Off Brands on Point: Rumours Quartz Watch

Some of my favorite watches are from off-brands that sell at Department Stores.  For example, my Rumours watch (below) has a very cool monochromatic look.  I bought the watch over a decade ago in a department store.  But, I recently popped in a new battery and it runs great.  When it comes to quartz movement watches, sometimes all you need is a fresh battery.  This watch wasn't expensive, but everytime I wear it, I remember why I bought it.

Vintage Rumours Quartz Watch

If you are looking for a watch battery, (as of 2025) there are about 7000 watch battery listings on Amazon.

A Nice Watch from Hong Kong: Lafayette Watch Company

Hong Kong has long been known as the place to get inexpensive watches.  The watchmakers there can make watches worthy of any price point.  One well-known Hong Kong watchmaker is the Lafayette Watch Company.  I have one of their watches.  It has a plain white face with simple black numerals and simple cursive script proclaiming the company name in classic style.  The quartz timepiece is powered by a Japanese movement.  It has a stainless steel back and at least some degree of water resistance.  In many ways, this watch reminds me of my Pulsar.  The only aspect of this watch that I'm not enamored with is the red bezel.

A Lafayette Watch Company Watch

Another Rumours Watch

I have another Rumours watch in my watch collection.  It's a simple, diver-style, casual watch with a rotating bezel.  I think the watch is off late 80s or early 90s vintage.  It doesn't look like a million dollars and it doesn't look like something from Tag Heuer or Rolex.  But, this Rumours watch does look like an honest, affordable, and attractively styled time piece.

A Rumours Quartz Diver-Style Watch

A Mysterious Watch From Pembrooke

Looking at a Pembrooke Quartz Watch

I've had this watch for many years.  It is labeled as being a "Pembrooke" watch.  I probably bought it the Value City close out store.  It's a very comfortable watch to wear because it has a small clasp that feels just like the rest of the watch band.

A Pembrooke Watch for Men

After a recent battery change, the watch is running well and makes a great no-nonsense watch for work!

[As of 2025, I'm not sure I still have this watch. Pembrooke watches often appear on ebay or etsy. It's important to note that this is a store brand watch that was likely sold at discount department stores like Rose's or Value City. They weren't very expensive and today, it's the kind of watch you can get for $10 to $20 in an online auction.]