Watch Wearing Wednesday: Steve Madden Diamond Fluted Bezel Quartz Watch

I've been kicking around the idea of a watch with a fluted bezel for some time now. For some reason, the eye-catching aspect of fluted bezel and the way they scatter the light intrigues me lately. I've also seen quite a few cool looking fluted models lately.  But, as I hem and haw and wonder about wearing one, I've been testing the idea out with a cheaper watch or two from Tahari and Steve Madden. Take a look at this Steve Madden Quartz "Diamond" watch with a fluted bezel. According to the Amazon description, the "Diamond" is a tiny crystal.

Steve Madden Fluted Bezel Quartz Diamond Watch

I like this watch because the profile from the side isn't too high. But, unfortunately, the bracelet is a bit too tight. I'll be tackling that issue separately since it is a non-standard bracelet.

Steve Madden Fluted Bezel Quartz Diamond Watch (Angle View)

I was able to get this watch at a Burlington store for about $20. That's a good deal for a bang around watch. It's also available in some different configurations online at Amazon. You can see it in black and gold here on Amazon.

Steve Madden Fluted Bezel Quartz Diamond Watch (Amazon Photo)

If I were to pull the trigger on a somewhat more respectable fluted bezel watch, I might pick something like this Mathey-Tissot Mathey III Automatic. It is an attainable, mechanical, and Swiss-Made watch that I can afford. You can see it here on Amazon.  Alternatively, I might consider a fluted rectangular watch like the Bulova Super Seville that I've admired in a post here.

Mathey-Tissot Mathey 3 Automatic (Amazon photo)

Trying out looks are one thing that inexpensive watches like the Steve Madden Diamond are good for. They let you tell the time, wear a similar design for awhile, and see if you really want to commit hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a watch.

Wristwatch Review: Steve Madden Analog Sport Watch

Steve Madden is an American fashion designer who got his start manufacturing and selling his own shoes in New York City. A few months ago, I came across Steve Madden watch at a Nordstrom Rack brick-n-mortar store. The watch had an interesting blue design with blue numerals and markers, blue hands, and a blue strap. It was also priced to move at $30 or less.

A Steve Madden Quartz Sports Watch from Nordstrom Rack

WATCH CONSTRUCTION

The watch has a stainless steel caseback, a black base metal case, and a blue silicone strap. Lettering on the dial seems to be a shiny blue foil.  The fundamentals of the watch are pretty decent.

WATCH DIMENSIONS

The watch is a comfortable size with a 45mm diameter case that is about 10mm thick.  The lugs are approximately 22mm and the watch strap tapers a little to about 20mm.  I found the watch to be appropriately size with plenty of strap loops to allow for adjustment.

The Silicone Strap of a Steve Madden Watch

The watch sits well on the wrist and doesn't stand too tall.  It's a fairly low key watch that is good for banging around on the weekend.  It might be a little too casual for most professional workplaces.

The profile of this Steve Madden Quartz Sport Watch

OVERALL IMPRESSION

One thing for sure, this watch goes well with blue.  It's comfortable for casual wear and it is easy enough to read since the blue watch hands do contrast against the black background.  However, the foil outline for markers and the fairly dark hands and dial don't make it the easiest of watches to read.  You can read it, but it's not instantly readable like a watch with white markers and some degree of lume.  At $25-$30, this watch is a pretty good deal.  I've seen Steve Madden watches at a variety of outlets including Burlington. I wear this watch fairly often since it is comfortable. Overall, I'd rate this Steve Madden watch as a pretty good deal.

A closeup of the dial of a Steve Madden watch