TGIF: Solving A Fluted Bezel Conundrum

Say you've been thinking about adding a dress watch with a fluted bezel to your collection, but you have few rules:

1. It can't be a Rolex Datejust.
2. It can't be a Datejust homage.
3. It can't cost more than $1000.
4. It has to be a respectable brand with a history. 

A Nibosi Datejust Homage Watch

It's a bit of a conundrum.  You like that sparkle, but you aren't presidential material. Homage watch can be cool. But, sometimes for work, you might want to avoid an obvious datejust homage watch. You also don't want to spend more than $1000 because you can always get that "no papers" Rolex from the pawnshop for about $3000. What do you do?

A "no papers" Rolex Datejust at the Pawnshop

I think that you look at watches from Bulova and their value-oriented brand Caravelle. Bulova has a fluted watch with a square case called the Super Seville. Since it's square, it's obviously different from a Rolex Datejust. It's not a homage. Plus, it has a bit of Bulova brand prestige and the famed Bulova Precisionist movement. I've given the Bulova Super Seville a sharp watch shout out before here on this blog. To me, the Bulova Super Seville is a very different watch than the Rolex Datejust.

Bulova Super Seville (Amazon photo)

The Super Seville is a little expensive. This best price variant comes in at nearly $500 on Amazon.  You can check it out via my Amazon affiliate link. Bulova's value-oriented brand Caravelle offers another fluted watch that may pique your interest.

Caravelle by Bulova 3-Hand Men's Quartz Watch (Amazon photo)

The Caravelle by Bulova 3-Hand Men's Quartz Watch is another alternative.  It's a 41mm diameter watch with a "coin-edged bezel" that comes in at a bit over $100 with a leather strap. Stainless steel bracelet versions are a bit more expensive, but still under $150. While there is a 41mm Rolex Datejust, it has a thicker bezel and thicker hour markers. This Caravelle strikes a far more minimalist tone with thin markers and a smaller date window. You can check this one out here via my Amazon affiliate link. 

I think either of these choices provide a fluted bezel alternative that is different enough from the classic Rolex Datejust to break away from the homage label. That can be a breath of fresh air.

If you do like the looks of the Rolex Datejust, I have found some homage watches that might fit the bill.  You can read about them in this post.

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.

Sharp Watch Shoutout: The Bulova Super Seville

The hot trend in men's watches right now is the return of dress watches and the return of smaller dial sizes. Perhaps it is due to the mass realization that we won't all be SCUBA diving today? Or, maybe, it's a matter of men making the best of return to the office mandates? I'm not sure. But, it has certainly surfaced some interesting watches lately. The Bulova Super Seville (Model 97B223) brings together a high tech Precisionist quartz movement, the richness of a gold tone, and the best of retro style. This is a watch that really deserves a sharp watch shout out!

Bulova Super Seville (Bulova photo)

Sometimes, I think that gold-toned stainless steel watches with fluted bezels are simply copying the famed Rolex Datejust. But, Bulova brings in an interesting twist with what they call a retro TV case shape. The iconic tuning fork also brings in a touch of class. The 262 kHz Precisionist movement brings in technology that brings extraordinary timekeeping and a smooth, almost sweeping, motion to the second hand. I think Bulova has brought together a unique package with the Super Seville.

Bulova Super Seville - Bulova Photo

Finally, I can't really afford this watch. But, at about $500 to $800, it's not entirely out of reach either. If I had to suit up on a regular basis and interact with executives or argue cases in a courtroom, this watch would be a great choice. Heck, in a situation where business casual means a nice dress shirt with no tie, a great pair of slacks, and really nice shoes, the Bulova Super Seville would be a great choice. 

I can really envision this watch as part of a very sharp outfit for a high profile job. But, I can't see it on Amazon yet.  If you'd like a Bulova Super Seville, you can find it here on the Bulova Website. The watch is also available at Zales, Reeds, and other jewelers.  For something this nice, it might be good to see it in person and have the bracelet adjusted as needed.