If you’ve been browsing for an affordable new watch in the UK, the name Sekonda is almost impossible to miss. A staple on the high street for decades, Sekonda presents itself as a reliable and stylish option that won’t break the bank. But in a market flooded with choices from online microbrands to established giants, it’s natural to wonder where this British favourite truly stands. This comprehensive Sekonda Watch Brand Review – Are They Good Quality for the Price? – WatchRanker aims to answer that very question, cutting through the noise to see if these accessible timepieces offer genuine value or simply coast on nostalgic appeal.
For many, Sekonda is synonymous with a first “proper” watch or a dependable gift. The brand has built its reputation on providing a wide array of designs, from classic dress pieces to modern chronographs, all at a highly accessible price point. But the core of the inquiry remains: does the quality match the attractive styling? We’ll look beyond the surface to examine the movements, materials, and overall craftsmanship that define the Sekonda experience, helping you decide if one of their watches deserves a spot on your wrist.
Where Did Sekonda Come From? A Brief History
To understand Sekonda today, it helps to know its origins. Unlike many watch brands with Swiss roots, Sekonda’s story is distinctly tied to the 20th-century Soviet Union. The brand was established in 1966 by a Russian company as an export name for watches produced by the state-owned Petrodvorets Watch Factory. These watches were known for their robust, no-nonsense mechanical movements. When they hit the UK market, they gained a reputation for being incredibly durable and affordable. Over time, as quartz technology took over, Sekonda adapted, shifting its focus to battery-powered movements sourced from various manufacturers, which allowed for even slimmer profiles and a greater variety of styles. This pivot cemented its place as a leading high-street name, evolving from its utilitarian beginnings into the fashion-forward brand we see today.
What to Expect from Sekonda’s Quality and Craftsmanship
When you handle a Sekonda watch, the first thing you’ll notice is that it feels light. This is because the cases are typically made from plated brass or stainless steel, rather than solid, heavy-grade materials. The crystals are almost exclusively mineral glass, which is a step above cheap plastic and offers decent scratch resistance, though it can shatter more easily than sapphire crystal. The finishing is generally good for the price, with polished and brushed surfaces that give a more expensive impression from a distance.
The heart of most modern Sekondas is a reliable Japanese quartz movement, often from manufacturers like Miyota or Seiko. This is a significant strength. These movements are known for their accuracy and longevity, requiring only a occasional battery change for years of trouble-free service. While you won’t find the intricate engineering of an automatic movement here, you are getting a proven, “set-it-and-forget-it” engine that does its job well. The straps range from genuine leather to stainless steel and silicone, aligning with the watch’s intended style and price point.
Sekonda Watch Brand Review – Are They Good Quality for the Price? – WatchRanker
So, let’s address the central question head-on. Are Sekonda watches good quality for the price? The answer is a qualified yes. The value proposition is Sekonda’s strongest suit. You are not paying for in-house manufacturing, exotic materials, or haute horology. Instead, you are paying for a well-finished, stylish watch powered by a dependable quartz movement that you can wear daily without worry.
For the typical price of £50 to £150, you get a watch that looks far more expensive than it is. The designs are often inspired by trends from luxury brands, making contemporary styles accessible to a broad audience. The quality is perfectly aligned with this ethos; it’s good enough for everyday use and will last for many years with basic care. It’s a “good” quality in the context of its market segment—affordable fashion watches. If your expectation is heirloom-level durability or prestige, you will be disappointed. But if you want a reliable, attractive, and low-maintenance timepiece for office wear, casual outings, or as a frequent rotation piece, Sekonda delivers excellent value.
Standout Sekonda Collections and Models
Sekonda’s catalogue is vast, but a few lines consistently receive positive attention. Their dress watches are a particular highlight, offering clean dials, slim cases, and leather straps that punch well above their weight for formal occasions. The Sekonda 3390 series, for example, is a popular choice for its minimalist, Bauhaus-inspired aesthetic.
For something more sporty, their chronograph models provide a complex, technical look without the complex price tag. These often feature multiple sub-dials and tachymeter bezels, appealing to those who love the racing watch style. Additionally, Sekonda has a strong offering in women’s watches, with an emphasis on delicate bracelets, mother-of-pearl dials, and diamond-like crystal accents that provide a lot of sparkle for the money.
How Does Sekonda Compare to Other Brands?
When placed next to direct competitors like Timex or Casio, Sekonda holds its own, though with a different focus. Timex offers a similar price point but often leans into a more rugged, American heritage vibe with iconic models like the Weekender. Casio dominates the digital and ultra-durable G-Shock end of the spectrum. Sekonda, by contrast, prioritizes European fashion sensibilities and classic aesthetics. It sits comfortably alongside other high-street names like Accurist, offering a slightly more contemporary and varied design library.
Caring for Your Sekonda Watch
To ensure your Sekonda watch lasts, a little care goes a long way. While the mineral crystal is scratch-resistant, it’s not impervious. Try to avoid knocking it against hard surfaces. If the case is plated brass, moisture can be its enemy, so it’s best to remove it before washing your hands or swimming, even if it claims a water resistance rating. For water resistance, always adhere to the specified rating—30 metres means it can handle rain and splashes, not swimming. Finally, when the battery eventually dies after a couple of years, have it replaced by a professional jeweller to ensure the watch’s seals remain intact.
Final Thoughts: Who is the Sekonda Watch For?
In summary, Sekonda occupies a very specific and valuable niche. It is the ideal brand for the budget-conscious shopper who doesn’t want to compromise on style. It’s perfect for a young professional building their wardrobe, someone seeking a reliable beater watch, or a buyer looking for a generous gift that appears thoughtful and expensive. While it won’t satisfy the horological enthusiast seeking mechanical movements or premium materials, it successfully fulfills its own mission. Sekonda offers a gateway into the world of watches, providing dependable, fashionable, and accessible timepieces that deliver solid quality for a very reasonable price.