Sekonda Wave 39mm review

What it is

Sekonda has been selling watches in Britain since the mid-twentieth century, originally with Russian movements and now with Japanese quartz. The Wave is a three-hand men's watch in a 39 mm steel case with a bracelet. It sits near the base of the catalogue, designed for everyday wear without fuss.

The Wave is not a watch built around features or a particular story; it is intended to be a neat and uncomplicated piece.

The movement

Like most Sekonda models, it uses a Japanese quartz movement bought in from a supplier rather than one made by Sekonda itself, and the brand does not usually publish a calibre. Quartz gives steady accuracy of a few tens of seconds a month and a battery life of a few years. There is no solar charging. A watch shop can change the battery.

Servicing is nothing more than a battery swap, and given the modest cost of the watch, many owners simply replace it eventually rather than repair it.

On the wrist

At 39 mm the case is a classic medium size that suits most wrists, and it should wear neatly under a cuff. The steel bracelet is a simple link type with a folding clasp. As with many watches at this level, the bracelet is fairly light and the clasp basic. The dial layout is plain and easy to read. For exact thickness and lug-to-lug length, check the listing.

The bracelet can be shortened by removing links, and the case is slim enough that it should not feel heavy on the wrist.

Water and everyday wear

A 50 m rating means rain, handwashing and a swim are fine, but it is not for diving, and hot showers are best avoided because steam is hard on the seals. The crystal is mineral glass, which is tougher than plastic but can scratch more easily than sapphire. Lume is limited. It is designed for desk and street wear.

With a mineral crystal and a steel case, the watch will handle ordinary knocks, but the bracelet finish may show scratches after a while.

Against the alternatives

The Sekonda Davies 39mm and Sekonda Thomson 38mm are similar-sized siblings. The Casio MTP-1302PD-1A1VEF is a plain steel quartz with a date. The Timex Classic T2H281 is another low-key option. For a step up in finish, the Tissot Gentleman T127.410.11.041.00 is a Swiss quartz that costs more.

Who it's for, and who should skip it

It is for anyone who wants a neat, affordable steel watch from a British brand for work or casual wear. Skip it if you want swimming capability, a sapphire crystal, a refined bracelet or something with a distinctive character.

It is not a watch to impress, and those wanting more character should look at the brands with a longer heritage in their own movements.