Watches have boomed in the last couple of years, and perhaps, this can be attributed to the lockdowns caused by the pandemic. People have had to spend a lot of time at home, and perhaps, have pondered the meaning of life and got bored looking at a bare wrist.
For people wanting to get more into watches, here are a few brands they can check out:
Seiko
Heritage. Seiko is a Japanese brand whose story begins in 1881. Started by Kintaro Hattori, who was only 21 then, he sold and repaired watches in the heart of Tokyo, Japan. Seiko followed a simple formula: Build a ton of watches with excellent quality at affordable price levels. Today, the brand has a massive following, thanks to its rich heritage, quality build and variety of the models offers.
Why Seiko? Seiko is a perfect pick for a beginner who is just entering the world of watches. Compared to the number of watch brands available in the market, there are not many who build an entire watch and its components—including the movement—on their own. Generally speaking, Seiko is a well-respected brand in the watch community.
Popular picks. In 2022, one might want to check out the basic Seiko 5 SNK series line (SNK809, should be the best one). These are casual looking watches that shouldn’t burn a hole in one’s pockets. For dive watches or chronographs, its Prospex line should also offer a ton of options. For fun, however, the second-hand market is packed with people selling vintage Seikos, and this should make for one, fun shopping experience.
Timex
Heritage. Timex is an American brand which traces its roots all the way back to 1854 when it was then the Waterbury Clock Company. Then in 1941, it was acquired and reformed as Timex Corporation in 1941. Today, Timex Group USA is headquartered in Connecticut with operations across Europe, America and Asia.
Why Timex? It is a brand that carries the American spirit when it comes to watchmaking. More importantly, it is a company with a mission of delivering great-looking, high quality pieces at an affordable price.
Popular picks. In 2022, one could take a look at the Q Reissue 38mm models. It features a Quartz movement and is available in several colors. One could also opt for the Timex Marlin, a classic looking wear that is powered by an Automatic movement (no batteries!).
Tissot
Heritage. When one thinks of luxury watches, he immediately thinks “Swiss.” Yes, the Swiss have built a reputation of building the best timepieces in the world and have done so for generations now. Tissot is a Swiss brand founded in 1853 by a father-and-son team. The brand is known for producing “Swiss Made” watches but at competitive prices that’s not exorbitant as compared to other luxury Swiss watch brands.
Why Tissot? When a person decides to delve deeper into the hallowed halls of horology, it is only a matter of time until one craves a Swiss Made watch on the wrist. Swiss Made watches are generally expensive, but Tissot is a brand that has catered to the “mid-range market.” Therefore, Tissot has carved itself a niche as the “first Swiss watch” one will own.
Popular picks. In 2022, there’s the wildly popular Gentleman line or the PRX line. The former borrows a timeless form—pun not intended—while the latter takes inspiration from the steel integrated bracelet watches from the ‘70s. Both lines also offer Quartz and Automatic models.
Timex, Seiko and Tissot just make up a few of the many more quality yet affordable timepieces in the market. With some sleuthing and window shopping, one will learn more wonderful brands. Eventually, what one ends up wearing and loving, only time will tell.