Round-UpOn the wrist: 5 watches under one lakh

At Ethos we simply love our luxury watches, in fact we can’t stop talking about them (for most parts at least)! And while the high-end and uber complicated watches may take up most of our time, there is still room enough for the (often) equally revolutionary but very affordable wrist watches. It is not an incorrect assumption that many of us inadvertently look for the watch snobs’ nod of approval for the watches we wear. And for this, we often end up believing that it is the price that will get us that thumbs up. But this is not the precise truth, by a long shot actually. There are enough, and more, premium and even luxury brands that have some exceptional watches at the more accessible price point, say under one lakh.

The decision making behind buying a good watch often involves more than one dimension. Firstly, we would all love to enjoy deep pockets and then, we’d want a watch that has the best blend of fine materials, avant-garde features and one that gives great value. Zeroing in on the right watch is hard work. And considering that your pockets aren’t that deep for your next purchase but the other two factors remain constant in your search, we have gone and done the homework for you. Here are the top five timepieces under one lakh:

1. Rado Centrix

It’s simple, it’s sleek and it’s a Rado. The ever-so popular brand happens to be the preferred choice for a reason. Here’s a brand that literally has a watch to suit every individual fancy. Whether it’s a mechanical you’re longing or it’s a quartz that’s on your mind, whether it’s a high-end watch or a more price-friendly buy, Rado has a significant collection to offer across the board.

Shortlisted here is the Centrix R30939013. One of the most sought-after collections from Rado, the Centrix has a clean design which is probably what appeals to most people. A smart looking piece through and through, this one from the collection is a perfect example of value for money. Available at a very affordable price, the timepiece offers a powerful Swiss made automatic movement – the ETA 2824-2, with a 38 hour power-reserve. The 38 mm case and the white dial with Roman numerals and blue hands, give the watch that certain sharpness that we all typically look for in a stainless steel watch. Without a doubt, a great buy!

2. Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar

It’s never mission impossible with Tissot! Literally. It was for fair reasons that the makers at camp Mission Impossible 5 decided to incorporate the Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar within their styling armor (the watch was sported by Simon Pegg in the latest release). The brand has been a leader in tactile technology ever since the late 1990s and has maintained the position to this day by introducing the first touch-screen watch that’s powered by solar energy.

The sun’s rays falling on the dial, recharge the watch and power its various functions. Equipped with numerous features, many of which are essential for everyday use, the T-Touch Expert Solar gives a constant analogue display along with various digital displays. A variety of its functions, in fact, can be operated by touching the glass. These include the Meteo, Altimeter, Chronograph, Compass, Alarm and Countdown. You can discover the dynamism of the watch from the official user manual here.

3. Longines Flagship Heritage

Now here’s a piece that makes you feel proud of your decision to buy it. The Longines Flagship Heritage, to us, is the ideal classic watch. A 38mm round stainless steel case, silver dial with a discrete small seconds and date, beautiful gilt hands, a chic brown alligator strap, and to sum it up, a sound self-winding mechanical movement with a 42 hour power reserve. The watch is a complete package reflecting the quintessence of classicism in watchmaking. Especially for those of you who’re looking to invest in a watch that will complement a more formal wardrobe, looking beyond the Longines Flagship would, in all likelihood, qualify to be a wasted effort!

4. TAG Heuer Formula 1 Indy 500

Buying a TAG Heuer can never be a bad move. The brand has achieved exceptional levels in the spheres of innovation, design and functionality. So when you want to buy a watch that strikes the right balance between fine looks and outstanding performance, you can blindly invest in the Formula 1 series. The new Indy 500 Edition that we have featured here is especially noteworthy. The 42mm watch keeps things simple yet striking. The anthracite dial features a chequered flag pattern and two bold red stripes.

A limited edition piece, the watch features the special “Indy 500” engraving on the bezel as well as the caseback. The 3 silver counters that you see on the dial are as follows: the 1/10^th of a second and hour chronograph at 6 o’clock, the minute chronograph counter at 9 o’clock and the running second one at 3 o’clock. The inclusion of red across the watch design contrasts beautifully with its steel exterior. So right from its function to its form, you will not regret buying this latest addition to TAG Heuer’s Formula 1 collection.

5. Frederique Constant Business Timer

This watch means business! As the name suggests, the Business Timer from Frederique Constant is an ideal buy to keep the minutes in the board room. It looks great, it performs even better and it is a watch with a timeless appeal. Housed in a 40mm stainless steel case, the silver dial features day-date, week and moonphase functions and has applied silvered Roman numerals.

The FC-270 movement has a 44 months battery life. Frederique Constant has always believed in offering accessible luxury, and looking at the Business Timer, one immediately notices this vision perfectly embodied here. A smart buy for the ones in search of (affordable) Swiss luxury!