TGIF: Are George Watches Any Good?

I have lots of cheap watches. They are like potato chips. If you happen to be shopping at Walmart or another discount store, it's very easy to throw one into the cart. 

A George Watch from Walmart

If you happen to be shopping at Walmart, chances are good that you'll throw a George watch into your cart. Of course, before you do, you may want to ask yourself one question: 

Are George Watches Any Good?

As the owner of many George watches, I can definitely tell you that George watches are actually very good.  In fact, they are better than you would think a watch that costs less than $20 can possibly be. I like them.

Why Are George Watches Good?

There are many reasons that George watches are actually pretty good. Here are three of the top reasons that I like them:

1. Style. George watch designs are on-point. The features and looks of the most popular iconic watches are well known now. Lots of these features make their way into George watch designs. You can find decorative subdials, tachymeter markings, and diver-style markings on many George watches.

2. Build Quality. George watches are made by pretty solid suppliers like EGC (E. Gluck Corporation - the parent of Armitron) and FMD ( a division of Fossil). These companies make millions of watches at many price points. The Walmart buyers have also obviously insisted on some quality standards in order to minimize product returns. 

Now, you can see where George has cut corners in design and materials. For example, this retro watch with baton markers looks phenomenal, but the crystal is made of some kind of plastic and the bracelet is integrated so it might be hard to replace.

A George watch with integrated bracelet and plastic crystal

While you won't escape all the drawbacks of cheap watches, the quality is much higher than you would expect for $12.

3. Price. George watches are quite inexpensive. Most of them cost about $12 and even the most sophisticated usually cost less than $20. This makes them fun indulgences to pick up while you are at Walmart. For bang around watches, they are great. You don't really have to worry about damaging them. However, you won't gain any personal prestige if you wear one to the office.

 

Watch Wearing Wednesday: Kenneth Cole Reaction in Blue

For this watch wearing Wednesday, I'm strapping on my Kenneth Cole Reaction watch. Why a Reaction? Because I've finally gone through about 13 years of this blog and removed all of the dead links, all the spam comments, and other problem pages.

One of my Kenneth Cole Reaction watches

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.