There is a particular irony about Rolex, as historically they made good quality tool watches, aimed at divers, pilots, scientists etc. These were affordable, akin to a photographer buying a good quality affordable camera. It's bizarre to see these workaday watches with prices jacked up astronomically and sold as luxury goods.
It's also sad to see Omega beginning to play this game, though at the moment they are the only company using the brilliant coaxial escarpment which any watch geek has to appreciate.
Whilst you mention decent entry level Swiss watches, don't forget the humble Seiko 5. Models are available for less than £100, use a wonderfully basic entirely in-house movement and (if you are vain enough to care about these things) will get a nod from any self-respecting watch geek.
There is a particular irony about Rolex, as historically they made good quality tool watches, aimed at divers, pilots, scientists etc. These were affordable, akin to a photographer buying a good quality affordable camera. It's bizarre to see these workaday watches with prices jacked up astronomically and sold as luxury goods.
It's also sad to see Omega beginning to play this game, though at the moment they are the only company using the brilliant coaxial escarpment which any watch geek has to appreciate.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coaxial_escapement
Whilst you mention decent entry level Swiss watches, don't forget the humble Seiko 5. Models are available for less than £100, use a wonderfully basic entirely in-house movement and (if you are vain enough to care about these things) will get a nod from any self-respecting watch geek.