THE COST OF ENTRY

Hobbies can be quite an expensive pastime, especially if it involves collecting stuff. As far as costly collectables go high-end timepieces rank right up there. Sure you can get a decent watch around your wrist for much cheaper, but it doesn’t have quite the same pizazz as owning a Tag, or a Rolex for that matter. But watches from those chrono-giants come with an equally gigantic price tag; some costing the same as a new family SUV. If money is really no concern, congratulations on that. However, we put together a by-no-means-exhaustive list of the ‘the affordable’ brand-new watches from these coveted watch manufacturers.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39

Rolex is as Rolex does. Using Oystersteel, an alloy belonging to the same family as those used in the aerospace and chemical industries for its steel watch cases makes them extremely tough. 18 carat gold hour markers feature proudly on its blue dial and its Oyster bracelet fitted with an Oysterclasp mark its identity as a Rolex.

REFERENCE: 114300

PRICE: RS1,010,000

AVAILABLE AT: CHATHAM LUXURY WATCHES

Ronde Solo De Cartier 

For anyone who knows anything about Cartier’s line-up, you should know the Ronde Louis Cartier, the watch that served as the Solo’s inspiration. Roman numerals, blue sword-shaped hands and a rail-track minute circle are very reminiscent of the Louis. The Solo wraps around you wrist using a black grained calfskin interchangeable strap with a steel double adjustable buckle.

REFERENCE: WSRN0019

PRICE: LKR524,000

AVAILABLE AT: CHATHAM LUXURY WATCHES

IWC “Le Petit Prince”

Nothing short of an icon in IWC Schaffausen’s repertoire, Le Petit Prince, was a pilot’s watch borne as an ode to Antoine de SaintExupéry’s story ‘The Little Prince’ all featuring a trademark blue dial. For Saint-Exupéry, flying and writing were two sides of the same coin, which makes this watch the perfect symbiosis of poetry and technology.

REFERENCE: IW327010

PRICE: LKR961,000

AVAILABLE AT: CHATHAM LUXURY WATCHES

Hublot Classic Fusion Titanium 

Crafted in beautiful brushed and polished titanium, giving a nice contrast with the finish on the sides while the dial is Hublot’s satin sunray finish, this piece is something to behold. Powered by the HUB1112 self-winding movement with a 42 hour power reserve and is presented on a rubber backed alligator leather strap that matches the grey hue perfectly.

Omega De Ville Prestige 

Classic and elegant, the Prestige fClassic and elegant, the Prestige features a grey dial that simulates a silk-like pattern and an opaline finish. All the features on the dial are blued including the hands, hour markers as well as Roman numerals. The Co-Axial Calibre 2500 is housed in a 39.5mm stainless steel case and presented on a blue leather strap.

REFERENCE: 424.13.40.20.06.002

PRICE: LKR581,000

AVAILABLE AT: CHATHAM LUXURY WATCHES

Chopard Mille Miglia GTS

With a resolutely vintage style, the Mille Miglia GTS Automatic recalls the classic design of the legendary Mille Miglia race cars. Made of stainless steel, featuring clean lines; its black matt dial perfectly highlights the central seconds in red. The COSC-certified self-winding is a testament to Chopard and their watchmaking prowess.

REFERENCE: 158565-3001

PRICE: LKR1,431,000

AVAILABLE AT: CHATHAM LUXURY WATCHES

Tudor Black Bay 41

Is a timepiece featuring a dial inspired by the TUDOR divers’ watches produced during the 1950s. It also adopts the characteristic angular ‘snowflake’ hands and the large winding crown which allows the Tudor to reach depths of 660 feet. The brown leather strap, made using the Jacquard technique, with a steel folding clasp secures the Black Bay to your wrist.
REFERENCE: M79540-0007

PRICE: LKR500,000

AVAILABLE AT:CHATHAM LUXURY WATCHES

Breitling Colt Quartz

Breitling boasts its SuperQuartz movement as having an accuracy ten times greater than standard quartz movements. Its silver dial focuses on readability thanks to large hour-markers and hands enhanced by a luminescent coating. A sturdy construction, screw-locked crown and the thick sapphire crystal mounted in its polished steel case topped by a satin-brushed bezel guarantee water resistance to a depth of 200m.
REFERENCE: A74388111G1A1

PRICE: RS620,000

AVAILABLE AT: COLOMBO JEWELLERY STORES

Tag Heuer Formula 1 Quartz 

The Formula 1 collection is designed for drivers living the high speed life on or off the track. Inspired by the performance of the Formula 1 teams and designed with the balance of being tough enough for the pros, but comfortable enough for everyday use. A few notable features is a battery End-Of-Life indicator, stop-second functionality and fast date correction.

REFERENCE: WAZ1110.BA0875

PRICE: LKR184,000

AVAILABLE AT: COLOMBO JEWELLERY STORES