Sharp Watch Shout Out: The Nautica Men's Stainless Steel Round Multifunction Watch

Sometimes a watch stops you mid-swipe, mid-scroll, mid-search, and demands your attention. Such is the case with Nautica Model 10061. The watch simply looks perfect. The Amazon ad copy said this watch is where "masculinity and metal come together." I tend to agree. That's why this Nautica gets this week's sharp watch shout out. It features a deep blue dial surrounded by gleaming stainless steel. So shiny!

Nautica Men's Stainless Steel Watch (Modiel 10061)

Powered by a Japanese quartz movement, this Nautica has a 41mm diameter stainless steel case that is 11mm thick. Both the watch and bracelet are constructed of stainless steel and the strength results in 100-meters of water resistance. The multifunction dials provide the 24 hour time, date and day functionality. All of which combine to provide excuses to order a great looking watch. If you are interested, you can find this Nautica here on Amazon via my affiliate link.

A Guide to Big Date Watches

Date complications are a nice watch feature to have, but they can be hard to read. As we age, most of us have trouble reading the small print of date windows. That's probably why watches with a small magnifier called a cyclops are so popular. But, you usually need the optimal viewing angle to read the date through a cyclops. It's enough to make me want to tell the cyclops to hit the road.

But, that leaves us with the question: which watches are best for reading the date without magnification?

There are a small number of Big Date watches in the market. Some of the more prestigious models include the Mido Multifort TV Big Date.automatic. It's an unusual watch with a 40mm diameter case that is inspired by the shape of an old fashioned TV.

Unfortunately, it's an expensive watch with prices over $1300. It's worth checking out on Amazon using my affiliate link here.

Certina provides a modicum of price relief with the Certina DS-1 Big Date. It's a beautiful watch with the venerable Powermatic 80 movement.

It comes in at nearly $1000, but it's a glorious watch. You can see it on Amazon via my affiliate link here.

For the rest of us, Bulova makes a big date version of its classic Sutton 6-Hand Chronograph. Their Big Date Sutton is a 44mm diameter quartz watch.

It's not cheap with a price a little over $500, but it brings a unique big date feature to your wrist. You can check this one out using my affiliate link here.

I'm still searching for a low price big date watch and I'll update this article when I find it.

TGIF: What is the Most Affordable Powermatic watch?

I noticed something interesting the last time I searched Amazon for the most affordable watch with a Powermatic 80 automatic movement. This time lowest priced Powermatic was a Certina rather than a Tissot! Behold, the Certina DS Camaino Automatic. It rolls in at well less than $400.

Certina DS Camaino (Amazon Photo)

The Certina DS Camaino is sized well for the business casual world of work with a 38mm diameter case that is 9.85mm thick. The leather strap is 19mm wide. The date window is placed at 6 o'clock and is discreetly sized. The caseback is solid and the watch offers 100-meter water resistance. The watch has a stainless steel case and a sapphire crystal.

If you'd like to check the Certina DS Camaino out, it's available at my Amazon affiliate link here. 

Swatch group may have pulled a switcharoo when it comes to who has the lowest priced watch with a Powermatic 80, but buyers will benefit from a Swiss-made watch from a quality manufacturer with a long history.

Timex Under $60 - The Timex Essex

Timex offers some surprises in their vast catalog of watch offerings. If you venture away from the Expeditions, Weekenders, and even The Waterbury Collection, you'll find some interesting and affordable watches that you don't see very often. One such watch is the Timex Essex. The watch has a rich looking bezel design and a readable, practical dial with dauphin hands.  With a stainless steel bracelet, it costs nearly $100.  But, with what looks like a leather and fabric strap, it costs just over half that price.  Most importantly, it hits our under $60 price point. It's a big watch with a 46mm diameter silver-tone brass case, 50-meter water resistance, a protected crown, and a nicely etched stainless steel caseback.

The Timex Essex (Amazon Photo)

If you've read my previous post on whether Timex was trying to draw us a map (available here on this blog), you may recognize that this watch is from the Timex Essex Avenue collection.

To me, this watch is an excellent example of the value that Timex can deliver. It looks like a much more expensive watch and it has nice design touches on the crown, buckle, and caseback. If you'd like to check the Timex Essex out, use my Amazon affiliate link here.

To read more Timex Under $60 posts, bang it here!

Ten Dollar Tuesday: Civo Silver Analog Watch with Smooth Bezel

This Ten Dollar Tuesday takes us over to the Amazon Haul site for another watch from Civo.  I had great luck with my recent purchase of a Civo Analog watch with a coin-edged bezel which I just reviewed here on this blog. I found a another similar Civo watch on the Haul site for $10. It also has a simple, easy to read, dial design and a smooth bezel. It also uses the hook clasp mechanism to secure the bracelet.

Since this Civo Analog watch is available in 11 different color combinations, it should be easy to mix into any wardrobe. If you are interested in checking this timepiece out, please feel free to use my Amazon affiliate link here.  

If you are looking for $10 watches, you should really check out Amazon Haul. All of the watches offered there are under $25 and the $10 level is a sweet spot. The selection of men's quartz watches on the site is staggering. You can check them out here via my Amazon affiliate link.

Three Modern Alternatives to Vintage Watches

For most of us, vintage watches are a crapshoot. You buy something old off of a website like Etsy or ebay or you find something at a flea market, estate sale, or thrift shop and you just pray that it works or keeps working. The idea that you'll send it off and pay hundreds of  for servicing seems farfetched for many casual collectors. It also might not make sense for very inexpensive vintage watches. Fortunately, vintage watch looks live on in affordable modern alternatives.

Here are three watch brands to investigate for great vintage looks:

1) Spinnaker. There are plenty of brands that mimic the looks of classic Rolex watches (Invicta and Stuhrling Original) come to mind. But, not many brands provide a modern watch inspired by the vintage classic Blancpain Fifty Fathoms dive watch. The Spinnaker Fleuss Automatic hits the mark for me. It has a Miyota 8215 automatic movement, 150-meter water resistance, and a 43mm diameter stainless steel case.

Spinnaker Fleuss (Amazon Photo)

Of course, it's the bezel look and textured dial that do it for me. If you'd like to check this watch out, you can find it here via my Amazon affiliate link.

2) Corgeut. Another watch brand that uses Japanese automatic movements to create vintage-inspired looks is Corgeut. They have managed to nail the dagger or sharks teeth indices that you might find on some years of a vintage Omega Seamaster. For a dressier look, check out the Corgeut 6010B Stainless Steel Automatic Chronometer.

Corgeut 6010B (Amazon Photo)

To check this one out on Amazon, use my affiliate link here. If you poke around a bit, you'll find Corgeut to be a treasure trove of watches inspired by the classics.

3) Orient. Sometimes a classic watch company can keep on refining classics to make them better and better. That's what you get with Orient. You will find that nearly every watch in the Orient Bambino line is a classic. I've reviewed the Orient Bambino, second generation, version 3, here on this blog.

Orient Bambino

If you'd like to check it out for yourself, here's my Amazon affiliate link. (As of this August 23, 2026 posting, it's 26% off!)

You'll find that vintage watch designs have inspired legions of contemporary watches. On the low price end of the spectrum, you can find classic watch looks from brands like Caribbean Joe and even a few models from Walmart's George.

Watch Deal Alert: Tissot Digital PRX

In the past few months, I've seen quite a bit of interest in old school LCD digital watches on X. There are lots of permutations and even leather strap digital watches. Still I was surprised to stumble across something new: a digital Tissot PRX. I was even more surprised to see that it was an Amazon deal with a 67% discount!

I was a little unsure of what the sole digital watch in the Tissot PRX line up brings=ŕ to the table. But, with the 40mm diameter stainless steel case, you get 100-meter water resistance, dual time zone, chronograph features, and great looks.

If you would like to check this watch out, I have it available here via my Amazon affiliate link. For less than $150, this Tissot is a steal!

TGIF: Can't Afford the Watch? Buy the Company!

A Financial Cure for Watch Envy!

I've finally found a cure for watch envy: many of the high end watches that we can only drool over are actually manufactured and marketed under the auspices of publicly-traded companies. While most of us can't afford the ultra-luxury watch, we may well be able to afford the stock (or in American Depository Receipt (ADR) offerings that signify foreign stocks in US markets). If you can't buy the watch, buy the watchmaker. Once you own a few shares of a luxury watch company, you'll never be jealous or envious of a watch owner again.

Jaeger Le Coultre Ultra Thin Moonphase (photo by Remi Mathis, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

 

What are some of the publicly-traded watchmakers that are represented in the US stock market?

Swatch Group (SWGAY is the ADR). This company includes watch brands like Breguet, Harry Winston, Blancpain, Glashutte Original, Jaquet Droz, Omega, Longines, Rado, Union Glashutte, Tissot, Balmain, Certina, Mido, Hamilton, Swatch, and Flik Flak.

LVMH Moet Hennessy Luis Vuiton (LVMUY is the ADR). This includes watch brands like Bvlgari, Chaumet, DANIEL ROTH, Fred, Gerald Genta, Hublot, L'Epee 1839, Repossi, TAG Heuer, Tiffany & Co., and Zenith.

Companie Financiere Richemont (CFRUY is the ADR). This includes watch brands like Cartier, A. Lange & Sohne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, Vacheron Constantin, and Montblanc.

Omega De Ville (Amazon Photo)

As a watch company owner, from here on out, if you want an Omega De Ville and you can afford an Omega De Ville, you can get yourself an Omega De Ville! You can even use my Amazon Affiliate link here if you want! You really do deserve an Omega watch!

Owning a stake in a luxury watchmaker means that you can vicariously enjoy a wealthy person's watch flex while actually transferring some tiny portion of their wealth into your brokerage account in the form of dividends or increased share value. 

Now you don't have to be a communist or a mugger to transfer wealth from the rich to the poor and middle class.

Now, I have to be perfectly clear. This IS NOT financial advice. This is just psychological advice. However, in what many are describing as a K-shaped economy where the middle class is being squeezed, there is some financial logic to investing into luxury goods makers.

As asset owners, the rich are getting richer by virtue of their investments. They aren't going to see a decline in their propensity to consume due to job market fluctuations. They'll be able to buy nice things even when the rest of us can't. But, if you own the stock or an ADR representing the stock of a company they patronize, you should be able to benefit in a small way. Of course, for major investment decisions, you'll want to do your own research and make your own decisions.

Rolex isn't publicly-traded, buy from Swatch group

Me. I'll just scroll through X and rejoice in all the beautiful watches that people buy and share on X and pay me for!

 (Pro Tip: Do your own research. I'm buying cheap $10 watches for a reason).

To learn other ways to cure watch envy, read my post here!

Timex Under $60 - Timex Men's Standard 40mm Watch

Sometimes, you'll find an overlooked bargain in the middle of higher priced watches.  For example, this Timex Men's Standard 40mm watch with a green dial and silver-tone case hits our under $60 mark with a price in the mid-$50 range. Most of the other selections under this model on Amazon coming in at $65, $85, or a $100. If you are hunting for a bargain, this watch is flashing a buy signal.

This Timex Standard Men's 40mm Watch has 20mm wide fabric strap, a silver-toned brass case, indiglo backlighting (despite no mention of it on the watch), 50-meter water resistance, and an easy to read dial. I also like the ornate crown. The Standard simply has a classic look.

If you'd like to snag a Timex Standard like this one before prices get out of hand, check it out here using my affiliate link.

Ten Dollar Tuesday: Oulm Three Movement Watch

When I first started this blog, I wanted to focus on watches that were affordable, look cool, and make us happy. I think this unusual three movement watch from NBONAL might do all three! It features 3 separate Citizen Miyota movements in an unusual 3 dial case. Amazingly, all of it  hits our $10 mark as well!

Oulm 1167 Multi-Movement Quartz Watch

The style of this watch is pretty crazy. But, if you collect watches, it's the crazy watches that make a collection memorable.

If you'd like to purchase a watch like this one, you can find it here using my Amazon affiliate link.

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

Wristwatch Review: CIVO Analog Quartz Watch

Can a Cheap Chinese Watch Replace A Rolex?

I bought a new watch. It is the CIVO Analog Quartz watch for men. It's a low cost watch that looks good and competes well against much higher priced watches.

CIVO Men's Analog Quartz Watch

Will it replace a Rolex Explorer or Rolex Datejust? Well, it tells time just like both of them. It has a Japanese quartz movement that seems very reliable. It even has lume on the hour and minute hands. Of course, it doesn't have lume that's intense enough to glow for hours after you've gone to bed.

CIVO Watch Design

From a design perspective, this watch sits in a practical space somewhere between a dress watch and field watch. As a field watch, it has a readable white dial with a small date window just inside of the 3 o'clock position. As a dress watch, the bezel has a coin-edge fluted design that catches the sun with a datejust-like dazzle. I test the watch in a field on a 90-degree plus day and it survived just fine.

This Civo watch is working just fine in a field

Perhaps a forest test for this watch would be in order?

CIVO Watch Dimensions

In terms of dimensions, the CIVO Analog watch has contemporary dimensions with a 39mm diameter case that is 10mm thick. The hook clasp bracelet fits wrists up to 8.66 inches. The watch dimensions are perfect for the office, formal events, or a walk in the woods.

CIVO Hook Clasp Watch Bracelet

Some reviewers don't like the hook clasp bracelet.  It's kind of an old-fashioned setup. But, I found that it worked well once initial adjustments are made.

To Adjust the Civo Watch bracelet, you have to use a small screwdriver, insert it into the center of the hook landing area, and gently pry it open. Then you can slide the hook landing area to have a longer or shorter bracelet to fit your wrist.

The Hook Clasp Landing Area in the Open Position for Adjusting the Length

Once you have adjusted the bracelet to the desired length, you need to press the landing area down to ensure it is secured to the bracelet.

Hook Clasp Landing Area in the Closed Position Secure  to the Bracelet and Ready for the hook

The hook portion of the other part of the bracelet clamps over the bar on the left (above) and the clasp then folds down over the landing area. In practice, I found that it worked well and, once adjusted, doesn't have to be changed.

CIVO Watch Construction

The CIVO Analog watch features all stainless steel construction:  a stainless steel caseback, stainless steel bracelet, and stainless steel case. The crystal is simply listed as glass.

The watch has 10 atmospheres (30 meters/100 feet) of water resistance. That's a practical specification to protect against rain, sweat, and normal handwashing but not for swimming or diving.

CIVO Analog Watch Impressions

I was quite impressed by this simple watch. It provides the minimalist style and functionality that so many crave in more expensive field and minimalist watches at a price that can't be beat.

The CIVO Analog watch takes alley shortcuts with confidence

In the urban environment, the CIVO Analog seemed urbane enough. I've worn it to the office, on errands, and out walking the dog and the watch has simply worked and worked well. 

CIVO Analog Watch Packaging

Overall, I've been very impressed by the watches I've purchased as a result of my Ten Dollar Tuesday watch quest. You can see the other watches that I've found here on my blog. I think I like this one the best because of its simplicity and stainless steel construction.

CIVO Watch Price

The Civo Silver Quartz watch for men generally sells for under $30.  But, as of thie writing. this white dial variant is on sale for 67% off, that brings it in at a penny under $10. That's an amazing price. If you'd like grab one, check it out here using my Amazon Affiliate Link.

Can A CIVO Watch Replace A Rolex?

If you've been waiting to know whether this humble CIVO analog watch can replace a Rolex--like an Explorer or Datejust--you probably already know the answer.  Of course, a CIVO can replace a Rolex--especially when you can't afford a Rolex!

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.

(Update August 21, 2026: I actually bought this watch as a basic watch for office wear. It fits nicely and looks great for any  business casual office setting. The shiny case and numerals shine a bit too much to put in service as a field watch.)

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!