Ahh yes, the Casio F-91W. The most inexpensive watch on WYCA (as of today), and one of my favorites. I decided to do a deep dive into the history of this watch and to learn more about what makes this little digital great.
I really enjoy this watch in every objective and subjective way. I think it’s beautiful to look at, and I love how well incorporated the big date and dual time complications are. I also love the domed crystal, which is easily my favorite part of the watch. If you’ve got $300 to spend on a new watch, have a look at this one.
This Bulova has as lot of things going for it. First, it’s a great looking open heart that isn’t over styled; It’s competitively priced, clocking in somewhere around $300 – $350; it’s built well, like every other Bulova I’ve reviewed to date. It’s a great watch and has earned a great recommendation from me. Check it out!
The two-handed dial is unique and presented beautifully, as is the rose gold case and the laser-etched backplate. In every respect, the Heritage 40 demonstrates the care that went into its design and build. Priced alongside comparable quartz watches from Swiss and Japanese watchmakers, the Heritage 40 absolutely deserves your consideration if you’re wanting a dress watch that’s different but still classic.
The Accutron II Alpha is a unique watch. Already rare to see a skeletonized dial on a quartz timepiece, Bulova takes it even further with a distinctive case to match. This version is arguably the youngest, with its black on black color scheme managing to be both quieter and louder than some of the more conventionally-styled versions. Regardless, it’s an excellent watch and a definite conversation piece. Recommended.
The Alpinist came as a true shock: a great looking, well-spec’d automatic from a world-class manufacturer. It’s comfortable to wear, durable, reliable, and accurate. In the USA and Canada, it’s also an uncommon watch to find. The best part of all of this is its price, coming in well under $400. Great work, Seiko.
Orient hit the nail on the head with the Bambino V2. This is a great looking watch, and of the three versions of the Bambino, I think that the V2 is the best looking. The quality of its build is evident all over, with no corners cut in its construction. Overall, the Bambino is an excellent watch. I recommend it.
In my mind, the Tissot T-Complication Squelette sets the standard for how affordable skeleton watches should be done. Its dramatic design and consistent attention to detail create something that captures the interest of anyone – be they a “watch person” or not. More than good looks, it is an example of Swiss watch making at its best. Of all the watches I’ve reviewed to date, this one is my favorite.
I’ll stop rating Hamilton’s so high when Hamilton stops making watches this good. The modern Pan-Europ is every bit the homage is strives to be, while simultaneously having its own charms and soul.
The Skagen Ancher is a fantastic looking timepiece. It’s lightweight, thin, and comfortable to wear thanks to the surprisingly soft saddle-brown leather band. It offers fair value for its price. For an everyday wearable and versatile quartz watch, the Skagen Ancher fits the bill nicely
The Timex Weekender series is a minimalist exercise in affordable timekeeping. This Chronograph (model: TW2P62300) is another great example of the things that make a Weekender great: simplicity, ease of use, and timeless style. I really love that you can get a great watch for well under $75.
I’ve never been a fan of dive watches, but the looks of this Tissot are bested only by the automatic movement’s immense power reserve and accuracy. With this Seastar on your wrist you’ll enjoy 300m of water resistance, a screw down crown to keep everything air tight, and the usual appointments you’ve come to expect from a Tissot of this calibre.
I really like this Citizen. The orange and black color scheme is a great combination. At night, the lume is so bright that you will have no problems easily telling time. The Eco-Drive movement inside is rock solid. This watch is a great buy, especially if you can find it for anything under $175. The BM8475-26E is a regular part of my watch rotation.
As a photographer, I’ve failed to truly showcase how attractive the M02 is. Guilloche and steel contrast, drawing your eye toward a finely decorated prize. Yes, it looks better in person than it does in photo, but there’s more to the M02 than looks. It’s heavy, built to last, and uses a high-regrade and retouched ETA movement. Then there’s the tie-in with Armand Nicolet’s other pursuits, and to me, that’s worth the cost of entry on its own.
It’s hard not to appreciate what Seiko offers in the 5 series. The SNK809 is a good looking, basic automatic watch that offers little frills… and has a diminutive price point to match. Whenever anyone starts getting into watches, the most popular recommendation for a first automatic is – by far – a Seiko 5. Buy a couple of complimentary straps and you can wear it just about anywhere, anytime. This is such a great watch.