Watch Wearing Wednesday: Blue Diver-Style Watch of Mystery

No brand. No markings. No depth rating. This watch just has a beautiful blue dial and the classic markings of a dive watch. What is it? Is it a new microbrand? Is it a custom build? Do you like it?

A rather mysterious Blue Dial Diver-Style Watch

It is actually a comfortable watch with a bracelet that fits me well. The bezel does not rotate, but the bracelet is rather attractive. While there are microbrands that make watches that look like this and there are custom builds that watchmaking hobbyist can make with a generic dial, this quartz watch is a George watch from Walmart. It only cost $11.96.

Do you still like it? It makes you wonder: How important is a good brand name?

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Walmart Automatic

My Walmart Automatic is still going strong since I first posted about it way back in 2011. It was only $50 when I first bought it. At the time, I was new to watch collecting and it was a cool way to get a glimpse at the inner workings of an automatic watch.

Walmart Automatic Watch

The watch has a Chinese movement with a few internal wheels highlighted in a golden bronze. As a Walmart exclusive, it was probably built to a strict price specification. I can only imagine the arm twisting that Walmart buyers applied to bring this watch to market with a $50 price tag. Needless to say, the attractive diver-style bezel does not rotate. However, the watch has a stainless steel case and caseback.

I've been informally testing this watch for accuracy and so far--in 12 hours--it has gained about 25 seconds versus time.gov. That's not bad for the casual uses I have for this watch. You just may have to adjust the time once a week or so.

Armitron Watches - Great Gifts for the Holidays

In the world of middle class timepieces, the Armitron watch brand isn't as popular as Timex or as prestigious as Seiko.  It doesn't have the air of exclusivity that surrounds new brands and internet micro brands.  But, Armitron consistently brings two things to the table:  nice watches and excellent prices.  Some Armitron timepieces simply look like a million bucks!  If you are looking for a gift for a man this Christmas, many Armitron watches are worth a close look!

Here are three affordable Armitron timepieces that I spotted at Walmart at clearance prices.  This first one is a great gold tone watch with a sophisticated striped dial design.  It's the kind of watch that would look at home on the wrist of any executive.  It's the kind of watch that people might strain their eyes to figure out what brand it is. 

 

This watch has a 44 millimeter case and a 165-feet of water resistance.  It looks like the bracelet and case have an alternating gold tone and stainless motif. 

This next model is a basic dress watch for the office with an expansion band.  My pictures don't do it justice, but it covers the basics and it's much less expensive than similar watches from competing brands.  For a young man on his way up, this watch would definitely suffice.

While this watch is priced low as a Walmart clearance item, it's not tremendously expensive on Amazon.com.

Finally, we come to the common digital watch from Armitron.  While many consumers are looking for a Casio G-Shock or Timex Ironman watch, this Armitron is a great alternative.  It has large readable numbers for the time and the date front and center.  It also has 330 feet of water resistance.

You can find Armitron watches for a good price at stores like Walmart or online here at Amazon.com via my affiliate link.  These watches represent a good value.  Plus, they are perfectly priced to be great gifts or stocking stuffers over the holiday.

Walmart Sub-$10 Diver From MZ Berger

Every once in awhile, I'll find a gem among in among the cheap watches st Walmart.  I unearthed one of those gems recently in the form of a watch I call the Walmart Sub-10 Diver.  It's a diver style watch made by MZ Berger.

Walmart Diver Style Watch by MZ Berger

This diver-style watch successfully evokes the looks of famous dive watches at an amazingly low price.  The hands have arrowhead points like those of an Omega Seamaster.  The bezel has nice and clear numbers and dive style markings, but does not rotate.  The silicone band is supremely comfortable and has a red pastel color that will appeal to unisexuals.  I wish the band was black.  However, both men or women can wear this watch.

Walmart Diver Style Watch Up Close

The most incredible feature of this watch is the everyday low price.  For only $7.88, this watch is a great deal.  At that low price, replacing a watch strap is simply trivial.  If you are looking for a cheap timepiece that you can leave in your shoes at the beach this summer, this Walmart watch is a great choice!

New Watch Brand at Walmart: Marathon by Timex

I noticed another new watch brand at Walmart:  Marathon by Timex.  If you are a fan of digital watches, you'll find that this new brand offers traditional Timex digital features like a stopwatch, alarm, and indiglo lighting at a much lower price point:  $15.88

 It looks like a pretty tough bang around watch and a great watch for kids and adults who like to play outside.   For less than $16, the watch makes a great stocking stuffer this Christmas.

Elgin Watches for Christmas

Elgin was once one of the finest American watch companies.   For over 100 years, Elgin made pocket watches and later wristwatches.   If you are seeking a special gift for someone that will appreciate a fine antique, a genuine Elgin watch would make a rare and special gift.  You can always find plenty of Elgin watches on ebay in various conditions.  Of course, buying an antique watch can be a perilous endeavor.

The Elgin name has been revived by MZ Berger.  However, modern Elgin watches have no relation to the original company.  But, MZ Berger does make stylish, affordable, watches that can make appealing gifts.  I bought this modern day Elgin at Sears and it is one of the most attractive and unusual watches in my collection.

[As of 2024, modern Elgin watches are available here on Amazon.  Some are marketed purely under the Elgin label and others under the Elgin by Accutime.  As far as the internet knows, MZ Berger still owns the Elgin brand. While some of the watches are a little "blingy," some are quite attractive. In an era where many dead Swiss brands are being revived, it's kind of cool that an American name in watches  continues on.