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.