So you’ve read the advice from some of the world’s top retailers and, whether you’re buying a watch as a gift or as a treat for yourself, you have decided that you are looking for something blue. And that you don’t want to spend any more than 3,000 Swiss francs or the equivalent thereof. Here are some options.
Emile Chouriet Challenger Deep
Named after the deepest point on the surface of the Earth, Emile Chouriet’s first diver’s watch offers the usual water resistance to 300 metres, unidirectional rotating bezel and luminous indications on the dial. But it also offers a ceramic coating on the bezel, a feature usually only found on much more expensive diver’s watches. Powered by a self-winding mechanical movement and available on a steel bracelet or rubber strap (as well as with black or silvered dials), the Challenger Deep is available for an unbeatable 1,500 Swiss francs with tax included.
Frédérique Constant Slimline Manufacture
At just a whisker over 3,000 Swiss francs (3,190 for the rose gold plated model) or just under (2,830) for the stainless-steel version, Frédérique Constant’s Slimline Manufacture series has to be one of the most competitively priced classic watches on the market, particularly when you consider that it is fitted with the brand’s own FC-710 in-house movement, which offers a 42-hour power reserve. Our blue choice has a subsidiary date indication by hand at 6 o’clock, a domed navy blue dial with hand- applied hour markers and a matching blue alligator leather strap.
Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Aluminium
A revival model from the 1970s but with a distinctly contemporary theme and a trendy NATO strap, the Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer is excellent value at only 1,050 Swiss francs. For this you get the brand’s H-10 self-winding mechanical movement, which has an impressive 80-hour power reserve and a lightweight aluminium case with a special coating that not only gives it its distinctive blue colour but also increases the hardness and durability of the aluminium. It’s impossible to get bluer, with the case, bezel ring, dial, strap, buckle and crown all matching in colour.
Vulcain 50s Presidents’ Classic
It may not have the alarm function unique to Vulcain’s Cricket calibre but it does instead have the Vulcain calibre V-56 self-winding movement, which offers a power reserve of 42 hours. In its Classic version the Vulcain 50s President’s model comes with an understated dial with a sunray finish, available in blue, silver or black with a matching alligator leather strap. Price: 2,980 Swiss francs.
