TGIF: Will Tariffs Drive Watch Enthusiasts Back Towards Quartz Timepieces?

With tariff laws changing in the United States and trade rivalries being renewed, the price of watches--especially Swiss watches--seems to be climbing steadily. As a watch enthusiast, I'm not seeing quite as many great deals on Swiss-made mechanical watches. In some cases, the price difference between a quartz watch and a mechanical watch is truly significant. With all the challenges in the job market and in dealing with inflation and economic uncertainty, it's enough to make me wonder if it's worth it to postpone mechanical watch purchases in favor of a more affordable quartz version. 

Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium Automatic (Amazon Photo)

Comparing Tissot Gentleman Mechanical and Quartz Watches

For example, let's consider the venerable Tissot Gentleman in mechanical and quartz varieties. Take the Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium Automatic (above). It's a beautiful watch. It has 100-meters of water resistance and an 80 hour power reserve. But, it costs nearly $1000 on Amazon. You can examine it here at my Amazon affiliate link. It's perfectly proportioned at 40mm in diameter and 11.5mm thick. But, for about half the price, the Tissot Gentleman in quartz is a noteworthy adversary.

Tissot Gentleman Quartz Watch

In quartz, you get a very similar style. There aren't sub-second markers between the second or minute markers. It doesn't have a chrome box around the date. But, the case and bracelet are nearly identical. The quartz model has a 40mm diameter case that is slightly thinner at 8.52mm thick. Like the automatic, the quartz watch has 100-meters of water resistance. However, it comes in at just under $500. That's a $500 savings over the mechanical version. You can see the Tissot Gentleman in Quartz on Amazon here.

Which would you choose?

Watch Spotlight: Bulova Archive Series - Military A-15 Pilot

Bulova has a long history of involvement with the US military.  It has made field watches, aviation watches, and dive watches. One aviation-inspired watch that I recommend is the Bulova Archive Series - Military A-15 pilot.  The watch is an automatic with a hack feature and 30-meters of water resistance. It's listed on Amazon here as the Bulova Archive Series: Military. A little research on the Bulova site reveals this watch to be the Bulova A-15 Pilot. It looks like a field watch, but has aviation-inspired features.

The Bulova Archive Series - Military A-15 Pilot watch

The Bulova A-15 is an automatic watch with an unusual feature: two rotating discs within the dial.  One disc sits appears to be the minute track, but works like the unidirectional bezel of a dive watch to record elapsed time. The other disc just inboard of the first one  provides hour markings and can be set to provide the time in another timezone.  These unexpected features make this watch a big leap above baseline field watches and make this a watch collectors should consider. If you like this watch, it may be time to make a purchase here.

Wristwatch Review: Tahari Two-Tone Dress Watch

Oops! I did it again. I bought another cheap watch. I couldn't resist. I got lost in the game. This time, I picked up another Tahari watch at Burlington. This one is a dress watch. It's a two-tone timepiece with black and silver tones in a coherent design that is carried through the bracelet, bezel, and dial.

Tahari Men's Two-Tone Dress Watch

Tahari Watch Style

This is my second Tahari watch. In my first Tahari review, I revealed that the brand is the brainchild of fashion designer Elie Tahari. She is best known for women's fashions and accessories. However, Accutime produces a limited number of Tahari-branded watches for men. 

This Tahari watch features a simple retro design with silver-toned  numerals to mark the time at 12 and 6 o'clock and silver-toned batons for the other hours around the black dial. The bezel appears to be round like the dial of a Rolex Explorer-style field watch. However, a closer look reviews subtle facets at the edge of the bezel. The sword hands are very readable in low light conditions.

Tahari Bezel Close Up

The watch fits my wrist perfectly, but it would be nice to have the capacity to adjust it to be just a little looser. The interior of the bracelet is pretty smooth and comfortable for day-to-day wear.  However, as with many watches with metal bracelets, this watch can get uncomfortable for extended wear at a computer keyboard. The weight of your wrist causes the bracelet to dig into your wrist a little. 

Tahari Watch Bracelet

The clasp of this Tahari watch is etched with the brand name which is a nice luxury touch at this low price.

Tahari Watch Construction

This watch is built under license by Accutime Watch Corporation. They do a great job for many different brands and make pretty good sports team watches.  This watch has a stainless steel caseback and stainless steel bracelet. Presumably, base metal is used for the case and bezel. The watch design uses black for the case and outer bracelet links. The finish is smooth and glossy for the black portions of the watch and shiny and highly polished for the bare metal parts.

Tahari Men's Two-Tone Dress Watch

As with many inexpensive watches, the watch bracelet is integrated into the case and would be difficult to replace. You won't be able to find an interchangeable strap.

This Tahari watch bracelet would not be easy to replace

According to the caseback, this watch has a Japanese quartz movement and uses a standard SR626SW watch battery. That should make changing a battery simple.

Tahari Two-Tone Men's Dress Watch Caseback

Tahari Watch Dimensions

The case is around 42mm in diameter and 9mm thick. From the tip of one lug across the watch to the tip of the opposite lug is about 51mm.  The bracelet is about 21mm wide tapering down to 19mm wide. The watch is nicely proportioned for a dress watch and would fit easily under the cuff of a shirt.

Tahari Two-Tone Dress Watch Out on the Town

Tahari Watch Overall Impression

I generally like this watch. It is comfortable for a few hours of wear, but it would be nice to have an extra link or an adjustment to loosen the fit just a little bit. Overall, it is a good looking watch in the $20 to $40 price range. I enjoy it for casual wear.

Where to Buy Tahari Watches

I bought this watch for about $20 at a Burlington store. You can also find them at affordable prices online at Belk and QVC.

A Tahari Dive-Style Watch

If you are interested in a review of my other Tahari watch, you can read it here on this blog!

Sharp Watch Shout Out: The Diella Automatic Starry Sky Globe Automatic

Diella watches are an interesting choice in attainable luxury watches. I'm still investigating this brand. Apparently, they are based on the designs of Swiss Watch maker Jeff Diella.  The novel thing about these watches is that they incorporate jade into their designs.  Apparently, when you illuminate jade with a bright light, the effects can be very cool looking. They have designs for men and women at a variety of price points on Amazon. This one: the Diella Automatic Starry Sky Globe Automatic caught my eye. The combination of eye catching design, intriguing use of jade, and an automatic movement earn this watch a Sharp Watch Shout Out!

You can check this sharp looking Diella watch out here on Amazon. For a limited time, this one comes with an 11% off coupon. It incorporates black jade for a smooth look!

My Grail Watches: Bulova Men's Archive Series Lunar Pilot

This post covers the second of the grail watches that I currently lust for.  It's the Bulova Men's Archive Series Lunar Pilot. The watch is a quartz reproduction of the Bulova that landed on the moon. It uses the original case design and complication layout with the famed Bulova Precisionist movement. With a 262 kHz movement frequency, these watches are among the most accurate and smoothest quartz watches in the world. The second hand sweeps like one of the finest mechanical watches.

The Bulova Men's Archive Series Quartz Lunar Pilot 

I like this watch because it combines history, classic vintage looks, and a modern movement that will allow the second hand to sweep gently around the dial. You can find this watch set on Amazon:

Bulova Men's Archive Series Lunar Pilot on Amazon

Some Amazon reviewers have noted that this watch has a 20mm strap not 22mm as noted in the product description.

Watch Deal Alert: Timex Expedition Gallatin at a Discount!

 If you are looking for a watch that gives off strong "operator" vibes. You might want to check out the Timex Gallatin. It's black. It's solar. It's provides a pretty cool look at a very affordable price point. It looks perfect for divers, commandoes, or cat burglars.

Timex Expedition Gallatin Solar Watch

It does offer 50-meters of water resistance, a black resin case, and a non-rotating bezel. Unfortunately, this watch does not have Indiglo backlighting. However, this Gallatin is really built for milder adventures like Call of Duty, World of Warships, or walking the dog in the park. It is currently (as of November 4, 2025) on sale as a great Amazon Deal. It's currently 23% off for a price well under $50. You can check this great looking watch out here on Amazon!

If you are looking for a Timex Expedition with Indiglo lighting, I've reviewed one here on this blog.

Watches A to Z: Fossil

Fossil is a well-recognized fashion watch brand.  It was founded in 1984 by Tom and his brother, Kosta, Kartsotis. It's recognized by most watch wearers in the United States. Fossil was a nickname for Kosta Kartsotis because he really liked retro aesthetics. The brand initially focused on importing inexpensive, but well designed, fashion watches for retailers. Fossil adopted collectible tins as packaging for their watches in 1990 and went public in 1993. The brand has grown in popularity since it was founded. But, with retreats in the watch market, it has dropped its forays into Smartwatches and has expanded more into leather goods and sunglasses.

Fossil owns the Fossil, Relic, Skagen, WSI, and Zodiac watch brands and the women's watch brand, Michele. The company also manufactures and distributes Armani Exchange, BMW, Chaps, Diesel, DKNY, Emporio Armani, Michael Kors, and women's watch brands Kate Spade New York and Tory Burch. 

At lower price points, Fossil is also thought to own or supervise the manufacturing of generic quartz watches stamped with FMD on the caseback. Some believe this stamp stands for Fossil Manufacturing Division. I believe this to be the case because--as of a couple of years ago--the warranty service address for FMD watches at Walmart matched the Fossil Headquarters address for North America. FMD makes many of the watches sold under the George brand at Walmart.

Could these George brand FMD watches be made by Fossil?

The Fossil brand makes excellent watches that sell at affordable prices. On Amazon, men's Fossil watches sell for prices between $80 and $350. The most expensive Fossil watches are skeletonized automatics. You can see them at my Amazon affiliate link here. It's very easy to overlook Fossil or denigrate them as a "fashion watch brand," but they make great looking watches that are satisfying to own and wear. 

If you live near an outlet mall with a Fossil outlet store, you should definitely visit. You an often find great deals there.

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Ghostface meets Frankenwatch Oris!

With Halloween right around the corner, me and my Frankenwatch vintage Oris had a close encounter with Ghostface!

Ghostface from the movie Scream and my vintage refurbished Oris

They warned me! Beware of Etsy watches from India! But, no, I didn't listen. I had to go down that corridor alone! I'm actually glad I did. I've found my refurbished Oris watch from India to be lots of fun and I enjoy wearing it. For more on this watch, read my Wristwatch Review: Vintage Oris Men's Manual Wind Watch from India. This little monster may only have an Oris movement, but it was authentically put together in a workshop somewhere in India and it's pretty cool!

Watch Spotlight: Tissot Men's Classic Dream Stainless Steel Dress Watch

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, check out the Tissot Classic Dream Stainless Dress Watch. I've written about this watch before when it was one sale, but it is worth a look at its regular price, too.

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. The Swissmatic movement is based on the Swatch Sistem51 movement improved with more metal components.  It has a power reserve of up to 72 hours. 

I'll keep watching this one for deals.  But, at regular prices between $500 and $600, the Tissot Classic Dream seems fairly priced for a Swiss-made automatic watch. It has the looks of a Rolex Milgauss at a much more sensible price point.

You can check this timepiece out on Amazon here: 

Tissot Men's Classic Dream Stainless Steel Dress Watch

Wristwatch Review: George Tactical Black Dive-Style Watch

If you are looking for an inexpensive watch that looks good and tells the time, the George brand from Walmart is a good place to start. For less than $15, this George Dive-Style watch is very readable and exudes a strong masculine energy.  The murdered out look of flat black has been spreading from the automotive world into other products. It's practically the new "tactical."

A George Diver-Style Watch in Black

George Watch Features

This George watch (28/3084BKBK) has a fixed non-rotating bezel and a 12-hour and 24-hour time markings. The movement is quartz. While the numerals are painted in bright white, there is no lume applied. When it is dark, this watch is too. The watch is touted as having a rugged construction and the packaging claims that it has a long life battery. However, the Walmart online listing says the battery should last a year. Water resistance is listed as 50 inches.

George Watch Construction

This watch is made by E. Gluck Corporation, the folks behind Armitron, and it has a stainless steel case back, a base metal case and bezel, and a metal bracelet. It seems quite solid for an inexpensive watch. It is nice to have all metal construction.

George Watch Dimensions

The bracelet length is listed as 170mm. The bracelet is 20mm wide. However, the watch fit my 7 3/4-inch wrist perfectly. At about 40mm in diameter, the watch seems a little smaller than most.

Overall Impression

This is a very cool looking watch. In looks, it rivals many entry-level diver-style watch models from Timex or Casio. However, the George watch doesn't have the performance specs of these models. For less than $15, it is an excellent deal and it is fun to wear. It's a cheap way to indulge those Scuba Joe Commando daydreams.

Where to get George Watches

The George brand is sold exclusively by Walmart. Amazingly, this watch is only $12.98 online or in the store. It is quite the inflation beater.

TGIF: More Affiliate Programs and More Watch Choices

I've been working to expand the watch offerings and product choices available through affiliate programs on this blog and on my X account. So far, through Commission Junction, I've been able to affiliate with TikTok Shop, Timex, VY Jewelry, and a language app called Talkpal AI.

The TikTok Shop

The TikTok Shop is a spin-off from the popular TikTok social media app. Under the keyword "watches," it offers 1192 different products. Narrowing the search down further is a bit of a challenge. But, I've found some good offerings at decent prices. For example, this Olev's watch is very attractive and affordable. You can find it here at The TikTok Shop. There are some high end and collector brands on the site. I just have to find links for them.

Timex Links

I've been pretty excited to add affiliate links to Timex. They have a wide variety of products that most of us can afford. I have links from Commission junction for their main sites in the US, UK, and Canada. It's nice to be a little international!

In the United States, you can visit Timex US Home Page. 

In Canada, you can visit Timex CA Home Page.

In the United Kingdom, you can visit Timex UK Home Page. 

VY Jewelry Links

Many men and women are into wearing bracelets and rings with their watches today. Honestly, it's a contemporary trend that I've not picked up on. However, I've noticed that the bracelets that come packaged in department store watch sets often seem cheap and aren't sized properly. You can fix this by getting bracelets, rings, and other accessories from a proper jeweler. VY Jewelry specializes in sterling silver jewelry.  Sterling silver is 92.5% silver. While jewelry costs more than the spot price of silver due to the workmanship involved, you always have that silver price built in.  With traditional fiat currency losing value around the world, it's nice to have value built in. Even I have to admit that some of the bracelet and ring designs are pretty kick ass.

Talkpal AI Links

The most recent affiliate that I have accepted is Talkpal AI - an AI language teacher. I've had a lot of fun with google translate lately and the built in translator on X has opened up watch community around the world. A language AP is a bit of a stretch, but if you can jet set off to one of the international watch shows or visit a watch maker in Switzerland or Japan, it might be a great investment.

What's Next?

I have pending applications with many watchmakers and jewelers. If more of them are accepted, I'll be able to find links to products that aren't offered on my long time affiliate (Amazon) and be able to find and offer the best prices for the watches that I write about.

My Grail Watches: The Bulova Frank Sinatra "Fly Me to the Moon" Automatic

It's been a very tough year economically. It has certainly forced me to reset my personal hopes and dreams for my watch collecting hobby. The luxury and ultra-luxury watch stratosphere seem far out of reach. That doesn't necessarily mean giving up watch collecting, but it will mean focusing on affordable watches and attainable luxury watches. I've created a list of realistic grail watches. They are all watches I would like to buy sometime. But, realistically, it may take months of effort and struggle to add any of them to my collection. Fortunately, I've got plenty of watches to tide me over during these scary times.

This Bulova Marine Star is a classic at any price!

Let's take a look at the first of the five watches that are currently on my grail list. This is a watch that I always look up on Amazon and that I always think about buying.

Grail Watch Number 1: Bulova Men's Frank Sinatra "Fly Me to The Moon" Automatic

Bulova has long been an American-brand and, even under the ownership of Citizen, it remains a watch designed and inspired by American culture. The Frank Sinatra series of Bulova commemorative watches is a prime example of American cultural inspiration. To my eye, the Frank Sinatra "Fly Me to The Moon" Automatic is the very best looking of these watches.  As of this posting date, the watch is on sale for 35% off. This brings the price down to below $550. It's not cheap. But, it is an attainable luxury watch. 

Bulova Frank Sinatra "Fly Me to the Moon" Automatic (Amazon Photo)

I like everything about this watch: Sinatra Signature, sunray dial, gold-tone numerals and markers, the exhibition case back. It's all good. If you'd like to see it, I've got an Amazon affiliate link. You can get it yourself or to give as a Christmas gift. You can even visit it regularly to dream and drool. Check it out here:

Bulova Frank Sinatra "Fly Me to the Moon" Automatic on Amazon

Watch Deal Alert: The Relic Jaden Men's Watch

In this time of inflation and economic insecurity, it's good to find some watch bargains that allow us to feed the collecting bug while being prudent.  I recently found this great looking Relic Watch on Amazon.  It has a purposeful retro watch look, a 43mm diameter allow case, 30-meters of water resistance, a stainless steel case back, and a quartz movement. It's also available for an outstanding price on Amazon.

Relic Jaden Quartz Watch

This Relic is currently 36% off on Amazon. That brings the price down to well below $60. That's a great price for a watch that has a little bit of a Rolex Milgauss thing going on. Over the years, I've found that Relic consistently brings great looking watches to market.  While it's easy to dismiss Relic as a bargain Fossil, these watches do wear well and last.  

If you'd like to check the Relic Jaden out, you can find it here on my affiliate link to Amazon.  You can find it for just a little more with a gun-metal case.

Inspired by Flight: AVI-8 Hawker Hunter Men's Pilot Watches

The Hawker Hunter was a spectacularly successful transonic fighter aircraft produced by Hawker-Siddeley Aviation starting in 1953. Nearly 2000 Hunters were produced, and it served with 22 different Air Forces around the world including the United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore Sweden, Switzerland, India, Jordan, Lebanon,  Zimbabwe.  The Hunter started as a fighter aircraft and transitioned to a fighter-bomber role as it was supplanted by supersonic aircraft. 

A Privately-Owned Hawker Hunter flying in an airshow

In the watch world, this amazing aircraft is currently commemorated by AVI-8 watches. 

A Swiss Hawker Hunter on Museum Display

There are several versions of the AVI-8 Hawker Hunter watch so there are plenty of choices and decisions for collectors to make. But, don't get analysis paralysis because some of these are on sale for a limited time only! 

AVI-8 Hawker Hunter 45mm Retrograde Chronograph

This first version, the AVI-8 Model 4052, is a quartz chronograph with a cool instrument panel look. 

AVI-8 Hawker Hunter Retrograde Chronograph (Amazon photo)

It comes in 4 different color and strap combinations.  In grey and in green, this 45mm watch is currently 36% off! You can see the grey version, here on Amazon.

AVI-8 Hawker Hunter Atlas Automatic GMT watch

If you are looking for an automatic, AVI-8 offers a 44mm GMT watch with an awesome exhibition caseback offering a peek into the works. The watch is powered by a Japanese TMI NH34 movement.

AVI-8 Hawker Hunter Atlas Automatic GMT Watch (Amazon Photo)

Amazon has three variants of this watch.  But, right now, this watch is 29% off in green and a solid deal.  You can see this AVI-8 Hawker Hunter Atlas GMT Automatic here on Amazon!

AVI-8 Men's 44mm Pilots Watch -- Atlas Dual Time Chronograph

The final version of the AVI-8 Hawker Hunter watch is a 44mm quartz dual time model. There are nine variants of this model on Amazon and two of them (including this one) are 33% off for a price of just a bit over $200.

AVI-8 Hawker Hunter Atlas Dual Time Quartz Chronograph (Amazon.com photo)

You can see the AVI-8 Atlas Dual Time Chronograph here on Amazon.

Inspired by Flight: Timex Pan Am Collaboration Watches

One of the cool things about joining the Timex Affiliate program (beside commissions) is that I get a chance to look ahead and see some amazing watches that are on their way to market. There are several enthusiast oriented watches that are coming from the Timex x Pan Am collaboration.

Pan Am Background

Founded in 1927, Pan Am was an original pioneering American airline that was known for leadership in international air travel. While Pan Am went bankrupt and ceased operations in 1991, the brand's logos and trademarks remain well-recognized and strongly attached to some of the most glamorous eras of passenger aviation.

Lockheed L-1011 Photo by Tim Rees (GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html> or GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html>), via Wikimedia Commons

The Pan Am trademarks have been bought and are now used by a transportation holding company.  There have also been multiple attempts to revive the brand as an airline.  While Pan Am will likely never soar to their previous altitudes, the Timex x Pan Am collaboration watches are quite inspiring.  Let's take a look at a few.

[I should note that clicking on the links of this post may generate commissions for this blog.]

The Timex x Pan Am Automatic Ace

This Timex Waterbury Automatic has an amazing look and should be flying out of the Timex online inventory with expected shipping dates between October 31 and November 14th, 2025. The airliner silhouette at 12 o'clock and on the strap below 6 o'clock are subtle, but amazing to see.

Timex x Pan Am Automatic Ace (Affiliate Link)

The watch has a 21-jewel Japanese Automatic movement from Miyota, a 41mm diameter case, and 100-meters of water resistance in a stainless steel case with traditional pilot's watch style. It has the Pan Am logo in the bottom half of the watch, on the exhibition caseback, and on the crown. You can pre-order this watch here on the Timex website and I will receive a small commission to help support this blog.

Timex x Pan Am GMT Watch

GMT watches were once the watch of choice for jet setters and other world travelers. That makes it the perfect watch for an airline collaboration. The Timex x Pan Am GMT watch has a 39mm diameter recycled stainless steel case, a quartz GMT movement, and a second-hand that evokes a tiny airplane. The Pan Am logo can be found on the lower part of the blue dial, engraved on the crown and filled with a rich blue paint, on grommets near each lug, and on the caseback.

Timex Pan Am GMT (Affiliate Link to Timex)

This watch is available now here on the Timex website. If you order, the affiliate link will generate a small commission for this website. According to the Timex site, several hundred people are visiting this watch each day. It may go fast.

While these watches are upmarket for Timex, they are still quite affordable for most watch collectors. They would make an interesting addition to any watch collection.  

Wristwatch Review: Ed Hardy Men's Black Strap Watch (Model 50446)

If you are looking for affordable watches to collect, one brand to keep an eye on is Ed Hardy. The brand brings unique tattoo artist inspired art to the wrist at a price point that is usually less than $30. If you look at the Ed Hardy Model 50446, Men's Black Strap Watch, you'll find an interesting example of affordable artistry. 

The Ed Hardy Model 50446 Quartz Watch

Ed Hardy Watch Style

This Ed Hardy watch is a standard quartz watch, but it has an elaborate design on the dial surface that artistically portrays a highly stylized mechanical watch movement. While serious collectors would surely scoff at a false movement in foil relief, it's actually a pretty cool looking watch and an interesting piece for less staid collections. 

Ed Hardy Watch (Model 50446)

I like to see Ed Hardy piece incorporate the tattoo-inspired art that made the designer famous. You can read more about this watch and its unusual style in my Watch Wearing Wednesday entry on it.

Ed Hardy Watch Dimensions

This Ed Hardy watch is rather large for a tanker-style watch. The case of this watch is 48mm across (about 50mm counting the crown). The strap is 24mm wide. The watch strap length is listed at 9 and 3/4 inches. I find that the watch fits my 7 and 3/4 inch wrist easily. 

The Ed Hardy Model 50446 has a generous strap size.

Ed Hardy Watch Construction

The caseback is stainless steel and the case is a 100% metal alloy. The band is silicone.  

Ed Hardy Model 50446 Stainless Caseback

Ed Hardy Watch Overall Impression

This is an interesting watch and a conversation starter. By no means is it some kind of elite watch, but it is a fun watch for a fashion watch collection. I probably like this watch more than I probably should. But, you can usually count on the Ed Hardy brand to make a statement.

Ed Hardy Black Strap Watch (Model 50446)

Where to find Ed Hardy Watches

You can find this Ed Hardy watch at JC Penney.  It may also be available online at Walmart.com. As of this writing in October 2025, it was only $22 at JC Penney. That makes this watch an outstanding deal.

TGIF: Achieving the Ulysse Nardin Classico Look

The Ulysse Nardin Classico Inspiration Watch

Sometimes collectible watches from elite brands haunt our dreams. For example, the Ulysse Nardin Classico is a beautiful nautical inspired watch. I can imagine wearing it as a well-heeled yachtsman and quietly motoring into an anchorage off of the Mediterranean sea. I can imagine checking the time as an anchor plops into the water and the line plays out. I can taste the wonderful meals that await along the French Riviera. But, like a splash of salt water, the lofty $8000 price tag keeps this dream out of the reach of many of us. The Ulysse Nardin Classico is a beautiful watch that touches our souls as a watch enthusiasts. However, a high-end luxury watch like this always raises a question:

Can we use this watch as inspiration and find something with the look that we can still afford?

The Ulysse Nardin Classico

You can see this amazing Ulysse Nardin Classico timepiece here on Amazon. 

But, what can we find as an affordable alternative watch? 

Ulysse Nardin Classico Alternatives

I found two affordable watches that might fit the bill. The first alternative that comes to my mind is the Peugeot Vintage Business watch (below).

Peugeot Vintage Business Watch (Amazon Photo)

This watch has the look with a small seconds subdial and a dial as blue as the ocean. It has a reliable Seiko quartz movement for trouble free wear.  With a price of less than $100, the Peugeot watch will even free up some cash for hourly boat rental at your nearest lake or beach town. If you'd like more information, you can check out the Peugeot Vintage Business Watch here on Amazon.

Orient Bambino Small Seconds Watch (Amazon Photo)

The second watch that comes to mind is the Orient Bambino Small Seconds watch (above). While the dial is black, this watch provides a date complication and an automatic mechanical movement. Orient has long been known for making quality automatic watches and classy looks. The brand does have some cachet with collectors. Fortunately for us, Orient is also known for being affordable. You can still get one for less than $200.  If you're Bambino curious, check this one out here on Amazon.

Welcome to October! It's time for Spooky Watches!

Hanging with Old Friends and my Bulova

With Halloween right around the corner, October is a fun month! We get to bring out all of our spooky watches and try to take spooky pictures with all of our watches. It's a month where I can show off all my skull watches without feeling like I need to join a motor cycle gang. To kick this month off, I'll show you my vintage (circa 2007) Bulova Marine Star when I was checking to make sure all the bodies were still hanging where we left them.

A Vintage Bulova Marine Star is great for casually hanging with friends

To learn more about this Bulova and how I learned how old it was, check out my post here--

Wristwatch Review: Bulova Marine Star (Model C937355)

Wristwatch Review: A Caribbean Joe Watch with a Cushion Case

One of the nice things about the Caribbean Joe brand of watches is that it brings classic watch looks to those of us with limited watch budgets. Such is the case with the Caribbean Joe watch with a cushion case and faux sub-dials.

Caribbean Joe Cushion Case Watch (Model CJ7128SLGR)

What is a Cushion Case Watch?

A cushion case is a watch case design that was popular in the early 20th century and incorporates square and round design elements.  A cushion case is a square-ish or rectangular case with gently rounded corners that has a circular dial and crystal in the center.  It looks like a round watch resting on a square pillow.

Caribbean Joe Watch Design and Features

Like most Caribbean Joe watches, this one is designed for looks. It has a green dial, non-functional subdials, a somewhat square cushion case, and a synthetic leather strap. The dial design, bright orange second hand, and house The quartz movement is from Singapore. 

Caribbean Joe Square Watch with two cups of Joe

Caribbean Joe Watch Dimensions

One thing I like about Caribbean Joe is that their watches are well proportioned. This square Caribbean Joe watch is about 43mm wide (45mm if you count the crown) and roughly 11mm thick. It fits might 7 3/4-inch wrist without any issue and has plenty of strap left for the gathers to fit comfortably.

Caribbean Joe watch strap on 7 3/4 inch wrist

Overall Caribbean Joe Watch Impression

I enjoy wearing this watch. It has a classic look that is a little unusual and a worry-free quartz movement. The non-functional subdials detract from my perception of this watch's value, but they help the brand mimic a classic look. For less than $21 at Kohl's, this watch is a good buy.  For more on the pros and cons of Caribbean Joe watches, check out my post Are Caribbean Joe Watches Any Good. Overall, I like this one!

Where can I find this Caribbean Joe watch?

Caribbean Joe watches are available at Kohl's, Boscov's, and Seirra. This watch is listed as Caribbean Joe Square Dial watch (Model CJ7128SLGR) online here at Boscov's (not an affiliate link).