In recent years, the image of quartz watches (they were cheap and almost killed the watch industry) has been restored. Their main appeal is, and always has been, precision. Providing accurate time, down to the millisecond, is something that quartz watches can guarantee compared to automatic, mechanical and hand-wound models. Since luxury options have become available for sale, such as from Cartier, Grand Seiko and FP Journe (a brand dubbed by John Mayer, the new undisputed king of the Swiss independent scene), quartz watches are no longer stigmatized. Discover a selection of our favorite models below.
Bamford Mayfair
This fine 40mm Mayfair initially served as a loaner watch for buyers of George Bamford bespoke models, before becoming available in a popular range from the watchmaker. Among its wide variety of case and dial colors, we chose the tangerine shade. There is something for everyone and its black titanium index stands out deliciously against the summer colors. A jewel of Swiss engineering, the Mayfair offers timeless style for a few hundred euros. €763 on farfetch.com
Tissot Seastar 300m Diver
Tissot quickly became one of our favorites with the dressier PRX range. But its Seastar range offers more robust diving watches with a more assertive style, like this Seastar 1000 with many features. The 45.5mm case follows the trend of returning to large-case sports watches, within which is housed an imposing bright red dial. Equipped with a steel bracelet, a chronograph function and able to descend to a depth of 300 meters, this quartz watch can join your collection for €625. Available on tissotwatches.com
IKEPOD Chronopod Hey Joe
Inspired by the minimalist designs signed by Mark Newson in the 2000s, the Chronopod Hey Joe is unlike any other wristwatch (and that’s why we all dream of having one on our wrist). Housed in a round satin-finished steel bezel, two fine orange hands stand out from the dial. But the IKEPOD brand, a sure value among architects, does not just impose its minimalist and unique style. Its Japanese quartz powers a 44mm chronograph, installed on a silky-soft rubber strap. 790€ on ocarat.com
