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. 

Wristwatch Review: Nautica NST700 Dive-style Fashion Chronograph Watch

One of the newer watches in my collection is an excellent Nautica chronograph watch.  It's called the NST700 and it's marketed as a casual fashion watch.  However, the beauty of this watch is not just skin deep!

Nautica NST700 Diver-Style Watch

Watch Design.  This may be a "fashion" watch, but this Nautica has a sporty, manly, fashion to it.  It has a black non-rotating bezel with diver-style markings.  The bezel has orange in the "short air" fifteen minute danger zone.  The 24.1 millimeter stainless steel bracelet fits perfectly without needing further adjustments.  The 45 millimeter diameter case is 13.2 millimeters thick which puts this watch in a really nice zone for comfortable daily wear.  The dial is black and everything else is silver stainless steel.  While I like the black and orange motif, unfortunately as of 2024, Nautica NST 700 watches are available on Amazon in a variety of color schemes.

Watch Features.  The coolest thing about this watch is that it actually works as a stopwatch.  The large second hand is stationary at 12 o'clock.  But, when you push the top button, it starts making its way around the dial as a second hand.  Push the top button again and it stops.  The bottom button resets the stopwatch hand back to 12 o'clock when held down.  It's very cool!  If I suspect the waiter is going to be a little slow, the stop watch is just the thing to confirm my suspicions and tip accordingly!

 

Watch Construction.  While the NST700 is not technically a dive watch, it has a screw-down crown.  The watch is water resistant to 100 meters (330 feet).  That's enough to allow swimming and snorkeling, but not diving.  It also is enough for typing, driving along in my automobile, and watching football games.  If this Nautical watch needs to prove its metal, it has a stainless steel case, bezel, and band.  It even has a mineral crystal.  Overall, it's tough enough!

 

This Nautica goes by the catchy model number N16656G.  On Amazon it gets solid 5-star reviews and everyone likes the look.  I like it very much and heartily recommend it!  If you like the looks of this watch, be sure to check out Amazon here for other great Nautica watches for men.

Watch Photos - Marc Ecko Rhino Watch

I like to take pictures of my watches in unusual settings.  "Spookie Tooth" by Andrew Crawford is a statue of a giant adjustable wrench located in Sandy Springs, Georgia.  It makes a perfect backdrop for my Marc Ecko Rhino watch.

If you haven't read my watch review yet check out -

Wristwatch Review:   Marc Ecko Rhino Men's Analog Wrist Watch

If you'd like to take a closer look at some other Ecko designs, here are a few more of the Marc Ecko watches now being sold at Kohl's!