Wristwatch Review: US Polo Assn Accutime Men's Quartz Watch in Silver and Gold Tones

When it comes to inexpensive watches for men, US Polo Association is a name that comes up regularly. You can find this brand (spelled US Polo Assn) online at Amazon and in brick-n-mortar stores like JC Penney, Burlington, and Ross. In 2025, these watches are typically priced in the $20 to $30 range. They make great bang around watches.  You can find lots of analog US Polo Assn watches for men here on Amazon. Let's take a look at one of my US Polo watches in silver and gold tones.

US Polo Assn Watch in Silver and Gold Tones

Watch Style

This watch is awfully glamorous for an inexpensive timepiece that likely cost less than $25 at a Burlington store. But, the companies who make cheap watches are often on-point when it comes to fashion.  This one has a large silver dial with gold numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9, and gold tones for the hour batons US Polo Assn script and trademark polo pony and rider. The second hand is gold and the hour and minute hands are gold with a white insert. The gold tones continue with the bezel, crown, and alternating columns of a glossy gold and silver-tone bezel. It's quite the shiny watch.

Watch Construction

With gold at $3255 an ounce and silver just over $32 an ounce as of this writing, all gold and silver are definitely just tones at this price point. The watch has a stainless steel caseback and bracelet and a base metal case. The case and watch seems pretty solid and the metal doesn't scream cheap. However, the bracelet links are pretty light weight and clink with a hollow sound. One drawback that I don't like is that the watch bracelet is integrated into the case rather unconventionally.  While there is a pin you could push out to remove the bracelet, it would not be easy to just swap the bracelet for another strap. 

US Polo Assn watch riced bracelet connection to case

None of this is surprising at this watch price point. You could almost buy another US Polo Assn watch for the price of a replacement strap. One good thing about this watch is that it is manufactured by Accutime. They make good store-brand and team logo watches at affordable prices and I've never had any issues with their products.

Watch Dimensions

This watch has a 44mm diameter case that is 10mm thick. Some might find this watch large, but it is perfectly sized for me. I have a 9-inch diameter wrist and the bracelet fits me just fine. I'm on the last adjustment hole of the clasp.  With 20mm of adjustment holes, this watch bracelet can easily be resized to fit most wrists without removing links.  If more adjustment is needed the link pins are visible and should be easy to remove to take out a link.

The bracelet and clasp of my US Polo Assn Silver and Gold Tone Watch

Overall Impression

I like this watch and this brand for cheap bang around watches. The US Polo Assn brand offers attractively-styled watches that go well with most preppy and business casual wardrobes. If you buy a watch like this and invest the money you save over more expensive branch, you'll be a rich man for sure one day. I would definitely recommend this watch. 

The eXtract: Watches Inspired by the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak collection is defined by iconic octagonal watches. Unfortunately, they often sell for over $40,000 used and lie beyond our aspirations.

Affordable Alternatives to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

Amazing watches like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak are far beyond the reach of most people. But, the octagonal look of the watch resonates with watch enthusiasts everywhere. Let's look at watches inspired by the AP Royal Oak and find some affordable alternatives.

AP Royal Oak Watch - Magnus26, CC BY-SA 3.0
 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

G Shock "Royal Oak" GM2100-1A

The design influence of the AP Royal Oak reaches into the world of tough watches with this Casio G Shock Metal Covered Octagonal Watch.

G Shock "Royal Oak" GM2100-1A Ana-Digital Watch (Amazon Photo)

With 200 meters of water resistance, shock resistance, great analog features, and digital functionality, there's a lot of capability in this G Shock.  You can check this watch out here on Amazon. Amazon sells over 300 of these G Shock watches each month.

Bulova Quartz Men's Classic Dodecagon Watch

For some watch companies, the Octogon is a challenge to be exceeded. For example, this Bulova is a dodecagon!

Bulova Quartz Men's Classic (Amazon Photo)

You get 4 more sides and diamond hour markers for less than the Audemars Piguet. It's a far better value. You can get this Bulova watch here on Amazon and invest the $40,000 you save!

Sapphero Gold-Tone Octagonal Watch

Wait! You want an homage watch that looks more like a real Audemars Piguet? Because you don't want to take yours out of the safe? Sapphero watches has you covered with this nice looking octagonal quartz watch.

Sapphero Octagonal Watch (Amazon Photo)

While money is no object, this one with a green dial and rose gold tone is 19% off. You can find this nice looking homage watch here on Amazon.com. It also comes in several color combinations such as stainless and gold-tone.

Cadisen Mens Mechanical Automatic Watch 

If you want to step up your homage watch game with an automatic movement, meteorite textured dial, and 100 meters of water resistance, this Cadisen might fit the bill.

Cadisen Octagonal Automatic Watch (Amazon Photo)

This watch is simply flat-out beautiful. It comes in several variations that can be found here on Amazon.

Mini Focus Men's Octagonal Casual Quartz Watch

Your watch looks like an Audemars Piguet!

What?

It looks like a rich person's $40,000 watch!

Wow! I just like Octagons!

Mini Focus Men's Octagonal Quartz Casual Watch (Amazon Photo)

At some point, if you just like the look and the shape, you can get a neat looking octagonal watch at a very affordable price point.  For example, this Mini Focus Men's Octagonal Quartz Watch is just a fun casual watch. You can find it here on Amazon for less than $40.

For one more alternative from Olev's check out this post on my octagonal Structure watch.

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Caravelle Sports Watch with Black Nylon Strap

Tonight, I'm wearing my Caravelle Sports Watch with Black Nylon Strap.  I've covered Caravelle from A to Z.  It's a brand that I like.

You can read my full review of this watch here -

Wristwatch Review: Caravelle Sports Quartz Men's Watch

Are All The Watch Companies being PRX?

Four Watches that look like the Tissot PRX

Have you noticed that many watches are beginning to look like Tissot's popular PRX series of watches? Is it flattery? Is it love? Are they just trying to capitalize on a popular shape? Let's compare a few similar looking watches.  We'll stick with quartz models just to keep prices and products comparable.

Tissot PRX

The Tissot PRX is the popular watch these days. It's the cool kid on the block. This one (below) has a cool gray dial and a 40mm diameter stainless steel case.

Tissot PRX (Amazon Photo)

Click the link to take a closer look at this Tissot PRX quartz watch on Amazon.

Fossil Everett Quartz

This Fossil watch has a similarly angled case and a tapered bracelet much like the Tissot PRX.  It's the Fossil Everett Quartz and it comes in 42mm and 44mm diameter sizes and a wide range of colors.

Fossil Everett (Amazon photo)

I like the textured sunray dial and bold blue color of this watch. If you'd like to check it out, you'll find the Fossil Everett quartz watch here on Amazon.

Timex Q Reissue

Of course, it may be that the PRX has simply tapped into a retro design vein that exists in the DNA of all watch companies. This Timex Q Reissue has a similar angled case and tapering bracelet, but adds some diver style elements with a rotating bezel and a day-date function. It pays homage to Timex quartz watches of the 1970s.

Timex Q Reissue (Amazon photo)

At 38mm diameter, some reviewers didn't note the retro heritage and thought the watch was a bit small. But, watch sizes seem to be trending downward. This Timex watch does warrant a closer look and you can find it here on Amazon. Personally, I like watches that tie into longer histories.

Movado Bold Quest Sport Watch

The Movado Men's Bold Quest Sport Watch does a good job of connecting to heritage with its play on the classic disc of the Movado Museum dial watches. It also has the angular case and tapering bracelet that are similar to the Tissot PRX.

Movado Bold Quest Sport Watch (Amazon Photo)

This watch brings a Swiss pedigree, an homage to a classic, and a sophisticated bracelet to the PRX-ish party. It's a little more expensive than some of the other options, but it is 20% off as of this writing for a price of less than $500. You can find this Movado watch here on Amazon.

Bulova Men's Dress Classic Quartz

Maybe I'm seeing PRX-style watches everywhere, but I even detect a bit of PRX in this Bulova. It's the Bulova Men's Dress Classic Quartz watch in two tones. At least it has the case angles and a slight taper with a pretty cool band. It's a 39mm watch that is only 7.65mm thick!

Bulova Men's Dress Classic Quartz

This Bulova comes in at a very nice price at 48% off for a limited time on Amazon. That makes it a steal and you can find this Bulova Amazon deal right here!

 

Sharp Watch Shout Out: Citizen Men's Eco Drive Weekender Watch

I recently saw this Citizen Men's Eco Drive Weekender watch with a blue dial and a blue polyurethane strap. It's an amazing looking watch. I like the dimpled dial and the sports GT-style strap. While it may be an elastomeric polymer, from a distance, that strap sure looks like the wrap from around an old sports car steering wheel. In such a brilliant blue, this Citizen watch certainly deserves a sharp watch shout out!

Citizen Eco Drive Weekender Sport Watch (Amazon Photo)

The specifications for this watch match the sporty looks, too. It has a stainless steel case and 100-meters of water resistance. Amazon reviewers note that it has a long strap to fit most wearers and that the watch holds up well to sweat and activity. The watch is rather large with a 44mm diameter case. 

This watch has a Caliber J810 movement that is solar powered. Citizen Eco Drive watches never need batteries, but they may need a capacitor replaced every ten years or so.  There are instructions online for how to do this and a jeweler should also be able to handle it.

For a limited time (as of this May 2025 writing), this watch is on sale for 25% off for a price coming in at a little over $200. To take a closer look at this timepiece, check it out here on Amazon!

Watch Wearing Wednesday: A Vintage Seiko Quartz Watch

I recently changed the battery on my late father's old quartz Seiko Day-Date watch (model 7N43-9070). There's something comforting about wearing it. I believe it's a 90s vintage timepiece so it's rather amazing that it keeps on going.

Vintage Seiko Quartz Watch

There's nothing fancy about this watch and it shows some wear and tear.  But, it's a no fuss, no muss, timepiece and the expansion bracelet is very convenient.

Vintage Seiko Quartz Day-Date watch

Today, I don't see many Day-Date quartz watches in the Seiko line, but this Citizen Men's Classic Quartz watch (Model BF0580-57L shown below) in stainless steel is very similar to my dad's vintage Seiko. Time goes on.

Citizen Men's Classic Quartz Day-Date watch (Amazon photo)

Wristwatch Review: Caribbean Joe Square Watch with Synthetic Leather Strap

When it comes to cheap watches, I enjoy the Caribbean Joe brand.  In fact, I've found most of the variants of Caribbean Joe watches that are available. Most of the time, I get them from Kohl's, but I learned that there are square case Caribbean Joe's watches and I had to find them. As 2024 drew to a close, I ordered two watches online from a store in the northern midwestern US called Boscov's. The model numbers were CJ7145GU (Blue Dial/Gunmetal Case) and CJ7145SL (Brown Dial/Silver Case)

Caribbean Joe Square Watch (CJ7145GU)

Watch Style

I like the square case from Caribbean Joe. It seems to be on trend and looks good. The brands trademark hut and text are centered just below 12 o'clock and the dial shimmers with the light like a sun ray design. The subdials are attractive, but non-functional. At a $20 price point, you simply don't get the functionality of a more expensive watch.

Caribbean Joe Square Watch (CJ7145GU)

Watch Construction

This Caribbean Joe watch has a stainless steel caseback and a base metal case. Base metals typically are metals or alloys of metals like copper, brass, zinc, aluminum, or tin. The watch uses a common SR626SW battery and it is kindly noted on the caseback. The movement is made in Singapore and the synthetic leather strap is made in China. While the movement keeps good time, it can be difficult to set with precision because when the crown is depressed, the minute hand may jump by a minute. You can find it a challenging game to try and synchronize the watch with time.gov.  Ultimately, this is one of the common drawbacks to cheap watches and helps us appreciate the precision timepieces in our collections.

Caribbean Joe Square Watch Caseback

Watch Dimensions

The square Caribbean Joe watches are reasonably sized for most wrists. The watch case is 39mm across and 40mm from top to bottom.  You can see the size clearly here with the brown dial(?) version.

Caribbean Joe Square Watch with Brown Strap (CJ7145SL)

The case is a slim 9mm thick which is perfect for wearing with business attire including long-sleeved shirts with cuffs. 

The watch strap length is fairly generous and, with my large wrists, I was able to buckle it on the last hole and tuck the remaining strap under both loops. 

Strap of Caribbean Joe Model CJ7145SL (Brown Strap/Silver Case)

Overall Impression

With working subdials and a more precise movement, this watch could be a contender.  But, it chose to be a bum and hang out on a Caribbean Island. For a cheap watch, it is a handsome looking cuss. I like it and it's fun to wear--just don't forget this is a beach bum brand.