Cheap Chinese Watch Review #1: Naviforce NF9040M

So, how long did this watch before falling apart? :smiling_imp:

I bought a Naviforce analog/digital watch from Banggood about a year ago for about $16, and after a few months the digital LCD functions stopped working. I figured it needed a new battery, so I tried to unscrew the back by tapping on the notches, finally getting it to move a bit. But I found that it actually just snapped on, and the shock from the removal attempt had caused the hands to fall off. There were two batteries, and both tested OK, but the LCD was still blank. I got the guts removed, and replaced the hands, so the analog mechanism works again, but the digital still does not work.

Mainly I wanted to point out that this watch had a “fake” screw-on back, and others may also.

The metal band was also a challenge to remove links, but not bad once you know the trick.

Nowadays we can get genuine Casio watches for under 20 bucks. And for that price you have a reliable watch, a long-lasting battery, and good water resistance!

problem is most likely the connection between the 2 boards - i HATE 2 battery watches!
it;s a compression fit and the connector gradually compresses and quits making contact…

wle

I bought a Casio for $12 on ebay a few years ago. Battery life is claimed to be 10 years. I use it when I’m working around the house. So far it’s been reliable. Can’t complain for $12

I like the idea of having both analog and digital displays. I bought another watch, this time from AlieExpress, for about $13. It is also rather large and heavy (as was the Naviforce):

The band was too large,so I tried the usual method to remove links, but it only worked on one. So I used the alternate method of bending the links. That worked OK, but it shows that this is really a cheap watch. However, it does work OK. When I got it, I had to set the digital time and date. But the analog setting was right on! I don’t think they are synchronized, but it seemed like it, or maybe it was preset when shipped? I doubt that.

My previous watch was a dual display solar Skmei from Banggood. The rubber band fell apart:

I borrowed a stainless steel band from another watch I got at Walmart around 2013 (the band was actually from another watch). This watch still runs after 5 years.

I had to modify the plastic case of the Skmei watch to fit the replacement band. You can see that the “gold” finish has worn off. The analog function of the Skmei stopped working, which is why I bought the Naviforce.

For my next watch I might try one of the “smart” watches with a graphic display that can show analog or digital.

problem with the smart ones is, you have to flick your wrist or push a button to see the time

not good for “how long is this meeting going to be?” time checks :slight_smile:

they also have to be charged frequently

wle

You don’t have to flick your wrist with a smart watch; you can turn it just like with any other watch and the display will power on. A lot of people wear smart watches where I work; I think they all get it anyway. Flick it on purpose; that’ll speed them up!

Regardless of how good these Chinese knockoffs (ironic eh) look; they stick out like a sore thumb. I collect rare and antique watches so I’m not going to even give a minute of comparison time to cheap crud; I just wanted to briefly communicate on the smart watch comment. To each their own.

Judging by the rather battered state of those watches, I wouldn’t recommend a smartwatch for you. I’m thinking if you got one of those and submitted it to the torture those other watches have had it wouldn’t last long! :laughing:
Those are some of the most wrecked watches I have seen!
I’d keep getting cheap watches and buy a new one every now and again.

Watch out guys!

Ok, that one was cheap, but imagine, my both (!) watches are broken.

Is there any good budget watches with “solar” battery (I’m a knife guy, you can lecture me about the correct watch terms :wink: )
and the minimalistic looks similar to Skagen watches or maybe a military watch like my Traser P5900 (iirc the original design is by Hamilton)?

Glowning hands would be nice but not a must.

If you want “budget” and solar, maybe have a look a Q&Q SmileSolar series (from Citizen).

http://www.smile-qq.com/matchingstyleseries001/

Thank you. The black medium sized RP26J006Y is looking interesting to me.

Sadly I see no price nore shop or anything where I could order one if I like the price for this “plastic bomber” :wink:

I can see some on ebay, but not this particular model…

Otherwise some Casio AQS810W models if you like the style

Thank you, but that’s too bulky or my taste :wink:

Casio MTP-VS02L maybe? :smiley:

I like the looks and the price. Considering that my Traser has a 37mm diameter I thing a 42mm watch would be quite huge on my slim wrists…

That Kashyo site is not very intuitive and doesn’t give a lot of information, search function is rather useless as many of their own brands are not included.
Wtf. But well, I like this simpe MTP-E133L-1E (they are good at naming, too).

Something like that with a diameter less than 40mm and solar for not too much money and I’m happy.

Or I just get that freaking Lenovo watch 9 and replace the rubber better strap.

Yeah most Casio analog watches are Quite big in diameter, it’s the trend infortunately :open_mouth:

Let us know if you find the watch you’re looking for!

Sure thing.

I guess it’s the same with watches as with cell phones.
Right now I use a S4mini but the small speaker won’t work anymore so I have to use the big speaker for calls.
Quite awkward. The only small phone with good tech that fits my needs would be the Sony XZ1 Compact.
I just wish I could put new teck and screen into my old Nokia N8 which is still my alarm clock.
That thing is indestructable and same thick as a super slim modern phone in its case to prevent the glass from breaking :S

Maybe for xmas and then maybe with a new watch. Smart Lenovo 9 or budget watch from amazon, maybe this?

Amazon.de in grey mesh.

I’m an old analog watch fan, delighted to see this thread.
I’d also appreciate pointers to US sources of inexpensive but reliable analog watches.
And are there any mechanical self-winding watches to recommend?

I’ve had several disappear from checked luggage, glad to be helping the TSA keep time.

Huh these look quite decent actually.

Is there a way to change currency from Rupees to US$?