Author Topic: Best utilitarian (cheap) watch? (Read 4790 times)

Felonious Monk/Fignozzle · « **on:** April 30, 2006, 10:36:11 AM »

Guys,
I've seen all the jewel-quality watches that folks buy and sport.
Frankly, I'm just not a fashion maven enough to give a rip about a watch to spend more than say, $45-50 dollars on it.

I want it to not look like a cheap, POS Casio from the '70's, and digital is OUT.
I have owned the Timex...(Expedition) with a combo leather/canvas strap and the Indiglo blue light background for years, and it kept accurate time and went well with my typical wardrobe.

Wardrobe...that might help:
Mostly, I'm a khakis and Polo's kind of guy. Dockers pleated-front khakis, golf shirts, or button-down polo type shirts...mostly solid colors.

Can any of you recommend a non-digital (regualr dial-face) watch that will go with my non-trendy, sort of preppie/yuppie look under $50 which will hold up to my clumsiness, look fairly decent, and keep time reasonable accurately?

Thanks,
Fig

grislyatoms · « **Reply #1 on:** April 30, 2006, 10:51:29 AM »

http://www.freestyleusa.com/product/mens/hammerhead.html

I got one of these on sale at one of those watch emporiums on sale for 80.00.

It has been damned near indestructible. Never had a minutes problem with it. The stainless case is very heavy and strong. This is a BIG watch so if you don't like that kind, look elsewhere.

One drawback: When the battery died I had to take it to a specialist jeweler to have it replaced else I would void the warranty. The specialist jeweler had some sort of device that would ensure the watertight integrity.

BobR · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2006, 11:09:46 AM »

I am not sure what you really like, so here is an offering.

http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PROFRAME&PROD_ID=1787263

I have a couple of swiss army watches. They are functional, not gaudy, and look good with just about any dress. I have a black with white face for work, and a nicer one for other times.

They have a plethora of watches at overstock.com You may be able to find something you like, but would not spend full price on, and still stick to your budget.

bob

Brian Williams · « **Reply #3 on:** April 30, 2006, 11:42:34 AM »

get a WWII military watch or baring the cost, get a copy, Hamilton made a good copy a few years ago, I had one and busted it with a hammer to many times. it now resides in a drawer.

K Frame · « **Reply #4 on:** April 30, 2006, 12:03:44 PM »

I got a watch at Kohl's 2 years ago. Price was something like $50, less 10% 4th of July sale, less 20% for signing up for their credit card, less 15% coupon that my sister in law had. Plus, I got another 10% instant register discount...

So, I got a decent looking $50 watch for $20 or there abouts.

It keeps great time and looks good. I disremember the name right now.... Maybe Armitron...

I have to replace the battery in it, though. I went to put it on the other day (I don't often wear a watch), and the battery was dead.

K Frame · « **Reply #5 on:** April 30, 2006, 12:06:15 PM »

You realize what Hamilton WW II era watches are bringing these days?

brimic · « **Reply #6 on:** April 30, 2006, 02:09:07 PM »

I like Pulsar watches- they are a cheaper line made by Seiko and can be had for between $60-100 for a nice looking model if you buy from Kohls Like Mike Irwin suggested. I just bought my second Pulsar in 12 years a couple of weeks ago, it cost me $66. Timex's I won't buy any more, I've never had one last me more than a year before it stopped functioning (broke) or just looked too crappy to wear. The way I see it, I could buy a new $30 watch every year, or a $100 watch that will last for 10 years.

Fudgieghost · « **Reply #7 on:** April 30, 2006, 02:23:35 PM »

For the best deals on inexpensive watches, I suggest www.campmor.com

They have some "no frills" watches on their "hot deals" page that may be what your looking for

Such as: http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39205227&memberId=12500226

grampster · « **Reply #8 on:** April 30, 2006, 02:36:01 PM »

I quit wearing a watch, maybe 10 or so years ago. I have found that it was a useless piece of vanity. I have not missed it at all. In fact I put one of my old watches on the other day and found it to be an annoying weight on my wrist. Cell phones have clocks on them. There are clocks everywear; in buildings, cars, outdoor signs etc. When all else fails, I ask someone, but that is rare.

Now that I'm retired the only time that matters is dark and light. Tongue

DrAmazon · « **Reply #9 on:** April 30, 2006, 04:11:09 PM »

I still love the Swatch watches from the 80s. I liked the black or gray ones with plain faces, the bands didn't trigger my allergies and they survived all kinds of punishment.

elkhunter · « **Reply #10 on:** April 30, 2006, 04:46:55 PM »

I've had a couple of casio watches that i got from walmart for about $50. They both keep great time, and the only reason i had to replace the first one is i beat the face up too much. But that was more from abuse than lack of quality.

FWIW I also bought a timex a while back and ending up throwing it in the drawer because it wouldnt keep time for more than a couple of days.

K Frame · « **Reply #11 on:** April 30, 2006, 05:10:07 PM »

"Cell phones have clocks on them."

Talk about your useless pieces of vanity!

grampster · « **Reply #12 on:** April 30, 2006, 06:11:34 PM »

How else am I going to call you and your tank when I need you?

...has left the building. · « **Reply #13 on:** April 30, 2006, 06:12:56 PM »

Had a vintage Omega Seamaster, sold it.

I now wear a Casio G-Shock but I will be picking up a Skagen analog whenever I get the desire to actually go to the mall.

K Frame · « **Reply #14 on:** April 30, 2006, 06:25:37 PM »

"How else am I going to call you and your tank when I need you?"

Beats the hell out of me.

I don't have a cell phone.* Cheesy

OK, I do have a cell phone, but unlike about 95% of the rest of the people in this country today, I don't consider my cell phone to be an indespensible part of every day life, as necessary as oxygen (or maybe more so).

I use my cell phone when I drive to my parent's in Pennsylvania, or when I head west.

The last time my cell phone was on was 2 weeks ago when I made the trip back from my parent's.

Before that? When I made the trip back at Christmas.

Last year I made ELEVEN calls on my cell phone.

I don't want people to be able to get in touch with me 24x7x365.

I don't like anyone nearly enough to be that accessible to them.

grampster · « **Reply #15 on:** April 30, 2006, 06:28:58 PM »

Is it time for me to go to bed now? Can anybody tell me what time it is? Does anybody really care? Wait, is that a song?

garrettwc · « **Reply #16 on:** April 30, 2006, 06:58:55 PM »

Quote

I have owned the Timex...(was it..Marathon?) with a combo leather/canvas strap and the Indiglo blue light background for years, and it kept accurate time and went well with my typical wardrobe.

So why not get another one of those.

I just bought the exact same watch a couple of months ago at Target for around $30. It's under their Expedition line now. Dark face, light numbers, day glo hands, small window with the date. Indiglo button built into the time knob, push in to light it up.

Preacherman · « **Reply #17 on:** April 30, 2006, 08:36:15 PM »

I buy my watches at Wal-Mart - the cheapest they have. Their $7.99 digital watch is all I need. It's reasonably accurate, and if anything goes wrong, I throw it away and buy another. I've damaged too many watches through working on things, or getting them scraped, or whatever, to want another expensive watch.

Justin · « **Reply #18 on:** April 30, 2006, 08:43:43 PM »

Quote

Had a vintage Omega Seamaster, sold it.

It's a nice watch. I wear it when I need to go steppin' out.

Guest · « **Reply #19 on:** April 30, 2006, 10:08:08 PM »

I rarely wear a watch anymore.

I used to wear a Patek 18k yg with leather strap, various Rolexes such as GMTs, all steel Manual wind only, steel autos and two-tone. Only Gold Rolex was with a strap, never cared for the Presidnent. Omega I personally liked better, I had the Moon Watch, Seamasters, DeVilles...etc. I still have classic 60's Seamaser-Deville - before they changed the line and separated the two names...I was part of something differnt once upon a time...wore nice watches, had some Bulovas and whatever.

Kept the one, others given away ...

Personally Hate...quartz watches. I prefer manual wind or automatic. Times change, "I guess I need to wear one sometimes" ...only rarely so I "put up with the thing"...

I bought the LLBean Field watch in steel with strap, that is now my "nice watch" with casual pants and attending school...when I wear one.

I have a $1 LCD or two, one is supposed to be in the truck, one in my backpack. I took the band off the one in the truck , just in case I get caught out and need a watch, or if hunting, and I or someone needs one to know when to meet back or somesuch.

No clocks in many of my classrooms, so if leading a class and not at a PC, sit on desk to see time...I was using the $10 analog [not digital] but I messed them up and cannot find...I hate digital, I mean I detest them, still for a $1 at the grocery store, they work.

I used to see the pin lever movement "Dollar Pocket Watches" around here...not a shopper maybe still avail...about $5. Great for sitting on a desk and giving a presentation , speech...whatever, easy to see "without checking the time".

I gave a pre-test the other day for a class, did not feel right asking to borrow a watch, snagged a laptop, used it for a watch...read my online text...test went fine, I had a timepiece and got some reading done...

>>
Chicago "Does anyone really know what time it is?"

doczinn · « **Reply #20 on:** April 30, 2006, 11:37:18 PM »

When I was about 5, I saw a bubble-gum machine with all manner of prizes inside, and right in front, a card with one of everything on it to let you see what you could get for a quarter. And right in the middle of the card, a shiny gold (well, gold-colored, anyway) watch!

"Daddy, can I have a quarter to get a gold watch?"

"Don't be silly, you'll never get a watch from a vending machine."

on and on for about five minutes, until he gave in, gave me a quarter, and I put it in the slot, turned the handle, and out came - a shiny gold watch.

Last month, 23 years later, arrives a small box in the mail. It's a $1 digital watch, with a note reminding me of the gold watch from the bubble gum machine.

Thanks, Dad.

garyk/nm · « **Reply #21 on:** May 01, 2006, 03:32:02 AM »

Big 5 Sporting Goods usually has Swiss Army/ Wenger/ Victorinox on sale. Got mine ($125 list, $50 on sale) 8 years ago and it's still going strong.

mfree · « **Reply #22 on:** May 01, 2006, 07:28:42 AM »

I've bene wearing a "watch-it" branded watch from walmart for quite a while now. Analog with a second hand, a day indicator though I never use it... it's thin, metal, metal banded, and pretty darned rugged.

I think it was $10. I did have one that was just straight analog with an EL backlight but it had a "leatherette" band that wore out. If you want a cheapie that lasts it's nylon or metal all the way, the vinyl or rubber/plastic bands don't last under sweat and strain.

jefnvk · « **Reply #23 on:** May 01, 2006, 10:22:59 AM »

Why not just get an Expedition non-digital? Or one of the hands ones with the small digital display at the bottom?

...has left the building. · « **Reply #24 on:** May 01, 2006, 01:38:11 PM »

Quote from: Justin

Quote

Had a vintage Omega Seamaster, sold it.

It's a nice watch. I wear it when I need to go steppin' out.

I'm glad you like it! Did you ever get the internals cleaned and resealed?

News:

Author Topic: Best utilitarian (cheap) watch? (Read 4790 times)

Felonious Monk/Fignozzle

...has left the building.

Guest

...has left the building.