A Father's Day Watch - The Timex Easy Reader

If you are looking for a watch this Father's Day, I spotted this Timex Easy Reader (EZ Reader) on a recent trip to Walmart.  It's a nice watch because it has a stitched leather strap and an eminently readable dial.

Timex EZ Reader with Stitched Leather Strap

Watches for Older Collectors

Depending on the age of your dad, he might not be able to read all the tiny sub-dials that many watches display.  I know that as I get older it becomes more and more difficult to read subdials.  According to the American Optometric Association -

Beginning in the early to mid-40s, many adults may start to have problems seeing clearly at close distances, especially when reading and working on the computer. This is among the most common problems adults develop between ages 41 to 60. This normal change in the eye's focusing ability, called presbyopia, will continue to progress over time.

Initially, you may need to hold reading materials farther away to see them clearly. Or you may need to remove your glasses to see better up close. Print in the newspaper or on a restaurant menu may appear blurred, especially under dim lighting.

It sucks to switch to bifocals or reading glasses just to check the time.  Fortunately, the Timex EZ reader watches help wearers avoid all that by simply having big numbers and broad hands. 

Timex EZ Reader

Timex EZ Reader Features

I like this EZ Reader because it has the brown dial and strap that are so common on military-style field watches.  While I have a smaller Timex EZ Reader, this one has a 43 millimeter diameter case which is a a mere 8 millimeters thick.  This is a nice contemporary watch size.  For night time use, the EZ Reader also has Indiglo back-lighting for the dial.  Finally, the EZ Reader is water resistant to a respectable 50 meters.   The specifications are quite respectable for a watch in this price category.

For this Father's Day, you might want to check out the whole family of Timex EZ Reader watches for men.  As of June 14, 2026, you can see the complete line of Timex Easy Reader Watches here on Amazon via my affiliate link.

Watch Deal Alert: Timex Easy Reader Gold Tone Watch

If you're looking for an affordable Timex watch, I think I've found the best deal yet.  The Timex Easy Reader with a gold tone case and cream dial is selling for less than $25! That's an awesome deal for a recognizable brand like Timex with features like a 38mm diameter case, Indiglo backlighting, and 30-meter water resistance. 

Timex Easy Reader (Amazon Photo)

I've written alot about the Timex Easy Reader over the years, you can see all the Easy Reader mentions here. With this low price, the Timex Easy Reader is a steal. If you'd like to order one or examine the listing more closely, use my Amazon Affiliate Program link.  Check it out and see if it fits your sense of style!

Timex Goodwill Find Worth Less Than $2 Million

Watch Review:  Timex Uni-Sex Easy Reader

 On Sunday, April 26, 2015, a man made an exciting discovery at a North Georgia Goodwill.  It was a Timex watch unlike any other.  Now watch collectors can only wonder if this watch will reach the rarified heights that other unique thrift store watches have attained at auction.  In February, a man found a 1959 Jaeger-LaCoultre dive watch in a Phoenix Goodwill.  His $6 watch find sold for $35,000 at auction.

 Today, we have an exclusive interview with the owner of this interesting Timex!

What makes this Timex watch unique?

When you hold this watch towards the sun, you'll see that there are a series of shadows on the dial.  These shadows are cast by fine, nearly invisible, scratches on the crystal.  No other old Timex has this exact series of scratches.  Each scratch represents a moment in the history of this watch and its wearer.  It gives one goosebumps just to think of all the history in this one watch.  It has taken a licking and keeps on ticking.

Why did you choose this particular watch?

This watch stood out from all the other watches under the glass for two reasons:

1.  It looked like a man's watch and I am a man.  Men's watches seem to be exceedingly rare at Goodwill.
2.  It was actually running.

Have you made any improvements to this watch?

When I found this watch, it was shod in a ratty old velcro band from a Timex Expedition.  But, from the clarity of the number on a white dial, I believe it to be some sort of Timex Easy Reader. I initially switched the strap out for a clean new leather strap.   I don't think that detracted from the value of the watch.  However, it did look dainty and less masculine.

My next move was to leather strap out for a velcro and nylon strap that looked considerably more rugged.  It's amazing how much difference a $5 strap from Walmart can make.  I believe that I have boosted the value of the watch immensely.  It's certainly a watch that I can wear regularly now.

When was this watch made?

While the Timex Easy Reader has a vintage look, the presence of Indiglo dial lighting reveals that it was made more recently.  Plus, it has a quartz movement.  Thus, we can deduce that it must be a thoroughly modern masterpiece.  In fact, you can get similar watches now on Amazon.com and at Walmart.

Is this watch for men or women?

This Timex watch may well transcend traditional gender-based fashion.  It has a rather small 35 millimeter diameter case.  The 35 millimeter case is found on mens, womens, and unisex versions.  This watch is a little small for a man.  With the factory strap, it's a great woman's watch.  With a more manly strap, it works well for a man.

What do you expect this watch to fetch at auction?

I think serious horologists will undervalue this watch.  While it intrinsically has value by virtue of its ability to keep accurate time, the collecting community may undervalue the simple style and functional honesty of this important timepiece.  Thus, I believe this watch will fetch somewhat less than the desired $2 million dollars.  I may simply keep it.  It has large numbers, indiglo backlighting, and a very readable dial.

How much did you pay for this watch?

$5.  But, mine had "historic" scratches in the crystal from the outset.  Others may have to buy the watch new and install their own scratches.

Overall, what do you think of the Timex Easy Reader?

I like the Timex Easy Reader quite a bit.  I would have never bought it new with the idea of installing a different strap.  But, with a wider, more manly, strap, I can see why many people like the simplicity of the Timex Easy Reader.  It's a great basic bang around watch.

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Timex Easy Reader

Have you wondered what kind of watch the millionaire next door wears? Odds are it's something like the Timex Easy Reader.  It might not be the flashy watch you think.  The millionaire next door might be the guy with the pickup truck or the small fleet of workman's vans.  That guy might be focused on value and functionality.  The Timex Easy Reader delivers that in spades.

The Timex Easy Reader in front of a Rolls-Royce

This watch is special to me because it once belonged to my late father.  It actually makes a great father's day watch.  I outline the reasons why in this post.

To see the complete line of men's Timex Easy Reader watches check out my affiliate link here on Amazon.

(Updated June 14, 2026)

Searching for Watch Authenticity? Try the Timex Easy Reader

Lately, there have been many allegations that some of the world's most prestigious Swiss watch brands are actually selling watches that have largely been made in China. This accusation extends beyond the world of watches into other high fashion items like Italian leather goods. Since the threshold for the Swiss Made label is fairly low, there is lots of wiggle room for manufacturers. It's a whole big thing. It's also quite the rabbit hole. The controversy makes this the perfect time to take a look at a basic watch that is definitely made overseas: the Timex Easy Reader.

Most Timex watches are made in their Cebu manufacturing facility in the Philippines. According to Timex, 80% of their watches are manufactured, assembled, or shipped from the Cebu plant. It's a vertically-integrated factory that can make just about every aspect of a watch. You can see a video of this factory here on the Ablogtowatch youtube channel.

Timex Easy Readers have long been derided as grandpa watches or for people with bad eyesight. They are a great watch for Father's Day. But, over the years, the colors and straps have quietly been evolving. Frankly, this is a pretty good looking watch. The watch has a 38mm case which is on trend for a move towards slightly smaller cases. According to Timex, the 20mm strap fits wrists up to 8-inches in circumference. This is timekeeping without pretension or artifice.

The Easy Reader is also a watch that sells for a very reasonable price. As of this writing (June 2026), you can get see all the Timex Easy Reader watches for men here via my Amazon affiliate 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.

Amazon Christmas Deals 2025: Timex Easy Reader

[If you missed this deal for Black Friday and Cyber-Monday, it's still available for at a great discount for the holiday season. I've updated the links appropriately!]

Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your time with your family and your feast! You don't have to get up at 3 a.m. for Doorbusters. They are all online with the click of a mouse. This year, Timex has many great deals for Amazon Black Friday week. 

Timex Easy Reader (Amazon Photo)

You can get great deals on their watches at all prices in their range.  For starters, click here to check out the deal on this 38mm Easy Reader (above) via our Amazon affiliate link.  You've missed the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals that sold this watch for 42% off and a price just under $30. But, you are in luck, this Timex Easy Reader is still 39% off for a limited time! At just over $30, this watch is still a deal and it still makes a great stocking stuffer.

Watch Spotlight: Timex Men's Easy Reader

While we've been posting about minimalist watches this week, we should mention the minimalist masterpiece that has been going strong for years. It's the Timex Easy Reader. Your dad and grandfather have been minimalists for years. They haven't had to know anything about the Bauhaus design movement, the Scandinavian design ethos, Swiss railroads, or artists in Denmark. They just wanted a no-nonsense watch that works. And, just when you think you are cooler, it's on trend with a slightly smaller 38mm case diameter that's growing in popularity.  

Timex Easy Reader--Brown Strap, Silver-tone case, deep blue dial (Amazon.com)

Well, my watch has lume!

Timex has Indiglo backlighting. 

I can shower with my watch!

What is wrong with you?

 I paid $13,000 for my watch!

What is wrong with you? 

-- and -- 

What time is it on your $13,000 watch? 

10:10 p.m.

Same as the time on this here $45 Timex watch.

You can't win. Don't even try. You can still get this Timex Easy Reader right here via my affiliate link for less than $50!

[Update 8/2026, the original deal on this watch expired, but this one is still available for less than $50. It's a great deal for a solid watch.]

Affordable Watches for Father's Day 2026

Father's Day is Sunday, June 21, 2026, and a watch is always an appropriate gift for the occasion.  A watch is both functional and a keepsake.  But, in these inflationary times, finding a watch that is a nice gift and affordable on a child or young adult budget can be a challenge. I've put together a list of a few watches that are both affordable and respectable as gifts. Here are three watches that cost $50 or less that will be great Father's Day gifts.

1. Timex Expedition

The Timex Expedition is currently on sale for 34% off and it is being offered at an awesome price.  It's less than $25! If you are on a kid's budget, this is the watch to buy.

Timex Expedition Scout (Amazon Photo)

This watch has a 40mm diameter case, 50 meters of water resistance, Indiglo backlighting, and a fabric strap. You can get it here via my affiliate link.

2. Timex Easy Reader

This Timex Easy Reader can ship quickly and costs less than $50. This one has a 35mm diameter case, 30 meters of water resistance, and a date window.

Timex Easy Reader (Amazon Photo)

You can see this one here via my affiliate link and, if you poke around, you can find many other color and case size combinations.

3. Casio Enticer

The Casio Enticer (Model MTP-VD01D-1BV) is one of the nicest looking budget-priced watches around. It still costs $50 or less and it looks great. I've got a similar model in blue and you can read my full review in my post here.

Casio Enticer MTP-VD01D-1BV (Amazon Photo)

To get the Casio Enticer, you can find it here via my Amazon affiliate link. For more great Father's Day watch ideas, poke around on this blog. Most of the watches highlighted in my posts are very affordable.

This Timex took a licking and kept on ticking!

It's been the move from hell and it isn't even over.  It rained.  I wasn't fully packed.  The movers were late.  We saved too much stuff to move ourselves.  We had too many narrow staircases to navigate.  The apartment we moved to was in unacceptable shape.  But, through it all, my Timex Easy Reader kept good time.

Timex Easy Reader

It got wet.  It got scraped against walls.  It got bounced on banisters. But, this tough little watch held up well.  As the old commercials said, this Timex took a licking and kept on ticking!

Wristwatch Review: Timex Weekender Men's Tachymeter Analog Strap Watch

Reviewing a Good Looking Tachymeter Watch for a Reasonable Price

The new Timex Weekender watches bring an element of refinement and style to everyday watches.

Timex Weekender with Tachymeter Markings

(This review is a reprint of a review that I published several years ago on Yahoo.  However, the Timex Weekender continues to sell well.)

Timex is known for reliable, no nonsense, wristwatches that are sold for reasonable prices. The new Timex Weekender watches exemplify those sensibilities, but bring an element of refinement and style to everyday watches. Most of the Timex Weekender watches have a slightly preppy Northeastern look. However, one version (model T2N638) has a leather band and tachymeter markings around the bezel. In terms of styling, this model lies somewhere between preppie-dom and more serious men's watches. At Target, this Timex is well-priced at $34.99.

Timex Weekender Illuminated with Indiglo Backlighting

The face of this Timex is clean and white. It provides a strong contrast to the large black numerals that are traditionally placed at five minute intervals. Small but readable numerals (13 through 24) set inside the primary numerals aid in keeping military time in accordance to the 24 hour clock. The 15 on the military dial has been replaced by a small window that reveals the date in the same font. Timex keeps the fact that you need help remembering the date a private matter between you and your wristwatch. This watch is easy to read without being an "easy reader."

A Traditional Timex Weekender with Strap Set

On a daily basis, this Timex Weekender is a practical watch. The crown pulls out to two positions: one for setting the date and the other for setting the time. It is a small touch, but it sure beats manually rotating the hands through about 60 revolutions to set the date. The leather band is comfortable, but a little narrow for my tastes with 18mm lugs and a tapering shape. The narrow leather band allows the watch to rotate a little on my wrist. I'm debating whether to replace the leather band with a more secure canvas or black rubber variety. My wrists are a little less than 8 and a 1/2 inches in diameter and I had 2 more holes available on the band.

Since I was unable to reach 400 miles per hour on a public highway, I was unable to fully test the tachymeter. Basically, small markings on the bezel allow the wearer to measure how fast they are going. To use, you wait until the second hand reaches 12 o'clock and pull the crown. Then you travel to a measured mile and push the crown in when you pass the marker beginning the mile. When you've travelled to the end marker for the mile, you pull the crown again. The second hand will line up with markings on the bezel to indicate your speed. For example, a mile in 45 seconds minute is 80 miles per hour. If your family car is really fast, a 9 second mile is 400 miles per hour.

Overall, the tachymeter version of the Timex Weekender is an affordable, practical, and stylish watch.

Ten Dollar Tuesday: The Kakabi Minimalist Men's Watch

One glaringly obvious truth in the watch world is that China can produce a perfectly good wristwatch.  If you aren't trying to make a socio-economic statement or support old world craftsmen, an inexpensive watch that looks good and tells time is sufficient for most people. The Kakabi Minimalist dress watch for men may be a good choice for the basic time-telling mission and it fits within our $10 watch pricing criteria.

Kakabi Minimalist Watch (Amazon Photo)

In the looks department this watch competes well with the Timex Easy Reader and Casio Men's Standard Watches. The watch has a generously-sized 40mm diameter case, easy to read numerals, 304-grade stainless steel case, and a Japanese quartz movement. While some purchasers, aren't happy with the longevity of this watch, the Kakabi gets 4.4 stars overall out of 205 ratings. If you'd like to purchase a watch like this one, you can find it here using my Amazon affiliate link.

TGIF: Non-Homage Watches to Collect

Sometimes, the chase for a grail watch can get exhausting. It seems like the price of a fine Rolex or a Patek Philippe, or an Audemars Piguet timepiece put them forever out of reach. In truth, they might be. These watches are priced very high because they are a status symbol and a way to display wealth. As aspirational symbols and wealth totems, these watches are meant to be out of most people's reach. 

Collectible Watches for the Rest of Us

One alternative is the homage watch that looks almost like its inspiration timepiece. For example, I've found plenty of alternatives to the Rolex President. But, sometimes homage watches are a constant reminder of what they are not. They are not the grail watch and they don't symbolize that accomplishment.

 

This Nibosi is not a Rolex (Amazon photo)

I find that when a grail watch is out of reach--and most of them are lately. It can be good to find a watch that I can actually afford, that isn't an homage, that is worth wearing, and that is interesting in its own right.

Affordable Watch Brands

Companies like Bulova, Diesel, Invicta, Orient, Seiko, and Timex make watches that most collectors can afford. With a some best-selling exceptions, these brands also make watches that are based on their own traditions, their own design sensibilities, and their own product visions. Brands like Bulova, Orient, Seiko, and Timex have rich histories to draw upon and build upon. Newer brands like Diesel and Invicta make many watches that break with watchmaking traditions and give us bold new watch designs that just catch the eye.

Collectible Timex Watches

If you are yearning to plug into a long horological history a rich  watch-making heritage, and affordable watches, Timex is a great place to start. The company was founded as a clock company in 1854 and always innovated in ways that made watches affordable to anyone. Today, they still have plenty of very practical watches like the Easy Reader, Expedition, and Ironman. But, they also have watch lines that are solidly aimed at middle class watch collectors. Check out their Chicago, Marlin (available here on Amazon), and Waterbury watch lines for some great choices.

A pair of Timex Waterbury Watches

Collectible Diesel Watches

Alternatively, you could collect the bold, brash, designs of a great fashion watch company like Diesel. They make watches that are bigger than most watches and that incorporate design elements that aren't found in the designs of staid, traditional, watch companies. Watches like this Diesel Mr. Daddy 2.0 draw attention and evoke reactions. It's no shrinking violet. Hence the logo: "Only the Brave." You can find this Diesel on Amazon here.

Diesel Mr. Daddy 2.0 Watch (Amazon photo)

The list of collectible watches could go on and on. The main thing is that you get to define and create your own watch collection and you don't have to adhere to the watch collecting norms established by the Swiss brands. You get to decide what you consider a prestigious watch. You can choose what to collect and what your criteria are for buying timepieces. Just have fun!

Where to Buy Diesel Watches

I've put together a page with some of best Diesel watches that I've found on Amazon as a convenient buying guide and reference.  You can find my Best Diesel Watches on Amazon page here!

Watch Sighting: Timex Briarwood Terrace at Walmart

A Short Review of the Timex Briarwood Terrace

I recently found a loose Timex watch in the watch display carousel at Walmart.  Since it was just laying there, I decided to try it on.  It turned out to be the new Timex Briarwood Terrace.  This watch is just one of the watches in the Timex Main Street collection.

Timex Briarwood Terrance Watch

This watch is exactly why you can never count Timex out.  It is truly an affordable classic.  It fit my wrist beautifully.  It had a contemporary dial size (40 mm), a comfortable watch thickness (10 mm), and a classic retro modern look that is simply timeless.  The stainless steel case and bracelet seem solid and substantial for a watch in this price range.  While this watch is marketed as a unisex timepiece, I think this Timex looks like the kind of watch a NASA engineer might have worn in the 1960s while working on the Apollo project.

Timex Briarwood Terrace

This watch dial itself is sparse and readable like a school house clock.  You could call it minimalist.  In fact, the European brand, Mondaine, makes a line of watches that mimics the simplicity of Swiss railroad station clocks.  Timex doesn't need to be pretentious about it.  It's just a simple watch.

The bracelet of a Timex Briarwood Terrace Watch

I was impressed that the bracelet for the Timex Briarwood Terrace is substantial and has a real clasp.  It closed securely and it fit my wrist perfectly.  The bracelet is 20 mm wide at the lugs.  It seems much more substantial than the expansion bands on nearby Easy Reader watches.  This Briarwood Terrace watch didn't have a date window and it didn't have a backlighting system for night time wear.  However, I'll gladly trade those features for an affordable watch with a more substantial bracelet and a good clasp.

Timex Briarwood Terrace Watch

Unfortunately, I encountered this watch during the height of the holiday season and had to pass.  However, I've definitely bookmarked this watch in my memory.  This is one Timex that I may well see again.

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Precision by Gruen Quartz Watch

If you buy a modern watch with a vintage brand name, it's not vintage. But, if you hold on to it for about 15 years, does it become vintage? This is a Precision by Gruen watch that I bought and reviewed here back in 2015. At some point, it will be a vintage reproduction or something.

Precision by Gruen Quartz Watch with Gold Tone Case

Anyway, I think it is a simple, but rich-looking, watch. My wife thinks it looks somewhat cheap. But, she mentioned that it might look better if I were wearing dress clothes. She's probably right.

Profile of a Precision by Gruen watch

These watches pop up from time to time on ebay and other auction sites. I'd note that this wasn't an expensive watch when I bought it so I wouldn't recommend paying much for a used one online. If you like the look, you might find similar simplicity and readability in this gold-toned 38mm Timex Easy Reader on Amazon.

TGIF: What to do about minimalism in watches!

When it comes to watches, minimalism is an interesting topic. There are a couple of different ways that it can go. You can have minimalist watches that eliminate unnecessary design elements and reduce a watch to the bare essentials. Alternatively, you can have a personal minimalist philosophy that reduces the number of watches you have to one or two watches that work very well for you.

Bulova Quartz Classic

For a truly minimalist watch, you could have a watch that has minimal hands and minimal markers like my Orient Bambino (below). It's influenced by that German Bauhaus design philosophy that your father might scoff at. It simplifies the watch. You can read my complete review of the Orient Bambino, Second Generation, Version 3, here on this blog. It's a high quality mechanical watch with no design excess.

Orient Bambino

But, the versatile watch route is also very workable.  In that case, you get a watch that is appropriate in many situations and wear it often.  For example, a watch like the Timex Easy Reader or a very practical automatic like this Seiko 5 might be an appropriate choice. 

Seiko 5 Automatic Day-Date Watch

Personally, I find it hard to narrow down my minimalist watch choices. There are many to choose from.  My recommendation:  use my Amazon affiliate link and get another watch case. 

New Casio Watch Model: MRW-210H Men's 'Diver Style' Quartz Resin Casual Watch

On a recent trip to Walmart, I spotted a brand new model of Casio watch.  At least, I hadn't seen this model before so it was new to me.  This new Casio offers a fixed, non-rotating, bezel diver-style watch.  I'm not a big fan of non-rotating bezels.  However, the dial of this sport watch is considerably larger and easier to read than the dial of the popular classic Casio MRW-200H dive watch.  The fixed bezel watch has a 53 mm diameter case while the rotating bezel has a 43mm diameter case.  Consequently, this new watch (Model MRW-210H) should definitely give Timex Easy Reader and Timex Expedition models a run for the money during this holiday season.

One nice thing about this new, larger, Casio model is that it still has a robust 100 meters of water resistance.  This should allow you to shower, wash dishes, and do a little swimming.  At this price point, you don't get a stainless steel case.  Instead this model features an attractively molded black resin case and bezel.  This material is pretty rugged and should stand up to years of use.  The watch comes with a three year battery.

If you are interested in going commando--at least in the horological sense--the new fixed bezel Casio watches also come in all black.  In this case, the numbers receive a silver, chrome, treatment.

This watch should be compared with the Timex Core Resin Expedition watch with has a very similar look.  You'll note that both watches have a similar look and provide an inner ring of numbers for the 24-hour time.  I'll post a review of the Timex Core Resin Expedition watch in a few days in order to provide a comparison.

If you are looking for practical and pseudo-tactical, these new Casio diver-style watches are definitely worth a look!

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.

Christmas Stocking Stuffer Watches for 2025

The world is awash in great watches that are priced under $50.  Watches in this category are quite budget friendly for everyone.  For many families, inexpensive, practical, watches make perfect stocking stuffer gifts for Christmas!

I've been combing through watch listings on Amazon for much of the Holiday season and I've found three watches that would serve really well as Christmas stocking stuffers this year.

Armitron Men's Multi-function Watch

Armitron has a long history and features many budget friendly watches. Many of their designs are quite eye-catching and their watches often look more expensive than they actually are.  For example, this Armitron Multi-function watch has a cushion case. Cushion Case refers to an elongated case that makes the watch look as if it resting on a pillow. With gold tone accents, this watch looks like a million dollars!

Fortunately, this great looking Armitron is available for less than $50.  You can get it here via our affliate link to Amazon.

Timex Men's Diver

In a world where everyone is hard-pressed for cash, many people have figured out that they can save lots of money when they choose a dive watch that isn't actually made for diving. People have joked for years about "desk divers," but Timex offers a great looking one with a unidirectional rotating bezel that meets the $50 price point. This Timex Men's Diver only has 50-meters of water resistance. That's very practical for day-to-day wear, but it doesn't cost nearly as much as a bona fide dive watch with 200 or 300-meters of water resistance.

Timex Dive Watch (Amazon Photo)

You can check out this nifty Timex "Dive" watch here on Amazon via our affiliate link! I like it. I don't SCUBA dive and I think it looks plenty rugged for my purposes. If you are looking for a dressier Timex watch, check out my post on the Amazon Christmas deal on the Timex Easy Reader.

Skechers Silicone Strap Watch with Compass

Skechers is a shoe company that is much loved by young skateboards and old people. But, they also sell a small selection of watches online and in their shoe stores. While the brand doesn't make any wild claims of tactical suitability or mountain-climbing applicability, the watch has field watch written all over it. It also comes with two very tacti-cool extra straps.

Skechers Silicone Watch Set (Model: SR9138) with Two Extra Straps (Amazon Photo) 

Somtimes, in fact most of the time, it's enough for a watch to just look cool. This Skechers watch set accomplishes that mission well. You can get it here via our Amazon affiliate link.

-----

For the latest in cool watches for sale on Amazon, hit it this link for my list of posts on Amazon Christmas Deals 2025!