So you’re a mountaineer; a pilot; a trek enthusiast; maybe even a deep-sea diver.  The thrill of adventure seems to constantly be calling for you, and you always make sure you are equipped with the right gear for the job.  But do you go as far to plan your wrist wear for such occasions?  Adventure watches manufactured today are akin to having an extra-helpful buddy in tow, and you probably couldn’t call yourself a truly modern adventurer if you don’t have the latest technological travel companion strapped to your wrist.

JohnRichard Highlands Sand

The JohnRichard Highlands Sand lives up to its name by being sculpted in sand-blasted steel, with the round bezel mounted on the tonneau middle continuing a theme that is close to the brand’s heart.  A reinterpretation of a mid-Nineties piece, the Highlands Sand is evocative of nature and exploration, and – with its generous 44.5 x 40mm proportions – is of sound, robust construction to withstand corrosion, accidental knocks and extreme temperatures when accompanying you on your travels.  Should you want to display a second time zone, the rotating bezel will allow for this, and the anthracite dial offers up an attractively simple and readable dial with luminescent hands for perfect time visibility, along with an unobtrusive date window.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Explorer II

When first created in 1971, Rolex’s Explorer II set a new precedent for quality watchmaking, one that took into account autonomy and clarity with the ability to provide precision and strength.  Just like its predecessor the Explorer, the Explorer II is a reliable guide and tool for, well, explorers.  At a moderate 42mm, the highly-resistant 904L steel case  – a material generally used in high technology, aerospace and chemical industries – houses a Chromalight display that gives clear readings with its blue 8-hour luminescent hands and bold hour indices.  Its graduated bezel allows for time-telling in a second time zone, with the option of setting the 12-hour hand via the winding crown to allow it to jump from hour to hour without changing the other hands, to allow for more accurate timekeeping.  This model, despite its refined form, is extremely able-bodied and engineered for extreme conditions, with the addition of a Rolex-developed Paraflex shock absorber to protect its sensitive components

Zenith Pilot Montre D’Aéronef Type 20 48mm

The Pilot Montre D’Aéronef Type 20 48mm from Zenith – whose name means the highest point in the sky reached by a heavenly body – is one of a collection of watches that pays tribute to aerial navigators.  It is a piece born from a company that has developed and produced over 600 movement variations since its founding in 1865, and has manufactured both watches and also onboard instruments in the early days of aeronautics.  The instruments and other aviation watches from the company’s past have provided inspiration for the model – which is fashioned as the perfect flying companion – and an engraving featuring these instruments can be found on the steel case back.   The matte black dial emphasises the bold Arabic numerals, of which are made from the impressively mega-radiant SuperLuminova material.

Breitling Navitimer World

As a leader and specialist in the development and manufacture of technical, chronographic wristwatches, it is no wonder that Breitiling’s Navitimer World is included here among other elite adventurers’ timepieces.  This impressively majestic object is 10% larger than the original Navitimer, and boasts a dual day/night time zone system indicated by the red-tipped additional hand that operates on a 24-hour scale.  A further quirk, building on this theme, can be found on the steel caseback in the form of engraved time zones of the world’s major cities.  The dial is embellished with subsidiary recorder dials, with a date aperture at 6 o’clock and the bidirectional, slide-rule bezel for which the Navitimer models are renowned.

Casio Pathfinder Protrek PRG260

Digital watches are still a firm favourite for outdoor types, and Casio has unleashed quite the gadget in their Pathfinder Protrek PRG260.  Equipped with three sensors, it measures atmospheric pressure and altitude, temperature and direction.  The rotating steel bezel can be aligned with a map, while the directional pointers float freely on the neat digital display.  It comes with other useful features, too, such as sunrise and sunset times, 48-city World Time, Tough Solar power, low temperature resistance and an Auto Light feature where the display irradiates whenever the watch is lifted towards the wearer’s face  for reading.

According to recent figures, it is believed that around seven million people across the UK have never come face to face with the internet.

Research has come courtesy of the Office of National Statistics (ONS) who has claimed that around 44 million individuals are currently online which has led to a one million increase in the last twelve months.

The signs remain positive for the elderly as in 2011, nearly a quarter surveyed had connected to the internet which rose to more than 34% just last year – a rise of more than 1.5 million people.

Data was captured after a survey revealed how people responded to the question, “When did you last use the internet?”

In spite of these impressive stats, more than seven million still don’t have an internet connection at their disposal. However this has been mainly attributed to a host of elderly people as well as those with disabilities.

In addition to this, many forecasters have predicted that there is still a long way to go when it comes to encouraging these groups onto the World Wide Web.

Sir Tim Berners-Lee may have to look the other way at these particular results but it has been recorded by The ONS that there are more and more people using the internet in the UK.

In fact 99% of young Brits between the ages of 16 and 24 used the web in the previous three months.

However this is in contrast to numerous grandparents who amount to only 33% of those using the web. This is in the category of people who are more than 75 years of age.

This has shown that as far as internet penetration is concerned, there are some age groups that have become literally saturated. Yet this has not stopped the over 75s from increasing their usage.

There is also a distinct gender divide with around 27 per cent of those females over the age of 75 using the web in contrast to 43.7 per cent of males currently residing in the United Kingdom.

This amounts to more than 4 million women and 2.8 million men that have never logged on before. It is believed that more than 15 million adults alone in Great Britain lack the basic fundamental skills to benefit from the World Wide Web itself.

Further investigation reveals that the capital is responsible for the highest level of people using the internet which stands at an impressive 90%. Meanwhile in Northern Island, the figures are considered to be the lowest at less than 80% usage.

“The internet offers huge benefits to people in later life so it is an extremely positive step in ensuring more people can profit from being online.”

Michelle Mitchell, Director General, Age UK

She went on to say: “The key is not just getting people online for the first time but giving them the skills and knowledge to become confident using the internet. With more services heading online, with the aim of potentially saving the government millions, the government must invest in greater training to open up the web to all.”

It seems we have all become a bit disconnected in recent years as more people engross themselves in the power of the internet to book flights, buy groceries and even sell their souls which one chap attempted via ebay.

The sports watch – a watch for sport. Or is it? It seems that just about any timepiece with a stop watch or alarm is generally considered to be a ‘sports’ watch. Yet this means that so many watches fall into the ‘sports’ category that purchasing a decent one can be pretty tricky.

If you’re looking for something that will genuinely assist you when training or competing in a specific sport such as marathon running or sailing then at least you’ve got some idea of what type of watch will best suit what you are looking for. But if you’re just looking for a big meaty chronograph or a solid all rounder that looks as good at the gym as it does in the office then finding something suitable could be a problem.

With such choice available and with so many great ‘sport’ watches around today, here are a selection of watches suitable for all budgets that could help you make that all important decision.

Graham Titanium Chronofighter Oversize Referee

The Chronofighter Oversize Referee from Graham is limited to 250 pieces and is powered by a G1735 automatic chronograph movement, which includes 25 jewels and a two day power reserve. The titanium case measures 47mm in diameter and features a sapphire crystal on the front and back, as well as an engraved serial number.

The white dial displays centrally positioned seconds with a 12hr sub dial at 12 o’clock and a 30 minute sub dial at 6 o’clock.  The watch was originally launched in 2012 to be used by the RBS Six Nations rugby tournament referees. £5,900.00

Garmin Forerunner 910XT

Packed with features, the Garmin Forerunner 910XT is a sports watch in the truest sense of the term. An excellent choice for those training for a triathlon, the watch is capable of recording your distance, speed and stroke when swimming. Garmin is well known for making great sports watches and are a big favourite amongst many in the running community.

The Garmin Forerunner 910XT includes many of the features associated with Garmin watches, with some handy extras including a heart rate monitor, bike sensor, GPS and foot pod. You can even program your own workout intervals. £360.00

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

In 1953, Blancpain created the first Fifty Fathoms watch, a specialist diving watch for the frogmen of the French army. Today, the brand continues the Fifty Fathoms collection with a series of robust, contemporary and stylish timepieces built for extreme sport, be it in the air, on the ground or underwater. The watches are famous for being water resistant depths of 1000m.

The version pictured above is the Blancpain X Fathoms (model no 5018-1230-64A), a specialist diving watch that includes a self winding Calibre 9918B movement, which has 48 jewels and a power reserve of 120 hours. The case is made from satin brushed titanium and measures a whopping 55.65mm in diameter and is 24mm thick.

The Blancpain X Fathoms also includes a whole host of other impressive diving specific features, which makes it arguably one of the most complicated diving watches ever made. Features includes a decompression valve, depth guage indicator, amphorpous metal membrane for added protection and  a retrograde 5 minute counter. Approx £25,000.00

Tissot Men’s Sailing Touch Alarm Chronograph

This sailing watch from Tissot (model no T0564202704100) includes a number of features specific to the world of sailing. For example, the watch has a really useful countdown timer that can be synched with the timing signal from a race committee and then used to accurately time a specific race. It also displays barometric pressure  and indicates any changes in the weather by the location of its hands via a histogram display. An incredibly useful tide function means that high and low tide is easily displayed on the watch.

Aside from its technical specs, the Tissot Men’s Sailing Touch Alarm Chronograph also looks great. The stainless steel case with blue bezel measures 45mm in diameter and houses a Swiss ETA E48.331 movement. The watch is water resistant to 100m and presented on a black rubber strap with folding clasp. You could do much worse for under £1000. From £650.00

Alpina Adventure Avalanche Extreme

The super sleek Adventure Avalanche watch from Alpina is designed to be put through its paces and would be the perfect accompaniment for those who are planning to take part in their own adventure.  The watch (model no AL-525LBS5AE6) features a 48mm stainless steel case  and sapphire glass, which provides water resistance to 200m.

The rubber strap is durable yet stylish and the simple but effective dial offers great readability in even the harshest of conditions. The Alpina Adventure Avalanche Extreme is driven by a Swiss made automatic movement, which is visible through the see through case back. £1,280.00

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There’s very little room on a Black Hawk flying under the radar on a need to know night ops mission. The seats are taken up by the elite, usually a squad of 11 fully equipped troops, ready to kill or be killed. But there are busloads of weekend warriors who love to emulate war games, even if it’s just getting a few rounds off in a paintball park. And so it is that a whole aura has grown up around military and milspec gear of all kinds and especially watches. Guys want the gear even if it’s just a couple of hours of earnest activity followed by a few buckets of beer.

If you insist on a true Milspec watch, effective from 1989, military specifications require that tritium vials replace tritium luminous paint as an illumination source. The dial and hands were updated to reflect this change, along with the requirements that the H3 radioactivity symbol be displayed.

But looking the part is actually a lot more fun than conforming with the specifications of some Pentagon paper pushers.

Here are five military watches that you really could take to the front line, and which have seen genuine action in war zones around the world.

Stocker & Yale Sandy P650

Stocker & Yale have a long history as trusted suppliers to the US Armed Forces. If you are looking for a genuine milspec watch – this is it. It’s light, small, non bulky, just the way a military watch should be. The Sandy P650 by Stocker and Yale was issued to a limited number of US forces: USAF, US army, USN, especially the Rangers, SEALs and special forces from 1995 to the present. The watch features 12 Hour GMT bezel, a quartz movement, hacking, Tritium gas-tube luminescence, non-reflecting black nylon alloy case, Helsolite hardened glass crystal, water-resistant, shock-resistant, 20mm nylon issue strap – in other words all the toys necessary to be declared a true milspec timepiece. £120.00

5.11 Tactical HRT Sniper

5.11 Tactical was developed in 1968 built on a foundation of durability, functionality and quality. As you probably already know, 5.11 is a difficulty level in the Yosemite Decimal rating scale for rock climbing. With skill levels ranging from 5.0 (easy) to 5.10 (difficult); 5.11 is the most difficult. 5.11 is defined as after thorough inspection, you conclude this move is impossible; however, occasionally someone actually accomplishes it. So there you go. As for the watch itself, it uses Sureshot™ technology to calculate your bullet’s point of impact by inputting data that affects a bullet’s flight. Calculate for temperature, bore height, ballistic coefficient, muzzle velocity, and zero range. Results can be displayed in MILS, TMOA or SMOA. Well, it is a sniper’s watch. It features easy to read hands with chargeable luminous markings. £210.00

Luminox Blackout Watch

Drop dead sexy, light, dependable American designed Swiss made Luminox comes in a wide variety of colours and designs, but this one is for your night ops foray to pick up an after-hours kebab. The tritium files inserted into each of the indices and the watch hands will stay bright and shiny for 25 years. The watch runs on a reliable Swiss Ronda quartz movement and is water resistant to 200 metres. The only real danger you might face with the Blackout is that your girlfriend might borrow it due to its stated suitability for pairing with a little black dress, which instantly ruins the macho image. £265.50

MTM Silencer Special Ops Steel Watch

At £558.00, this is at the officer end of the military watch scale. This watch will serve you well whether you’re on patrol in Kabul or just talking bull with the boys. The new Silencer timepiece is a limited production with each watch individually numbered. The Silencer has been updated with the addition of a multi-mode lighting system. This includes not only an internal dial light, but also an external “flashlight” and strobe feature. The entire watch case is fabricated from one solid piece of 316L stainless steel for rugged dependability with an upgraded durable DLC plating on the “Black” Silencer. The Military Ops Silencer is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with an electro-magnetic induction charger which is included.

Tutima NATO Chronograph

If you have £3,310 to spare on an undoubtedly chilled piece of military time-telling equipment, this good looking 43mm watch from Tutima looks the real deal even on small wrists, and the titanium case and bracelet give it a light and durable feel. The central minute register makes it easy to read the elapsed chronograph time. The 24 hour indicator is slaved to the hour hand for easy setting. The Tutima NATO Chronograph runs on a Tutima Calibre 321 automatic movement. It’s the official watch of the German army, and has proved itself outstandingly during missions across the globe for decades. Tutima have recently introduced the M2, a new titanium model.

Tutima picture courtesy of Anton C

Already with numerous deals coming out of his ears and boots, £80 million man Ronaldo now has a valuable new sponsor for his left wrist.

With personal disappointment after losing out on the UEFA Champions League Final over two legs (4-3 on aggregate) to the German might of Borussia Dortmund, Ronaldo has turned his attention to a new promotional campaign.

Set to take place this month, Jacob & Co have really struck the back of the net thanks to this new partnership.

The New York outfit is focused on making Ronaldo part of their long term plans. He will be plastered all over ads in May while he is also set to make an exclusive appearance on behalf of the brand in July which will take place in glamorous Monte Carlo.

Commenting on his brand new tie up, the former Manchester United winger declared to a swarm of reporters;

“I’ve always been a customer and a fan of the brand for a long time so it is a natural fit, I always used Jacob watches, even before I knew Jacob Arabo. The brand absolutely stands for leadership in creativity, as a collector of the world’s finest watches; it is obvious to me how much passion Jacob & Co has for quality.”

Cristiano Ronaldo

Aside from this deal, Ronaldo has a number of different endorsements that sit pretty in his dressing room including the likes of Konami as well as Castrol Oil and Nike. This alone brings in more than $20 million every year.

Chris Del Gatto, chairman of Jacob & Co chairman said; “I think it signifies a complete re-launch of Jacob & Co. He is one of the most famous soccer players in the world, but more than that he’s one of the most respected athletes in the world. He has the attributes that we really feel mirror the Jacob & Co brand.”

Kevin Pietersen, Citizen Watches

But it’s not just footballers wanting a slice of the watch pie. Renowned England batsman Kevin Pietersen has begun a partnership of his own with Citizen as he expands his current role across India.

Pietersen already represents the brand not only in Europe but in the US. But the South African born cricketer is not resting on the crease nor tucking into any mid-afternoon sandwiches at Lords.

He will be assigned with promoting Citizen to the thousands of Indian fans who are currently watching him play for Delhi Daredevils in the prestigious Indian Premier League.

Katsusuke Tokura, managing director of Citizen Watches proclaimed in New Delhi; “We are delighted to have Kevin Pietersen here. Citizen has always been associated with sports, personifying the spirit of sportsmanship, confidence and independence of the Eco drive collection.”

“I am delighted to join as the new face of Citizen in India. Cricket is all about timing and only with timing does a cricketer fulfil his full potential. Citizen has also grown with time; I see my association with them noteworthy, as I see Citizen in me.”

Kevin Pietersen

Watch out for his return from a knee injury which could be at the forthcoming Ashes beginning on July10^th.

Cool Stuff is our new series which takes a look at well…things that are cool!

If you’re one of those people who struggles when it comes to DIY and need as much help as possible in order to complete even the most basic of DIY tasks, then this magnetic wristband from Magno Grip could be just what you’re looking for.

Alternatively, if you’re one of those types that looks forward to a Bank Holiday Weekend so you can get knee deep in flat pack furniture then the Magno Grip Magnetic Wristband will almost certainly help to make your job a whole lot easier.

The wristband is guaranteed to hold nails, screws, bolts, drill bits and even small tools securely on your wrist. Suitable for everyone from complete novices to DIY enthusiasts and professional tradesmen to complete jobs in less time and with much less frustration, which can only be a good thing!

The Magno Grip magnetic wristband is made from a durable heavy duty polyester canvas and industrial grade Velcro, with a series of high powered magnets placed inside wristband.

Additionally, the wristband can also be secured to a ladder or metal shelf making it even easier for you find those parts and tools when and wherever you need them the most.

The wristband measures 3.5” wide and 14” long, with a max circumference of 12’’. One size fits all.

Ladies Pink Magnetic Wristband

There is also a ladies version, which is aimed at the hobbyist, quilter, home craft enthusiast, gardener or woodworker. Slightly smaller than the men’s version above, the pink magnetic version is ideal for holding sewing pins, hair clips, nail scissors and other small tools.

One size fits all, the ladies version measures  3.5” wide and 13” long.

W definitely stands for the wow factor

Where

Located in the heart of Las Condes, W evokes luxury and is the first time this brand has ventured into South America.

Occupying a formerly disused office space, W boasts an impressive position within close proximity to the famous Sculpture Park as well as the Ralli Museum. There is even a ski resort nearby if you want to mix it up with the off piste crowd.

Tell me about it

It is all in the epic design that comes from Tony Chi who is considered to be one of the hottest designers hailing from the Big Apple.

He is also responsible for the fabulous Park Hyatt in Shanghai. Gone are the dusty desks and drunken office parties which have been replaced with mirrored walls as well as a host of local tapestry that really awaken your senses.

Don’t miss out on the grandiose walls which are lined with 6,000 individual bottles of the best fine wines, cuvees and vintages from across the globe that’s certain to leave you wanting more.

You will be able to reach new heights in oenophilia thanks to the impressive 12 metres of wine on offer spanning the depths of Bordeaux to the hills of Australia.

Now it’s down to business. Choose your own luxury room if you dare with names befitting every possible term devoted entirely to the word excellent. (Just imagine Mr Burns from the Simpsons rubbing his hands with glee!).

Entitled Wonderful, Spectacular and Marvellous it’s like a battle of the superlatives at the W. However if you really want to go all out then the Cool Corner Room is the ideal option.

Why not come out fighting from your own corner and snap one up with its windows instead of walls and majestic vistas over the glorious Andes mountain range.

Hungry for more

Surrender to the culinary delights of executive chef Jean-Paul Bondoux at Noso where you can indulge in an array of local cuisine with a delicate French twist.

However there are three restaurants in total so you can flit like a humming bird between classic French gastronomy, magical sushi delights and a range of Chilean specialities.

Indulge

Tierra Paraíso is the wellness centre at W which is home to a wealth of invigorating treatments from hot stone to chiromassage therapies. Take it all in thanks to the air that has been purified on site as you sweep through treatment rooms and a dedicated relaxation area.

If you really want the cool factor, then let the whole of Chile unfurl before your very eyes with the aptly named WOW one bed suite.

Panoramic mountainous views come as standard as well as the vibrant downtown of Santiago that you can enjoy from the magnificence of your own 400 square foot terrace.

They say to dare is to do and if you are brave then the Extra Wow Suite will have you shouting Wow wee in no time. Local art is blended beautifully alongside state of the art mod cons such as a large plasma screen, double vanity sinks and iPod docks.

By the way

Hand pick your own drink selections at the exclusive Tea Library where you can immerse yourself in a host of special blends from all over Latin America including, Chile, Uruguay and Brazil. Now that’s a real brain teaser!

The ordinary has now become the extraordinary.

Showcased at Baselworld 2013, the new Calatrava (Ref 5227) retains many of the original characteristics of its predecessors, with a few new twists.

The 2013 version of the watch is presented in a classic rounded case, which measures 39mm in diameter and includes gently curved lugs and a concave bezel. The watch also includes a sapphire crystal caseback and hinged inside dust cover, which is quite a feat of craftsmanship given that the case is only 9.24mm thick.

Inside the case the watch is driven by a calibre 324SC self winding movement that includes a 21k gold unidirectional rotor and is made up of 213 parts, 29 jewels and beats at 28,800vph. The movement is of course legendary for its precision, as well as featuring some incredibly intricate graining and polishing.

The watch is available in 18K white, yellow or 5N pink gold with a shiny black hand sewn alligator strap for the white version, chocolate brown for the yellow version and dark brown for the pink gold model.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava is a stunning piece which is timeless in its design and quality which is one of the reasons why it remains one of the most sought after amongst collectors and connoisseurs.

Specifications

Movement: Calibre 324SC mechanical automatic movement with 213 individual parts and 29 jewels. 28,800vph with a power reserve ranging from 38-48 hours. 21k gold unidirectional rotor.

Functions: displaying hours, minutes and seconds with date display at 3 o’clock.

Case: 18K white, yellow or pink gold case measuring 39mm diameter. Sapphire crystal on both sides complete with invisible hinge on the caseback.

Dial: Cream toned dial with faceted and polished Dauphine hands in 18k gold.

The Cartier Crash is completely unconventional, and when first released, challenged the principles of precision and accuracy in watchmaking during the early Seventies. Jean-Jacques Cartier, head of Cartier’s London branch between 1945 and 1974, bore witness to a watch in 1967 that was in a sorry state due to a car accident, and had been returned for repair. The unfortunate object – a Cartier Bagnoire Alongee in its former life, owned by a Vice President of the company – had melted in the burning wreckage. So taken was Cartier with the form of the misshapen, mis-adventured timepiece that he decided it would be discourteous not to try and reproduce it for others to enjoy.

The pink gold, gem-set version is one of four new limited edition models continuing the collection, marking 46 years since the creation of their predecessor.  Cartier’s use of humour and disregard for convention whilst creating and naming the watch was deliberate, intended to represent the creative freedom of the Seventies and to symbolise the ‘impact’ it would have. Each model that has surfaced over the years – always produced as a limited edition – has become collector’s gold, and no doubt these newer models will be jumping on the bandwagon.

For the first time in the history of the collection, the strap is not leather; instead, it is a bracelet of delicate drops in white or pink gold with an arrangement like basket-woven precious metal, which is entirely gem-set on two of the models.

Restricted to a run of only 267 numbered pieces, in reference to its year of birth, this object of desire – and object d’art – is available only in selected Cartier boutiques. With such a fascinating story behind it, as well as a large, universal brand, there is no doubt this piece will be the talking point of numerous elite watch collections around the world.

The case is asymmetrical in both planes; it curves with the wrist as well as snakes across it.  A dazzling and solid arrangement of 150 brilliant-cut diamonds frame the dial as though it were a surrealist painting, its bold Roman indices moving fluidly to fill the irregular curves that establish the 38.45 x 25.5mm dimensions.  The diamond-set winding crown juts out unobtrusively from the case but at the same time is a mini gem in itself.  A splash of colour is provided by the blued steel hands, sword-shaped and striking against the silvered dial. Every aspect of this piece is carefully considered, and the fact that it has been modelled on a previously semi-destroyed chronograph makes it all the more interesting and alluring.

Most of these guys have regular jobs, mortgages to pay, kids to educate, cars to run, and no budget for the latest luxurious Swiss novelties as seen on watch websites including of course, Click Tempus.

So in this arena, Swiss luxury and costly limited editions, give way to Japanese mass market reliability and value.

The watches that follow reflect the most popular choices of regular readers and wise watch lovers on a handful of well visited watch forums; there are several variations, but these names crop up more than most. If you are looking for an affordable, quality watch for £300 or well under, don’t take our advice, take theirs. All these watches are thoroughly road tested for quality versus cost.

Seiko Orange Monster

We have featured this watch on Underwater Wednesday, and it does undoubtedly represent one of the best value for money watches you can buy. The Monster is top of the list for having a great build quality, solid watch bracelet with great heft, outstanding lume, 200 metres water resistance a tried and tested movement and its own bold and unique look. Prices start from around £120.00.

Bernhardt Binnacle Anchor

Small family run Bernhardt’s Binnacle Anchor represents a superb value piece with a classic explorer style.  Bernhardt released this watch in mid-2010 and it has since become an extremely popular model in the collection.  The Binnacle Anchor clearly takes style cues from the Rolex Explorer classic 3, 6, 9 and no date features. The stainless steel case diameter is 40mm excluding the crown.   The case features a deeply polished sides and crown.  The crown sports the typical “B” for Bernhardt and is a treat to wind.  The case’s bezel is a smooth bezel at a slight angle and is polished stainless steel.  The lack of crown guards adds to the sleek appeal of the case lines and produces a very smooth continuous feel to the case edges. The watch runs on a dependable Miyota 8215, a tough and durable workhorse of a movement. The watch comes complete with a two year warranty, and it’s possible to pick one up for around £125.00.

Seiko SKX 007

Seiko has been making some of the world’s most competent, durable and affordable dive watches since the late 1960s. Look on any professional dive boat and you are more likely to see a Seiko favoured by professionals from Army GIs in Vietnam to dive instructors in dive resorts from Fort Lauderdale to Phuket. The SKX models represent the best of what the Japanese watch giant has to offer. A direct descendant of Seiko’s first dive watch, the SKX series is powered by a robust rather than super accurate 21-jewel self-winding mechanical timepiece designed and built in-house by Seiko. For £125.00, this is a firm watch forum favourite.

Orient Ray

From respected Japanese watch company Orient, this excellent diver is available in a black, blue or salmon coloured dial with a bracelet or rubber strap. The case is 41mm wide without the crown. Orient movements are made in-house, the automatic self winding movement comes with a day, date at 3 o’clock and a 40 hour power reserve. The watch is water resistant to 200 metres and features a quality coin-edged unidirectional bezel. The bracelet is high quality polished stainless steel with a good amount of heft. The lume is superb and long lasting. Outstanding cost vs quality value from around £130.00.

Maratac Mid Pilot

The Maratac™ Mid Pilot Automatic watch features a sterile clean dial, with no date and no branding. This watch is made to exemplify the purest form of time which provides a simplistic feel to the watch. American brand Maratac use a Miyota (8245) 21 jewel movement known for its exceptional quality and accuracy. The Miyota movement provides 40 hours of power reserve when not in use. The Maratac™ Mid Pilot watch is a little over 39mm wide and 60 grams. Ideal for both formal and casual events, the watch is built to last with a robust sapphire domed crystal. You can pick up one of these excellent pilot’s watches for just £185.00

Citizen Nighthawk

It’s been around for years, but it is still considered one of the best mass market quartz offerings available. The Nighthawk delivers in ways that many more expensive watches do not. It has useful calculation complications and features, distinctive looks, solid build quality, good water resistance and a solar powered movement that lasts 180 days on a full charge and never requires a new battery. Water resistant to 100 metres, the 41mm watch runs on a Citizen Eco-Drive GMT Solar movement. All this and it should be possible to pick one up for around £235.00.