by James Day

Vintage trends: Collectable must-have watches for under £500

Discover the allure of vintage watches without the hefty price tag ...
Vintage trends: Collectable must-have watches for under £500

Vintage watches are bang on trend, but how can you find a bargain collectable timepiece? Must-have watches for under £500 don’t grow on trees, but heritage brand Rotary might have the answer – and the best part? There are completely different models for men and women. 

Finding your way into the watch game and not getting stung for several G’s is a minefield, but what if you could get your wrists on a choice of collectable must-have watches for under £500? A byword for quality horology since 1895, Rotary recently introduced the Limited Edition RW-1895 Chronograph. The timepiece reimagines the iconic Aquaplunge, a beloved 1960s cult classic with an innovative meca-quartz movement – and only 500 per model being made. 

Preserving many of the original Aquaplunge design features, including inner minute track and ‘reverse panda’ subsidiary dials, the only major difference is the choice of two new bracelets (or a premium leather strap if you’re that way inclined). Priced from £269, the Limited Edition RW-1895 Chronograph represents vintage watch flair without the vintage watch price tag and comes in at significantly under £500.

The vintage watch trend is hotter than a scotch bonnet eye bath and investing in a brand name with heritage like Rotary will serve you well, but the problem with bagging a bargain means the missus will likely want one too. Happy coincidence, then, that the Rotary Regent, with its geometric gorgeousness and choice of dials, is available from £249. And because it’s a completely different model to the Limited Edition RW-1895 Chronograph, you won’t get chastised for buying his'n hers watches.

Visit Rotarywatches.com for more.