The Endorsement: The inexpensive, no-frills timepiece

August 12, 2010 · 19 comments

in Endorsement,Look Good For Less

I went to Target the other day to get my favorite “trail mix”. I say “trail mix” because trail mix implies a healthful snack, but nothing in this bag seems to denote healthy.

While browsing the aisles trying to remember what else I needed, I stumbled on this simple Timex for $24.99 (even though Target.com says $29.99). I couldn’t pass it up.

It has a clean white face, clearly-legible numbers, detachable leather straps, oh yeah, and it was twenty-five bucks. It does its job and looks handsome doing it.

I should mention I’ve been looking for a simple watch with a white face for a while now. I could’ve bought a Swiss Army Cavalry, or (for a little extra cash) there are a myriad of other options. In my opinion, however, the price-to-good-looks ratio of this Timex is unbeatable.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a lover of fine watches. I have aspirations of becoming a collector of complex movements and connoisseur of Swiss craftsmanship some day, and obviously this Timex can’t compare to the IWC or even the Seiko. Sometimes, though, you have to admire the beauty in simplicity and frugality, as well as the sheer genius of a technology like Indiglo™.

Green watch strap from J.Crew.

Tagged as: nylon straps, Target, Timex, watch, white face watch

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  • S.N. Carpeaux

    Such a good find, especially with the interchangeable watch straps.

  • Lpwickerbottom

    I also use the JCrew NATO straps on my Seiko 5. Great find… and way better option than the over-priced $150 Timex (which I'm sure is basically the same watch.) Love the mid-century style font. Reminds me of the old clocks in classrooms growing up.

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    Yes, and that convinced me even more that it was a worthwhile purchase. The white face and simple style makes it easy to use practically any strap with it.

    You can pull it off Ms. Carpeaux, you should grab one for yourself!

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    I was looking for something minimal with a very basic face, so this was perfect. I agree the J.Crew Timex seems overpriced, and not exactly what I was looking for anyway. I like the Seiko 5; they're automatic, aren't they?

  • http://twitter.com/JB_Dub Jason Willson

    Never thought of looking at Target. I just took my Tissot, removed he leather strap, and put on an OD green strap. $25 is hard to beat though.

  • Lpwickerbottom

    Yup, the Seiko 5 is an automatic movement. I believe most Seiko 5′s cannot be manually wound by the crown though; i.e. you have to either wear it or just shake it for a few minutes to start it up. The price for a basic automatic movement is unbeatable though.

    I have this one which is military-inspired and also very minimalistic . You can find these pretty easily for around $75.
    http://media.photobucket.com/image/seiko%205%20military/a19als/SL270077.jpg

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    Are you partial to Seikos? My first “grown up” watch was a Seiko, in 7th grade, and I’ve always loved them as a quality watch for the price. I never looked much into their different lines but I’m really interested in the ones you’ve been showing me.

    The military-inspired ones look great! I’m glad you introduced them to me. Thanks!

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    I never thought of looking there either; and to be honest I went there not planning on walking out with it.

    I’ve had it for several weeks at this point and it’s turned into my daily watch. The others are jealous.

  • Dan

    Thanks to your recommendation here! Exactly the type of watch I was looking for – and excellent price. I accidentally bought the cheaper one on Target (which is pretty small and doesn’t list the day of the week) so I ordered the one you have pictured here.

  • Dan

    Thanks to your recommendation here! Exactly the type of watch I was looking for – and excellent price. I accidentally bought the cheaper one on Target (which is pretty small and doesn’t list the day of the week) so I ordered the one you have pictured here.

  • Dan

    Thanks to your recommendation here! Exactly the type of watch I was looking for – and excellent price. I accidentally bought the cheaper one on Target (which is pretty small and doesn’t list the day of the week) so I ordered the one you have pictured here.

  • http://twitter.com/essentialman_ld Lorenzo Diggins Jr.

    Great post!!! You saved me money…I was already contemplating buying the J.Crew Timex, but this is just as good, if not better considering me saving money!

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    Hey Dan,

    Sorry I missed this comment. I think I saw the model you were talking about (as well as a few others) at the store, if I’m not mistaken. In any case I hope you’re enjoying your new watch! I’ve had mine for over a month now, and it’s become my daily watch. Can’t really go wrong. :]

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    Hey Lorenzo,

    Sorry I missed your comment as well! J.Crew does a lot of things well and their military Timex is awesome (I particularly like the 24-hour markings) but for the price of the one I found at Target, you really can’t beat it. Hope you picked one up and are enjoying it!

  • Dan

    Actually, I ended up going with the first watch I bought and used the other one as a gift to my brother. But I did end up getting a new watch strap for it and it’s added to it immeasurably. This was actually the first real style tip I used in my new efforts!

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    Awesome. As long as you’re happy with the watch itself. I really love the watch bands, every time you switch it’s like having a new watch all together.

    Hope I can come up with other tips you may find useful.

  • Pingback: Three essentials every man must own… that he can find at Target

  • Kristian

    Hey does it come with other bands or do you have to buy them separately? Any recommendations on good straps?

    (back-reading your posts, haha)

  • http://effortlessgent.com Barron

    This one came with a basic brown leather strap. I switched that out and just use one of several J.Crew straps I have. I’m sure other people make them, but since I always see them at J.Crew I just pick them up there.

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