SEKONDA WATCHES: LADIES

Sekonda Watches for men and women

The history of Sekonda is probably unique among the makers of designer watches. The company was launched in 1966 with the unenviable task of selling Soviet-made goods to a Western market during the Cold War. The Sekonda watches sold during the Soviet era were actually relabelled Poljot models produced by the First Moscow Watch Factory and Raketa models produced by the Petrodvorets Watch Factory.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, the company's ties with that nation abruptly ceased. Determined to survive, Sekonda went on to become the leading watch brand in the UK, producing such stellar creations as Xpose, Safari, One and Seksy.

The company's entire catalogue demonstrates the single fact that has been responsible for all of their success: Quality doesn't have to cost a lot. Sekonda watches are attractively styled and well-manufactured at an economical price.

While some watchmakers try to concentrate on one particular area of interest or demographic group, Sekonda takes the opposite approach and tries to appeal to as many groups as possible. Their catalogue ranges from the traditional to the avant-garde and includes sport watches, elegant evening pieces, playful children's watches and more.

One of the most popular lines from Sekonda is Party Time, a selection of brightly-coloured plastic watches with straps of silicon rubber. These watches have gorgeous, eye-popping colours that are as fun as their name. Hour markers and hands are big and bold against the bright dials, the bezel is marked in five-second intervals and there is a date window.

At the other end of the spectrum are the chronograph models, serious sport timepieces with dual totalers and small second dials. These features plus the tachymeter bezels make these the perfect watches for sport enthusiasts.

Ladies' models span many styles, from jewelled show pieces to more subtle designs. There are ladies' Part Time models, the bright hues offset by the addition of polished metal and baguette diamonds. Some have wide, round faces surrounded by ample bezels of polished gold or stainless steel, while others have rectangular dials enclosed in borders of mellow brushed metal. As with the men's models, these watches encompass both playful and businesslike looks.

The Xpose line from Sekonda is just for children. Big, round dials are surrounded by wide crenelated bezels marked in five-second intervals. The wide strap is Velcro with the brand name prominently displayed. Kids will love the bold, brash look of these watches.

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