Every once in a while, a watch will strike me as being perfect. So it
was with my most recent watch purchase a stainless steel Armitron with a
leather band. With the catchy name like Model 20/4859GNSVBN, the watch
had to beckon me by looking better than all the other men's watches at
Kohl's in the Christmas of 2012. It looked better than any Timex, any
Relic, any Citizen, any Seiko, any Caravelle, and almost any Bulova
except the vaunted (and 10 times more expensive) Precisionist.
Why was
this Armitron so attractive? Besides being a shiny, gleaming, watch
under department store glass, this Armitron combined the simple, manly,
functional style of a military watch with the panache and flair of a
showy high tech sport watch. It also features an accurate Japanese quartz movement.
Watch Dimensions. This Stainless Steel Armitron has a
military-style dial in a stunning silver-on-silver color scheme set into
a solid-looking 43-millimeter diameter all stainless steel case. At 15
millimeters thick, the watch is robust without being monstrous or
inconvenient at the office. The crown is thick and is circled by a grey
rubber accent strip that makes pulling the crown and setting the watch a
breeze.
Watch Dial Style. The Arabic numerals denoting the hours are of
a shiny silver-tone color that contrasts with the lighter silver-tone
complexion of the dial. The sunray dial itself is subtly divided into
four quarters that give the face a faceted look. When combined with the
inner black circle with tiny 5-minute markings, the watch evokes the
look of a rifle-scope crosshairs. Grey and white accents the perimeter
of the dial (technically called the channel ring) of this watch. It's
the angled upslope under the crystal from the watch face to the case.
This perimeter area is also put to functional use with 24-hour markings
for the hours and hash marks for the minutes.
Watch Pricing. Like all Armitron watches, my new wristwatch was
affordable. Kohl's had it for $89.99, but offered considerable
Christmas season sale discounts. However, the low price point manifests
itself in one obvious drawback to this watch. The 18.5 centimeter brown
leather band that came with the watch was a tad short for my wrist. I
swapped the band for a diver-style rubber band from Timex. It fits well,
has lots of room for expansion, and enhances the rugged look of the
watch. I'd love it if watch companies offered a free or low cost watch
band swaps with a watch purchase to ensure that any purchase fits well.
Overall, I really enjoy my new Armitron watch. It is a practical, readable, rugged and rich looking timepiece.
Sources:
Kohls.com
The Watch Dude is a blog dedicated to men's timepieces. This blog typically covers affordable watch brands from Armitron to Wenger. However, interesting watches and the brands we dream of are also covered. Thanks for sharing my enthusiasm for watches!
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
Merry Christmas 2012!
Merry Christmas! I hope that all readers have a wonderful holiday. Soon this page will feature reviews of the new watches I got for Christmas!
In the meantime, I've been wondering about Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, Santa eluded air defenses all around the world and dropped off presents for all the good boys and girls. How did he fly around the world so fast? I think he may have some super high technology like this motorized sleigh at his disposal. Here's a more detailed report on his techniques and technologies: How Does Santa Elude Air Defenses Around the World?
In the meantime, I've been wondering about Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, Santa eluded air defenses all around the world and dropped off presents for all the good boys and girls. How did he fly around the world so fast? I think he may have some super high technology like this motorized sleigh at his disposal. Here's a more detailed report on his techniques and technologies: How Does Santa Elude Air Defenses Around the World?
Watch Finds for the Holidays
Saturday, December 22, 2012
WatchDude is on Twitter
I'm not big into social networking. However, I've been having fun with my new twitter account. If you are into twitter, follow me at
@TheWatchDude
I'm finding lots of interesting watch vendors and afficionados on twitter. It's a good place to get a heads up about new products and cool watches.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Christmas for Hunters - The Watch to Buy
This hunter looks a little dour. Why? Perhaps no one got him a hunting watch for Christmas. It's a little sad.
Fortunately, there are plenty of hunting and fishing watches in the market place. One of my favorite is reviewed here Casio Pathfinder Hunting Timer. The Casio Pathfinder is camouflaged and tells you when the best time to go hunting is based on Solunar Theory. If you have an outdoorsman, fisherman, or hunter on your Christmas list, it's a good call.
By Orhan Bilgin (Zargan) (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons |
Fortunately, there are plenty of hunting and fishing watches in the market place. One of my favorite is reviewed here Casio Pathfinder Hunting Timer. The Casio Pathfinder is camouflaged and tells you when the best time to go hunting is based on Solunar Theory. If you have an outdoorsman, fisherman, or hunter on your Christmas list, it's a good call.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Christmas for Nerds
Do you have a nerd on your Christmas list?
If so, you can always get him a nerdy watch. Nerd watches are big business. There are even online discussion boards dedicated just to Nerd watches. For example, you can visit the Pocket Calculator Show's Nerd Watch Message Board to learn all about vintage nerd watches. They have the coolest collections of interesting and obscure digital watches.
As for me, I only have one genuine nerd watch. It's a Casio Calculator watch. These watches are dirt cheap at Walmart and make a great bonus gift or stocking stuffer at Christmas. If you haven't read it yet, here's my review:
Wristwatch Review: Casio Calculator and Calendar Watch
If that's not nerdy enough, you could always find a vintage slide rule and a book like this one:
If so, you can always get him a nerdy watch. Nerd watches are big business. There are even online discussion boards dedicated just to Nerd watches. For example, you can visit the Pocket Calculator Show's Nerd Watch Message Board to learn all about vintage nerd watches. They have the coolest collections of interesting and obscure digital watches.
As for me, I only have one genuine nerd watch. It's a Casio Calculator watch. These watches are dirt cheap at Walmart and make a great bonus gift or stocking stuffer at Christmas. If you haven't read it yet, here's my review:
Wristwatch Review: Casio Calculator and Calendar Watch
If that's not nerdy enough, you could always find a vintage slide rule and a book like this one:
Friday, December 7, 2012
The Classics Are Back!
In these austere times, many of the elite watch makers have introduced classic versions of watches from earlier simpler eras. According to Watch Time magazine, this is the Classical Revival. But, you don't have to be rich and you don't have to be all Swiss to enjoy a watch with a classic design.
Here are some affordable watches that fit the classic label:
A Guide to the Affordable Men's Watches of the Classical Revival
Here are some affordable watches that fit the classic label:
A Guide to the Affordable Men's Watches of the Classical Revival
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Need a Watch Quick? Try Waltham Watches at CVS
Monday, November 26, 2012
Relic Sawyer - Perfect for Victory at Sea
My Relic Sawyer Wristwatch looks like something issued by the Navy. It's sleek, grey, and purposeful -- like a battleship. The numerals on the bezel are darkened and the face is grey with white baton markers at hourly intervals. They seem purposeful and warlike. Even the sub-dials look like nautical instruments. This Relic watch looks so much like something off of a battleship that I recently took it to a battleship. I stopped by the U.S.S. North Carolina in Wilmington, North Carolina, over the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Battleship itself is moored just across the Cape Fear River from Wilmington, North Carolina. It's a lot of fun to find and view on google maps. For tips on finding the U.S.S. North Carolina and hunting for other battleships, check out my article:
While the Relic Sawyer isn't any kind of official Navy watch, it sure looks like it could be. However, it's far more affordable than any kind of mil-spec hardware that's designed for extreme conditions.
Of course, when you strap on this watch, you can't listen to some namby-pamby, snooty public radio, symphony. You have to listen to something truly awesome. I recommend the Victory at Sea Soundtrack:
Plus, if you are going to wear a watch that looks like it belongs on a battleship, you should learn something about battleships and there is no better starting point than the best documentary series ever made:
The U.S.S. North Carolina in Wilmington, N.C. |
The Battleship and Watch Both Look Sleek |
While the Relic Sawyer isn't any kind of official Navy watch, it sure looks like it could be. However, it's far more affordable than any kind of mil-spec hardware that's designed for extreme conditions.
Ready for Adventure! |
Plus, if you are going to wear a watch that looks like it belongs on a battleship, you should learn something about battleships and there is no better starting point than the best documentary series ever made:
Friday, November 23, 2012
Just Get Him a Timex Already!
Stop agonizing! You can just get him a Timex. They make plenty of perfectly respectable watches and they don't break the budget! I love my Weekender! It's easy to read. It has the date. It lights up at night with a simple press of the crown. It's only about $35 or so. It makes a great stocking stuffer watch.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Stocking Stuffer Watches for Men!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Could a Good Watch Save a General's Career?
"Oh my, look at the time ladies! I've got a war to fight!"
- Not Actually Said by General Patton
Here's a tactic for generals in trouble: when surrounded by bimbos, glance at your watch, politely excuse yourself, and retreat!
If you need a good wristwatch to help defend yourself against bimbos, read:
- Not Actually Said by General Patton
Here's a tactic for generals in trouble: when surrounded by bimbos, glance at your watch, politely excuse yourself, and retreat!
If you need a good wristwatch to help defend yourself against bimbos, read:
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Still the One: My Caravelle Diver-Style Watch
As Thanksgiving and Black Friday approach, I've been thinking a lot about which watch is my favorite and which watch makes the perfect holiday gift. If I could only pick one watch, I'd have to go with my Caravelle. It's got that diver-style look that everyone craves and it's backed by a respectable name - Bulova. While it isn't an Omega, it's still the watch that I wear when I want to feel like James Bond for a Day.
Since the holidays are almost here, I'll soon be sharing some of my articles on the best watches for various price ranges.
This watch is now available with a stainless steel band which overcomes the weakness of a deterioration prone rubber strap.
This watch is now available with a stainless steel band which overcomes the weakness of a deterioration prone rubber strap.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
More Men's Watches at Target
If you are looking for fashionable design and good looks in a man's watch, you can go to Switzerland or you can go to your local Target store. This Mossimo watch looks much like one of the Diesel watches featured here recently.
This Mossimo watch looks great with "hex nuts" securing the bezel to the case. However, the sub-dials are decorative and not functional.
Of course, you can get the real thing direct right here:
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Mossimo Big Numbers Watch |
Of course, you can get the real thing direct right here:
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Visiting the Watch Department at Kohl's
Kohl's is one of my favorite places to shop for watches. Over the years, I've gotten some of my favorite watches from Kohl's. If you haven't visited lately, you don't know what you are missing. Check out my article:
One of the coolest watches that I ever found at Kohl's is this Relic Moonphase watch. It's amazing to have moonphase features that you'd normally find on a expensive European watch on a quartz watch that costs less than $100.
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A Relic Moonphase Watch from Kohl's
I found my best diver-style watch at Kohl's!
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Caravelle by Bulova from Kohl's |
This Relic Sawyer looks slightly nautical in battleship grey.
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Relic Watch at Kohl's |
The Fossil Decker
If you like the look of bronze, Fossil might have the watch for you. The Fossil Outlet store had the watch for me. It's called the Fossil Decker and it has a the rich bronze look that you'd associated with fine nautical instruments. It also has chronometer functions and tachymeter markings on the bezel. It's a cool looking watch. Here's my complete review:
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The Fossil Decker |
Friday, October 12, 2012
The Square Gauntlet Watch by Mossimo
Monday, October 8, 2012
Sears is a good place for watch hardware!
As the holiday's approach, it will be time to start shopping for Christmas gifts. While there are plenty of places to shop for watches online, if you prefer brick'n'mortar experiences, I've found lots of cool watches at an unlikely place: Sears. This article highlights some of the cooler watches that I've found:
If you are looking to expand your personal watch collection or get a gift for a man, you'll find watches that appeal to all ages. Younger watch afficionadoes might like this watch:
A more fashion forward man might like a square watch that looks a bit like a Bell & Ross:
If mechanical mechanisms and bronze would be more appealing, this Elgin quartz/mechanical watch might be a more dressy alternative:
Finally, if you are shopping for a more business-oriented man, you can't go well with a basic Bulova watch like this one:
All in all, it's a pretty amazing variety of watches to find in one basic department store. Plus, Sears/Kmart Rewards program is an awesome way to save money. If you have car repairs or buy tires at a Sears Auto Center, there's a good chance that you'll be able to save big money on a nice watch.
If not, there are plenty of good watches available online like this Bulova from Kohls:
Photo by Gars129 (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons |
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A Structure Watch from Sears |
If mechanical mechanisms and bronze would be more appealing, this Elgin quartz/mechanical watch might be a more dressy alternative:
Finally, if you are shopping for a more business-oriented man, you can't go well with a basic Bulova watch like this one:
All in all, it's a pretty amazing variety of watches to find in one basic department store. Plus, Sears/Kmart Rewards program is an awesome way to save money. If you have car repairs or buy tires at a Sears Auto Center, there's a good chance that you'll be able to save big money on a nice watch.
If not, there are plenty of good watches available online like this Bulova from Kohls:
Friday, October 5, 2012
The Fossil Ansel Retro-Style Men's Wristwatch
From the classic-style of Mad Men to the latest iteration of James Bond, retro-style remains popular today. There was nothing wrong with the watches of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. They were functional and well-designed. That's why the Fossil Ansel (Model FS4671) never goes out of style. To read a complete review, check out my article--
Wristwatch Review: Fossil Men's Ansel Vintage-Style Quartz Watch with Stainless Steel Band
The Ansel gives you a chance to wear a classic watch-style every day. Here is another Ansel with a black leather band:
Wristwatch Review: Fossil Men's Ansel Vintage-Style Quartz Watch with Stainless Steel Band
The Ansel gives you a chance to wear a classic watch-style every day. Here is another Ansel with a black leather band:
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
The Watches of Presidential Candidates
Blah-Blah-Blah-Blah-Blah. The first Presidential debate is running along. Americans face an important choice in November. It's a choice that is beyond the scope of this blog. But, as my mind wanders, I wonder what kind of watches the candidates wear.
According to a blog called Spudland, Mitt Romney has been photographed wearing a non-descript but functional Nixon "Private" watch.
Romney's watch is devoid of subdials and expensive-looking flourishes. Here is another Nixon-brand watch.
President Obama has been seen wearing a Jorg-Gray 6500 watch that was given to him by his Secret Service detail.
This enlargement is grainy, but it's a simple black chronometer watch with subdials and a secret service logo.
If you'd like a Jorg-Gray 6500 watch just like the one worn by President Obama, you can get it right here:
According to a blog called Spudland, Mitt Romney has been photographed wearing a non-descript but functional Nixon "Private" watch.
By Gage Skidmore [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons |
President Obama has been seen wearing a Jorg-Gray 6500 watch that was given to him by his Secret Service detail.
This enlargement is grainy, but it's a simple black chronometer watch with subdials and a secret service logo.
If you'd like a Jorg-Gray 6500 watch just like the one worn by President Obama, you can get it right here:
Monday, October 1, 2012
Structure Military-style Watch from Sears
Check out my full review here -
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Timex Expedition - Digital
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Structure Men's Diver-Style Watch
Structure is one of my favorite inexpensive watch brands. Their watches sell at Sears for $30 to $35 or so. Made by MZ Berger, Structure watches are a definite step up from the $10 to $20 watches that MZ Berger makes for retailers like Walmart. Structure watches are always up to date in their styling and look good on the wrist. One of my latest Structure watches is a very cool diver-style watch. It looks like it would be a great watch for a diver, a surfer, a preppy, or a rapper. You can read a complete review here:
Here's a cool Structure watch at a good price:
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Structure Diver Style Watch |
The best place to buy Structure brand watches is at Sears. You should note that fashion quartz watches at this price point don't actually have names. I've tried to describe the watch as best I can, but you'll have to hunt! Have fun!
Friday, September 21, 2012
Big Bad Diesel Watches
Have you seen the big watches that hip-hop artists wear? Some folks are wearing watches that seem as big as Flav-a-flav's alarm clock. The Diesel watches have cases that measure a big honkin' 67 millimeters by 59.5 millimeters. That's Huge!
The Diesel White Out is equally striking. It draws you eye in no matter where you see it.
These watches are a little too big for my taste, but if you like big watches and you cannot lie, these might be the watches for you.
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Diesel Black Out: DZ1460 |
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Diesel White Out DZ1461 |
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Unlisted Watch by Kenneth Cole
I found a great looking quartz watch at Ross last week. It has a black plastic bezel, classic diver's watch style, and protection for it's crown. The brand is called "Unlisted by Kenneth Cole." Regularly priced around $30, the watch I found was only $15.
Here is an Unlisted by Kenneth Cole watch without the protected crown:
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Unlisted by Kenneth Cole |
Friday, September 14, 2012
An Octagonal Watch from Structure
Structure is one of my favorite inexpensive watch brands. A staple at Sears, they consistently deliver attractively styled watches for $30 to $35. Here's one that I found in an Octagonal Shape:
This watch reminds me of the $285,000 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore watch that I have had to repeatedly postpone buying. I've also passed on this watch until I can find a proper boat to go with it.
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Structure Octagon |
By the way, if I've just prevented you from paying 10,000 times too much for an octagonal watch, I'll take a commission! Otherwise, you can always buy this Audemars Royal Oak or this Hilfiger octagonal watch for slightly less:
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Watches for Preppies!
Remember preppies? Some might think they are a throwback to the 80s, but their style never really went out of fashion. Instead, it grew up and became part of America's business casual wardrobe. Today, the preppy look isn't confined to snooty prep schools or Ivy League college campuses, you are quite likely to see the Lacoste crocodile logo in the cube next to yours in a corporate office tower.
Watches are an important part of the preppy look. They can be simple traditional automatics with a leather band or colorful watches with iconic graphics. I recently saw lots of Lacoste watches at my local Macy's store.
However, you can find lots of nice preppy watches at far lower price points. For example, the Timex Weekender is always an appropriate choice and looks much classier than it's low price tag.
However, preppy looks are attainable with even less expensive watch bargains from US Polo Assocation and the Thre3 brand by US Polo.
Here are some great preppy watches from US Polo, Timex, Izod, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, and K&Bros!
A Lacoste Shirt |
Watches are an important part of the preppy look. They can be simple traditional automatics with a leather band or colorful watches with iconic graphics. I recently saw lots of Lacoste watches at my local Macy's store.
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Lacoste Wristwatches |
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Timex Weekender Watch |
However, preppy looks are attainable with even less expensive watch bargains from US Polo Assocation and the Thre3 brand by US Polo.
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US Polo Association Watch |
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Go Gators!
Today, the Florida Gators will be playing Texas A&M. We'll be watching at home or at a local eatery. Here's the watch for the day!
Of course, if you like real gators, you should check out this preview of my latest photography project - The Alligator Calendar - 2013:
Of course, if you like real gators, you should check out this preview of my latest photography project - The Alligator Calendar - 2013:
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Walmart: The Power of a Simple Watch
Sometimes the no-name Walmart watches are best when they are simple. It's hard to beat a simple quartz watch with a Japanese movement with an understated case and legible numbers.
For example, this Walmart watch has all the trappings of a basic military-style watches at a fraction of the price. The only thing you don't get with a watch like this is luminous hands and a backlighting system. But, for everyday wear, a wristwatch like this looks great.
Here's another simple classic watch from Smith & Wesson:
For example, this Walmart watch has all the trappings of a basic military-style watches at a fraction of the price. The only thing you don't get with a watch like this is luminous hands and a backlighting system. But, for everyday wear, a wristwatch like this looks great.
Here's another simple classic watch from Smith & Wesson:
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