There are a few things you can expect from a watch in the sub-£500 range. Interesting designs, sure. An automatic movement, in a few timepieces, certainly. Dual open-balance springs? Well that’s just pushing things way too far. Except, of course, for Ingersoll’s incredible-looking Hollywood Automatic.
At first glance, the Hollywood looks to be closer to £45,000 than £450, but then it is called the Hollywood, referencing the brand’s original US heritage and, like a budding actor new to LA, it wants to stand out. It does that with a package that looks too good to be true.
First, it has the aforementioned twin balance springs, visible under curved bridges in the bottom half of the dial. They’re emphasised further by the vinyl-like grain of the dial, available in either black or silver, like the case. Both are in contrast to the top half, which combines deck-like finishing with a moon phase indicator at 12 o’clock.
In fact, the number of finishes across the board is impressive, with fluting around the bezel and applied indexes – roman numerals in the top half, batons in the bottom – all of which has a warm rose gold colour. The moon phase indicator is a little flat compared to some horological contemporaries, but then can you really argue for this price?
The one thing you do lack of course is prestige. This is a Chinese-made watch, which is the main reason it sits at this price point. That’s not to say it’s unreliable; far from it, the Hollywood comes with a lifetime warranty. It just means you can’t say you have a Swiss watch. Boo hoo.
For some people that’s a deal breaker; if however you’re looking for a seriously impressive watch for a fraction of the money it would cost elsewhere, look no further than Ingersoll and the mindbogglingly well-priced Hollywood.
Price & Specs:
Model Name: Ingersoll Hollywood Automatic
Case/Dial: 45mm diameter x 15.7mm height, stainless steel
Water Resistance: 50m (5 bar)
Movement: Automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes, date and moonphase
Strap: Black leather
Price: £450
More details at Ingersoll 1892’s website.
