Approximately ten months ago I wrote an article entitled Style on a Budget. The editorial seemed very popular with readers because it showcased five attractive watches retailing for under a thousand US dollars. When I first established Total Watch Reviews my primary objective was to feature well designed timepieces at all price points. I also wanted to prove that buyers with a limited amount of cash don’t have to settle for a replica watch. Here are five more affordable timepieces, which have recently caught my eye.
TW Steel Slim line Collection
Dutch brand TW Steel is renowned for its range of bold oversized timepieces. Within a relatively short amount of time the company has built itself a solid reputation in the watch industry. Two months ago I had the great pleasure of reviewing their fantastic TW925 Yamaha. This watch has a substantial diameter of 48mm excluding the crown and pushers. In contrast the new Slim Line range measures 45mm and has a more classical appearance. Within the range there are several attractive models to choose from. My personal favourite is the TW1300 with the black dial and silver indexes. Considering this timepiece retails for only $399, I feel it offers good value for money. Not many watches in this price bracket have a 316L stainless steel case and Sapphire crystal as standard.
Rod Watches Iconic Chronograph
Rod Watches is an exciting new brand based in the picturesque location of Neuchatel, Switzerland. To design their timepiece they employed the artistic talents of Rodolphe Cattin. Within his career he has created numerous watches for many companies including Franck Muller. The Iconic Chronograph is available in three sizes (38mm, 42mm and 46mm) and numerous different models with various colour combinations. In my opinion the most successful version is the one with the natural brushed steel case and silver dial. What makes this watch so distinctive is the meticulous attention to detail and sporty façade. Other stylish details include the bold numerals/indexes and unique curved crown guard. With a price of $835 I can imagine the watch will appeal to large variety of buyers.
Bausele Automatic Blue Opal
Bausele is a wonderful new watchmaker situated in the vibrant location of Sydney, Australia. The brand is the brainchild of designer Christophe Hoppe. In a very short space of time he has created some fantastic timepieces including the Automatic Blue Opal. What makes this watch so appealing is the high tech black ceramic case and multi-layered skeleton dial. Other attractive details include bold numerals and a crown filled Opal powder from Queensland. When I first saw this piece I thought it bore a huge resemblance to B.R.M watches. The massive difference is that this timepiece retails for a fraction of the price ($888). At the heart of the timepiece is a self-winding Japanese Miyota 9015 movement. I am excited to announce that in the next few weeks the company is unveiling a Swiss version of this watch.
EmaS Paparazzi 44 As-M/Q Type 2
Businessman Sir Enrico Masserini established watch brand EmaS eighty years ago in Milan Italy. Subsequently his son Annibale and his grandson Enrico have managed the company. Currently they produce a range of affordable and elegant watches like the Paparazzi 44 As-M/Q Type 2. With a diameter measuring 44mm it should appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers including the unisex market. Key features include a black dial with contrasting large numerals/counters and a stylish rotating bezel. Even though this model is derivative of many other timepieces on the market I feel it is very competitively priced. The Japanese quartz retails at €390 ($537) and (my personal preference) the Swiss mechanical version at €560 ($770).
Ancon X-35 Concept
Californian based watchmaker Ancon is renowned for producing a range of high quality timepieces at affordable prices. Normally the brand manufactures bold and distinctive dive watches. With the X-35 Concept the company has gone in a completely different direction. My first impression was the striking resemblance it had to the increasingly popular SevenFriday series of watches. The dial is multi-layered, which gives the timepiece real depth. I love details like the open worked hands and day/night indication. In my opinion this is an exceptionally stylish watch for an incredible price of only $699. Beneath the striking exterior lies an impressive self-winding movement. The Miyota 82S7 comprises 21-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
