriously tricky business to get into – but only if you don’t know where to look. We pick out five of the best affordable brands to kickstart your collection.
Starting a watch collection doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank or compromising on quality. The luxury labels of the world are, of course, on the wish-list of every budding timekeeper, but there are plenty of affordable, established brands out there to get you started.
We all want a watch collection as enviable as John Mayer’s or as sleek and elegant as Xabi Alonso’s, but for the twenty-something millennial without a budget of millions, plenty of stylish and sophisticated alternatives exist – if you know where to look, that is. So, if you’ve been put off starting your own collection because of affordability, this is the guide for you.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best reasonably-priced watch brands to get the ball rolling.
Junghans
Founded in 1861, this german watchmaker has gained the respect and admiration of watch fans all around the world – when you’ve been making watches for that long, it’s likely you know what you’re doing. Established as a clockmaking component factory, Junghans’ commitment to quality and craftsmanship shines through in all its models.
The Junghans Mega, pictured above, retails for £990.00.
Hamilton
Established in 1892, Hamilton is a household American name that combines simple designs, functionality and quality. With a large range of watches, including several military-inspired pieces, the brand offers an aesthetic for every taste. Celebrity fans include Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson, so there’s no question surrounding Hamilton’s global respectability. Its watches are affordable and made in Switzerland – what more could you want?
The Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba, pictured above, retails for £695.00.
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Tissot
Established by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son in 1853, this Swiss company has some seriously impressive watches that won’t leave you bankrupt. With a variety of timepieces for men, women and almost every budget, Tissot has it all: style, affordability and excellent (really, excellent) quality.
The Tissot T-Classic, pictured above, retails for £335.00.
Seiko
Japanese company Seiko, established in 1881, has been making quality and affordable watches for as long as anyone can remember. With timepieces ranging from the ultra-sporty to the unquestionably elegant, Seiko doesn’t compromise on looks or quality. Its watches can better most luxury brands for price, too, and if this is a name good enough for Novak Djokovic, it’s good enough for you.
The Seiko Prospect Alpinist, pictured above, retails for £600.00.
TAG Heuer
Before you say it, we know, TAG Heuer watches aren’t exactly cheap. But, compared to other luxury brands, they offer a lot of quality for a lot less (at least the figures are kept in the low quadruple digits here). Since 1860, this Swiss heritage brand has consistently offered close to the best in watchmaking. From the Aquaracer to its iconic Carrera design, there are few better names with which to kickstart your collection.
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer, pictured above, retails for £1300.00.
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