As the founder of a watch news platform/print magazine you may expect me to own a Patek Philippe Grand Master Chime, an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo or perhaps something from the Cartier Prive collection but the reality is, this is a business born from a passion and we’re still in a growth phase. As such, most of my personal collection happens to be made up of accessible watches under £1,500.
Combine that with an ever-growing volume of new releases, it means I’m constantly under the temptation of expanding my collection. So, with that in mind here are five watches I’ve got my eye on that you can buy for under £1,500. For full transparency, it’s worth noting that a couple of these brands are advertisers with Oracle Time, but I’ve picked them out of genuine merit and personal taste.
Farer Aquamatic
Farer produces new releases at an impressive rate, for me, some of them slap and some of them slip. The Aquamatic strongly slaps. Colourful, comfortable, bold and unfussy, it makes a great summer watch. Throw it on when the sun is out, jump in the pool, frolic on the beach, play some frisbee and you don’t have to worry one iota.
With a 38.5mm x 11.9mm case made from marine grade 316L steel and 200m water resistance it means that you won’t worry about bashing it around a little or getting wet. My personal favourite colour combination is the light blue and white Freshwater. Priced at £875 it comes on a rubber strap with a Swiss Sellita SW220-1 movement.
More details at Farer.
Junghans Max Bill Automatic Bauhaus Black
I’ll admit that I already own two Junghans watches (the Max Bill Chronoscope and Meister Telemeter), but with the release of the new Bauhaus variant of the Max Bill last year I’m considering a third. I’m consistently getting complimented on both watches when I wear them, by non-watch folk and serious collectors alike. The simple, paired back design code just works. Bar Nomos, Junghans have the minimalist mid-luxe watch market cornered.
This 38mm stainless steel, black PVD coated version measures just 10mm tall, making it uber-wearable, sleek and low key. The red, matte black and white colour scheme is typical, lifted straight from the famous design school with the caseback featuring a depiction of the actual Bauhaus – complete with open window revealing the J800.1 movement, which is based on the ETA 2824-2. Priced at £1,555, I have broken the cardinal rule and contradicted my title, but this watch is worth the extra £55.
More details at Junghans.
Nodus Unity Blossom Pink
We recently featured the Nodus Unity Blossom Pink in our pink watch round-up and it’s stuck with me since. Make no mistake, this is a budget automatic watch, but look at that dial! It’s part Glashütte Original Sixties and part Grand Seiko Shobun all for the price of £494.
The risk of buying from a microbrand is typically servicing and customer service but the LA-based Nodus are well established and the Unity comes with an easily serviceable Miyota calibre 9015 inside. Size-wise, it’s on the small side at 36.5mm width x 11.3mm thickness. However, if the Unity doesn’t cut it for you, Nodus offer a broad range of affordable tool watches, some of which are a fair bit chunkier.
More details at Nodus.
Seiko Presage Classic Series ‘Sensaicha’ SPB465
For all the colourful divers, bold tool watches, and flashy tourbillons, there’s something satisfying about a well-executed traditional design. The Seiko Presage Classic Series SPB465 is a perfect example of this, blending elegance with reliable functionality in a way only Seiko can.
Featuring a 39.3mm stainless steel case with a matching jubilee style bracelet, it’s a timeless aesthetic. The dial has a textural finish that’s inspired by woven material and fabric. Personally, I think it offers just enough to be interesting without too much going on. Powered by the Seiko calibre 6R27 automatic movement it has a weekend proof 3-day power reserve and at a price of £900 it’s pretty unbeatable.
More details at Seiko.
Certina DS Super PH1000M
Since we reviewed the orange dialed DS PH1000M last year I’ve nearly pulled the trigger several times, only to be stopped by the fact I desperately needed a new car, my mortgage renewal was coming up and various other unforeseen bills, but nearly midway 2024 and that’s out of the way, this will be my next purchase.
The PH1000M has some genuinely cool history of being used in the Nasa funded, under-sea experiment “Tektite II”. It has a serious depth rating, a bold case shape and a really nice volcano style bezel. Inside the 43.5 mm case is the Powermatic 80. Personally, for this money I think it’s an excellent movement and despite the somewhat controversial plastic parts, they keep excellent time and can be serviced. Priced at £945 the orange dial version is limited to 1000 pieces matching the water resistance and making it more special.
More details at Certina.
