TGIF: Are Caribbean Joe Watches Any Good?

Yes. Caribbean Joe Watches Are Good!

Caribbean Joe makes attractive watches that are very inexpensive. It's natural that potential buyers would ask, "Are Caribbean Joe watches any good?" The immediate answer is "Yes!"  Caribbean Joe watches offer attractive, classically-styled, men's watches that are functional and look good. I have several, they generally fit me well, and I've never had any issues with them working.  For $15 to $30, Caribbean Joe sells great watches. Since they don't cost much, they are fun to collect. If you are just looking for a fun fashion watch to bang around in, Caribbean Joe is a good watch.

This Caribbean Joe watch is no classic, but it looks great!
For more info see my review: Caribbean Joe with Gold Tones

But, Caribbean Joe Watches are Cheap

I love Caribbean Joe watches. But, I'm a cheap bastard.  If you let other considerations slip into your watch choice, there are some good reasons you might want to consider other watches.

1. No Brand Pedigree. Caribbean Joe doesn't seem to have a real history or heritage as a watch maker. The company is primarily a casual beach apparel brand reflecting "an American vision of comfort, ease, and relaxation." Their website, Caribbean-Joe.com, doesn't even mention or sell watches. Inexpensive watch makers like Casio and Timex have rich corporate histories with milestones and break-throughs that you can be proud of when you wear one of those watches. For many watch enthusiasts, buying a watch is akin to joining a tribe. That said, there may yet form a tribe of Caribbean Joe watch enthusiasts. Who can resist that hut and palm tree logo?

A Caribbean Joe Watch
For more info see my review: Caribbean Joe Watch with Green Sunburst Dial

2. Lack of Precision. Caribbean Joe watches have a Singapore-made Quartz Movement that is reliable and works just fine. However, if you push the crown in too hastily once you've set the time, the minute hand may jump a minute or two on one direction or another. If you take it slow and develop some finesse, you can generally set the watch just fine. In fairness, this can happen with other brands, too. However, it is a reminder that you are dealing with an inexpensive watch.

3. Inexpensive Materials. To sell for $20 or so, a watch has to be made very inexpensively. While I haven't had any problems, every once in awhile, you might glance at a Caribbean Joe watch and wonder if the case is made of a really inexpensive tin alloy. The case back is made of stainless steel, but sometimes the case of a Caribbean Joe watch can look a little cheap.

4. Not Ruggedly Constructed. While I do have a Caribbean Joe watch that looks like a Tudor Ranger, it isn't a real field watch. The inexpensive materials mean that a Caribbean Joe watch probably doesn't have much water resistance. I don't wear mine out in heavy rain, use it to wash dishes, or go swimming it. It's a "bang around" watch in that I can bang it into something and go get another watch if it breaks. Beater doesn't mean go beat things with it. Obviously, I wouldn't rely on it for navigation, rock climbing, or any activity more rugged than eating shrimp at a seafood shack by the river.

This Caribbean Joe watch looks like a Tudor Ranger or Rolex Explorer
For more info, see my watch wearing post:  Caribbean Joe Tudor Ranger Alternative

5. Non-functional sub-dials. For $20, you don't get a sophisticated quartz movement with complications that can drive sub-dials. Instead, Caribbean Joe just puts sub-dial markings on the dial and we all just pretend that we have sub-dials. Since sub-dials are generally too small for me to read on most watches, I don't care that much. But, it is a reminder that the watch is cheap. I go back-and-forth on this topic. I don't care. I do care. Ultimately, I'm not a huge fan of sub-dials but, on better watches, the sub-dials work.

This Caribbean Joe watch has fake sub-dials
For more info, see my watch wearing post:  Caribbean Joe with Blue Dial

I hope this list of pros and cons has been useful in helping you decide whether to buy a Caribbean Joe watch. If you do decide to get one, Kohl's, Boscov's and Sierra are probably the best places to find them online or in the store.