Ingersoll Hollywood Double Tourbillon Automatic Moon Phase

There are a few things you’d expect from a sub-£500 watch. Interesting design, sure. Automatic movement, in some timepieces, sure. Double open balance spring? Well, that’s just pushing things too far. Except, of course, for Ingersoll’s incredible Hollywood Automatic.

At first glance, the Hollywood looks closer to £45,000 than £450, but then it’s called the Hollywood, a reference to the brand’s original American heritage, and like an up-and-coming actor who’s just arrived in Los Angeles, it wants to stand out. It does so through a package that looks too good to be true.

Firstly, it has the aforementioned double balance springs, visible under the curved bridges on the lower half of the dial. They’re further emphasised by the vinyl texture of the dial, which is available in black or silver, just like the case. Both contrast nicely with the upper half, which combines a deck-style decoration with a moon-phase indicator at 12 o’clock.

Indeed, the amount of finishing across the board is impressive, with grooves around the bezel and applied hour markers – Roman numerals on the top half, batons on the bottom half – all in a warm rose gold colour. The moon phase indicator is a little bland compared to some contemporary timepieces, but can you really argue with that for the price?

One thing you do get is prestige, of course. This is a Chinese-made watch, which is the main reason it’s at this price point. That’s not to say it’s unreliable. Far from it, the Hollywood offers a lifetime warranty. It just means you can’t say you’ve got a Swiss watch. Psst.

For some, this is a deal-breaker; however, if you’re looking for an impressive watch for a fraction of what you’d spend elsewhere, the Ingersoll and Hollywood are incredibly overpriced.

Price and specifications:

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 moon phases
Strap: Black leather
Price: £450