The Indian watch scene has never been particularly known for its accessible automatic watches. If you wanted something that ticked without a battery, you usually had to look overseas, to brands like Seiko, Orient, Citizen, or some Chinese microbrands. So when Peter England, better known for shirts than watches, launched an automatic watch priced around ₹4,000, it definitely raised eyebrows.

A skeleton dial, Japanese movement, and "Made in India" assembly at that price? It sounds impossible. But once you look closely, the picture becomes more grounded and, in some ways, quite impressive.

The Movement: Seiko's NH70A Inside

At the heart of this watch sits the NH70A automatic movement from Seiko Instruments. It is a proven workhorse used by modders and budget brands worldwide.

It carries 24 jewels, supports hand-winding and hacking, and offers about 40 hours of power reserve. The official accuracy rating is between minus 20 and 40 seconds per day, although some users have reported around plus 5 seconds initially.

Winding feels mechanical and deliberate. It is not silky smooth, but for this price range, it is satisfying.

So the Japanese movement claims, checks out. The watch is assembled in India, probably in Timex's Himachal Pradesh plant, while the movement itself is imported.

The Build: Looks Premium, Feels Honest

At a glance, this watch comes across as sharp, with a polished case, domed crystal, and exposed gears. Underneath, the materials are sensible choices for keeping costs low.

The case is brass with a plated finish. The back being stainless steel and includes a small display window showing the rotor. The crystal is domed mineral glass, not sapphire & the watch is splash-safe only

It measures 44 mm wide, 13 mm thick, and 52 mm lug-to-lug. This is a bold size that will stand out and can feel oversized on small wrists, though it sits decently on average wrists.

The Dial: Skeleton Beauty, Questionable Legibility

This is the most striking part of the design. The skeleton setup lets you watch the gears and balance wheel in motion. A ring holding minute markings and metallic indices surrounds the display, and the hands have lume on the tips. A red second hand adds a sporty touch.

Often, a skeleton dial helps reduce costs to a certain extent, given the price; such small considerations have probably been taken into account.

Visually, it is a treat for someone new to mechanical watches. In practical terms, it can be harder to read because both the hands and dial are partially skeletonised. In certain lighting, they can blend.

Comfort and Strap

The strap is a 22 mm genuine leather piece. It is comfortable, flexible, and avoids the plasticky feel some budget straps have. Longevity might be limited, but it works fine out of the box. The buckle is plain stainless steel without branding.

On the wrist, it feels solid but not overly heavy. Anyone with a 6.5-inch wrist or larger should find it comfortable, although smaller wrists may notice some overhang.

The Claims and the Truth

Some online chatter suggests the watch costs less than its movement. That is misleading. While the NH70A can retail for ₹3,500 to ₹4,500 when bought individually, brands pay less in bulk. They also factor in casing, assembly, and distribution costs. There is no loss-making here.

The Made in India tag is true for assembly and casing but not for the movement, which remains Japanese in origin.

Even so, getting a functioning Seiko-derived automatic for under ₹4,000 is rare in this market.

Who This Watch Is For

This is not a collector's piece and will not compete with Seiko, Citizen, or Orient on refinement. It is aimed at people experiencing their first automatic watch.

It suits buyers who value style and enjoy the novelty of seeing the watch's heartbeat through the dial. It is less appealing for those who need durability, water resistance, or high-contrast readability.

The Final Verdict

The Peter England automatic is bold and eye-catching. While its finishing has limitations and the specs are basic, it succeeds at its main goal.

It offers a gateway into the world of mechanical watches at a price that makes experimentation easy. For someone curious about automatics but unwilling to spend over ₹10,000, this watch makes sense. It is not a piece for a lifetime, but it will start conversations and spark interest in the hobby.

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All images used were sourced and digitally upscalled, expect minor warps.