A little history of watches and a few tips for buying the perfect watch. De Ville Tresor 125th Anniversary Edition, 40mm 18k yellow gold case, burgundy leather strap It’s a big year for Omega. The main event is the 50th anniversary of the moon landing — and, in turn, of the first watch on the moon, Omega’s Speedmaster — but there’s plenty more to celebrate. Such as Omega itself turning 125. For many, the most elegant of a series of watches marking the birthday will be the De Ville Tresor 125th Anniversary Edition. An exercise in understatement, the 40mm 18k yellow gold case houses a red enamel dial and a chronometer-certified, hand-wound Co-Axial Omega movement. On the reverse, where you might expect a sapphire case back, you find an 18K commemorative “medallion” emblazoned with a vintage Omega logo. The classic design follows the company’s iconic brand colour and extends to the burgundy leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching.
Let’s move on to the under 1000 USD category. With its big cushion case, knobby bezel and simple dial, the SRP777 is a faithful homage to the original Seiko 6309 “Turtle” from the 1970s and ’80s. But unlike the Turtle, the new watch is water resistant up to 200 meters (the old one was only rated for 150) and has an automatic movement with hand-winding capabilities. It’s a fantastic option for those who want the look of a vintage diver, but the capabilities and reliability of a modern watch. Want a new mechanical chronograph under $500? The Seagull 1963 is pretty much your only option. That’s no concession, though. It uses a hand-wound mechanical movement made by Tianjin Seagull Watch Co. (one of China’s best movement manufacturers), housed in a compact and authentically sized 38mm stainless steel case. When Citizen launched its mind-blowingly thin (less than 3mm) Eco-Drive One in 2016, it captivated watch enthusiasts, but with a price tag over $2,000, it was steeply priced. At under $500, and with a still crazy-thin case thickness of 4.7mm, the Stiletto is a fantastic compromise, given its sleek proportions and classy guilloche dial. Of course, that solar-powered quartz movement is also a gem, making battery changes a thing of the past.
TAG Heuer, founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer in St-Imier, Switzerland, and long a favorite of motorsports enthusiasts, is a name that commands instant respect in every watch-loving quarter. Only occasionally are any of their pieces attainable under the £1K mark — and when they are, you should definitely drop the coin. With a rubber strap and stainless steel case, this watch is ideal for rugged adventures. While it is not suited for scuba diving, it is capable of withstanding up to 660 ft of water. In addition, the iconic Formula 1 model has the distinction of having been worn by actual Formula 1 drivers. An updated pilot watch is a sharp style that adds something interesting to any watch collection, thanks to its intricate looking chronographs and large numbers you can read at the quickest of glances. Alpina is known for its pilot watches and movements, so if you are looking for one under £1,000, this is the brand to beat. This clean timepiece on a stainless steel bracelet also looks great with a T-shirt and jeans since it has been designed with the modern man’s movements in mind.
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