Yes, summer is upon us. You can tell it's summer in Britain because it's dull, overcast, wet, often windy and cold, and occasionally, just very occasionally, sunny for an afternoon. But don't let that put you off buying an affordable watch with which to jet away to some real sunshine. These watches are so affordable it's not the end of the world if you lose them on the beach, give them away to a new found love at the end of the holiday, leave them behind in the hotel bathroom, or you simply want to celebrate the fact Chris Evans has thrown in the towel on Top Gear. That said, their good looks belie their low price tags.
While your other watch may be a Moser or a Laurent Ferrier, it's always good to have a few everyday beaters in your collection. Prices quoted are in pounds sterling, and with the thrashing the pound has taken post Brexit it may be cheaper to buy them in the UK.
Thomas Sabo Icon Watch
German brand Thomas Sabo has created just the right watch to suit the British weather, it's black throughout. Made from stainless steel and powered by an analogue quartz movement it comes on a black leather strap and has a black dial. The date window is positioned at 4:30.£159.00.
Visit Thomas Sabo
Swatch Destination NYC
This newly-launched Destination NYC model in the Gran Turismo range is a sleek 43mm option for a work and play all-rounder. It comes with a chronograph and glow in the dark numerals. £149.50.
Visit Swatch
Unknown Engineered
Unknown is an East End of London brand who focus on vintage fashion. This watch is a 39mm chrono complete with day and date. The watch comes on a navy leather strap and retails for as little as £100.00.
Visit Unknown Watches
Skagen Rungsted
Set within a soft square case, the Rungsted's dial features raised indexes and a seconds-displaying a sub dial at 3 o' clock. The case size is 39mm by 34mm. £125.00.
Visit Skagen
Mondaine
These watches continue to sell quicker than England exited the European championships, and that was quick. As you will know, these watches are based on the clocks which appear at all Swiss railway stations. This particular model comes on a Milanese strap with a big date window at 3 o'clock. £195.00
Visit Mondaine
Camden
Camden is another niche UK brand that make watches inspired by Victorian pocket watches. The face on this particular model is the British version of a railway clock which was found in every British railway station in the 1900s. Brand owner Anneke Short is a British watch designer trained in Switzerland, while co-owner Jerome Robert is a Swiss native, born and raised in the heart of the watch valley of Neuchatel, before moving to Camden Town in 2010. £110.00.
Visit Camden Watches
Briston Clubmaster HMS Sport
A cushion shaped watch which blends influences of Art Deco and 70s kitsch. The watch runs on a Miyota 2315 quartz movement. Described as a French brand with a British spirit, founder Brice Jaunet worked in both the world's largest watchmaking groups, starting with Richemont, where he worked at Cartier. He then worked for Baume & Mercier and continued his career internationally at Raymond Weil. £160.00.
Visit Briston
While your other watch may be a Moser or a Laurent Ferrier, it's always good to have a few everyday beaters in your collection. Prices quoted are in pounds sterling, and with the thrashing the pound has taken post Brexit it may be cheaper to buy them in the UK.
Thomas Sabo Icon Watch
German brand Thomas Sabo has created just the right watch to suit the British weather, it's black throughout. Made from stainless steel and powered by an analogue quartz movement it comes on a black leather strap and has a black dial. The date window is positioned at 4:30.£159.00.
Visit Thomas Sabo
Swatch Destination NYC
This newly-launched Destination NYC model in the Gran Turismo range is a sleek 43mm option for a work and play all-rounder. It comes with a chronograph and glow in the dark numerals. £149.50.
Visit Swatch
Unknown Engineered
Unknown is an East End of London brand who focus on vintage fashion. This watch is a 39mm chrono complete with day and date. The watch comes on a navy leather strap and retails for as little as £100.00.
Visit Unknown Watches
Skagen Rungsted
Set within a soft square case, the Rungsted's dial features raised indexes and a seconds-displaying a sub dial at 3 o' clock. The case size is 39mm by 34mm. £125.00.
Visit Skagen
Mondaine
These watches continue to sell quicker than England exited the European championships, and that was quick. As you will know, these watches are based on the clocks which appear at all Swiss railway stations. This particular model comes on a Milanese strap with a big date window at 3 o'clock. £195.00
Visit Mondaine
Camden
Camden is another niche UK brand that make watches inspired by Victorian pocket watches. The face on this particular model is the British version of a railway clock which was found in every British railway station in the 1900s. Brand owner Anneke Short is a British watch designer trained in Switzerland, while co-owner Jerome Robert is a Swiss native, born and raised in the heart of the watch valley of Neuchatel, before moving to Camden Town in 2010. £110.00.
Visit Camden Watches
Briston Clubmaster HMS Sport
A cushion shaped watch which blends influences of Art Deco and 70s kitsch. The watch runs on a Miyota 2315 quartz movement. Described as a French brand with a British spirit, founder Brice Jaunet worked in both the world's largest watchmaking groups, starting with Richemont, where he worked at Cartier. He then worked for Baume & Mercier and continued his career internationally at Raymond Weil. £160.00.
Visit Briston
