Wristwatch Review: Joseph Abboud Quartz Watch with Decorative Subdials

Amazingly, one of the most incredible dial color schemes that I've seen this year is on an inexpensive watch that I bought at Burlington. The smokey silver and black dial of this Joseph Abboud (Model AB-5218SV) quartz watch with decorative subdials looks amazing. In this review, we'll try to ascertain whether the beauty is more than skin deep.

Joseph Abboud Quartz Watch with Decorative Subdials

Watch Features

This is very much a fashion watch. It is meant to tell the time and look great. The watch looks far more expensive than it actually was and you can imagine a sales associate at a men's clothing store laying this watch on the counter with dress shirts and ties in multiple colors. Beyond looks, there are no real features. 

Decorative Subdials on a Joseph Abboud watch

The subdials are non-functional and the bezel does not rotate. However, it is powered by a Japanese quartz movement.

Watch Construction

This Joseph Abboud watch has a stainless steel caseback and a base metal case. While beautiful, the watch does seem to be very lightly constructed and sounds hollow when set down on a granite countertop. The light weight of this watch makes it comfortable for extended wear.

This Joseph Abboud watch has a Japanese movement and stainless steel caseback

This watch has a vegan leather strap. The strap is supple and lengthy enough for my 7 1/2-inch wrist.

This Joseph Abboud watch has vegan leather straps

Watch Design

This watch is designed as an accessory first and foremost. It's like a movie prop. It just has too look good and convincing from a distance. However, in my opinion, this Joseph Abboud watch does look very good. 

Watch Dimensions

This Joseph Abboud watch has a rather large diameter case. It comes in at 45mm not counting the crown. It's 48.5mm in diameter counting the crown. The lug to lug measurement is 55mm. The watch itself is 10mm thick and would easily fit under a shirt sleeve cuff.

Overall Impression

Overall, I'm pleased with this watch since I got it for about $20 at Burlington. If I had paid twice as much or more in a clothing store, I don't think I'd be happy with it. While the subdials aren't functional, I can't complain too much since I can't usually read subdials without my reading glasses on. 

The Smokey Dial of this Joseph Abboud Model AB-5218SV watch is stunning!

Overall, this watch is beautiful to look at and fills an inexpensive dress watch niche. The beauty is skin deep. But, if you need to look sharp and are on a tight budget, this Joseph Abboud watch might be a good choice.

If you are interested in a simpler Joseph Abboud watch design, I think they did a good job with this watch, too.

TGIF: Timex Street Watches - Highland Street and Fieldstone Way

It's Friday and time again to examine the map of Waterbury, Connecticut, in search of any secrets that might lie behind the street names of some Timex watches.

• Highland Street
• Fieldstone Way

Last week, we took a look at the list of Timex watches with street names and covered the South Street and Charles Street watches.

Highland Street

Our first watch is the Timex Highland Street Watch. It's the kind of no nonsense retro watch on an expansion bracelet that your aging father or grandfather would use to disdainfully tell you the proper time to set on your fancy Tudor Ranger. It's a little larger than the South Street from last week's post and it doesn't have 24-hour numbering because your dad isn't in the service anymore.

Timex Highland Street Quartz watch (Amazon Photo)

It has a 39mm diameter case, a stainless caseback and brass case, and a stainless expansion bracelet. There is a small date window at 3 o'clock. It has 50 meters of water resistance according to the dial. You also get the Indiglo night lighting function to make this watch more readable in the evening. If you'd like to take a look at this inexpensive watch, you can find it here on Amazon.

Highland Avenue, Waterbury CT, (Google Streetview)

I couldn't have a Highland Street in Waterbury, but I did find a Highland Avenue. 

Fieldstone Way

The Timex Fieldstone Way kicks it up a notch with diver-style markings on the bezel. It's a 42mm diameter quartz watch that is 10mm thick. It's very similar to my Timex Tribute Citation Florida Gators Team Watch. The watch has a textured dial and a small date window at 3 o'clock.

Timex Fieldstone Way Watch

The Timex Fieldstone is on an attractive expansion bracelet that works well for most wearers. The watch is also available in black for cat burglars and commandoes. You can take a look at it here on Amazon.

I did find a Fieldstone Road in Waterbury, but there was no clear connection to Timex. Instead, it looked like a normal residential street.

A Google Map of Fieldstone Road in Waterbury

It quiet, too quiet. Maybe that's what they want us to think? ;-)

WATCH DEAL ALERT: Diesel Mr. Daddy 2.0 for 60% Off

Diesel watches always make a statement and they always get noticed. This is what makes them collectible in a less expensive market segment. They are big and bold and much fun. That's why I like to call out when I see a good deal on a Diesel watch. When I wrote this post, it was 40% off, but that has grown to an even bigger discount! Currently, the Diesel Mr. Daddy 2.0 is now 60% off! That's an amazing deal that brings a watch that retails for $425 down to less than $200.

Diesel Mr. Daddy 2.0 (Amazon Photo)

At 57mm in diameter, the Mr. Daddy 2.0 is one of the biggest watches around. It's not for everybody. But, if it is for you, it'll definitely get noticed! You can check it out here on Amazon.com.

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Perry Ellis Solar Watch with Tachymeter Markings

My Perry Ellis Solar Watch is still going strong. I like to make sure it gets a little sun from time to time. It's a good watch to grab and go because there is no date to set and it can go for a long, long, time once it is charged up. 

I've had this watch for about a year now and it's been an attractive option for around and about town. It's also perfect for business casual wear. You can read my review of this Perry Ellis Solar watch here on this blog.

Amazingly, you can still get this solar watch here on Amazon.com.

WATCH DEAL ALERT: Timex Waterbury Classic Chronograph 42% off!

If you are looking for a great deal on a watch that is both classy and affordable, check out this beautiful Timex Waterbury Classic Chronograph on Amazon! It has a 40mm diameter case that is 10.5mm thick. It has 30-meters of water resistance and a natural leather strap. It is also an amazing 42% off which brings it well under $100.

Timex Waterbury Classic Chronometer (Amazon photo)

Whenever Timex Waterbury watches are available for less than $100, they are probably worth grabbing. I love that Timex has a line of affordable enthusiast watches.

Sharp Watch Shout Out: Bulova Men's Archive Series Chronograph C

 If you are looking for a new watch with a different look, you might check out the Bulova Men's Archive Series Chronograph C. The watch is a modern replica of an old Bulova design.  It's unusual dial and bracelet earn it a sharp watch shout out!

Bulova Men's Archive Chronograph C (Amazon Photo)

The Chronograph C has a novel blue and white dial and comes with both a stainless steel mesh bracelet and a blue leather bracelet. The stainless steel bracelet is interesting because it is all mesh near the watch and an articulated bracelet with a mesh imprint near the clasp. (Update: I've found that you can also buy this watch with just the leather strap and have details later in this post.)

Bulova Men's Archive Chronograph C Bracelet View (Amazon Photo)

I haven't seen a watch quite like them one before. The dial and color combinations are interesting. Amazon pairs it with light colored clothing like white jeans and linen shirts. It almost takes on a tropical vibe with those pairings.

The thing I like about this watch is that it offers a combination of brand, heritage, and visual novelty that is very appealing. It also uses Bulova best high performance quartz movement. Plus, the watch is on sale right now (July 2025) on Amazon for 26% off! 

Find this amazing Bulova Men's Archive Series Chronograph C 

right here on Amazon!

I'm updating this post since I've just learned that the Bulova Men's Archive Series Chronograph C also sells for considerably less with just a blue leather strap. It is just a little over $300 in this more simplified format. That price point will undoubtedly make the Chronograph C a much more comfortable purchase for many buyers.

You can find this blue leather strap version of the Bulova Chronograph C here on Amazon:

Bulova Chronograph C with Blue Leather Strap

Wristwatch Review: Refurbished Vintage HMT Pilot Watch

One of the most fun watches in my collection is a vintage HMT Pilot watch that I bought this spring (2025) from a seller on Etsy. It was an inexpensive purchase and definitely something in the fun and interesting category.

My refurbished HMT Pilot watch undergoes scrutiny

HMT Watch Features

The watch features a manually wound movement. In this era of cell phones and reliable quartz movements, it may seem like a throwback. But, if you are into watches, that is part of the charm. You get to interact with your watch, look at it, and wind it.

HMT Pilot Dimensions

As with many vintage watches, this HMT Pilot watch is a little small. I measure 34mm in diameter not counting the crown. It is 10mm thick and measures about 42mm from lug-to-lug. However, I don't mind a small, lightweight, watch from time to time.

HMT Pilot Refurbishment & Construction

When it comes to a refurbished watch, it's more about re-construction than construction. You'll want to ready Etsy listings very closely to understand what you are getting when it comes to these watches. As a refurbished watch, my HMT Pilot has a bright blue aftermarket  dial, a clear and unblemished replacement crystal, new hands, and an inexpensive leather strap. I replaced the strap with a more generously-sized silicone strap which fits the character of a pilot watch. 

HMT Pilot Aftermarket Dial Detail

The stainless steel case and watch movement are original, but they have benefited from professional attention. The case has been cleaned up and polished. The movement has been serviced and oiled. This watch uses an HMT 0231 watch movement which is basically a copy of Citizen 0201movement. It has 17 jewels and uses Citizen's para shock design to help minimize any damage from accidental drops. 

Indian Refurb Watch Performance

This watch runs and keeps time. Unlike some vintage Seiko and Orient watches, you don't have to shake this watch to keep it running. You just have to wind it and it will run for quite a long time. I realize "quite" is not a scientific term, but basically, if you wind it up at bed time, it will run well into the next day.

The Stainless Steel Case of this vintage HMT Pilot can ward off baby T-Rex bites

From an accuracy perspective, the watch keeps time practically for the day you wear it. However, it runs a bit fast. After a day, you may find it to be running 4 or 5 minutes fast. In a recent test, it picked up about 2 minutes in 2 1/2 hours.

Overall Review

I like this HMT Pilot watch. For only $37 (when I bought it), it's a practical way to have a vintage feel and experience without fungus, rust, or haziness of many old watches.