While we’d all love to be walking round with a Patek or IWC on our wrist, for many of us the dream remains a distant one. However, while this fashion fantasy may not be within financial reach, owning a smart and sophisticated timepiece isn’t an unattainable feat.
With both independent watchmakers and high street labels upping their game, it’s now easier than ever to find a great watch at an equally great price.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a versatile stainless steel number or a sophisticated leather-strapped option, the timepieces below offer both style and substance for a price that won’t break the bank.
Seiko 5 Automatic Watch
An automatic watch for under £100? Unbelievable, right? Wrong.
Smart, simple and versatile, the Seiko 5 is the industry’s best kept secret. For less than the price of a designer shirt, you can own a timeless stainless steel watch complete with a Japanese automatic movement.
Able to effortlessly adapt to any occasion, it’s a superb everyday option that will look just as good paired with your suit during the working week as it does a jeans and tee combo at the weekend.
Available at WatchShop, priced £59.37.
2. Larsson & Jennings CM Watch
Inspired by the brand’s home cities of Stockholm and London, Larsson & Jennings produces modern timepieces that fuse a classic British aesthetic with minimal Swedish design.
This all-black option is an excellent example, offering a sleek profile, contemporary aesthetic and high-end components all in one inconspicuous package – Swiss made, of course.
Available at END Clothing, priced £225.
3. Shore Projects Barra Watch
British watchmaker Shore Projects only launched last year, but has quickly garnered a cult following thanks to its affordable price points and pared-back design ethos.
Offering interchangeable straps and classic faces inspired by the British coastline, the brand now stocks a varied yet tight edit of watches that are ideal for everyday wear.
We’re particular fans of its Barra model, with its off-white dial and tan suede strap combining to produce a vintage-looking timepiece that is full of character.
Available at Shore Projects, priced £125.
4. MVMT Rose Gold/Brown Leather Watch
If you’re after a watch that’s high on style but low on price, then be sure to check out this option by MVMT.
Believing that high quality products shouldn’t break the bank, the Indiegogo-funded brand have kept overheads low in order to “change the way you think about fashion by offering high-quality minimalist products at a revolutionary price”.
The result is a collection of timepieces that you won’t mind changing every now and then, thanks to an average cost of $100. That said, this brown leather and rose gold option won’t need switching up anytime soon, as its timeless appeal is sure to endure.
Available at MVMT, priced approx £70 ($110).
5. Komono Winston Regal Forest Watch
Belgian brand Komono, which launched in 2009, focuses on classic designs crafted from quality materials (without the accompanying price tags).
The brand is renowned for its eye-catching hues, yet it was this muted option that caught our eye in the current collection.
Set to be AW15’s colour of the season, this all-green timepiece offers an easy way to tap into the trend on a daily basis.
Available at shop.komono.com, priced approx £58 (€79.95).
6. Timex Weekender Chrono Oversized Watch
Inspired by traditional military styles, the Timex Weekender is a durable and rugged timepiece that will adapt to any scenario.
Featuring a classic 38mm dial, suede strap and INDIGLO night-light technology, this watch is a great pick for men of all ages, sustaining its masculine appeal whether you’re dressed up for a night out or are heading to the shops at the weekend.
Available at END Clothing, priced £79.
7. Skagen Ancher Mono Limited Edition Leather Watch
Avid cyclists may find the look of this watch familiar, as its face draws inspiration from bicycle tyre pressure gauges.
The unusual features do not stop there, with the single bold coloured hand denoting the minutes, while the usual slot for the date displays the hour.
With only 500 of these limited edition watches produced, you’ll have to be quick if you want to get your hands on one.
Available at Skagen, priced £229.
8. Uniform Wares M37 In Grey Rubber
Uniform Wares has built its reputation on the back of pared-back design, and its now iconic M37 model is the epitome of minimal.
We love this new tonal grey option, available to pre-order now, which sees charcoal hands and indices set against a light grey dial and mid-grey rubber strap.
Coming complete with scratch-resistant sapphire glass, 5ATM water resistance and a Swiss-made quartz movement, the simplicity of the design belies this piece’s intricate construction.
Available from 1 September, 2015 at Uniform Wares, priced £250.
9. Daniel Wellington Classic Warwick Watch
You’re sure to recognise the three-stripe straps of Daniel Wellington’s preppy watches, with this masculine pick guaranteed to draw a few compliments.
While the colours are strong, they’re not overpowering, allowing for daily wear without hesitation.
We picture this timepiece looking its best in a smart-casual summer look, comprising slim-cut chinos, a relaxed Oxford shirt and your favourite loafers.
Available at END Clothing, priced £149.
10. Triwa x Bjerkesjö No 2 Watch
On the surface, this watch just looks like your standard stainless steel option, but take a closer look and you’ll be drawn in to its striking design.
A product of Stockholm-based Triwa’s collaboration with Swedish designer Erïk, Bjerkesjö, it features an iconic Escher triangle in brushed silver and white enamel on the dial, bright red accents and an on-trend mesh strap.
Available at Triwa, priced £185.
