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Luxe to Less
30 September 2020

Luxe to Less: Watches for the Guys

Words By Eva Marchingo

Whether you’re dipping your toe in the idea of starting a collection, or simply want to just tell the time, we have just the watch for you.

Luxe

A luxury timepiece is not simply a watch, but a piece of art resting on your arm. From Rolex to Jager LeCoultre, it’s the superior finishes and treatments that distinguish products at the higher end of the market. You’ll find sapphire crystal glass to prevent scratching or reflection; oil-filled watches, which help prevent fog; and indications filled with non-radioactive and nontoxic photo-luminescent or afterglow pigments, so you’ll always be able to find the time – even in the dark.

Mechanical watches sit at the top of the food chain, with their timely manufacturing process adding to the cost. The complex mechanical movements you’ll find in these luxurious watches – often showcased in skeleton dials or exhibition case backs – are too delicate for a machine, and require hand assembly.

Setting luxury pieces apart from the norm is the attention to detail regarding the finish. These watches are almost always bevelled, engraved, and enamelled by hand. To take your timepiece up a level, you will find a range of unique additions including oscillating case backs, moon-phase aperture, and innovative crowns for manual winding.

When it comes to the part that affixes the watch face to your wrist, you can choose from a range of high-end materials, including rare leathers and high-quality metals. At this price point, you will find intricate design features, more textures across the dial, stylised indications (often numerals), hob-nailing details, and ceramic bezels for scratch resistance. While you might think a luxury watch is evocative of extravagant design, there are plenty of options for minimalists at heart, which pack just as much punch.

HYT H1.0 49mm, $53,390, Farfetch

Less

Modern horology allows for quality and artistry to be widely available, even at a slightly more affordable price point. These mid-range luxury watches will satisfy your need for quality and artistry in your timepiece. These watches have a consistent aesthetic, including simpler case shapes and minimalist straps. You will generally still be able to find something with scratch-resistant materials to ensure a long-lasting watch.

While you might miss out on finer finishing or specifications of a more luxurious watch, you will still find an awe-inspiring time-telling friend. It’s hard to talk about mid-range watches without talking about Swiss watchmaker, Tissot. From debuting the first mass-produced pocket watch to being the official timekeeper of multiple sporting matches, it’s evident that quality trumps all – even profit.

If you like minimalist designs, you’ll be pleased to find flatter dials for a two-dimensional look and innovative flat clasps. At this price point, the cost is purely tangible – you’re getting what you pay for, and what you’re getting is good.

The quality of movement type ranges from mechanical movements to Quartz, both of which are high quality and built to last.

Brands such as Longines and Tag Heuer have a firm standing in the mid-range of luxury watches, Even with such memorable brand recognition, you know when you buy one of their watches, you’re paying for quality and style, not just the logo.

Nomos Glashutte Tangente Sport Neomatik Automatic 42mm Stainless Steel Watch, $3,657, Mr Porter

Low

A common misconception when it comes to watches is that they have to be expensive to be worthy of real estate on your wrist. At this price point, you’re more likely to find modern tech, touch screens, smartwatches, led lights, and alarms than anywhere else.

You won’t be walking away with a mechanical watch with impeccable movement, but with the alternatives, you won’t want to. These affordable watches hold their ground, their way.

Adjustable mesh, rubber and fabric straps will provide the utmost comfort. You’ll also find a fair share of resin and steel watches.

In terms of manufacturing, watches in this range will have fewer adjustments and refinement in timekeeping regulation processes. You will be exceedingly satisfied with any Japanese movement, such as Quartz.

Minimalism again shines in this category, down to the indications on the watch, which are often non-numerical for that ultimate sleek look.

Many of these watches are perfect for everyday wear. Typical for brands like G-Shock and Casio, you’ll find durable, shock resistant and waterproof watches that are affordable and stylish.

These watches are not purely functional; depending on what you buy, you will also find a rich history and deep cultural respect for different types of watches. These timepieces will satisfy your needs, whether you want something to tell you what time lunch is or whether you’re dipping your toe in the idea of starting a collection.

Skagen Signature Grey Analogue Watch, $189, The Iconic