For those watch fans who still ask `Is Rotary a Swiss made watch?’ I have news; No, it isn’t made in Switzerland. But if you want a reasonably affordable Swiss quartz watch then new watch brand 26 Spirits is well worth a look.

The founder Pierre Bernheim is the grandson of Raymond Weil, and the founder of Rue du Rhone, who made some interesting watches in the past decade or so. After selling the Rue du Rhone brand Pierre started 26 Spirits which got its name from the 26 regions or Cantons of Switzerland.

There are two models in the range right now, the Seagull and the Swan.

These are good value for the RRP we reckon. For £159 plus VAT The Black Swan has a 42mm case, sapphire crystal, Ronda quartz movement and that cool 26 logo on the end of the second hand. The 8pm date window is a nice quirky touch too. The strap is vegan synthetic as well.

The Seagull line is more female orientated, with 35mm cases, and some models featuring stone set bezels. The Shining model has a steel bracelet, engraved caseback and that neat date window again.

COMMUNITY MARKETING

Here’s another interesting twist; if you join the 26 Spirits community then you share 26 Spirits news, new models, your purchases etc on social media and if your friends buy a watch, you get 30% commission.

It will be interesting to see how that works and whether it brings in a younger consumer profile to the brand – we think it will and Swiss brands need younger buyers. The pensioner age Rolex, Breitling and Omega collectors won’t be around forever.

Find out more here.