Watch Deal Alert: Timex Men's Expedition Scout 40mm

Sometimes, it's hard to look at rising watch prices without remembering what the watches cost back in the 90s or early 2000s. While we know about inflation and the bite it takes out of our purchasing power, it can be tough to see escalating prices impact our watch collections.  That's why it's nice when you see old-time pricing on a familiar watch.  For example, Amazon has some versions of the Timex Men's Expedition Scout on sale.  As of June 14, 2026, it's only 34% off.  But, at less than $25, you'll think you've returned to the times of yore. 

Timex 40mm Expedition Scout

This Timex 40mm Expedition Scout has Indiglo backlighting and 50-meters of water resistance and comes in a Green Strap, Gray Case, and Black Dial Configuration. It's a great starting point for anyone wanting a field watch.  You can check it out here using my Amazon affiliate link. The watch comes in a variety of color combinations that range up to just over $50.  But, if you poke around a bit, you may find that Amazon has quite a few used-good or used-excellent condition Timex Expedition watches available at a substantial discount.  Since they are great beater watches, it's hard to go wrong with one.

[Updated June 14, 2026 - Just in time for Fathers Day]

TGIF: The Best Watches at ANY Price Point?

Best Men's Watch for $50 and Under

I recently saw a post on X that highlighted a watch expert's opinion on the best watch to buy at any price point.  Of course, the watch prices started at $1,000 with a recommendation to buy a Tissot PRX.  Then, the expert was off to the $10,000 level.  For me, the post missed all the price points that most people can afford.

For me, the point is to have cool watches and the price point doesn't matter.  If you can afford a Ulysse-Nardin, you are living the dream.  But, I'm pretty proud of the $10 watch I found on Amazon recently.  So, I'll start my recommendations there.

$10: "Nibosi Waterproof Luxury Diamond Luminous Dial Business Dress Watch"  Online they call it a chronograph.  It's actually a multifunction watch with day, date, 24-hour time, and moon phase.  It is a little blingy, but it's a very nice watch for the money.

Nibosi Men's Waterproof Luxury Diamond Luminous Dial Business Dress Watch

I bought the black dial version, but supplies are running out.  It's still available for less than $10 with a green or blue dial.  You can get it here via my Amazon affiliate link.

$25: "US Polo Assn Quartz Watch." If you want to put all your extra money into polo ponies, you may want to keep watch expenses down. US Polo Assn offers an attractive variety of quartz watches that are priced between $17 and $25 and can be found in a variety of stores including Burlington and JC Penney. You can see a wide selection via my Amazon affiliate link here.

 

$40: "Burei Men's Dive Watch." For years, the undisputed choices for inexpensive dive watches were the Casio Duro and the Invicta Pro Diver.  But, a newcomer has been entering my search and it's been getting great reviews. Burei offers a men's dive watch with 200-meter water resistance, a screw-down crown, a unidirectional rotating bezel, a date window, and a Japanese quartz movement.

Burei Men's Dive Watch with 200-meter water resistance (Amazon photo)

This watch averages 4.5 stars on 26 ratings and has some great reviews.  You can check it out here on Amazon.

$50: "Casio MTP-VD01D-1BV Men's Enticer."  I recently purchased the blue dial version of this watch (you can read my review here), but now the best deal is on the black dial version at 11% off. This is an attractively styled watch that is great for everyday wear. You can get this beautiful timepiece here on Amazon.

Casio Men's Enticer (Amazon Photo)

The list could go on, and might in a future post, but you should really buy a watch that fits your style and personality.  It's your money.  Have fun. You get to spend it anyway you like.

(If you are looking for more budget-friendly watch ideas, check out my post on an Affordable Three Watch Collection. The challenge: build a three watch collection for $75 a watch or less.)

Wristwatch Review: Nibosi Men's Black Stainless Steel Quartz Watch

I recently came across a Nibosi Men's Stainless Steel Quartz Watch in black for only $11.99 on Amazon. It was an incredible deal. 

Nibosi Black Quartz Watch

This is my third Nibosi watch, but in terms of build quality, it may be my best one.

Nibosi Watch Features

This Nibosi watch is minimalist in terms of features. It's a simple straight forward design with a quartz movement. This watch is impressive in terms of style, fit, finish, and price. 

For a very inexpensive watch, the Nibosi watch was well packaged

The watch has all stainless steel construction and a good quality deployant clasp.

The Deployant Clasp of the Nibosi Black Stainless Steel Watch

Nibosi Watch Style

This watch is visually striking with a black case, bracelet, and dial contrasted by gold tone hands and markers. While Nibosi makes plenty of homage watches, this one seems to be created in a style of their own that is well within mainstream watch expectations. Sometimes, I like the independence of an affordable watch that isn't an homage to a classic.

Nibosi Black Stainless Steel Quartz Watch

The stainless steel bracelet makes great use of glassy black outer links and flat black interior links. This alternating use of color and text provides subtle visual interest. 

The contrast between out and inner link finishes is subtle

In day-to-day wear, I find that the gold-tone hands and markers really catch the light and reflect well in low light or fading light conditions.

Nibosi Watch Construction

This Nibosi watch has a stainless steel caseback, bracelet, and case. It also has a flat mineral glass crystal. The watch has 100 feet (30-meters) of water resistance. It's not for swimming, showering, or immersion, but it should be resistant to incidental splashes and rain.

Nibosi Stainless Steel Caseback

I didn't see any obvious cost cutting in this watch. It seems very competitive with low cost watches found in stores. I'd say that build quality far exceeds similarly priced watches from brands like George. The watch doesn't have any sharp edges or anything that would dig into the wrists. It's comfortable for all day wear.

Nibosi Watch Dimensions

For me, this Nibosi watch is perfectly proportioned. The case is about 42mm in diameter and 9.65mm thick. The bracelet is about 21mm wide and about 220mm long. 

Overall Impressions of the Nibosi Black Quartz Watch

This watch won't impress people with its pedigree, but it is a nicely priced watch with great features and style for the price. It's another watch that pressures Timex and Casio to bring us nicer watches at lower prices. I like this watch quite a bit. As an IT worker, the economy has kicked me around a bit lately. An incredible watch bargain is a nice way to kick back.

Where to Buy the Nibosi Black Watch

You can get a this watch in black with gold accent tones here via my affiliate link to Amazon.

Wristwatch Review: A Caribbean Joe Watch with a Cushion Case

One of the nice things about the Caribbean Joe brand of watches is that it brings classic watch looks to those of us with limited watch budgets. Such is the case with the Caribbean Joe watch with a cushion case and faux sub-dials.

Caribbean Joe Cushion Case Watch (Model CJ7128SLGR)

What is a Cushion Case Watch?

A cushion case is a watch case design that was popular in the early 20th century and incorporates square and round design elements.  A cushion case is a square-ish or rectangular case with gently rounded corners that has a circular dial and crystal in the center.  It looks like a round watch resting on a square pillow.

Caribbean Joe Watch Design and Features

Like most Caribbean Joe watches, this one is designed for looks. It has a green dial, non-functional subdials, a somewhat square cushion case, and a synthetic leather strap. The dial design, bright orange second hand, and house The quartz movement is from Singapore. 

Caribbean Joe Square Watch with two cups of Joe

Caribbean Joe Watch Dimensions

One thing I like about Caribbean Joe is that their watches are well proportioned. This square Caribbean Joe watch is about 43mm wide (45mm if you count the crown) and roughly 11mm thick. It fits might 7 3/4-inch wrist without any issue and has plenty of strap left for the gathers to fit comfortably.

Caribbean Joe watch strap on 7 3/4 inch wrist

Overall Caribbean Joe Watch Impression

I enjoy wearing this watch. It has a classic look that is a little unusual and a worry-free quartz movement. The non-functional subdials detract from my perception of this watch's value, but they help the brand mimic a classic look. For less than $21 at Kohl's, this watch is a good buy.  For more on the pros and cons of Caribbean Joe watches, check out my post Are Caribbean Joe Watches Any Good. Overall, I like this one!

Where can I find this Caribbean Joe watch?

Caribbean Joe watches are available at Kohl's, Boscov's, and Seirra. This watch is listed as Caribbean Joe Square Dial watch (Model CJ7128SLGR) online here at Boscov's (not an affiliate link).

Wristwatch Review: A Caribbean Joe Watch with Gold Tones

If there is a watch brand that I take an inordinate amount of joy in, that brand has to be Caribbean Joe. These watches are like horological potato chips. I think it is because they capture classic looks at a bargain basement price. For this review, let's take a look at one with gold tones and a brown leather strap. Technically, it might be CJ7166TTG, but I suspect that the manufacturer takes a "parts is parts" approach to casebacks.

This Caribbean Joe Watch has a classic look

Caribbean Joe Watch Style

Style is the essence of this watch. The features are simple. It's a 3 hand quartz watch with a silver-tone case. But, the style is rich and golden with golden tones to the alpha (also known as lance) hands, hour markers, and numerals, aspects of the dial, and the crown. The dial is a pail white with an underlying golden grid pattern and the trademark Caribbean Joe hut and palm tree logo are in black. This watch doesn't have any extraneous faux sub-dials that can sometimes detract the look. The overall effect is a relaxed, casual, dress watch that evokes the sun, the Caribbean, and the relaxation that comes with extraordinary wealth. This Caribbean Joe watch looks like a wealthier watch than it actually is. That's where we all join the brand and participate in an inside joke. The brand knows  and we know that this is just a $22 quartz watch. But passersby? They don't know.

Caribbean Joe Watch Dimensions

This Caribbean Joe watch is perfectly proportioned. The case of this watch is 40mm in diameter and 10mm thick. I measure about 47mm lug-to-lug and the strap is 20mm wide. The strap is around 187mm long. With the watch, you have about 22.5 cm of length to work with. The watch accommodates wrists of up to 7.95 inches (20 cm) if you deduct an inch (25mm) of strap end. If find that the watch accommodates my wrist easily with plenty of strap to spare.

This Caribbean Joe watch doesn't stand too tall on the wrist

The good fit and perfect size add to my appetite for these watches.

Caribbean Joe Watch Construction

Like most Caribbean Joe watches, there are little things that betray this watch's inexpensive origin. While the caseback is stainless steel, the case itself is made of a much less expensive material--probably a base metal. On the plus side, it's a light comfortable to wear watch weight. A big minus, is that the body of the watch can look cheap from time to time.  

The Caribbean Joe Watch caseback does tell you what kind of battery you need!

Moving on to the movement: it's from Singapore. It's powered by a common SR626SW battery. The synthetic leather strap is from China. It can be a challenge to set the watch precisely as the minute hand wants to jump a little when you push the crown in. While I haven't had any serious issues with my Caribbean Joe watches, they are definitely cheap watches that look good. 

A Caribbean Joe watch under the lights

Caribbean Joe Watch Overall Impression

Overall, I like this watch. Like most Caribbean Joe watches, it looks good. It's always easy to throw one of these into shopping cart and they don't break the budget. They are a fun, low-impact, guilty pleasure. These watches also make great beater watches. You can wear them almost anywhere. You don't have to worry about them getting lost, stolen, or bashed into doorframes. If you see one that you like the looks of, get it. You'll find yourself wearing quite often.

This Caribbean Joe watch looks great out on the town

Where to find Caribbean Joe Watches

I'm pretty sure I found this one at a Burlington store where it was marked somewhere around $20. I think it was $22. You can find Caribbean Joe watches at Boscov's, Kohl's, Sierra, and sometimes at Walmart.com.  As a fashion brand, Caribbean Joe styles and designs come and go. I haven't seen this particular one online anywhere.

Wristwatch Review: Joseph Abboud Quartz Watch with Decorative Subdials

Amazingly, one of the most incredible dial color schemes that I've seen this year is on an inexpensive watch that I bought at Burlington. The smokey silver and black dial of this Joseph Abboud (Model AB-5218SV) quartz watch with decorative subdials looks amazing. In this review, we'll try to ascertain whether the beauty is more than skin deep.

Joseph Abboud Quartz Watch with Decorative Subdials

Watch Features

This is very much a fashion watch. It is meant to tell the time and look great. The watch looks far more expensive than it actually was and you can imagine a sales associate at a men's clothing store laying this watch on the counter with dress shirts and ties in multiple colors. Beyond looks, there are no real features. 

Decorative Subdials on a Joseph Abboud watch

The subdials are non-functional and the bezel does not rotate. However, it is powered by a Japanese quartz movement.

Watch Construction

This Joseph Abboud watch has a stainless steel caseback and a base metal case. While beautiful, the watch does seem to be very lightly constructed and sounds hollow when set down on a granite countertop. The light weight of this watch makes it comfortable for extended wear.

This Joseph Abboud watch has a Japanese movement and stainless steel caseback

This watch has a vegan leather strap. The strap is supple and lengthy enough for my 7 1/2-inch wrist.

This Joseph Abboud watch has vegan leather straps

Watch Design

This watch is designed as an accessory first and foremost. It's like a movie prop. It just has too look good and convincing from a distance. However, in my opinion, this Joseph Abboud watch does look very good. 

Watch Dimensions

This Joseph Abboud watch has a rather large diameter case. It comes in at 45mm not counting the crown. It's 48.5mm in diameter counting the crown. The lug to lug measurement is 55mm. The watch itself is 10mm thick and would easily fit under a shirt sleeve cuff.

Overall Impression

Overall, I'm pleased with this watch since I got it for about $20 at Burlington. If I had paid twice as much or more in a clothing store, I don't think I'd be happy with it. While the subdials aren't functional, I can't complain too much since I can't usually read subdials without my reading glasses on. 

The Smokey Dial of this Joseph Abboud Model AB-5218SV watch is stunning!

Overall, this watch is beautiful to look at and fills an inexpensive dress watch niche. The beauty is skin deep. But, if you need to look sharp and are on a tight budget, this Joseph Abboud watch might be a good choice.

If you are interested in a simpler Joseph Abboud watch design, I think they did a good job with with the watch in this post, too.

Sharp Watch Shout Out: MASTOP (SKMEI) Diver-Style Nylon Strap Watch

If you are looking for an inexpensive watch and have $20 to blow on Amazon, check out this diver-style quartz watch with a nylon strap from MASTOP. It's just a cheap watch, but the way the strap design carries across the dial is very cool. There are several color combinations of strap and dial and all are really eye-catching. That's why this watch gets a Sharp Watch Shout Out!

MASTOP (SKMEI) Quartz Diver-Style Watch

If you are cool with $20 watches, I don't think you'll have a problem with this one. I won't attempt to navigate the ins and outs of Chinese watch companies. However, it looks like the company sells many watches with the SKMEI dial label on Amazon. I've had pretty good luck with SKMEI watches over the years. You can read about them here on this blog. I had one that was very difficult to get the caseback off for a battery change. But, that's about it. You aren't risking much at the $20 level.

You can check this watch out here on Amazon.com.

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.

Watch Wearing Wednesday: A Rumours Watch That Persists

Once upon a time, many, many, years ago in a living room far, far, away, my brother-in-law was incessantly bragging about a brand new Tag Heuer watch that he had just bought. Even worse he was obnoxiously sneering at everyone who was wearing a quartz watch that was common among mere mortals.  It got old fast and everyone present was sick of it.  Finally, I had enough.

A close up of the dial on my old Rumours watch

"Hey, what time is it over there on your fancy Tag Heuer watch?"

"1:15."

I glanced at this Rumours watch and replied, "Same here."

The room burst into laughter and my brother-in-law ceased his bragging.  It was an unforgettable moment and a victory for the common watch.

A Rumours Watch with a Silver-on-Silver design

This Rumours watch has been in my collection for 26 or 27 years.  I hope it persists for a very long time.  You can read about my Rumours watch here on this blog.

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Caribbean Joe Cushion Case Quartz Watch

Lately, I've been wearing my new Caribbean Joe Cushion Case Quartz Watch. It was the Caribbean Joe watch I sighted a week ago. That's willpower. I held off buying it for a whole day. However, it was a great deal at Kohl's. With all the different coupons and Black Friday deals, I was able to get it for less than $20. It's pictured here at the Unclaimed Baggage store under the watchful gaze of professional diving equipment that was lost in the air transportation system.

A commercial dive mask appears to be looking at my Caribbean Joe Watch

The watch has non-functional subdials for decorative purposes. In some ways, I hate non-functional subdials. However, I'm also a little relieved not to have to fuss with setting the subdials. Once again, Caribbean Joe achieves the mission of achieving good looks on a low budget.

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Izod Quartz Sport Watch

For this watch wearing Wednesday, my Izod Quartz Sport Watch got the call. I like the way this quick snapshot turned out with a local skyscraper and office building complex in the background and clouds reflected off the crystal of this watch.

An Izod Quartz Sports Watch with a skyscraper in the background

I like the black and red combination in this Izod watch.  Black and Red are almost the official sports colors here in Atlanta.  The Georgia Bulldogs (College Football), Atlanta Falcons (NFL Football), and Atlanta United (MLS Soccer) all use combinations of black and red.  The Atlanta Dream (WNBA Basketball) and Atlanta Braves (MLB Baseball) often use lots of red in their uniforms as well. 

Sunlight plays across the case and dial of my Izod

I got this watch for about $20 at Burlington Coat Factory.  Izod is one of the nicer watch brands that I find in their stores.  Since parting ways with LaCoste in the 1990s, Izod has positioned itself to offer goods at lower prices to a broader variety of people, but the brand still has a strong sense of style and identity. Here are some other Izod watches that I've come across over the years.

Wristwatch Review: Tahari Diver-Style Watch

Recently, I've been wearing some of the inexpensive watches that I picked up over the summer. This one from Tahari is one of my finds from watch shopping at Burlington. For $20 to $25, this Tahari watch checks many of the Diver-style watch design boxes on my list. 

Poolside with my Tahari Men's Watch

Tahari Watch Style

Fashion designer Elie Tahari is best known for women's fashions and accessories. In the days of disco, he popularized the tube top. The vast majority of Tahari labeled products are aimed at women. However, under Bluestar Alliance brand management, the Accutime produces a limited number of Tahari-branded watches for men. However, I found Tahari branded men's watches at Burlington and you sometimes see them on various online auction sites.

My Tahari diver-style watch has a dodecagonal (12-sided) bezel that does not rotate. Around the circular dial white numeral batons are edged with gold tone as are the hour and minute hands.  A thin second hand is also gold-toned.  The gold tone is continued with the crown.  It's a nice look that is not overwhelming or gaudy.

As a fashion watch, the Tahari is not for swimming or diving

The watch is comfortable to wear with a soft strap and it doesn't stand overly tall on the wrist for easy wear with long-sleeved shirts or business attire. According to the caseback, this watch uses a standard SR626SW watch battery. As an inexpensive watch, you can readily see that the bezel is simply molded into the case. It's a minor detail that reveals that this one is a cheap watch.

Tahari Watch Construction

Without an online listing of this watch, I have to assess the materials by look, feel, and labeling. The watch has a stainless steel caseback and a somewhat slick feeling case that I presume is a base metal. It doesn't have the solid feel of a stainless steel case or the flexibility of a plastic case. It has a flat crystal that seems like the glass crystals of most Accutime watches. The strap is generously long and made of "simulated leather."  I would not count on this watch having any water resistance beyond minor handwashing splashes. However, for a $20 fashion watch, I feel that the build quality of this one is pretty decent. Accutime certainly knows how to mass produce quartz watches with lots of brand names at match various price points.

The Tahari Dive-Style watch for men has a generous simulated leather strap

Tahari Watch Dimensions

This Tahari watch has rather large, manly man, dimensions. The case is 47mm in diameter and 10mm thick with 24mm lugs.  From the tip of one lug across the watch to the tip of the opposite lug is about 55mm.  I like that that strap fits my rather large wrist and is long enough to fit both keepers.  Overall, this watch is large without being obnoxious and is easy to read and easy to wear.

This Tahari watch looks good when the lights are low

Tahari Watch Overall Impression

I like this watch.  It's one of my favorite cheap watches.  It's lightweight and comfortable for all day wear.  It's also very easy to read. Most importantly, this Tahari Men's Watch simply looks good. 

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: Geoffrey Beene Quartz Analog Watch with Tonneau Case and Green Dial

Earlier this summer, I came across an inexpensive watch at a Ross Dress for Less store here in Georgia.  It's a Geoffrey Beene brand watch with the name Diamond at the 6 o'clock position and the tiniest "Diamond" at the 12 o'clock position.  In a $22 watch, I suspect it's either not real or not much of a diamond that's for sure.  But, the thing that drew me in was the brilliant green color of the dial and the somewhat unusual shape of the case.  While the dial is round, the case is almost a tonneau shape and the entire watch is covered by the crystal.  It's certainly an eye-catching timepiece.

Geoffrey Beene Model GBA0005SL

s

The watch is model GBA0005SL and it has a 42 mm case and a 22mm wide bracelet.  On various online auction sites, it is also available in blue.  For value priced watches, Geoffrey Beene often has interesting choices.  I've posted about Geoffrey Beene before.

Geoffrey Beene Model GBA0005SL on a restaurant table

At less than $30, this Geoffrey Beene watch is a steal. It has a rich look for a poor person's price.  It's a great watch for any day or any night of the week.  You can find more Geoffrey Beene watches for men on Amazon.

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Brigada Minimalist Watch for Men

Here's an interesting watch!  The Amazon listing for it is quite a mouthful.  Here goes!  It's the  BRIGADA Men's Watches Cool Black Blue Business Casual Waterproof Quartz Analog Wrist Watch for Men.  I just like to call it the Brigada Minimalist Watch for Men.

The Brigada Minimalist Watch has a thin case.

In these evening shots, you can see that the watch has a generously-sized dial with roman numerals in a gold-tone that is perfect for catching the last rays of a slowly setting summer sun.  The strap is of synthetic leather that looks good and gets the job done.  In looks, this quartz watch compares favorably to other minimalist watches from bands like MVMT.

The dial of this BRIGADA is simple and delivers the time.

Sometimes, I find it difficult to justify minimalist designs that cost a lot of money.  This BRIGADA is cheap. I think it compares favorably to watches that cost between $50 and $125.  But, this watch actually costs much, much, less.  Incredibly, as of 2024, this watch was less than $20.  It is much, much, better than the $5 Youyoupifa watch I ordered from China many years ago.

Brigada Men's Quartz Watch

I've posted about the Brigada brand before and recently reviewed one of their watches.  I think this watch fully delivers on the promise of low cost watches.

The Return of the Casio Forester: The Ultimate Beater Watch

I got it.  Again.  One of my favorite watches has returned to my wrist!  It's the ultimate beater watch.  It's the Casio Forester.  It was only $21.92 at Walmart and I could not resist.

I don't think I've worn one of these watches in a decade.  But, I really should have.  It's still a lightweight comfortable bang around watch.  This one is still super fresh.  But, the Casio Forester is the ultimate beater watch.  You can read my full Casio Forester review here.

Oh sure, the Casio G Shock and the Timex Ironman have their fans, but for my money, the Forester is the best of the beater watches.

Why is the Casio Forester the ultimate beater watch?

1. It's cheap.  The Casio Forester is still less than $25 at Walmart.  You can still find it cheap here on Amazon.  If you are going to beat up a watch, beat up a cheap watch. G Shock watches are great, but they aren't cheap.

2. It has 100 meters of water resistance.  Pro Tip:  if you need more water resistance, you aren't in a forest. 

3. It's tough. Thick plastic surrounds a small dial making it a tough target to whack.

4. It's simple. When you are wearing a beater watch, you are doing something else.  You are hiking or fishing or mowing a lawn.  You aren't making a fashion statement. All you need is the ability to quickly see the time.

I may have to dig out my Crocodile Hunter memorial shirt, grab my machete, strap on this watch, and head out in the jungle.

[As of August 2025, the Casio Forester is still available on Amazon.com for less than $30. If you are ready to set out into the deep woods, you can find the Casio Forester here on Amazon.] 

Recommended: The Casio Forester - A Great Bang Around Watch

The Casio Forester is one of my favorite watches.  It's the perfect watch for banging around in.  It's inexpensive, tough, and lightweight.  It also has a long battery life.  I first reviewed mine back in August 2011 and it is still running strong two years later.   If you aren't hung up on prestige and appearances, you might like this watch.

My Casio Forester

The Forester would be a great companion on a hike.  Perhaps you could hit the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest trail?  You could do something glamorous like an archaeological expedition.  But, you could also leave that sort of thing to the super macho commando watches that cost 100 times more.  The Forester is a great watch for mowing the lawn, helping a friend move, or walking the dog.  With 100 meters of water resistance, the Forester is built for adventure.  But, if you are an armchair commando, you'll find the velcro band super comfortable for long stints of typing at a desk.

Here is my complete review on this blog:

Wristwatch Review:  Casio Forester Men's Analog Watch


[As of August 2025, you can still find the Casio Forester here on Amazon.]

A Cheap Watch from Gruen that Intrigued Me

Looking at a Precision by Gruen Watch

Recently, a cheap line of watches caught my eye at my local Kohl's Department store.  They are called "Precision by Gruen" and they retail for about $30.  Long ago, Gruen used to be a respected American watchmaker.  However, they are now a brand name for watches imported from China.

A Precision by Gruen Watch from Kohl's

However, they have one diver's style watch that has a working, rotatable, bezel. Since I'm a sucker for rotating bezels, I had to buy it.  Rotating bezels are useful for measuring elapsed time on analog diver-style watches.  Since Kohl's regularly runs good sales, I was able to pick up a "Precision by Gruen" watch for about $21.  These watches look like good competitors for entry-level Casio, Timex, and store-brand watches.

[In 2025, I really wonder where I stored this watch. I hope I still have it because the metal rotating bezel was really cool.]

The Expendible Timex Expedition

Check Out the Timex Expedition Camper

If it takes a licking, just get another one. . .

Every once in a while, a dude has to go on an adventure. It means stepping away from the keyboard, putting down the game controller, and actually going outside into the elements. Out there, you're going to need an adventurous watch. There are two schools of thinking about adventurous watches. Some people want an expensive multi-function watch that can do everything. Others might want a cheap almost disposable watch that can easily be replaced. 

One such cheap adventurer's watch might be the basic analog Timex Expedition Camper watch. It looks tactical, but it's got a black fabric band and a plastic case in its least expensive version. With a 38mm diameter dial and a case that is only 8mm thick, it's a lightweight bang around watch that you'll barely notice that you're wearing.  It keeps time well though and can be had for just over $20 ($40 on sale in 2025). It has macho looks, 100-meter water resistance, and the Timex indiglo backlighting system, but it remains  a dirt cheap field watch in its most basic form.

Timex Expedition Camper

[As of August 2025, this Timex is still available on Amazon.com and is regularly available at sale prices. If you need a bang around field watch, you can find the Timex Camper here on Amazon via my affiliate program link.]