TGIF: Are George Watches Any Good?

I have lots of cheap watches. They are like potato chips. If you happen to be shopping at Walmart or another discount store, it's very easy to throw one into the cart. 

A George Watch from Walmart

If you happen to be shopping at Walmart, chances are good that you'll throw a George watch into your cart. Of course, before you do, you may want to ask yourself one question: 

Are George Watches Any Good?

As the owner of many George watches, I can definitely tell you that George watches are actually very good.  In fact, they are better than you would think a watch that costs less than $20 can possibly be. I like them.

Why Are George Watches Good?

There are many reasons that George watches are actually pretty good. Here are three of the top reasons that I like them:

1. Style. George watch designs are on-point. The features and looks of the most popular iconic watches are well known now. Lots of these features make their way into George watch designs. You can find decorative subdials, tachymeter markings, and diver-style markings on many George watches.

2. Build Quality. George watches are made by pretty solid suppliers like EGC (E. Gluck Corporation - the parent of Armitron) and FMD ( a division of Fossil). These companies make millions of watches at many price points. The Walmart buyers have also obviously insisted on some quality standards in order to minimize product returns. 

Now, you can see where George has cut corners in design and materials. For example, this retro watch with baton markers looks phenomenal, but the crystal is made of some kind of plastic and the bracelet is integrated so it might be hard to replace.

A George watch with integrated bracelet and plastic crystal

While you won't escape all the things I identify in my post on the drawbacks of cheap watches, the quality is much higher than you would expect for $12.

3. Price. George watches are quite inexpensive. Most of them cost about $12 and even the most sophisticated usually cost less than $20. This makes them fun indulgences to pick up while you are at Walmart. For bang around watches, they are great. You don't really have to worry about damaging them. However, you won't gain any personal prestige if you wear one to the office.

 

Watch Wearing Wednesday: George Quartz Chronometer-Style Watch with Faux Subdials

Today's watch is another inexpensive pickup from Walmart. It cost all of $11.96 or so. It's a silver-on-silver quartz watch sold under the big box retailer's George brand. I was drawn to the bright blue subdials that remind me of several more expensive watches.

George Watch with Faux Subdials

George has many attractively styled watches for really inexpensive price tags.  For example, this post highlights Six Watches Under $70. Next time you are in a Walmart, check out their watch section. Knowing what low priced watches offers lets you be a better judge of what high priced watches offer.

TGIF: More Sophisticated George Watches at Walmart

Something wild is happening in the watch department at Walmart! Walmart's George brand is bringing more polished and more sophisticated watch designs onto store shelves and raising prices for some watch to fit more solidly in the $15 to $25 range. One example is this George watch with a larger date track window, tiny gem diamond, and guilloché pattern on the dial.  Quite frankly, that's a lot of watch value for only $25.

A George watch with sophisticated features

While George watches don't bring much to the table in terms of prestige, at $10 to $25 per watch, they do allow everyone to enjoy collecting watches. Plus, whenever the brand adds something new to their inventory, they put pressure on brands like Armitron, Casio, and Timex to up their game and bring something new to their own lines of value-priced watches.

Watch Workshop: Fitting a George Watch with a brand new Strap

This is another neat looking cheap watch from Walmart. It's a George brand watch.  It has a black dial, black case, a black fluted bezel, a dark crystal, and red/orange hands and markers.  It does have sub-dials, but they are just for decoration.  The watch came with a black metal bracelet, but it didn't fit me well (too big) and it was a little too shiny for my taste.

A George Watch from Walmart

I opted for an inexpensive strap from a company called Niziruoup. They say it is a nylon elastic parachute-style watch band that is French paratrooper style. That's a lot to put on a $9.99 watch strap.  But, you can see it here on Amazon. I opted for the 22mm width and it fit this inexpensive watch perfectly.  The watch was about $12 or $13 at Walmart so the combo was less than $25.

A George Watch from Walmart at a Niziruoup Nylon Elastic Paratrooper Style Strap

Since the strap has elastic, it's a bit more flexible than the typical ballistic nylon straps I usually use.  It was comfortable for all day wear.

Watch Wearing Wednesday: George Watch with Black Bezel

Merry Christmas from thewatchdude.com.  I hope that you and yours have the greatest of holidays and the best New Year.  I really appreciate the time you've spent with me visiting this blog. I hope that you have the time to enjoy with your family and friends and watches to wear to the most festive of occasions.

A George watch from Walmart with a cool bezel

For the watch wearing Wednesday portion of this post, I like to share a humble watch that I call my George Blanc Pain.  It's not really a Blanc Pain, but the sleek and smooth bezel on this Walmart George-brand watch reminds me of one. It's just a watch that costs less than $15.  But, it looks nice and tells the time quite well.  A watch like this is a reminder that the important thing is to know what time it is, value the time, and spend it well.

A George watch

TGIF: Six Great Watches for Under $70 -- Total!

A Complete Watch Collection for Less than $70

Over the past few years, western consumers have really been pushed up against the wall with a sluggish job market for some professions, widespread job layoffs, and rampant inflation.  If you've been affected by these broader conditions, but still want to collect watches, here is a complete watch collection of cool low budget watches for less than $70 total. I've included links to these, but I'm not an affiliate of Walmart.

1. George Retro Watch

I've enjoyed wearing this George watch quite a bit. It has a nicely domed plastic crystal and what I can 1970s Retro Hashmarks.  They just remind you of the watches our dad and granddads wore in the 1970s.  It's quite a nice looking watch (Model 28/3017GNTT)

and it's made by E. Gluck Corporation (EGC)--that's the company behind Armitron.

A George Retro-Style Watch from Walmart

For $10.98, you really can't go wrong with this watch.  But, if you tap the crystal with your fingertips, it'll seem a little cheap.

2. George Brown Strap Watch with Tachymeter Markings 

This George Watch (Model 28/2043BKG) features a genuine leather strap, tachymeter markings on the bezel, and an easy to read dial. It's a simple watch that seems like a hybrid of military and sports styling cues. It's not my favorite in this inexpensive collection, but it is quite functional.

A George Watch with a Red Tachymeter Bezel

This is a nice basic watch made by the E. Gluck Corporation.  EGC makes watches for a variety of fashion names and private labels. I think I paid $10.98 in the store.

3. George Gunmetal Men's Field Watch

I consider this watch a baseline field watch. It has the simple look and the markings for sure. It has a gunmetal case, black easy read dial, and cognac vegan leather strap. The 44.5mm diameter case helps make the watch easy to read. This watch is made by, what is reportedly a manufacturing division of Fossil, FMD. At $10.98, the price is certainly entry level.

A George Field Watch with a gunmetal case and brown dial

I like this watch because it really hits the right tones as a simple field watch.  It's very practical.

4. George Men's Watch:  Matte Silver Tone Case Easy Read Dial

I also call this watch a field watch.  It made by FMD and the model number is MDOGE048.  It has a very legible off white dial and a tan vegan leather strap. It's listed at $10.98 online with Walmart.

A George Field Watch with silvertone case and white dial

It's another watch that is practical and easy to like.  There are far more expensive field watches in our world, but their dials look the same.

5. George Silver-on-Silver Men's Watch 

This FMD-made George watch (Model:  FMDOGE024) is only $9.99.  It features a 41mm diameter silver-tone case, a silver-colored easy read dial, and a silver-tone expansion band.

A George classic watch with silver on silver color scheme

I really love the looks of silver on silver.  Of course, in a watch that sells for price this low, there are trade-offs to be made.  The numbers are simply painted on the dial.  

6. George Octogon Watch in Silver and Black

If you have Audemars Piguet tastes and a Totino's Pizza budget, check out this Octagonal model from Walmart.  It's made by Accutime (42028WMM) and sold under the Walmart George brand.  It has a silvertone case and black dial with a decorative subdial.  It evokes the famed Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, but it sells for over $40,000 less. You'll look rich from a distance, but you'll definitely want to slip out of the Polo match before its time for the divot stomp.  It's was $12.98 at Walmart.

An Audemars Piguet Alternative for less than $15

Obviously, this watch collection is a little tongue in cheek. But, cheap watches like these tell time perfectly well. They might well prompt you to question whether premium brands are delivering real value for your money.  Many of these low cost watches incorporate classic retro features.

What these watches can't do is intangible. They can't boost your self esteem or transmit to others that you are a man of substance and means.  For you single guys, they won't attract women. 

Of course, on the other hand, cheap watches like these might weed out women who just want you for your money. Plus, if you are trying to build lasting generational wealth, the $40,000 you don't invest in a prestigious watch could provide a healthy stream of passive income when put into other investments.  There's a chance that a cheap watch collection might not be as stupid as you think.

[Revised in May 2026, to remove Walmart links as many of the styles have changed.  Your best bet is to check in the stores to see current inventory.]

Watch Wearing Wednesday: George Watch with Tachymeter Markings

Today, I'm wearing a George Watch with Tachymeter markings and a vegan leather strap.  I sure am  sorry about all the vegans, but they do make for a nice, comfortable, watch band.  All jokes aside, it's was an outstanding good value for only $10.98.

George Watch from Walmart with Tachymeter Markings.

This watch was supplied by the E. Gluck Corporation - one of the largest private label quartz watch manufacturers in the world.  They also own the Armitron and Torgoen watch brands.  It's a great bang around watch for everyday wear.

Watch Wearing Wednesday: George Retro 70s Watch

Today's watch is from George.  Yes, the Walmart brand George.  It's just an inexpensive watch that only cost $10.98, but I think it captures the 1970s vintage look of the watch everyone's dad owned back in the day.

A George Watch from Walmart

I did a little sleuthing on the internet about this watch and uncovered a few interesting details. First, I thought George brand was originated by George Foreman.  I was wrong.  George brand originates from British fashion designer George Davies.  He had a deal with the British retailer Asda and sold the brand to Walmart when Walmart bought Asda in the UK.

Using the factory service instructions from the box and discovered that the watch was made by E. Gluck Corporation (EGC).  E. Gluck is no stranger to making watches. The company owns Armitron and Torgoen. More importantly, EGC makes many, many, private label watches for retailers around the world. The company definitely knows about making watches.

A George Watch from Walmart with Green Dial

There's no doubt that $10.98 is an incredibly low price.  Some corners definitely have to be cut to bring this watch to consumers at this price point.  Compared to more expensive watches, the bracelet feels lightweight and hollow and the crystal seems to be made of some kind of plastic.  Still, I think this is a really good looking watch, a great way to fight inflation, and it is fun to wear.  It's another example of retro style in low cost timepieces.

Watch Sighting: Viewpoint Watch at Walmart

There is a new watch brand at Walmart.  It's called Viewpoint or V|P for short.  It's a Timex brand and it appears to be aimed at bringing interesting low-cost watches to the Walmart jewelry section.  The watch example that I've seen for the last few months has featured a dial with painted on and relief features that evoke the gearing of a mechanical or automatic watch.  However, as the low price watch $29.92, this is definitely a quartz watch.

I'm not a big fan of watches that don't put function first. When subdials don't work, I get a bit frustrated. Initially, I felt the same way about the Viewpoint watch. If it's not a mechanical watch, why paint gears on the dial? However, over the past few months, I've come to view the dial as a merely a design feature. It's just art--a painting of gears.

The thought that the gears are merely graphic design element has made me a bit more accepting of this watch. Someone who purchases this watch might at least remember and reflect that all watches were once mechanical marvels.

At less than $30, this watch does offer 30-meters of water resistance, a mineral glass crystal, and a metal bracelet.  That's not a bad value for a Timex product.  If you are wandering about in a Walmart and you like the look, check out the Viewpoint watch!

[Amazon offers Viewpoint watches for women.]

New Casio Watch Model: MRW-210H Men's 'Diver Style' Quartz Resin Casual Watch

On a recent trip to Walmart, I spotted a brand new model of Casio watch.  At least, I hadn't seen this model before so it was new to me.  This new Casio offers a fixed, non-rotating, bezel diver-style watch.  I'm not a big fan of non-rotating bezels.  However, the dial of this sport watch is considerably larger and easier to read than the dial of the popular classic Casio MRW-200H dive watch.  The fixed bezel watch has a 53 mm diameter case while the rotating bezel has a 43mm diameter case.  Consequently, this new watch (Model MRW-210H) should definitely give Timex Easy Reader and Timex Expedition models a run for the money during this holiday season.

One nice thing about this new, larger, Casio model is that it still has a robust 100 meters of water resistance.  This should allow you to shower, wash dishes, and do a little swimming.  At this price point, you don't get a stainless steel case.  Instead this model features an attractively molded black resin case and bezel.  This material is pretty rugged and should stand up to years of use.  The watch comes with a three year battery.

If you are interested in going commando--at least in the horological sense--the new fixed bezel Casio watches also come in all black.  In this case, the numbers receive a silver, chrome, treatment.

This watch should be compared with the Timex Core Resin Expedition watch with has a very similar look.  You'll note that both watches have a similar look and provide an inner ring of numbers for the 24-hour time.  I'll post a review of the Timex Core Resin Expedition watch in a few days in order to provide a comparison.

If you are looking for practical and pseudo-tactical, these new Casio diver-style watches are definitely worth a look!

Watch Review: Men's Eclipse Dress Watch from Walmart

I recently had a chance to closely examine a men's Eclipse dress watch at Walmart.  Made by Armitron, the Eclipse brand competes with Timex, Carriage, Casio, and a variety of non-branded quartz watches.  The aggressive price tag of only $22.87 allows this watch to significantly undercut competing Timex and Casio models.

Eclipse Watch Style.  This Eclipse by Armitron watch appears to be inspired by vintage watches from companies like Citizen.  The double baton at 12 o'clock evokes that look.  With a brown leather strap and a faint gold tone to the case, the watch has the perfect colors to match khakis in a business casual environment.  It would also go well with a brown tweed sport coat for the professorial set.

Eclipse Watch Features.  Even though this Eclipse is a rather generic quartz timepiece, it still has some very nice features like 165-feet of water resistance.  That's enough to handle most splashes and swimming that happen in daily life.

Eclipse Watch Construction.  As an Armitron product, the Eclipse line of watches is constructed to a fairly high standard.  This dress watch has a stainless steel caseback, a base metal case, and a genuine leather strap.  The solid construction yields a surprising 165 feet of water resistance.  That's great for such an inexpensive watch.

Wearability.  This watch fits my fairly large wrists with a little room to spare on the strap.  It was a very comfortable fit--not too tight--and not prone to rotating around on my wrist.  The leather strap was a little stiff.  But, it wasn't like cardboard.  I liked the feel of this Eclipse model on my wrist.

Eclipse Watch Size.  I didn't have a chance to measure the diameter of this watch case.  However, you can see that it is similar in size to my Pulsar dive style watch.  That puts the dial in a nice contemporary size range without being overly huge. 

This watch is also not too thick. I'd estimate the case to be around 10 millimeters thick.  That's a nice proportion for a dress watch as it will allow the watch to slide effortlessly under the cuffs of a shirt.  This Eclipse is perfectly proportioned for a dress watch.

Overall, if you are on a budget and need a dress watch, this Eclipse by Armitron watch should fit the bill.  It is simple, straight forward, and perfect for the business casual office.  It's also a great Walmart watch.  For less than $25, this watch is a steal!
I really think the dress watch I found at Walmart is the best of the Eclipse models, but if you'd like to see some of the other watches in the Eclipse line,  check out my first look article to see other models at Eclipse by Armitron.

Watch Sighting: A Timex Elevated Classics Gunmetal Tone Mens Watch at Walmart

I recently spotted this Timex watch at Walmart.  It is an interesting fusion of Diver and Military Field watch design elements.  As a low cost quartz fashion watch, it emphasizes looking good.    Unfortunately, the bezel does not rotate and the watch offers a minimal 50 meters of water resistance.  It's a day-to-day watch.

According to Amazon, this Timex is an Elevated Classic dress watch with a genuine leather strap.  It has a 42 millimeter brass case and a mineral crystal.  For under $50, this Timex is a great looking watch at a great price.  It's perfectly appropriate for any business casual environment.

Timex Watches at Walmart: Timex Expedition (Model T49908)

Late at night, it can be fun to peruse the watch counters at Walmart.  It gives me a chance to peruse the watches that are available at affordable prices.  Lately, I've been intrigued by the Timex offering at the big discount store.  For example, some of the Timex Expedition watches pictured below sell for far higher prices at other brick and mortar retailers.

The watch on the far right is intriguing because it reminds me of my AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane watch.  However, without the fighter plane motif and insignia, it's not nearly as cool.  The Timex Expedition on the far left looks much like my Timex Vintage Metal.  It's a birthday gift watch that my wife paid $54 for at Belk.

Premium Timex Watches at Walmart

Of the watches pictured, I am most interested in the second watch from the left.  It's Timex Expedition (Model T49908) and it features a simulated wood grain dial.  The band is leather. 

Timex Expedition (Model T49908)

This Timex Expedition provides a natural look at an affordable price.  I often find good watches at Walmart on clearance or within the realm of an impulse purchase.  Of course, this Timex is available at the best price here on Amazon.

New Watch Brand at Walmart: globlu

On a recent excursion to Walmart, I noticed a new watch brand:  globlu.  These watches sell for only $11 and they have dial lighting system similar to the famed Timex Indiglo system.  As my watch boxes are overflowing, I didn't buy or try any of these watches.  However, they might be a good choice for a bang around watch.

To activate the dial light, you simply press the offset "pusher" button at the 1 o'clock position.

Sometimes I think Walmart just puts these low prices out in order to push name brand suppliers like Timex, Casio, and Armitron to keep prices low.

In terms of style, these watches are pretty generic.  However, globlu watches are an interesting option if you are in the market for a low cost watch.  With the holiday season approaching, they also might make a good stocking stuffer.

Where I Shop For Watches

I'm generally an old fashioned, brick and mortar, kind of guy when it comes to buying watches.  Most of my watches are bought on impulse when I am shopping for other things.  (O.K., O.K., I don't have much impulse control.)  Consequently, my watch boxes are filled with affordable watches that I think look cool.  Since I get my watches on impulse, they tend to come from the places I shop:  Kmart, Kohl's, Sears, Target, and Walmart.

An Inexpensive Precision by Gruen watch from Kohl's

Watches from Kohls.  Kohl's has been one of the places where I have consistently found good deals on mid-priced watches that range from $30 to $125.  They sell low priced brands like Precision by Gruen and Zoo York.  They have a great selection of watches from Armitron, Mark Ecko, and Relic.  They have an excellent selection of watches that hover just out of my price range from brands like Bulova, Citizen, and Seiko. 

A Structure Ana-Digital from Sears

Watches from Sears.  Another surprisingly cool place to shop for watches is Sears.  I find Sears is great for brands like Bulova, Caravelle, Elgin, Hamlin, and Structure.  They also have a great rewards program that works at Sears and Kmart.  If you buy tires or another auto repair over at their auto center, your likely to get enough rewards points to get a new watch for nearly nothing.  

Watches from Walmart.  Finally, you know that I get a lot of my watches from Walmart.  They are consistently the best place to buy no name watches and watches from Casio and Timex.  Over the last year, they have really built up a great selection of tasteful Timex watches.  I've pretty much picked over the supply of no name watches.  

A Very Nice Timex Military-Style Expedition at Walmart

 

Good luck and happy hunting this holiday season!

Courtside with my Walmart Watch

You know you are a watch nerd when you think the tennis court is a great place to shoot some watch pictures. 

This basic black Walmart watch doesn't get enough respect.  But, sometimes it's nice to go to the back of the watch box and pull something out that is just a little different.  This watch is all business in basic black.  But, there is nothing wrong with a basic watch with a readable dial.  It has a shiny polished (enamel?) black band and case.  It cost less than $15. 

If you'd like to learn more about how to find a great watch like this at Walmart, read my article:

How to Find Great Watches at Walmart

 

Of course, if you play tennis on a more high falutin' court, you may want to get your basic black wristwatch from Gucci!

A Striking Armitron in Black

I've been looking at this striking black Armitron for the past couple of years.  It looks like a very practical watch.  I really like the angled numerals on the face. However, the shiny silver numbers look just a little cheap to me.  The watch always catches my eye.  I stop. I check it out.  I hem and I haw and then I pass on it.  Typically, this Armitron sells for $60 at Walmart.  Now, it's marked clearance and it's a great deal.  However, I remained strong ...and poor.  Some day, this watch will find a home with someone else.  It is a very cool watch!

Armitron watch designers have been on a bit of a roll.  This Stainless Steel Black Ion is a fantastic looking watch.

Nice Military Timex Spotted at Walmart

Timex has been bringing their A-game to my local Walmart.  I recently saw one of their premium military-inspired Expedition watches on display.  The price is competitive for this model as well.

A cool looking Timex Expedition

It's a little more rugged looking than my current Timex Expedition Military Field watch.  In black, it has tactical mall ninja written all over it.  They also have this style of Timex field watch for a reasonable price.  It's nice to see something interesting behind the watch counter again!

A Tale of Two Casio Lines - G Shock and Illuminator

I visited another Walmart to check out watches.  They have Casio G Shock models priced from $46.92 to $89.92.  They are generally basic black models that emphasize rugged functionality over more colorful style.  I almost think the G Shock watch might be tougher than my flesh and bone wrist.

If the G Shock is too expensive and you do want colorful flair, regular Casio Illuminator Digital Watches can be had at some Walmarts in a variety of colors.  Walmart has them for only $18.88.

This World Time Illuminator is often seen in stores for about $24, but Kohl's had it online for only $19.96.  As you progress through timezones, the areas affected are darkened on the world map at the 9 o'clock position.  I think this has to be one of the coolest inexpensive digital watches on the planet.  It's a lot of watch for less than $20.

For an even cheaper watch deal, check out this bargain basement Casio!

Timex Watch Display for Valentine's Day

This Timex display at Walmart suggests that you wrap this Timex around a bouquet of roses for Valentine's Day.  These watches might make an interesting bonus gift for the holiday, but you might want to back them up with another gift!

[Update from 2024:  Here is an attractive Timex Weekender watch for Women. It's awfully cute for a nylon NATO strap watch. My wife likes the looks of it.  You can find this Timex Weekender on Amazon here.]

A Timex Weekender Watch for Women