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.

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Geoffrey Beene Octagon Watch

Today, I wore a new octagonal watch from Geoffrey Beene. I'll just call it my Octagon watch. That sounds much cooler than some random combination of numbers or just calling it a quartz watch with decorative subdials--which, of course, it is. I've been coming across plenty of Geoffrey Beene watches at Burlington lately.  When they look, I often buy them. I think this one cost all of $22. That's a steal. It's an attractive and comfortable watch.

I'm pretty comfortable with Geoffrey Beene as a budget watch brand. They look good and they are very affordable. While they have some of the drawbacks of cheap watches, this watch fits my wrist perfectly.

So far, I like this watch. I'll probably review it at some point. It seems like I've posted quite a bit on Geoffrey Beene watches lately. For an overview of the brand, check out my post TGIF: Diving in Geoffrey Beene Watches. It is nice to have some sub-$50 watch options.

Wristwatch Review: Aiyishi (Gediyar) Men's Large Big Face Quartz Watch

Testing A $6 Quartz Watch from China

This review will cover a new addition to my collection.  It's known by the catchy little name: "Aiyishi Men's Large Big Face Waterproof Silicone Band Watch for Men Quartz Analog, Easy Read Male Dress Date Calendar Military Watch Elegant Gift."  That name should just about cover all the features.  Have a good one!

Aiyishi (Gediyar) Men's Watch

Watch Design

This watch has a contemporary design with a large readable dial, exposed date disc, a silicone strap, and a glossy black plastic case.  The dial is recessed with a cross-hatched area on the dial. The brand name Gediyar is positioned just under the 12 o'clock batons.  Baton markers are at each hour position and minutes are marked at each hour position.  Minutes are marked on the edge of a raised molded plastic dial.  The overall black color scheme makes the watch very masculine and almost military in appearance.

Aiyishi (Gediyar) Watch Dial Close Up

Watch Construction

The Aiyishi makes good use of lightweight materials that are inexpensive.  The case is a glossy plastic with a stainless steel caseback. The silicone strap is supple and has a generous length that should fit most wrists, but I think the silicone is just a little less thick than most similar watches. The seller claims a degree of  water resistance, but actual reviews find water resistance to be a little suspect.  The seller warns not to submerge the crown in water. The best course of action might be to avoid complete submersion of this watch.

Price

The most amazing feature of this watch is the price.  It was less than $6 on Amazon.  That's an amazingly low price. The watch competes well with watches from Walmart's George brand, Caribbean Joe, and even some Timex models.  You can find this watch here on Amazon.

A Video Look

For a closer look at the Aiyishi Gediyar Men's Quartz Watch, check out my video unboxing on X:

Are you ready to unbox one of the cheapest watches that I've ever bought from Amazon? What kind of watch can you possibly get for less than $6? Say hello to the Aiyishi Big Face! (1/2)#wristwatch #unboxing #amazonstyle pic.twitter.com/Ovz3Og05Qp

— TheWatchDude (@the_watch_dude) August 17, 2024