Ask Belle: Watch Basics in the $250 Range
Sep 15, 2015
Dear Belle,
What do you know about watches? I want to find something in the $300 price range that is stylish but still classic. Can you make a few suggestions, maybe in more than one style? I haven’t worn a watch since the Sanrio one my Gamma gave me in 2nd grade.
I love your blog! Anja
Watches are making a comeback as people tire of using their cell phones as a time piece. A nice watch also gives you both form and function, and who doesn’t want to wear more jewelry? Let’s see what we can find in your price range.
Skagen Hald Multifunction Watch ($91) // Nixon Chronograph Watch ($350) // Marc Jacobs Baker Watch ($195) // Michael Kors Runway Watch ($275)
Silver-Tone Watches. I know some of you ladies love silver tone jewelry, so I thought I would throw up a couple of stainless steel and stainless-look watches. This Skagen watch has a cool, modern look with an interesting design. This Michael Kors mid-size watch has a good look. I also like the look of this classic Tommy Hilfiger watch for $148.
Chunky Gold Watches have been on trend for a few years. If you want one that feels substantial, you want a Nixon watch. For the price, they feel and look great.
Other options? I also like this Kors watch with a blue face, and this sleek Marc Jacobs Peggy watch. Looking for something under-$100? This Tommy Hilfiger watch has a good look to it.
Leather Strap Watches. I don’t like to wear something heavy on my wrist, so a leather strap watch is perfect for me. I own a leather strap Philip Stein that I picked up on closeout a few years ago. And luckily, they’re coming back into style.
I adore this all navy watch with rose gold accents. It’s very cool. I also like this DKNY watch that mixes soft grey and rose gold. This double wrap watch from Marc Jacobs is another fun choice. And don’t miss the unique shape of this small Fossil watch in tan leather.
Black Watches are a sleek, slightly masculine choice. I like the unexpected simplicity of the all black. Other all black choices include this Nixon watch and this DKNY watch with a metal band is truly cool.
I’d stay away from anything gold by Michael Kors. I’ve had two of them and the gold plating wore off them very quickly on the underside, where my wrist rests on my desk when I’m typing at work. Not worth the price considering the quality. But probably wouldn’t be a problem with the stainless steel color.
What are your thoughts on two-tone watches? I’d love a watch that incorporates silver and gold, since I wear both frequently and my wedding bands are silver.
Katie, I have a silver and gold Timex watch from Target that cost $60 and has lasted for 2 years of daily wear and still looks practically new. It’s a classic style of watch that goes with EVERYTHING and even though it’s not nearly a $300 watch I’d recommend one, for what my opinion is worth!
I think that sounds like a good solution. Just make sure that one metal doesn’t wear off unevenly. sometimes the gold works it’s way off and soon you have an all-white metal watch with a mottled gold sheen.
I would like to suggest the Australian brand The Horse. The watch has a Japanese mechanism (I try to stay away from Chinese manufacturing), and the bands are made of Italian leather. I like a very clean and simple look to my watches, so these definitely fit the bill. The best part is they are only about $100 US, cheaper than the Chinese-made Daniel Wellington.
Here’s a link:
https://www.thehorse.com.au/collections/time-tellers
Thes are perfect.
*these
Wow, I so wish I had known about these two months ago. I splurged on a DW watch (which I do really like), but these are at least as pretty, Aussie, and less expensive. Plus I appreciate the point on Chinese manufacturing. Keeping this in mind for when I am ready for a second color!
This is exactly why I love Belle and her followers!
Belle!
You absolutely have to check out Le Coeur watches. They just finished a successful kickstarter and have great quality leather band watches. Doesn’t hurt that the company was founded by a first time female entrepreneur! I just got one last week and love it.
Check them out here: https://lecoeurwatches.com/
I recently bought a Void watch and love it. It has the date, which very few analog ladies watches do, and it’s really cute. I’ve gotten a ton of compliment on it, mostly from guys at work (oddly).