Watch Wearing Wednesday: Bulova Precisionist

Maybe the reason my Bulova Precisionist looks so fast is that it has a high precision quartz movement that vibrates at a frequency of 262 khz-eight times faster than a conventional quartz watch?  Maybe the reason it looks so fast is that I took a photo of it next to a Ferrari?  Who is to say?  But, it's a good looking watch. 

Bulova Precisionist

Here are a few more photos so that you can see different aspects of this affordable beauty.  This series of watch photos show the dial, caseback, leather strap, and buckle details. 

The Bulova Precisionist at a Sandwich Shop

The caseback of the Bulova Precisionist showing details and the strap

 A close up of the Bulova Watch Strap

Genuine Leather and 22mm Marking

Back in 2015, Bulova decided that they were going to remove the tuning fork logo from the face of many of their watches.  I was kind of bummed at the time per my post:  "Where has the Bulova Tuning Fork gone?"  True to their word, the tuning fork logo was gone from the dial of this Precisionist.  But, they managed to work it on the strap buckle, caseback, and crown.  That's enough to make me happy.

The famed Bulova Tuning Fork Logo on the Buckle

If you'd like to read a full review of this great watch, check it out here. If you like to buy a Bulova Precisionist, you are in luck because Amazon has them here:  Bulova Men's Precisionist (96B158).

Wristwatch Review: Naviforce Men's Quartz Sport Watch

Watchmakers from China are challenging established watch brands from around the world with stylish offerings at low prices.  One such watch brand is Naviforce. The watch listed on Amazon is labeled as "NAVIFORCE Sport Watches for Men Leather Band Waterproof Quartz Analog Wristwatch Easy to Read with Auto Date." Plain and simply:  this watch is a nice looking take on the field watch genre.

NAVIFORCE Quartz Sport Watch

NAVIFORCE Watch Design

This watch design is squarely aimed at the adventurous field watch look. I think it nails the aesthetic perfectly. The black case, the military-style digital font of the 2, 4, 8, and 10 and the other hour batons, and the arrow pointing to the day of the week, combine for a militaristic field watch look. The strap is a perfect shade of brown suggesting that adventures have been had and more are to come.  It's also comfortable, attractively branded with the NAVIFORCE logo, and generously sized.  

NAVIFORCE Quartz Sport Watch with Day and Date Indicators

NAVIFORCE Watch Dimensions

The NAVIFORCE Quartz Sport Watch is well proportioned for daily wear at 46mm in diameter and is a manageable 11.5mm thick.  The lugs are 24mm and the strap tapers subtly to 22mm.

NAVIFORCE Watch Construction

This NAVIFORCE Quartz Sports watch does not feel cheap. It has a stainless steel caseback, a zinc alloy case, a leather strap, and a mineral glass crystal. For daily wear in normal conditions, it's perfect. However, it only offers 30 meters of water resistance and the manual warns not to submerge the crown. That falls a little short of the expectations for a field watch.  In fairness to NAVIFORCE, this is clearly a fashion watch.  A few reviewers on Amazon have called out the poor water resistance and I keep mine out of the water. The case seems rugged enough and substantial enough to take a beating, just not a dunking.  Fortunately, my adventures tend to be urban and suburban.

The NAVIFORCE Quartz Sports Watch is best for suburban adventures

NAVIFORCE Price

The NAVIFORCE Quartz Sport Watch is an absolute steal for less than $25 on Amazon.  If you'd like to get one, you can find is here on Amazon:  "NAVIFORCE Sport Watches for Men Leather Band Waterproof Quartz Analog Wristwatch Easy to Read with Auto Date."

NAVIFORCE Overall Impression

The NAVIFORCE Quartz Sport Watch is a rugged-looking, attractively-priced watch, for casual adventures. Unless you really do go on swamp safaris and fishing expeditions where water is a continuous threat, it's perfect for daily wear. I'd definitely give this very affordable watch a look.

TGIF: A New Watch Brand From Germany - Kar Watches

Sometimes the internet can provide behind the scenes glimpses of a great thing getting started. I recently came across a post on X from the social media team at a new German watch brand called Kar. 

The Kar Logo

They were looking for opinions on one of their new watch models. I shared mine.  Now, it turns out that Americans can actually buy Kar watches online from a US English version of their website (https://kar-watches.company.site/).

Kar Watch Series

Kar Value Proposition and Components

The brand offers minimalist German watch designs at reasonable price points.  By reasonable, I mean between $70 and $100 USD depending on the series. Shipping is currently free. These watches are at a great price point for this blog's audience.  Especially since the company offers quality components like 304 Stainless Steel and Japanese Citizen movements for the quartz models.  

Kar Watch Series

Kar currently offers four watch series: Sport, Premium, Deluxe, and Vintage.  

Kar Artemis (from the Kar Sport series)

The Sport watch has a mesh bracelet and a quartz movement. There are three models available silver (Kar Artemis), gold (Kar Aurora), and black (Kar Kreon) and each comes in three case diameters (33mm, 38mm, and 41mm). 

Kar Vintage Terra (from the Kar Vintage series)

The Vintage watch has a genuine leather strap and a quartz movement. There are three models available with each corresponding to a different color strap: brown (Vintage Terra), white (Vintage Ivory), and black (Vintage Eclipse) and again each comes in three case diameters (33mm, 38mm, and 41mm). 

A look at the Kar Deluxe Movement

The Kar Deluxe watch has a high quality automatic movement and a stainless steel case and bracelet.  The Deluxe watch provides presence on the wrist with a 46mm case diameter. Kar watches with automatic movements feature an exhibition caseback. There are three models available silver (Deluxe Platinum), gold (Deluxe Nova), and black (Deluxe Midnight).

Kar Premium Amber

The Premium watch series has a leather strap, an automatic movement, and an exhibition caseback. There are three models available with each corresponding to a different color strap: brown (Premium Amber), white (Premium Pearl), and black (Premium Obsidian). Each premium watch has an gold-toned stainless steel case that is 46mm in diameter.

Get into Kar

It's always exciting to wear a new watch brand with German design and quality components. I would definitely recommend checking them out and giving their website a visit: (https://kar-watches.company.site/).  For the latest developments follow their social media team on X: @KarSocialMedia.

Watch Deal Alert: Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison Field Watch - 32% Off

It seems like just yesterday, I wrote about all the different kinds of field watch you could add to your collection starting from the most basic models and moving on up.  The folks over at Citizen must have read my mind because they are now offering a very cool field watch for 32% off right here on Amazon.  It's the Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison Field Watch.

Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison Field Watch

It's a cool looking watch and has a camouflaged canvas strap and it definitely captures the field watch ethos.  But, a few reviewers have complained about quality control issues or the strap being too small.  You'll want to read the reviews before you pull the trigger on a purchase.  But, it's currently at a very low price point for an eco-drive watch and you'll want to check it out.  As always, I have no idea how long this kind of great watch deal will last.

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Geoffrey Beene Quartz Analog Watch with Tonneau Case and Green Dial

Earlier this summer, I came across an inexpensive watch at a Ross Dress for Less store here in Georgia.  It's a Geoffrey Beene brand watch with the name Diamond at the 6 o'clock position and the tiniest "Diamond" at the 12 o'clock position.  In a $22 watch, I suspect it's either not real or not much of a diamond that's for sure.  But, the thing that drew me in was the brilliant green color of the dial and the somewhat unusual shape of the case.  While the dial is round, the case is almost a tonneau shape and the entire watch is covered by the crystal.  It's certainly an eye-catching timepiece.

Geoffrey Beene Model GBA0005SL

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The watch is model GBA0005SL and it has a 42 mm case and a 22mm wide bracelet.  On various online auction sites, it is also available in blue.  For value priced watches, Geoffrey Beene often has interesting choices.  I've posted about Geoffrey Beene before.

Geoffrey Beene Model GBA0005SL on a restaurant table

At less than $30, this Geoffrey Beene watch is a steal. It has a rich look for a poor person's price.  It's a great watch for any day or any night of the week.  You can find more Geoffrey Beene watches for men on Amazon.

Wristwatch Review: Aiyishi (Gediyar) Men's Large Big Face Quartz Watch

Testing A $6 Quartz Watch from China

This review will cover a new addition to my collection.  It's known by the catchy little name: "Aiyishi Men's Large Big Face Waterproof Silicone Band Watch for Men Quartz Analog, Easy Read Male Dress Date Calendar Military Watch Elegant Gift."  That name should just about cover all the features.  Have a good one!

Aiyishi (Gediyar) Men's Watch

Watch Design

This watch has a contemporary design with a large readable dial, exposed date disc, a silicone strap, and a glossy black plastic case.  The dial is recessed with a cross-hatched area on the dial. The brand name Gediyar is positioned just under the 12 o'clock batons.  Baton markers are at each hour position and minutes are marked at each hour position.  Minutes are marked on the edge of a raised molded plastic dial.  The overall black color scheme makes the watch very masculine and almost military in appearance.

Aiyishi (Gediyar) Watch Dial Close Up

Watch Construction

The Aiyishi makes good use of lightweight materials that are inexpensive.  The case is a glossy plastic with a stainless steel caseback. The silicone strap is supple and has a generous length that should fit most wrists, but I think the silicone is just a little less thick than most similar watches. The seller claims a degree of  water resistance, but actual reviews find water resistance to be a little suspect.  The seller warns not to submerge the crown in water. The best course of action might be to avoid complete submersion of this watch.

Price

The most amazing feature of this watch is the price.  It was less than $6 on Amazon.  That's an amazingly low price. The watch competes well with watches from Walmart's George brand, Caribbean Joe, and even some Timex models.  You can find this watch here on Amazon.

A Video Look

For a closer look at the Aiyishi Gediyar Men's Quartz Watch, check out my video unboxing on X:

Are you ready to unbox one of the cheapest watches that I've ever bought from Amazon? What kind of watch can you possibly get for less than $6? Say hello to the Aiyishi Big Face! (1/2)#wristwatch #unboxing #amazonstyle pic.twitter.com/Ovz3Og05Qp

— TheWatchDude (@the_watch_dude) August 17, 2024

Watches A to Z: Diesel

Diesel is a fashion brand that was established in 1978 by Italian designer Renzo Rosso.  Headquartered in Molvena, Italy, the brand is best known for clothing, footwear, and accessories. They are perhaps best known for Italian-made designer jeans. In 2002, Renzo Rosso brought the Diesel brand under the umbrella of his holding company Only the Brave, which also owns other fashion brands. 

In the early 2000s, Diesel partnered with Fossil to bring its unique vision of timepieces to the market. Diesel watches are known for having very large dials, and an urban, hip-hop sensibility. Perhaps the most noteworthy of these watches is the Diesel Color Domination.

Diesel Color Domination

While some low-cost competitors like store-brand watches have tried to capture the Diesel design cues and urban sensibility, Diesel does stand out from competitors and often incorporates features like stainless steel cases and high quality straps which gives the watches a general sense of solidity.

Diesel Machinus

I have a few Diesel watches in my personal collection.  The one (above) is the Diesel Machinus. You can read my full review of it here. I also own and have a review for the Diesel Deadeye.

Diesel Deadeye

The cool thing about Diesel watches is that they are different, they are very noticeable and they do make a fashion statement.  You can check out a full assortment of Diesel watches on Amazon.

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Kenneth Cole New York Transparency Dial Watch

If you are looking for an unusual looking watch, you might check out a watch with a see through dial like this Kenneth Cole New York Transparency Dial Watch.  This dial doesn't expose the watch movement, but it allows you to see through the periphery of the dial to the skin beyond.  Of course, with my skin, I'm not sure that's a big advantage.

A Kenneith Cole New York Transparency Dial Watch

This watch has a gillouche pattern on the dial and a simple minute track and markings. The case on this  particular model is made of plastic with a stainless steel caseback with a centerpiece of transparent plastic. The watch came with two straps:  one of silicone and one of synthetic leather.

While the high plastic content of the case is a bit distressing from a purist perspective, one positive is that you get a fashionable, attractive, watch that remains affordable for everyone. This watch set was only $36.99 at Ross. For attractive prices, you can find similar Kenneth Cole watches with transparency dials on Amazon.

Sharp Watch Shout Out: Alpina Men's Startimer Pilot 1920s Heritage Limited Edition Automatic

Sometimes a humble field or aviator's watch can represent a big step up for a watch collection.  One such luxury tool watch is the Alpina Men's Startimer Pilot 1920s Heritage Limited Edition, 3-Hand Swiss Automatic. In the $700 to $1000 price range, this watch would certainly represent a major stretch for most budget conscious watch collectors. However, the watch offers a bona fide Swiss heritage dating back to 1883, the prestige of a Swiss Automatic, and an unexpected feature.

The Alpina Men's Startimer Pilot (Amazon Photo)

While this watch is billed as an aviation-inspired watch, it's simple style also looks a bit like a field watch. But, the surprise feature is a hinged back cover that flips up to reveal a transparent caseback and the watch's Swiss AL-525 base movement.

The Alpina Men's Startimer Pilot - Transparent Caseback (Amazon Photo)

I think this is just the coolest feature and find this watch very appealing.  While the price is high and in the upper reaches of my horological dreams, it is a relative bargain in the world of Swiss watches.  I just think it looks totally cool.  That's why it earns a sharp watch shout out!

If you'd like to check it out, you can find the Alpina Men's Startimer Pilot here on Amazon.com.

Watches A to Z: Casio

Casio was founded in 1946 by Kashio Seisakujo in Mitaka, Tokyo. It's first product was a finger ring (called the Yubiwa pipe) for holding a cigarette while a smoker's hands were busy.  Profits from that ring (which seemed to be a viral product), helped the company get into electronics and they released their first calculator, the Casio 14-A, in 1954. 

Casio 14-A Calculator - Photo by Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

In 1974, they released the CASIOTRON, their first digital LCD watch.  The case shape looked much like this modern watch on Amazon called the Casio Model Vintage Watch A171WE-1AEF.

Over the years, Casio has evolved into one of the best sources for reliable, practical, and reasonably priced watches.  While they got their start with calculators and digital watches, they offer plenty of good analog watch choices.   The company even makes diver-style watches now.  The Casio MDV-106 series (more popularly called Casio Marlin) provides a uni-directional bezel and a respectable 200 meters of water resistance. It's available here on Amazon. It's one of the best values in diver-style watches around.

Casio MDV-106 Marlin

As a watch collector, my personal journey with Casio started with the Casio Forester.  It's a great beater watch that stands up well to rough conditions and is light weight and comfortable in hot summer conditions.

Casio Forester

I've since branched out to own Casio Tough Solar models like the one shown below.  Even tougher that these outdoorsy watches of mine are the well-regarded, but slightly more expensive Casio G-Shock series of watches (available at the link on Amazon).

A Casio Tough Solar Watch

No matter whether you are collecting watches as a hobby or wearing watches to tell the time, Casio watches offer an outstanding value for the money.

TGIF: The Baseline Starting Point for Field Watches

It seems like every watch company offers a field watch.  The most familiar ones are simple watches inspired by standard military watches issued to some US troops beginning in the Vietnam era. As the prestige level of each watch company rises so does the price tag.  If you just want the look, it's worth checking out the absolute basic starting models of field watch.  

George Field Watches at Walmart

For example, Walmart offers some nice looking field watches through their George brand.  I consider these watches the baseline for field watches.

George Field Watch (white dial)

Since field watches generally all look the same, if you can get one for $12, that can save you some serious money.  Both of the quartz watches pictured (above and below) have the familiar look of a field watch.  Both are made by FMD and both have stainless steel case backs.  They also have imitation leather straps that look pretty good.

George Field Watch (brown dial)

FMD watches are nothing to sneer at.  Their exact ownership is a bit mysterious to watch enthusiasts online.  However, if you look up the address on the warranty card inside the watch box, you'll find that service is handled at the address (former address now) of Fossil Watches in North America. Fossil admits to owning Fossil, Michele, Skagen, and Zodiac and licensing brands Armani Exchange, Diesel, DKNY, Emporio Armani, Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, and Tory Burch.  The company probably sells about $700 million dollars worth of conventional watches each year.  Suffice it to say, if they are affiliated, FMD is the lowest company on any corporate totem pole for Fossil.

Timex Field Watches

A Timex Expedition Camper Watch

To me, the next step up on the field watch ladder are various Timex watches like the Timex Expedition and Timex Camper (above).  The Expedition Camper is an inexpensive watch available on Amazon.  I like the World War 2 field watch inspired look of my old Timex Expedition Vintage Metal Field Watch (below).  It's an excellent watch and it just keeps getting better with age.

Timex Expedition Vintage Metal

Better Field Watch Options on Amazon

Once you've tried the baseline field watch look, you can decide if you want to go further with it. You may decide that some combination of a mechanical movement, stronger case material, and better waterproofing, are worth extra.  On Amazon, there are fine offerings from companies like Alpina, Bertucci, Bulova, Praesidus, and Vaer.

Bulova Military Heritage Hack Veterans Watchmaking Initiative Watch (Amazon photo)

Bulova field watches harken back to watches that the company made for US troops in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s.  At online auction sites, vintage Bulova field watches can fetch over $1000.  The Bulova Men's Military Heritage Hack Veterans Watchmaking Initiative Watch (above) costs far less on Amazon.

The Praesidus 34mm Jungle Field Watch

The Praesidus 34mm Jungle field watch offers a stainless steel case, 50 meters of water resistance, and a Swiss Rhonda automatic movement.  The watch is also assembled here in the United States.  The sheer variety of American assembled watches makes the Praesidus brand worth a good look.

If you like field watches and you're comfortable with baseline field watches for everyday wear, you can take your collection in many directions.  You'll have a field day!

 

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Timex Expedition Ticking Again!

Contemplating a jaunt into the wilderness?  This Timex Expedition is still ready when you are.  I originally bought this Timex Expedition watch back in 2014.  Over the past decade, the original rubber strap oxidized pretty badly and became brittle enough to break.  But, I've recently revived this watch with a new battery and a transplanted strap from a dead watch.  Now, it's back in action and ready to go.

Timex Expedition Core Resin Watch

Changing the battery for this Expedition required a tiny screwdriver to remove the caseback. I got that from an eyeglass repair kit.  The battery was a common CR2016 watch battery.  It's easy to get out the old battery and insert the new one.  However, I had to use a piece of tape to keep the new battery flush once it was replaced.  If you'd like a new watch that is similar, the Timex Expedition Core Resin watch is available in black on Amazon.

Wristwatch Review: Caravelle Sports Quartz Men's Watch with Black Nylon & Leather Strap

If you are looking for a great deal on a sinister looking watch designed by Bulova, you'll want to check out this Caravelle Sports Quartz Men's Watch. I've had one for a couple of months now and I really like it.

A Caravelle men's sports watch

Caravelle Watch Design

This Caravelle Sports watch has a black dial with a "carbon fiber" stippled pattern in the center of the dial.  CARAVELLE appears in the top quarter of the dial and 50m denotes the water resistance in the bottom quarter.  A small date window is positioned just above the hour marker at the 6 o'clock position. A smooth track around the perimeter of the dial has raised batons to note the hours.  Each baton is a green color and is outlined in black.  Numerals with the same color and outlining mark the 12 and 6 o'clock positions.  The Bezel has a slight coin edge, but does not rotate.

A look at the nylon strap reinforced with leather on a Caravelle watch

Caravelle Watch Dimensions

This watch has a 41mm diameter case that is 10mm thick.  The strap is 20mm with a very slight taper.  Overall, it's a nice size: substantial but not overwhelming.

Watch Construction

The watch has a black coated stainless steel case and caseback.  I'll ding this watch slightly for workmanship as I did have a quality issue initially in that the crown or stem didn't want to push in completely (not due to a spacer). I was able to pop the case back off, push in the stem, and pop the caseback on again. After that I was able to set the watch and it works perfectly.

Overall Impression

I like this watch.  It fulfills the Caravelle mission of bringing a solid value in for consumers at an affordable price point.  

A Quick Video Look at this Caravelle on X

Here's a video that I posted @the_watch_dude on X.

Here's a quick video look at the Caravelle Men's Quartz Sports watch with nylon and leather strap. (2/2)#WatchAddict #WatchLover #Review pic.twitter.com/lFMHEIPO1M

— TheWatchDude (@the_watch_dude) August 3, 2024

If you'd like to get this watch, you can find it on Amazon.  It's listed on Amazon as a Bulova despite Caravelle branding all over it.  That may be why it is quite a deal. It this Bulova-designed watch is  currently a steal out on Amazon. You can find it here--

Caravelle Sports Quartz Men's Watch with Black Nylon and Leather Strap. 

Watch Deal Alert: Tissot Men's Classic Dream Stainless Steel Dress Watch Grey

 If you are looking for a no nonsense dress watch that will bring form, function, an automatic movement, refinement, heritage and class at a good price, this is the time to check out the Tissot Classic Dream Stainless Dress Watch.  As of August 3, 2024, it was marked 33% off so that the price was coming in at well under $400.

Tissot Men's Classic Dream Stainless Steel Dress Watch

To me, this dress watch looks like a classic silver-on-silver design as far as the dial, bezel, markers and hands go.  However, the bracelet seems to alternate between high shine and slightly grey stainless steel.  It's a good look for the office that says, "Yes, I have a classic watch, but we have work to do."  The watch has a 42mm case that stands 11.53mm tall.  The bracelet is a 22mm wide and has a push button hidden clasp.

Tissot Classic Dream Stainless Steel Dress Watch Movement

If you did get this watch, you'd get a classic Swiss watch with an exhibition caseback and a 19 jewel automatic movemement with a generous 72 hour power reserve.  While it's not cheap, many Tissot automatics are in the $800 price range and this discount price is a chance to get a nice automatic for the price of a Tissot quartz watch.

You can check this watch out on Amazon here at -

Tissot Men's Classic Dream Stainless Steel Dress Watch

TGIF: Watches for the Millionaire Next Door

Have you ever read the Millionaire Next Door?  It's a seminal work in wealth building literature by Thomas Stanley and William Danko. The book makes the point that most millionaires who walk anonymously among us aren't concerned with appearances or keeping up with the Joneses. Instead, they are out building businesses or privately saving and investing without fanfare. The book makes the point that upper middle class people are often not actually wealthy because they are mired in the debts that come with maintaining a nice car, a nice house, and the clothing and accessories that keep up the trappings of wealth.

The Millionaire Next Door (Amazon photo)

The book is a tough pill to swallow and its not something that comes easily or naturally to any of us. But, it does serve as a reminder that we don't always have to indulge that urge to buy an expensive watch.  If I was trying to build wealth and become that millionaire, I might want to focus on inexpensive watches for basic needs and redirect the money saved into investments.  What would that millionaire next door watch collection look like? I think it would have to cover the dress watch, everyday watch, and rugged watch categories.  I think we could easily create the collection with just two watches.

In the dress watch and an everyday category, the simplest starter watch would probably be something like the Citizen Quartz Stainless Steel classic.  It's a watch that costs less than $100 and can easily do double duty as a dress watch and everyday watch.

The Citizen Stainless Steel Classic (Amazon Photo)

I have reviewed a similar Citizen watch with a day/date complication at the 3 o'clock position.  The key is to have a watch that is simple and goes with everything and can be worn for nearly every occasion.  This old Pulsar in my collection is also perfect for this role.  While there are less expensive options available, Citizen is a respected and recognizable brand that would likely last a long time and be a solid value.

In the rugged watch category, I'm very tempted to recommend my humble Casio Forester.  Instead, I'll recommend the Casio Tough Solar.  The watch is rugged, ana-digital, and inexpensive.  Also available in black, the Tough Solar can be found here on Amazon.

Casio Tough Solar Watch

I think this watch should hold up well for the up and coming millionaires who are working tough blue collar businesses that accomplish real work.  If it's not enough, the Casio G Shock is the next step up.