Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Caribbean Joe Cushion Case Quartz Watch

Lately, I've been wearing my new Caribbean Joe Cushion Case Quartz Watch. It was the Caribbean Joe watch I sighted a week ago. That's willpower. I held off buying it for a whole day. However, it was a great deal at Kohl's. With all the different coupons and Black Friday deals, I was able to get it for less than $20. It's pictured here at the Unclaimed Baggage store under the watchful gaze of professional diving equipment that was lost in the air transportation system.

A commercial dive mask appears to be looking at my Caribbean Joe Watch

The watch has non-functional subdials for decorative purposes. In some ways, I hate non-functional subdials. However, I'm also a little relieved not to have to fuss with setting the subdials. Once again, Caribbean Joe achieves the mission of achieving good looks on a low budget.

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Titanium Tuesday: The Bertucci Men's A-2T Original Classic Field Watch

Bertucci is a small watch company that is quickly making a name for itself.  Bertucci designs and patents many of its watches and components in the United States and assembles the watches in the United States using a mix of US and globally sourced parts. They have the Bertucci A-2T Original Classic with a 40mm diameter  Titanium case. I've been looking at field watches for quite some time and this one is a good choice.

Bertucci A-2T Original Classic Titanium Watch

The watch has some impressive features that make it field ready.  Quicksand, swamps, and river fording are all easily undertaken since the watch has a screwdown crown and screwdown caseback that provides 200 meters of water resistance. It also has an R-Type harden mineral crystal for scratch resistance. The watch has a Japanese or Swiss quartz movement.

The Bertucci A-2T Original Classic Titanium Field Watch is listed on Amazon here.

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Sharp Watch Shoutout: The Bulova Super Seville

The hot trend in men's watches right now is the return of dress watches and the return of smaller dial sizes. Perhaps it is due to the mass realization that we won't all be SCUBA diving today? Or, maybe, it's a matter of men making the best of return to the office mandates? I'm not sure. But, it has certainly surfaced some interesting watches lately. The Bulova Super Seville (Model 97B223) brings together a high tech Precisionist quartz movement, the richness of a gold tone, and the best of retro style. This is a watch that really deserves a sharp watch shout out!

Bulova Super Seville (Bulova photo)

Sometimes, I think that gold-toned stainless steel watches with fluted bezels are simply copying the famed Rolex Datejust. But, Bulova brings in an interesting twist with what they call a retro TV case shape. The iconic tuning fork also brings in a touch of class. The 262 kHz Precisionist movement brings in technology that brings extraordinary timekeeping and a smooth, almost sweeping, motion to the second hand. I think Bulova has brought together a unique package with the Super Seville.

Bulova Super Seville - Bulova Photo

Finally, I can't really afford this watch. But, at about $500 to $800, it's not entirely out of reach either. If I had to suit up on a regular basis and interact with executives or argue cases in a courtroom, this watch would be a great choice. Heck, in a situation where business casual means a nice dress shirt with no tie, a great pair of slacks, and really nice shoes, the Bulova Super Seville would be a great choice. 

I can really envision this watch as part of a very sharp outfit for a high profile job. But, I can't see it on Amazon yet.  If you'd like a Bulova Super Seville, you can find it here on the Bulova Website. The watch is also available at Zales, Reeds, and other jewelers.  For something this nice, it might be good to see it in person and have the bracelet adjusted as needed.

Friday, December 6, 2024

Watch Shopping at the Unclaimed Baggage Store

I recently added a Diesel Mega Chief to my collection. With a 51mm diameter dial, it's an iconic big watch design from Diesel.  It's a quartz watch with subdials and an interesting metal shield or guard around the 3 o'clock position.  You can read all about, and possibly buy, this great watch here on Amazon. For me, the source of my watch is the more interesting story.  I bought this watch used at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Alabama.  It has some wear  and tear, but it was only $54.

My Diesel Mega Chief

According to the Unclaimed Baggage store website, whenever airlines lose passenger bags or recover items left behind on airliners or in airport terminals, they try to find the owner for 3 months.  Then, they sell the goods to Unclaimed Baggage.  They recycle some, donate some, and sell the best at their retail store and online.  Getting to the brick-n-mortar store is quite a journey, but they have some amazing items at often amazing prices. You can see a tiny fraction of their inventory on the watch portion of their website.

Watches Priced from $30 to $59 at the Unclaimed Baggage Store

The store segments watches into price categories.  They have tons of inexpensive (less than $30) digital and analog fashion watches hung from pegs on displays out on the sales floor of the jewelry section.  Under the counter, the store has watches usefully segments by price up to about $300 or $400.  Above that, they have luxury watch displays with brands like Movado and then even more expensive brands like Nivada, Tudor, and Rolex. Store management generally has a good idea of what watches are worth from various used watch stores, online auctions and the like. You can get some good discounts from new prices, but you won't find a Tudor watch with a scuffed strap for $200.

The shop offers battery replacement for $4.99 on watches you purchase.  That is probably a good idea since you don't know how long the watches on display have been ticking.



Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Timex Tribute NCAA Team Logo Watch

It's always great to be a Florida Gator watching your team trounce FSU while attacking a big plate of ultimate nachos with chili! I bring this watch out pretty regularly when I go somewhere to watch my team play.  Timex makes watches for fans to show their support for many college football teams.  You can read my review of the Timex Tribute Citation here on this blog.

Timex Citation Tribute Series Watch

This 42mm diameter Timex Citation has a 50 meters of water resistance, Indiglo-backlighting for easy night time reading of the dial, and a small date window.  Watches for 45 college teams are available here on Amazon.  Overall, this is a nice watch that I wear regularly.


Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Titanium Tuesday: Boderry Landmaster Men's Titanium Automatic Field Watch

For this Titanium Tuesday, we turn our attention to an offering from Boderry. Established in 2019, Boderry is an unabashedly Chinese watch company. They are focused on harnessing Chinese advantages in manufacturing (with their own factory in Guangzhou) to bring high end watches to consumers at very competitive prices.  For example, this Boderry Landmaster  automatic field watch offers a titanium case, an automatic movement, and 100 meters of water resistance for a low base price of $139 on the Boderry website and slightly less here on Amazon

Boderry Landmaster Titanium Field Watch

You'll want to do your own research into these watches. But, it is interesting to watch the rise of factory direct and factory brand watches in the watch business. Being the middle man between watch manufacturers and consumers may certainly get to be more challenging in the future.

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Watch Sighting: Caribbean Joe Silver Tone Four Dial Watch

Caribbean Joe watches are like potato chips. You can't stop with just one. They are just a guilty pleasure.  They have a cool name. They have a little hut logo on the dial. They are dirt cheap.

The trademark Caribbean Joe hut

I saw one at Kohl's the other night. It was tucked into a display with several other similarly priced Caribbean Joe watches, some Geneva watches, and a few assorted Timex models. 

A Watch Display at Kohls

I passed on it. Instead, I bought a Geneva watch with a cool cyclops over the date. But, the little bugger imprinted itself in my brain.  It has a cushion case which reminds me of a classic watch that I've seen before.  The cushion case gives this Caribbean Joe watch a vintage vibe and, with the multiple non-functional subdials, it remains a masculine watch.  It's a nice simple design. I kind of want it.  As I research cushion cases further, I find that iconic Italian watch maker Panerai uses cushion cases extensively on their Luminor and Radiomir models.  [Oh, wow, here's a whole Amazon treasure trove filled with Panerai watches that I can't afford.]


A Caribbean Joe watch with a cushion case and non-functional subdials.

In contrast, this Caribbean Joe watch only costs $29.99 regularly and is available with all kinds of sales and discounts for Christmas. Of course, as a married dude, one doesn't walk into Kohl's lightly. The trip might be expensive. I may have to ponder this one a bit.

[For today only 12/1/2024 - it is available here online only on the Kohl's website for only $16.79.]


Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Tommy Hilfiger Men's Casual Sports Watch

One of the watches I enjoy wearing most in casual situations is my Tommy Hilfiger "Field" watch.  This one isn't really a field watch, but it looks like one to me.  It has all the right field watch properties with a large readable numbers and hashes and broad white hour and minute hands for great readability.

Tommy Hilfiger Men's Casual Quartz Watch


Are Tommy Hilfiger Watches Any Good?


Hilfiger watches are designed, manufactured, and sold under license by Movado Group. To me, this is an indicator that the company bringing this watch to the marketplace knows a little something about the watch business.  The watch does show a nice finish and great design consistency with other Hilfiger watches, accessories, and clothing products. I find Hilfiger watches to be the perfect choice for business casual environments.

My Tommy Hilfiger watch at a slightly upscale sports bar

Where Can I Buy Hilfiger Watches?

Like many of my Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, and Perry Ellis watches, I found this one at a closeout store like Ross or Marshall's for around $50. Hilfiger watches also hit a middle class sweet spot on pricing with a combination of prices between $65 and $155 on Amazon and many watches in the affordable $80 price range. You can check out the full range of Hilfiger watches on Amazon here.

[If you are looking for some great Black Friday Deals on Hilfiger watches, check out this post from earlier this week.]

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Titanium Tuesday: Skagen Sundby Titanium Watch with Stainless Steel Mesh Band

If you are looking for a sleek modern watch that's just a little different than the mainstream, you really can't go wrong with Fossil's Skagen brand.  They have an interesting looking watch that combines Danish minimalism with a titanium case for a winning combination.  On this watch, I like the look of the urgent orange minute track inboard of the hour markings.  It really stands out against the charcoal gray of the dial, bracelet, and the titanium case.  To me, the overall look seems a little more muscular than the typical Skagen watch.

Skagen Sundby Watch with Titanium Case and Stainless Mesh Band

This quartz watch has a 40mm diameter case and 50 meters of water resistance.  Overall, it has a 4.2 rating on Amazon with over 5,400 ratings.  If you want to say, "Ja!" to this cool looking Skagen watch, you can get it right here on Amazon.

As of this November 25, 2024 post, there is a Black Friday Deal on this Skagen watch that marks it down 59% to a comfortable sub-$100 price point.  You never know how long Amazon Deals will run so I'd jump on it--again right here on Amazon!



Monday, November 25, 2024

Watch Deal Alert: Tommy Hilfiger Watches Amazon Black Friday Deals

If you are looking for great deals on decent, brand name, watches for $150 or less during this holiday gift giving season, check out the watches of Tommy Hilfiger. I love watches from Tommy Hilfiger because the brand provides attractive design, consistent quality, and a high degree of brand acceptance. On Amazon, most Hilfiger watches are usually priced between $75 and $150.  But, for Black Friday, I found some great Amazon deals on a couple of Hilfiger watches. 

Hilfiger Casual Watch Deal

The first timepiece that caught my eye was the Tommy Hilfiger Men's Casual Stainless Steel Watch.  

Tommy Hilfiger Men's Casual Stainless Steel Watch

This casual watch has a black stainless steel case and bracelet and a 42mm case diameter.  The watch is designed for 3ATM or 30 meters of water resistance. The dial has a black and white design that is a pleasing blend of minimalist, tactical, precision and casual.  The case and dial are black with white hands for hours, minutes, and seconds. You can find this great Black Friday Deal here on Amazon.

Hilfiger Racing-Inspired Watch Deal

The next watch deal that caught my attention was the deal on this racing-inspired sports watch.  It's Model 17920282 and it has a stainless steel case with day, date, and 24-hour time represented on subdials.  The price for Black Friday is 45% off.  This brings the watch in comfortably under $100.  You can find this Amazon Black Friday Deal here

Tommy Hilfiger Men's Stainless Steel Racing-Inspired Watch (Model 1792082)

It looks like Amazon Deals on Tommy Hilfiger watches are pretty fluid as stocks run low and various models are prioritized for sales.  One thing you can count on is that Hilfiger watches offer a great value proposition that makes them a watch worth watching.


Sunday, November 24, 2024

Watch Project: Reviving A Steve Harvey Wristwatch

Steve Harvey is well known for collecting high end wristwatches. Steve Harvey has been spotted wearing very expensive Patek Philippe and Richard Mille watches. It's less well known that he also put his own name to a line of affordable wristwatches. While I haven't seen any in discount stores or online on Amazon, I recently came across one in a local thrift store and bought it.  At only $6.95, it was a steal!  While this watch is well weathered, it does have an interesting case shape and a nice design.

A Steve Harvey Celebrity Edition Wristwatch


How to Replace A Watch Battery

This Steve Harvey watch takes a common SR626SW watch battery.  It was easy to pop the back off, replace the battery, and press the caseback right back into place.  I didn't even have to use my caseback press. After I got the casebackoff, I simply removed the white plastic protector (shown below) that holds the movement and dial in place.  To replace the battery, I simply popped out the old one and replaced it with a new one.  Then I placed the white plastic piece and put the caseback back on the watch and pressed down on it hard.  It popped back into place with no fuss and no muss.

The inside of a Steve Harvey Watch

The movement is a common PC21J Quartz Watch movement that is available on Aliexpress for under $2 or on Amazon in a 5-pack as shown here.  It certainly makes one pause when you realize how inexpensive quartz watch movements can be. I have to wonder if the $10.96 that Walmart charges for a George brand quartz watch is completely appropriate for most quartz watches. However, I digress.  Note the little clip at the 7 o'clock position on the watch battery.  You don't want to bend or damage that when you take the battery out or put a new one in.

A PC21J Quartz Watch Movement

Now, the watch runs like a champ. I would like to clean up the case a little better.  For example, I'd like to remove the brown smudge on the case at the 11 o'clock position.  I'm not sure if it is oxidation or a tobacco stain.  It didn't come off when I used cleaning wipes.

The Steve Harvey Celebrity Edition Thrift Store Watch Running and Wearing Well

Overall, I'm pleased with this thrift store find. Men's watches seem rare in thrift stores nowadays since many organizations and donors just go directly online to auction sites with them.  Finding one is like finding a treasure. I like this one and I'm sure I'll wear it on a regular basis.

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Watch Deal Alert: Black & Rose Gold Bulova Marine Star Series A (Model 98B278) - 50% Off

If you are looking for a classy watch from a great brand, the black and rose gold ion-plated stainless steel Bulova Marine Star Series A watch is a great choice. In a long running line of watches inspired by the sea, this one (Model 98B278) combines the modern look of basic black and the nautical feel of a rose-gold tone. For Amazon's Black Friday in 2024, this hassle-free quartz model is available for an amazing 50% off.  

Bulova Marine Star Series A Quartz Watch 

This brings a very nice watch in for under $300. It's a great gift idea and would be a watch of substance that would be appropriate to wear in any setting. If you'd like to jump on this great deal, you can get this Bulova here on Amazon!

If you are looking for a simpler model without chronograph functions you might also check out the Marine Star Series B which is now listed at 39% off.  I've updated my post about that great Bulova watch here.


Watch Deal Alert: Citizen Men's Eco Drive Weekender Sports Watch (AW1710-041)

 I recently saw this cool Citizen's Men Eco Drive Weekender Sports Watch as a Black Friday Special on Amazon.  It's Model AW1710-041 and there was just something about the fonts on the dial and the sleek black bezel that caught my eye.  It reminded me of the Undone Basecamp Classic that we covered as a sharp watch shoutout here in mid-October.  While the bezel isn't shiny, the simplicity of form and function are very much present.  It evokes the simple classic watches that have made their way into our collective memories over the years. Best of all, this Citizen Weekender is a very nice Amazon Black Friday Deal at 36% off!

A Citizen Eco Drive Watch with Dive-style markings

The case is 44mm in diameter and the bezel is non-rotating. It's always a shame to see the function of a beautiful form undermined by a non-rotating bezel. But, the incredible price, the awesome look, and the no fuss / no muss nature of the eco drive system makes me a big fan of this watch.  If you are positioned to snatch it up, the black friday Amazon deal is here. It would be the perfect holiday gift for someone on your list.

Friday, November 22, 2024

TGIF: Six Great Watches for Under $70 -- Total!

A Complete Watch Collection for Less than $70

Over the past few years, western consumers have really been pushed up against the wall with a sluggish job market for some professions, widespread job layoffs, and rampant inflation.  If you've been affected by these broader conditions, but still want to collect watches, here is a complete watch collection of cool low budget watches for less than $70 total. I've included links to these, but I'm not an affiliate of Walmart.

1. George Retro Watch


I've enjoyed wearing this George watch quite a bit. It has a nicely domed plastic crystal and what I can 1970s Retro Hashmarks.  They just remind you of the watches our dad and granddads wore in the 1970s.  It's quite a nice looking watch (Model 28/3017GNTT)
and it's made by E. Gluck Corporation (EGC)--that's the company behind Armitron.

A George Retro-Style Watch from Walmart

For $10.98, you really can't go wrong with this watch.  But, if you tap the crystal with your fingertips, it'll seem a little cheap.

2. George Brown Strap Watch with Tachymeter Markings 


This George Watch (Model 28/2043BKG) features a genuine leather strap, tachymeter markings on the bezel, and an easy to read dial. It's a simple watch that seems like a hybrid of military and sports styling cues. It's not my favorite in this inexpensive collection, but it is quite functional.

A George Watch with a Red Tachymeter Bezel

This is a nice basic watch made by the E. Gluck Corporation.  EGC makes watches for a variety of fashion names and private labels. Amazingly, it is now listed here on the Walmart website for only $9.98.  I think I paid $10.98 in the store.

3. George Gunmetal Men's Field Watch


I consider this watch a baseline field watch. It has the simple look and the markings for sure. It has a gunmetal case, black easy read dial, and cognac vegan leather strap. The 44.5mm diameter case helps make the watch easy to read. This watch is made by, what is reportedly a manufacturing division of Fossil, FMD. At $10.98, the price is certainly entry level.  You can find it (Model FMDOGE009) here on Walmart.com.

A George Field Watch with a gunmetal case and brown dial

I like this watch because it really hits the right tones as a simple field watch.  It's very practical.

4. George Men's Watch:  Matte Silver Tone Case Easy Read Dial


I also call this watch a field watch.  It made by FMD and the model number is MDOGE048.  It has a very legible off white dial and a tan vegan leather strap. It's listed at $10.98 online with Walmart. You can find it here on Walmart.com.

A George Field Watch with silvertone case and white dial

It's another watch that is practical and easy to like.  There are far more expensive field watches in our world, but their dials look the same.

5. George Silver-on-Silver Men's Watch 


This FMD-made George watch (Model:  FMDOGE024) is only $9.99 online here at Walmart.  It features a 41mm diameter silver-tone case, a silver-colored easy read dial, and a silver-tone expansion band.

A George classic watch with silver on silver color scheme

I really love the looks of silver on silver.  Of course, in a watch that sells for price this low, there are trade-offs to be made.  The numbers are simply painted on the dial.  


6. George Octogon Watch in Silver and Black


If you have Audemars Piguet tastes and a Totino's Pizza budget, check out this Octagonal model from Walmart.  It's made by Accutime (42028WMM) and sold under the Walmart George brand.  It has a silvertone case and black dial with a decorative subdial.  It evokes the famed Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, but it sells for over $40,000 less. You'll look rich from a distance, but you'll definitely want to slip out of the Polo match before its time for the divot stomp.  It's currently $12.98 here on Walmart.com.


An Audemars Piguet Alternative for less than $15

Obviously, this watch collection is a little tongue in cheek. But, cheap watches like these tell time perfectly well. They might well prompt you to question whether premium brands are delivering real value for your money.  Many of these low cost watches incorporate classic retro features.

What these watches can't do is intangible. They can't boost your self esteem or transmit to others that you are a man of substance and means.  For you single guys, they won't attract women. 

Of course, on the other hand, cheap watches like these might weed out women who just want you for your money. Plus, if you are trying to build lasting generational wealth, the $40,000 you don't invest in a prestigious watch could provide a healthy stream of passive income when put into other investments.  There's a chance that a cheap watch collection might not be as stupid as you think.

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Watch Wearing Wednesday: The Perry Ellis Deep Diver

A Last Look At Fall Foliage in Atlanta

It was a dreary day here in Atlanta yesterday.  Many trees have given up large numbers of leaves. A short jaunt to my local coffee shop turned into a bit of a leaf looking and photography expedition. My watch for the day was my Perry Ellis Deep Diver.  It's thin case and somewhat dressy look make its unidirectional rotating bezel, screw-down crown, and 200 meter water resistance a bit of a surprise.

A Perry Ellis Deep Diver watch against a backdrop of trees

Nature isn't far away

Before the onset of our admitted short winter, I tried to find a little color. It's the last part of fall and the trees are giving up their leaves. One of the things we've found here is that you don't necessarily have to go to the mountains to see the fall foliage, there is much fall color to be seen in the city and close in suburbs. You don't have to venture out of a shopping center parking lot to find trees with vivid yellow leaves and vast piles of fallen ones.

Fall Foliage in the back of an Atlanta area shopping center

Wildlife in Atlanta's Chattahoochee River Corridor

The area near the Chattahoochee River is quite wooded with lots of wildlife corridors. My wife and I have seen animals including an American mink, a skunk, a bobcat, a boar, red foxes, grey foxes, coyotes, and turkeys. Some local residents have even seen bear wandering through the area.

The Perry Ellis Deep Diver among the leaves

The neighborhoods have preserved many hardwood and decorative trees.  They offer the most colorful foliage. Of course, since there are many mansions of the well-to-do in the area. Sometimes you'd like to linger longer, but you don't want to arouse the suspicions of some of the neighbors. They give you that accusing look.

A suspicious neighbor eyes me up

A Glimpse of the Chattahoochee River

It's enough to make you skeedaddle over to the river itself. The river was a bit swollen from the rain in the region. I took this quick shot of the river from the parking lot of one of the area's more exclusive restaurants.

Way Up Yonder on the Chattahoochee River

It was nice to get out and take a glimpse of the foliage while we still had plenty of leaves and color.  But, as signs in the parking lot reminded me all license plates were noted and all vehicles were being record, it was time to move on. It was a nice 20-minute sojourn with nature and see the river on a damp and overcast day.

A glance at my Perry Ellis watch reminds me that it is time to head home

Check out this link for a full review of my Perry Ellis Deep Diver Watch on this blog.





Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Titanium Tuesday: Citizen Men's Ecodrive Weekender Casual Sport Watch

Should we have a Titanium Tuesday? The lightweight wonder metal is all the rage in the world of watch making. It has many advantages.  The metal is strong, light weight, water resistant, corrosion resistant, temperature resistant, and rust resistant. It also has a natural oxide layer that tends to self-repair light scratches. There are lots of affordable options for titanium watches in the marketplace. That's why I'll feature some here. The first up is this attractive Citizen's Men's Ecodrive Weekender Casual Sports Watch.  It's bright and cheery and will help you fend off seasonal affective disorder when winter gets dreary.

A Citizen Men's Ecodrive Weekender Sport Watch (Amazon Photo)

If found this one on Amazon.  It has a 41mm diameter case, a sapphire crystal, 100 meters of water resistance, a date window, and a bright orange dial.  One drawback is that the bezel is fixed and doesn't rotate.  But, the band is made of genuine leather.  If you'd like to check it out, bang it here to see it on Amazon. As of this writing (11/2024), the watch is listed at 16% off of the normal retail price.  It's a nice looking watch for everyday wear.


Monday, November 18, 2024

Watch Deal Alert: Bulova Men's Marine Star 63% Off [Expired Deal]

[November 2024 Update - Unfortunately, this deal has expired and this watch seems sold out on Amazon.  However, a wide variety of Bulova Marine Star watches are available on Amazon here.]

Christmas time is approaching rapidly. In 2024, there are plenty of great AmazonDeals to be had on watches. That's a good thing because a wristwatch makes a wonderful holiday gift. I've found many watches for up to 50% off on Amazon lately.  But, this Bulova Marine Star with a red dial struck me as a great deal at an amazing 63% off!  If you'd like to save over $350 on this Bulova, bang it here to go to the Amazon listing.  Act fast because this is a limited time offer.


It's a great looking watch with a gray ion-plated stainless steel case,100 meters of water resistance, and 1/20 of a second chronograph. I've had good luck wearing a similar Marine Star, but mine didn't have a an all read dial and wasn't quite as focused on chronograph functions.  A Bulova watch makes a wonderful gift for any man.

Sunday, November 17, 2024

Watch Review: Joseph Abboud Quartz Watch with Green Sunburst Dial

One of my recent watch pickups is this Joseph Abboud Quartz Watch with a green sunburst dial.  It's a rather large watch that wears well and is easy to read at a glance.  The watch is a practical reminder that quartz watches with designer labels made by common manufacturers can perform the same mission as more expensive timepieces from iconic watch makers.   

A Joseph Abboud Quartz Watch

Like the Tudor Ranger and Rolex Explorer, this Joseph Abboud Quartz Watch can be used to tell the time. Unlike those far more esteemed brands, this watch can tell time accurately without winding for years. In fairness, this watch probably isn't as rugged as one of the legendary watches.  But, as a self-aware consumer, I'm also not as rugged as the adventurers who tout the iconic watches from the back covers of old National Geographic magazines.
 

Joseph Abboud Watch Construction

This particular watch was manufactured by E. Gluck Corporation.  They are the parent company of Armitron and make many designer and store-brand watches.  The watch has a stainless steel caseback and a reliable Japanese quartz movement.  The case and bezel are made of a base metal. The crystal is made of some sort of glass and is slightly domed.  It feels nice to the touch.  The numbers and lettering on the dial are raised and not simply painted on the dial.  It's a touch that gives the watch a rich look.

A Joseph Abboud Watch with a green sunburst dial


Joseph Abboud Watch Dimensions

This watch is big and bold with a 44mm diameter case.  Fortunately, it doesn't sit high on the wrist, the case is a slim 9mm thick.  The strap is a robust at 22mm wide at the lugs. The dimensions give this watch presence on the wrist. This watch is just a little bigger than the green sunburst watch that I reviewed here from Caribbean Joe.

The case of this Joseph Abboud watch is slim at 9mm thick

Joseph Abboud Overall Impression

I really like this watch. It's attractive, readable, and eminently practical. It's also nicely built in a way that looks high quality. According to the box, the full price of this watch was $150, but I was able to get it at the close-out discount store Ross Dress for Less for $20. It was a lucky find. On my social media [@the_watch_dude on X], I often retweet watch enthusiasts around the world who take photos of the big, bold, watches that they are wearing on their daily adventures.  This Joseph Abboud watch fits right in. I love the way it looks.

I think she's impressed by my Joseph Abboud watch



Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Invicta Subaqua Noma III

This is a cool, casual, watch that makes quite an impression.  It's the Invicta Subaqua III.  It has a quartz movement and comes in a variety of color, bezel, and band combinations.  This one comes in the ionic-plated tones of gold or old bronze.  It's an awesome look for a nautically-inspired watch. You'll also notice that the watch has a translucent dial that lets you see the quartz movement and the date dial.

The Invicta Subaqua Noma III


This watch impresses from a distance with a 50mm diameter stainless steel case that is 17mm thick.  It's a big watch.  However, this Subaqua Noma 3 also boasts 200 meters of water resistance, but some of these watches claim up to 500 meters of water resistance.  At 200 meters, the watch should be great for recreational SCUBA diving. The watch has a screwdown crown and a protective clasp to keep it secure.


The Invicta Subaqua Noma III

The Subaqua Noma III may not be subtle, but it makes an impression and it looks great. The details of this watch will fascinate wearers for years to come.  If you'd like one of your own, bang it here to find a very similar Invicta Subaqua Noma III on Amazon.

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Watches A to Z: Movado

Movado detractors deride the brand for being a commonplace watch choice among upscale American consumers.  But, the company is no upstart.  It has a long and storied history.  

Photo by Sumiemyra, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The firm was founded in Switzerland by watchmaker Achilles Ditesheim in 1881.  Three Ditesheim brothers (Leopold, Isadore, and Achilles) combined their independent watchmaking concerns in 1892 to found L.A. & I. Ditesheim, Fabricants. It was one of the first modern factories in the watchmaking town of La Chaux-de-Fonds.  In 1905, the company was renamed Movado--which means "always in motion" in the international language Esperanto.

A circa 1950 Movado watch. Photo by - Bachelot Pierre J-P, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

As a watch company, Movado introduced many innovations. For example, in 1912, they introduced the Polyplan watch.  It was a tanker-style watch that curved to the wrist and had a movement that was angled  on 3 separate plans to allow the watch design to follow the contour. The original Movado Polyplan watch command thousands of dollars on auction sites.  But, this Peugeot Men's Classic Vintage Curved Watch (below), captures the essence of the design in an affordable quartz format.

Peugeot Men's Classic Vintage Curved Watch (Amazon photo)

In 1926, they introduced an art deco pocket watch called the Ermeto chronometer with a clever movement that wound the watch whenever the case was opened.

1928 Ermeto photo by Jafd88, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

In 1947, Nathan George Horwitt designed the Museum Dial watch that has become synonymous with Movado over the years.  This modern quartz version shows the variety within the concept with a black sunburst radiating from the classic golden dot.  You can find this Museum Classic with a Swiss Quartz movement here on Amazon.


According to the Movado Group website, Cuban refugee, Gedalio Grinberg founded North American Watch Corporation in 1965. That company acquired Movado in 1983. The company then evolved into Movado Group, Inc. In recent years, the company has built an impressive portfolio of watch brands including Ebel, Burton, and MVMT. It has also licensed brands such as Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, LaCoste and Scuderia Ferrari.

Movado history keeps moving forward. A vintage watch from Movado recently made headlines. According to a recent article in the Robb Report, Winston Churchill's 1946 Movado Calendrograf watch will soon be auctioned off with an asking price of a cool $192,500.

With a rich history of over a hundred years, it is clear that Movado has a bright future ahead as a luxury watch brand.

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Izod Quartz Sport Watch

For this watch wearing Wednesday, my Izod Quartz Sport Watch got the call. I like the way this quick snapshot turned out with a local skyscraper and office building complex in the background and clouds reflected off the crystal of this watch.

An Izod Quartz Sports Watch with a skyscraper in the background

I like the black and red combination in this Izod watch.  Black and Red are almost the official sports colors here in Atlanta.  The Georgia Bulldogs (College Football), Atlanta Falcons (NFL Football), and Atlanta United (MLS Soccer) all use combinations of black and red.  The Atlanta Dream (WNBA Basketball) and Atlanta Braves (MLB Baseball) often use lots of red in their uniforms as well. 

Sunlight plays across the case and dial of my Izod

I got this watch for about $20 at Burlington Coat Factory.  Izod is one of the nicer watch brands that I find in their stores.  Since parting ways with LaCoste in the 1990s, Izod has positioned itself to offer goods at lower prices to a broader variety of people, but the brand still has a strong sense of style and identity. Here are some other Izod watches that I've come across over the years.

Friday, November 1, 2024

TGIF: Affordable Alternatives to the Rolex Explorer

We've been programmed to want them: the elite European watches. "They" put watches like the Rolex Submariner and Explorer on the back cover of National Geographic and on the big turns of every race track. Our movie heroes wore them.  Our favorite musicians wore them. Advertising and product placements fueled our desire. The watch lust became a part of us. Some succeeded in attaining that dream Rolex watch. God bless their energy, education, drive, and good fortune. But, many others among us found out that the world had other more sinister plans to move that dream further and further away.

A Rolex Explorer II (Rolex Explorer 2.JPG: TheMonster17derivative work: Pittigrilli, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

We learned that some watch makers will buy back models that don't sell well so that they can be destroyed rather than be liquidated at a discount.  You will never luck out and find a Rolex at a Ross Dress for Less store. If you're a western worker in technology, you'll undoubtedly feel downward wage pressure from low cost offshore competition and a vast pool of guest worker contract labor. Add in inflation usurping your purchasing power and the game becomes more challenging. Fortunately, there are ways to stop playing the game by their rules.  In this post, we'll look at affordable alternatives to the Rolex Explorer.  There are many great alternatives to that vaunted timepiece that won't break our bank accounts or divert money from other important financial goals.

Rolex Explorer I - Photo by Thierry Mostra-store, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

First, let's take a look at homage watches.  Homage watches have styles that are obviously inspired by iconic watches.  Sometimes the watch is an almost exact copy that differs only in the logo on the dial, some materials used, and the internal mechanism that drives the watch. Pagani Design offers affordable alternatives to several common Rolex models.  Take a look at their Rolex Explorer 2 GMT Alternative:

Pagani Design Automatic GMT Watch (Amazon Photo)

You can find the Pagani Design GMT Automatic here on Amazon for about 1/10 of the price of a Rolex Explorer II.  That's over $10,000 that could be used for investments or other purposes.

The Rolex Explorer 1 is a tall order for most middle class watch enthusiasts, but a company called AddiesDive has a wonderful quartz homage for a fraction of the cost.
AddiesDive VH31 (Amazon Photo)

The AddiesDive 36mm Small Dial VH31 Stainless Steel Quartz Watch is available here on Amazon for a pittance.

Of course, sometimes an homage watch can seem like it is trying too hard to be an exact replica of the inspiration watch.  If you don't want to look like a "wannabe," take a step back and look at what people value about the original watches. Setting aside rarity and prestige branding, people are drawn to the practicality of the Rolex Explorer series. The watch is readable, simple, and of a comfortable size. There are literally thousands of watches that fit that criteria. You might simply choose a sensible Seiko to meet that need. You can get this one with a brilliant sun ray blue dial for a sensible price here on Amazon.  It's romantically called the Model SZSB013.

Seiko Men's Automatic Watch (Model SZSB013)

If you let yourself breathe a little and look away from the unobtainable brands, you may find plenty of watches from companies like Seiko, Citizen, Bulova, Orient, Tissot, Timex, and Wenger that fit the bill.  All of these companies have long, rich, proud histories of their own.  You can arrive at the readable, practical, watch that fits your budget and has its own heritage. Ultimately, you can define your own prestige watch.