4 iconic wristwatches and their affordable alternatives

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Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. When it comes to wristwatches, there are some classic styles that never go out of fashion. To a large extent these styles have much to do with the stated purpose of the watch.

For example, if it is a watch that can be worn in the sea while snorkelling or diving, then it’s a dive watch. And since a dive watch is a tool, it has to look a certain way. Such an approach to watch design extends to other styles as well, be it dress watches, or field watches, or chronographs, or watches featuring multiple complications.

Over a century on from the advent of wristwatches, each of these styles are represented by certain iconic models (‘references’ in watch-speak) from famous brands. Be it a matter of design or of function, these references perfectly encapsulate the style of watch it is, a platonic ideal that all other watches follow. The specific watch references are highly desirable and collectible, and also extremely expensive.

There is a reason they are called “Grail watches" after all. Now, every watch nerd may want to own a Grail watch, but very few of us will actually ever be able to afford one. But fret not! Given the size and diversity of the watch industry, we can get the same buzz from far more affordable watches as well, some of which are equally iconic.

With the holiday season upon us, you may be in the market for a new timepiece, either for yourself, or as a gift. So, I thought it would be a fun idea to talk about three of the most iconic watches in their respective categories, and three affordable alternatives that will keep your heart and wallet both happy. As I said earlier, many of the affordable ones are nearly as iconic and important as their more expensive brethren, so you