Three Modern Alternatives to Vintage Watches

For most of us, vintage watches are a crapshoot. You buy something old off of a website like Etsy or ebay or you find something at a flea market, estate sale, or thrift shop and you just pray that it works or keeps working. The idea that you'll send it off and pay hundreds of  for servicing seems farfetched for many casual collectors. It also might not make sense for very inexpensive vintage watches. Fortunately, vintage watch looks live on in affordable modern alternatives.

Here are three watch brands to investigate for great vintage looks:

1) Spinnaker. There are plenty of brands that mimic the looks of classic Rolex watches (Invicta and Stuhrling Original) come to mind. But, not many brands provide a modern watch inspired by the vintage classic Blancpain Fifty Fathoms dive watch. The Spinnaker Fleuss Automatic hits the mark for me. It has a Miyota 8215 automatic movement, 150-meter water resistance, and a 43mm diameter stainless steel case.

Spinnaker Fleuss (Amazon Photo)

Of course, it's the bezel look and textured dial that do it for me. If you'd like to check this watch out, you can find it here via my Amazon affiliate link.

2) Corgeut. Another watch brand that uses Japanese automatic movements to create vintage-inspired looks is Corgeut. They have managed to nail the dagger or sharks teeth indices that you might find on some years of a vintage Omega Seamaster. For a dressier look, check out the Corgeut 6010B Stainless Steel Automatic Chronometer.

Corgeut 6010B (Amazon Photo)

To check this one out on Amazon, use my affiliate link here. If you poke around a bit, you'll find Corgeut to be a treasure trove of watches inspired by the classics.

3) Orient. Sometimes a classic watch company can keep on refining classics to make them better and better. That's what you get with Orient. You will find that nearly every watch in the Orient Bambino line is a classic. I've reviewed the Orient Bambino, second generation, version 3, here on this blog.

Orient Bambino

If you'd like to check it out for yourself, here's my Amazon affiliate link. (As of this August 23, 2026 posting, it's 26% off!)

You'll find that vintage watch designs have inspired legions of contemporary watches. On the low price end of the spectrum, you can find classic watch looks from brands like Caribbean Joe and even a few models from Walmart's George.

Caribbean Joe Has Arrived on Amazon!

If you are into budget-friendly, affordable, and attractive watches, I have some great news to report:  Caribbean Joe has arrived on Amazon. There's even a Caribbean Joe store! You have to search for their watches conventionally, but there are nine models available and prices are fairly reasonable. I've done a search and you can see all the models offered on Amazon here via my affiliate program link.

The Caribbean Joe Logo with a hut and palm tree

Now, let me be clear, Caribbean Joe watches are cheap fashion watches. Sub-dials are purely decorative. The movement can be difficult to set with precision. However, they look good and they have a fun, lazy, style that includes a hut and a palm tree. You don't get that with every watch brand. 

Some of my Caribbean Joe watches

I collect Caribbean Joe watches like some people eat potato chips and you can read every post I've written about the brand here via this link. If you don't take them super seriously and you don't overpay, they can be a fun cheap watch brand to collect.

Caribbean Joe Watches on Amazon

On my Amazon storefront, I've put together an Amazon product collage and product list of Caribbean Joe watches.  You can find it here via my affiliate program link.

TGIF: Defining Watch Affordability

Do you ever get frustrated by watch blogs and magazines that promise affordable timepieces and then direct you to articles on expensive luxury watches? I know I do. I'll read a headline teasing us about an "affordable" watch and then find myself reading about a $4500 watch that I won't be able to afford any time soon. Since I don't want to aggravate you, I figure this might be a good time to throw out some general definitions of watch categories. I'll use some terms that come up regularly on this blog and in my X posts:  cheap, affordable, attainable, and achievable.

An Inexpensive Watch at Walmart

What is a Cheap Watch?

To me, a cheap watch is a watch that costs less than  $50 US. Most of us can purchase a cheap watch without deeply affecting the family budget during a given pay period. At this price point, there are legions of watches available. Reliable brands like Armitron, Caribbean Joe, Casio, George, Timex, and US Polo Assn are solid brand names in this category. However, as my Ten Dollar Tuesday blog posts show, these brands are being pursued by lesser known Chinese brands that are delivering surprising features in this price category.

A Rumours Quartz Watch

A good example of a cheap watch is this square watch from SKMEI. It seems inspired by Bell & Ross, but it has a smoothness that seems like it should be perfectly at home in a Bugatti.  The surprise is the price. This watch is art, but the price is well less than $50.

An SKMEI Square Watch for Men

You can take a closer look at this beauty on Amazon. It's available via here via my affiliate link.

What is an Affordable Watch?

I believe an affordable watch is a watch that generally costs less than $300 US. Most of us can purchase an affordable watch with just a little savings or a credit card. An affordable watch shouldn't impact family finances much.  At this price point, brands like Casio and  Timex are joined by brands like Caravelle, Guess, Invicta, Hilfiger, MVMT, Nautica, Perry Ellis, and Wenger. Watches from brands like Bulova, Mathey-Tissot, Momentum, Orient, and Seiko also start to appear on shopping lists.

A Wenger Grenadier Watch

What is an Attainable Watch?

To me, an attainable watch is a watch that generally costs less than $1200 US. It's not always easy or prudent to purchase an attainable watch, but diligent savings, a nice tax refund, a decent work bonus, or some other windfall should sometimes allow an attainable watch to enter the collection from time to time. Attainable watches might come from brands like Bulova, Hamilton, Laco, LIV, Mido, Mondaine, Movado, or Tissot. There are lots of attainable watch brands from France, Germany, Japan, and Switzerland. I consider these watch brands something special, a real luxury, and they evidence a strong commitment to watch collecting.

A Bulova Watch with Diamond Markers

What is an Achievable Watch?

To me, an achievable watch is a watch that generally costs between  $1200 and $2500 US dollars. You have to be financially successful to have the disposable income to buy these watches.  However, if you work hard, save, invest, and make all the right moves, you should be able to achieve the success necessary to buy one of these watches. I cover these watches from time to time because they are interesting and because they might be something we can get our hands on without using a ski mask and a hammer. But, this blog doesn't dwell on these watches because they are beyond the prudent reach of many readers.

What lies Beyond Achievable?

Once we get beyond $2500, we enter the world of the highly successful. These might be the luxury and ultra-luxury watches of entrepreneurs, lawyers,  doctors, and real estate moguls of our world. This blog ends where many mainstream watch magazines and influencers begin. We might admire these watches from afar. For most of us, watches from brands like Panerai, Tudor, and Rolex are out of prudent financial reach. I spot them from time to time on people who are successful entrepreneurs. God bless them for putting in the hours and taking the risks to fuel our economy. These brands established the icons that serve as aiming points for the rest of the watch industry. I don't generally cover these watch brand on this blog unless I notice one in the wild, find a great deal on a used one, or use one as an inspiration for finding similar looking more affordable watches

Hopefully, these definitions help a bit. Obviously, they can be a little fluid from time to time. But, this should cover the gist of what I cover on this blog.  May all of you attain the prosperity to only visit this blog in search of beater watches for gardening and mowing your lawn.

TGIF: Brick-n-Mortar Watch Ideas for Christmas Shopping 2025

I guess you really put your shopping off to the very last minute this year? You may not be sure that delivery services can even get a watch order to you or your recipient soon. If that's the case, you may want to pick up a watch at a local retailer.

Burlington Watch Shopping

If you are on a tight budget, you can usually count on Burlington to have some decent watch choices for under $30.  

A Selection of Men's Watches at Burlington

I've actually found that most watches at Burlington are priced under $25. You can find brands like Armitron, Beverly Hills Polo Club, Caribbean Joe, Geoffrey Beene, Gianello, Izod, Steve Madden, Tahari, True Religion, US Polo Assn, and Van Heusen at Burlington. Since Burlington is a discount and closeout store, the selection can vary widely.

J.C. Penney Watch Shopping

It's been a long time since I've shopped in J.C. Penney, but they do have a nice selection of watches. They had many excellent watches from Armitron, US Polo Assn, and Relic.  They also seem to be a great place for shopping Caravelle by Bulova watches. Prices at JC Penney have also been surprisingly competitive with discount stores.

The Watch Selection at JC Penney

Ross Watch Shopping

Ross usually has watch brands like Ed Hardy, Invicta, Joseph Abboud, Steve Madden, and Kenneth Cole Reaction. You may also find some surprising brands like Boss, Bulova, Fossil, Nautica, and Perry Ellis from time to time. You can generally find watches at Ross from $20 to $60. There have been reports in 2025, that shoppers in "Runway" Ross stores have been finding Zenith watches with automatic movements and a ceramic bezels for an amazing $125.

T.J. Maxx Watch Shopping

Lately, the watches at T.J. Maxx have been a little too rich for my blood. I have seen watches by Citizen, Invicta, Movado, and even some higher end brands. You can get some great deals. But, the price range runs from about $80 to $1200. The downside is that it can make me think twice before snatching up a watch. But, the plus side is that you can find a good deal on a very nice watch that would be the perfect gift for someone significant.

A Citizen Watch Deal at TJ Maxx

Walmart Watch Shopping

Walmart has their own George brand which has been creating some nice looking cheap watches lately that range from $10 to $25. Walmart also carries Casio, Skecher, and Timex watches in their stores, but the in-store selection on the name brand watches tops out at about $55. Usually, you can find Timex Expedition and Easy Reader watches and Casio digital watches and Casio MRW200H diver-style watches (which I reviewed here long ago)

Watch Shopping at the Shopping Mall

If you like safe public places to wander and shop, this is definitely a good time to throw your local shopping mall a bone. I'd love to click my heels together and go back to the 90s myself. You'll generally find that major anchor stores like Macy's and Von Maur usually have ample inventory of watches. Traditional jewelry stores in the mall also have some great watches. As the price of a watch purchase goes up, it becomes more important to see, feel, and try on the watches of interest. If you've waited to the last minute, this is definitely the time to join the shopping mall crowd.

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).

TGIF: Are Caribbean Joe Watches Any Good?

Yes. Caribbean Joe Watches Are Good!

Caribbean Joe makes attractive watches that are very inexpensive. It's natural that potential buyers would ask, "Are Caribbean Joe watches any good?" The immediate answer is "Yes!"  Caribbean Joe watches offer attractive, classically-styled, men's watches that are functional and look good. I have several (probably 15 total) and I find that they generally fit me well, and I've never had any issues with them working.  

Part of My Caribbean Joe Watch Collection

For $15 to $30, Caribbean Joe sells great watches. Since they don't cost much, they are fun to collect. If you are just looking for a fun fashion watch to bang around in, Caribbean Joe is a good watch.

Why Caribbean Joe Watches are Good!

Here are three reasons that Caribbean Joe watches are good:

1. Attractive Style - They look like classic watches. They are simply beautiful.

2. Inexpensive Price - You can find Caribbean Joe Watches in the $15 to $40 range at stores like Burlington, Boscov's, Kohl's and now Amazon.

3. Decent Quality - Caribbean Joe watches work and fit well for their low price point.

This Caribbean Joe watch is no classic, but it looks great!
For more info see my review: Caribbean Joe with Gold Tones

But, Caribbean Joe Watches are Cheap

I love Caribbean Joe watches. But, I'm a cheap bastard.  If you let other considerations slip into your watch choice, there are some good reasons you might want to consider other watches.

1. No Brand Pedigree. Caribbean Joe doesn't seem to have a real history or heritage as a watch maker. The company is primarily a casual beach apparel brand reflecting "an American vision of comfort, ease, and relaxation." Their website, Caribbean-Joe.com, doesn't even mention or sell watches. Inexpensive watch makers like Casio and Timex have rich corporate histories with milestones and break-throughs that you can be proud of when you wear one of those watches. For many watch enthusiasts, buying a watch is akin to joining a tribe. That said, there may yet form a tribe of Caribbean Joe watch enthusiasts. Who can resist that hut and palm tree logo?

A Caribbean Joe Watch
For more info see my review: Caribbean Joe Watch with Green Sunburst Dial

2. Lack of Precision. Caribbean Joe watches have a Singapore-made Quartz Movement that is reliable and works just fine. However, if you push the crown in too hastily once you've set the time, the minute hand may jump a minute or two on one direction or another. If you take it slow and develop some finesse, you can generally set the watch just fine. In fairness, this can happen with other brands, too. However, it is a reminder that you are dealing with an inexpensive watch.

3. Inexpensive Materials. To sell for $20 or so, a watch has to be made very inexpensively. While I haven't had any problems, every once in awhile, you might glance at a Caribbean Joe watch and wonder if the case is made of a really inexpensive tin alloy. The case back is made of stainless steel, but sometimes the case of a Caribbean Joe watch can look a little cheap.

4. Not Ruggedly Constructed. While I do have a Caribbean Joe watch that looks like a Tudor Ranger, it isn't a real field watch. The inexpensive materials mean that a Caribbean Joe watch probably doesn't have much water resistance. I don't wear mine out in heavy rain, use it to wash dishes, or go swimming it. It's a "bang around" watch in that I can bang it into something and go get another watch if it breaks. Beater doesn't mean go beat things with it. Obviously, I wouldn't rely on it for navigation, rock climbing, or any activity more rugged than eating shrimp at a seafood shack by the river.

This Caribbean Joe watch looks like a Tudor Ranger or Rolex Explorer
For more info, see my watch wearing post:  Caribbean Joe Tudor Ranger Alternative

5. Non-functional sub-dials. For $20, you don't get a sophisticated quartz movement with complications that can drive sub-dials. Instead, Caribbean Joe just puts sub-dial markings on the dial and we all just pretend that we have sub-dials. Since sub-dials are generally too small for me to read on most watches, I don't care that much. But, it is a reminder that the watch is cheap. I go back-and-forth on this topic. I don't care. I do care. Ultimately, I'm not a huge fan of sub-dials but, on better watches, the sub-dials work.

This Caribbean Joe watch has fake sub-dials
For more info, see my watch wearing post:  Caribbean Joe with Blue Dial

I hope this list of pros and cons has been useful in helping you decide whether to buy a Caribbean Joe watch. If you do decide to get one, Amazon, Kohl's, Boscov's and Sierra are probably the best places to find them online or in the store.

Caribbean Joe Watches on Amazon

On my Amazon storefront, I've put together an Amazon product collage and product list of Caribbean Joe watches.  You can find it here via my affiliate program link.

Types of Watch Hands

Identifying Watch Hand Styles On Affordable Watches

Watchmakers, the watch press, and high-end watch collectors have standard names for the many different styles of watch hands. Some of these same watch hand styles are used on the more commonplace watches that we all wear. Learning about these watch hand styles enriches everyone's watch wearing experience.

Alpha Hands

Alpha Hands are shaped like lances with a narrow base that widens and then has an extended taper to a very narrow point. This style of watch hand is very common. Caribbean Joe uses them to great effect on this rich-looking casual $20 watch.

Alpha Hands on a Caribbean Joe Watch

For more information on this Caribbean Joe watch, check out my review here on this blog.

Arrow Hands

Hands that end in an arrow head are called arrow hands. Sophisticated, huh? On this Nautica N/83, you can see that the hour hand and the second hand are both arrow hands. The minute hand is another story. In some cases, watch hand styles can very on the same watch.

Arrow Hands on a Nautica N/83 Sports Watch

For a full-sized photo of this Nautica watch, check out this Watch Wearing Wednesday post.

Baton Hands

When watch hands are simple narrow rectangles, they are called baton hands. When the hands are very narrow, they are sometimes called stick hands.  Guess what the French word for stick is? Baton.

Baton Hands on the Vintage Buler Automatic

Baton hands can sometimes have a bit of taper to them, but they generally don't end in a point. The hands of my minimalist Fossil watch provide a great example. 

Baton Hands on a Fossil Watch

I've noticed baton hands working well on Timex Easy Reader models.  For example, they make this gold-tone Timex Easy Reader even more readable.

Timex Easy Reader with Baton Hands (Amazon photo)

If you are looking for an affordable addition to your watch collection, this Timex Easy Reader is a steal here on Amazon.

Cathedral Hands

When a watch has an ornate hand that reminds you of a stained glass window, it could be a classic cathedral hand watch. This Tactical Frog Militado D12 definitely has a cathedral hand for the hours, but the minute hand is more like a sword hand.

That's the thing with watch companies: they get to decide what kinds of hands to use and when. If you'd like to take a closer look at this Tactical Frog Militado D12, check it out here on Amazon.

Dauphine Hands

When watch hands have a taper to points on either side of the pinion (the axis around which they rotate), they are considered to be Dauphine hands. My Citizen Eco-Drive dress watch has them and, now, I'm very proud of this timepiece. It's far more sophisticated now than it was last week!

Dauphine Watch Hands on a Citizen Eco-Drive Dress Watch

Obelisk Hands

Obelisk Hands (Obelisque for the fancy) are watch hands that mimick the shapes of obelisks like the famed Washington Monument.

The Wrangler watch has Obelisk Hands

The Obelisk is a fairly common watch hand shape. You probably won't have to look far to find it in your collection.

Sword Hands

If you are going on an adventure, you might check to see if your watch has sword hands. Sword hands widen like a sword and then taper down to a point.  This Nautica watch has a good example of them.

A Nautica Watch with Sword Hands

Syringe Hands

Finally, this Adee Kaye timepiece has syringe hands.  They are wide for most of their length for readability at a glance, but then taper to a needle point for timekeeping precision.

Syringe Hands on an Adee Kaye

There are more types of watch hands so I'll update this post as I come across them in my collection and online. It's fun to know more about watch design considerations and hunt for different hand styles on our watches.

To See More Watch Hands

If you are interested in this topic, I found this very helpful article about it in the Australian watch magazine, Time & Tide.  You can see a few more hand designs and all of these watch hand types on higher end timepieces that set these sorts of standards.  Check out:

The Ultimate Watch Hand Style Guide here on Time & Tide.

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.

TGIF: Ten Watch Details That Make You Feel Rich

When it comes to watches, the smallest of details can really make you feel good about your watch purchase. In my years of collecting, I've found that little things can come together to make a timepiece satisfying. Here are ten details that make a watch feel like a luxury and that I am richer for having made the purchase.

1. A Mechanical Movement - When I buy a watch with a mechanical movement, I feel connected to the magic and mechanical wizardry of watches. It doesn't matter if the watch came from Switzerland, the far east, or a workshop in India, if it winds or shakes and ticks, then I feel like I have something special.

My refurbished HMT Pilot is powered by a manually wound movement

 I think a mechanical watch is one of the closest things we have to a magic item in this world today.

2. Well-Designed Bezels - When it comes to watch bezels that bring something to the party that is my watch. If a bezel has diver-style markings, I like the bezel to be rotating with clicks and unidirectional. It's one of the things that separates "real dive watches" from "diver-style watches." If the bezel doesn't rotate, I like when bezel on a dress or sport watch has some design features like a coin-edge or an engraved design.

3. Fancy Hands - I like when there is something a little special about the hands of a watch. For example, I like the W-shaped design of the back part of the second hand on my Timex Waterbury watches. It looks like craftsmanship. Similarly, if the watch is a tool watch, it's nice to see some lume on the hands so that the watch can be read in the dark.

This Timex Waterbury Standard Watch has a great bezel

4. Stainless Steel Cases - A stainless steel case feels substantial. It has weight and substance. It's real metal. Titanium feels real, too. Cases made from lesser base metals like brass, copper, tin, or zinc or from various plastics and resins just don't feel as luxurious. They also may not last as long. I've got plenty of inexpensive watches with base metal cases, but stainless steel or titanium just feel like richer materials and better purchases.

5. Working Subdials - I blow hot and cold with subdials. I can barely read them even with reading glasses. But, when subdials don't work, a watch can feel like a mere facade of a watch. I wish companies that use non-functional subdials would replace them with other design elements like shields or sailing ships or compass roses or meaningful logos.

The Invicta Sub Aqua Noma III 

6. Engraved Casebacks - An engraved caseback is a way for a company to share heritage and communicate watch capabilities with the watch wearer.

The Engraved Caseback of a Timex Waterbury Watch

I like an engraved caseback much more than a plain one. Some engraved casebacks are practically works of fine art. I like having art. Art enriches the soul.

The Engraved Caseback of an Invicta Sub Aqua Noma III

7. Engraved Buckles - If you have a watch with an engrave buckle (usually with the name or logo of the watchmaker), you feel like you are getting something that isn't generic. You feel like the watch company invested a little more in the design and detail of your watch.

The Engraved Buckle of the Sub Aqua Noma III

8. Crowns with Designs - A crown with a design engraved in it or a jewel embedded in it, feels a little more finished and a little more polished, than a plain generic crown.

The Engraved Crown of my Timex Waterbury

9. Genuine Leather Straps - In this synthetic world, it's nice to have something genuine.

The Leather Strap of my Timex Waterbury

10. Improved Dials - A dial design with interesting materials or a textured surface or a sunray dial is more interesting than a plain dial.

The sunburst dial of my Caribbean Joe watch

I may not want to have each and every one of these elements incorporated into one watch, but when a design incorporates several of these features, my purchase makes me feel pretty rich.

If you are looking for a watch that brings many of these details together, check out the Timex Waterbury Men's Standard 3 Hand Quartz Watch (above) with a Silver-Tone on Silver-Tone case and dial and a brown leather strap.  It's a real bargain at less than $60. You can get this Timex here on Amazon.

Watch Wearing Wednesday: A Caribbean Joe Ranger Alternative?

 Only a few days ago, I was discussing the plethora of homage watches in the marketplace. That very weekend, I came across a very cool watch at Burlington for just $14.99. Of course, the watch was from Caribbean Joe. But, the layout of the dial seems quite familiar for some odd reason. What does it remind you of?

A Caribbean Joe watch that is mine and a Ferrari that is not mine.

This watch from Caribbean Joe might actually be a great bang around alternative to the Tudor Ranger. At least, the numbers and the hash marks on the dial line up at all the right places. Of course, the way a Caribbean Joe watch is used would vary quite a bit from the way you might use a Tudor Ranger.  For example, if you need to swim, you might want to leave the Caribbean Joe watch in a shoe on the beach.

My Caribbean Joe watch in better focus.

Unlike the Tudor Ranger, the Caribbean Joe watch does come with a sunray dial design and the ability to keep good time for a couple of years due to its quartz movement.  But, in terms of brand prestige, waterproofing, case metallurgy, crystal durability, and a million other things, the Tudor Ranger is a far better watch. On the other hand, the Caribbean Joe watch comes with a hut and a palm tree right on the dial. It's a good place to go during a hard day of work. It's a tough call. Unfortunately, the Caribbean Joe watch isn't available on Amazon so you'll have to go with the Tudor Ranger here. I'm kidding. Check for Caribbean Joe watches at Boscov's or Kohl's in person or online or see if they have some of these fun watches at your local Burlington store.