TGIF: Humble Watches with Class

Affordable Classic Watches

One definition of class is that it is an informal way to describe high elegance, tastefulness, or style. Classy extends that notion into notions of conduct, kindness, maturity, and respect. In fashion, these thoughts combine into clothing and accessories of high quality, appropriateness, taste, and restraint. There are a number of affordable watches that embody these values and are in better taste than many watches costing thousands more.

The watches of the Timex Waterbury collection are a good place to start. They start with a strong connection to Timex history and layer on quality features that watch enthusiasts are sure to appreciate. The Timex Waterbury Metropolitan 39mm features all-stainless steel construction, a quartz movement, a small seconds subdial and a design inspired by an iconic 5th Avenue Building. The Metropolitan is also satisfyingly slim at only 8mm thick. 

The Roman numerals, rail track minute markers, and Waterbury seal are nice touches. Quality, classic design, and Affordability are a powerful combination. The Metropolitan is currently 40% off on Amazon. You can find the Timex Waterbury Metropolitan right here via my Amazon Affiliate link.

Another classic brand to reach for Bulova's value brand: Caravelle.

This Caravelle by Bulova 41mm quartz dress comes in at just over $100. It delivers all stainless steel construction, a deep blue dial, a fluted bezel, and a classic dress watch look. If you are looking for provenance and connection, you can find it with this watch. Caravelle has been a brand since 1962 and has a long history of affordable quality. You can find this Caravelle 3-Hand Quartz watch here with my Amazon Associate link.

Watches like this embody class and the classic in terms of refined taste and restraint. Instead of making a show of wealth, they show an appreciation for refined design and timeless classic watch looks.

Twenty Dollar Tuesday: Rnondry Curren Dive-Style Quartz Watch

If you're looking for a cool watch on a $20 budget, there aren't too many options. But, this Rnondry (Curren) Diver-Style watch caught my eye. This Curren-branded watch has traditional vintage dive watch looks in a very affordable $20 package. 

I initially noticed this watch because It looks much like apparently discontinued Armitron 20/5571 and 5572 models that have long been on my wishlist. No matter, all trace their style to a long lost classic dive watch.

This Curren watch isn't actually a dive watch, but it does offer practical 30-meter water resistance. It is nicely proportioned with a 44mm diameter case that is 12mm thick. Like many diver-style watches in this price range, this one has a fixed, non-rotating, bezel. The watch has a stainless steel case and a silicone strap that should fit even the largest wrists.

You can check this great looking Desk Diver here on Amazon via my affiliate link!

Watch Deal Alert: Lacoste Rene 31mm Quartz Bracelet Watch

Sometimes, you'll scratch at the surface of a fashion brand's offerings and find that their catalog is deeper than you thought. Lacoste watches are an example. You'd think that it's simply a matter of putting the iconic crocodile logo on a few watches and calling it a day. But, then you come across a watch like the Lacoste Rene.

This watch design was based on a watch design that Rene Lacoste once wore personally. Before founding the Lacoste brand, Rene was a tennis superstar from the 1920s. He was one of the "Four Musketeers" from France that once dominated the sport.

This Lacoste Rene dress watch features a distinctive octagonal case, stainless steel construction, 50-meter water resistance, and a quartz movement. The watch has a 31mm diameter case and it's a slim 8.2mm thick.

It's a well-constructed and painstakingly designed dress watch that plugs into the rich history of Lacoste as a brand. Amazon currently has the Lacoste Rene on sale for 15% off to bring the watch in comfortably under $150.  You can find the Lacoste Rene octagonal watch here on Amazon.

I never realized that Lacoste had so many great looking dress watches. The Lacoste Rene is just a start. For more Lacoste dress watches, visit my Amazon affiliate storefront here.

Watch Strap Review: Woukup Military-Style Nylon Watch Strap

Replacing watch straps or bracelets is one tried and true way of sprucing up a watch collection. NATO-style military watch straps bring a rugged look and a lightweight feel to most watches. NATO straps are also very affordable. That's why I chose the Woukup nylon watch strap off of Amazon.

Woukup Nylon Military Watch Strap

The Woukup Nylon Strap is constructed of 1.2mm thick ballistic nylon with a ribbed texture running the length of the strap. It's a nice detail that results in a put together look. 

Ribbed text along the length of the strap

The clasp and keepers are made of 316L stainless steel. This is where military grade ruggedness comes in.

The eyelets are laser cut to prevent unraveling. Most importantly, this strap fits wrists from 5 to 8 inches in diameter.

Overall, I'm quite pleased with Woukup NATO-style nylon watch straps. I've actually purchased three of them for various projects. For under $15, they are a great deal.

You can get this one via my affiliate link here on Amazon.

Watches Under $40: A Minimalist Men's Relic

Minimalism has been a trendy look for watches for many years now. There are many models to choose from. However, it doesn't make much sense to pay a maximum price for a minimal watch. Fortunately, Relic has some very sensible choices for minimal prices. For example, this Relic comes in at under $40. It's an amazing quartz watch for the price.

Fossil Men's Quartz Watch (Amazon photo)

This 40mm diameter watch offers a practical 30-meters of water resistance, a silver-tone alloy metal case, a genuine leather strap, and a scratch resistant mineral crystal. This watch doesn't have a date window so it's very easy to grab and go with it.

It's a steady seller on Amazon, gets 4.4 stars, and accomplishes the time telling mission.  Relic is a Fossil brand so you get a basic expectation of decent quality. You can check this great looking watch out here on Amazon!

TGIF: Over 4 million visits to The Watch Dude!

I'm truly honored and amazed that, thanks to your visits, this little hobby watch blog has just blown past 4 million hits.

I really appreciate your continued readership and support. Let's keep going!

I'm going to continue to focus on watches we can all afford--with an occasional dream watch thrown in just in case our lottery numbers come up. There are plenty of great looking watches to be excited about and I look forward to bringing them to your attention. There are also many angles to watch collecting just for fun.

Thanks again and happy reading!

Watch Deal Alert: Bulova Series A Automatic

I found a new deal on the Bulova Marine Star Series A Automatic! This one claims 49% off of the full retail price. I suspect that the venerable Seiko subsidiary is playing Invicta games with this one. But, anytime you can find this watch for less than $350, you are doing very well on price. I like this model because it brings alot of watch goodness together in one package. This watch has a 45mm diameter stainless steel case that is 13.45mm thick. As an automatic, the watch has an aperture allowing a view into the movement. It has a bright orange silicone strap and 200-meter water resistance. As a former sailing enthusiast, the bright orange of this watch strap reminded me of the foul weather gear I wore so many years ago.

Bulova Marine Star Series A (Amazon photo)

This striking watch offers the winning combination of a storied brand, rugged build quality, nautical inspiration, Roman numeral sophistication, and a Miyota 825S automatic movement with an approximately 42 hour power reserve.

You can check this Bulova Marine Star Series A Automatic here on Amazon. As the holiday gift giving season approaches, this Bulova watch would be an inspired gift for a boater, sailor, or yachtsman.