There is something rather lovely about the way a warm gold-tone case sits against a black strap. This Excellanc watch pairs the two, and the result looks dressed up without trying too hard. Slip it on with a pair of blue jeans and a white shirt, or with a black dress for the evening, and it quietly finishes the outfit.
The dial is white, which keeps things fresh and makes it easy to match with whatever you pulled out of the wardrobe this morning. Arabic numerals mean you can read the time at a glance, and the oval shape gives the watch a softer, slightly vintage character that sets it apart from the usual round faces.
The strap is black faux leather, tapering gently towards the buckle for a slim, elegant line on the wrist. It is only 10 mm wide, and the whole watch measures 21.5 cm in length including the case. It weighs just 15 g, so you will barely notice it is there, and a quick wipe with a cloth keeps the strap looking tidy. The case is metal and only 8 mm thick, so it slides easily under a cuff.
If you enjoy the warm glow of this finish, pair it with gold-tone jewellery for a wrist that catches the light, or browse our gold-tone watches for women to see how other styles compare.
Inside, a quartz PC21 movement keeps accurate time without any special care. When the battery eventually runs out, a watchmaker can swap it in a few minutes. A mineral glass protects the dial from the small knocks of everyday life. The strap closes with a classic pin buckle.
One practical note on water: the watch is splash-resistant, so rain and hand washing are fine, but it should not go in the shower or in the water. And since it is a genuinely inexpensive watch, it also makes a thoughtful present, whether you are treating a friend or simply treating yourself.
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