Thursday, May 29, 2025

TGIF: Two $50 Watches to Buy For Father's Day

Father's Day is June 15th. That's practically right around the corner. A watch is almost always an appropriate gift choice for Father's Day, too. But, kids aren't made of money. Depending on their age, they are often buying with allowance, odd job, or minimum wage money. In some cases, Dad's money is paying for Dad's gift. For most families that means a Rolex is right out. Instead, let's look at some decent watches that are priced for less than $50.

Father's Day Watch Choice: The Casio MDV-106 Series Dive Watch 

This Casio is a perennial favorite among watch collectors. Often priced at less than $50, the MDV-106 (informally called the Casio Duro or Marlin) offers dive watch features and performance. It has a stainless steel case, a Japanese quartz movement, 200-meters of water resistance, a unidirectional rotating bezel, a date window, and a fish right on the dial. It's a great choice for an active father and makes a great bang around watch.

Casio MDV-106 Duro Dive Watch


Father's Day Watch: Timex Men's Highland Street Watch

Watch collectors are gaga about simple watches like the Rolex Explorer. They go on and on about the readable dial and substantial build quality. At some point, you just want to raise your hand and say, "A Timex can do that, too." Take the Timex Men's Highland Street watch with Expansion Band. It has a 39mm diameter case.  For those counting that's 3 more millimeters than the typical 36mm Rolex Explorer I. Of course, Rolex came out with a 39 and 40mm case options at various points after 2010. But, by then, they were just trying to keep up with revered brands like Timex.

Timex Highland Street

A quartz watch like the Timex Highland Street is exactly the functional tool watch that most dad's need. As an added benefit, after buying this watch, kids will still be able to have a college fund.

Both of these watches are attractive gifts for Father's Day. They are practical, attractive, and affordable.

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Blue Diver-Style Watch of Mystery

No brand. No markings. No depth rating. This watch just has a beautiful blue dial and the classic markings of a dive watch. What is it? Is it a new microbrand? Is it a custom build? Do you like it?

A rather mysterious Blue Dial Diver-Style Watch

It is actually a comfortable watch with a bracelet that fits me well. The bezel does not rotate, but the bracelet is rather attractive. While there are microbrands that make watches that look like this and there are custom builds that watchmaking hobbyist can make with a generic dial, this quartz watch is a George watch from Walmart. It only cost $11.96.

Do you still like it? It makes you wonder: How important is a good brand name?

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Sharp Watch Shout Out: NUOVO Men's Quartz Watch

Every once in awhile, a cheap watch with an interesting design will catch my eye. Today's sharp watch shout out goes to a brand I haven't heard of and a watch I've never handled, but it looks pretty cool. It's a Nuovo Men's Quartz Watch with Leather Strap.  That's the boring description from a Chinese company far, far, away. I'd rather call it the Crazy Green Thing Watch. Look at this watch in Kermit the Frog green. That dial design is eye-catching, funky, and kind of cool.

Nuovo Men's Quartz Watch (Amazon Photo)

On Amazon, this timepiece is priced at less than $20 so buying it isn't that big of a risk. It averages 4.1 stars out of over 250 reviews. But, the negative reviews have mentioned short initial battery life and rather flimsy straps. Others have mentioned that it is a big dial watch measuring nearly 2-inches (50mm) in case diameter. The seller calls this watch light brown. I don't see that as the dominant color. If you'd like to see this big great watch and more reviews by purchasers, it is available here on Amazon. This kind of watch is about fun, whimsy, and interesting dial design. It might be worth $20 for fun.


Monday, May 26, 2025

Watch Deal Alert: The Stuhrling Original Pro Dive Quartz Watch is 84% Off

If you're looking for an iconic dive watch style on a tight budget, you may find what you are looking for in the Stuhrling Original Pro Dive Quartz Watch for men. This 42mm timepiece evokes classics like the Omega Seamaster, but has its own design touches and fits right into the dive-style watch milieu. It has a magnifying cyclops bubble over the date window and it has a screw-down crown for a professional dive watch feel.  You can check this watch out here on Amazon.


While this Stuhrling Original may be labeled Depthmaster Professional, it really only offers 100 meters of water resistance. This isn't the only bit of watchmaker hyperbole. The Amazon listing says that it is 84% off of the full retail price. However, full retail for this watch might be more appropriate at $100 instead of the claimed $395.  The watch is still a great deal because it is a sharp looking and selling for less than $70. If you are a normal person and don't hang out with Rolex or Omega enthusiasts who might go full watch snob on you, this is a decent watch for everyday wear. Plus, if you invest the $6,000 to $12,000 that you'd save over a Rolex or Omega, you might get rich enough to afford a ultra luxurious watch somewhere down the road of life.

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Wristwatch Review: Geoffrey Beene Diamond Watch with Mesh Band

One of my more comfortable and attractive fashion watch purchases has been this simple quartz Geoffrey Beene Diamond watch with a mesh band.

Geoffrey Beene Diamond Watch in Gold and Gunmetal with a stainless steel band

Watch Construction


This watch has a stainless steel caseback and gunmetal stainless steel mesh band which is very adjustable and generously sized. The quartz movement is powered by a common SR626SW battery. The diamond is a tiny gem diamond that looks good from some angles, but is of no great value. The case appears to be a good quality base metal.

Geoffrey Beene Diamond Watch in Gold and Gunmetal with a stainless steel band

Watch Style


The Geoffrey Beene Diamond watch with mesh band comes in four color combinations on Amazon. In my opinion the gunmetal and gold looks the best. It combines the menace of gunmetal and the richness of gold very nicely. 

Geoffrey Beene Diamond Watch

This watch is very well styled and does minimalism better than some dedicated minimalist brands. The 42mm diameter case brings presence to the wrist and the band is quite adjustable for a perfect fit.


Overall Impression 

This Geoffrey Beene watch is one of the most comfortable in my collection. The mesh band wears smoothly against the skin and the dial in clear and readable. I like it and I got a good deal on it for $30 or less in a Ross or Burlington store.

Where can I get this Geoffrey Beene Watch?

You can get this Geoffrey Beene watch on Amazon here for less than $50.


Friday, May 23, 2025

TGIF: Diving into Geoffrey Beene Watches

Geoffrey Beene brand watches are among the modestly priced quartz watch brands that I regularly come across at brick-n-mortar retailers like Kohl's, Ross, Burlington, and online at Amazon. They are modestly priced and generally cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $25 to $35 dollars.  At this price point, they have proven to be good looking, comfortable, and quite reliable watches. 

Geoffrey Beene Diamond Watch

Are Geoffrey Beene watches any good?


There are tons of watches in the less than $50 range and I often think of them as "commodity quartz" watches. It seems like the forms and functions are often quite similar at this price. However, I think this Geoffrey Beene punches a little above its price point. The case shapes are interesting and the colors complementary. They don't appear to be cheap. Personally, I think Geoffrey Beene watches are pretty good. They deliver a good product at a good price and they look good in any situation.



Who was Geoffrey Beene? 

For a little background, Geoffrey Beene was a highly regarded American fashion designer. He was born in 1924 and died in 2004 at age 80. A graduate of Tulane University, he was known for creating men's fashions that married comfort and luxury. He won 8 COTY awards, 3 CFDA awards and an honorary doctorate from Rhode Island School of Design. His designs were known for "impeccable styling, superb tailoring, comfort and quality." 

Who makes Geoffrey Beene watches?

Since his death, his brand has been produced by a variety of licensees. The Geoffrey Beene brand is currently owned by the Authentic Brands group and it is licensed to the Versa group who has the watches manufactured to their specifications by a variety of makers.

To see Geoffrey Beene watches on Amazon, check out this link.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Refurbished HMT Pilot

Lately, I've been enjoying my new-to-me HMT Pilot watch. It's a refurbished model from India (via Etsy) with an original case and movement, but everything else has been replaced. That means a new dial, new hands, new crystal, and new strap. I replaced the inexpensive leather strap that was provided by the Etsy seller (vintagewatchzone) with a nicer and larger silicone strap from Walmart.

Refurbished HMT Pilot Watch

This HMT is a small but colorful watch. It runs well and keeps decent time. It might be a bit fast +30 seconds or +60 seconds per day. This is my third watch from this Indian vendor and I've been very pleased so far.  You can read about my first watch from India -- a refurbished Oris here. At first I was uncertain, but I actually enjoy these watches.

A closer view of my refurbished HMT Pilot watch

 

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Watch Wearing Wednesday: 90s Vintage Pulsar Day-Date Quartz Watch

Sometimes, you have to fall back on watches that are tried and true. In my case, it's this Pulsar Day-Date watch (below) that I seem to have had forever.

Pulsar Quartz Day-Date Watch

This Pulsar has a stainless steel case and bracelet, a simple dial with batons, and 100-meters of water resistance (when new). It's also unobtrusive, fits under the cuff of a shirt sleeve, and from a Seiko brand. Pulsar seems to have been relegated to the dustbin of Seiko history for now. I've seen articles indicating that the Pulsar brand has been discontinued and, yet, I've also seen a trickle of Pulsar watches being sold through Walmart.com.

Pulsar Day-Date Watch

I first wrote about this watch way back in 2011. I have no idea when I actually got it. No matter what the fate of the Pulsar brand may be, you can usually find a simple day-date watch under the Seiko umbrella between Seiko, Citizen, and Bulova.

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Wristwatch Review: US Polo Assn Accutime Men's Quartz Watch in Silver and Gold Tones

When it comes to inexpensive watches for men, US Polo Association is a name that comes up regularly. You can find this brand (spelled US Polo Assn) online at Amazon and in brick-n-mortar stores like JC Penney, Burlington, and Ross. In 2025, these watches are typically priced in the $20 to $30 range. They make great bang around watches.  You can find lots of analog US Polo Assn watches for men here on Amazon. Let's take a look at one of my US Polo watches in silver and gold tones.

US Polo Assn Watch in Silver and Gold Tones

Watch Style

This watch is awfully glamorous for an inexpensive timepiece that likely cost less than $25 at a Burlington store. But, the companies who make cheap watches are often on-point when it comes to fashion.  This one has a large silver dial with gold numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9, and gold tones for the hour batons US Polo Assn script and trademark polo pony and rider. The second hand is gold and the hour and minute hands are gold with a white insert. The gold tones continue with the bezel, crown, and alternating columns of a glossy gold and silver-tone bezel. It's quite the shiny watch.

Watch Construction

With gold at $3255 an ounce and silver just over $32 an ounce as of this writing, all gold and silver are definitely just tones at this price point. The watch has a stainless steel caseback and bracelet and a base metal case. The case and watch seems pretty solid and the metal doesn't scream cheap. However, the bracelet links are pretty light weight and clink with a hollow sound. One drawback that I don't like is that the watch bracelet is integrated into the case rather unconventionally.  While there is a pin you could push out to remove the bracelet, it would not be easy to just swap the bracelet for another strap. 

US Polo Assn watch riced bracelet connection to case

None of this is surprising at this watch price point. You could almost buy another US Polo Assn watch for the price of a replacement strap. One good thing about this watch is that it is manufactured by Accutime. They make good store-brand and team logo watches at affordable prices and I've never had any issues with their products.

Watch Dimensions

This watch has a 44mm diameter case that is 10mm thick. Some might find this watch large, but it is perfectly sized for me. I have a 9-inch diameter wrist and the bracelet fits me just fine. I'm on the last adjustment hole of the clasp.  With 20mm of adjustment holes, this watch bracelet can easily be resized to fit most wrists without removing links.  If more adjustment is needed the link pins are visible and should be easy to remove to take out a link.

The bracelet and clasp of my US Polo Assn Silver and Gold Tone Watch

Overall Impression

I like this watch and this brand for cheap bang around watches. The US Polo Assn brand offers attractively-styled watches that go well with most preppy and business casual wardrobes. If you buy a watch like this and invest the money you save over more expensive branch, you'll be a rich man for sure one day. I would definitely recommend this watch. 

Saturday, May 10, 2025

The eXtract: Watches Inspired by the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak collection is defined by iconic octagonal watches. Unfortunately, they often sell for over $40,000 used and lie beyond our aspirations.

Affordable Alternatives to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak


Amazing watches like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak are far beyond the reach of most people. But, the octagonal look of the watch resonates with watch enthusiasts everywhere. Let's look at watches inspired by the AP Royal Oak and find some affordable alternatives.

AP Royal Oak Watch - Magnus26, CC BY-SA 3.0
 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

G Shock "Royal Oak" GM2100-1A


The design influence of the AP Royal Oak reaches into the world of tough watches with this Casio G Shock Metal Covered Octagonal Watch.

G Shock "Royal Oak" GM2100-1A Ana-Digital Watch (Amazon Photo)

With 200 meters of water resistance, shock resistance, great analog features, and digital functionality, there's a lot of capability in this G Shock.  You can check this watch out here on Amazon. Amazon sells over 300 of these G Shock watches each month.

Bulova Quartz Men's Classic Dodecagon Watch


For some watch companies, the Octogon is a challenge to be exceeded. For example, this Bulova is a dodecagon!

Bulova Quartz Men's Classic (Amazon Photo)

You get 4 more sides and diamond hour markers for less than the Audemars Piguet. It's a far better value. You can get this Bulova watch here on Amazon and invest the $40,000 you save!

Sapphero Gold-Tone Octagonal Watch


Wait! You want an homage watch that looks more like a real Audemars Piguet? Because you don't want to take yours out of the safe? Sapphero watches has you covered with this nice looking octagonal quartz watch.

Sapphero Octagonal Watch (Amazon Photo)


While money is no object, this one with a green dial and rose gold tone is 19% off. You can find this nice looking homage watch here on Amazon.com. It also comes in several color combinations such as stainless and gold-tone.

Cadisen Mens Mechanical Automatic Watch 


If you want to step up your homage watch game with an automatic movement, meteorite textured dial, and 100 meters of water resistance, this Cadisen might fit the bill.

Cadisen Octagonal Automatic Watch (Amazon Photo)

This watch is simply flat-out beautiful. It comes in several variations that can be found here on Amazon.


Mini Focus Men's Octagonal Casual Quartz Watch


Your watch looks like an Audemars Piguet!
What?
It looks like a rich person's $40,000 watch!
Wow! I just like Octagons!

Mini Focus Men's Octagonal Quartz Casual Watch (Amazon Photo)

At some point, if you just like the look and the shape, you can get a neat looking octagonal watch at a very affordable price point.  For example, this Mini Focus Men's Octagonal Quartz Watch is just a fun casual watch. You can find it here on Amazon for less than $40.

For one more alternative from Olev's check out this post on my octagonal Structure watch.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Sunday, May 4, 2025

Are All The Watch Companies being PRX?

Four Watches that look like the Tissot PRX

Have you noticed that many watches are beginning to look like Tissot's popular PRX series of watches? Is it flattery? Is it love? Are they just trying to capitalize on a popular shape? Let's compare a few similar looking watches.  We'll stick with quartz models just to keep prices and products comparable.

Tissot PRX

The Tissot PRX is the popular watch these days. It's the cool kid on the block. This one (below) has a cool gray dial and a 40mm diameter stainless steel case.

Tissot PRX (Amazon Photo)

Click the link to take a closer look at this Tissot PRX quartz watch on Amazon.

Fossil Everett Quartz


This Fossil watch has a similarly angled case and a tapered bracelet much like the Tissot PRX.  It's the Fossil Everett Quartz and it comes in 42mm and 44mm diameter sizes and a wide range of colors.

Fossil Everett (Amazon photo)

I like the textured sunray dial and bold blue color of this watch. If you'd like to check it out, you'll find the Fossil Everett quartz watch here on Amazon.

Timex Q Reissue

Of course, it may be that the PRX has simply tapped into a retro design vein that exists in the DNA of all watch companies. This Timex Q Reissue has a similar angled case and tapering bracelet, but adds some diver style elements with a rotating bezel and a day-date function. It pays homage to Timex quartz watches of the 1970s.

Timex Q Reissue (Amazon photo)

At 38mm diameter, some reviewers didn't note the retro heritage and thought the watch was a bit small. But, watch sizes seem to be trending downward. This Timex watch does warrant a closer look and you can find it here on Amazon. Personally, I like watches that tie into longer histories.

Movado Bold Quest Sport Watch

The Movado Men's Bold Quest Sport Watch does a good job of connecting to heritage with its play on the classic disc of the Movado Museum dial watches. It also has the angular case and tapering bracelet that are similar to the Tissot PRX.

Movado Bold Quest Sport Watch (Amazon Photo)

This watch brings a Swiss pedigree, an homage to a classic, and a sophisticated bracelet to the PRX-ish party. It's a little more expensive than some of the other options, but it is 20% off as of this writing for a price of less than $500. You can find this Movado watch here on Amazon.

Bulova Men's Dress Classic Quartz

Maybe I'm seeing PRX-style watches everywhere, but I even detect a bit of PRX in this Bulova. It's the Bulova Men's Dress Classic Quartz watch in two tones. At least it has the case angles and a slight taper with a pretty cool band. It's a 39mm watch that is only 7.65mm thick!

Bulova Men's Dress Classic Quartz

This Bulova comes in at a very nice price at 48% off for a limited time on Amazon. That makes it a steal and you can find this Bulova Amazon deal right here!







 

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Sharp Watch Shout Out: Citizen Men's Eco Drive Weekender Watch

I recently saw this Citizen Men's Eco Drive Weekender watch with a blue dial and a blue polyurethane strap. It's an amazing looking watch. I like the dimpled dial and the sports GT-style strap. While it may be an elastomeric polymer, from a distance, that strap sure looks like the wrap from around an old sports car steering wheel. In such a brilliant blue, this Citizen watch certainly deserves a sharp watch shout out!

Citizen Eco Drive Weekender Sport Watch (Amazon Photo)

The specifications for this watch match the sporty looks, too. It has a stainless steel case and 100-meters of water resistance. Amazon reviewers note that it has a long strap to fit most wearers and that the watch holds up well to sweat and activity. The watch is rather large with a 44mm diameter case. 

This watch has a Caliber J810 movement that is solar powered. Citizen Eco Drive watches never need batteries, but they may need a capacitor replaced every ten years or so.  There are instructions online for how to do this and a jeweler should also be able to handle it.

For a limited time (as of this May 2025 writing), this watch is on sale for 25% off for a price coming in at a little over $200. To take a closer look at this timepiece, check it out here on Amazon!