I have mostly worn Casio and Timex watches, and usually paid under $30. The digital versions seemingly work forever. The analog, battery powered versions are good for perhaps 3 years, then totally fail, IME.
My main complaint about them is that it only takes a few months of EDC to scratch the clear face on them. At that price point, the face material of choice seems to be soft plastic. Right now I am wearing a $18 Casio digital (see Amazon link), and I buy a new one every year.
Anyone able to recommend an under $75, battery operated watch with a scratch resistant face? Something that will still look good after 5 years of EDC, and still function after 5 years?
Timex ana-digi combo titanium finish expedition series has hard mineral glass crystal. I’m an ironworker and very hard on wristwatches and these generally last about 3 to 4 years for 30 bucks. I have a bunch of higher quality Citizens and Seikos but for the money the Timex expedition series is where it’s at. I think the model is W6?
Thanks for the tip. I did not realize that some of the inexpensive Timex watches had mineral crystals. I did not see a titanium finish ana-digi version on Amazon, but I did see other interesting Expedition models.
The W735H has a recessed mineral crystal, according to Amazon, and was only $21.
I just looked up the specs for the W735H on Casio’s international site, and it says it has a “resin glass”, not mineral glass crystal, so once again Amazon has incorrect specs listed. The G-Shock does have mineral glass.
Probably counterfeits. I’m just not interested in counterfeit watches, counterfeit flashlights, counterfeit batteries, counterfeit prescription drugs, or counterfeit anything.
I got tired of buying the WalMart Special every year or so and finally ponied up for a Citizen Eco-Drive and I’ve had it for about 5 years now and its working great. I figure after that amount of time I’ve come out ahead vs buying a $40 watch once a year. I’ve not been easy on it either. I wear it in the water and bang it around while working on vehicles. It is the best watch I have ever owned.
edit: I think the only problem I had with it is when I caught it on something and broke the pin for the band, but that was a very easy fix.
Honestly, for that money I would not recommend any auto watch. Plenty of options if you look into quartz though. What style are you looking for? Casual, elegant, sport?
I have a CCCP Kashalot, a G Shock, a Galaxy Smart watch and an old casio. So I guess I’m looking at elegant. Somewhere along the lines of a U-Boat design mixed with an aviator…
Tough to get an auto at that price, maybe a knockoff watch. I highly recommend the Momentum Base Layer 44 mm face at $124.00 CDN and add $35.00 CDN a sapphire crystal for $159.00 CDN or $113.60 USD.