TGIF: The Prestige You Know

Once upon a time, when exotic sports cars appeared on Magnum PI and Miami Vice, I advised my parents that they should buy a Ferrari. It didn't matter that a Ferrari cost as much as our house and didn't have room for our family of four. I was bought into the hype. My dad ignored my advice.

Sometimes the watch press can get you all excited about watches that you've never seen in real life and that you've never encountered on the wrist of a person you actually know. When you lust for an expensive exotic watches, it can get a little silly. A great watch can exude class and good taste, but still be the craziest thing you could possibly buy. Most of us are Starbucks rich not Ferrari rich.

Sometimes it's good to step back a bit and think sensibly about watches and watch brands that have been held in high esteem by regular middle class people for years. A nice Seiko, Citizen, Bulova or Movado watch is still a big deal.

Movado Bold Evolution 2.0 (Amazon photo)

Our Ten Dollar Tuesday watches show that the essential mission of a wristwatch can be accomplished at a very low price point. That makes a watch like this Movado Bold Evolution watch quite a luxury at 45x the price. (Of course, it is a great looking watch and easily available at my Amazon affiliate link here.) If you are fortunate to get a watch like this one, value it, it is a special luxury.

Timex Under $60 - 38mm Timex Unisex Weekender Watch

If you are looking for affordable Timex watches, the venerable Timex Weekender is almost always a great choice. Almost every version comes in at well under $60 and, usually, you can find a Weekender model on sale. This Timex Unisex 38mm Watch is an excellent buy at 22% off.  Discounted into the $30 to $40 range, it offers a fabric strap, a brass case, indiglo backlighting, 30-meter water resistance, and a simple field watch dial arrangement.

Timex Weekender (Amazon Photo)

I've had a Timex Weekender for over a decade. You can read my original review here on this blog.  My Weekender is a little unusual in that it has tachymeter markings. They don't make those anymore. However, I actually prefer this more minimalist version.  If you'd like to check it out, use my convenient Amazon affiliate link here. The Weekender remains a great starting point for any affordable watch collection!

Watch Deal Alert: Timex Easy Reader Gold Tone Watch

If you're looking for an affordable Timex watch, I think I've found the best deal yet.  The Timex Easy Reader with a gold tone case and cream dial is selling for less than $25! That's an awesome deal for a recognizable brand like Timex with features like a 38mm diameter case, Indiglo backlighting, and 30-meter water resistance. 

Timex Easy Reader (Amazon Photo)

I've written alot about the Timex Easy Reader over the years, you can see all the Easy Reader mentions here. With this low price, the Timex Easy Reader is a steal. If you'd like to order one or examine the listing more closely, use my Amazon Affiliate Program link.  Check it out and see if it fits your sense of style!

TGIF: Solving A Fluted Bezel Conundrum

Say you've been thinking about adding a dress watch with a fluted bezel to your collection, but you have few rules:

1. It can't be a Rolex Datejust.
2. It can't be a Datejust homage.
3. It can't cost more than $1000.
4. It has to be a respectable brand with a history. 

A Nibosi Datejust Homage Watch

It's a bit of a conundrum.  You like that sparkle, but you aren't presidential material. Homage watch can be cool. But, sometimes for work, you might want to avoid an obvious datejust homage watch. You also don't want to spend more than $1000 because you can always get that "no papers" Rolex from the pawnshop for about $3000. What do you do?

A "no papers" Rolex Datejust at the Pawnshop

I think that you look at watches from Bulova and their value-oriented brand Caravelle. Bulova has a fluted watch with a square case called the Super Seville. Since it's square, it's obviously different from a Rolex Datejust. It's not a homage. Plus, it has a bit of Bulova brand prestige and the famed Bulova Precisionist movement. I've given the Bulova Super Seville a sharp watch shout out before here on this blog. To me, the Bulova Super Seville is a very different watch than the Rolex Datejust.

Bulova Super Seville (Amazon photo)

The Super Seville is a little expensive. This best price variant comes in at nearly $500 on Amazon.  You can check it out via my Amazon affiliate link. Bulova's value-oriented brand Caravelle offers another fluted watch that may pique your interest.

Caravelle by Bulova 3-Hand Men's Quartz Watch (Amazon photo)

The Caravelle by Bulova 3-Hand Men's Quartz Watch is another alternative.  It's a 41mm diameter watch with a "coin-edged bezel" that comes in at a bit over $100 with a leather strap. Stainless steel bracelet versions are a bit more expensive, but still under $150. While there is a 41mm Rolex Datejust, it has a thicker bezel and thicker hour markers. This Caravelle strikes a far more minimalist tone with thin markers and a smaller date window. You can check this one out here via my Amazon affiliate link. 

I think either of these choices provide a fluted bezel alternative that is different enough from the classic Rolex Datejust to break away from the homage label. That can be a breath of fresh air.

If you do like the looks of the Rolex Datejust, I have found some homage watches that might fit the bill.  You can read about them in this post.

Timex Under $60 - The Timex Men's Classic 39mm Watch

The Timex brand has been heading steadily upmarket with watches aimed at enthusiasts and collectors. It's an exciting time as we some truly cool watches like those of in the Q Reissues, the Waterbury Collection, and the elite Atelier collection. But, it's also a little disappointing to see a great source of affordable timepieces recede from the part of the market I can afford. Fortunately, not all is lost, there are still some pretty solid Timex watches available for under $60.  One such watch is this Timex Men's Classic 39mm Watch. Priced in the $30 range, the Classic is a 39mm quartz watch with no date features, a 20mm leather strap, and 50 meters of water resistance. The watch has a brass case. It's a nice basic watch at an affordable price.

Timex Men's Classic 39mm Watch (Amazon photo)

While it has nearly the exact same dial pattern as the Tudor Ranger, this Timex is minimalist in both  design and price. I bet it could pass for a field watch when swapped over to a NATO strap. If you'd like to check it out, use my convenient Amazon affiliate link here.

Ten Dollar Tuesday: The Kakabi Roman Numeral Watch

Over the past few posts, I've provided some high faluting watches. That's because I wanted us to be able to keep up with the Joneses over at WatchTime. However, if you're living or a fixed income or you have an employer that's trying to fix your income, you always have the option of reverting to a nice looking watch with Roman numerals. In this case, this 40mm diameter Kakabi Men's Classic Quartz Watch with a leather strap looks perfect for a business casual workplace. It hits our $10 mark as well!

Kakabi Roman Numeral Watch

If you'd like to purchase a watch like this one, you can find it here using my Amazon affiliate link. If you want to see some more classy Roman numeral watches, check out these posts on my blog.

To see all the $10 watches that I've highlighted, check out my Amazon affiliate store front here.

The Hundred Dollar Grail: A GMT Watch

Many watch collectors lust for a GMT watch. It's one of the fundamental watches that any collection needs they might say. It would allow you to track the time in multiple timezones since it has a third hand that travels the dial on a 24-hour timescale and can be set to reflect a different timezone.  Many famed Swiss brands offer GMT watches. Perhaps the most famous example would be the Rolex Explorer II.  But, what can we find in the GMT space for $100 or less? There is one watch that immediately comes to mind.  

Timex Waterbury GMT Watch

One GMT watch that comes to mind immediately is already in my collection.  It's the Timex Waterbury GMT. It's a great quartz watch with some nice touches like a fancy second hand. With 100-meter water resistance, this Timex is a solid watch that works well. You can read my full review of it here on this blog.

Timex Waterbury GMT

Most listings for a Timex Waterbury GMT list it for over $100.  But, when you are exploring the Amazon, you need to bring a machete and cut through some of the underbrush. Sometimes, that will mean checking each dial color combination offered and finding the best price. 

Fortunately, I found this Timex Waterbury GMT for less than $100 and you can too right here on Amazon using my affiliate link.

There are other GMT deals to be had. Addiesdive offers many GMT watches that sell consistently under $100. However, some of the reviews point to less than stellar GMT timekeeping. Timex is more reliable but rapidly trying to move upmarket. Finding one for under $100 is a great deal.

A GMT watch was a major part of the $20,000 WatchTime five watch collection I recently responded in my last post here. A respectable  $100 GMT watch option brings down the price of an affordable counter-collection considerably.

Affordable Alternatives: A Five Watch Collection for Every Situation

WatchTime Magazine recently published an article by watch expert Johannes Beer featuring a five watch no compromises collection that would suffice for every situation and come in at an eye-watering $20,000. You can read the article here. I'm sure that the publication means well, but bless their hearts, they make me feel so poor I want to cry. On the plus side, they did feature some cool looking watches from Cartier, Omega, Squale, Bulgari, and Yema. They also made sure to include a GMT, a Dive Watch, a Chronograph, a Dress Watch, and a statement piece. It made me wonder, "What's a poor boy do?"

Five Respectable Watches for Under $2000 Total (Amazon Photos)

Since I'm too old to play for a rock'n'roll band, I put together a watch collection that features respectable brands, the same functionality, great looks, at 1/10 of the price. These aren't watches that we can afford every day or all at one time, but they are watches that are definitely attainable. For a total of approximately $2000, I'm pretty sure you could get a Bulova Classic Sutton dress watch, a Bulova Lunar Pilot, a Vaer DS2 Meridian, a Tissot PRX (quartz), and a Versace V Code GMT. At the $20,000 level, WatchTime stuck to automatics, but I'll stick to quartz models for the win at less than $2000.

Dress Watch: Bulova Classic Sutton Watch

The writer for WatchTime chose the the well respected Cartier Santos-Dumont rectangular watch. It's a wonderful watch, but way out of my league. However, there are plenty of nice square and rectangular dress watches in the market. If you are looking for a nice watch from a respectable brand, you can't go wrong with the Bulova Classic Sutton tank watch. As a bonus, this Bulova mirrors the blue strap and stainless case combination of the Cartier. I just like a blue dial for this sort of watch better.

Bulova Sutton Square Dress Watch (Amazon photo)

Regularly priced at a bit over $200, this watch looks good, has a nice leather strap, and fits the more formal dress watch role perfectly.  If you are interested in this timepiece, check it out here using my Amazon Affiliate link. If you act fast, you might find a really great deal. It's 46% off as of July 30th.

Chronograph: Bulova Lunar Pilot

For their chronograph choice, WatchTime went with the famed Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. For our list, that made another moon watch an obvious choice:  the Bulova Lunar Pilot. This is a quartz recreation of a Bulova that was actually worn on the moon during the Apollo 15 lunar mission.

Bulova Lunar Pilot (Amazon photo)

At a bit over $500, the Bulova Lunar Pilot is a little expensive.  But, if you watch Amazon long enough and you are true in your faith and intention, there will eventually be a sale. [In fact, one day after publishing this, the Bulova Lunar Pilot went on sale for 35% off!] You can check the Bulova Lunar Pilot and this deal out here via my Amazon affiliate link.

Dive Watch: Vaer DS2 Meridian

For the dive watch choice, Johannes Beer of WatchTime selected the Squale Sub-37 Legend. It's a watch that posed a challenge. By choosing a Squale, Mr. Beer departed from the most obvious dive watch brands like Rolex, Omega, or Tudor. Thus, I've submitted the respected, but under the radar, microbrand: Vaer. I really like the classic look of this watch. It's reminiscent of the iconic Blancpain 50 Fathoms dive watch.

Vaer DS2 Meridian (Amazon Photo)

The Vaer DS2 Meridian offers150-meters of water resistance for a bit under $300. It's a watch any of us can take pride in. If you'd like to check it out, you'll find it here via my Amazon affiliate link.

GMT Watch: Versace V Code GMT

In the $20,000 collection, you need a GMT watch. It's probably for all the jet-setting and timezone juggling. For a $2000 collection, the GMT might still come in handy for talking with the far away co-workers who'll eventually get your job or for that drive here in the US to visit folks in the next timezone over. The WatchTime collection chose a spectacular Bulgari watch. It's a truly dramatic timepiece.  For the rest of us, I'd recommend this Versace V Code GMT quartz watch. It's similar to the Bulgari by virtue of the bezel design that features deeply engraved lettering and design patterns. I think it looks cool and, along with the Versace Medusa logo, makes the V Code GMT watch a very distinctive choice.

Versace V Code GMT Watch (Amazon Photo)

As a fashion brand, Versace offers distinctive watch designs that bring designer looks to the wrist at attainable price points. If you like a wide variety of watch looks, it's a brand that would definitely bring variety to your collection. As I ponder this brand, I've come to believe that they are actually a luxury watch brand. To check this watch out, visit it here via my Amazon affiliate link. If it is a luxury brand, it's proof that luxury doesn't have to exclude us.

Statement Watch: Tissot PRX (Quartz)

Where WatchTime offers a Yema watch with an integrated bracelet and a camouflage design as a statement watch, I offer the venerable quartz version of the Tissot PRX. Where I come from "I have a Tissot PRX" is definitely a statement.

Tissot PRX - Quartz Model (Amazon photo)

The Tissot PRX is a wildly popular watch design from a quality Swiss watchmaker. It's not cheap. In the mid-$400 range, it's a watch that you might want to watch for awhile until it's a good deal for you. To keep an eye on it, you can use my Amazon affiliate link here. If you are looking for a PRX alternative, check out my post "Are All The Watch Companies Being PRX" and you'll find some similarly designed timepieces.

Conclusion: Buy The Watch You Want

In truth, I wish I could afford some of the watches that grace the pages of WatchTime Magazine.  It's a rarified world. However, the rest of us can take solace in the watches we can afford. We don't have to stay envious for long. Each of the brands I feature in this post have an interesting history and bring plenty of heritage and panache to the wrist. 

Yet, even this list still represents  almost $2000 in watches. If you need to find even more affordable alternatives, they are out there. Over the next few weeks, I'll find alternatives to these watches to present as Hundred Dollar Grail watches.  But, ultimately, watch collecting is more fun when you make your own watch list and share your finds with the watch collecting community. Happy hunting!

Watches A to Z: Orient

The world of luxury timepieces is filled with high priced mechanical watches with automatic movements that are sold at price points that soar into the stratosphere. The thought that a high quality mechanical watch is unattainable for people of average means is very discouraging to many prospective watch collectors. But, if they are lucky, they discover Orient.

Vintage Orient Tri-Star Automatic Watch

Orient was founded in 1901 when Shogoro Yoshida opened the Yoshida Watch Shop in Ueno, Taito, Tokyo, Japan. They started out selling imported pocket watches and grew into a manufacturer of watch cases and clocks. Between 1920 and 1934, they manufactured their first watches. In 1951, the company changed its name to Orient, manufactured their first Orient Star watch, and started the development of in-house movements. They weathered the quartz watch crisis by sticking to their resolve to create the longest lasting mechanical watches. 

The caseback of my Orient Bambino

In more recent times, Orient joined Seiko Group when Seiko Epson bought 51% of Orient in 2001. In 2009, the company became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Seiko. In 2017, Orient became a completely integrated Seiko brand. It's a good match. For collectors of modest middle class means Orient and Seiko automatic watches provide great value.

The Orient Bambino, 2nd Generation, Version 3

To read my review of my vintage Orient Tri-Star click here. To read my review of my Orient Bambino, 2nd Generation, Version 3 click here. To see all of my Watches A to Z posts click here.

Ten Dollar Tuesday: Time100 Quartz Sports Watch for Men

The best time to buy a post-apocalyptic watch is pre-apocalypse. Today's $10 watch is this clunky Time100 from the deepest recesses of the Amazon. The case and straps look very cool. As I write this, I strongly suspect that the subdials will be non-functional, but Chinese watches have surprised me lately.  

The Time100 Men's Quartz Watch (Amazon photo)

The listing for this watch had no product details. No highlights. No real description. The specifications offer that it's a quartz watch with 30-meter water resistance. They also list a 43mm diameter case, 13mm thick, with a 22mm wide silicone strap. Of course, I did what any irrational watch collector would do. I ordered it! It was only $9.

Fortunately, the watch arrived on Monday, just prior to this post. In many respects, I'm surprised and pleased by the watch I received. It came in a real box with a collector's tin! A collector's tin for a $9 watch!

The Time100 Chronograph in its collector's tin

Here are some of the answers to some of the key questions you might have:

Do the subdials work? Yes. This watch is a chronograph. It works and the date function works as well.

Does the watch fit? Yes.The strap is generously sized. 

Does it have a stainless steel caseback? Yes. That should help keep allergies and skin conditions at bay.

Is there lume? Yes. There is actually a bit of loom on the hour and minute hands.

The functionality and fit of this watch are astounding. Watches that are available at retail stores and cost less than $30 generally don't have working subdials.

The Time100 Chronograph watch

What's disappointing? The watch in the product photo has a flat finish which would have given the timepiece an industrial look, but the actually watch has a very glossy case appearance. This is not a show stopper--just a surprise.

Overall, I'm quite satisfied by the value delivered by this watch.  If you are interested, you can get the Time100 watch here via my Amazon affiliate link. I'll get a teeny-tiny commission. But, you'll get a watch for less than $10. It'll be cool to see how this one holds up over time. I was crazy to buy a watch with so little product information, but it's off to a great start. To check out most of my $10 Tuesday watches, visit my Amazon store front via affiliate link here.

Wristwatch Review: Nautica N/83 Finn World Quartz Watch

One watch I snatched up pre-owned on Amazon is this Nautica Finn World watch (Model NAPFWF201).  It's a beautiful dive-style watch inspired by Finn class sailboats and the sea. The styling of this watch is just amazing with the boldest of blues, a purposeful looking diver-style bezel, and a silicone strap that fits an up to 8-inch wrist.

Nautica Finn World Watch (Amazon Photo)

It looks perfect on Amazon, but this great deal story has a twist.

Incredible Watch Deal but Shockingly Unacceptable Delivery

Amazingly, I found this Nautica watch as a pre-owned deal for just under $15.00. But, I was shocked when the watch arrived.  It was in a box that had about a tablespoon of beach sand inside. It covered the watch, the original box, and any papers inside.

My Nautica N/83 arrived in beach watch condition

I almost sent the watch back. The watch was new in box, but the box was terrible. I dusted the watch off, removed the sticker protecting the crystal and the sticker protecting the case back and rinsed off the straps. 

The dusty wrist strap of my Nautica N/83

Fortunately, clean up revealed that underlying timepiece was undamaged.

Nautica N/83 Finn World Watch Style and Features

Like nearly all Nautica watches, this watch is a winner in terms of style and design. The color combination, nautical reference to the Finn class of sale boats, bezel look, and strap design are all winners. This is one of my best looking watches. As a fashion watch, this Nautica is on point.

From a feature perspective, this Nautica N/83 is a little sparse. The bezel is fixed. That's a bit of a shame because I do like a rotating bezel for timing pizzas and other important things. However, the simplicity of the design is also refreshing. There are no tiny subdials or date windows with numbers I can't read. I don't have to check and set the date with this one when I pick it up after awhile to put it in rotation. The watch has a practical water resistance of 50 meters. I'll rate the lack of features a win for this watch.

Nautica Watch Dimensions

I like the size of this watch. The case is 44mm in diameter and 12mm thick. The strap is 22mm wide and provides plenty of length.

 

Nautica Watch Construction

Founded in 1983 by designer David Chu and a partner, the Nautica brand is now owned by Authentic Brands.  In the fashion space, Nautica is slots above Izod and below Brooks Brothers in Authentic's portfolio of brands. Nautica watches have been designed, manufactured, and distributed by the Timex Group since the 1990s. The design direction and quality guidelines have worked well in the partnership to yield some great looking and affordable watches.

This Nautica N/83 Finn World watch features stainless steel construction, a silicone strap, and a mineral glass crystal. It's a very solid watch.

Nautica Finn World Watch Overall Impression

Overall, I really love this watch. I'm glad I didn't send it back. It's genuinely one of my favorite casual watches. It has a great look. It's very readable and it has practical water resistance.

Where to Buy Nautica Watches

Fashion watch brands move fast and constantly evolve. This watch is no longer available on Amazon.  But, it is listed online at Kohl's for $125 new.  It also appears regularly on secondary sites like eBay. Since Nautica shows remarkable consistency in design theme and style, you may find another Nautica watch appealing using my affiliate link here on Amazon.

TGIF: The Rolex versus Invicta Rivalry

It's amazing how much tribalism and hatred can be generated by watch brands. There are animosities in the watch world that run nearly as deep as Ford versus Chevy and Coca-Cola versus Pepsi. It's too bad because, if one watch brand was truly the best choice for everyone, the watch world would really be boring. I suspect the rifts run deep because some of watch brands strike deep at the insecurities of rival owners.

A Rolex Datejust in a Pawn Shop

Take a look at the hatred Rolex owners have towards Invicta owners. Each brand strikes deeply at the insecurities of the other tribe. A Rolex is an expression of material success. Beyond its function as a watch, a Rolex is a status symbol. Many owners purchase a Rolex to signify a big success in their professional life.  A Rolex could cost $10,000, $20,000, or even more. You can see for yourself by checking out these Rolex watches at the Amazon Luxury store using my affiliate link. The high price tag keeps Rolex watches well out of reach of most Invicta owners. That likely strikes at deep economic insecurities of Invicta owners. Are Invicta owners just wannabe Rolex owners striking a pose?

However, many Invicta watches provide the mechanical function and nearly identical looks to popular  Rolex models. Use my affiliate link to see the wide variety of Invicta watches on Amazon. While the quality levels are obviously not nearly the same, if the Invicta watch keeps good time and looks good on the wrist, one has to wonder how wise Rolex owners actually are with their money. On paper, a Rolex might be a better investment, but high fidelity homage watches and outright fakes challenge that notion. If buyers, shopkeepers, and watch experts can't identify a true Rolex from a fake, that can't be good for resale values in the long term. Of course, the "millionaire next door" is wearing a Casio and employing 100 hard working people and sending them all over town to do plumbing, AC work, and electrical repairs, while this silly watch debate continues.  It might be real, honest, money that looks at flashy Rolex people as posers.

For less than $50, this Casio Enticer can send everyone else home

Both tribes accuse each other of being suckered by their chosen brand. The truth is pretty ugly. When it comes to the treatment of their customers, neither company has a great track record. Invicta has been accused of taking advantage of a vulnerable customer base through late night infomercials. Rolex makes their customer buy a watch they don't want and wait on a list for years in hopes of buying the watch that they do want. Honestly, it's not a good look for either company and not a great feeling for their customers.

Rolex Sea Dweller 

The next area for attack is watch designs. Invicta has some over-the-top watch designs that leave good taste far behind in the rear view mirror. But, Rolex is using the same designs that had in 1955. Sometimes the dial colors and materials change. That's not exactly innovative. Both companies could do better.

Invicta Specialty Pro Diver

Ultimately, the watch brand hate should stop. A Rolex owner would be better served wearing an Invicta if he wants to eat safely at Waffle House in the middle of the night. The Invicta owner might strike it big one day and really want to join that Rolex tribe.

Invicta Pro Diver Automatic

Watch Deal Alert: Fossil Coachman with Leather Bundt Strap

If you are looking for something slightly different in the world of watches and straps, get a watch with a bundt strap. In that strap design, a leather pad is placed between you and your watch.  It's probably a great design for people who have reactions to the metals commonly used in watches. Right now (as of July 2026), Fossil has a great discount on their Fossil Coachman Chronograph with a leather bundt strap. On Amazon, the watch is 59% off to come in at well under $100.  That's a deal for a good quality quartz watch today.

Fossil Coachman Chronograph

The watch has 44mm diameter case, 100-meter water resistance, a date window, and three subdials to handle chronograph functions and 24-hour time.  It gets 4.6 stars in over 18000 ratings on Amazon. If you like this watch, check it out here via my affiliate link to Amazon.

Sponsored Spotlight: The Olev's Men's Stainless Steel Luxury Diamond Chronograph

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

For this month's sponsored spotlight, I have another great watch from Olev's.  This time it's a men's stainless steel quartz chronograph with diamond markers. Olev's is an interesting watchmaker as you can see luxury elements coming together in a budget-friendly watch. This one appears to have a faceted crystal that the ad copy refers to as a "rhombic mirror." It further heightens the visual interest of this watch.

Olev's Luxury Chronograph with Diamond Markers (Amazon photo)

To me, this watch has a rather New Orleans style.  It has the old appeals to royalty with a crown and diamonds, Roman numerals and a faceted crystal and bezel. I also like the black coloring with just a hint of gold.  However, this watch is available in ten different dial design, color, and watch bracelet configurations. 

Olev's Luxury Chronograph Dial Designs (Amazon photo)

This watch has contemporary proportions at 43mm in diameter and 10mm thick. The style is luxurious and the brand is striving for their crown to mean something. While this is a budget-friendly watch, it feels like a better grade of watch than the low-end timepieces that you might find at a discount store. For example, this watch has a stainless steel case and a practical 30-meter water resistance.

That said, I have a similar Olev's model that I bought for myself back in 2024 and I've been quite  pleased with it. If you'd like to take a closer look, please use my Amazon affiliate link here. This watch qualifies for a slightly higher commission via the Amazon Creators program and any purchase will help support this blog.

If you're looking for something a little more square, check out last month's sponsored spotlight for a sophisticated-looking square Olevs!

The Hundred Dollar Grail: The Nautical Watch

Once upon a time, I owned a sailboat. (Perhaps that's why I'm broke today?) While I live far from the sea, I still have an affinity for nautical stuff.  I think it's very cool to have a nautical watch that evokes the sea in a classy, old man by the sea, kind of way. But, what can I find for $100 that scratches that nautical itch? Here are three watches that pique my interest.  

Nautica Vintage Blue Watch

This first breaks my $100 rule by a dollar or two, but it's a nice looking timepiece. It's the Nautica NAPNVF306 Vintage Blue Silicone Strap Watch. It has a rich look with a deep blue dial, 100-meter water resistance, and a rose gold-tone 90% recycled stainless steel case. It has a look that is similar to the Caravelle Sea Hunter Automatic, but it has hour markers similar to those on a vintage Omega Seamaster.

Nautica Vintage Blue Watch (Amazon Photo)

I absolutely love the vintage styling cues of this Nautica watch. While the look is vintage, the size is contemporary with a 44mm diameter case that is 11.28mm thick.   You can check it out here on Amazon using my affiliate link.

Addiesdive 41mm Yachtmaster Homage

Coming in well under $100, Addiesdive offers a nifty looking Rolex Yachtmaster Homage. It has a classic unidirectional ceramic bezel with numbers in relief, 200-meter water resistance, and a Japanese quartz movement. This watch comes in 14 different color and band combinations.

Addiesdive Men's 41mm Quartz Dive Watch (Amazon Photo)

The Addiesdive watch is well proportioned  with a 41mm diameter case that is 13mm thick. This is a watch that looks the part and would be right at home with the marina set.  To check this watch out, you can use my Amazon affiliate link here.

Invicta Ocean Voyage

Invicta regularly brings us big, bold, watches on the boundary of style. But, if you need a bigger boat, the Invicta Ocean Voyage just might be the one you are looking for! It is a big quartz watch with a 51.5mm diameter case (over 2-inches!). I like the wavy background of the dial that evokes pricier watches from fine makers like Omega. The watch also features a cyclops over the date window and bezel with numbers in relief much like the venerable Rolex Yachtmaster.

Invicta Ocean Voyage (Amazon photo)

Of course, none of those timidly-styled watches incorporate an exposed anchor chain motif. For a big statement watch, you can check this one out on Amazon here using my affiliate link. 

While I tease the respected watchmakers, my point is simple.  You can find an interesting variety of nautical themed watches at a very affordable price point.  Check these out!

TGIF: The Invicta Race Car Watch

Watches with novelty features are almost always cool.  But, sometimes, they just might prompt someone to ask how old you are. Case in point, this Invicta Racing Watch (Model 69636). It's ridiculous, but undeniably cool.  The watch features seven tiny model racecars on a track that spins with the push of a button.  The more and faster you push the button, the faster the cars go.  

The watch is 46mm in diameter and 20mm thick due to its very domed crystal. It comes with two leather straps, a thin set of racing gloves, and a presentation case. The watch is powered by the venerable Seiko NH35A automatic movement and the country of origin is listed as Japan. It's just an amazing watch to look at and very well done.

Unfortunately, this watch is rather expensive at prices up to $1000.  But, it might well be worth it as a unique conversation piece.  I'd recommend shopping around online for this one as prices can vary, but to take a quick look at it, you can use my Amazon affiliate link here. This is why we should never stifle Invicta craziness!

Watch Deal Alert: Men's Movado 1881 Automatic

If you are looking for a Swiss-made automatic watch with history and sophisticated design, you might take a fresh look at Movado. As a brand, Movado is sometimes denigrated by watch snobs, but is widely respected by the US upper middle class. They have a number of models that have moved beyond their now traditional Museum Watch. One such watch is the Movado 1881 Automatic. It's currently on sale for 30% off on Amazon. It's normally a pricey watch that now comes in under $850 with this deal. As I've laid out my definitions of watch affordability in this post, I'd call this timepiece  attainable.

Movado 1881 Automatic Dress Watch (Amazon Photo)

The Movado 1881 is a 39mm diameter watch that is 9mm thick powered by a Swiss Sellita SW200-1 movement with a 38 hour power reserve.  In some years of manufacture, this watch can use an ETA 2824-2 movement. Either way, you can see it at work through the exhibition caseback. According to Movado, the watch is Swiss made with the movement assembled and cased in Switzerland.

Movado 1881 Automatic with Exhibition Case Back (Amazon photo)

I can't afford this watch right now. But, with a little juggling and sacrifice, this is an attainable timepiece. It's a realistic dream watch.  It's also from a brand that is headquartered in the United States. If the Movado 1881 fits into your dreams or your budget, check it out here on Amazon.

Ten Dollar Tuesday: Hunruy Men's 41mm Big Face Quartz Watch

 A Classic Vintage Look at a Discount

One thing we haven't seen in our quest for a $10 watch deal is a vintage looking classical watch with a parchment colored dial and old fashioned numerals and hands. Until now! I just found this Hunruy 41mm Big Face Quartz Watch for Men or Women.

Hunruy Men's Big Face Watch (Amazon photo)

This watch is 41mm in diameter and just 8mm thick. It has a classic style with railroad track-style inner and outer scales. For American markets, the style is marred only by a foreign language word BINLIHUAN in the upper portion of the dial.

This watch gets 3.8 stars out of 5 in 13 reviews. As of this writing it is 38% off to meet our $10 goal. It's an interesting timepiece for the cheap watch collector for sure. If you'd like to check it out, you can use my Amazon affiliate link to find it here.

To see all my Ten Dollar Tuesday watch posts, bang it here!

Caribbean Joe Has Arrived on Amazon!

If you are into budget-friendly, affordable, and attractive watches, I have some great news to report:  Caribbean Joe has arrived on Amazon. There's even a Caribbean Joe store! You have to search for their watches conventionally, but there are nine models available and prices are fairly reasonable. I've done a search and you can see all the models offered on Amazon here via my affiliate program link.

The Caribbean Joe Logo with a hut and palm tree

Now, let me be clear, Caribbean Joe watches are cheap fashion watches. Sub-dials are purely decorative. The movement can be difficult to set with precision. However, they look good and they have a fun, lazy, style that includes a hut and a palm tree. You don't get that with every watch brand. 

Some of my Caribbean Joe watches

I collect Caribbean Joe watches like some people eat potato chips and you can read every post I've written about the brand here via this link. If you don't take them super seriously and you don't overpay, they can be a fun cheap watch brand to collect.

Caribbean Joe Watches on Amazon

On my Amazon storefront, I've put together an Amazon product collage and product list of Caribbean Joe watches.  You can find it here via my affiliate program link.

Watch Spotlight: Maurice Lacroix Pontos Day Date Automatic

Whenever I go scouting to find deals on attainable watches, I look for watches that are bargains compared to other watches in their genre. Every luxury brand has watches that are unique, cool looking, and not the most celebrated in the watch press and blogosphere. If you find one that appeals to you, you'll end up with a watch that can be a real conversation starter. I think the Maurice Lacroix Pontos Day Date Automatic might be a great example.  Everyone in the press celebrates the Maurice Lacroix Aikon which is a fantastic watch costing around $2000. But, the Pontos comes in at just less than half of that price.  At a glance, you can fall in love with its elegantly casual style, unique dial design, and rich calfskin leather strap secured by a push button deployant clasp.

The watch is a great size at 41mm in diameter and 12mm thick. It has a transparent caseback that reveals the Sellita 220-1 automatic movement with 38-hour power reserve. It's a great looking business casual watch with solid specifications and it's half the price of an Aikon. It communicates class without flaunting it in the latest, greatest, shiniest package.  

Is this watch a bit beyond what I normally aspire to own? Absolutely. But, it's not impossible to raise $900. If you'd like to attain it, you can see this Maurice Lacroix here using my Amazon-affiliate link.