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.

TGIF: Defining Watch Affordability

Do you ever get frustrated by watch blogs and magazines that promise affordable timepieces and then direct you to articles on expensive luxury watches? I know I do. I'll read a headline teasing us about an "affordable" watch and then find myself reading about a $4500 watch that I won't be able to afford any time soon. Since I don't want to aggravate you, I figure this might be a good time to throw out some general definitions of watch categories. I'll use some terms that come up regularly on this blog and in my X posts:  cheap, affordable, attainable, and achievable.

An Inexpensive Watch at Walmart

What is a Cheap Watch?

To me, a cheap watch is a watch that costs less than  $50 US. Most of us can purchase a cheap watch without deeply affecting the family budget during a given pay period. At this price point, there are legions of watches available. Reliable brands like Armitron, Caribbean Joe, Casio, George, Timex, and US Polo Assn are solid brand names in this category. However, as my Ten Dollar Tuesday blog posts show, these brands are being pursued by lesser known Chinese brands that are delivering surprising features in this price category.

A Rumours Quartz Watch

A good example of a cheap watch is this square watch from SKMEI. It seems inspired by Bell & Ross, but it has a smoothness that seems like it should be perfectly at home in a Bugatti.  The surprise is the price. This watch is art, but the price is well less than $50.

An SKMEI Square Watch for Men

You can take a closer look at this beauty on Amazon. It's available via here via my affiliate link.

What is an Affordable Watch?

I believe an affordable watch is a watch that generally costs less than $300 US. Most of us can purchase an affordable watch with just a little savings or a credit card. An affordable watch shouldn't impact family finances much.  At this price point, brands like Casio and  Timex are joined by brands like Caravelle, Guess, Invicta, Hilfiger, MVMT, Nautica, Perry Ellis, and Wenger. Watches from brands like Bulova, Mathey-Tissot, Momentum, Orient, and Seiko also start to appear on shopping lists.

A Wenger Grenadier Watch

What is an Attainable Watch?

To me, an attainable watch is a watch that generally costs less than $1200 US. It's not always easy or prudent to purchase an attainable watch, but diligent savings, a nice tax refund, a decent work bonus, or some other windfall should sometimes allow an attainable watch to enter the collection from time to time. Attainable watches might come from brands like Bulova, Hamilton, Laco, LIV, Mido, Mondaine, Movado, or Tissot. There are lots of attainable watch brands from France, Germany, Japan, and Switzerland. I consider these watch brands something special, a real luxury, and they evidence a strong commitment to watch collecting.

A Bulova Watch with Diamond Markers

What is an Achievable Watch?

To me, an achievable watch is a watch that generally costs between  $1200 and $2500 US dollars. You have to be financially successful to have the disposable income to buy these watches.  However, if you work hard, save, invest, and make all the right moves, you should be able to achieve the success necessary to buy one of these watches. I cover these watches from time to time because they are interesting and because they might be something we can get our hands on without using a ski mask and a hammer. But, this blog doesn't dwell on these watches because they are beyond the prudent reach of many readers.

What lies Beyond Achievable?

Once we get beyond $2500, we enter the world of the highly successful. These might be the luxury and ultra-luxury watches of entrepreneurs, lawyers,  doctors, and real estate moguls of our world. This blog ends where many mainstream watch magazines and influencers begin. We might admire these watches from afar. For most of us, watches from brands like Panerai, Tudor, and Rolex are out of prudent financial reach. I spot them from time to time on people who are successful entrepreneurs. God bless them for putting in the hours and taking the risks to fuel our economy. These brands established the icons that serve as aiming points for the rest of the watch industry. I don't generally cover these watch brand on this blog unless I notice one in the wild, find a great deal on a used one, or use one as an inspiration for finding similar looking more affordable watches

Hopefully, these definitions help a bit. Obviously, they can be a little fluid from time to time. But, this should cover the gist of what I cover on this blog.  May all of you attain the prosperity to only visit this blog in search of beater watches for gardening and mowing your lawn.

Watch Spotlight: Momentum Sea Quartz 30 Dive Watch

Here's a watch that perhaps only the Gen X readers of this blog will appreciate, it's the Momentum Sea Quartz 30 Dive watch. It's the watch that Tom Selleck wore as Thomas Magnum for the first three seasons of the iconic television show Magnum PI. For many of us, shorts, a Hawaiian shirt, and a Detroit Lions baseball cap were the definition of cool during our childhoods. The original watch was the Chronosport Sea Quartz 30 and was made by a family-owned company named Chronosport. The Momentum Watch company was founded by the co-owner of Chronosport and has full rights to that heritage. That's why they can make an authentic version of this cool watch.

Momentum Sea Quartz 30 Automatic (Amazon photo)

The watch is available as an Automatic via Amazon. It offers 300-meters of water resistance, a Miyota 9015 Automatic movement with 42-hour power reserve, a 42mm diameter stainless steel case, C3 SuperLuminova lume, and a sapphire crystal. You can check it out here via my Amazon affiliate link. However, if you want to save serious money, you might want to check out the quartz version on the Momentum website.

The Momentum Sea Quartz 30 with a quartz movement (www.

As of this writing (July 7, 2026), the quartz version of the Sea Quartz 30 with any of three rubber straps come in at less than $300. That makes this watch a perfect attainable grail watch. Find the watch here at Momentumwatch.com.

Watch Deal Alert: Guess Stainless Steel Dress Watch

If you are looking for a great deal on a sharp looking dress watch, check out this Guess Stainless Steel Dress Watch. It's got a great looking dial with chronograph subdials, Roman numeral markers, a date function, all set against a textured black background for a sophisticated and supremely readable look.

Guess Stainless Steel Chronograph Dress Watch

This is a good looking watch and, just a couple of years ago, I gave a sharp watch shout out to another variant in gunmetal here in this post. Of course, this is a fashion watch, but you won't find watches made by Alpine gnomes since 1793 in the affordable watch end of the market. However, at 36% off, you can get a great deal on this respectable quartz watch which will come in at under $120.  If you are in the market, you can check this one out using my Amazon affiliate link here. 

If you poke around at Guess watch offerings, you'll find plenty of affordable watches that are backed by a known brand with good designers and quality control.

Watch Spotlight: Praesidus A-11 Spec 2 Field Watch

Highlighting a Watch with American Assembly

If you are looking for a watch that is assembled in America, check out the Praesidus A-11 Spec 2 field watch. It's assembled in the United States using an Ameriquartz movement that is also assembled in the United States. Both the watch and the movement use a combination of American and foreign parts. However, the assembled in USA label is a serious step in the right direction when it comes to re-establishing a watch industry here in the United States.

Praesidus A-11 Spec 2 Field Watch (Amazon photo)

This Praesidus A-11 Spec 2 field watch comes in 32mm and 40mm case sizes. It's 10mm thick to fit right in both on the trail and in the business casual office.  You can check it out here using my Amazon affiliate link here.

Some other companies to watch in the "Assembled in USA" space include Vaer, Bertucci, and Shinola. Both companies are making great strides towards domestic watch production. To see the "Assembled in USA" watches that I've found, click here on my Amazon Affiliate Link.

Assembled In USA watches (Amazon Affiliate Store Link)

TGIF: The Affordability Revolution

Revolution is brewing. In a world where global competition for jobs is fierce at all levels and where young people in the west are having a tough time getting a start in life, people are re-prioritizing the role of things and of brands. A person with student loan debt simply isn't going to have disposable income to spend on a luxury watch anytime soon. That doesn't mean that they don't want to be fashionable or have a nice watch. It does mean that any watch they buy has to fit into their budget without pain or drama. While some watchmakers will continue to satisfy the rich, other watchmakers are going to meet consumers where they are and offer affordable options that look good.  One of those watchmakers is Casio.

Casio MTP-1381D-7AVDF (Amazon photo)

When it comes to design, Casio is on a roll. I've been very happy with my Casio Enticer (MTP-VD01D-2EV) reviewed on this blog here. But, when I look around at the growing Casio line of analog watches, I find many more appealing watches.  The Casio MTP-1381D-7AVDF (above) is a great looking watch that currently costs less than $75. You can see it here using my Amazon affiliate link. 

For more affordable analog Casio watches, check out my Amazon affiliate storefront here. This page is a fast growing spot for interesting and affordable watches. 

Affordable Tissot Quartz Watches For Men

After some high prices during the tariff brinksmanship of the past year, it looks like Tissot watch prices are settling down and even becoming somewhat affordable again. Earlier this week, I pointed out a Tissot with a Powermatic 80 movement for less than $400. Now, I've found a couple of great Tissot quartz watches that should be attainable for budget-minded watch collectors.

Tissot Men's Gent XL 3x3 Street Basketball Edition

Perhaps the coolest of the lot is the Tissot Men's Gent XL commemorating the urban sensibilities of  3 on 3 Street Basketball. It just looks tough from every angle. The watch is actually inspired by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3-on-3 basketball program. It's growing quickly around the world and becoming a popular Olympic sport.

The Tissot 3x3 Street Basketball Watch (Amazon Photo)

The 3x3 watch comes with two interchangeable straps. One in black and another black with graffitti inspired graphics.  You should almost use my affiliate link to buy a Wilson FIBA 3x3 basketball to go with the watch.

The Tissot 3x3 Street Basketball Watch with Extra Strap (Amazon Photo)

Amazingly, this watch is available for less than $200 on Amazon. That's a great deal on a Tissot timepiece and this one has a unique sports connection. Check it out here using my Amazon affiliate link.

Tissot Men's PR100

If you came here wanting a deal on a more refined looking timepiece, you might like the Tissot PR100. It's a 42mm diameter watch that is just 8.25mm thick. This is a long-running Tissot model that's been evolving since the 1980s.

Tissot PR100 Quartz Watch (Amazon Photo)

At under $350, this Tissot is also attainable for most buyers. Check this one out here using my Amazon affiliate link. 

For more affordable Tissot watches, come visit my Amazon affiliated storefront here.

Watch Workshop: Easy Fixes for A Casio MRW-210H Watch

The Casio MRW-210 is a great casual diver-style watch with a large readable dial and a resin case and strap. I originally reviewed it here in this post. The resin watch strap deteriorated over the last 9 years and eventually became unusable and the watch battery died. However, the case seemed to have plenty of life left and the other two issues are easily fixed. Here is a photo of the watch way back in the day when it was just a smoldering hotspot in my wallet.

Casio MRW-210H Analog Watch

The nearest available Casio model on Amazon is the Casio MRW-200H Analog Watch available here via my Amazon affiliate link.

Replacing the Battery in a Casio MRW-210H Watch

The caseback came off easily with the removal of four small screws. The replacement battery number is 399 (SR927W or SR927SW).  You can find it on our watch battery page.

Casio MRW-210H Watch Movement & Renata watch battery

On a cautionary note, every battery compartment seems to have a few metal bits designed to hold the battery in position and close the circuit so that power flows from the battery to the watch. I try not to bend any of the fiddly bits too much.

Casio MRW-210H Watch Movement

Replacing the Watch Strap on a Casio MRW-210H Watch

Since the old strap was gone, I ordered an inexpensive new one as a replacement.  It's a cobee silicone watch band and it's available on Amazon for a less than $10. It is a silicone strap with plenty of adjustments and quick release spring bars to make installation easy and strap swaps a cinch. I bought the 20mm wide strap and it fit perfectly.

Cobee Silicone Watch Strap (Amazon photo)

If you'd like to take a look at this Cobee watch strap, use my Amazon affiliate link here.

Watch Spotlight: Men's Tissot Luxury Powermatic 80 Automatic

If the horological world has a fishing anology, it's waiting for Swiss watches to become truly affordable. Not $7500 is affordable, but actually affordable for almost everyone. One of the brands that I watch is Tissot. I wait and I wait and when the price of a Tissot Automatic watch drops below $400, I tell all my readers.  Well, I'm glad to announce that the price of a Tissot Luxury watch with a Powermatic 80 movement has dropped to a little under $400.

Tissot Luxury Powermatic 80

This Tissot Powermatic 80 is well proportioned with a 41mm diameter case that is 9.75mm thick. It has an exhibition caseback, a rich gold-tone bezel, and a push button deployant clasp. 

Tissot Luxury Powermatic 80

Overall, this looks like a well constructed Swiss watch.  Usually Tissot watches with the Powermatic 80 command are far more expensive.  That's why you have to get them when the getting is good! Check out this watch using my Amazon Affiliate link below:

The Tissot Luxury Powermatic 80 here on Amazon.

Sharp Watch Shout Out: Timex Harborside Coast 43mm with Herringbone Strap

I just found a very cool Timex Harborside Coast on Amazon.  It has a green, black, and gunmetal color combination that includes a herringbone fabric strap. The Harborside is typically thought of as an homage watch, but with this combination of colors and fonts, Timex goes all the way up the river and wins its own way. I like it. That's why this one gets a sharp watch shout out!

Timex Harborside Coast with herringbone strap

This pricing of this Timex watch is very competitive. It lists for half the price of some more traditional Rolex homage harborside watches.  If you'd like to take a look at this one, please use my Amazon affiliate link here.

Watch Workshop: Changing the battery in a Nautica NST-15 watch

 I recently revived my old Nautica NST-15 watch with a new battery. The watch has a bright yellow strap that is perfect for summer. It also has an innovative retrograde calendar that runs  counterclockwise along a date track on the interior portion of the dial. It's pretty cool, but I have to set it properly.

Nautica NST-15 watch for men

Removing the Nautica NST-15 Caseback

Removing the caseback was easy using a caseback removal tool. I have a tool like the one shown below.  It's available via my Amazon affiliate link here. You just adjust the blue tool to fit the indents on the case and unscrew it in a counterclockwise direction.

Wellfit Watch Back Removal Tool (Amazon photo)

The caseback reveals that the watch is made for Nautica by Timex. It's a minor factoid that I'll remember.

Nautica NST-15 Caseback reveals the manufacturer.

Replacing the Watch Battery

The watch is powered by a Miyota 2353 No Jewel Movement that has an accuracy of +/- 20 seconds per month. It uses a standard 377 (SR626SW) battery that is pretty easy to replace. For replacement batteries, check out my battery selection page.

Miyota 2353 No Jewel Movement in a Nautica NST-15 watch

When changing the battery there are a couple of metal pieces that can ever so slightly be pushed aside to release the battery. I think I was able to slightly move the piece on the right that lies atop the battery. The tiniest bit of movement was sufficient.

The battery secured in the Miyota 2353 Movement

More on this watch

For more on this watch, check out my original Nautica NST-15 review post here. While this model has disappeared from Amazon in the US, you can still find it on various watch sites around the world. I'm glad to have it back in the rotation.

TGIF: How to Enjoy Watches You Can't Afford

Watch collecting is one hobby that regularly confronts you with the limits of your financial means. Quite simply for most of us, it raises our awareness of the existence of nice things that we can't possibly afford. Sometimes, it's almost painful. We can see the Rolex that seems so close, yet so far away, in post after post online, in watch collecting magazines, and in the web advertising that follows us around and haunts our online experiences. It can be demoralizing. But, it doesn't have to be. There are ways to enjoy watches you can't afford.

A Rolex Sea Dweller

First, consider the watches that are obvious status symbols. They are sometimes used as a weapon by flashy people who want to measure social status, rank, and class. People who use material possessions to bludgeon others with less wealth aren't being classy. They are being gauche. However, some of these status-symbol watch brands like Rolex have rich histories and are associated with some of our planet's greatest adventurers. As watch enthusiasts, we can focus on the connection between Rolex and heroines and heroes like Mercedes Gleitze, Jacques Cousteau, Sir  Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay, Jacques Piccard, Don Walsh, and James Cameron. I also like to think of the many service personnel around the world who may have them as the result of earning combat and hardship pay in faraway lands. These status brands are actually about more than a flashy trust fund baby can even begin to appreciate.

Sir Edmund Hillary (circa 1953)

Second, think about the horological masterpieces from Breguet, Maximillian Buser and Friends, Constantin Vacheron, and RGM. These are watches that rise to the level of fine art. Fine art. For most of us, it's unrealistic to even contemplate owning fine art like a real Monet or Picasso. We won't be carting the Statue of David home from Florence for use in our garden statuaries anytime soon. Just as we can enjoy the aesthetics of fine art in a museum or in photographs online, we can enjoy the looks and mechanical mastery of high end luxury watches without owning them. We can also seek out art that we can afford and enjoy.

Swatch reminds us that not every fine art watch has to be expensive (Amazon photo)

What do we do with this knowledge? I think we relax. We can focus on watches that we can afford and not worry about the ones that we can't. If you can't afford a Rolex, you can bring elements of the Rolex style into the watches that you can afford. If you want the exact look, you can find it in an homage watch. You'll find five great Rolex Submariner homage watches collected here in my Amazon affiliate storefront.  If you like elements of the look, the iconic watches have inspired generations of independent designs that have dive watch looks. The luxury watch brands can serve as guidance and templates for the watches the rest of us actually wear.

Your watch is about you and your adventures!