Watch Reviews
Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Review
The Expedition Field Chronograph is a good watch, even if the quirks of the watch make it a little clunky to use. If you’re picky or particular, the chronograph movement might drive you a little bonkers. Other than that, it’s proven itself durable and if you like its military-inspired looks – as I do – it’s a great watch to wear. I recommend it.
Skagen Ancher Review
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
Timex Weekender 40 Review
The Timex Weekender series are my favorite watches for their price points. I don’t believe you can get a better value or a better looking watch for the same money. The Weekender 40 (model: T2P4959J) comes with no complications and it doesn’t need any- it’s already the best bang for your buck out there.
Breytenbach BB7745BE Review
This is a case of a watch that looks far more valuable than it is. The Breytenbach BB7745BE isn’t necessarily bad- its automatic movement seemed to be fairly accurate (losing only 18 seconds per day), the leather strap is pretty good quality, and the beautifully decorated movement is almost a showpiece. However, don’t be confused into thinking this watch is good value. You very much get what you pay for.
Tissot Seastar Powermatic 80 Review
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.
Hamilton Jazzmaster Regulator Auto Review
The Jazzmaster Regulator is definitely one of the most unique watches you can get for its $1,275 MSRP. Powered by Hamilton’s own H-12 automatic movement, the Regulator comes with the specs you can expect from a four-figure Hamilton: sapphire front/rear crystals, stainless steel all around, an excellent leather strap, and a deployment clasp. I think it’s a great looking watch, too. If you want something mechanical and decidedly different from what most will have in their collection, the Regulator Automatic is worth your consideration.
Citizen BM8475-26E Review
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.
Timex T2M979 Review
With date display, a day/night indicator, and a power reserve display, the T2M979 is a complicated automatic at a low price point. Be aware that the automatic movement is of unknown origin, but is likely a Chinese-manufactured DG28. If you’re specifically looking for an inexpensive, complicated auto, consider this Timex. Otherwise, there are better watches worth considering at this price point.
Seiko Kinetic SKA553 Review
This is a watch that combines some of the best elements of an automatic movement with the timekeeping accuracy and reliability of a quartz movement. Once charged, the SKA553’s kinetic movement keeps a six month power reserve. If this watch will be a daily wearer, I recommend it wholeheartedly; if this watch will be part of a larger collection, perhaps consider whether or not you want a kinetic movement at all…
Orient Leo FET0L002D0 Review
I think that the Orient Leo is a great looking watch in any of its color options, but particularly the combination reviewed here. Unfortunately, no matter how I tried to adjust the bracelet I was unable to get it to sit flush with my wrist- an annoyance that taints an otherwise good entry-level automatic watch.
Armand Nicolet M02 Day/Date Review
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.
Hamilton Jazzmaster Day/Date Automatic Review
There’s a lot of competition in the $500 to $1,000 price bracket, and the Hamilton Jazzmaster is a bit of a heavyweight in the segment. As a daily wearer, the Jazzmaster Day/Date is a great watch- it’s good looks, reliable ETA movement, and sapphire/stainless steel combination make for a watch that will look and run great for years. I like it’s somewhat understated styling, its weight and balance, and the quality of its build. Recommended.
Cookoo Smartwatch Review
The Cookoo is far from the smartest smartwatch you can buy. Offerings from Apple, Samsung, LG, Pebble, and a host of competing brands keep the smartwatch market fresh. But, they are all much more expensive and much more elaborate than the Cookoo. Ultimately, the value of the Cookoo depends on how much you value quick connectivity to your social circle. If you’re in love with Facebook and the like, the Cookoo will be a good fit for you.
Timex SL T2N289 Review
The Sea Gull ST16 movement used inside the T2N289 is pretty good and well-known in the affordable watch world. Timex did a good job styling the T2N289, though the build quality is average at best. If you can find it priced around $150 or less it’s good value, too. I’ve seen it as high as $250, and frankly, it isn’t worth anything close to that.