Money has always been a deciding factor when it comes to collecting anything. So where do you start, should you save hundreds or thousands to start your watch collection? Well, you could, if you’re lucky enough to have the cash under your mattress. However, for the majority of newbies, or those with shallower pockets, you shouldn’t be put off by buying cheaper, more cost effective watches. As long as know what you are buying and do your research you can spend your money wisely.
Fear not, fellow watch enthusiasts, for I've curated a list of my Top 5 budget-friendly timepieces to kickstart your collection journey. So, tighten your seatbelts, and let's embark on this horological adventure without breaking the bank.
Seiko 5 Sports Street SRPG63
Seiko 5 Sports - Credit WatchGecko
Seiko is renowned for making quality affordable watches, and the Seiko 5 is one of the best in the range. My choice is the SRPG63, a watch with a very clean and modest design that has a very attractive textured dial. Let’s start with the 40mm stainless steel case with a satin finish and bezel-less design. The crown sits at 4 o'clock, which is a nice touch and the minute track sits on the rehaut. The taupe textured dial looks great when in contrast to the almost ice-like, pop of the white round indices and hands. With both a day and date, this just keeps getting better. Add to that 100m of water resistance and you have a cracking-looking watch. Selling for £250.00, this would be a great addition to any collection.
Timex Expedition North Field Post Solar
My next offering is a Field Watch from Timex. The 41mm Expedition North Field Post Solar, is a solar watch that will run for an incredible 4 months without light. This military-inspired Quartz watch will look great on any wrist. The stainless-steel bead blasted case houses a very legible black dial, which has Arabic numbers and a 24-hour inner scale. The lumed hands are very easy to read and are lumed in a slightly faux patina, which doesn’t look too bad. It also has a Sapphire Crystal with an anti-reflective coating to aid its clarity. The Timex offers 100m of water resistance and has a screw-down crown, for added security. Coming in a £155.00, it's the field watch you didn't know you needed, and the most cost effective on my Top 5.
Tissot PRX Blue
Tissot PRX - Credit Tissot
The Tissot PRX has been out since 2021 and will always offer a very high value-for-money option. With an integrated bracelet and slim 70’s inspired design, this was a huge hit from Tissot from the start. The design seems somehow familiar, as it has been seen many times before. Its overall look has that distinctive Genta feel from years gone by, with a brushed 39.5mm stainless steel case. With hints of polishing for accents and the occasional rounded corner, it has a much more refined feel to it. The stunning blue dial with contrasted hands and applied indices gives this a sense of quality and for the money, you would be bang on. At £335.00, It's like the Keanu Reeves of watches—effortlessly cool and slightly out of reach. So, if you want a watch that's a serious contender in the value-for-money game, the Tissot PRX is your guy.
Boldr Venture Rally 1 Chronograph
Boldr Venture Rally 1 Chronograph - Credit Boldr
If anyone asks, what brand should I start with on a small budget, then Boldr has always offered amazing value for money. First up, they look great, and you will find it hard to find fault at this price point. The Boldr Venture Rally 1 Chronograph offers a crisp white dial and a chronograph to boot. The 38mm Titanium case has a cool satin finish and matching signed crown and pushers at 2 and 4. Powering this is the Japanese SII VK64 mecaquartz movement. The full-lumed dial features an orange second hand with matching sub-dial hands. The colour-matched Nylon strap enhances the overall look of this watch. With a date window at 6, 200m of water resistance, and an overall aesthetic that screams, "I'm cool without trying too hard," Boldr has once again delivered a knockout punch in the budget watch arena and at £299.00 great value.
Elliott Brown Canford 202-004
My final selection may be the most expensive on the list, but it's also the epitome of durability, designed to withstand the harshest environments imaginable. The Canford by Elliott Brown strikes a perfect balance between style and ruggedness, making it suitable for any occasion, whether you're at the office, exploring underwater depths on holiday, or conquering the Scottish highlands. If you're drawn to watches with a military-inspired vibe, the Canford could be precisely what you're looking for.
Sporting a substantial 44mm case, paired with a sleek black rubber strap, this watch exudes confidence and style. Crafted from marine-grade Stainless 316L, the case houses a reliable Ronda 715 quartz movement, ensuring precision timekeeping for up to 3 years on a single battery. The gunmetal grey finish, achieved through sandblasting, minimises reflections, while the screw-in strap bars simplify strap changes.
With a water resistance rating of 200m according to ISO2281 standards, the Canford is ready to accompany you on any aquatic adventure. In low-light conditions, the Super-Luminova indices and hands shine brightly, ensuring optimal visibility. While the price tag of £365.00 may be slightly higher than other options, in my opinion, the exceptional quality and durability of the Canford make it a worthwhile investment.
Whether you’re starting your collection or just want to add another piece to an existing one, just remember, that collecting watches is not about how much you spend. It’s enjoying that journey, sharing the passion with like-minded people and most important of all having fun. Don’t be embarrassed when someone asks how much you paid for a watch, it doesn’t matter if you’ve spent £100.00 or £1000.00, what matters is what you are wearing makes you smile. So, check the side of your sofa for spare change, because the journey to your watch collection starts now!
