Six of the best watches for under £1,500

Swiss family run firm started in the mid-Seventies, with a range of quartz and mechanical models. This quartz chronograph has a 43mm PVD-coated stainless steel case. Rubber strap with double push-button clasp. Water resistant to 300m.

£1350; raymond-weil.co.uk

With a start making pocket watches in 19th century Pennsylvania, Hamilton is now Swiss-owned but makes much of its US heritage. This Sixties-inspired watch is so American it doesn’t even bother with an ‘e’ on the end of Europe.

£965; hamiltonwatch.com

The young British brand has taken a very ambitious run at the affordable luxury market with an ever growing range that keeps prices down by selling online only. Chronometer rated Swiss automatic movement in 42mm bronze case. 

£1060; christopherward.com

In the early 20th century Doxa produced instruments for cars, ships and planes, then in the Fifties made its name developing a watch with diving icon Jacques Cousteau. The signature diver is orange, but this blue one is a beauty. Automatic movement in 42mm case.

£950; uk.doxawatches.com

Seikos span the whole range of prices, and timing the 1964 Olympics set the firm on a sporting path. This watch’s new in-house solar chronograph movement offers 1/100th of a second timing. Has 42mm steel case, water resistant to 100m.

£760; seikoboutique.co.uk

Longines is a Swiss mountain veteran that went out and conquered. Pioneering chronographs timed sporting events around the world. If you’re looking to drop a grand or so on a diver, this is a great bet. With 44mm case and 300m water resistance.

£1250; longines.com