We had an email in yesterday alerting the Northern Watch Co magazine to Octon watches in Sweden.

So glad they did. Amazing value watches, many are auto models, with the trusty Sellita SW200 or Seiko NH35 movement inside, sapphire crystal and a 300m rating. Prices start at just £181 – yep under £200.

That really compares well with Indie brands who are charging nearly £700 for the same spec dive watches. Let’s not get started on Swiss brands at £1400 and above, which you could argue are more about the perceived value of the brand name than the actual dive spec of the watch.

OK, let’s be honest, you won’t get many people wanting to bid on your Octon watch if you decide to sell it on eBay to fund another purchase two years down the line. But if you just love watches that have reliable features and a range of bright dial options for swimming n diving, then Octon delivers.

Better yet, you can build you own watch, choosing dial, bracelet, strap, movement and bezel. Here is one we did earlier;

We love that Build-A-Bear online shop feature – it’s just like Bamford London but without the premium price tag.

More here.