“Beware of expensive imitations” is this brand’s slogan. I had to read it a couple of times until I realized how ironic this statement is. While most brands have cheaper knockoffs, Sekonda watches are so affordable that their imitations can’t really compete.
Yet, it doesn’t mean that the quality of Sekonda watches is so low that you should compare them to those cheap knockoffs.
In fact, one of the primary reasons for Sekonda’s continuous success throughout its long history is the quality of its watches offered at a very affordable price range. Their designs may not be outstanding amidst the sea of watches but it is the quality and affordability that sets them apart. And, although they are not exactly collection- or heirloom-worthy, Sekonda watches are durable and stylish enough for your everyday wear.
What’s the secret of its survival in the watch market despite its long history? Where do they produce these high-quality yet affordable watches? You’ll find the answers to these questions and discover more about the brand as you read on.
Sekonda Brand History
Sekonda, although a British watch brand, has its toots in two of the oldest watch factories in Russia: the Soviet’s first manufacturer of watches and movements, the First State Watch Factory that was established in 1930; and to Russia’s oldest factory, the Petrodvorets Watch Factory that was established in 1721. These Russian watch manufacturers produced the Poljot and Raketa watches, respectively.
When Sekonda started in the United Kingdom in 1966, its first products were imported Poljot and Raketa watches that were rebranded to bear the Sekonda name. Since these timepieces were of high quality yet very affordable, Sekonda was a success even in its first year. This British brand also established extensive marketing strategies and outstanding customer service hence the brand also became widely known pretty fast.
When the quartz movement was later introduced, Sekonda took it as an opportunity to move its manufacturing process to Hong Kong. Therein, it was able to develop more stylish watch designs. By 1988, Sekonda was already the leading watch brand in the UK; and it continued to be so because of the company’s commitment to expansion and innovation of timepieces.
The watch industry began to grow in 1998 when more fashion watch brands emerged. Unfortunately, this resulted in a decrease in the market shares of each watch brand. Sekonda realized that it has to strategize once again to keep its top position in the watch market. By 2004, the Seksy watch line was born. It is mainly comprised of watches that are stylish and modern and specifically designed for ladies 25 to 35 years of age. Partnered with clever marketing, Seksy ladies watches quickly became bestsellers.
At present, Sekonda is still committed to producing innovative and stylish timepieces equipped with reliable movements and offered at reasonable price points. They have also maintained an outstanding customer service. With these, Sekonda is now a global watch brand and still among the most well-known in the United Kingdom.
Sekonda Watch Collections
Editions
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The Sekonda Editions is the brand’s latest collection that was launched in 2013. It takes pride in its watch designs that seem to match with the latest fashion trend, and have the right balance of fun and sleekness. This collection still has a wide range of options and very affordable.
🏆 #1 Best Overall
- QUALITY WATCHES AT AFFORDABLE PRICES - Sekonda watches for men and women are created with high quality movements and materials. Sold at unbeatable prices, our watches are enriched with a range of features to suit your everyday needs.
- IDEAL FOR ANY OCCASION – Sekonda watch for women with Japanese quartz movement provides quality timekeeping. Battery life up to 2 years. Appropriate for any event whether it’s casual everyday wear or a more formal occasion.
- HERITAGE WATCHES – Inspired by our watches from the 1970’s, Sekonda’s heritage collection features traditional styled watches, perfect for everyday womenswear.
- QUALITY MATERIALS – This watch is fastened with an ion-plated two-tone alloy bracelet. The watch has a square, ion-plated case enclosing a white dial with black roman numerals.
- As seen on TikTok and Backed by a 2-year Sekonda warranty for added peace of mind
Seksy
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For watches that boast of glamour and elegance at a reasonable price, the Seksy watch line offers iconic choices. All its models are accessorized with Swarovski crystals, making each piece bold and sparkly.
Although this watch line was developed in 2004 as a solution to decreasing market shares, it has continuously garnered success for the watch models it launched. As such, Sekonda maintained the said line and has kept on developing new innovative designs for this bold watch line.
Rank #2
- SMALL GOLD-TONE DESIGN: This square gold plated women watch designed by a smaller case size: case length: 0.78in, case width: 0.78in, boasts a sleek design highlighted by its elegant bracelet, perfectly complementing every outfits from casual to formal
- TINY ROMAN DIAL DISPLAY: Its Roman numeral dial not only adds a retro touch but also ensures easy readability, making it a sophisticated choice for daily wear
- WATCH MATERIAL: The gold tone watchband is designed for comfortable long-lasting wear; imported Japanese quartz movement offers reliable timekeeping. 3ATM waterproof can meet daily use demand
- DAINTY VINTAGE GOLD PLATED BRACELET: This petite watch designed to be compact and suitable for women, characterized by a smaller case size and a gold-tone finish, providing a dainty and vintage look, best gift choice
- Customer Service: Offers peace of mind with a satisfaction shopping experience, if the purchase does not meet expectations, pls contact us at any time
Sekonda Brand Reputation
From tough Soviet-made timepieces, Sekonda shifted to fashion watches in order to keep the company running amidst the various transitions in the watch market. Hence, as a fashion watch brand, Sekonda is still among the most widely-known watch brand in the UK (and it has consumers in other countries and continents as well).
Primarily, Sekonda watches are known for their variety of styles and affordability. For these reasons and the average retail price point, the brand is frequently compared with Casio, Pulsar, and Citizen. Because of its UK connection, it’s sometimes also compared to Accurist, another affordable English brand.
Is Sekonda A Good Watch Brand?
The short answer to this question is that Sekonda watches are “good value for money”. Overall the reviews are positive in watch forums like here and here. Although of course, as a consumer, your expectations must also be reasonable based on its price point which is what many buyers praise – the brand’s value proposition.
In relation to this, modern Sekonda watches are generally ignored by collectors and aspiring enthusiasts as their value doesn’t appreciate even over time – as an example – just take a look at the resale value of vintage Sekonda watches on eBay.
However, their vintage soviet watches do have somewhat of a cult following and even webpages dedicated to them – this one, in particular, has an in-depth look at their history and collections.
Sekonda may not be as outstanding but it is decent for its price range. Years ago, in the 80s, they were one of the best selling watches in the UK and they are still a great buy for those who are looking for an affordable everyday watch.
Rank #3
- TIMELESS VINTAGE OVAL DESIGN：The VAVC small gold watches for women showcases a classic and elegant oval shape with surface golden Roman font, making it one of the most stylish gold watches for women that enhances both casual and formal outfits
- COMFORTABLE FIT STAINLESS STEEL EXPANSION BAND：This watch features a stainless steel elastic strap and is thoughtfully designed in two sizes for you,small fits wrists from 5.91in - 6.7in and large fits wrists from 6.7in - 7.49in .It can easily adapt to the wrist and provide all day comfort while maintaining the elegance of women's gold watches.
- DURABLE AND RELIABLE：The watch is equipped with a high-quality quartz movement to ensure accurate timekeeping. You can rely on its precision to keep you on time during business trips or important meetings. And the watch is water-resistant to 30 metres (100 feet), so you can wear it every day with confidence. Whether it's washing your hands or just a light drizzle, this durable watch can withstand everyday activities - perfect for those looking for a reliable women's gold watch
- THE IDEAL GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION：Elegantly packaged, the VAVC small women's gold watch makes a thoughtful gift for birthdays, anniversaries or holidays. Its timeless design and practical features make it an ideal gift for the lady you admire
- CUSTOMER SERVICE：Provide peace of mind with a satisfying shopping experience, if the purchase does not meet your expectations, please contact us at any time.Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and each watch is meticulously produced under strict quality standards and thoroughly inspected before packaging. giving you peace of mind and ensuring your purchase is protected
Where To Buy Sekonda Watches?
The first obvious choice to see the wide variety of timepieces that the brand has to offer is to visit the Sekonda online shop.
Since Sekonda is a global watch brand, its timepieces are available on Walmart, and Amazon and new and pre-owned Sekondo watches can be found on eBay.
There is also a wide selection of Sekonda watches on WatchShop.
A store locator is also available to help you find a shop where you can physically inspect and buy Sekonda watches.
Where Are Sekonda Made?
As mentioned in the previous section, the first Sekonda watches were developed and produced in Russia. However, with the introduction of quartz movement in the watch industry, Sekonda started manufacturing its own watches from Hong Kong. Despite this significant change, Sekonda assures that its products are still of excellent quality.
Rank #4
- QUALITY WATCHES AT AFFORDABLE PRICES - Sekonda watches for men and women are created with high quality movements and materials. Sold at unbeatable prices, our watches are enriched with a range of features to suit your everyday needs.
- IDEAL FOR ANY OCCASION – Sekonda watches for women have Japanese quartz movements providing quality timekeeping. Battery life up to 2 years. Appropriate for any event whether it’s casual everyday wear or a more formal occasion.
- CLASSIC WATCHES - Sekonda ladies’ classic collection perfectly mixes classic design and the latest fashion trends. The ideal watch for any woman that wants a staple accessory.
- AS SEEN ON TIKTOK – The Monica collection has skyrocketed to stardom on TikTok. This classic, vintage design is a bestseller and now comes in a gift set.
- QUALITY MATERIALS – This watch is fastened with a two tone, silver and gold ion-plated alloy bracelet. The watch has a large rectangular two-tone ion-plated silver and gold alloy case with a white dial. The bracelet has a maximum length of 195mm and minimum length of 135mm.
Sekonda Warranty
Sekonda watches are guaranteed for two years from the date of purchase. However, this warranty is limited only to material defects and workmanship. On the other hand, batteries, straps, and bracelets, along with damages caused by water penetration, an accident, misuse, or carelessness are not covered by the guarantee.
Should you have other concerns about the warranty of Sekonda watches, you may read the Frequently Answered Questions (FAQs) here.
Closing Words
Undoubtedly, Sekonda has done an amazing job branding itself as an affordable watch company. While others died out in the aftermath of the quartz crisis, Sekonda saw it as an opportunity to create cheaper yet still reliable timepieces. When various brands flooded the market, Sekonda still survived because of its style innovations and marketing campaigns. In fact, not only did the brand survive but it thrived.
Although the brand is still not yet very popular globally, one cannot exactly anticipate what will be Sekonda’s next big move. One thing for sure is that it will be able to adapt and continue producing high-quality watches at affordable costs.
💰 Best Value
- QUALITY WATCHES AT AFFORDABLE PRICES - Sekonda watches for men and women are created with high quality movements and materials. Sold at unbeatable prices, our watches are enriched with a range of features to suit your everyday needs.
- IDEAL FOR ANY OCCASION – Sekonda watches for women have Japanese quartz movements providing quality timekeeping. Battery life up to 2 years. Appropriate for any event whether it’s casual everyday wear or a more formal occasion.
- CLASSIC WATCHES - Sekonda ladies classic collection perfectly mixes classic design and the latest fashion trends. The ideal watch for any woman that wants a staple accessory.
- AS SEEN ON TIKTOK – The Monica collection has skyrocketed to stardom on TikTok. This classic, vintage design is a bestseller and now comes in a gift set.
- QUALITY MATERIALS – This watch is fastened with an ion-plated gold alloy bracelet. The watch has a rectangular, ion-plated gold alloy case with a stone set bezel and a white dial.