Rare Finds: 3 Collectable Watches Under £150

When people think about rare watches, thoughts usually jump straight to steel Daytonas, vintage Speedmasters, or the latest Patek Philippe that no one can get without a family tree going back three generations. But there’s a quieter corner of the watch world where rarity doesn’t come from hype, but from time passing, models being discontinued, or simply never being made in huge numbers to begin with.

And here’s the important part: They can still be affordable. Really affordable.

We’ve pulled together three such pieces that are all under £250. These are watches with a story, character, and just enough scarcity to make the hunt half the fun.

Swatch Scuba 200 Kailua Diver (1990s)

The Swatch Kailua Diver is pure 90s. It feels like something you’d wear with wraparound sunglasses and a tank top on a beach in Hawaii. Which, to be fair, is probably the idea. As part of Swatch’s Scuba 200 line, it looks like a dive watch but doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s exactly where its charm lies.

Design-wise, it’s a riot of colour, with bright accents and playful dial details that make it an instant conversation starter. The case is plastic, lightweight, and extremely comfortable, especially in summer. And because Swatch collectors have been quietly chasing these for years, prices are beginning to rise, especially for pieces in good condition with the original box.

That said, this is not a tool watch in any modern sense. The water resistance is theoretical at best, and the plastic construction means many examples now show cracks or discolouration. It’s also loud—very loud. If you like your watches discreet, this won’t be your thing. But if you want personality, it has it in spades.

Price - £100 - £130

Seiko 5 SNXS79

This Seiko is one of those models that seems to slip under the radar. The SNXS79 is part of the long-running Seiko 5 line, but unlike the better-known SNK models, this one leans more toward the vintage side. It’s got a black sunburst dial that looks far more expensive than it is, and the applied markers give it a refined edge you don’t usually see at this price point.

Inside is the 7S26 automatic movement, which is robust, dependable, and has that satisfying mechanical feel. The watch wears well, especially if you like smaller, dressier pieces that still have some wrist presence. For under £130, you’re getting a proper automatic watch from a brand with serious heritage.

But it’s not perfect. The bracelet is one of the cheapest-feeling parts, with folded links and a clasp that feels like it’s from a Christmas cracker. Trust us we've just had to send back one of the newer models because the quality of the bracelet is worlds away from that of the watch. The hardlex crystal is also prone to picking up scratches. 

If this is putting you off, don't be, those are small trade-offs for a watch that nails the fundamentals, and has become increasingly hard to find new.

Price - £120 - £130

Casio Marlin MDV-106 (Pre-2020 models)

The Casio MDV-106 is one of those watches that used to be a bit of a secret. Often called the “Duro” or just “the Marlin”, thanks to the tiny swordfish logo on the dial, this watch punches well above its weight. It looks like a traditional dive watch, with a rotating bezel, screw-down crown, and serious 200m water resistance.

There’s a real tool-watch feel to the case. The bezel clicks are solid, the lume is better than expected, and the overall build feels more like a £500 piece than a sub-£100 one. It’s powered by a quartz movement, which may turn off some mechanical purists, but for a grab-and-go everyday watch, it’s incredibly convenient.

The downside is the size—it wears big at 44mm—and the strap it comes on isn’t much to shout about. But these pre-2020 models, especially with the original dial layout and logo, are becoming harder to find. Casio has since released updated versions in different colours, which are nice, but they don’t have quite the same charm.

Price £130 - £150

Final Thoughts: Why Collect Rare, Affordable Watches?

Rarity in watches isn’t just about price. It can be about timing, obscurity, or even the randomness of discontinued production. The Swatch Kailua Diver, Seiko SNXS79, and Casio Marlin aren’t valuable in the traditional sense, but they’re collectable because they represent something that’s disappearing. A moment in time, a specific design language, or a style that doesn’t get made anymore.

That’s what makes collecting them so enjoyable. You’re not just chasing the same watches everyone else wants. You’re building a collection that’s personal, that tells stories, and that doesn’t cost the earth. And sometimes, the joy of finding that overlooked gem is worth far more than the price on the tag.