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January 26th, 2016

Accessibly Priced Watches In Demand

accessible watchesAccording to recent market research data, the UK watch market has seen a rise in demand for watches priced between £500 and £1,000, which has come as a surprise for some retailers. However, this part of the market is a vital one, as it could be considered the entry-level for the luxury watch market; someone who purchases a watch in this price range can experience the benefits of the advanced watchmaker’s art without the need to make a hefty initial investment.

Indeed, for many watch collectors it was a piece in this range which first ignited their passion for horology, and even though they may go on to acquire more expensive, exclusive or sought-after pieces, the first watch often retains a special place in the collection.

So what can you expect from a timepiece in this price range? We’ve picked out a few from our range to demonstrate.

Mechanical Movements

alpina tissot

One of the hallmarks of traditional watchmaking is the mechanical movement, which can generally be identified visually by the sweeping motion of the second hand, rather than the second-by-second tick of the quartz movement. Although quartz movements offer excellent precision, many watch enthusiasts prefer a mechanical movement for the level of craftsmanship involved.

Although mechanical movements are regarded as a hallmark of the more expensive watch, you will actually find quite a range of choice within this price range. The Alpina Alpiner Automatic Strap Watch, retailing at £995, is one of the top-end choices, and is a beautifully classic timepiece from a Swiss brand with a strong watchmaking heritage. At the opposite end of the range, retailing at only £550, the Tissot Luxury Automatic Gents Watch provides a striking fashion watch with a powerful automatic movement boasting an extraordinary 80 hours’ power reserve.

Chronograph Complications

Tissot Givenchy

Simply because this price range lies at the lower end of the watch market does not mean that the timepieces you find here are more basic; you’ll be able to find a range of watches with added features. Tissot again provide a very affordable choice, with the Tissot T-Sport Couturier Watch retailing at just £570, yet boasting an automatic movement, chronograph complication, tachymeter and date function, all in a classically styled and somewhat minimalist design.

Fashion pieces do stand out in this price range, however this does not mean that the watch is any less well-made; the Givenchy Five Chronograph, retailing at £930, offers a strong design aesthetic that you would expect from this prominent fashion house, but also provides plenty of functionality.

Strong Design

dietrich sevenfriday

Some of the stand-out pieces within this price range offer striking and unusual designs which showcase their movements on the dial. The Dietrich OT-1 Watch at £995, and the SEVENFRIDAY P1-1 Automatic Watch, retailing at £775, both make use of a reliable Miyota automatic movement, and both use a skeletonised design with an industrial aesthetic, however each takes a different approach, creating two very unique pieces which will be at home in any horological collection.

At Banks Lyon, our friendly watch experts are happy to help you find the perfect watch for your tastes and needs, whatever your price range may be. For more information on our collection of luxury watches, please feel free to contact us on 01524 381020, visit our Lancaster store, or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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