Sekonda

Sekonda is a British wristwatch brand established in 1966 to cater to the UK market with affordable timepieces. The name is commonly believed to derive from the Russian word for "second" and reflects the brand's early association with exporting watches from the Soviet Union to the United Kingdom.

In its early years, Sekonda watches were produced for export by Soviet manufacturers, notably the First Moscow Watch Factory and other plants, and marketed in the UK through chain stores and catalogues. The brand quickly became a staple of budget horology, valued for reliability and simplicity rather than high-end finishes. By the late 20th century Sekonda accounted for a significant share of the UK mass-market wristwatch sector.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, production moved to Asia, with many Sekonda watches manufactured in China and other East Asian facilities under contract. The product range expanded to quartz models and affordable fashion watches, while retaining the basic design ethos of clear dials and easy wearability. Sekonda continues to focus on value, with models typically offered at low price points through UK retailers and online platforms.

Sekonda is part of the British horology landscape and is commonly seen in department stores and online retailers. The brand's historical link to Soviet watchmaking remains a notable chapter in its identity, though modern Sekonda watches are produced and marketed as cost-effective, mass-market timepieces rather than collectors' items.