For most, owning a Rollie is just a pipe dream. Here are 10 watches you can actually afford. Now this is reality.
By Vincent Teoh
NIXON The October
To ride the wave of the big face watch trend, Nixon has released The October, which sports a whopping 48.5mm diameter solid stainless steel case. Also noteworthy is the domed scratchproof crystal glass on the face which prevents glare and enhanced reading underwater, making it a worthy beach-day companion. NIXON’s The October retails for S$440 on Karmaloop.
Image via Karmaloop
Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield Watch
If you’re into the preppy trend Classic Sheffield Watch in rose gold will complete your Ivy League inspired look. The minimalist eggshell face and simple markings make this watch a timeless piece that goes with any outfit, whether it’s a polo tee and shorts kinda day or a full-on work suit. The Classic Sheffield is available at Kapok Singapore and retails for S$348.
Image via END Clothing
KOMONO Wizard-Print Series Watch
KOMONO is a brand that has nailed the concept of ‘variations on a theme’ – it’s the same watch with plenty of designs to choose from. Featuring a stainless steel face and a canvas strap, a KOMONO watch is ideal for everyday casual wear. The KOMONO Wizard-Print series watch and other designs are available at Zalora and retails for S$119.50.
Image via Zalora
Military Watch Company G10 Stealth Military Watch
The Military Watch Company, better known as MWC, is a leading supplier of watches to military, police force and anti-terrorist units around the world. In scenarios where high quality, reliable and durable equipment are of utmost importance, MWC’s watches have been tried and tested to perform in all those areas. The G10 Stealth Military Watch featured above is a MWC staple design, fitted with a high visibility orange NATO strap. If you’re looking for an everyday watch that can stand a beating, head over to END Clothing, where it retails for $165.
Image via END Clothing
TIMEX Weekender Watch
No affordable watch list is complete without a Timex Weekender. Plus, ask yourself: is it versatile? Check. Does it look good? Check. What more could you ask for? The watch features a 38mm cream dial in a chrome-plated stainless steel case with an indigo night light. The Timex Weekender Watch is available at Rockstar Singapore and retails for S$99.
Image via Timex
Casio G-Shock GB-X6900B Watch
If you appreciate connectivity, then the G-Shock GB-X6900B is for you. The watch can be linked wirelessly to any smartphone via Bluetooth, which enables the wearer to manipulate music player controls and receive audio/visual notifications when there’s an incoming call or a new email in the inbox. Alarms, countdown timers and World Time can also be set on the smartphone via the watch. The Casio G-Shock GB-X6900B is available at End Clothing and retails for S$300.
Image via END Clothing
BRAUN Classic BN0042
Since the 1950s, BRAUN has been making minimalistic appliances with modern industrial designs, with products ranging from radios to coffee brewers – and yes, watches. The BR0042 has a quartz 3 hand movement with date display stored in a 36mm black stainless steel case with black leather straps. The BRAUN Classic BN0042 is available at Tyrwhitt General Company and retails for S$215.
Image via Tyrwhitt General Company
Uniform Wares 104 PVD Black
The 104 PVD Black watch is inspired by the uncluttered, straightforward design and utilitarian functionality of mid-century British factory wall clocks. The watch makes use of a high-calibre Swiss-made Ronda 5 jewel quartz movement for both reliable accuracy and sustained performance. Its face features a minimalist design with a subtle play on tonal colour hues and textures. A watch for the artistically inclined; purchase the Uniform Wares 104 PVD Black watch at Need Supply, where it retails for S$350.
Image via Need Supply
Q&Q SmileSolar Watch
With the Q&Q SmileSolar, which runs on solar power, you’ll never have to change a flat watch battery again. When fully charged, it can run for up to 3.5 months. Purchase this eco-friendly Q&Q SmileSolar Watch directly from the source, where it retails for S$50.
Image via Varle
Casio F-91W Classic Digital Watch
The Casio F-91W quartz digital is so GR, but so reliable. It was first introduced in 1991 and continues to sell well today. Particularly well-loved among hipsters, Singapore army boys and senior citizens, the no-frills F-91W is all you could ever ask for in a tiny resin-cased timepiece. Essential functions include a day/date display, 1/100 second stopwatch and an alarm. Shop the watch on ASOS, where it retails for S$42.
Image via ASOS