Thrift Store Watch Find: A Vintage Buler Automatic

 Classic Buler 25 Jewel Automatic Watch Found While Thrifting

When I went thrift store shopping with my wife, I didn't expect to find anything great. Usually, I'm lucky to find a book, or a clock, or an old pair of binoculars.  However, at the Furrkids Thrift Store in Marietta, Georgia, I came across a vintage Buler 25 Jewel Automatic wristwatch that originally had water resistance and shock resistance. Best of all, the watch was only $10.

Buler 25 Jewel Automatic Watch

Vintage Watch Condition

While this watch was marked at just $10. It's not a long lost Picasso. There were good reasons to mark this watch at $10. The watch has a few issues. The crystal and case have plenty of scratches. The old Buler also seems to be powered by movement and not conventional winding. For a non-watch collector, they might try winding it and fail to get it to run. The date is at six-o'clock and, while the crown does have a pull stop that might indicate that you would independently flip the date, I encountered strong resistance. Fortunately, I was able to set the date correctly by cranking the hands forward around the dial about 58 times to get to the right date. Fortunately, the watch runs, keeps decent time, and the date flips to the next day nicely at midnight. I was also relieved not to see any funkiness. It has a relatively short power reserve as it stopped shortly after I took it off my wrist.  The movement seems a bit loose and noisy when shaken.

A Vintage Buler 25 Jewel Automatic Watch shows some crystal scratches

Buler Watch Origin

I've been researching this watch and I've only learned a little so far. According to the Grok AI engine:

The Buler watch company was founded in 1945 by the SSIH group (Société Suisse de l’Industrie Horlogère) in Lengnau, Switzerland, with Charles and Albert Buhler as key figures in its early years. The company was headquartered in Lengnau, at a modern factory established in 1956 at Solothurnstrasse, near the Jura Mountains. It later moved operations to La Chaux-de-Fonds after being acquired by Renley Watch Manufacturing in 1991.

Buler was once a very popular watch maker. In the late 60s, they sold up to a million watches per year and had customers in 65 different countries. The Buler brand made relatively inexpensive watches. They often used pin-lever movements similar to the ones found in vintage Timex models. Grok suggests that the watch could well be from the late 60s or early 70s and might use a 25-jewel BF158 Baumgartner movement.

Vintage Buler Watch Caseback

Buler Next Steps

I've been researching this watch and Grok suggests that if I wanted to open the watch up and photograph the movement, it might help in the search. However, it is running and I'm reluctant to change that. That's where human wisdom has to override artificial intelligence. I may go ahead and get this watch serviced at some point.

The kind folks at Watchfreeks.com forum had some kind words and found this interesting post on MasterHorologer.com about Buler Watches History and Watches of Buler.  Apparently, the brand may still be active and making watches in Switzerland, but they are owned by Freetown Watch Products, Ltd, which is a company based in Hong Kong. I haven't found any of them on the internet.

It looks like this vintage watch is going to be a project for awhile. It was a fun find!

TGIF: Passing the Time with Watches

If I were a perfectly rational consumer in the watch market, I would buy no watches for 12 years and put $50 per month in the bank or investments until I could buy a really nice watch like a Rolex Explorer. Of course, I'd be about 70 and I might not want to explore very much. Alternatively, I could have fun with lots of less expensive watches and have something to blog about. I think I'll choose the latter and have fun with watches I can easily afford.

If I'm not going to worry about the prestige of a Rolex, then I'll focus on value, variety, and fun. With those three criteria, the watch brands that bubble to the surface for me most often are Timex, Bulova, Orient, and Invicta. 

Why do I like these four watch brands? 

Timex, Bulova, and Orient all provide that connection to history and heritage that I crave, but can't really afford with the prestigious European brands. Bulova and Timex have long histories as American brands and their older models are still affordable as collectibles. Orient has a mystique and a reputation for making quality mechanical watches at good prices.

Circa 2007 Bulova Marine Star

Timex, Bulova, and Orient all provide great collectible value and much variety in their offerings. Timex aims directly at the enthusiast market with their Waterbury Collection. Bulova hits us with great watches in their Aerojet and Sinatra series. It's interesting to track down the stories behind watches and post about finds like my circa 2007 Bulova Marine Star. Orient has beautiful watches with mechanical design magic built in. You can also find vintage Orient models like my vintage Orient Tri Star online for very low prices to add to the fun of collecting.

1970s vintage Orient TriStar

Finally for pure fun, I like Invicta. Invicta watches are boldly styled and always make a statement on my wrist. The designers at Invicta just seem to go for it with their designs. Plus, the deals you can get on Invicta watches online are just insanely good. 

Invicta Multifunction Watch with Day, Date, and 24 Hour Time

While they have a few understated models in their catalog, most Invicta watches get noticed. They invite conversations about watches. That's a good thing.

What is a Dive Watch?

A Deep Dive into Dive Watches

Dive watches are a subset of tool watches. Dive watches were originally designed for diving--and particularly--SCUBA diving. 

Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic Dive Watch (Amazon photo)

Dive Watch Properties

Dive watches are made of robust materials like stainless steel or titanium to resist corrosion, they have high degrees of water resistance (typically above 100-meters with 200 or 300 meters water resistance for professional models). They have unidirectional rotating bezels to help with timing a dive. They usually have screw-down crowns to increase water resistance. Professional models might also have helium release valves to help professional divers using underwater diving bells decompress their watch without damage.

Dive Watch Examples

Watches like the Rolex Submariner, Rolex Sea Dweller, and Omega Seamaster Diver 300M are well known dive watch examples. The titanium Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic Dive Watch here on Amazon is a very good example of a solid dive watch.

Dive Watches versus Diver-style Watches

Over the years on this blog, I've evolved into reserving the label "dive watch" for watches that had more than 100-meters of water resistance, rotating bezels, and screw-down crowns. Watches that have the look, but don't deliver the performance features, get the "diver-style" watch label. They can still be beautiful, but I don't want to call them dive watches.

While I love it dearly, my old Pulsar PS9319 (reviewed here on this blog) is just a diver-style watch. Even though it has 100-meters of water resistance, it doesn't have a rotating bezel and it is clearly made for beauty and not SCUBA diving.

If you are realistic about your likelihood of SCUBA diving, you can save lots of money by choosing a diver-style watch over a proper dive watch. But, it's also nice to know that you could go SCUBA  diving anytime if you had the time.

Watch Deal Alert: Timex Men's Southview Quartz Watch at 42% off.

If you are looking for a nice Timex, there are plenty of beautiful watches in the Timex Waterbury Collection, but sometimes Timex offers similar features in their regular watch collections.  For example, the Timex Men's Southview Quartz Watch has lines that are very similar to some of the watches in the Waterbury Collection.  It has a 41mm diameter brass case, a crown with a golden tone, and a nice genuine leather strap. The Roman number font has a simpler modern font and the dial is one color. Where the Waterbury collection embraces traditional and decorative details, this Southview embraces modernity and minimalism.

Timex Men's Southview Quartz Watch

The Timex Southview is a very respectable and functional watch that normally retails for around $70. But, now in August 2025, it's on sale for 42% off! That brings the price down to $40! That's a price from over a decade ago. You can get this price on the Timex Southview for a limited time at --

Timex Southview watch on Amazon!

Watches A to Z: Peugeot Watches

Over the years, I've stumbled across the Peugeot watch company on Amazon several times. I always gave them a passing glance and wondered if they were related to the French Peugeot car company. It turns out that they aren't and their real story is far more interesting. 

Peugeot Men's Rectangular Watch (Amazon Photo)
Get This Peugeot Watch on Amazon

I did a bit of digging into this company. Apparently, it was founded by a watchmaker named Paul Peugeot back in 1957. For 25 years, they made traditional luxury watches with mechanical movements, but having weathered the quartz watch revolution, they pivoted to affordable, quartz, fashion watches. 

Peugeot Men's Non-Rotating Sport Bezel Watch
Get this Peugeot watch here on Amazon

Why? Originally, they made many watches with 18K gold. But, when gold prices rose with inflation and geopolitical issues in the late 70s and early 80s, the watches became unaffordable to lower and middle class markets where they had a strong reputation for quality and good prices.

Today, the Peugeot brand offers a wide variety of watches at affordable price points. The brand also backs their watches with a limited lifetime warranty, free battery replacement for life, and free link removal for resizing.

Peugeot Men's 14K Gold-Plated Moon Phase Dress Watch (Amazon Photo)
Get this Peugeot Watch Here on Amazon

Peugeot offers an interesting mix of watches and draws inspiration from traditional European watch designs. You'll find lots of tanker-style watches, moon-phase watches, and some homages to famous watches. I like this gold-plated homage to the Rolex Datejust. 

Peugeot 14K Gold Plated Luxury Big Face Watch (Amazon Photo)
Get this Peugeot Watch here on Amazon

Some of the other Peugeot watches resemble the Rolex Submariner  and Cartier tankers. At price points under $100, buyers should definitely read the reviews before making a purchase. But, Peugeot offers a good warranty and has some very attractive timepieces.

TGIF: Ten Watch Details That Make You Feel Rich

When it comes to watches, the smallest of details can really make you feel good about your watch purchase. In my years of collecting, I've found that little things can come together to make a timepiece satisfying. Here are ten details that make a watch feel like a luxury and that I am richer for having made the purchase.

1. A Mechanical Movement - When I buy a watch with a mechanical movement, I feel connected to the magic and mechanical wizardry of watches. It doesn't matter if the watch came from Switzerland, the far east, or a workshop in India, if it winds or shakes and ticks, then I feel like I have something special.

My refurbished HMT Pilot is powered by a manually wound movement

 I think a mechanical watch is one of the closest things we have to a magic item in this world today.

2. Well-Designed Bezels - When it comes to watch bezels that bring something to the party that is my watch. If a bezel has diver-style markings, I like the bezel to be rotating with clicks and unidirectional. It's one of the things that separates "real dive watches" from "diver-style watches." If the bezel doesn't rotate, I like when bezel on a dress or sport watch has some design features like a coin-edge or an engraved design.

3. Fancy Hands - I like when there is something a little special about the hands of a watch. For example, I like the W-shaped design of the back part of the second hand on my Timex Waterbury watches. It looks like craftsmanship. Similarly, if the watch is a tool watch, it's nice to see some lume on the hands so that the watch can be read in the dark.

This Timex Waterbury Standard Watch has a great bezel

4. Stainless Steel Cases - A stainless steel case feels substantial. It has weight and substance. It's real metal. Titanium feels real, too. Cases made from lesser base metals like brass, copper, tin, or zinc or from various plastics and resins just don't feel as luxurious. They also may not last as long. I've got plenty of inexpensive watches with base metal cases, but stainless steel or titanium just feel like richer materials and better purchases.

5. Working Subdials - I blow hot and cold with subdials. I can barely read them even with reading glasses. But, when subdials don't work, a watch can feel like a mere facade of a watch. I wish companies that use non-functional subdials would replace them with other design elements like shields or sailing ships or compass roses or meaningful logos.

The Invicta Sub Aqua Noma III 

6. Engraved Casebacks - An engraved caseback is a way for a company to share heritage and communicate watch capabilities with the watch wearer.

The Engraved Caseback of a Timex Waterbury Watch

I like an engraved caseback much more than a plain one. Some engraved casebacks are practically works of fine art. I like having art. Art enriches the soul.

The Engraved Caseback of an Invicta Sub Aqua Noma III

7. Engraved Buckles - If you have a watch with an engrave buckle (usually with the name or logo of the watchmaker), you feel like you are getting something that isn't generic. You feel like the watch company invested a little more in the design and detail of your watch.

The Engraved Buckle of the Sub Aqua Noma III

8. Crowns with Designs - A crown with a design engraved in it or a jewel embedded in it, feels a little more finished and a little more polished, than a plain generic crown.

The Engraved Crown of my Timex Waterbury

9. Genuine Leather Straps - In this synthetic world, it's nice to have something genuine.

The Leather Strap of my Timex Waterbury

10. Improved Dials - A dial design with interesting materials or a textured surface or a sunray dial is more interesting than a plain dial.

The sunburst dial of my Caribbean Joe watch

I may not want to have each and every one of these elements incorporated into one watch, but when a design incorporates several of these features, my purchase makes me feel pretty rich.

If you are looking for a watch that brings many of these details together, check out the Timex Waterbury Men's Standard 3 Hand Quartz Watch (above) with a Silver-Tone on Silver-Tone case and dial and a brown leather strap.  It's a real bargain at less than $60. You can get this Timex here on Amazon.

Art Watches - Swatch Unisex Casual Bioceramic Watch Black Art Journey Leger's Two Women Holding Flowers

If you are an artist or art enthusiast, you might really like the art watch collection from Swatch. These watches are quite different from what we normally see. As unusual watches, they might be great additions to any watch collection. Best of all, they are attainably priced. The watch below is a Swatch Bioceramic Watch from their Black Art Journey collection and it incorporates elements of a 1954 painting by Fernand Léger titled Two Women Holding Flowers.

Swatch Bioceramic Watch Black Art Journey - Leger's Two Women Holding Flowers (Amazon Photo)

This watch is 41mm in diameter and is 9.85mm thick. It has 100 meters of water resistance.  The case is made from bioceramic material which is 2/3 zirconium oxide and 1/3 bio-sourced plastic made from castor oil. It has a durable, scratch resistant finish, and is lightweight for comfortable daily wear. If you are interested in taking a closer look, check out this Swatch Black Art Journey watch here on Amazon.

What is a Tool Watch?

Defining the Tool Watch

The tool watch is a broad category of watch that includes watches with designs that originate with watches that are relentlessly driven by the essentials of a function or mission. 

A Tudor Ranger Field Watch

Originally, these designs had few if any purely decorative features. But, in modern times, more decorative features have been added to boost the crossover appeal of tool watches. According to Grok AI:

A tool watch is a timepiece designed primarily for practical functionality in specific activities or environments, emphasizing durability, legibility, and reliability over aesthetic embellishment. Originally developed for professional or utilitarian purposes, tool watches are built to withstand demanding conditions while providing clear, precise timekeeping and task-specific features. They are versatile, often transitioning from specialized use to everyday wear due to their robust construction and timeless design.

There are several primary categories of tool watch. These include dive watches, field watches, pilot/aviation watches, racing/chronograph watch, and GMT watch. Each of these categories of tool watch has a job to do.

A Timex Navi XL 43mm Automatic Dive Watch (Amazon photo)

A recent conversation on X has really got me thinking on these categories and their definitions.  There are many watches that straddle the boundaries of these categories. Sometimes they have the look, but the not the performance. Other times, they have the performance, but it is buried under so many extraneous styling cues that the focus on functionality is lost. My Invicta Sub Aqua Noma III has 200 meters of water resistance, a screw-down crown, chronograph functionality, tachymeter markings, and a rotating bezel. It has lots of style, but I'm not sure how to categorize it. Maybe it's a Multi-Tool watch?

Invicta Sub Aqua Noma III

Sometimes, the discussion becomes into a matter of "I know it when I see it." That's probably natural because each type of tool watch has a standard bearer--a archetypal watch that represents the whole genre. For some reason, most of these archetypal watches are made by Rolex.

• Dive Watch:  Rolex Submariner
• Field Watch:  Rolex Explorer
• Pilot/Aviation Watch: Breitling Navitimer
• Racing/Chronograph Watch: Rolex Daytona
• GMT Watch: Rolex GMT-Master II

There are other watches that can claim first in a category. There are up and coming challengers. Perhaps, most importantly for most of us, there are also affordable alternatives in each of these watch categories.

Amazon Links For Watches:

Tudor Ranger (w/Rubber & Leather Strap)

Timex Navi XL 43mm Dive Watch 

Invicta Sub Aqua Noma 3 (only available in White)

Wristwatch Review: Armitron 20/5351GNSV Stainless Steel Diver-style Multifunction Watch

This is a fairly new addition to my collection. It's an Armitron 20/5351SV Stainless Steel Diver-style Multifunction Watch. 

Armitron 20/5351GNSV Stainless Steel Diver-style Multifunction Watch

Watch Features

This Armitron has 50 meters (165 feet) of water resistance and functional subdials to tell the 24-hour time, date, and day of the week. 

Watch Style

The watch has a rich green dial and bezel. The markers and sub-dials, are trimmed with a gold-tone. The hands have the gold tone as well for a rich look. However, the case is the familiar silver-tone of stainless steel. Somehow, the look works much better than I thought it would.

Watch Dimensions

The 20/5351GNSV has substantial presence on the wrist. It has a 52mm diameter dial and is 16mm thick. The bracelet is 24mm wide. It's a big watch.

Armitron 20/5351GNSV Stainless Steel Diver-style Multifunction Watch

Overall Impression

I got this watch at Burlington for an amazing price. But, that was luck, you can find the Armitron 20/5351 on Amazon. I wish it had a better name--a nickname even. Hulk is taken. Perhaps, I'll call this one the hornet. This watch is a great value and I enjoy wearing it!

TGIF: Are George Watches Any Good?

I have lots of cheap watches. They are like potato chips. If you happen to be shopping at Walmart or another discount store, it's very easy to throw one into the cart. 

A George Watch from Walmart

If you happen to be shopping at Walmart, chances are good that you'll throw a George watch into your cart. Of course, before you do, you may want to ask yourself one question: 

Are George Watches Any Good?

As the owner of many George watches, I can definitely tell you that George watches are actually very good.  In fact, they are better than you would think a watch that costs less than $20 can possibly be. I like them.

Why Are George Watches Good?

There are many reasons that George watches are actually pretty good. Here are three of the top reasons that I like them:

1. Style. George watch designs are on-point. The features and looks of the most popular iconic watches are well known now. Lots of these features make their way into George watch designs. You can find decorative subdials, tachymeter markings, and diver-style markings on many George watches.

2. Build Quality. George watches are made by pretty solid suppliers like EGC (E. Gluck Corporation - the parent of Armitron) and FMD ( a division of Fossil). These companies make millions of watches at many price points. The Walmart buyers have also obviously insisted on some quality standards in order to minimize product returns. 

Now, you can see where George has cut corners in design and materials. For example, this retro watch with baton markers looks phenomenal, but the crystal is made of some kind of plastic and the bracelet is integrated so it might be hard to replace.

A George watch with integrated bracelet and plastic crystal

While you won't escape all the things I identify in my post on the drawbacks of cheap watches, the quality is much higher than you would expect for $12.

3. Price. George watches are quite inexpensive. Most of them cost about $12 and even the most sophisticated usually cost less than $20. This makes them fun indulgences to pick up while you are at Walmart. For bang around watches, they are great. You don't really have to worry about damaging them. However, you won't gain any personal prestige if you wear one to the office.

 

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Another Afternoon with the Kenneth Cole Reaction in Blue

For this watch wearing Wednesday, I'm strapping on my Kenneth Cole Reaction watch. Why a Reaction? Because I've finally gone through about 13 years of this blog and removed all of the dead links, all the spam comments, and other problem pages.

One of my Kenneth Cole Reaction watches

I like this Reaction watch because it is big and it really stands out on the wrist.

Wristwatch Review: Joseph Abboud Quartz Watch with Decorative Subdials

Amazingly, one of the most incredible dial color schemes that I've seen this year is on an inexpensive watch that I bought at Burlington. The smokey silver and black dial of this Joseph Abboud (Model AB-5218SV) quartz watch with decorative subdials looks amazing. In this review, we'll try to ascertain whether the beauty is more than skin deep.

Joseph Abboud Quartz Watch with Decorative Subdials

Watch Features

This is very much a fashion watch. It is meant to tell the time and look great. The watch looks far more expensive than it actually was and you can imagine a sales associate at a men's clothing store laying this watch on the counter with dress shirts and ties in multiple colors. Beyond looks, there are no real features. 

Decorative Subdials on a Joseph Abboud watch

The subdials are non-functional and the bezel does not rotate. However, it is powered by a Japanese quartz movement.

Watch Construction

This Joseph Abboud watch has a stainless steel caseback and a base metal case. While beautiful, the watch does seem to be very lightly constructed and sounds hollow when set down on a granite countertop. The light weight of this watch makes it comfortable for extended wear.

This Joseph Abboud watch has a Japanese movement and stainless steel caseback

This watch has a vegan leather strap. The strap is supple and lengthy enough for my 7 1/2-inch wrist.

This Joseph Abboud watch has vegan leather straps

Watch Design

This watch is designed as an accessory first and foremost. It's like a movie prop. It just has too look good and convincing from a distance. However, in my opinion, this Joseph Abboud watch does look very good. 

Watch Dimensions

This Joseph Abboud watch has a rather large diameter case. It comes in at 45mm not counting the crown. It's 48.5mm in diameter counting the crown. The lug to lug measurement is 55mm. The watch itself is 10mm thick and would easily fit under a shirt sleeve cuff.

Overall Impression

Overall, I'm pleased with this watch since I got it for about $20 at Burlington. If I had paid twice as much or more in a clothing store, I don't think I'd be happy with it. While the subdials aren't functional, I can't complain too much since I can't usually read subdials without my reading glasses on. 

The Smokey Dial of this Joseph Abboud Model AB-5218SV watch is stunning!

Overall, this watch is beautiful to look at and fills an inexpensive dress watch niche. The beauty is skin deep. But, if you need to look sharp and are on a tight budget, this Joseph Abboud watch might be a good choice.

If you are interested in a simpler Joseph Abboud watch design, I think they did a good job with with the watch in this post, too.

TGIF: Timex Street Watches - Highland Street and Fieldstone Way

It's Friday and time again to examine the map of Waterbury, Connecticut, in search of any secrets that might lie behind the street names of some Timex watches.

• Highland Street
• Fieldstone Way

Last week, we took a look at the list of Timex watches with street names and covered the South Street and Charles Street watches.

Highland Street

Our first watch is the Timex Highland Street Watch. It's the kind of no nonsense retro watch on an expansion bracelet that your aging father or grandfather would use to disdainfully tell you the proper time to set on your fancy Tudor Ranger. It's a little larger than the South Street from last week's post and it doesn't have 24-hour numbering because your dad isn't in the service anymore.

Timex Highland Street Quartz watch (Amazon Photo)

It has a 39mm diameter case, a stainless caseback and brass case, and a stainless expansion bracelet. There is a small date window at 3 o'clock. It has 50 meters of water resistance according to the dial. You also get the Indiglo night lighting function to make this watch more readable in the evening. If you'd like to take a look at this inexpensive watch, you can find it here on Amazon.

Highland Avenue, Waterbury CT, (Google Streetview)

I couldn't have a Highland Street in Waterbury, but I did find a Highland Avenue. 

Fieldstone Way

The Timex Fieldstone Way kicks it up a notch with diver-style markings on the bezel. It's a 42mm diameter quartz watch that is 10mm thick. It's very similar to my Timex Tribute Citation Florida Gators Team Watch. The watch has a textured dial and a small date window at 3 o'clock.

Timex Fieldstone Way Watch

The Timex Fieldstone is on an attractive expansion bracelet that works well for most wearers. The watch is also available in black for cat burglars and commandoes. You can take a look at it here on Amazon.

I did find a Fieldstone Road in Waterbury, but there was no clear connection to Timex. Instead, it looked like a normal residential street.

A Google Map of Fieldstone Road in Waterbury

It quiet, too quiet. Maybe that's what they want us to think? ;-)

WATCH DEAL ALERT: Diesel Mr. Daddy 2.0 for 40% Off

Diesel watches always make a statement and they always get noticed. This is what makes them collectible in a less expensive market segment. They are big and bold and much fun. That's why I like to call out when I see a good deal on a Diesel watch. 

Currently (as of August 2025), the Diesel Mr. Daddy 2.0 is 40% off! That's an amazing deal that brings a watch that normally retails for $425 down to just over $250.

Diesel Mr. Daddy 2.0 (Amazon Photo)

At 57mm in diameter, the Mr. Daddy 2.0 is one of the biggest watches around. It's not for everybody. But, if it is for you, it'll definitely get noticed! 

Check the Mr. Daddy 2.0 out here on Amazon.com.

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Perry Ellis Solar Watch with Tachymeter Markings

My Perry Ellis Solar Watch is still going strong. I like to make sure it gets a little sun from time to time. It's a good watch to grab and go because there is no date to set and it can go for a long, long, time once it is charged up. 

I've had this watch for about a year now and it's been an attractive option for around and about town. It's also perfect for business casual wear. You can read my review of this Perry Ellis Solar watch here on this blog.

Amazingly, you can still get this solar watch here on Amazon.com.

WATCH DEAL ALERT: Timex Waterbury Classic Chronograph 23% off!

If you are looking for a great deal on a watch that is both classy and affordable, check out this beautiful Timex Waterbury Classic Chronograph on Amazon! It has a 40mm diameter case that is 10.5mm thick. It has 30-meters of water resistance and a natural leather strap. I've been tracking this watch since it was 40% off. But, as of this August 2025 update, it is still an amazing 23% off which brings this Timex home for just under $110.

Timex Waterbury Classic Chronometer (Amazon photo)

This watch has a great timeless, chronograph, style. It's also function. The big second hand is only used for its stop watch functionality. Press a button and you're timing. Press another button and that big hand comes to a stop with a precise time. Press another button and it resets to time again. There's a video in the Amazon listing that shows how it works. 

This is a cool watch and I love that Timex has a line of affordable enthusiast watches that we can all add to our collections.

Sharp Watch Shout Out: Bulova Men's Archive Series Chronograph C

 If you are looking for a new watch with a different look, you might check out the Bulova Men's Archive Series Chronograph C. The watch is a modern replica of an old Bulova design.  It's unusual dial and bracelet earn it a sharp watch shout out!

Bulova Men's Archive Chronograph C (Amazon Photo)

The Chronograph C has a novel blue and white dial and comes with both a stainless steel mesh bracelet and a blue leather bracelet. The stainless steel bracelet is interesting because it is all mesh near the watch and an articulated bracelet with a mesh imprint near the clasp. (Update: I've found that you can also buy this watch with just the leather strap and have details later in this post.)

Bulova Men's Archive Chronograph C Bracelet View (Amazon Photo)

I haven't seen a watch quite like them one before. The dial and color combinations are interesting. Amazon pairs it with light colored clothing like white jeans and linen shirts. It almost takes on a tropical vibe with those pairings.

The thing I like about this watch is that it offers a combination of brand, heritage, and visual novelty that is very appealing. It also uses Bulova best high performance quartz movement. Plus, the watch is on sale right now (July 2025) on Amazon for 26% off! 

Find this amazing Bulova Men's Archive Series Chronograph C 

right here on Amazon!

I'm updating this post since I've just learned that the Bulova Men's Archive Series Chronograph C also sells for considerably less with just a blue leather strap. It is just a little over $300 in this more simplified format. That price point will undoubtedly make the Chronograph C a much more comfortable purchase for many buyers.

You can find this blue leather strap version of the Bulova Chronograph C here on Amazon:

Bulova Chronograph C with Blue Leather Strap

Wristwatch Review: Refurbished Vintage HMT Pilot Watch

One of the most fun watches in my collection is a vintage HMT Pilot watch that I bought this spring (2025) from a seller on Etsy. It was an inexpensive purchase and definitely something in the fun and interesting category.

My refurbished HMT Pilot watch undergoes scrutiny

HMT Watch Features

The watch features a manually wound movement. In this era of cell phones and reliable quartz movements, it may seem like a throwback. But, if you are into watches, that is part of the charm. You get to interact with your watch, look at it, and wind it.

HMT Pilot Dimensions

As with many vintage watches, this HMT Pilot watch is a little small. I measure 34mm in diameter not counting the crown. It is 10mm thick and measures about 42mm from lug-to-lug. However, I don't mind a small, lightweight, watch from time to time.

HMT Pilot Refurbishment & Construction

When it comes to a refurbished watch, it's more about re-construction than construction. You'll want to ready Etsy listings very closely to understand what you are getting when it comes to these watches. As a refurbished watch, my HMT Pilot has a bright blue aftermarket  dial, a clear and unblemished replacement crystal, new hands, and an inexpensive leather strap. I replaced the strap with a more generously-sized silicone strap which fits the character of a pilot watch. 

HMT Pilot Aftermarket Dial Detail

The stainless steel case and watch movement are original, but they have benefited from professional attention. The case has been cleaned up and polished. The movement has been serviced and oiled. This watch uses an HMT 0231 watch movement which is basically a copy of Citizen 0201movement. It has 17 jewels and uses Citizen's para shock design to help minimize any damage from accidental drops. 

Indian Refurb Watch Performance

This watch runs and keeps time. Unlike some vintage Seiko and Orient watches, you don't have to shake this watch to keep it running. You just have to wind it and it will run for quite a long time. I realize "quite" is not a scientific term, but basically, if you wind it up at bed time, it will run well into the next day.

The Stainless Steel Case of this vintage HMT Pilot can ward off baby T-Rex bites

From an accuracy perspective, the watch keeps time practically for the day you wear it. However, it runs a bit fast. After a day, you may find it to be running 4 or 5 minutes fast. In a recent test, it picked up about 2 minutes in 2 1/2 hours.

Overall Review

I like this HMT Pilot watch. For only $37 (when I bought it), it's a practical way to have a vintage feel and experience without fungus, rust, or haziness of many old watches.