Sunday, December 28, 2014

Wristwatch Review: Pulsar PS9319 Diver-style Dress Watch

For Christmas 2014, my wife got me this nice Pulsar diver-style watch.  It's model PS9319 and she purchased it at Kohl's.  It was originally marked at $145, but with Kohl's sale price + a 30% off coupon + a $10 off coupon for watches over $50, the price came way, way, down to just over $60.

Pulsar PS9319 Diver-style Dress Watch

It's a well proportioned watch with nice readable markers and a panoramic date window that I don't need to squint to read.  The watch has a curved mineral crystal, a sunburst dial, and a brilliant blue dial color.  The case and bracelet are stainless steel and the watch is water resistant to 100 meters.  That's a lot to like about a reasonably priced watch from the Seiko family of watch companies.  The only downside to this watch is that it has a non-rotating bezel.  That could result in some burned pizzas.  On the plus side, the bezel can never be knocked askew and will always look great!

Initially, this Pulsar Men's PS9319 Analog Display Japanese Quartz Silver Watch was a little too large.  But, I removed a link using the Android watch repair kit that I won in a contest sponsored by my friends over at ZuluTimeZone.com.  With one link removed, the watch fits perfectly.

The watch has a 45 mm diameter case that is 11.65 mm thick.  That makes the watch just the right size for the office without being too heavy or too big.  The bracelet and case have an alternating high gloss shine and satin finish motif that makes the watch dressy enough for an office and rugged enough for casual wear.

Overall, I like this watch very much.  This Pulsar comes in with great looks, perfect proportions, and a very wearable weight.

Pulsar PS9319 Diver-style Dress Watch

Sunday, December 21, 2014

A Look at the Shopping Mall Watch Kiosk

I've been noticing the watch kiosk at my local mall.  It seems to attract a little more attention than the conventional watch stores.  For the young urban mall crowd, bigger and flashier watches seem to rule.
A Watch Kiosk at the Mall
Many of the brands seem to be Diesel inspired.  However, Diesel watches aren't clearly displayed.  I think they may be on a higher shelf behind the glass lest they walk in the bustling mall.  The kiosk features brands like Gino Milano, Onyk, Omax, and Charles Raymond.  I'm not sure what they are charging for each watch. I wish prices were clearly marked.  Some watches are packaged in a premium way and others are just laid out on the shelves.  However, these watch brands actually actually appear to be inexpensive online.

For example, most Onyk watches retail for less than $30.  If you are a fan of the big watch look, these Onyk watches might actually be a great alternative to far more expensive watches from Diesel.


However, Diesel has been pushing the watch form into interesting multi-dial designs.  There are multi-dial watches at the kiosk.  One brand that caught my eye is Omax.  They have a variety of multi-dial designs and a few conventional looks as well.  On Amazon, the brand is also very competitively priced.


I'll have to explore these brands a little more.  Perhaps, I could open a watch kiosk right here on this very blog!

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Watch Shopping Before Christmas

It's Friday night before Christmas at my local mall.  The energy of the holiday shopping crowd is palpable.  Watch stores and kiosks abound.  But, I'm not shopping.  Many watches at Sears are 25% off.  But, I need to buy some tires soon.  Tonight, I'm just an observer.  Unfortunately, the watch stores nearby seem pretty empty to me.

A Watch Retailer at My Local Mall

Why?  Well, for starters, they've tucked the price tags under the watches.  They seem to teach this is Jewelry Merchandising 101.  Thus, you as a customer have to talk to someone before you even know how much your potential purchase might be.  When you finally can see a price, it's likely to be higher than the prices offered on the Internet.  Finally, many of the watches aren't really my style.

If they wanted to lure me in, they'd have prices clearly marked and promotional displays with watches for $50, $75, and $100.  They'd also have a sign promoting certain brands starting at $200.  That would give me a clear indication of where potential gifts would lie in my gift giving budget.  Plus, I don't really want to talk to anyone until I'm hooked on a potential purchase.

Friday, December 19, 2014

Gift Ideas: Watches for Gamblers

Do you or does someone on your gift list enjoy the glitz and glamour of the casino?  A sharp suit, highly polished shoes, cuff links that dazzle, and an incredible watch complete the mental image of a sharp dressed high roller.

Fastest Hands Steve Dacri - Photo By Pattymooney (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

The bright lights of Vegas beckon everyone to the world of wrist watches!


Vegas Strip By Nandaro (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons


For those who close their eyes and imagine the click of a roulette wheel, check out this Invicta Roulette Wheel watch. If any watch company brings the bling to town, it's Invicta. It puts all the glamour of Vegas on right on the wrist.

Invicta Roulette Wheel Watch

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Gift Ideas: Movado Luxury Watches for Women

If anyone deserves a beautiful gift for the holidays or an anniversary, it is your wife. She deserves a watch that is both a beautiful piece of jewelry and a wonderfully functional timepiece. Founded in 1881, Movado is one of those brands that stands the test of time.


Movado is best known for modernist designs highlighted by their famous "Museum Dial"--a minimalist dial with a large bright dot at 12 o'clock. When it comes to women's watches, staying simple and elegant while adding a layer of luxury can be a design challenge. But, Movado designers met it well with their Concerto watch for women.  The Movado Women's 0606421 "Concerto" Diamond-Accented Stainless Steel Watch features a mother of pearl dial museum dial ringed with a galaxy of diamonds.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Five Watches for the Super Rich

Watches for Lottery Winners 


[This article is reprinted from my articles published the now defunct Yahoo Contributors Network.  However, it is still fun to dream.  The watches are still out there to add to your collection.  They are all just a lottery ticket away.]


Watch making is an art. It reaches it's pinnacle in watches for the world's wealthiest people. If I were one of those people, here are five watches that would definitely be on my shopping list.

Every week the Megamillions and Powerball lotteries get bigger and bigger. When they do, they give everyone something to dream about. If I were to win a big lottery or become super wealthy, here are five watches for the super rich that would join my watch collection:

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver. As a man of wealth and means, I would enjoy yachting again. Of course, I'd have to step up from the 19-foot Flying Scot sail boat of my youth. I'd have to buy a much larger yacht with steeped in teak and tradition. I'd also need a watch to go with it. For yachting, I'd have to go with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver. According to Audemars Piguet, the Offshore Diver is made of exotic materials including "black ceramic case, glareproofed sapphire crystal, titanium glareproofed sapphire crystal caseback, black ceramic bezel and crowns, titanium links." I wouldn't have to worry about the $30,000 to $50,000 price tags these watches carry on Amazon. I'd probably visit a jeweler in person. I like the octagonal bezel that evokes the looks of a nautical portal.


Breitling Bentley GT Watch. Of course, if I were super rich, I wouldn't spend every waking moment on the yacht. I'd have to drive around some too. Thus, I'd need a watch to go with my car. That would leave me with no choice but to buy a Breitling for Bentley watch. To match my ride, I'd choose the Breitling Bentley GT. A certified chronometer, the Bentley GT watch features a Breitling 13B automatic movement, three subdials, and the unmistakable silhouette of the Bentley GT on the case back. It's a steal at just under $5000 on jomashop.com. For now, I'll just keep looking for a Toyota Highlander watch.


Constantin Vacheron. One can't join the ranks of the super-rich and not wear a suit from time to time. I'd at least have to don a sport jacket to sit with my skybox friends for big sporting events. For those formal occasions, the perfect dress watch would be the Constantin Vacheron Patrimony Traditionelle Chronograph Perpetual Calendar. According to Constantin Vacheron, this 43mm diameter watch has a manually wound Caliber 1141QP movement with a 48 hour power reserve. But, the workmanship and materials make this watch amazing. There is something special about the rich rose gold case, the fine alligator strap, and the sun and moon perpetually chasing each other on a subdial. Plus, at only $133,645 on PrestigeTime.com, it's a bargain. When a company has been making fine watches since 1755, they must be doing something right. A simpler Constantin Vacheron watch is shown below:


Ulysse-Nardin Maxi Marine Chronograph. I really like the clean look and blue and black dial of this yachtsman's watch. The Ulysse-Nardin anchor symbol on the dial and blue rubber and stainless band look great and evoke the sea. According to Ulysse-Nardin, the watch is water resistant to 200 meters and has screwdown crown and pusher. For less than $7500 on ZuluTimeZone.com, I'd probably just send away for it and pay with the change in my PayPal account.


RGM Pennsylvania Tourbillon. Of course, being super-rich doesn't mean you stop being patriotic. I like watches that are made in America and one of the finest is the RGM Watch Companies Pennsylvania Tourbillon MM2. It has a movement that is made in the United States of America. That's a tremendous accomplishment for a small watch company. Plus, the watch is simply a stunning handmade work of art. Pictures on the RGM website reveal an exhibition side window on the case as well as an exhibition case back. Starting at $95,000 at RGMwatches.com, it is a truly awesome watch that should make the watchmakers of Europe a little nervous.

When I look at these watches only one question remains: Is it too late to buy a lottery ticket today? If I were a rich man, I know exactly which watches I would buy!

Sources:
Amazon.com
Jomashop.com
PrestigeTime.com
RGMwatches.com
Ulysse-Nardin.com
Vacheron-Constantin.com
ZuluTimeZone.com

Friday, December 12, 2014

A Guide to Ultra Thin Wristwatches for Men

The Quest for the Thinnest Wristwatch

[This article is reprinted in a slightly updated form from my contributions to the now defunct Yahoo Contributors Network.  If you are looking to get or give a sleek thin wristwatch, this Christmas, this guide may still come in handy.]

If you believe the shopping channel watch shows, you'll see that men's wristwatches are growing larger and larger. Some men's watches are up to an inch thick. But, here's a watch making secret: thick watches are easy to make. Thin wristwatches are more challenging to make. I enjoy thin wristwatches like my Grenen Men's Stainless Steel Mesh Watch. It's thin, light, and a joy to wear all day. If you want a watch that is comfortable, practical, and fits under the cuff of your shirt, join me on the quest for the thinnest watch.

Grenen Men's Stainless Steel Mesh Watch


Thin Swiss Mechanical Watches. Our first stop is La Côte-aux-Fées, Switzerland, the birthplace of Piaget. In 1874, Piaget got its start making watch movements. In 1943, they became a full-fledged brand and in 1945 they built a factory that became world renowned for making thin watch movements. In 1957, Piaget introduced the Caliber 9P - a hand-wound mechanical movement that was only 2 millimeters thick. In 1968, Piaget followed up with the Caliber 12P which remains the world's thinnest self-winding watch movement at 2.3 millimeters thick. Since then Piaget has made many sophisticated and very thin movements. Today, Piaget makes premium Swiss watches and fine jewelry. They also make the world's thinnest mechanical wristwatches. For example, the thinnest Piaget is the Piaget Altiplano 43 Automatic watch which has a case that is only 5.25 millimeters thick. Unfortunately, such rare watches have high price tags. The base Piaget Altiplano 43 costs about $19,000. If you want the 43 millimeter Piaget Altiplano in white gold, with the dial surrounded by 88 brilliant-cut diamonds, it will run nearly $30,000.

Thin Quartz Watches. At that price, everyone get back on the jet. Our second stop is the Amazon. No, not the exotic anaconda and piranha-filled Amazon of South America. We're stopping at the watch-filled Amazon: Amazon.com. If we want an ultra thin and affordable watch, the Skagen Men's SKW6068 Havene Quartz 3 Hand Stainless Steel Silver Watch has a case that is 6.5 millimeters thick.  It's thin and has a mesh band. But, it's almost a little too dressy for my taste.

To find a more traditional watch with Roman Numerals, check out the Steinhausen Men's TW493G Dunn Horitzon Thin Swiss Quartz Gold Watch is only 5.5 millimeters thick according to Amazon.com. In a silver finish, the Steinhausen is available for a little less.

Finally, if we pop over to overstock.com, we can find the very traditional Stuhrling Original Men's Black 'Belmont' Ultra Slim Watch for $59.05. It has a 6 millimeter case.

Thin Watches in Local Markets. Of course, I have quite a few watches already. Most of my watches come from affordable sources like Kohl's, Sears, Walmart, and Kmart. So before I buy anything exotic, I'd better grab a ruler and check my own watch collection. I found a great watch called the Hamlin Ultra Thin Dress Watch at Sears and it has a case around 7 millimeters thick. My Grenen watch with a stainless steel mesh band looks great in black, has a stainless steel mesh band, and has a case that is similarly only 7 millimeters thick. It's bigger brother, the Grenen Men's Analog Watch with Subdials has a case that appears to be between 7 and 8 millimeters thick. Since Grenen watches are designed by Skagen and are widely available at Kohl's, I don't need to order a watch today. For less than $100, perfectly comfortable thin watches with cases that are only a quarter inch thick were just around the corner the whole time!

Hamlin Ultra Thin Dress Watch


Sources:

Amazon.com
Overstock.com
Piaget Official Website
"Piaget Altiplano 43 Automatic Wristwatch Hands-On," Ariel Adams. Ablogtoread.com
"Piaget Altiplano Skeleton Ultra-Thin Automatic Watch," Ariel Adams. Ablogtoread.com
WatchTime Buyer's Guide 2012, WatchTime Magazine. Special Edition 2012.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Timex Watches at Walmart: Timex Expedition (Model T49908)

Late at night, it can be fun to peruse the watch counters at Walmart.  It gives me a chance to peruse the watches that are available at affordable prices.  Lately, I've been intrigued by the Timex offering at the big discount store.  For example, some of the Timex Expedition watches pictured below sell for far higher prices at other brick and mortar retailers.

The watch on the far right is intriguing because it reminds me of my AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane watch.  However, without the fighter plane motif and insignia, it's not nearly as cool.  The Timex Expedition on the far left looks much like my Timex Vintage Metal.  It's a birthday gift watch that my wife paid $54 for at Belk.
Premium Timex Watches at Walmart

Of the watches pictured, I am most interested in the second watch from the left.  It's Timex Expedition (Model T49908) and it features a simulated wood grain dial.  The band is leather. 

Timex Expedition (Model T49908)
This Timex Expedition provides a natural look at an affordable price.  I often find good watches at Walmart on clearance or within the realm of an impulse purchase.  Of course, this Timex is available at the best price here on Amazon.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Stuhrling Original Concorso Raceway Watch - Affordable Exotic

A Rolex Daytona Cosmograph Alternative

If you feel the need for speed, there is no greater watch than the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. It's a fantastic watch that sets the standard for fine Swiss-made chronographs. It goes well with all manner of sporting marques from Aston Martin to Lamborghini.

 By Axion23 (Porsche 917 Racecar) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia CommonsAdd caption

Unfortunately, the Rolex Daytona Cosmograph isn't a watch that everyone can afford. Good taste doesn't always come with the requisite income.  Luxury brands like Rolex make things worse by pricing themselves far above the modest means of common folks.  They are an exclusive brand. 



Yet, we can dream.  Fortunately, companies like Stuhrling Original can help us make those dreams come true with watches that allow us to show off our good taste and fashion sense.  Speed and taste aren't just for the rich anymore!

By Andrew Basterfield (Lada rally car) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

If you like the classic looks of a Rolex Daytona, check out the Stuhrling Original Concorso Raceway watches. These watches have the looks and lines of the Rolex Daytona at a fraction of the price.

Sturhling Original Concorso Raceway




Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Watch Sighting: Movado Vizio Stainless Steel Watch

A couple of weeks ago, a co-worker wore an interesting stainless steel Movado watch.  It had the signature dot at 12 o'clock, but it also had multi-function dials. It's a sensibly sized watch with a 44.5 millimeter diameter case that is 9.5 millimeters thick. The stainless steel band is a manly 22 millimeters wide.


When it comes to Movado, I prefer the simpler "museum watch" designs. However, this Movado Vizio watch definitely catches the eye.

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Christmas Gift Ideas: Watches with Leather Straps

There is something nice about wearing watch with a soft and supple leather strap.  Leather strap watches are comfortable to wear, look good, and fit well.  They also don't pull all those little hairs off your wrist.  If you are looking to give a watch this Christmas, don't overlook watches with leather straps.

As I look through my own collection, I find that I often choose leather watches for daily wear.  For example, a watch like my Invicta 1461 has a timeless, classic look, that is only enhanced by its riveted leather strap.

Invicta 1461 Vintage Collection Riveted Leather Strap Watch

Leather strap watches are also the perfect fit for a business casual world.  I find that the earth tones of a brown leather strap go quite well with the khaki pants that are found in every business casual wardrobe.

AVI-8 Lancaster Bomber

If you are looking to give a Christmas gift this season, a watch with a leather strap might just be the perfect choice.

Drive by Citizen Eco-Drive Watch

Of course, there are hundreds of watches with leather straps in this world.
Fortunately, Amazon has a wonderful selection of them here:  Leather Strap Watches. All you have to do is look through their vast selection!

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Wristwatch Review: GameTime Agent Series College Team Watch

An Inexpensive Wristwatch to Express Your Team Spirit 

[Since this is the last day of the Florida Gators regular season football, this review seems appropriate.  It is republished from Yahoo Contibutors Network.  But, I still love the watch!]

Want to show your team spirit? The GameTime Agent Series is an officially licensed team watch for every day use.

 

If you are looking for an officially licensed team wristwatch, you might try the GameTime Agent series team watch. These watches retail for about $30 on the Gametimeshop.com website, but my wife happened across a Florida Gator watch for me from GameTime at Walmart for $20. The Gametime Agent series watch is a traditional analog watch featuring a stainless steel case back, a silver plastic case, a rotating black bezel, and a black nylon and Velcro strap. The face of the watch features a team logo on a background of team colors.

Agent series watches are available for most major college teams, most pro football teams, many pro basketball teams, several pro hockey teams, several NASCAR drivers, and even the fictional favorite driver Ricky Bobby. My Florida Gator watch has the familiar toothy Gator logo in an orange oval set against a beautiful blue background. It looks great.

According to literature supplied with the Florida Gator watch, the Gametime Agent Series has a quartz movement and is shock resistant and water resistant down to 3 Atmospheres. The Gametime Agent series is covered by a limited lifetime warranty that mandates an $8.50 handling fee to service the watch. When my wife initially bought me the Gator Watch, I was re-assured to see that a tiny plastic spacer was preserving watch battery life by keeping the watch stem from being pressed in. Nothing is more annoying to watch buyers than seeing a battery-powered wristwatch ticking away valuable battery life in a store case.


As a Gator fan, the team logo immediately biases me in favor of this wristwatch. Beyond the officially licensed Gator logo, the Gametime Agent Series watch has sharp styling. The black bezel rotates easily and can be used to measure elapsed time with the first twenty minutes marked with white 1-minute hash marks and additional hash marks every five minutes around the bezel. Legible white numbers are placed on the bezel at 10 minute increments. From a distance or on casual examination, the GameTime Agent series watch does not look cheap and would not be embarrassing in any social situation. Fit and finish are good and meet typical expectations for Chinese-made consumer products.

The watch is light weight and easy to wear all day. This NCAA-licensed watch is sized for men without being a clunker. The Gametime Agent series watch has a 1 and 5/8-inch diameter face and 3/8-inch thick body. My Gator watch does not have the weight, heft, or polish of my larger multi-function watches. However, the Gametime Agent Series team watch functions well and the Japanese movement kept accurate time over two days of observation against an accurate clock. Since I have rather large wrists and have trouble finding watches that fit, I was most impressed by the generous 10-inch band length provided.

Of course, no $30 wristwatch is perfect. Even a Gator wristwatch has a few flaws, for example the Velcro wrist strap looks like it would be difficult to remove from the watch. Since the wrist strap covers the stainless case back, it is difficult to read the etching on the back and it would be difficult to change the battery. The Velcro band is backed by typical black nylon webbing and tends to trap heat and perspiration. This NCAA licensed watch also lacks "glow in the dark" or back light features. You also won't find any calendar features on this inexpensive Gator watch. This watch just doesn't provide the date or day. Finally, at $8.50, the warranty handling fee hardly seems worth the trouble if the watch breaks.

Overall, I'm pleased with my GameTime Agent Series wristwatch. It simply looks nice and allows me to show support for the Florida Gators every day.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Christmas Gift Ideas: Watches for Women

At Christmas time, we traditionally exchange gifts with family.  It's a good time to look beyond the typical dude watches we want and think of gifts for other people.   We may even want to consider watches for some of the women in our lives.

Flipping through the pages of my wife's InStyle and People Style magazines, I see plenty of great watches at attractive price points.

If you are headed to the mall, you can hit the watch counter at Sears.  You wouldn't think of the struggling giant as a place to buy jewelry, but they often have good deals on Armitron, Bulova, and Caravelle watches.  I'd recommend a look at women's Armitron watches with Swarovski crystals.


If you are looking for something more upscale, Macy's department store is a good place to start.  They carry plenty of women's watches that have style and class.  The designer brand, Anne Klein, offers a variety of nice watches at Macy's starting at $95. But, you can find Anne Klein Watches here for less!

If you are looking for a gift for a special lady, this is a good time to consider a watch.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Great Gift Watches: Men's Invicta 8932 Pro Diver Watch

For the duration of this holiday season, I'm going to keep an eye out for great Christmas gift watches and black friday alternatives.  If adventure wears a watch, it surely wears a dive watch.  Of course, the tone for dive watches was set by the original Rolex Submariner.  It's a wonderfully capable and iconic watch.



However, it is priced well beyond the means of most of us.  Fortunately, there are plenty of watches that are inspired by the classic Rolex design.


One of the most attractive and affordable is the Invicta 8932 Pro Diver.  It's a nice looking dive watch with a quartz movement.  Plus, with 200 meters of water resistance, it's not a bad watch for taking a swim.  The 39 millimeter case will look at home on any wrist.  This watch makes a respectable, but affordable, Christmas gift.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

New Watch Brand at Walmart: Marathon by Timex

I noticed another new watch brand at Walmart:  Marathon by Timex.  If you are a fan of digital watches, you'll find that this new brand offers traditional Timex digital features like a stopwatch, alarm, and indiglo lighting at a much lower price point:  $15.88


 It looks like a pretty tough bang around watch and a great watch for kids and adults who like to play outside.   For less than $16, the watch makes a great stocking stuffer this Christmas.


Monday, November 24, 2014

Great Watch Deals: ZuluTimeZone Insignum

My friends over at ZuluTimeZone are still blowing out there remaining inventory of Insignum watches at bargain clearance prices!  You can get a $250 Insignum watch for less than $75 + shipping.  All of the watches feature contemporary German design and quality control. 

Insignum is a fledgling brand from Germany.  They combine German engineering and Asian manufacturing to bring an affordable high quality watch to your wrist.  However, as I understand it, the brand seems to have withdrawn from the American market to focus on Europe.  That means you get a European designed watch that NO ONE in your office will be wearing.

The Insignum Forum Black 3 Eye Sports Chronograph shown below looks great.  But, the ZTZ clearance sale is a no returns, all sales final, while supplies last kind of deal.  If you want a great deal, you need to jump on it.

Insignum Forum Sports Chronograph

If you peruse the rest of the ZTZ website, you'll notice a couple of great buys.

First they have a pre-sale going for Android Parma 200 Automatic Dive watches.  These are limited edition watches that can be ordered with a free kit.  The Android Parma 200 offers 200-meter water resistance and a traditional dive watch look with a bit of Android flare that looks really good.

Second, you might notice another interesting brand at affordable prices: Techne. They've got some really sharp looking aviation inspired watches like the Techne Merlin at prices that compete with the department store watches that everyone wears.



Sunday, November 23, 2014

New Watch Brand at Walmart: globlu

On a recent excursion to Walmart, I noticed a new watch brand:  globlu.  These watches sell for only $11 and they have dial lighting system similar to the famed Timex Indiglo system.  As my watch boxes are overflowing, I didn't buy or try any of these watches.  However, they might be a good choice for a bang around watch.


To activate the dial light, you simply press the offset "pusher" button at the 1 o'clock position.


Sometimes I think Walmart just puts these low prices out in order to push name brand suppliers like Timex, Casio, and Armitron to keep prices low.


In terms of style, these watches are pretty generic.  However, globlu watches are an interesting option if you are in the market for a low cost watch.  With the holiday season approaching, they also might make a good stocking stuffer.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Beautiful and Affordable Armitron Watch for Men

Armitron makes watches that come in at a variety of price points.  It's not considered a particularly prestigious watch brand.  But, when the designers at Armitron sit down and decide to make a great looking watch, they make a great looking watch.  I've gotten plenty of compliments on Armitron watches over the years.

For example, the Armitron below often draws double-takes, second glances, and questions.  People are always surprised to learn that it is an Armitron watch.  You can read my original review of this watch here.


Armitron Men's Stainless Steel Quartz Watch

Armitron Model 20/4859GNSVBN

If you are looking for a really nice watch that fits into your Christmas shopping budget this year, you'll want to check out the latest Armitron watches for men on Amazon.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Is this Jaguar the Perfect Car for my Drive by Citizen Watch

As the winter chill finally makes its way down to Georgia, I ran across the perfect car to go with my Drive by Citizen EcoDrive watch!  It's a black Jaguar XK!  With a 5-liter V-8 and a top speed of 155 miles per hour, it would definitely get me to work on time.


Drive by Citizen - Eco Drive Watch
It think that this Jaguar would really complement my wardrobe and watch collection.  Since these black cats start at only $84,500, I'm only about $84,600 away from owning one of my own!

Fortunately, we can all afford the watch! If you'd like to read a review of my Citizen Eco-Drive watch, click here:

Wristwatch Review: Drive by Citizen Men's Black Ion Plated Eco-Drive Strap Watch

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Official NHL Watches

One thing we don't make a big deal about in the south is hockey.  It's too bad.  We could enjoy the coolness of a hockey rink and the sport confirms that Yankees can be rude--with all those checks into the boards.

LA Kings Hockey Player:  PHoto By Kaz Andrew (Flickr: NHL Hockey Players (1)) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

In Atlanta, we lost our NHL team to some place in Canada.  We still have a great minor league team called the Gwinnett Gladiators.


If you are a hockey fan, it is time to gear up with jerseys, hats, and even watches.  There are plenty of officially licensed NHL team watches on Amazon.com.



Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Super Cheap Watches on Amazon.com

Usually, I look to Walmart and Sears for super cheap watches.  While they aren't prestigious, they can give you an interesting look for less than $20.  However, I've noticed that there are some nice looking inexpensive watches on Amazon.com as well.

While I'm not fond of non-functioning sub-dials, this watch from Somen Tungstenlooks great. All of their watches are affordable and have a fashionable and contemporary style.


However, cheap quartz watches aren't the only option on the huge online retailer.  inexpensive skeleton watches abound at price points under $25.  I thought I got a great deal at Walmart a few years ago when I got this skeleton watch for $50.  But, now there a plenty of skeleton watches to choose from online.


I've never heard of Youyoupifa watches before, but they sell for low prices and have fairly decent reviews.


With all these inexpensive watch options online, you can try out a look for just a few dollars.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Choosing A Job Interview Watch

What kind of watch should I wear for a job interview?  

It's a common question.  When it comes to job interviews, I like to dress in a conservative suit with a very nice tie.  I choose a watch that is tasteful, but not distracting.  I like for that watch to be from a reputable, but not extravagant brand.  Typically, I wear a Pulsar, Seiko, or Bulova watch for job interviews. 


I like the band to be metal and I usually prefer silver tones to gold.  I think silver or black goes best with navy blue or gray suits.  I don't think brown is appropriate for those suit colors.  I would reserve brown watch straps for wear with a tweedy combination of brown and tan or khaki.


For a job interview, I should be the center of attention not my watch.  The watch is a contributor to an overall look of professionalism, reliability, and polish.  For these traits, my Bulova has been getting the nod lately.


Here are some similar Bulova models:




Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Watch Sighting: Hamilton Aviator Khaki

Today, I spotted an interesting watch at work.  It was a Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot watch.  The Khaki is a design inspired by vintage aviation watches of the twenties and thirties.  



From across a conference room table, I could see it was an extraordinary timepiece.  It had a strong, slightly oversized, stainless steel case to present a military style dial with an outer ring of shiny numerals marking 5 minute intervals.  An inner ring provides the hours.  A comfortable looking crocodile strap kept it securely on the wearer's wrist.  

Overall, it looked like a very nice automatic timepiece.  The entire line of Hamilton Khaki Aviation watches looks exciting.  When a meeting steals your soul, you can soar with your timepiece.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Florida-Georgia Game Day Watch

Today, at 3:30 p.m, the Florida-Georgia Football game is played in Everbank Stadium in beautiful Jacksonville, Florida.  My Florida Gators have had a tough season this year (2014).  We've lost some tough games and some of our stars haven't reached their potential.  Our coach Will Muschamp is definitely on the hot seat.  However, I hope that the Gators can overcome their problems and come together for an upset victory over the Georgia Bulldogs.  It would be a stunning upset and there's nothing more fun than upsetting a football rival.

Jacksonville Florida Skyline - photo by Jonathan Zander [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://ceativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC-BY-SA-2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons


My official watch for today's game will be one of Game Time's Florida Gator watches with our toothy logo front and center. Amazon.com has a ton of them!


However, Bulldog fans shouldn't fret.  They can get a wristwatch of their own.  Of course, they may need to get someone to help them learn to read it. This one is super fashionable.


How did the 2014 Florida-Georgia game turnout?  The Florida Gators surprised Georgia with a fake field goal for a touhch down and then chomped down on the Bulldogs.  They never let up with an amazing running attack and beat them 38-20.

As a English major who graduated from Florida in the late 80s, I know victory doesn't make the hero.  Overcoming adversity, facing challenges, suffering set backs and then rising to victory makes heroes.  I hope that the team enjoys the winning feeling.  If they persevere, fight hard and win many of the remaining games, they'll be bowl bound!

Friday, October 31, 2014

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!  If you are looking for the perfect watch for escorting trick-or-treaters, you might want to choose a Timex with Indiglo dial lighting.

 

I find that the Timex Weekender is the kind of watch value that you can really sink your fangs into!

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

What is your dream watch?

Every year, the HGTV television network generates a lot of excitement by holding a drawing to give away what they call the HGTV Dream House. This year they are giving away a condominium in Atlanta that they are calling the HGTV Urban Oasis.  It's an exciting contest even though I could not even afford the tax bill if I were to win.  That condo is the kind of home most people dream about for a lifetime.



It makes me wonder: what kind of watch would I wear if money were no object?  A year or two ago, I would have gone for something by Bell & Ross.  But now, I'd probably up my game and go for something by Ulysse-Nardin or Breitling.  But, for running around in a crowded city, I'd still have a Timex for daily wear.

The Bentley I Should Be Driving!  Photo By Norbert Aepli, Switzerland (User:Noebu) (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

If money were no object, which watch brand would you wear?

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Wristwatch Review: Marvel Comics Hero Watch - Ghost Rider

Are you into comic books? Do you want a bad looking watch at a low price?  If you like a watch with a slightly sinister dial, you might check out the Marvel Comics SuperHero watches at Kohls.


My watch.  I got this watch with a flaming skull motif on the dial.  It celebrates the Marvel Comic series:  Ghost Rider.

AccuTime Ghost Rider Watch from Kohls

Price.  All of the Marvel Comics watches cost less than $34.99 at Kohls.  The Ghost Rider watch that I bought cost around $22 when all of the sales and discounts were applied.  The Kohls that we visited also had Batman and Superman wristwatches in the Marvel series.

Style.  The watch itself has very normal-size proportions with a non-rotating diver style bezel.  The silicone strap is soft and comfortable and sports three shiny ribs on each side of the watch for a little extral pizzazz.  Adults will be relieved to know that the silicone strap is long enough to accommodate full-sized wristscwith ease.  The skull motif on the dial is subtle so you can probably wear this watch to work without executive notice.

Construction.  The Marvel Comic book watches at Kohls are made by Accutime, a large importer of Chinese-made quartz watches.  It has a base metal case and a stainless steel case back.

Overall. I really like this watch.  It adds a bit of whimsy to my watch collection and makes a for a interesting conversation piece.  As a comfortable and inexpensive bang around watch, The Ghost Rider watch is just about perfect.

If I ever want Ghost Rider cuff links to go with it, I can find them here: