The ultimate guide to buying a more affordable watch

Photography - Nicholas Andrews

Words - Taj Hayer

Whilst we all want to drop a few thousand pounds on a new timepiece, the reality is that you can get a pretty decent watch, from a reputable label for just a few hundred pounds now. Trust us, these watches are nothing like the Casio that you sported at secondary school and are instead, simple and stylish no-frills pieces that would work seamlessly with work suits and weekend attire. Plus they are going to stop you from saving up for the Cartier Santos, as this writer has been doing since forever. 

Take a look below for our pick of the best watch brands for affordable timepieces that are ideal for a rakish gent. 

LACOSTE

We would imagine you sporting this watch on a Saturday morning tennis game with your best friend and then flashing it at a scrambled eggs & avocado brunch. Inherently sporty in style, the Capreton model (£150) boasts a nautical feel with a stainless steel case, back dial and poppy yellow accents and a black printed silicone strap with yellow graphics whilst the Continental design (£150) has been inspired by aviation, so naturally you should wear this with an aviator jacket. 

Available at Hourtime 

HUGO BOSS

You may be mistaken for thinking that Hugo Boss is now a watch brand, as opposed to a menswear label, given the sheer length and breadth of watches that are part of their offering. This is no bad thing, as there really is a watch for everyone. Inherently smart and simple in their design, in our humble opinion, highlights include the Exist range (£159), designed with the business environment in mind, the snazzy Discover (£199) with textured dial case and smooth green leather strap, and the more casual Jump model (£159). The real highlight is the Focus collection (£199) though, perhaps the most unique of the Boss watches with a 42mm ice gold plated case, sunray dial and plated bracelet.

Available at Hourtime 

MOVADO

Without a doubt, at the higher end of “affordable” Movado is an American brand with Swiss roots. Known for an elegant and minimalist style, the Series 800 is the very definition of swanky with its stainless steel and yellow gold case, 3 matching timing subdials and gold-toned signature dot. The Bold design (£595) is a full on gold affair, that Jay Gatsby would be proud of. 

Available at Movado 

COACH

Whilst their bags may be so expensive that they could bring tears to your eyes, you will be pleased to note that their watches are not at all. The two pieces that we most highly rated are priced £125 and £95 respectively and are both from the Charles collection which features a signature C leather strap, a discreet logo and a simple & stark face.

Available at Hourtime