Walter Shillington writes about products he knows firsthand. His articles focus on healthcare, electronics, watches, and household items.

Review of the Citizen Eco-Drive Brycen Chronograph

Watch collectors strongly favor mechanical timepieces. If you ask us why, we lovingly describe the craftmanship required to accurately measure time using dozens of tiny mechanical gears, a rotor, and—to power it all—a tightly coiled spring.

But there is another reason. Every week I pull a new watch from my collection and strap it around my wrist. And there is nothing more disheartening than picking through a selection of great-looking timepieces, desperately hunting for one with a working battery.

Quartz watches, however, do sell very well. They are light, accurate, inexpensive, and often include cool features that cannot be incorporated into their mechanical brethren.

Today I am taking a close look at a quartz watch that, according to its manufacture, is designed to alleviate the need to replace its battery.

Description

The Citizen Brycen Chronograph is truly an international watch. It was designed in Japan, manufactured in China, and is powered by a capacitor fabricated in Indonesia.

This timepiece weighs in at 75 grams. It is 13.6 millimeters thick and has a circumference of 42 millimeters. This black-faced analog watch features two light gray subdials and a tiny window that displays the day of the month.

The main hands of this timepiece note the hour and minutes and record elapsed seconds when the chronograph is activated. The upper subdial records elapsed minutes. The bottom subdial keeps track of the passing seconds.

Eco-Drive watches collect natural and artificial light and then convert it to the electrical energy required to recharge the timepiece’s power cell.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Citizen
• Name: Brycen Chronograph
• Model: CA7027-08E
• Crystal type: Mineral
• Clasp type: Buckle
• Display type: Analog
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case diameter: 42 millimeters
• Case thickness: 13.6 millimeters
• Band: Black leather
• Band width: 21 millimeters
• Dial color: Black with light gray subdials
• Bezel material: Stainless steel
• Bezel function: Stationary; Tachymeter
• Features: Chronograph and day of month
• Movement: Citizen B642N Eco-Drive
• Power cell: Panasonic MT920
• Water resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)

The Manufacturer

This company is trademarked by Citizen Tokei Kabushiki Kaisha of Japan.

Visual Appeal

The Brycen Chronograph is an attractive, if somewhat understated, timepiece. The upper dial is black, with silver studs marking each hour, and includes two circular cut-outs and a small window.

A pair of subdials and a date wheel are mounted to the lower level of this sandwich-style dial. I assume that the remainder of the lower dial consists of tiny solar cells.

The case is composed of stainless steel and topped off by a rather bulbous crystal.

While I like the overall design of this watch, I feel that the effect would have been more striking if the subdials had been colored white rather than gray.

The Eco-Drive System

First introduced by Citizen in 1996, Eco-Drive watches took advantage of several technological advances that resulted in smaller power cells and longer operating times.

Solar cells are mounted beneath a translucent dial. The light captured is then converted to energy and used to power the movement and charge its battery.

According to Citizen, a fully charged power cell store can store enough energy to keep the watch running for six months.

The Movement

This timepiece is equipped with an Eco-Drive B642M movement powered by a Panasonic MT920 rechargeable capacitor.

Power Source

The Citizen Brycen Chronograph requires either natural or artificial light which is collected by a set of solar cells hidden beneath its dial. This light is converted into energy which is used to both power and charge the watch.

It is equipped with a replaceable Panasonic MT920 rechargeable capacitor. The MT920 is a manganese/lithium/titanium cell with a nominal voltage of 1.5v and a capacity of 5.0 mAh.

The Strap

A good quality black leather strap with a stainless-steel buckle nicely matches the case of this chronometer.

Features

The Citizen CA7027-08E features a chronometer and a day of the month function. It is water-resistant for up to 100 meters.

Overall Impression

This is a well-designed timepiece manufactured by a company with an enviable reputation for quality. It is accurate, includes a very effective chronometer, and is fitted with an Eco-Drive system that removes the need for battery replacement. The Citizen CA7027-08E is recommended.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2021 Walter Shillington

I have loved handbags for as long as I can remember. Let me help you pick out your dream bag!

Understated Luxury Handbags

Are you tired of gold or silver-toned logos and excessive branding of designer bags? Sometimes, a well-made subtle purse is all you need to define your personal style!

This list of the eight understated handbags will have you running towards the mall!

1. Celine Classic Box

Celine was a very refined brand before the departure of its creative director, Phoebe Philo. Phoebe is responsible for elevating the brand to its popularity today. With iconic pieces like the Classic Box, belts, luggage, women everywhere want to get their hands on at least one Celine product.

Out of their entire line, the Classic Box is definitely one of the most understated designer bags with a very simple yet classy design. The Box bag is structured with a little clasp in the front. And that's it! No other unnecessary designs or excessive branding. This is a truly understated designer handbag that you can wear forever!

2. Loewe Hammock

Loewe is a Spanish brand that is known for its understated leather handbags and accessories. The Loewe Hammock is inspired by an actual hammock!

J. W. Anderson is a talented designer who can make a hammock look like an understated luxurious handbag. This purse comes in three different sizes, medium, small, and mini. With a crossbody strap and handles, you can wear this handbag in several different ways. With lots of colors and color combinations to pick from, you will for sure find the perfect Hammock for your lifestyle and needs. But if you don't love this particular bag, you have other options at Loewe.

3. Louis Vuitton Alma in Epi Leather

Do you think of their iconic monogram when you think of Louis Vuitton?

The Alma in epi leather is a leather bag with a tiny embossed LV logo at the bottom. If you don't look carefully, you can't even find this logo. This understated yet classy bag is so perfect for both young and mature women. With the popularity of small bags in recent years, the Alma bb in epi leather is just the perfect arm candy!

4. A.P.C Grace

Do you love the Celine Classic Box but don't want to spend that kind of money? Well, the A.P.C. Grace bag is an excellent alternative.

This bag is simple and elegant, just like the Celine but at less than 1/4 of the price. With full leather and many different colors to pick from, the Grace is definitely a super understated classic that many women love.

Pick the biggest Grace for a roomy bag that allows you to carry the essentials and many more things. Go for the medium size for women that want to carry all their essentials comfortably. The smallest Grace bag only allows you to carry a small wallet and squeeze in your smartphone.

5. Chloe Marcie

Chloe is a relatively young brand in the world of luxury handbags. However, its designs are on par with established luxury brands.

There are many iconic styles from the house of Chloe. Actually, most bags from Chloe are very understated. With no visible logos that clearly identify Chloe to anyone, Chloe purses are known for their expert use of leather. The Chloe Marcie bag comes in several different sizes for all lifestyles and needs.

6. Marni Trunk

Do you like structured handbags? The Marni Trunk is a beautifully structured handbag that comes in two different sizes. The large size is more for every day because of its roomy interior. The small size is perfect for those who are either following the current fashion trend or don't have a lot of stuff.

Although not well known in the mainstream, this brand has a very loyal cult following. With no logos or any noticeable designer branding, only a true bag lover will recognize this bag.

7. J.W. Anderson Keyts Leather Cross Body

J. W. Anderson is a very talented young designer. He revived Loewe and designed several sought-after bags for the Spanish brand.

Aside from his well-loved designs at Loewe, Anderson created his own brand under his name. The Keyts leather bag is understated with full leather and a delicate metal key and chain as the opening clasp for the bag.

8. Polène Numéro Neuf

Polène is mainly known for their iconic little backpack. However, other styles from Polène are just as cute.

The Numéro Neuf is a handheld and crossbody style bag that is very versatile. Using supple leather, this purse looks very luxurious and expensive, even without any branding or logo. Best of all, the Polène brand's price point is very reasonable. Most of their purses are under 500 dollars.

Sylvia Sky, astrologer, Tarot reader, and gemstone enthusiast, is a widely published author of books and articles about spiritual matters.

The Handbag Universe

A just-right handbag feels like a gift from the heavens. When you find one that pleases you, life is grand!

There are so many choices at a huge range of price points that choosing a new bag can be overwhelming. Sun-sign astrology is about your personality, and ideally, your handbag must match your personality.

Aries: The Totally New Concept

“The bag from outer space,” with a uniquely sculpted shape, color, or graphic design, appeals to the Aries. It will likely be a trend-setting work of art. It might echo a classic shape, like the gym bag or bowling-ball bag, or, as above, the bangle. It will be crafted in a surprising way or with unheard-of materials.

Taurus: Only the Best, for Spiritual Reasons

Someone must be buying the handbags that cost thousands and are so envied by everyone on the planet that they are favorite targets of thieves.

Taurus will love and guard their Louis Vuitton/Gucci/Prada/Bottega Veneta/Chanel accessory. To ask a Taurus to surrender their valuables is like asking them to surrender their values!

Gemini

A handsome clutch purse, lightweight and streamlined, satisfies the Gemini who likes a pick-up-and-go purse, not one requiring hauling up from the floor or shrugging onto the shoulder.

One hand on the purse at all times is a silent, clever signal to those around Gemini not to ask her to do anything requiring two hands. Geminis will have wonderfully glittery silver, pearly, or iridescent evening bags for walking those red carpets.

Cancer: A Heart So Big They Love All Shapes and Textures

This gentle heart admires the soft-sided pillow bag, moon bag, or a pouch of maple-colored suede with long fringes, or the hand-beaded reticule, usually bought at a cute little shop.

Because Cancers wander, they might choose a sizeable tote made of quilted fabric, carpet fabric, or denim for everyday convenience. Their compassion is the reason for their preference for fabric or suede.

Leo: My Designer Bag and Rippling Mane

Buy the eel-skin or python handbag for your Leo Sun or Leo ascendant. Those whom the gods have gifted with a Leo Sun or Leo ascendant prefer to receive their (costly, exotic) handbags as tributes and presents from their mates or entourage.

Gold-tone only, please. The Leo’s purse must draw attention to itself and stun. Scuffed, stretched, or worn purses are not an old friend to Leo. They are chucked or given to charity.

Virgo: Better Bags When I'm With Better People

A Virgo purse is functional, earthy, and maybe washable. Young Virgo chooses a brand-name purse, but mature Virgo will avoid accessories with the manufacturer’s name or initials on them.

Liking accessories but owning few, Virgo usually directs their efforts elsewhere, where they really count, toward their health and welfare, job, community, and children. Virgo probably carries a separate nylon bag holding workout clothes or books, a water bottle, and a snack.

Libra: The Day I Wore Everything Because I Couldn't Decide

Much more than the purse itself, Libra cares about the money or credit cards in it or whom they're going to see. Of all zodiac signs, it's Libra who thinks least about having an impressive handbag.

Libra is the only real market for the high-priced wristlet or mini-bag, otherwise tending to choose mid-priced purses. Their favorites are sometimes several years old. In summer, Libra prefers a white purse.

Scorpio: Do Not Mess With My Handbag

Scorpio wants a deep, dark, thoroughly opaque, reasonably priced handbag that can hide what’s in it: Pop-Tarts (Scorpio thinks sweets are sinful and tends not to indulge in them publicly), energy bars, sex toys, cigarettes, purse-sized firearms, or makeup.

Like Virgos, Scorpios freak out if you touch or reach into their handbags; their purses are very private property. For this reason, Scorpio likes bags with extra security, such as bags that zip closed and then buckle or cross-body bags. Drawstring closure? Never! Their secret stuff might fall out!

Sagittarius: Grab and Go

A designer bag is nice if Sagittarius can get it at a discount. Sagittarians are the “grab and go” type. What they care about is the destination, not their luggage or the fashion police.

They could care less about owning elegant accessories, but they might shun leather bags or belts and choose vegan alternatives instead. They gravitate toward handmade, imported items because of their philosophy.

Capricorn: Pure Natural Authentic Everything

If you are a Sun Capricorn or Capricorn is prominent in your chart, your favored bag, or bags (often carrying more than one), must announce your presence and status, always and naturally high-class.

Capricorns please themselves first. There's elegance in knowing one's own name is enough. Topstitching -- too crude! Capricorn thinks Nature provides the finest clothes and accessories.

Aquarius: I Like It the Same, but Different

After giving up backpacks, the Aquarian trademark, the Aquarian will choose practical medium-sized leather totes. After finding a good one, it will be purchased in several, usually electric, colors.

Heavy or lumpy purses interfere with the Aquarian lightning-bolt lifestyle, so Aqua likes angular bags like Dooney & Burke's Lexington. Zipper closures are favored; fumbling with buckles is not Aqua. Very secretly, Aqua admires certain Balenciaga bags.

Pisces: Beauty Has No Boundaries

The “hobo-style” bag appeals to Pisces just because it’s called a “hobo-style” bag -- they are in no rush yet on the move. Or they choose “bucket”-style handbags because in this life anything can happen: Pisceans are magnets for souvenirs and mementos.

A flat-bottomed purse or packable to stand alone is favored because Pisces can then park it on the floors of jazz clubs, trolleys, places of worship, and yoga studios.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2021 Sylvia Sky

Walter Shillington writes about products he knows firsthand. His articles focus on healthcare, electronics, watches, and household items.

I do most of my shopping at Amazon and AliExpress. They provide good products and work hard to ensure their customers are fully satisfied.

Wish is another website that I sometimes visit. While not my favorite eCommerce site, Wish's vendors offer a variety of unique and interesting items. They even sell replica watches.

Most internet stores avoid selling replicas because these watches are produced without regard to copyright laws. The factories that manufacture them steal both the originating company's design and their branding information. These timepieces are of lower quality than the original and, when they fail, the company whose name is featured on the watch is the one whose reputation suffers.

Replica watches, however, are popular. Because of this, I sometimes tear one apart to determine its strengths and weaknesses. Today I am taking a close look at a replica of the Seagull 1963 Airforce Watch.

History

In 1961 the Tianjin Watch Factory was assigned to manufacture the first Chinese aviation watch for the People's Liberation Army's Air Force. Two years later, the factory completed and delivered 1400 of these timepieces.

The Seagull ST1901 mechanical movement was utilized to power these chronographs.

Lately, the Tianjin Watch Factory has begun to manufacture an official remake of this watch. It is equipped with the same hand-wound movement that powered the original.

However, the replica described below is not the official authorized version, was not manufactured by the Tianjin Watch Factory, and does not include a Seagull movement.

Description

This replica, which arrived packed within an attractive cardboard box, weighs in at two ounces. Its case spans 40 millimeters and is 14 millimeters thick. This timepiece is matched with a black PU leather strap.

A Sunon PE60 quartz chronograph movement is encased within what appears to be a stainless-steel case. An acrylic crystal hovers above.

The watch face is white colored with gold markings and a pair of subdials. The hour, minute, and chronograph second indicators are attached to the timepiece's center wheel and pinion. The left subdial is used in conjunction with the chronograph's 60-minute timer. Unfortunately, the right subdial—the movement's 24-hour clock—is mislabeled as a thirty-minute timer.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Unknown
• Brand: Replica of Seagull 1963 Airforce Watch
• Condition: New
• Place of origin: China
• Gender: Male
• Display: Analog
• Movement: Sunon PE60 quartz chronograph
• Style: Retro
• Features: Chronograph
• Functions: Time of day, timer, 24-hour clock
• Band material: PU leather
• Band width: 20-millimeter
• Dial color: White
• Dial window material: Acrylic
• Case material: Stainless-steel
• Case diameter: 40-millimeter
• Case thickness: 14-millimeter
• Weight: 59 grams (2 ounces)
• Water resistance: 3Bar

Visual Appeal

The original timepiece was quite handsome, and this reproduction proved to be a reasonably faithful copy. The combination of a white face with gold numbering and a pair of subdials provides a clean and functional appearance. I also appreciated the use of blued hands offset by the red chronograph second-hand timer.

This watch is enclosed within a well-designed case and equipped with a black PU leather strap that matches well.

The Case

The case appears to be composed of stainless steel and is equipped with a metal crown and two metal pushbuttons. The caseback is of the screw-on variety and is relatively easy to remove.

The Crystal

This timepiece is fitted with an acrylic crystal. This type of cover can be easily scratched, but I won't complain because the original Seagull 1963 chronograph also featured an acrylic crystal.

The Movement

In an effort to build this watch as inexpensively as possible, the manufacturer substituted the Seagull ST1901 mechanical movement with a Sunon PE60 quartz chronograph movement. A G6A LR921 button battery provides power to this mechanism.

Sunon appears to have acquired a decent reputation as a manufacturer of low-cost quartz movements. Please note, however, that the gears of this movement are composed of plastic. This suggests a lifespan of approximately one year.

The Sunon PE60 can present a visual indication of hours, minutes, and seconds and provide both a 60-second and a 60-minute timer. There are also provisions to accommodate a 24-hour clock and a day-of-the-month indication.

The Strap

My timepiece is fitted with a black PU leather band of decent quality. A NATO-style strap is also available.

Operation

To set the time, pull out the crown and turn it until the hour and minute hands have reached their proper positions.

When the upper pushbutton is pressed, the chronograph begins to count. It will stop when the button is pushed again.

The chronograph hands return to their original position when the bottom pushbutton is depressed.

Chronograph Adjustments

If the chronograph's second counter is not centered correctly at the start position, pull out the crown. Then depress the top pushbutton and hold. This will cause the second counter's hand to turn. When it reaches the twelve o'clock position, remove your finger from the button.

If the chronograph's minute counter is not correctly centered at the start position, pull out the crown. Then depress the bottom pushbutton and hold. This will cause the minute counter's hand to turn. When it reaches the top center position, remove your finger from the button.

The Design

The designers of this replica worked hard to provide a faithful visual copy of the original timepiece while keeping costs to a minimum. This resulted in selecting a quartz movement with outputs that differ from those provided by the Seagull ST1901 movement.

The outputs associated with the second hand and day-of-the-week are not used. The left subdial is utilized as a 60-minute counter instead of a second hand.

The right subdial is used as a 24-hour clock rather than a thirty-minute timer. Because this subdial's indications are numbered from 0-30, it provides a measurement of thirty hours with a length of 48 minutes each. This feature would be helpful to the man who is always complaining that there are not enough hours in the day to get his work done.

Overall Impression

While it was a lot of fun to test this replica, I certainly cannot recommend it. This timepiece is overpriced, features an inaccurately marked 24-hour clock, and lacks a second hand.

If you like the style, I suggest you go to Amazon or AliExpress and check out the official Seagull 1963 Chronograph. This timepiece is reasonably priced, well constructed, and is fitted with an accurate and reliable mechanical movement.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2021 Walter Shillington

Buying your first luxury designer bag? Looking for something timeless, classic, and chic?

Well, most people understand that buying a designer luxury bag is not for the faint of heart. Oftentimes these bags run upwards of thousands of dollars. In extreme cases, some bags are worth over six figures. For example, a Himalayan Crocodile Birkin from Hermès could cost well over a quarter-million dollars.

Let's just say that most of us aren't looking for a Birkin, nevertheless a Himalayan Birkin, for our first luxury designer bag. So, what should you look for when you're buying your first luxury designer bag? Well, you'll want a good "investment piece."

What Is an Investment Piece?

You're probably wondering what I mean by "investment piece." An "investment piece" is something that you can continue to use five or ten or even twenty years down the line. Hence, the word "investment." You'll want something that will survive the trends and won't become outdated when the new fashion season rolls around. You might even want to pass down your bag as a family heirloom. And since luxury designer bags are so expensive, you'll want your first luxury designer bag to be something versatile that you can use for all occasions, whether you're going to a casual lunch date or a classy dinner.

But how do you know if a bag is a good "investment piece." You can look at how long the bag has been around. For example, the Chanel Classic Flap bag has been around for ages. It was popular twenty years ago, and it is likely to be popular twenty years later. The Hermès Kelly bag (made famous by the late actress Grace Kelly) has been around since the 1930s and is still highly sought after in this day and age.

Just a little disclaimer here. If you have your eyes set on a specific luxury designer bag, by no means am I telling you not to buy that bag. When you have the money to buy a luxury designer bag, you should buy whatever makes you happy. I wrote this article to hopefully help out those who are taking their first steps into the luxury designer fashion world.

10 Beginner Designer Bags

1. The Classic Flap Bag by Chanel
2. The Alma by Louis Vuitton
3. The Lady Dior by Dior
4. The Antigona by Givenchy
5. The Jackie by Gucci
6. The Loulou by Yves Saint Laurent (YSL)
7. The Gabrielle by Moynat
8. The Cleo by Prada
9. The Réjane by Moynat
10. The Triomphe by Celine

1. The Classic Flap Bag by Chanel

There's a saying that every girl should have a Chanel bag. As mentioned earlier, the Chanel Classic Flap bag has been around for ages. This bag is great for a casual outing, but it is also suitable for an elegant affair such as a wedding. This bag comes in many different colors, but the bag is beautiful in black. While the prices for new Chanel bags keep skyrocketing through the roof every year (thanks to their numerous price increases), you can always find a preloved bag online.

2. The Alma by Louis Vuitton

You've probably seen Louis Vuitton bags with the classic monogram print every time you walk down the street. While the Louis Vuitton Alma bag looks great in the monogram print, you might want to consider the Alma in Damier Ebene if you want something more subtle and elegant. This bag comes in four different sizes (BB, PM, MM, and GM). Perhaps for your first bag, you might want to consider the smaller BB or PM size because small bags tend to be more versatile. Larger bags tend to be difficult to wear for formal occasions. And don't be fooled by the BB's small size. The bag can actually hold quite a bit.

3. The Lady Dior by Dior

The Lady Dior was made famous when Princess Diana carried the bag. France's First Lady, Bernadette Chirac, gifted the bag to Princess Diana when she visited the Cézanne exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris. This bag comes in many different colors, styles, and prints. Some of the styles and prints might be a little too trendy for your first designer bag. When buying this bag, you might want to consider sticking to solid neutral colors. It'll be easier to accessorize with your outfits. This bag is rather pricey, and you'll probably be better off getting one preloved.

4. The Antigona by Givenchy

This bag is the ultimate boss bag in black leather. This bag is named after a heroine in Greek mythology, and its design reflects Givenchy’s duality in its strong, architectural shape and contrasting soft leather finish. It is a great bag for working ladies or ladies who are always on the go. The bag is made of very durable leather, and it is scratch-resistant. However, this bag might not be the best bag for a formal evening.

5. The Jackie by Gucci

This bag was first designed in 1958 and initially named the G 1907. It wasn't until1961 when this bag was renamed after being frequently spotted on Jacqueline Onassis, wife of the late John F. Kennedy. This bag has appeared intermittently throughout Gucci's collections, and it was recently revived in 2019 when it was seen in Alessandro Michele’s Chateau Marmont collection. The new Jackie bag comes in the classic GG supreme print and solid colors such as black, red, white, pink, and blue. The strap comes with an additional leather piece, so it is easy to transition from a shoulder bag to a crossbody bag.

6. The Loulou by Yves Saint Laurent (YSL)

The puffer-style look of the bag might not be for everyone, but this bag can easily transition from day to night. This bag can also easily elevate a casual outfit. Although the Loulou is not as classic or timeless as the other bags in this list, its chicness makes it a bag that could be seen years from now. This bag comes in small, medium, and large. The small is more versatile than the other sizes, but the large is great for a workbag.

7. The Gabrielle by Moynat

Moynat is rather unknown compared to the other fashion houses on this list. However, Moynat has been around longer than Louis Vuitton and is known for its impeccable leather craftsmanship. Some have said that Moynat is on the same level as Hermès. Not surprising since Moynat's former creative director Ramesh Nair is from Hermès. Moynat's Gabrielle (named after the French actress Gabrielle Réjane) is a sophisticated and elegant bag. This is a great bag to take to a cafe or a fancy dinner. The bag comes in three sizes, BB, PM, and MM. It also comes in many different colors, and the hardware comes in either palladium or gold. For your first bag, I would recommend a black bag (either in the BB or PM size) with gold hardware. You can't go wrong with that combination.

8. The Cleo by Prada

The Cleo is a newer bag, but it takes inspiration from a popular Prada shape from the 1990s. This bag is sleek, chic, and elegant. Its smooth leather finish looks so luxurious. In addition to black, the Cleo comes in several different colors, including white, silver, aqua, cornflower blue, desert beige, and alabaster pink. A Cleo in black, white, and desert beige will be easy to accessorize with any outfit. However, the Cleo in cornflower blue or alabaster pink is great if you want color.

9. The Réjane by Moynat

Another recommended Moynat bag to consider for your first luxury designer bag is the Réjane. This bag was first created in 1903 for the French actress it was named after, Gabrielle Réjane. Each bag is made by one artisan and takes twenty hours to complete the bag. The bag regularly comes in black or taupe with either palladium or gold hardware. Additionally, the bag comes in many different seasonal colors, but the quantity of those bags is limited. You can find the bag in nano, BB, PM, or MM sizes. It also comes with a shoulder strap so you can keep your hands free. I would recommend either the BB or PM sizes since the nano might be too small.

10. The Triomphe by Celine

The Celine Triomphe is a relaxed and carefree bag for those who want an elegant bag that goes great with a pair of jeans or a sundress. The hardware logo is subtle in a way that doesn't scream, "designer." The shiny calfskin of the bag will develop a nice patina, and the leather will age beautifully as the years go by. The tan bag is great if you want to go for a more casual and relaxed look. The bag also comes in black if you want something a bit edgier.

Luxury Lasts a Lifetime

These are just a few bags to consider when buying your first luxury designer bag. Ultimately, you can disregard everything written here. The important thing is that you buy something that you will love forever. Luxury designer bags are too expensive to love only for a few months before tossing them in your closet. Your first luxury designer bag will be with you hopefully for the long haul.

I am a long time freelance writer and poet. I enjoy sharing my advice with the public.

Patek Philippe Watches

Patek Philippe is a luxury watch company founded in 1839. The watch company is considered to be one of the most renowned watch manufacturers in the world.

The Swiss company is known for groundbreaking, unique and rare watches. These timepieces include the Grandmaster Chime 6300A010 which holds the record for the most expensive timepiece in the world and the Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication which is the world's most expensive pocket watch.

The manufacturer has over ninety-eight patents in watch innovation and has invented over nineteen basic models.

The History of Patek Philippe

The history of the manufacturer is quite prolific. In 1845, the company received a patent for a keyless winding and hand-setting mechanism. The manufacturer also created the world's first Swiss wristwatch. By 1881, the company patented the precision regulator and, in 1902, the double chronograph.

Patek Philippe created the world's first split-second wristwatch in 1923. By 1949, the manufacturer had created the Gyromax balance and their 1986 invention of the secular perpetual calendar with retrograde date indication, which the company also patented.

The manufacturer also holds the record for the most expensive timepiece ever sold in the Asian market, the Star Calibre 2000. The timepiece features more than nineteen complications which include Westminster chimes, minute repeating, and lunar orbit.

Over the many decades, other high valued collections have been made. The company continues to be one of the most regarded and outstanding watchmakers in the world.

The World Time Collection

The world time collection was created in 1939. One of the collection's earliest models is its Ref. 1415. The timepiece features more than twenty-three world time zones. The collection also has more than five timepieces that are ranked among the most expensive in the world.

Nautilus Collection

This particular collection was introduced in 1976. The collection is made up of the most finely crafted steel sports watches in modern-day history. It is one of the most popular collections from the manufacturer. The most highly regarded models include the Ref. 5711 and 5712. Many watch collectors love this great and unique collection of handmade watches.

Patek and Phillippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Collection

The collection is quite alluring and exclusive. It is also among the most celebrated and groundbreaking watch collections ever. The timepieces were originally introduced in 1941. In 2016, Ref. 1518 became the most expensive wristwatch in the world.

The second edition wristwatch Ref 2499 is considered to be one of the most prolific timepieces ever created. A little over two hundred and ninety-nine plus pieces were created from the 1950s until the mid-1980s. It is why the watch collection is so highly valued.

Sky Moon Tourbillon Collection

The Sky Moon Tourbillon collection came about in 2001. The collection features amazing dials and more than eleven complications, including the tourbillon, sky chart, and moon phase. The crafting of some of the timepieces is one for the record books. The watches took over ninety hours to be made. It is why so many watch collectors love the timepieces so much.

Patek and Phillippe Calibre 89

The manufacturer is best known for its most difficult mechanical watch, the Caliber 89, which held the record for the most complicated mechanical watch in 1989. It has more than thirty complications which include the equation of time and a leap year application. It is so rare. The company made only three such watches. It is one of the most expensive watches on earth, with a price tag of five million U.S dollars.

Conclusion

What is your favorite collection from the amazing watchmaker? Have you heard of the company before? Do you own any of the luxury timepieces? Let me know in the comment section below. I look forward to hearing from you.

Comments

Mark Tulin from Palm Springs, California on July 01, 2021:

Great description of an amazing product.

Iris bought her wedding rings on Amazon. They outlasted the marriage. She regrets her choice of husband but not the rings!

Amazon Wedding Rings

One out of six women are disappointed with their engagement ring. 36% of them say they would much rather have picked the ring themselves. The commonest reasons for disappointment are usually the diamond being too small and the ring’s design not being to their tastes (despite detailed instructions!).

If you’re planning to propose soon, there’s no doubt you want things to go well, and for it to be a beautiful memory for both yourself and your partner. So, protect yourself against this risk by buying your wedding ring online.

Pros of Buying Online

• Thousands of different styles – Buying online has a whole bunch of advantages. For instance, on Amazon, you can choose between thousands of different styles and view buyer guides and reviews, so you can get a better idea of what your special lady will like. And if she’s around, you can look together! It’s something she’ll wear for the rest of her life, so you should make sure it’s to her tastes.

• The difference in cost – Another major factor – the biggest, in my opinion – is the difference in cost. Did you know that the average American spends $6,351 on a wedding ring? The amount is staggering, but what’s more surprising is the fact that the same ring can cost up to 50% less if bought online. When choosing a lesser-known brand, the discount for a ring of the same quality can be even steeper, like an insane 97% savings on what you pay. Jewelry stores – especially established ones – are notorious for marking up their prices. It’s not uncommon for them to have a 300% mark-up on popular rings. Furthermore, the average ring on Amazon costs way less because of higher competition and transparency.
• Super convenient – Buying online is also super convenient. No need to get dressed and go to a store where the employees will try to push you into buying something then and there. If you’re looking with your partner, it’s better still! You won’t need to find a time that suits both of you and then find the energy to actually go out. Lie in bed and have some snacks while browsing through the designs.
• No outside opinions – One other factor is that online, your decision will be completely your own. In a store, employees have their commission and monthly goal to consider. There have been times when I’ve been desperately asked to make a purchase, with the employee stating outright that she’s short of her monthly goal. You’ll never encounter that sort of pressure (or veiled emotional blackmail) online – especially on sites like Amazon.

Cons of Buying Online

Of course, buying a wedding ring online has its downsides as well. Here are some of the most prominent ones:

• Sizing problems – While most of us know our t-shirt and shoe size, ring size is a wholly different matter. While buying online, this is one issue that might arise – although some websites send out free ring sizers (they look like a mix between a miniature measuring tape and a zip-tie) and others, such as Amazon, often have helpful sizing charts online. And like Joe, you can always go to a store to get measured. Some others buy a couple of different sizes and return the ones that don’t fit.
• Sketchy websites – Amazon is a pretty safe bet while buying anything online – especially if the product is Amazon fulfilled. However, if you want to go with another website, such as an online jewelry store, do the necessary research and make sure the site is safe. Even with the price differential, wedding rings are still an expensive purchase! Try to only buy rings that come with an authenticity certificate.
• How it’ll look on your hand – Some people need to try out clothes and accessories and see how they look on them, before they can make a decision. Unfortunately, that will be a problem online. It can be done with a bit of creativity, or you can always return a ring if you decide it doesn’t look that great on your hand, but it will make online shopping a slow, inconvenient process.
• Missing out on discounts – Prices fluctuate a whole lot online, so it might happen that a few days after you place your order, the price of the item you ordered drops by a couple of percents. Or you might find a coupon that you could’ve used, had you known about it. To prevent this from happening, you can use a price tracker such as CamelCamelCamel, and/or coupon finders such as Honey.

Reviews of Amazon Wedding Rings

Let’s hear the opinions of some people who bought their wedding (or engagement) ring online.

Review #1

Andrew Emerson Ryan, 25-year-old CNA from Spokane, WA says: “I bought my wife's engagement ring online for about $680. I really enjoyed the experience, because I was able to customize the ring so it suited my wife and made her happy, all without breaking the bank. I feel like if I’d gone to a store I would’ve been shown a lot of options I did not want to choose, and ultimately I might’ve been unsatisfied with the ring I ended up picking.

“I was able to customize the ring to my own specifications that I knew my wife would like. I went with a ring that had exclusively colored stones in it. I chose aquamarine accents because my wife likes blue and green. The center stone was a mint Swarovski zirconia, and I decided on 14k yellow gold for the whole setting.”

Would he recommend buying a wedding ring online? “Yeah,” he responded. “Buying online allows you to customize exactly how you want, without looking at any options you don't want to or feeling pressured to make choices that don't seem ideal.”

Review #2

Joe, a 29-year-old businessman from Kearney NE says: “The ring I bought costs $159.20, though I happened to catch them doing a sale so I got a decent discount on it. The ring is Titanium, with a carbon-fiber interior that glows once it absorbs UV light. They also had copper, gold, silver, stainless steel, and some non-metallic options. My fiancée (and soon-to-be-wife) said she loves it.”

When asked about his experience buying a wedding ring online, he said: “I had an excellent experience. The hardest part was getting both of us sized – for which we had to go to a jeweler. Other than that, it was great. It arrived promptly. No-fuss, no issues needing returns, just a quality product that’s served me well over the past year.”

Now that you’ve saved yourself some time and effort, in addition to a considerable sum of money, you can buy something useful with it! Treat yourself, take your partner out on a date, or spend the extra money on a fantastic proposal. After all, even if she knows what the ring will look like, she has no way of knowing what else you’ve got in store for the special day!

Robin is a writer and researcher for Global Serendipity, an online shop that features one-of-a-kind jewelry from around the world.

What is 925 Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is made with 92.5% pure silver and is considered to be a precious metal. Silver plating is made with 0.15 to 0.2 mils of sterling silver over a base metal, often brass or copper. Unlike silver plating, 925 silver will never flake. Properly cared for, it will last for generations.

So, how do you keep your new 925 silver jewelry looking splendid for many years? It's as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Keep It Dry

The fastest way to tarnish your jewelry is by exposing it to moisture and liquids, including showers, hot tubs, cleaning products, high humidity, sweat, lotions, makeup, hairspray, and perfume.

Instead of memorizing all these items, just get in the habit of donning your jewelry last, after you've gotten ready. And, when heading out to the gym, for a run, or a walk in the rain, leave your gold jewelry at home or in a secured locker.

2. Store It Correctly

I personally think it's a drag laying my head on the pillow and realizing that I still have my earrings on. So, besides my regular jewelry case, I keep a little box with a lid on my nightstand, so I can just roll over and place my earrings (or other jewelry) in it. During those hard-won 8 hours, the oils and heat your body produces can tarnish jewelry that is touching your skin.

But, in general, the absolute best way to store your jewelry is in individually sealed bags (like Ziploc) to prevent scratches by other jewelry, and putting them in a cool place (box, drawer, case whatever) but not the fridge, which might produce too much humidity.

3. Clean It Carefully

Only clean jewelry when it is visibly dirty or tarnished. Just wipe it gently with a jewelers or microfiber cloth. If it needs more attention than that, put a drop of a gentle dishwashing liquid in a cup of warm water. Carefully swish the jewelry around for a minute or less, then wipe it with the cloths mentioned above.

Never, ever wipe jewelry with paper products as they will cause fine scratches. Sidepoint: You'll probably run across some articles that recommend using a toothbrush and baking soda to clean jewelry - utter disaster! Baking soda (besides in cooking) is used to abrasively clean things.

© 2021 Robin Young

Andrea has been an online writer for 8+ years. She mostly writes about dating, couples, weddings, travel, interior design, and gardening.

Finding the Perfect Engagement Ring

Easily one of my favorite parts of getting engaged and wedding planning was picking out the rings. I highly recommend going to a ring store together with your partner and picking out the rings you like before the proposal.

It can be exciting to pick out a ring for your partner by yourself, but there is the risk that they might not like the ring you picked out for them and they might not tell you! (Because they love you.)

You can make this experience fun. If you have been talking about getting engaged, your future, and have been dating for awhile, you could surprise your partner with a trip to a ring shop to do some browsing. This is the way my boyfriend and I handled this relationship milestone.

First, let's talk about money.

• Save up your money, so you know you can get them the rock of their dreams. Rings are expensive. Most places will let you buy rings in installments.
• How much money should you save? There are a ton of variables to that, but I would save $1,500-3,000. Any money not used can go into a fund for the wedding or a house down the road. It's not going to hurt you to save money, that's my point.
• The average cost of an engagement ring is $5,500. This is fairly high; keep in mind some rich people spend as much on a ring as others do on sending their children to college.
• You can find a ring for $1,000 or less. You'll have less options.
• There are other things you can do in place of rings, like ring tattoos.
• The general rule of thumb for a ring is two months of salary. If you make $1,000 a month, you want to save $2,000 for a ring. (Again, whatever you don't spend, you can save it for other big ticket items down the road.)
• Your ring consultant will ask you what is your budget. The consultant should stick to that range.
• Ring stores do have discounts and sales, so keep an eye out for those. 10% off an engagement ring can be a decent chunk of change. There are generally Christmas and Valentine's Day sales.

Before You Go Shopping

If you get an early heads up that you're going to do ring shopping, I recommend getting a manicure or trimming your nails.

Your hands will be under lights that will make everything about them pop. I recommend clear fingernail polish and not color as it could make things distracting. You may want to try looking at colorful gems, and your nail polish may make you question what you want.

Also, exfoliate your hands and put lotion on them. You don't want your hands looking dry like an alligator.

Don't wear other rings with you while shopping. You may compare your ring to that one or you may find your old ring kind of ugly under all the professional lights. Also, avoid bracelets and watches.

The ring shop will have tools to measure your ring finger and help you get the correct size. You want a ring that has a little bit of room to it. You shouldn't struggle to get it past your knuckle. You don't want it tight, especially if you're a woman and plan to have children. Weight gain is a likelihood throughout a marriage.

Turn Ring Shopping/Browsing Into a Date

Looking at rings is a romantic experience. It's fun to think about how someone might propose to you. Ring shopping makes for a perfect date night. Look at rings, maybe buy one, and go out to eat at a nice restaurant. It's time to talk about your future and dream big.

You should celebrate that your relationship is progressing and that you're both happy with each other. If you like champagne, get champagne. If you like steak, get steak.

Also, planning a date as a surprise for ring shopping should come off romantic and charming.

• You should tell your partner you're going out for a nice date at a restaurant and to wear one of their favorite outfits, but nothing too flashy. It's a lot easier when you're trying on rings to see how it looks on you when you wear something that shows off your personality. (This isn't the time for sweatpants, hoodies, and crocs.)
• Before going ring shopping, you might want to try getting your partner to think about rings. Some stores have online quizzes that help people to identify what they want in a ring. You might try getting them to take those quizzes, or ask them questions about their ideal ring. A smart partner should immediately know where this is going.
• When shopping for a ring, don't call anything ugly or gross looking. Try to be respectful of the store. Give gentle nudges in the right direction, because it's not unheard of to try on 60 different bands. You want your partner to be in control of picking their ring. It's a big decision. If all goes well, your partner will wear the ring for the rest of her life!

A Quick Guide on Ring Styles, Metals, and Gems

Ring shopping can take a long time. Expect to take an hour or more looking at different bands and gems. Your ring consultant will try to help you find the right style. If you have any questions, go ahead and ask because they are the expert.

I want to help you navigate through this process with ease. It's definitely an exciting time in your life. Below I have listed some of the more common styles for ring bands and gems.

Popular Ring Band Styles

• Solitaire: one stone in the design. Simple and elegant.
• Cluster: several smaller stones to create the same effect as a larger diamond. Can also be called illusion rings. These are generally cheaper than the solitaire.
• Pavé: gems or tiny diamonds embedded into the band of the ring.
• Cathedral: the metal of the shank and shoulders curve up to support the main gem. The arches resemble the structure of a Cathedral.
• Halo: a row of smaller pave-set diamonds creates a border for the central stone.
• Oval halo: the diamonds look bigger, but things don't look overdone.
• Bezel engagement ring: the gem is set in place with a metal border instead of raised on prongs. There is less risk of the stone getting scratched or falling out.
• Trilogy: band for three stones which represent the past, present, and future. Personally, I think a trilogy ring works better for an anniversary gift decades into a marriage.
• Double diamond style: represents both you and your partner.
• Eternity band engagement ring: formed with an unbroken chain of diamonds.
• Flush setting ring: the diamond is set in the band, so its surface doesn't protrude out.
• Tension setting engagement ring: pressure holds the stone between two halves of the shank. It appears to be suspended. It is only suitable for tough stones like diamonds, sapphires, rubies, etc.
• Baroque engagement ring: jewelry known for being elaborate, artistic, and decorative. Think ornate and opulent.
• Swirl engagement ring: a beautiful, unique design. It creates a fluid effect. The metal seems to swirl around the jewel. Some see the ring as two pieces coming together to make one whole: it represents you and your partner.
• Bombe engagement ring: curved shape with a dome. Uses a large amount of metal.
• Ballerina engagement rings: inspired by the shape of dancers' tutus.
• Etched engagement ring: designs like swirls, ropes, leaves, flowers, and the like. These look romantic, charming, spring like, and creative.
• Serpentine rings: think snake like with tiny diamonds all over it.
• Geometric engagement ring: think square or triangular. These make a bold statement.
• Minimalist engagement ring: just a simple gold or silver band. Common for rings for men.

Ring Materials

• Platinum was popular until the 20th century. It was taken off the market for military use in wars. Platinum has resurfaced as a top choice in the past few years. Fun fact: most British Crown jewels are made of platinum.
• Gold has always been desired for engagement jewelry. Most people will likely pick from gold yellow, white gold, or rose gold for their band. It's best to try on different bands to see what works with your skin tone.
• Sterling silver is one of the more affordable metals. Sterling silver is a mix of silver and copper or other metal to make it durable. It can get scratched and marked easily.
• Cobalt is a natural white alloy. It was created for medical and space items. It is about four times harder than platinum. It is exceptionally durable.
• Stainless steel, it's not just for your kitchen but also your finger. It is strong, durable, and affordable. It also looks modern.
• Titanium is lightweight. For people not used to wearing jewelry it can be refreshing compared to silver or gold.
• Tungsten is four times harder than titanium. Tungsten has a hard-looking shine. It is hypoallergenic. Little maintenance is required for the band. It cannot be resized.
• Wood is also a popular option, especially for men looking for something more earthy or rustic. Wood bands typically don't cost as much as metal.

Gem Shapes

Gems come in a variety of shapes. You don't necessarily have to get a diamond for your main gem. A colorful sapphire or ruby can look exquisite in a ring. Color makes a ring pop.

• Asscher / Square Emerald cut: it's a hybrid of a princess and an emerald cut. It has cropped corners along its four sides. It has levels, essentially.
• Baguette: long and rectangular, and reminiscent of the famous French bread. It was popular during the Art Deco and Art Nouveau movements.
• Briolette: a pear or a drop shaped stone. It is the most difficult shape to cut. The shape is popular for chandeliers.
• Buff-top: combines elements of the classic cuts and cabochon. The top is domed like a cabochon; the bottom has facets. It is popular in men's jewelry.
• Cabochon: a polished gemstone without any facets. It has a flat bottom and a rounded top. It is generally oval shaped. The style was popular in ancient Greece and Rome. It surged in popularity in the 13th and 14th centuries.
• Cushion: a basic square shape with rounded corners. It may also be referred to as the pillow cut.
• Emerald: shaped like a rectangle from the top with trimmed corners. It has fewer facets than round or square cuts. The gem's emphasis is on the clarity and color.
• Heart: it's exactly what you'd expect, a heart shaped gem. Symmetry plays a big role in this stone. It is popular for earrings, pendants, and gemstones. It is rarely used for engagement rings.
• Marquise: also called Navette Cut. It was cut to reflect the most light. It is football shaped. It was commissioned by King Louis XIV of France to present to Marquise de Pompadour. He wanted it to resemble her smile. It is flattering and makes the finger look longer and slimmer.
• Octagon: the stone is crafted with rows of wide, flat, concentric facets that resemble steps.
• Oval: an elliptical shape viewed from the top. It was invented by Lazare Kaplan in the late 1950s. It is a hybrid of the marquise and round. One famous oval cut engagement ring is the 12 carat sapphire ring Kate Middleton received from Prince William, which belonged to his mother Princess Diana.
• Pear: it is also considered a teardrop. It is a hybrid between the oval and marquise. Most women wear the gem pointing toward their fingernail.
• Princess: square in shape. It is the second most popular cut behind the Round Brilliant. It was created in 1979. The square cut retains 80% of the rough gemstone.
• Radiant: a combination of the princes and cushion cut. It has straight lines instead of curves.
• Round: also called "Round Brilliant", "American Ideal" or "American Standard". It is the best at capturing a stone's brilliance and sparkle. It was originally developed exclusively for diamonds, but it is now widely used for other gems.
• Trillion / Trilliant: triangular in shape. It will show more dust and dirt because of its shape. It minimizes waste of the rough gemstone during the cutting process. This shape is for someone who is edgy and unique.

© 2021 Andrea Lawrence

Walter Shillington writes about products he knows firsthand. His articles focus on healthcare, electronics, watches, and household items.

I've always wanted to own a super-luxury watch. Unfortunately, I'm of meager means and, even if I were to mortgage my house, the Patek Phillippe that I so dearly love is far beyond my reach. While some luxury brands do have models within my price range, they are hardly inspiring.

But the search continues. Of the thousands of differently styled timepieces out there, surely there is one that would qualify as a working man's luxury watch.

Today's contender is the Sugess Men's Mechanical Chronograph. It's an attractive timepiece powered by a reliable Seagull ST1901 movement. Can this Chinese windup take on the giants from Switzerland? Read on and find out.

Description

The Sugess chronograph weighs in at 70 grams. It is 12 millimeters thick with a diameter of 40 millimeters.

This model features two black subdials set into a dark-rimmed white face. One of these subdials functions as the second hand. The other, along with the hand utilized in most watches to count seconds, measures elapsed time.

A pair of pushbuttons flank the watch's crown. A quick jab at the top button will either start or stop the timer. The chronograph is reset when the bottom button is depressed.

The watch's synthetic sapphire crystal hovers over the dial, which, along with the watch's Seagull ST1901 movement, is enclosed within a shiny stainless-steel case.

This timepiece comes fitted with a black leather strap.

Specifications

• Brand name: Sugess
• Model: ST1901 Chronograph
• Movement: 21 Jewel Seagull ST1901
• Frequency: 21600Hz
• Movement type: Hand-wound
• Power Reserve: 40 hours
• Complication: Chronograph
• Subdials: Second hand and 30-minute timer
• Crystal: Synthetic sapphire
• Case: 316L stainless steel
• Strap: Black leather with quick release
• Strap width: 20mm
• Buckle: Pin buckle
• Water-resistant: 5ATM (50 Meters)

The Manufacturer

Sugess is trademarked by Shenzhenshi Sugess timepiece development company.

The Tianjin Seagull Watch Group manufactures the movement. This watchmaking company is based in Tianjin, China. Founded in 1955, Seagull is the world's largest manufacturer of mechanical watch movements.

Tianjin Seagull has recently gained substantial expertise in the manufacture of advanced tourbillons, including a multi-axial orbital tourbillon movement.

Packaging

Presentation is the first of six key criteria commonly used to differentiate a super-luxury watch from a typical timepiece.

This watch arrived securely packed within a well-designed cardboard box. While the packaging was nice and included a user's guide, a screwdriver, and a cleaning cloth, luxury watches are always shipped within a wooden presentation case. The Sugess Chronograph earns only six of ten possible points.

Visual Appeal

I like the face of this watch. The two black subdials contrast nicely against a white background.

The strap is lovely, but if Sugess provides a luxury watchband with an alligator skin pattern, it better be composed of genuine alligator hide. I'm deducting one point.

This Seagull ST1901 is one of the most beautiful movements I've ever come across.

I am awarding this timepiece nine points for visual appeal.

Accuracy

Each day my Sugess Chronograph gains eight seconds. While this accuracy level would generally be considered excellent, a super-luxury watch should neither lose nor gain more than five seconds per day. I deducted one point.

However, this timepiece's movement is equipped with a gooseneck mechanism that allows the user to precisely adjust the timing. This enhancement earns Sugess a bonus point.

The total score in this category is ten out of ten.

Complication

A luxury-super watch must be able to perform at least one additional function beyond simply keeping track of the time. Sugess provided an easy-to-use and very effective chronograph. This, by the way, is a feature I have never seen included within a mechanical watch that costs less than five hundred dollars. The Sugess watch has easily earned the full ten points available for this category.

Durability

The Seagull movement, synthetic sapphire crystal, and 316L stainless steel case all pass muster, but I'm deducting a point for this timepiece's strap. It is of good quality, but a stainless-steel band will last far longer than one composed of leather.

Mechanical watches should be cleaned and lubricated every five years. Otherwise, their accuracy will suffer, and eventually, the timepiece will cease to function. I don't believe that anyone would be willing to go to the expense of servicing a watch that can be replaced for less than $250.00. Reluctantly, I am deducting a second point.

The total score for durability is eight.

Exclusivity

This is important. Just ask your wife how she would feel if she attended a party and discovered that another woman was wearing exactly the same outfit that she had carefully picked out for this occasion.

Unfortunately, the Sugess Chronograph is priced at a point where anyone can afford one. Even that snotty teenage boy next door who works at McDonald's! In this category, I cannot award a single point.

Overall Impression

This timepiece is not a luxury-super watch. It managed to gain only 47 points out of 60.

If, however, you are looking for a quality mechanical timepiece that is attractive, accurate, and durable, the Sugess Men's Mechanical Chronograph should be at the top of your list.

© 2021 Walter Shillington

Serena is a digital nomad who writes about work, emotions, and self-improvement.

When you put together an outfit, it’s really the small details that pull it all together and make it a cohesive and unique look. One detail that is important to get right for your everyday outfits is jewelry! When adding jewelry to your outfits, there are ways to make it look awesome—and ways that don’t work so well. Let’s go through a couple of guidelines you should follow in order to style your jewelry items correctly with your outfit.

1. Create Layers With Necklaces and Bangles

Let’s start with something exciting and fun! While you put an outfit together and you notice there is room to add some extra bling, it can be a fun idea to layer either your necklaces or bangles that you wear.

Layering means adding multiple elements of the same jewelry type to make a dynamic look. For example, you can try adding a short gold necklace with a medium-sized gold necklace to your outfit to create some sophistication! This creates the illusion that the necklaces work together as one jewelry piece. You can do the same with bangles by wearing a couple of different bangles on your wrist to add some flare to the fit! The trick here is to be consistent with the elements of the jewelry when layering.

2. Mix Metals

If you want to experiment with something new, try mixing metals when styling your jewelry. A good way to start is trying to add together different bracelets, rings, or bangles with different colored metals until you find the right fit. You can also try wearing one combined piece to start (a necklace piece or bracelet piece with multiple metals in it) so that the mixing is done for you. Look out for a store that has a sale on rings or a discount on bracelets to start out.

3. Use Earrings for a Pop of Color

Another great way to style your jewelry is by putting on some earrings for a pop of color. Earrings can really pull together an outfit with minimal effort. When finding new earrings to add to your collection, think about how the different colors can compliment your skin tone and make your outfits pop. Picture your closet in your mind—what types of colors are in your closet the most? If you wear a lot of red, opt for some sparkly red earrings, and you might be surprised with how they level up your look!

4. Know When It’s Too Much

Sometimes it's easy to go overboard with jewelry, especially when trying out new ways to style pieces together. Try to avoid this mishap at all costs! Always check your full outfit in a mirror before you get going to make sure you aren’t overdoing the bling. Make sure that your jewelry is still a compliment to your outfit and not the centerpiece of it. Always go with what makes you feel the most confident, and don’t wear anything that will make you feel uncomfortable or uneasy. If you feel good with the jewelry you choose, it will show!

5. Personalize With Statement Jewelry

When wearing a rather simple or neutral outfit, it is a good opportunity to style it with a statement piece. This is a jewelry piece that stands out as unique or a little different, pulls the outfit together, and of course, makes a statement! The trick here is that the outfit will probably feel bland without it. If you are feeling bold, try personalizing your outfit with a statement piece for a fresh new look.

6. Wear Minimal Jewelry With Patterned Clothing

When you are wearing animal print, stripes, stars, polka dots, etc., always remember to wear minimal jewelry. You don’t want to overload your outfit with too much when you are wearing patterns, so leave the patterned clothes as the center of your outfit rather than distracting it with too much jewelry. Styling jewelry pieces should always be a compliment rather than a distraction from your outfit. Yet, with practice, you will get the hang of it quickly!

© 2021 Serenity

Jonathan is a keen watch enthusiast with a collection that always seems to be one watch short. See more reviews at the Top Watch Picks blog.

The Vostok Amphibia SE

The Vostok Amphibia watches are a range of classic dive watches that were first produced in the USSR in 1967. Their simplicity and reliability meant that they quickly became a stalwart choice for the Russian military, with some even venturing into space and back again during the 1970s. This particular Vostok, (reference number 420B35), is a special edition model that has a number of noteworthy upgrades over the standard Amphibia watches. It is available with a blue or a black dial in a number of different configurations, but all of them retail for less than $150 USD.

Watch Specifications

There are at least six different case designs among the Amphibia range of watches. This model takes on the dimensions of the classic 420 series. It's a nice mid-sized case that is versatile enough to be worn on a variety of wrist sizes. Here are some specifications for the Vostok Amphibia SE.

• Case Size: 39mm case, 15mm thick, 46mm from lug to lug
• Band Size: 18mm
• Movement: Vostok 2415 (automatic)
• Water resistance: 200m of water resistance.
• Crystal: Acrylic

Vostok Dial Design

The design of the 420B35 has a classic vintage look. There are no Arabic numbers and no date complication. Instead, triangles denote the 12, 3, 6 and 9 positions with baton-style indices for the 5-minute markers. The Vostok logo sits below the 12 position with a single line of Russian text above the 6-hour mark. The Vostok Amphibia SE is very easy to read at a glance. The black dial has a hint of metallic shine to it but and a subtle sunburst effect can sometimes be seen, but otherwise there is nothing to distract the viewer.

Date complications are useful, but the absence of a date on this watch is not a problem for me. In fact, I always like to have a no-date watch in my collection. They are easy to pick up and set if they have been lying unused for a few days, especially when you don't need to worry about whether it is set to am or pm. I also enjoy the symmetry of a no-date watch and the fact that there are no numbers on this watch is the simplicity I was looking for at the time.

The face of the Amphibia SE has some noticeable depth due to the sandwich-style dial that is used in this model. If you have never seen a sandwich dial before, it is essentially two dials that are stacked on top of each other. The bottom layer is a lumed circle that is overlaid with a second dial that has stencil-like cutouts for the indices. This dial type is just one of several upgrades over the standard Vostok 420, but unfortunately the lumed dial on the bottom is not much better than a standard Vostok. It works, but not for as long as you might want.

The classic, silver sword-style hands are perfectly suited to the style of this watch and help add to the legibility. Both have applied luminescence. The red second hand matches the red on the bezel, as well as the stitching on the strap, and has a lumed pip to help show the position of the second hand after dark.

Vostok Amphibia Case Design

In a departure from the regular 420 series of Vostok Amphibia watches, this SE version has a brushed stainless steel case. This makes it look more like a tool watch and is less likely to show bumps and scratches compared to the glossy polished look on the standard Amphibia line. It has a screw down crown that is signed with the Vostok logo, and a black and red dive bezel with a lume pip at the 12 o'clock position.

Speaking of the bezel, it's a little stiff, but this watch is new so it may just need some breaking in. Although it is a dive watch bezel, it doesn't click like the bezel on a traditional dive watch. Instead, the Vostok uses friction and an internal retainer spring to make this a silent, uni-directional bezel.

The brushed case, in my opinion, is a big upgrade from the polished stainless steel. It fits in much better with the aesthetic of an all-purpose dive watch. Less ideal, perhaps, is the 18mm lug width. I have never found this to be a particularly good size for my 6.5-inch wrists, preferring 20 or 22mm where I can. However, the included silicone strap flairs out past the lugs to 20mm, with no taper, so you get the illusion of a larger lug to lug width if you use the stock strap. Personally, I find it a little chunky, so my watch spends most of its time on a two-tone Barton Elite Silicone band. It's comfortable, waterproof, and looks at home on the Vostok.

The domed acrylic crystal adds to the vintage feel of this watch with its off-angle distortion. Of course, Acrylic is more prone to picking up scratches when compared to a sapphire or mineral crystal, but I have had no problems with mine so far and I live safe in the knowledge that any scratches I do get can be polished out with a tube of Polywatch. Personally, I find the acrylic dial to be very tactile. I like the feel of it, and the fact that it seems to stay smudge-free for longer.

Vostok Amphibia Movement

This Amphibia SE has Vostock's in-house 2415 automatic movement. It is rated at -20 to +60 seconds per day by the factory. However, I have found the accuracy of mine to be very good. Over a 10-day period I measured this watch at +4 seconds a day. This makes it among the most accurate automatic watches I have ever owned. I know they won't all be this good, but if you were scared by the variance of the factory numbers, just know that there are some good ones out there.

The movement can be hand wound, but it does not hack. When not on your wrist, the 2415 movement is rated to have a power reserve of around 31 hours. That means if you don't wear if for a couple of days, you will have to set the time and wind it before you can use it again. However, like I said above, it is quick and easy to set.

The Vostok's movement is protected by 200m of water resistance. It achieves this feat in a very unique way. The method is well-documented in other places, but essentially the Vostok relies on a two-piece caseback that allows for a larger rubber gasket. When subjected to the kind of pressures you might expect from deep sea diving, the caseback actually compresses further to produce an even stronger seal.

Value for Money: Is it Worth it?

This isn't an easy watch to find, but if you are willing to wait a few weeks, you can order it direct from Russia via meranom.com for around $130 USD. It won't get mistaken for a high-end watch, but I think you still get a lot for your money. If you were to buy a 200m dive watch with a screw down crown and an in-house automatic movement from the likes of Seiko or Citizen, you would easily be looking at paying something closer to $200 or more. Of course, it's not perfect. The lume is pretty weak, the 31-hour standby time is not great, and the acrylic crystal may not appeal to everyone. However, if you are looking for a solid entry-level dive watch, the Vostok Amphibia SE represents good value for money.

Final Thoughts

This is the second Vostok Amphibia I have owned, and it may not be the last because they have a certain charm to them that is hard to resist. They are a quirky watch, and not one you will see on the wrists of too many of your colleagues, but maybe that is why I enjoy wearing the one I do and for the money, they just don't have very many competitors. So, if you want a good looking watch that is also a conversation piece, the Vostok Amphibia could be just what you are looking for.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2020 Jonathan Wylie

Jonathan is a keen watch enthusiast with a collection that always seems to be one watch short. See more reviews at the Top Watch Picks blog.

The New Seiko 5 Sports Range

The SRPE67 is one of ten new watches that Seiko has added to their 5 Sports lineup in June of 2020. It is part of a modern and bold reimagining of the 5 Sports line that Seiko rebooted in 2019 when it launched a slew of dive watches that paid homage to the venerable SKX collection. This year, they expanded that collection to include these new SRPE models. They are not dive watches, but they do offer a versatility and a style that we have not seen from Seiko for some time. In short, they are a compelling everyday watch. Here's why.

Watch Specifications: Seiko SRPE67

In terms of dimensions, there are not many watches like the SRPE67. The 40mm case make it a great option for my 6.5-inch wrists, but it is versatile enough to wear well on larger wrists too. Below you will find a rundown of the important specs you need to know:

• Case Size: 40mm case, 11.5mm thick, 44.6mm from lug to lug
• Band Size: 20mm
• Movement: Seiko 4R36 automatic movement
• Water resistance: 100m of water resistance.
• Crystal: Hardlex
• Lume: Seiko LumiBrite on hands & indices

Seiko's Dial Design

The flat black dial on the SRPE67 is simple and uncluttered. It has minimal branding and text. The new Seiko 5 logo that sits proudly at the top of the dial is not universally loved by Seiko fans, but I really like it. I think it's a fresh, modern take that still manages to pay homage to the history and heritage of this popular brand.

The hands and indices are outlined in chrome and filled with generous amounts of Seiko's proprietary LumiBrite to aid legibility in low light. The SRPE67 might not be quite as bright as some of Seiko's mid-tier dive watches, but that's mainly in part due to the fact that dive watches tend to have larger indices. Overall, the lume is still leaps and bounds ahead of most competitors in this price range.

The white day/date complication is a hallmark of the Seiko 5 range. Purists often prefer the day/date complication to be the same color as the dial, but I feel that in this case, the white complication on this watch helps give the watch a symmetry and balance that it wouldn't otherwise get from a color matched dial.

The chapter ring around the outside of the dial has white minute markers to further improve legibility. Unfortunately, Seiko does not always have the best reputation for correctly aligning chapter rings with the dial, but on this particular watch, there are no such problems in that department. Just be sure to check for alignment issues if you purchase a watch like this for your own collection.

Overall, the dial is unmistakably a Seiko. The SRPE67 has all the hallmarks you might expect from the 5 Sports line while also tipping its hat to the design cues of watches like the Tudor Black Bay 36. It's classy, yet versatile, and very easy to read at a glance. You could dress it up or down with a strap of your choice. I decided to replace the included black NATO with a TM Bond strap from The Watch Steward, and I think it works really well with the design language of this watch.

Seiko's 40mm Case Design

The case of the SRPE67 is made from 316L stainless steel. The sides sport a high polished exterior, similar to what you would find on the SKX dive watches. However, the top of the lugs and the bezel have a contrasting brushed look that is pleasing to the eye and adds credence to its versatility as an everyday watch. The polished chamfered edge on the side of the bezel adds a flash of elegance to an otherwise low key case design. The finishing is good for a watch in this price range, but not necessarily great. If you catch the watch in the right light, and happen to look close enough, you can see that some of the brushing is a little coarse, but this is a Seiko 5 Sports, and not a Grand Seiko.

The crown is handily flanked by two crown guards that help add some protection from accidental bumps and knocks. It's an unsigned crown, but it's a nice size. It feels perfectly proportioned for this 40mm case and is easy to operate when winding or setting the time. The SRPE67 also has a screw down, see-through case back and boasts drilled lugs to make strap changes easier.

The 4R36 Automatic Movement

All of the watches in the new Seiko 5 Sports range use the same, tried and trusted, 4R36 automatic movement. It has both hacking and hand winding so it is a significant step up from the 7S26 movement found in older Seiko 5 watches. You can also find this movement in Seiko dive watches like the Samurai, Turtle or Monster. It beats at 21,600 beats per minute, so you get six ticks every second from the second hand, and it has a power reserve of around 41 hours when not being worn.

Seiko claim the accuracy of the 4R36 should be between +45 to -35 seconds a day. However, most people will see better accuracy than that. After a week of ownership, my SRPE67 is running at around +6.5 seconds a day, and I am pretty happy with that, especially when the 4R36 is an entry-level movement in the Seiko world.

Are Seiko Watches Good Value for Money?

This Seiko 5 Sports (SRPE67) has a recommended retail price of $275, but most people will pay less. For instance, I got my watch from an authorized Seiko reseller on Amazon for $206. Why the big discount? It's not uncommon to see new Seiko watches sell for less than their sticker price once the supply chain fills up. The price of their watches will often fluctuate, but there are deals to be had if you are patient and look in the right places.

So, is the SRPE67 worth $275? There's no denying you get a lot of watch for your money, but I think that most people will be happier with this watch if they can buy it when the price is closer to $200. The Seiko brand speaks for itself. The modern, automatic movement, coupled with great lume, an attractive design, and very wearable dimensions, make this a great package. However, it is not without competition. There are a plethora of micro brands who are also competing for your money and they may well offer additional perks like a sapphire crystal or better water resistance to try and tempt you in their direction.

Final Thoughts on the SRPE67

Overall, I really like the Seiko SRPE67. I think that this new line of watches are a great addition to the Seiko 5 Sports catalog, not least because they offer very appealing mid-size dimensions. The SRPE67 fits my wrist as well as any watch I have ever owned, and I could easily see myself getting another color in the future for that very reason. If you can find one at the right price, there is a lot of value in this watch, and if looked after properly, it will last you for years to come.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2020 Jonathan Wylie

Comments

Jonathan Wylie (author) from Iowa, USA on September 01, 2020:

Thanks for taking the time to read this Danny.

Danny from India on September 01, 2020:

Seiko watches are very durable and have an array of features. This watch also looks rugged. Thanks for the review, Jonathan.

Jonathan is a keen watch enthusiast with a collection that always seems to be one watch short. See more reviews at the Top Watch Picks blog.

One Watch to Rule Them All

My first watch was a Casio. I don’t remember how old I was when I got it, or even what model it was, but my first watch was definitely a Casio. I’ve worn Casios on and off for most of my life, but none have connected with me more than the one I am wearing right now, the G-Shock GWM5610. It might not look like anything special, but this little thing is packed with history, (and technology), and that checks a lot of boxes for me. Here’s why.

The Classic G-Shock Square Design

In terms of how this watch looks, you can't get much more classic than this. The very first G-Shock, the DW5000C, was launched in 1983. It launched an entire sub-culture of watches that now boasts sales of over 100 million units. The GWM5610 has a lot in common with the original DW5000C. It has a similar shape, size and weight, but with some modern updates that still attract buyers to this day.

The 5610 is part of a collection of watches that Casio fans affectionately refer to as squares, because of the shape of the case. The squares are in fact octagonal, but once the moniker gathered pace, it stuck for generations. Today, it is an instantly recognizable shape that has become a hallmark of the G-Shock brand. They are available at a number of different price points and a variety of styles.

With dimensions of 46.7mm (H) x 43.2mm (W) x 12.7mm (D), the GWM5610 wears really well on almost all wrist sizes. Mine are on the small side, around 6.5-inches, but the size and shape of this watch sit really well on my wrist and, when it needs to, it will easily tuck under a shirt sleeve. The 5610 is not a big, chunky G-Shock. It has presence, but if you have never seen one before, it is not as big as you might think. It is comparable in size to an Apple Watch. Best of all, the GWM5610 weighs only 51.7g, (1.8 oz), so you barely notice that you are wearing it.

A Brief History of G-Shock Watches

Notable Features of the GWM5610

The two headline features of the GWM5610 are Tough Solar and Multi Band 6. Tough Solar is Casio's solar charging system that converts sunlight, or indoor light, into energy that can be used to power a rechargeable battery. This means far fewer battery changes than you would expect in a typical digital watch. Although it does not come with a guarantee for how long it will last, most users see ten years or more before the rechargeable battery needs replacing.

Multi Band 6 is Casio's atomic time sync technology. The 6 refers to the six transmission towers that are located in Japan, North America, UK, Europe and China. If you are in range of one of these towers, the GWM5610 will receive that time signal and adjust the time and date to ensure that it is always displaying the correct time. The watch looks for these signals each night and will even adjust for daylight savings time so you don't have to.

Like all G-Shocks, the GWM5610 is shock resistant. The case is designed to withstand numerous drops from any direction, and it's tougher than you might think. Take a look on YouTube for "G-Shock Torture Tests" and you will see what I mean. The 5610 is also water resistant to 200 meters so you will have no trouble using it while swimming or doing chores outside. Other notable features include:

• Full Auto LED Backlight
• World Time (31 time zones)
• Stopwatch function - 1/100 sec. - 24 hours
• Countdown Timer - 1/1 min. - 24 hours
• 5 daily alarms
• Automatic calendar with Date, Day and Month to 2099
• 12/24-hour timekeeping

In-Depth Review of the G-Shock GWM5610

Is the GWM5610 Good Value for Money?

The GWM5610 has a retail price of $140, but you can find it for much less on Amazon. To some, that may seem like a lot for a watch that looks like it was found in an 80s time capsule, but given everything that this watch can do, and the abuse that it can take, the price begins to look a lot more appealling. There are no maintenance costs and no need to set the time for as long as you own the watch. It is perhaps the ultimate grab and go watch because it is always ready when you need it, and for that alone, I think it is well worth the $85-90 that this watch usually sells for.

If you like the style and can live without the Tough Solar and Multi Band 6, you can save some money with the similarly styled G-Shock DW5600. It is about half the price of the 5610. Alternatively, if you prefer a dressier look, you can upgrade to the GMW-B5000. It comes with Tough Solar and Multi Band 6. It also has essentially the same design, but it comes in a shiny, stainless steel case and usually sells for around $400. That's why I think the GWM5610 is the sweet spot here. It has the features you want at a price that most people can afford.

Final Thoughts

Ever since I stopped wearing an Apple Watch, I’ve worn a variety of different watches as part of a rotation. I’ve had dive watches, tool watches, dress watches and sports watches. I learned a lot about watches, and as my style evolved I learned more about what I liked in a watch. Some of those watches were sold and used to purchase others, but of all the watches in my rotation, the one that I kept coming back to was the GWM5610.

It’s reliable, comfortable, and easy to read. I can wear it to the office, while working out, or when I’m running errands because this watch has a versatility that few others can match. Collectors like to have a variety of watches in their collection, but for everyone else, this might just be the only watch you ever need.

© 2020 Jonathan Wylie

Michelle Jackson has studied art and interior design since 1983. She has attended design school and worked as an artist/visual artist.

Learn How to Spot Fake Native American Jewelry

Somewhere in our family folklore is "Big Mamma," a half Cherokee woman who ruled our family with her demeanor and size (she was over six feet tall). I grew up on stories of the Trail of Tears and tough times. Even today, if you mention any of this to my mother, she will say, "they took our land."

While ancestry.com and 23 and Me sorted out the validity of my heritage, I continue to gravitate toward all things Native American, including my Modoc husband. I've been a cultural artist for twenty years now, traveling the southwest while making Arizona our home.

This week I was glancing through "Native American" jewelry on a popular shopping site, and I realized how many people are selling fake Native American jewelry. From the number of bids these items were getting, it was obvious that people are being taken advantage of in the secondary market. It is also possible that a lack of education exists surrounding Native American jewelry. I’ve been collecting Native American jewelry and art for over 30 years. My deep appreciation for the workmanship, style, and culture that goes into a Native piece has brought me to the knowledge of the origins of this jewelry. To truly appreciate the jewelry, you have to understand the history of the people.

The last great offense against Native Americans is to copy their culture and make their art common, when it is both uncommon and spiritual.

— M. D. Jackson

History of Native American Jewelry

Original Native American jewelry was mostly made out of animal parts or natural elements. Bone, quill, antlers, and stones made up these somewhat primitive adornments. As America was colonized by Europeans, Native Americans traded for the glass beads that are seen in a lot of the earlier bead work pieces. Eventually Native Americans began working with silver coins to make what is now considered “Old Pawn” jewelry. Once laws were put into place to prevent the destruction of currency, silver came up from Mexico and or was melted down from utilitarian items. Early Native American jewelry had very little turquoise and often was unmarked. As Native jewelry became popular for tourist purchase, materials were acquired from all over the world. The beads used in tourist jewelry often came from china or Japan.

Turquoise

Turquoise is a sacred stone to Native Americans. The folk lore surrounding turquoise is that it comes from tears of the Native Americans. Turquoise is also considered a healing stone, thus it was originally hung around the neck to promote healing. The materials used in a Native American piece somewhat date the jewelry as well as determine its value.

Today it is suspected that over 50% of the worlds turquoise jewelry is either other stones (Usually Howlite) dyed a turquoise color or reconstituted turquoise. Natural turquoise crumbles and therefore requires an additive to stabilize it. In older turquoise pieces, the turquoise is stabilized with a type of epoxy and put under pressure. Today lower end turquoise pieces are reconstituted meaning they are the crumbling turquoise mixed with resin or epoxy and then shaped. These pieces often look like plastic and have a warmer feel than the more natural turquoise. Howlite has a chalky look and gray lines. Turquoise has a solid natural deep tone and black lines.

Tiny pieces of turquoise were often mixed with resin to create Native Jewelry with the look of a stained glass window. This type of Native Jewelry is usually considered low end and only valuable if they were silver. Reproduction of these pieces made out of stainless steel were sold to tourists in tourist traps all over Arizona and can still be found there today.

That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

— William Shakespear

White Buffalo Turquoise

White Buffalo “turquoise” comes from one mine in Nevada. Technically White Buffalo is not a turquoise although it is stunning in it’s own right without the Turquoise distinction. True white buffalo has a distinct black and white contrast. What is often passed off for White Buffalo is Howlite. Raw Howlite is a white stone with gray lines.

The Indian Crafts Act of 1990

People selling non-native made items as “Native American” are breaking the law. “The Indian Arts and Crafts Act (Act) of 1990 (P.L. 101-644) is a truth-in-advertising law that prohibits misrepresentation in the marketing of Indian arts and crafts products within the United States. It is illegal to offer or display for sale, or sell any art or craft product in a manner that falsely suggests it is Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian or Indian tribe or Indian arts and crafts organization, resident within the United States. For a first time violation of the Act, an individual can face civil or criminal penalties up to a $250,000 fine or a 5-year prison term, or both. If a business violates the Act, it can face civil penalties or can be prosecuted and fined up to $1,000,000.

Under the Act, an Indian is defined as a member of any federally or officially State recognized tribe of the United States, or an individual certified as an Indian artisan by an Indian tribe.

The law covers all Indian and Indian-style traditional and contemporary arts and crafts produced after 1935. The Act broadly applies to the marketing of arts and crafts by any person in the United States. Some traditional items frequently copied by non-Indians include Indian-style jewelry, pottery, baskets, carved stone fetishes, woven rugs, kachina dolls, and clothing.

All products must be marketed truthfully regarding the tribal enrollment of the producers so as not to mislead the consumer. It is illegal to market art or craftwork using the name of a tribe if a member, or certified Indian artisan, of that tribe did not actually create the art or craftwork.” (Department of Interior, 2020, sic).

In other words if you buy a necklace where the claim of Native American artistry is being made, and it turns out to be fake, you can not only get your money back, you can report it.

The Naja Squash Blossom Necklace

One of the most readily identifiable pieces of Native American Jewelry is the Naja at the center of a squash blossom necklace. The Naja is a symbol that was brought to America by the Spanish and dates back to ancient times. The Natives identified the need to sell to their market which at one time was the Spanish, hence the reason these ornate silver necklaces were created.

The squash part of the necklace is a hint to the survival of many North American Tribes. Squash was easy to farm and its name literally means “to eat uncooked”. Squash was a staple of many tribes especially during rough hunting years. Older Squash blossom necklaces have little or no turquoise and often have a cross in the center of the Naja. The turquoise that was used in older necklaces is rough, not smooth.

The Squash blossom necklaces are still in production today. Newer Native artists have created some beautiful pieces of jewelry that are still valuable. The difference is in the price. Newer Squash Blossom necklaces are in the hundreds of dollar range depending on the materials. Old pawn pieces are worth $1000-15,000 depending on the provenance. There are some amazing Native American artists still out there today.

Old Pawn

Old Pawn is a nickname given to Native American jewelry that was created around the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. It gets its name from the tendency for Native Americans to pawn pieces of jewelry to Harvey House traders for survival materials such as tools. This should not be confused with Harvey house jewelry. This method of monetary exchange was how some of the more elaborate silver pieces of Native Jewelry transitioned into other places in American culture. At that time these pieces were only worth their silver value and were not appreciated. Just like today many of the old pawn pieces were scrapped to make other popular jewelry of the time thus making the actual old pawn jewelry more valuable.

The Distinction Between Silver Jewelry Styles

Three other types of jewelry resemble old pawn. The first is Fred Harvey jewelry which was created to sell to tourists. Fred Harvey jewelry has a more polished look as it was created through more modern methods. The easiest way to spot these pieces is the stone setting which has a straight edge rather than a zigzag edge. Also the Harvey pieces tend to have native symbols stamped into them, where as old pawn had a primitive style and features nature. The Harvey pieces are also made with thinner silver and so not have the primitive welding you see on Native jewelry.

The second type of jewelry that closely resembles old pawn is jewelry made Mexico. Mexico has been the world’s leading producer of jewelry almost since its discovery. Mexican jewelry artists did not start marking their silver “sterling” or 925 until the 1940’s. This can make it difficult to tell an old pawn piece from a Mexican silver. The styles of tribes tend to cross over and mingle. One distinction is that silver jewelry from Mexico was created differently even if they used some similar designs. Such as Mexican bracelets sometimes have a pin system that joined the pieces giving them more movement than you would see on a Native American piece. The designs on the face of a bracelet made in Mexico are more ornate and contain several types of materials (see Photo). Crosses are more prevalent in the old Mexican jewelry although you will occasionally see them in Native pieces.

The third type of jewelry that resembles Native American is jewelry from the area around India and Tibet. Rings are the most commonly mistaken Indian jewelry item. Silver Tibetan and Indian rings have a strong resemblance to Native American rings. The Indian rings are more often a skinny oval, rather than the rounder oval common in Native jewelry. Indian jewelry also tends to have stones other than turquoise. Indian beaded jewelry is often mistaken for Native American. The easiest way to distinguish between the two is the clasp. Indian pieces use a variety of clasps. Native American jewelry only has two types of silver clasp or sinew. The two types of silver clasps are both open hooks (see picture). Sinew looks sort of like a tan translucent string (see picture). You will never see a claw hook on original Native American jewelry.

Warning Signs of Imitation Native American Jewelry

1. Newer design but not signed
2. Blurry pictures that don’t show the stone quality
3. No picture of the clasp
4. Back of the piece is rough metal with pitting
5. Has brass or other elements inconsistent with Native Jewelry
6. The price is too good to be true
7. The stone is clean without blemishes
8. The piece is created using modern string
9. The stones are cut in an unusual shape (natives only used rounded stones, square stones are a modern cut)
10. You see multiples of the exact same item for sale

Identifying the Maker

The photo above shows three rings. The top ring is a silver ring from a non Native American Artist. That first ring is silver with a semi precious gem. I included this ring to tell you that Native American rings never have an opening behind the stone. If you pick up a ring and it has the opening, it is obviously not Native American. This is a really nice well made ring.

The second ring is a newer Native American ring. You can see the hallmark, it has the solid silver back. It is a solid ring, well made in the old pawn style.

The third ring is brass with a silver plate. It is a tourist ring mass produced using both turquoise and coral chips.

Beaded Earrings

Heishi Necklace

Heishi and Santa Domingo Necklaces

As an Arizona resident I see a lot of Native jewelry in touristy traps. The newest con going is the Heishi or Santa Domingo style jewelry. I would use extreme caution buying one of these pieces. One of the biggest tells of fakes is the clasp. Native Americans do not use claw clasps on their jewelry. Another tell is when one shop has more than one of the exact same style item. Native Americans do not mass produce pieces in that manner. You will not see 25 Heishi necklaces on a rack unless they are imported. The necklace pictured was an assemblage I did myself from online bought materials.

One last thought about this style, Many of the necklaces that are claiming to be Santa Domingo are really imports from India. There are similarities between multi strand Native American and India made necklaces. One thing you will never see on Native Necklaces is brass findings. Brass is a tell that the piece is from another country. True Santa Domingo pieces are never made with jute. Occasionally an older beaded necklace may have a sinew string, it is not jute. Also, almost ALL multi-strand necklaces transition into one strand before the clasp.

Fetish Animal Necklaces

One of the more popular Native American necklaces is the Zuni Animal Fetish necklace.The Zuni believe spirits reside inside the rock. The animal is carved with a distinct purpose and meaning. Consider for a moment how difficult it is to carve stone. Now think about the Zuni people carving fetish animals, it is not a simple undertaking. Zuni necklaces have small animals that are sometimes tough to distinguish with the exception of the tail style. Animals such as the fox, wolf, and badger look very similar.

This brings us to how to spot the fake Zuni animals. It really is simple, the fakes have a lot of detail that is not present in the actual Zuni animals. Intricate details on a fetish scream fake. The materials used are also a giveaway. It is rare to see a fetish animal made out of turquoise because of the crumbly nature of turquoise. Almost all of the turquoise looking fetish animals are Howlite.

Another thing you will not see in original Native American necklaces is stacked fetish animals. I have an impressive bone carved fetish necklace(see picture). The fact that it was not done by a Native American does not diminish its spectacular look. If I were ever to resell it, I would list it simply as bone carved animal necklace, not Native American.

Knowing Native Materials vs. Craft Store Materials

It pays to know your materials. Craft stores sell everything from silver caps to turquoise. One thing that is specific to craft store pieces is round beads. The only round beads you will see on Native jewelry are made of silver. Round turquoise does not exist in Native jewelry. Here again, most round beads are going to be Howlite. Coral beads used will not be round or square either. Beads that are too uniform are a sign that a piece is not Native American. The silver in the necklace pictured is real silver. In fact, the round silver beads are Navajo pearls, however, the rest of the necklace was put together of modern craft store beads.

Modern Native American Jewelry

Obviously Native American jewelry is still being produced today. Modern pieces tend to be marked by the artist and differ slightly from vintage pieces. One of the main distinctions is how the stone is set. as you see in the modern piece above, the stone is set with a straight piece of silver rather than the zigzag setting seen in old pawn jewelry. Although the newer pieces may not contain as much silver, they should still be valued culturally and artistically. I hope this article has helped you to understand the important distinction between imitation and real Native American Jewelry.

Questions & Answers

Question: Are animal fetish necklaces made in silver, or are they only made in stone? I have a silver fetish necklace but is not marked and has hook closure like the one you described. Any info greatly appreciated.

Answer: I have never seen a silver fetish necklace. Fetish necklaces were mostly the Zuni tribe. The Zuni are close to the Mexico border so what happened a lot is that jewelers from Mexico would create pieces that stylistically reflected Native pieces. If your piece is solid silver then it has a silver value regardless of origin. a clue is usually the beads used in between the fetish animals. I would have to see the piece to give you an idea of who made it. If the animals are three dimensional that would be an odd native piece simply because the Natives believe the stone tells them what animal it should be. To have a silver cast animal takes the element of spirit out of the piece.

Comments

Robin on July 25, 2020:

Thank you for a very informative article. I learned a lot.

Liz Westwood from UK on January 29, 2020:

This is a detailed and very useful article. I have learnt a lot from it.

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on January 28, 2020:

This was such an interesting article as I didn't know there was so much fake jewelry out there. I am going to check my jewelry as my mother gave me some turquoise jewelry that I think I still own.

You know so much about the American Indian jewelry. I would imagine that took a lot of work on your part. This is an excellent article for future reference.

Andrew has been an Okie for 30 plus years. He has spent the majority of that time complaining about things.

What Is My Jewelry Worth?

You have probably, at some point in your life, come across a piece of jewelry and wondered what it was worth. It could be something you found, something you inherited, or even something you bought on a whim.

Everyone seems to understand that some jewelry can have value and some of it is worthless. It is important to understand the attributes that make each piece valuable. Learning what to look for will make it so you can sell it with confidence, knowing that you are going to be getting the best deal.

Everything you need to find out what your Jewelry is.

What a Stamp or Hallmark Means

Jewelry can be made of a variety of different materials, but most often, it's silver or gold. But just because something has a gold stamp on it doesn't mean it is pure gold or even has any gold value at all.

Most pieces will have a stamp on them. Take, for instance, a ring. A ring will usually have a stamp in tiny engraved letters on the inside of the band. This stamp is going to be your single best resource for finding out what the value of the ring is. You may need a magnifying glass to decipher what exactly it says after you have located it.

The stamp or hallmark will usually tell you a few things. It can tell you the material the band is made out of and who made it. As you can imagine, the value of your piece will depend heavily on what karat it is and, therefore, how much gold is in it. There are also other things you may want to look out for along the way. You may see some of these stamps with something else accompanying it. It is important that you learn some of the most prominent. Here a few of the different stamps you may find and what they mean.

Stamps and Hallmarks

• 925: Sterling Silver
• 10k: The ten karat stamp is the most common gold percentage and signifies that the piece is 41.7 percent gold. If you spend any significant time around jewelry, you are going to see this number over and over again. It is the industry standard for gold.
• 14k: The 14 karat stamp represents a piece that is 58.7 percent gold. 14k is also a very popular karat for jewelry. You will see this one often.
• 18k: 18 karat is 75 percent gold and represents one of the rarer stamps that you will see.
• GF, GP, GPE, GEP: This can mean gold filled or gold electroplated. These are two production methods in which the amount of gold used is greatly reduced, and therefore, the value is greatly reduced. The secondary market for items that are gold filled or electroplated is almost non-existent. These items often have almost no value.

It is important to note that if anything is marked as a higher karat gold, you need to proceed with caution. Gold is malleable and very soft. If you come across an item that is marked or advertised as 24k gold, it is important to note that it is probably 24k gold filled or gold plated, will be significantly less valuable than something that is pure gold.

Pure Gold Content Percentage by Karat

Where to Sell Your Jewelry

You have a few options when it comes to selling your jewelry.

• Sell it online via a website like eBay or Facebook.
• Sell it to a jewelry store or pawn shop.
• Sell it through consignment at some of these places.

All of these options can be good ones, depending on the price of the item and the timeline in which you need the cash.

Jewelry With Gemstones

Many pieces of jewelry will also have stones set in gold or silver. These stones can vary wildly in price. Two stones that look identical to the naked eye can have small but significant differences. The value of gemstones are much more difficult to determine than gold or silver.

It is always best to get these items appraised by a jeweler who has the specialty equipment necessary to determine the overall quality and assess the value. Unless you have stones that reach into the larger sizes, your average piece of jewelry is going to maintain its worth from its precious metal.

Pawn Shop

They are on every corner in most major cities. Pawnbrokers can be a great way to get rid of unwanted items.

The pro of using a pawn shop is that you will get your money right away. You will more than likely walk in with the item and walk out with cash. As far as ease of obtaining cash, this is about the best way. You will also have the option of borrowing money against it and getting it back later if that is something that interests you. However, there are some pretty serious downsides.

The cons of using a pawn shop are that you aren't going to get what it is worth, and the amount you get can vary wildly from shop to shop. There is absolutely no obligation to sell, so it doesn't hurt to walk into a local shop and see how much they would offer you.

Selling Jewelry Online

You always have the option of selling an item via Facebook marketplace or on eBay. These are probably the places you are going to get the most money. The problem is that you are going to have to deal with inquiries about the item yourself, and it may take some time to sell it. You may also have a large number of people who give you offers significantly lower than the asking price.

The process of selling things online can be tiring, but if you have the time and patience, it is often the best way to make the most money. With services like eBay, you need to be careful that you don't get scammed. Use common sense when it comes to offers you receive.

Consignment

Many pawn shops and jewelry stores will offer to sell your items for you, but they take a cut. This is called consignment. This process can take a long time, but it will usually result in more money in your pocket. Additionally, when using this method of selling, you won't be responsible for answering questions and taking the time to show the piece like you would if you were selling it yourself. The shop that sells an item for you will take a cut, often as high as 40 percent.

You need to have a conversation with whatever shop you go with about your expectations of how much you want for the item. This is the time to be stern and clearly state the minimum you are willing to take for the item.

Gold Melters

If the item you have derives the majority of its value from its silver or gold content, then you could look into taking it to a gold buyer. These businesses are designed to buy gold from the public to be melted down and sold elsewhere or in different forms. This can be another valuable asset in your journey to sell your jewelry.

Like a pawn shop, they are going to be able to give you cash fast. Almost always the same day, and usually within minutes. This is a good option if your timeline of needing money doesn't allow for selling it yourself or using a store to sell via consignment.

These places, however, are not going to give you much, if anything, for any stones associated with your piece. So if it is all gold, this may be a great option. But if your item derives much of its value from the gemstones, it's not the best option for you.

Carefully Choose Where You Sell Your Jewelry

Selling your old stuff can be a headache. If you take the necessary steps and view all your options, you can be sure you are getting the best deal.

Don't be afraid to go to multiple stores and hear several different offers before making your decision. Never go with the first offer, always check around. It will only cost you time, and you could end up netting significantly more.

I always recommend people clean their items before they sell them. These are wipes I have found worked very well during my time in the business.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

GreenMind publishes authoritative and detailed guides to the things you're curious about.

Classic Watches for Older Men

Your wristwatch is one of the most visible elements of your style, and one of those fashion choices by which people, for better or worse, will judge you. Older men like me can make a clean, clear statement simply by choosing the right watch—and we can confound expectations by not being too conservative. This article is not about Rolex "investments"—it's about affordable, handsome, functional style statements for the older man.

Virtually all wristwatches can tell time, so this guide is focused more on the impact and message of your new watch than the precision of its movement. In this article, we're focused on the look.

1. Michael Kors Men's Slim Runway Quartz Watch

As an older man myself, I am positively fired up about this piece by Michael Kors. It manages to be both classic and cool, one of the hardest tricks to pull off. The stone-cold black metal presentation goes with the steel-gray touches in my hair, and the monochrome design radiates confidence and, above all, decisiveness. Basically this watch just looks like it was made for me, and for all older men.

Michael Kors has the touch, in my opinion. Nearly everything he touches is something you want in your closet, from sleek blazers to timepieces and other accessories. Those of us who remember him from his Project Runway days know that he is a highly discerning designer with a take-no-prisoners approach to style.

The Basics:

• Imported
• 2 Year International Warranty
• Slim Runway Black IP Three-Hand Watch
• Japanese-quartz movement
• Water resistant to 50m

From the brand: "The Michael Kors Slim Runway watch is polished perfection. A classic three-link bracelet and monochromatic sunray dial with stick indexes add up to a wear-with-everything timepiece that dresses up and down with ease."

2. Timex Men's Weekender Watch

A Timex Weekender is, in my opinion, both reliably old-fashioned and cool as hell. The watch just says "confident man," and combined with a little age and a touch of gray, it's a guaranteed win.

You can't always wear a dark, serious piece that goes with your best suit -- when you're out on a sunny Saturday, or walking in a crisp fall forest, a Timex Weekender is simply the watch you need to have on your wrist. It's definitely not for kids, which in my opinion makes it even better.

The Basics:

• Imported
• Brown Genuine Leather Slip Thru Strap
• Round Cream Dial
• Full Arabic Numerals
• 24 Hour Military Time
• Indiglo Light Up Watch Dial
• Water resistant to 30 meter (100 feet)

From the brand: "The Weekender collection is all about versatility. Easily switch it up with interchangeable slip-thru and quick-release straps. From leather to fabric and with a wide selection of colors to choose from, you’ve got options."

3. Fossil Men's Grant Quartz Stainless Steel and Leather Chronograph

I love the weight and authority that this Fossil watch brings to an older man's wrist. While the Michael Kors piece is dark and serious, and the Weekender is built for a weekend in the country, this beautiful Fossil wrist watch is made for more casual moments when you nonetheless want to impress. This watch also has an impressive range of features, more than the previous two.

This is made for the man who appreciates a watch that can do a little more than you might expect: it has stopwatch functionality, three separate dials to track hours, minutes and seconds; a timer; and 24 hour display.

The Basics:

• Quartz movement with luminous 3-hand analog display
• Mineral crystal face
• Imported
• Round blue plated stainless steel case with silver top ring
• Blue dial and Roman numerals
• Brown leather band with buckle closure
• Multifunction watch with stopwatch functionality; three separate dials to track hours, minutes and seconds; timer; 24 hour
• Water resistant to 165 feet

4. Timex Men's Easy Reader Date Leather Strap Watch

I have included this watch because I think there needs to be one for older men who are, you know, a little older. I can still read without glasses for the most part, but there are times when I need to get up close on the smaller print. This sturdy, worthy Timex has large numerals that don't look tragically LARGE—the piece is still stylish.

If you're looking for a watch for an older man that will be kind to his aging eyes, but also sharp and stylish, then Timex Easy Readers are an excellent choice. They're convenient and age-appropriate, in the best way.

The Basics:

• Made in USA or Imported
• Easy to Read White Dial with Full Arabic Numerals
• Black Genuine Leather Strap
• Date Window
• Indiglo Light Up Watch Dial
• Water resistant to 99 feet (30 Meter)

From the brand: "True to its name, easy-to-read numbers are balanced with the clean dial design. When it comes to a well-made watch, every detail matters. The all-metal case and mineral glass lens offer strength and durability. The revolutionary Indiglo back-light technology changed how the world told time in the dark."

Timex Was a Rebel Company?

It may seem hard to picture, but according to Timex the brand now synonymous with "solid choice" was once on the cutting edge of timepiece style. The venerable company was established in 1854, under the name "the Waterbury Clock Company." Timex was among the first watchmakers to use metal instead of wood, reflecting the all-encompassing influence of what historians sometimes refer to as the Second Industrial Revolution, when automation and interchangeable metal parts changed much more than just the way watches were made. Timex watches were also smaller and more accurate, thanks undoubtedly to the mechanized assembly and precision metal gears.

According to the Timex website, the company can even claim influence in the rise of the automobile assembly line adopted by Henry Ford to revolutionize his industry. The more you look at Timex, the more you see a trend-setting brand that has literally been there from the beginning of modern watch-making.

The first Timex wristwatch was simply its smallest model of clock, given two metal posts and a leather band to be worn on the wrist.

5. Invicta Men's 8928OB Pro Diver Gold Stainless Automatic Watch

This is the last watch I'll discuss here, and it stands out for its flashy, gold-and-stainless presentation. It's also a diver watch, which might seem a little pretentious on an older man. Unless, of course, that older man is actually a diver, or could pass for one.

For the man who can pull off a fairly flashy piece of wrist steel, this watch is just about perfect. For the rest of us, one of the other watches in this guide are probably a smarter choice. You be the guide, and as the kids who almost certainly will not be wearing a watch with this heft like to say, "you do you."

The Basics:

• Corrugated unidirectional bezel
• Luminous hands/markers
• Magnified date window at 3 o'clock
• Gold-plated stainless steel case with mineral dial window
• Water resistant to 200 m (660 ft)

What's the Difference Between a Chronometer and a Chronograph?

In simple terms, the difference is this:

A "chronometer" is a watch with the highest possible standard of precision. It's a coveted designation that's withheld for watches that have passed the very stringent tests conducted by the Swiss Official Chronometer Control (COSC). No quartz-movement watches can earn the "chronometer" imprimatur—only automatic and mechanical watches can qualify.

A "chronograph" is essentially just a timepiece that can be used as a stopwatch, with no designation of quality or rigorous testing. If your phone can serve as a stopwatch, then technically it too is a chronograph.

So What About That Rolex?

Rolex is, of course, the standard bearer of high-style men's watches. They can easily cost as much as your car, even if your car is a Jaguar, and some models are vanishingly rare. That, of course, is one of the secrets to the Rolex mystique, as well as the price-point: the company tightly controls the supply of its product, which serves to drive up the price.

But there's more to Rolex than just a keen understanding of supply-side economics.The watches themselves are the product of genuinely high-quality craftmanship, and the design of a Rolex shows foresight and an appreciation of classic style. But is that enough to make a Rolex watch, which is after all simply a means to tell tell time, an investment-level possession? There's literally no answer to that. If the world believes that a Rolex is precious, then a Rolex is precious. Sometimes it's truly that simple.

More Great Articles About Men's Style

• Designer Fragrance Samplers for Men
  You can get sample-size designer cologne for men for a fraction of the cost.
• Things You Need To Know About Watches - AskMen
  Chronometer - How to buy a watch

Comments

JC Scull from Gainesville, Florida on March 07, 2020:

I enjoy reading about watches and have a few quality time pieces. Excellent article.

Angelladywriter on October 14, 2019:

Very interesting subject.

I have worked hard to stay fit and understand the complex relationship between aging, nutrition, and exercise.

Six Hats Perfect for Stylish Older Men

All the young dudes wear old man hats. One of the most visible recent style trends is the adoption of old-school lids by hipsters and musicians. Maybe you already know the look—typically a fedora or trilby, often with a houndstooth or subtle check, and almost always worn with a beard. Men of all ages are wearing them, which may be the main innovation: what are now called "old man hats" used to be worn only by actual old men. Not any more.

At 57, I count myself as an old man (and I intend to become a much older man in the years ahead). As such, I have appointed myself to pass judgement on the relative merits of a few of the better "old man hats" you can buy. You are about to read about five of these sweet brims that would look sharp on the style-conscious older man.

The hats in this guide are all very affordable and well made. They're fashion-forward as well as fashion-backward. I hope you enjoy this look at old man hats for actual old men.

1. Doyle Teardrop Fedora Hat

I'm starting out here with the king of the hill—a Doyle teardrop fedora. If you're hip to the classic fedora, this might look familiar to you. The man who steps out in a teardrop fedora, especially on a grainy, rainy city night with cocktails in his near future, is rocking a 100% classic American look. In addition to looking indestructible, this hat is actually crush-proof, weather resistant, and ready to be topped up at any point in the night or early morning. As an older man who is by no means done with the nightlife, I love this lid.

This number has an internal sweat band—not that you ever sweat—and is easy to clean with a clothes brush or clean damp cloth.

Details:

• Classic men's teardrop fedora
• Hat can be easily surface-cleaned
• Water repellent
• Crushable for travel
• Handmade in Ecuador
• 100% wool
• From Borges & Scott

2. Men's Straw Trilby

Here's a summery alternative to the rainy-night fedora featured above. A straw trilby is a warm-weather standby for millions of American men, and it has legions of followers in the UK and Europe as well. Even though this classic straw trilby is really inexpensive, I think it offers a lot more than the low price suggests. These hats are virtually indestructible, age beautifully (like us!), and just have a way of looking "right" perched on the dome of everyone from Brooklyn hipsters to middle-aged mid-western dudes like myself.

Details:

• Imported
• Breathable, lightweight, comfortable to the touch
• UV Protection
• Shorter brim angled down at the front and slightly turned up at the back
• Hat holder included: keep hats with a perfect shape
• 30-day quality guarantee please return it within 30 Days and Get Full Refund. Please feel free to contact us if you have any question.

A person carries off the hat. Hats are about emotion. It is all about how it makes you feel.

— Philip Treacy

3. 9th Street Hats 'Sinatra' Classic Fedora

Of all the hats on my list, this is the one that most perfectly captures that Sinatra vibe. It's cool, dark, classic, and capable of adding another layer of agelessness to any older man's look. If you're an older man like me, you may get a little tired of watching all of these youngsters walking around in their fedoras and trilbys—that's natural! But set this hat on your dome and you'll immediately feel your age, in the best possible way—as a source of power, grace, and wisdom. Not many hats can do that. This one can.

But don't take it from me. Take it from an older man who took the time to review this hat on Amazon.com:

"This is my first grown-up hat, and I'm 57 years of age. Looking for something from the 50s look so I took a shot at this hat, and let me tell you this hat is a home-run. I recommend anyone looking for a nice hat -- this is the hat to get."

4. Belfry Gangster 100% Wool Stain Resistant Crushable Dress Fedora

Belfry makes great hats, pure and simple. This one is no exception. It's a solid, classic fedora in 100% wool, stain-resistant and crushable, so when you take it off and shove it in the chest of some goon who's harassing your lady, and when, unfortunately, that goon's blood happens to spill on your nice new brim, it's something less than a tragedy. For you, not the goon.

Details:

• 100 percent wool body is soft, warm and perfect for cold-weather wear
• Offers excellent water and stain resistance
• Grosgrain sweatband to wick sweat and hold hat's shape
• Stylish 2 3/8-inch brim and a 4-inch C-Crown
• Crushable, packable design that bounces back to its original shape after long trips

...and when, unfortunately, that goon's blood happens to spill on your nice new brim, it's something less than a tragedy. For you, not the goon.

5. Belfry Striped Crushable Wool Trilby

Another wickedly cool Belfry hat, perfect for the older man. Everything that is detailed in the description above applies to this hat as well. A great hat for a great man (you know who you are).

Trilby versus Fedora: The fedora has a movable, or “snap” brim; the trilby, on the other hand, is made so that the brim is permanently fixed down, and usually the brim is set at a much more severe angle than the fedora.

— Hatsinthebelfry.com

6. Brixton Men's Messer Medium Brim Felt Fedora Hat

Finally, we finish up with a classic fedora. Nothing fancy, just a hat that I think is awesome, and would be an amazing addition to any older man's closet. Going out into the world demands a level of attention and energy that many older men are unwilling to devote, but you and me, we're different. Put this hat on your old man head and get out there—the youngsters need to see a confident, sexy, powerful old man wearing their style like it should be worn.

Resources

• Fedora Felt Hat Guide — Gentleman's Gazette
  Learn all about the fedora hat; its history, quality hallmarks, what to buy & what to avoid, and how to wear this great felt hat so you look your best
• Trilby vs. Fedora: The Difference Between These Hat Styles – Hats in the Belfry
  Hats in the Belfry

Comments

harshita bhawnani on June 02, 2020:

your blogs are very interesting

Ed Palumbo from Tualatin, OR on October 10, 2019:

I should comment, hats made of fur felt are different than hats of wool felt or straw; they're built to last (and priced accordingly). I've gotten more than 10 years of wear from my fur felt Stetsons and they "age" with wear and time. One became a chew-toy for a guest's dog, much to my dismay, and these things happen. Another was blown into a creek by a powerful gust, and that hat was like an old friend. There are different grades of fur felt but one does well to begin with a wool felt hat to see if it's a good fit for one's personal style. Fur felt is more of an investment; however, if you spend a fair amount of time outdoors, a hat will serve you well.

elnavann from South Africa on October 10, 2019:

Hi. I love these hats: an understatement rather than attention-seeking

Ed Palumbo from Tualatin, OR on October 06, 2019:

I'm 73 and keenly aware that hats as a fashion accessory fell out of style with the Kennedy administration; however, I live in the Pacific Northwest and we have WEATHER in my corner of the woods, so a hat is a practical wardrobe accessory, if only to keep the rain from falling on my "solar panel".

I typically wear city hats (fedoras by Stetson) or country hats (Open Road by Stetson and Resistol). The fedoras have enough of a brim to shade your eyes and are creased fore and aft, while the "western" hats have a wider brim and whatever crease you want. When I was young(er), most restaurants had hat racks or hooks because hats were typicallt worn. Today, you'd be hard-pressed to find somewhere to hand your hat, even in an upscale restaurant. Doesn't matter - I wear 'em anyway. I'm told a fedora makes a statement these days but I haven't defined what that statement may be. We get a fair amount of rain in the Pacific Northwest and the feeling of rain on my bald head is like icewater on a bowling ball. Should rain creep down the back of my neck...that's intolerable. My daughter long ago classified my hats as city/country and I can't disagree with her. A hat with a brim is best worn by a man with some character in his face. If a young man wears them, he looks like he's wearing his father's hat. A hat makes sense to me, and I can't say with certainty that they're making a comeback but I have four or five that are part of my wardrobe. Let others make choices as they wish.

Doris James MizBejabbers from Beautiful South on October 05, 2019:

Nice presentation, GreenMind. Somehow I've never liked hats on men unless they were being worn for warmth or to cover up baldness. My dad never considered himself "dressed" unless he had on a hat. He had a nice head of hair all his life, so I've always wondered why. Just the style of the times (midcentury), I guess. Back then they referred to their hats as fedoras.

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

Watch collecting tends to be an expensive hobby. To satisfy my appetite without forcing myself into bankruptcy, I joined a subscription service that sent me a new, deeply discounted timepiece every month.

After a year, I’d increased my collection significantly and decided to cancel my membership with Watch Gang. An J. Brackett Navigli automatic was my final purchase.

Description

The J Brackett Navigli weighs in at 5.16 ounces. It is 13 millimeters thick with a diameter of 43 millimeters.

A brushed stainless-steel case encloses a Seiko Nh35a automatic movement. Water resistance is rated at 5ATM.

This timepiece’s black colored dial is engraved with a relatively conservative pattern and features shiny silver studs at each hour position. Decent quality luminous paint has been dabbed onto the watch’s silver-colored hands, and a tiny cut-out at the three o’clock position allows a view of the date.

This watch’s caseback features a window, through which the movement can be seen. A quality stainless-steel strap is included.

Specifications

• Brand: J Brackett
• Model: Automatic
• Condition: New
• Place of origin: Designed in the US and manufactured in China
• Gender: Male
• Display: Analog
• Movement: Seiko NH35A automatic with date feature
• Style: Dress
• Features: Date indicator
• Band material: 316L stainless steel with hidden buckle
• Band color: Silver
• Bandwidth: 22 millimeters
• Dial color: Black with silver studs
• Dial window material: Mineral glass
• Case material: 316L Stainless-steel
• Case diameter: 43 millimeters
• Case thickness: 13 millimeters
• Weight: 146 grams (5.16 ounces)
• Water resistance: 5ATM

The Manufacturer

J. Brackett is a small company that sells variations of two watch models. The Camden is equipped with a Ronda quartz movement, and the Navigli is powered by a Seiko automatic NH35A.

Little is known about this company. J. Brackett is not trademarked, and I have been unable to locate their head office. I assume that they are based in the United States and import their watches from China.

J. Brackett timepieces can be purchased online at their website. They are also available at several web-based stores such as eBay. The cost of a Camden quartz varies between $50 and $140, and their Navigli automatic is priced in the $300 range.

Visual Appeal

The Navigli exudes an aura of conservative competence, which fits in well with a wide variety of clothing styles.

Its simple dial features an easy to read design and includes a date window large enough to determine the day of the month quickly.

For those of us fascinated by whirling timing wheels, this watch’s movement can be examined through an observation window which pierces the caseback.

I was especially impressed by this timepiece’s strap, which is composed of stainless steel and includes a buckle that is virtually undetectable when fastened. It is one of the most comfortable bands I have come across.

Durability

Both the case and strap of this watch are composed of 316L stainless steel, which provides excellent resistance against rust.

The strap is comfortable and well constructed. Its nifty fold-over buckle is unnoticeable when engaged, fitting almost seamlessly into the overall band.

J Brackett fitted a quality Seiko NH35A automatic movement into this watch. It contains 24 jewels and oscillates at 21,600bpm. The movement is hackable, which means that the second hand can be stopped by pulling out the timepiece’s crown. This feature is useful when setting the watch.

With water resistance rated at 5ATM, the Navigli can be worn during light swimming but not while diving or snorkeling.

Accuracy

The Seiko NH35A movement’s accuracy range is within -20~+40 seconds per day under normal conditions. During my test, the Navigli gained an average of 23 seconds per day, and power reserve worked out to 44 hours.

Overall Assessment

The J Brackett Navigli is a well built and capable automatic. Unfortunately, aside from its high-quality strap, there is nothing about this timepiece that separates it from a myriad of competitors. Most potential purchasers will put it on their shortlist, and then move on to a watch they find more appealing.

Accuracy is an important consideration when purchasing a mechanical watch. The following poll is designed to discover the precision expected by my readers when purchasing a $300 timepiece.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2019 Walter Shillington

Comments

Walter Shillington (author) from Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada on July 03, 2019:

I just slipped the watch on to refresh my memory. Grab one section of the band (above the buckle) between thumb and forefinger, pulling. One side of the buckle will open. Then stick the end of a fingernail between the buckle and the unopened piece of the band above it, levering it open. If your fingernails are too short, pull this section with your thumb and forefinger again.

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

Whenever I buy a new watch, I scan through the internet, searching for timepieces that look great and are reasonably priced. Product reviews are then scrutinized to determine accuracy and quality. I also check for interesting features.

This year I purchased several watches in the 20-dollar range. You don’t expect much in cases such as this, but sometimes you are pleasantly surprised.

Description

The Sewor automatic weighs in at 58 grams and, with a diameter of 39 millimeters, is smaller than most of my other watches. This timepiece is 14.5 millimeters thick. A Chinese manufactured automatic movement is fitted into a gold-colored, stainless-steel case.

The caseback includes an observation window and the watch’s crystal is composed of a type of mineral glass referred to as Hardex. Hours are marked by either studs or Roman numerals, and the pointers are coated with mediocre quality luminous paint. A sturdy brown leather strap is attached to the watch head.

Specifications

• Brand: Sewor
• Model: Automatic
• Condition: New
• Place of origin: China
• Gender: Male
• Display: Analog
• Movement: Asian automatic with date feature
• Style: Dress
• Features: Date indicator
• Band material: PU leather
• Band color: Brown
• Band width: 20 millimeters
• Dial color: Silver and white
• Dial window material: Hardex
• Case material: Stainless-steel
• Case diameter: 39 millimeters
• Case thickness: 14.5 millimeters
• Weight: 58 grams (2.06 ounces)
• Water resistance: Not rated

The Manufacturer

Sewor was trademarked in 2016 by Sisi Huang of Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. This company markets an impressive variety of inexpensive mechanical timepieces.

Visual Appeal

A well-designed dial, crocodile-patterned strap, and gold case evoke an impression of luxury. I especially like the combination of large golden Roman numerals and silver-toned studs which are used to mark each hour. Although I prefer larger watches, I did not experience difficulty reading the time and date.

This watch’s caseback includes a round glass window, allowing its owner to view the movement in operation. While the crocodile patterned strap fits well with the overall design, its silver buckle somewhat spoils the effect.

Durability

20 dollars is a crucial price point for Chinese watch manufacturers. In this range, factories can provide more than just a basic timepiece. Their offerings might include a stainless-steel band, extra functions, or, as in this case, a mechanical movement.

The stainless-steel case is electroplated to provide a shiny gold coloring. It looks great but be aware that wear and tear will eventually degrade the coating, revealing the stainless steel beneath.

An automatic movement is used to power this timepiece. Time adjustments can be performed smoothly, and a satisfying audible click accompanies manual date changes. The overall mechanism runs well but will probably not enjoy the lifespan of its more expensive brethren.

Most straps used on inexpensive timepieces are composed of PU leather. This substance is formed from inner splits of hide that have been covered with polyurethane. Bands of this variety look good, but their lifespan is very short. This strap responded exceptionally well to my wear and tear tests. While it probably is made from PU leather, I suspect it will survive longer than most bands of this variety.

Accuracy

During my review period, the date window correctly displayed each day of the month.

I tested the accuracy of the Sewer automatic for three days. During this time, it lost an average of 23 seconds every 24 hours. This is considered excellent for a timepiece in the 20-dollar price range. Reserve power worked out to 22 hours.

Overall Assessment

This watch looks great, includes a date feature, and is powered by an automatic movement. It is fitted with a higher-than-average quality PU leather strap. If you are looking for an inexpensive timepiece that will provide decent service, this Sewor automatic is worthy of consideration.

Sewor chose a gold-colored case for this timepiece. The following poll is designed to determine what type of case is preferred by my readers.

Comments

Kjell Ohlsson on March 15, 2020:

great looking watches keep up the good design work

Jameel Evans is a professional content writer, ghostwriter and freelancer currently based in London.

Diamonds are the traditional stone to have in wedding rings. They are also highly touted as being incredibly beautiful and rare. That isn't strictly true. Whilst many people enjoy the sparkle of a well-cut diamond, they aren't exactly stunning except for their size. Many other stones glitter just as enticingly whilst providing viewers with an alternative to the plain, boring clear diamond. As for rarity, an estimated 70% of all diamonds available on the market have been grown in a laboratory.

That's the thing about diamonds; they are simple to create and geologically speaking, plain and boring compared to the many different minerals and precious gems known to man. Here are 5 of the most stunning alternatives to diamonds.

5 Alternative Stones to Diamonds

1. Sapphire
2. Emerald
3. Alexandrite
4. Jadeite
5. Amethyst

1. Sapphire

Sapphires are a precious gemstone, a variety of corundum, which is a mineral formed mainly of aluminium oxide. Sapphires can be found and mined worldwide, but the most stunning stones appear to come from the general Middle East/ South West Asian regions, with Sri Lanka being the globe's largest producer.

Sapphires come in a range of colors and are available in blues, purples, greens, yellows and oranges. Startling red sapphires also occur but are called rubies instead, even though they are geologically and chemically speaking, the same stone.

Sapphires have long been admired for the soft beauty of the cut and polished stones. They are a common adornment in many types of jewelry and can provide a stunningly refreshing change from diamonds.

2. Emerald

Emeralds have long captured the human imagination ever since this vivid green gemstone was first discovered. A type of beryl, emerald has been mined since the time of the pharaohs and is widely available today.

Emeralds come in a few shades, with essences of blues and purples and even yellows mixed in with the dominant green.

Whilst emerald crystals can also be cultivated in a lab just like diamonds, the synthetic emerald lacks the luster and shine of their naturally formed counterparts. As a result, emerald is less readily available than some other gems but no less alluring for it.

3. Alexandrite

Alexandrite is a gem that most people will not have heard of. They were first discovered in 1833 and are mostly found solely in Russia, although they have been mined in the gem-mines of Sri Lanka, India and Tanzania. What is especially interesting about alexandrite is that the gemstone can change color. Not like a chameleon does, but the color of the gem changes depending on the kind of light illuminating it. This is starkly different from gems of say, opal, which can change color depending on the angle you look at them.

This interesting quirk, combined with the fact that alexandrite is rarely found in large quantities, makes alexandrite a rare and expensive addition to any jewelry box. But with its unique color-changing properties, it is bound to draw more than a few admiring gazes.

4. Jadeite

Jadeite is the rarest and purest form of the more common jade. Jadeite also possesses a much larger range of colors, including yellow, red, black. Green is still the most common shade available, similar to jade, although the green of jadeite is much more vivid. Jadeite has played a long and significant role in Chinese history and culture. In the ancient empires of the East, it symbolized prestige and status and was valued higher than gold or other precious gems.

Jadeite gems may be the most pricey on this list, and also the least shiny. Jadeite is more of a reserved gemstone. From afar, the stones will not appear to be especially glamorous; it is only when one comes closer that their true mysterious beauty becomes apparent. A mesmerizing and fascinating alternative to the cold, vapid sparkle of diamonds.

5. Amethyst

The soft, lavender hue of an amethyst crystal has been admired since the dawn times. Amethyst is the purple variety of quartz crystals that can be found throughout the world. It has been mined and worn in jewelry since the beginning of time. The ancient Greeks believed this purple stone would cure drunkenness, and often had it carved into mugs or just worn on their body. It is from this belief that amethyst gets its name.

Whilst these purple-pink crystals are commonly available and the cheapest by far of all precious and semi-precious stones on this list, they are still beautiful replacements for white diamonds. When cut and polished properly, common amethyst attains a lustrous gleam and shine that is matched by few other stones. Combined with its uniquely purple hue, it is not hard to see why amethyst has been coveted by people for so long.

© 2019 Jameel Evans

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

I’ve purchased several chronographs over the last few years. Not because they were particularly useful—how often do most people require a stopwatch? I bought them because they were trendy, attractive, and crammed with sexy subdials and pushbuttons. And this lack of common sense has benefited companies such as Corgeut, William L. 1985, Guess, and Parnis.

Sadly, I have yet to curb this affliction.

Description

My new watch arrived, enclosed within an attractive and sturdy traveling case.

The WLAC02NRCN is a lightweight, weighing in at 53 grams (1.89 ounces). If the crown is included, its width is 43.5 millimeters. This watch is 13.5 millimeters thick.

Surprising for a timepiece that can be purchased for only $63.00, the William L.’s case is composed of 316L Stainless Steel.

Shiny Arabic numbers, representing the hours, are backdropped by a black dial. Two subdials are used to keep track of elapsed time, and both the minute and hour hands are coated with luminous paint.

William L. fitted a Hattori VD51 quartz movement into this timepiece.

This watch is equipped with a black, crocodile patterned leather strap with a silver buckle.

The WLAC02NRCN is rated 5ATM. It is suitable for light swimming.

Specifications

• Brand: William L. 1985

• Model: WLAC02NRCN

• Condition: New

• Place of Origin: Shenzhen, China

• Gender: Male

• Display: Analog

• Movement: Hattori (Seiko) VD51 quartz

• Style: Chronograph

• Band material: Leather

• Band color: Black

• Bandwidth: 20 mm

• Dial color: Black

• Dial window material: Curved mineral glass with anti-reflective coating

• Case material: 316L Stainless-steel

• Case diameter: 43.5 millimeters (including crown)

• Case thickness: 13.5 millimeters

• Weight: 53 grams (1.89 ounces)

• Water resistance: 5 ATM (Suitable for light swimming)

The Manufacturer

William L. 1985 is the brand name of G & L Watches and Accessories.

Guillaume Laidet launched his first Kickstarter campaign in 2016, eventually producing a line of vintage-inspired quartz watches. Later he returned to Kickstarter in a bid to finance several automatic timepieces.

G & L Watches is based in France. Their timepieces are designed in Paris and then manufactured in Shenzhen, China.

Visual Appeal

When it comes to styling, this timepiece covers all the bases. A brushed stainless-steel case is sandwiched between a shiny bezel and caseback. Bright silver numbers contrast well against the black colored dial.

Two subdials display elapsed time. Although I prefer this system, those that are serious about their chronographs will favor using the traditional second hand as part of the stopwatch function.

A flat mineral glass crystal would be less susceptible to scratches, but I do enjoy the effect of light reflecting against this crystal’s curved surface.

The black, crocodile patterned strap goes well with the overall styling of this watch.

Durability

A Hattori VD51 quartz movement is protected by a 316L grade Stainless-steel case. This material is robust and highly resistant to corrosion.

The William L. 1985’s crystal is dome-shaped and composed of anti-reflective mineral glass. Mineral glass is very hard, promoting resistant to scratching.

Seiko manufactured movements have earned a reputation for excellence. This watch’s crown and pushbuttons work correctly, and its hands adjust easily with minimal play. These are the hallmarks of a quality mechanism. According to my research, the VD51 supports a date mechanism. William L. 1984, probably to avoid a cluttered dial, failed to include this feature.

A quality leather band was supplied with this timepiece. I was surprised to find that it was equipped with release bars, enabling the strap to be quickly removed and replaced. Until recently, this system was only available on higher-priced watches.

This timepiece is rated 5 ATM. It can be worn during light swimming, although a watch with this rating is not considered suitable for snorkeling.

Overall Impression

This timepiece is one of my favorites. It works well, feels comfortable, and looks great on my wrist. I was especially impressed by the quality strap that came attached to this timepiece. If you are looking for a good chronograph and don’t want to spend a lot of money, this offering from William L. 1985, should be on your shortlist.

The manufacturer of this watch used a combination of features and quality materials, striving to increase its appeal. The poll below is intended to determine which enhancements are most desired by my readers.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2019 Walter Shillington

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

Occasionally, I will examine offerings from AliExpress, DhGate, and Wish, searching for an intriguing timepiece that won’t set me back a lot of money.

Last month I came across a rectangularly shaped automatic from Sewor. Although attached to a cheap strap, it appeared to be a decent watch. I took the plunge, paying $21.00 to a merchant on AliExpress and waiting patiently for it to arrive.

Description

The Sewor automatic weighs in at 72 grams (2.56 ounces). It is 33 millimeters wide and 45 millimeters from lug to lug. At 14 millimeters, this timepiece is chunkier than many that I have previously reviewed.

This watch’s Chinese-manufactured movement is enclosed within a shiny, gold-colored stainless-steel case. The crystal is composed of glass, and four tiny screws secure the caseback.

Gold colored Roman numerals are superimposed onto a black dial. At the three o’clock position, a small window displays the date.

Sewor equipped this watch with a 24-millimeter-wide PU leather strap.

Specifications

• Brand: Sewor

• Model: 065

• Condition: New

• Place of Origin: China

• Gender: Male

• Display: Analog

• Movement: Chinese-manufactured automatic

• Style: Business

• Band material: PU leather

• Band color: Black

• Bandwidth: 24 mm

• Dial color: Black

• Dial window material: Glass

• Case material: Stainless-steel

• Case diameter: 33 millimeters by 45 millimeters

• Case thickness: 14 millimeters

• Weight: 72 grams (2.56 ounces)

• Water resistance: 3 ATM (Not suitable for swimming)

The Manufacturer

Sewor was trademarked in 2016 by Sisi Huang of Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. This company markets an impressive variety of inexpensive mechanical timepieces.

Visual Appeal

A well-designed dial and rectangular, gold-colored case suggest this Sewor is a far more expensive timepiece that it is. I especially like the use of large golden Roman numerals to mark each hour.

This watch’s caseback includes a round glass window, allowing its owner to view the movement.

While the crocodile patterned strap fits well with the overall design, its silver buckle spoils the effect.

Durability

Twenty-one dollars is a crucial price point for Chinese watch manufacturers. In this range, factories can provide more than just a basic timepiece. Their offerings might include a stainless-steel band, extra functions, or, as in this case, a mechanical movement.

The stainless-steel case is electroplated to provide a shiny gold coloring. It looks great but be aware that, over time, wear and tear will eventually degrade the coating and the silver stainless steel beneath will be revealed.

I especially liked the caseback which is held in place by four tiny screws. Unlike most casebacks, this one can easily be removed and replaced.

An automatic movement is used to power the Sewor 065. Adjustments to the time and date were made smoothly and without difficulties. The overall mechanism runs well but will probably not enjoy the lifespan of its more expensive brethren.

Sewor equipped this watch with a strap composed of PU leather. PU leather is formed from inner splits of hide, which have been covered with polyurethane. While this material appears leather-like, it is not as durable. If you wear this watch every day, plan to replace the strap within a few months.

Accuracy

During my review period, the date window correctly displayed each day of the month.

I tested the accuracy of the Sewer automatic for three days. During this time, it gained an average of one minute every 24 hours. This is considered reasonable for a timepiece in the 20-dollar price range.

Reserve power worked out to 39 hours.

Overall Assessment

This watch looks great, includes a date feature, and is powered by an automatic movement. Provided the purchaser is willing to replace the strap with one of decent quality, the Sewer 065 represents real value. Keep in mind, however, that the lifespan of a timepiece of this type is one to two years.

Watch manufacturers attempt to increase sales by offering features that potential purchasers value. In this case, Sewor provided a date display. The following poll is designed to determine which features my readers prefer.

© 2019 Walter Shillington

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

A mechanical watch can usually be found strapped around my wrist. It’s sort of cool to own a timepiece filled with tiny gears, a spring, and a timing wheel, all working together to turn the hands of a watch. This type of timepiece incorporates solid design and finely crafted parts, which, when assembled and correctly adjusted, provide decent accuracy.

I dislike quartz watches. In my opinion, a battery-powered timepiece is more an appliance than a watch and, while they are more precise and may sometimes display flair, these devices lack soul.

My new Komono Winston is an exception to this rule.

Description

The Komono Winston is a lightweight, weighing in at 47 grams (1.67 ounces). It spans 22 millimeters and is 9 millimeters thick.

A case composed of silver-colored brushed metal, a stainless steel caseback, and a mineral glass crystal protects this watch’s Miyota 1L45 quartz movement. The crown protrudes at the four o’clock position.

This watch’s dark blue dial includes minute markings and slim silver studs which denote the hours. Situated at the bottom is a silver-colored subdial.

According to information inscribed onto its caseback, the Winston is water resistant to 3ATM. Also included is the timepiece’s serial number.

The Komono Winston is equipped with a brown leather strap. This band can be quickly and easily removed using two tiny levers.

Specifications

• Brand: Komono

• Model: Winston Subs Blue Cognac

• Condition: New

• Place of Origin: Probably China

• Gender: Male

• Display: Analog

• Movement: Miyota 1L45

• Style: Business/Luxury

• Band material: Leather with brushed silver metal buckle

• Band color: Brown

• Bandwidth: 20 mm

• Dial color: Blue

• Dial window material: Mineral glass

• Case material: Metal

• Case diameter: 42 millimeters

• Case thickness: 9 millimeters

• Weight: 4 grams (1.67 ounces)

• Water resistance: 3ATM (not suitable for swimming)

The Manufacturer

Komono was founded in Belgium in 2009 by Raf Maes and Anton Janssens. In 2012 Komono Bvba applied for a US trademark. It was registered in 2013. I believe that Komono timepieces are designed in Belgium and manufactured in China.

Visual Appeal

A silver brushed-metal case surrounds a blue dial. Depending on how light reflects against it, this dial’s color lightens or darkens. Sometimes it appears to be black. I quite like this effect.

Rather than utilizing a traditional second hand, Komono has employed a subdial to keep track of passing seconds. Both the subdial and crown are situated slightly clockwise to what is traditionally their normal position.

The slim design and light weight add sophistication and comfort.

I particularly like the brown leather strap, which is equipped with a buckle that matches the timepiece’s case.

This watch reeks of luxury and looks great on my wrist.

Durability

Most watches in this price range are encased within 316L grade stainless steel. The Komono’s case is composed of an alloy, which is probably neither as strong nor as rust-resistant. It is, however, very light.

Hidden inside resides a capable Miyota 1L45 quartz movement. This mechanism should provide excellent service for several years.

A scratch-resistant mineral glass crystal protects this timepiece's dial.

The Komono Winston is equipped with a reasonably thick leather strap, which I expect will provide good service. The band can easily be removed and reattached employing small levers, which are attached to its spring bars. This feature is usually reserved for more expensive timepieces.

Overall Impression

I wear this watch a lot, despite my preference for mechanical timepieces. Its offbeat but business-like styling is remarkably attractive, and the Winston is considerably lighter than the automatics I usually strap around my wrist. If you like the design, the Komono Winston is recommended.

Although much of the Komono’s appeal revolves around design, they also utilized an easy-to-remove strap. In the following survey, I am attempting to determine the level of interest in a band of this type.

© 2019 Walter Shillington

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

Once a year, I check online, searching for the cheapest mechanical watch available. In this price range, you don’t expect much. These timepieces are always equipped with a throwaway strap, accuracy is laughable, and their lifespan is usually short. Sometimes these watches arrive DOA.

I did get lucky once. I purchased a skeleton watch by Winner that, despite an inadequate strap, was reasonably accurate and looked great. I don’t wear it often, but the timepiece still works well.

This year’s pick is the Sandwood Jushidai mechanical watch, which I purchased at AliExpress for ten dollars.

Description

Like my older Winner, the Sandwood Jushidai is a skeleton watch. It weighs 49 grams (1.73 ounces), has a diameter of 38 millimeters, and is 12 millimeters thick.

This timepiece’s dial and case are composed of gold-colored metal. Both the crystal and part of its caseback are glass, allowing a good view of the inner workings. Luminous paint coats the watch’s hands.

The strap is made from PU leather and equipped with a silver-colored buckle.

This watch’s mechanical, hand-wound movement is labeled Jushidai.

Specifications

• Brand: Sandwood

• Model: Steampunk

• Condition: New

• Place of Origin: China

• Gender: Male

• Display: Analog

• Movement: Jushidai mechanical

• Style: Skeleton

• Band material: PU leather

• Band color: Black

• Bandwidth: 20 mm

• Dial color: Gold

• Dial window material: Glass

• Case material: Metal

• Case diameter: 38 millimeters

• Case thickness: 12 millimeters

• Weight: 49 grams (1.73 ounces)

• Water resistance: Not rated

The Manufacturer

Sandwood is trademarked by the Shenzhen Bluelans Network Technology Co., Ltd. of China. My understanding is that Shenzhen Bluelans is a trading company.

Jushidai is trademarked by the Guangzhou Shifenmiao Watches Co., Ltd. They have offices in Arcadia, California, but are physically located in China. I am unsure if Shifenmiao is another trading company or the manufacturer of this timepiece.

Visual Appeal

An intricate metal dial is well engraved and features a rapidly spinning timing wheel. Hour markings make use of Roman numerals. The Jushidai trademark and name are marked on the dial.

Despite a coating of whiteish luminous paint, the thin, gold-colored hands are not as easy to pick out as I would like.

A shiny, gold-colored case frames two expansive glass crystals. This watch is equipped with an alligator skin patterned, black PU leather strap. While the band matches the timepiece, the inclusion of a silver buckle spoils the effect.

Durability

The case is composed of an alley but appears reasonably sturdy and does not annoy the ear with a tin-like ring when rapped against metal.

While they are probably not of good quality, the crystals have survived my tests unscathed.

The Jushidai movement appears to be a version of the standard Chinese Tongji mechanism. This movement has worked well during my tests and, although I cannot vouch for how long it will continue to do so, I have no immediate concerns.

This timepiece is equipped with a very cheap PU leather strap with an expected lifespan of three months.

Water-resistance is not provided, suggesting this watch should not be worn in the pool.

Accuracy

During a five-day test period, the Sandwood Jushidai gained an average of one minute per day. Although this watch will definitely not be certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, it is accurate enough to be worn on a daily basis.

I fully wound the watch and checked its power reserve. It continued to keep time for 46 hours. That is an excellent result for a mechanical watch.

Overall Assessment

The Sandwood Jushidai looks good and is reasonably accurate for a watch in this price range. If you are willing to replace its strap with one of better quality, the Jushidai would be a nice little skeleton watch to add to your collection. It should, however, not be considered durable enough to be worn every day.

To assist in my selection of watches to review, I am conducting a poll to determine the price range of timepieces that my readers would consider purchasing. Please fill in the survey below.

© 2019 Walter Shillington

Tess has worn eyeglasses for over 20 years and has experienced the many frustrations that come with wearing glasses.

The Dreaded Glasses Slip

If you wear glasses, then I'm sure you've experienced that dreaded slip down bridge of your nose. It can be extremely frustrating when you always have to adjust your eyeglasses in order to see through your lenses. Constantly having to push up your glasses is not only annoying, but can also cause friction against the skin, eventually leading to discoloration and irritation.

Why Do My Glasses Slide Down My Nose?

There are many reasons why your glasses might slide down the bridge of your nose. Your frames might be too wide or too heavy, your skin too oily, the arms of the frames might meet your ears at the wrong angle, or the bridge of your nose may be too narrow to hold your glasses up.

If you have an eyeglass toolkit, you might try tightening the screws on your frames or adjusting your nose pads. While this is a great start, this may not always be the solution to preventing glasses from sliding down your nose. Determining the reason why your glasses slip is the first step toward finding the right solution.

Three Solutions to Prevent Your Glasses From Slipping

• Nerdwax
• Silicone nose pads
• Silicone antislip ear hooks

All three of these solutions can be purchased for under $11 and will last for many months.

Nerdwax

Nerdwax comes in a tube much like chapstick and can be applied by simply rubbing a small portion of the wax directly onto the nose pads of your eyeglasses.

Nerdwax is great for anyone who wants a low-profile product that lets them keep the look of their glasses while still preventing their frames from slipping. If you accidentally get some of the wax on your lenses, simply wipe it away with a microfiber cloth.

It's best to test the wax on a small area of skin first to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction to the product. To do this, simply apply a small amount of wax to a small area of skin such as the back of your hand. Leave the wax on your skin for 30 minutes, observing your skin's reaction. If you notice any irritation, immediately wash the area with mild soap and water and contact your dermatologist.

Pros:

• 100% all natural, cosmetic grade ingredients
• Can be used on any style of eyeglasses
• One tube of Nerdwax can last 6-8 months of daily use
• Easy to clean off of lenses and glasses
• Most of the Nerdwax is dissolved by your facial oils throughout the day
• Made in the USA

Cons:

• May cause irritation to sensitive skin
• If you tend to have very oily skin, you may find yourself needing to reapply often

Silicone Nose Pads

Silicone nose pads can be added to your eyeglasses by sticking the adhesive side down on the bridge of your glasses. These pads will add bridge support and help prevent your glasses from slipping down your nose.

Once applied, these pads are virtually invisible, making them a great choice for any style of glasses. They also come in a pack of 12 pairs, meaning these will last all year long. The nose pads are great to use on their own or in addition to the silicone ear hooks (below) for added stability.

Make sure you clean your glasses' nose pads with a mild soap or rubbing alcohol before trying to apply the silicone nose pads to ensure that they adhere firmly to your glasses.

Pros:

• Silicone is a better option than wax for those with sensitive skin
• Each pair of pads lasts 1 to 2 months with daily use
• Easy to apply and remove
• Can be used with most eyeglasses
• Safe to use on children's glasses
• Help prevent indentations and dark marks on the bridge of the nose

Cons:

• Not waterproof
• Exposure to hot weather will decrease the pads' lifespan
• Reapplying the same nose pads a second time will decrease their stickiness

Silicone Ear Hooks

Silicone ear hooks are my personal favorite solution when it comes to keeping my glasses in place. These ear hooks can be used for many months if properly taken care of and are great for anyone looking to prevent their eyeglasses from sliding down their nose.

Pros:

• Premium grade silicone (excellent for anyone with sensitive skin)
• Easy to apply and remove
• Waterproof
• Durable, flexible, lightweight, and comfortable
• Can last for months or years with proper care
• Fits most frames

Cons:

• Need to keep ear hooks clean from natural skin oils

I've kept the same pair of silicone ear hooks on my glasses for two years now. I've worn them in many situations ranging from hot summer days to longboarding several miles in the city.

What I Use to Keep My Glasses From Slipping

When I first received my glasses, the frames did not fit tightly. My optometrist informed me that the manufacturer did not offer any sizing options. The frame was made of thick plastic so I could not bend the arms inward.

Every time I looked down, my eyeglasses would fall off of my face. If I turned my head too quickly, my glasses would slide and I would find myself constantly pushing them back up. Eventually, I ended up with dark marks on the bridge of my nose.

I looked online for solutions and decided to go with a combination of the silicone nose pads (to reduce the dark marks) and the silicone ear hooks (to keep the frames on my face). Since using this combination, the dark marks on the bridge of my nose are almost gone and I no longer worry about losing my frames if I look down.

Questions & Answers

Question: What is the price of the silicone ear hooks and where can they be purchased?

Answer: The price of the silicone ear hooks is updated regularly. If you click the silicone ear hook link in this post, it will take you directly to it!

Question: Does the wax product ship to England and how much is it?

Answer: Great question! I can only provide accurate information for those living in the US. I'd recommend checking the Amazon site for your country for accurate info.

Comments

Shaloo Walia from India on September 18, 2019:

I wasn't even aware of these products. Thanks for sharing!

Tess (author) from Hawaii on January 26, 2019:

No problem. I understand the struggle and it's annoying!

DW Davis from Eastern NC on January 26, 2019:

This has never been a problem for me until my most recent pair of glasses, and I've been wearing glasses for 48 years. It is driving me nuts. I will seriously consider buying some ear hooks. Thanks for your great Hub.

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

It’s a tough world out there, and this is especially true for those that manufacture and sell watches. After all, if you own a cellphone, the timepiece strapped around your wrist is not particularly necessary. You wear it because you like the style. Competition is cutthroat in every price category, and, for a watch company to survive, name recognition is the key.

Many of the smaller and more obscure brands work with the watch subscription service, Watch Gang. Profit is minimal because their timepieces are sold at a price far below retail. If, however, their product is appealing, the result will be a healthy uptick in sales.

Today’s test subject is J. Brackett’s Camden watch. My expectations are high because I already own, and really like, one of their automatics.

Description

The Camden weighs in at 53 grams (1.9 ounces). Its diameter reaches 42 millimeters, and it is 10 millimeters thick.

A black dial is marked with indications for hours and minutes. Large white Arabic numbers denote the even hours, and a small round window displays the date. The timepiece’s hands are coated with luminous paint.

The case is composed of shiny 316L stainless steel and, from all appearances, is equipped with antique style wire lugs. In actual fact, clever design work allows attachment of a modern 20-millimeter strap.

A Ronda 505 quartz movement powers this timepiece. It is labeled Swiss parts, suggesting the movement was assembled at Ronda’s factory in Thailand.

This watch has been rated 5ATM and is suitable for shallow swimming.

The Camden is matched to a pressed wool strap backed with leather.

Specifications

• Brand: J. Brackett
• Model: Camden - Black Charcoal
• Condition: New
• Place of Origin: US designed but probably assembled in China
• Gender: Male
• Display: Analog
• Movement: Ronda 505 quartz
• Style: Casual
• Function: Time plus date
• Band material: Leather and pressed wool
• Band color: Black
• Band width: 20 mm
• Dial color: Black
• Dial window material: Hardened mineral crystal
• Case material: 316L stainless-steel
• Case diameter: 42 millimeters
• Case thickness: 10 millimeters
• Weight: 53 grams (1.9 ounces)
• Water resistance: 5 ATM (Shallow swimming but not diving, snorkeling or water sports)

The Manufacturer

J. Brackett is a small company that sells variations of two watch models. The Camden is equipped with a Ronda quartz movement, and the Navigli is powered by a Seiko automatic NH35.

Little is known about this company. J. Brackett is not trademarked, and I have been unable to locate their head office. My assumption is that they are based in the United States and import their watches from China.

J. Brackett timepieces can be purchased online at their website. They are also available at other sites such as eBay. The price of a Camden quartz varies between $50 and $140.

Visual Appeal

This watch features a black dial with large, easy-to-read hour indications. This contrasts well against the shiny stainless-steel case. I particularly like the faux wire lugs and their suggestion of antiquity.

I’m not so enamored by the leather-backed, pressed wool strap. It may be innovative, but I suspect this band will attract dirt and prove difficult to clean.

Durability

The J. Brackett Camden is powered by a genuine Ronda 505 quartz movement. While it is not a Swiss timepiece, the Camden is as close as you’re going to get within this price range.

A 316L stainless-steel case in conjunction with a scratch-resistant, mineral glass crystal protects the inner workings of this watch. 316L stainless steel is highly corrosion-resistant.

The accompanying strap is fabricated from leather-backed, pressed wool. It appears quite sturdy, but, since I have not encountered this type of band before, I cannot comment on its longevity.

Water resistance of 5ATM ensures this timepiece can be used for swimming.

Overall Impression

The Camden is a clean looking watch with a name-brand movement and a well-designed case. It should provide years of yeomen service. J. Brackett’s Camden is recommended.

The following poll is designed to determine what type of movement is preferred by potential purchasers of a watch.

© 2019 Walter Shillington

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

Because of how I’ve set my preferences, the timepieces I receive from Watch Gang all conform to a specific pattern. They are uncluttered and fitted to quality leather straps. This month, however, the watch club decided to widen my horizon, sending me a Bernoulli complete with a large rotating bezel and a shiny metal strap. That was fine with me. It was time I tried something different.

Description

The Bernoulli Wayland weighs in at 126 grams (4.46 ounces). Its diameter reaches 47 millimeters, and the watch is 11 millimeters thick. It arrived enclosed within a sturdy cardboard box and strapped around a large white cushion.

This timepiece features a gray dial with lines indicating the minutes, and large, well-defined hour marking. The hands are reminiscent of those found on an antique pocket watch. Both hour markings and hands are heavily coated in luminous paint.

The quartz movement, a Seiko PD21J, is enclosed within an ion-plated metal case, which includes a sturdy crown protector. The dial is shielded by a mineral glass crystal, which is surrounded by a large, rotating bezel.

Bernoulli equipped this timepiece with an ion-plated metal strap.

Specifications

• Brand: Bernoulli

• Model: Wayland

• Condition: New

• Place of Origin: Probably China

• Gender: Male

• Display: Analog

• Movement: Seiko PC21J

• Functions: 12-hour time and rotating bezel

• Band: Ion plated metal with fold-over clasp

• Band width: 20 millimeters

• Dial color: Gray

• Dial window material: Scratch-resistant mineral crystal

• Case material: Ion plated metal

• Case diameter: 47 millimeters (including crown)

• Case thickness: 11 millimeters

• Weight: 126 grams (4.46 ounces)

• Water resistance: 3 ATM (unsuitable for swimming.)

The Manufacturer

There are indications that Bernoulli is based within the United States, but I was unable to pin-point this company’s exact location. At the time this review was being prepared, I discovered that their website, bernoulliwatches.com, was no longer active. A trademark search failed to find a watch manufacturer/importer using this name.

Bernoulli is—or was—an importer of quartz and mechanical watches. My expectation is that these timepieces were designed by the company and manufactured in Guangdong, China. These watches are widely available online. Bernoulli timepieces range in price; the Wayland, for example, sells for $149.50 at most sites. Their automatics tend to be more expensive.

Visual Appeal

Perhaps because I’m fond of pocket watches, I find the Wayland’s antique style hands and easily viewable hour markings to be very attractive.

Bernoulli made heavy use of luminous paint, ensuring this timepiece looks great in the dark. A dot of this paint is also applied to the rotating bezel. This would be useful for measuring elapsed time in darkened conditions.

In my opinion, however, the Wayland’s rather striking dial is overridden by the watch’s large bezel, metal case, and ion-plated strap.

I have recently reviewed the Lige Fashion Automatic Watch. This came equipped with an excellent stainless steel strap. I especially liked the design of this timepiece’s deployment clasp. In comparison, the more expensive Bernoulli’s band appears drab and cheap.

Durability

The Bernoulli Wayland’s case and strap are composed of ion-plated metal. I would have preferred stainless steel due to its superior resistance to corrosion, but this material should ensure a long lifetime.

This watch features an adjustable bezel. It works well, but when rotated, its action is sloppy. Often these bezels rise slightly above the crystal, protecting the mineral glass from damage. Bernoulli chose not to include this safeguard.

A Seiko PC21J movement is utilized to power the Bernoulli Wayland. Seiko has amassed a good reputation, and this mechanism should serve well for several years.

Overall Impression

I really like this watch’s dial and appreciate Bernoulli’s use of a movement manufactured by Seiko. I don’t, however, understand why a timepiece in this price range would fail to use a case and strap composed of stainless steel. When this lack of quality components is coupled with my inability to track down and contact the importer, it is impossible to recommend the Bernoulli Wayland.

Stainless steel components are useful because of their resistance to corrosion. Drawbacks to this material include price and weight. In the following poll, I am attempting to determine my readers' opinion of the use of stainless steel in watches.

© 2018 Walter Shillington

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

I subscribe to Watch Gang. Every month they send me a brand new wristwatch to test. My latest timepiece, a Breda 8184B, was produced by an American company called Grand Time. Most of the watches I review are designed in China, and I was looking forward to discovering which styling techniques would be favored by a Texas-based firm.

Description

The Breda 8184B arrived enclosed within a good-quality cardboard box and wrapped around a piece of stiff foam-like material. Accompanying it was a card providing the watch’s serial number and a strict warning to register my new watch.

This timepiece is 12 millimeters thick and 44 millimeters across. Although the Breda 8184B is quite large, it weighs only 68 grams (2.42 ounces). This watch is equipped with a thick brown leather strap.

A simple white dial is broken only by the brand name and marks intended to designate hours and minutes. The main hands are silver and reflective, ensuring their position can be easily detected in low light. The second hand is painted red.

The watch’s case and caseback are composed of stainless steel. Its crystal is made from mineral glass, and Miyota supplied the timepiece’s quartz movement.

Specifications

• Brand: Breda

• Model: 8184B

• Condition: New

• Place of Origin: China but designed in US

• Gender: Male

• Display: Analog

• Movement: Miyota quartz

• Functions: 12-hour time

• Band color: Brown with stainless-steel buckle

• Band width: 20 millimeters

• Dial color: White

• Dial window material: Scratch-resistant mineral crystal

• Case material: Stainless-steel

• Case diameter: 44 millimeters (including crown)

• Case thickness: 12 millimeters

• Weight: 68 grams (2.42 ounces)

• Water resistance: 5 ATM (suitable for light swimming but not snorkeling or water sports.)

The Manufacturer

Breda was launched by Grand Time Corporation in 2009 as a private label brand. Grand Time, which is based in Dallas Texas, also owns JBW (Just Bling Watches).

Breda timepieces are designed in Dallas and, most probably, manufactured in a factory situated in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. Grand Time has a studio, located in the historic Deep Ellum district of Dallas, which functions as their retail store. Breda watches are also sold online.

Visual Appeal

This watch’s simple white dial, surrounded by a stainless-steel bezel, exudes an impression of casual cheerfulness.

Although lacking luminous paint, the hands attached to this quartz watch reflect light, allowing it to be read under low-light conditions.

A thick and very attractive brown leather strap matches well with the overall design of this timepiece.

Durability

A stainless-steel case and crystal composed of scratch-resistant mineral glass provides decent protection against shock and water ingress. Its 5ATM rating is good enough to allow the wearer to go for a dip in the local swimming pool.

Breda provided this timepiece with a Miyota quartz movement, although, sadly, I could not locate its model number. Miyota, a division of Citizen, enjoys a good reputation.

The included strap is quite thick, but, unlike many leather bands of this size, I did not find it awkward to secure around my wrist.

Overall Impression

The Breda 8184B is a cheerful watch with a decent movement and a quality strap. It is intended for casual rather than business use. If you like its style, this timepiece is worthy of consideration.

The watches I review are generally designed for either business or casual use, the biggest determining factor being the thickness and weight of the timepiece. In the following survey, I am attempting to ascertain which type is more desired by my readers. Please take the time to fill in the poll below.

© 2018 Walter Shillington

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

I’m a minimalist at heart. When purchasing a watch, I normally gravitate toward one with a large, easy to read dial. A window displaying the date is the only feature that holds my interest.

This month I decided to try a fancier timepiece. After scanning a selection of low-priced mechanical watches on eBay, Amazon, and Gearbest, I ordered a Lige Fashion Automatic watch.

Description

This watch came enclosed within a cardboard watch box and strapped around a large white pillow. The package included a plastic tag, international guarantee card, polishing rag, and one of the nicest instructions guides I’ve come across.

The Lige fashion automatic weighs in at 152 grams (5.36 ounces). It spans 45 millimeters, when you include the crown, and is 13 millimeters thick.

A flat mineral crystal hovers over a silver dial inscribed with Roman numerals. The window at the 12 o’clock position provides date information. Below that, two subdials display the day of the week and the month. Decent quality luminous paint marks each hour, and a generous coat is applied to the watch’s hands.

At the bottom, a cut-out reveals a rapidly oscillating timing wheel.

The movement, an Asian automatic, is protected by a stainless-steel case. This timepiece’s crown is flanked by two pushbuttons. The top one advances the date, and the bottom adjusts the month. An inset button on the opposite edge of the case is used to advance the day of the week.

A window incorporated into this watch’s caseback, allows the user to view the movement.

Lige equipped this timepiece with a good-quality stainless-steel strap.

Specifications

• Brand: LIGE
• Model: Fashion automatic
• Condition: New
• Place of Origin: China
• Gender: Male
• Display: Analog
• Movement: Asian automatic with complications
• Features: Full calendar and cut-out displaying timing wheel
• Band material: Stainless-steel
• Band color: Silver
• Band width: 20 millimeters
• Clasp type: Fold-over clasp
• Dial color: Silver with Roman numerals
• Dial window material: Scratch resistant mineral glass
• Case material: Stainless-steel
• Case diameter: 45 millimeters, including crown
• Case thickness: 13 millimeters
• Weight: 152 grams (5.36 ounces)
• Water resistance: 30 Meters. (Unsuitable for swimming)

The Manufacturer

Lige timepieces have been available for sale since April of 2016. This brand was trademarked by Zhongshao Huang of Pingxiang City in July of 2017.

Lige watches are manufactured by the Guangzhou Lige Watch Co., Ltd. This company is based in Guangdong, China, and employs between 101 and 200 workers. Although Lige timepieces are sold worldwide, their top three markets are Central America, Western Europe, and Southern Europe.

The Guangzhou Lige Watch Company is a division of the Shenzhen Kaiser international trading company.

Visual Appeal

For this timepiece, Lige promotes a low-key conservative atmosphere despite the multitude of functions and spinning timing wheel. This effect is accomplished by matching a shiny stainless-steel case to a silver dial and silver subdials. For those that prefer a more striking appearance, Lige automatics are available in several different colors.

This watch gains points by including a relatively large date display window. I need not squint to read the date. The subdials are readable but a bit cramped, due to a lack of space. I appreciate the use of large Roman numerals, and the spinning timing wheel adds movement.

In order to minimize contrast, this watch’s crown and pushbuttons are colored to match their case. Lige also chose to include an inset button, which is used to set the day of the week. If the button is poked by a tack or the end of a pen, the subdial’s pointer will advance.

The timepiece’s caseback incorporates a medium-sized window, allowing the user to view the movement. Both the rotor and movement are nicely engraved.

This watch is equipped with a shiny stainless-steel strap.

Durability

A solid stainless-steel case and scratch-resistant, mineral glass crystal offer decent protection. The crown and pushbuttons work properly, although I suspect the rod connecting the date pushbutton to the movement is shorter than ideal. This button must be pushed firmly in order to advance the date.

The movement appears to be of good quality, and I expect it will provide yeoman service for several years. Then, like all mechanical mechanisms, cleaning, and a fresh application of oil will be required.

I like the stainless-steel band. Its nifty fold-over buckle is unnoticeable when engaged, fitting almost seamlessly into the overall strap. This buckle opens easily at the touch of a button.

Accuracy

Over a seven-day test period, the Lige fashion automatic gained an average of six seconds a day. That is an excellent result for a timepiece in this price range.

All three calendar-related functions advance properly.

Overall Assessment

This automatic is a handsome watch with a full calendar and luminosity strong enough for use at night. It is equipped with a comfortable and sturdy stainless-steel strap. The Lige Fashion Automatic is recommended.

The dial of this timepiece is pierced to allow a view of the movement’s timing wheel. I am conducting a survey to determine if my readers like this feature. Please fill in the poll below.

Questions & Answers

Question: I have a Lige without the open back. It appears standard. But is there a clear sticker over the info ( specs of watch ) or is the info printed on the vinyl? I started to peel it off thinking it was there to protect, not serve as the label. Any thoughts?

Answer: The sticker is probably meant to protect the surface of the watch during shipping.

Comments

Walter Shillington (author) from Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada on July 04, 2020:

Hi Harvey,

My Lige automatic still works really well. If yours does not function properly, you should contact your vendor and ask for a refund.

Harvey Rabiner on July 04, 2020:

Absolutely do not buy the Lige automatic eatch. It stores zero energy and will actually die on your wrist if perchance you happen to be reading or watching TV.

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

Every month, Watch Gang sends me a new watch. What I receive depends on a combination of my stated preferences and my subscription rate. Normally, I stick to the basic $29.99 monthly payment, and Watch Gang provides me with a decent Japanese, quartz driven timepiece.

The premise behind this contract is that newer and more obscure brands, attempting to make a name for themselves, will ship Watch Gang members a timepiece at far below the normal retail price. This month they sent me a watch manufactured by Evelon of Bloomfield, Michigan.

Description

The diameter of the Evelon Hughes ELE101 is 49 millimeters, and it is 11 millimeters thick. This timepiece weighs 73 grams (2.57 ounces).

A stainless-steel case is matched to a gray dial, which sits beneath a scratch-resistant mineral crystal. Silver studs mark the hours, and luminous paint is applied to each of the watch’s hands. Arabic numbering designates the hour and minute. A tiny round window, situated at the three o’clock position, allows a view of the date.

Evelon fitted a (Seiko) Hattori PC32A quartz movement into this timepiece. The watch’s caseback, which is composed of stainless steel, screws into place and assists in providing a water resistance of 5ATM.

Although my timepiece came equipped with a gray leather strap and dial, a variety of colors are available.

Specifications

• Brand: Evelon
• Model: Hughes ELE101-7
• Condition: New
• Place of Origin: China
• Gender: Male
• Display: Analog
• Movement: Hattori PC32A
• Functions: 12-hour time and date
• Band color: Gray with stainless-steel buckle
• Band width: 22 millimeters
• Dial color: Gray
• Dial window material: Non-glare, scratch-resistant mineral crystal
• Case material: Stainless-steel
• Case diameter: 49 millimeters (including crown)
• Case thickness: 11 millimeters
• Weight: 73 grams (2.57 ounces)
• Water resistance: 5 ATM (suitable for light swimming but not snorkeling or water sports.)

The Manufacturer

Elevon is one of 16 watch brands registered to Resultco Inc. of West Bloomfield, Michigan. This company was incorporated in 2010 and employs approximately 20 workers. Resultco was also incorporated in London, England, in 2017. I have previously reviewed their Morphic M63, which utilizes the same movement as this timepiece.

While Resultco branded timepieces are not particularly well-known, sales are robust. This is due to a technique called virtual inventory. Watch stores and jewelers feature these timepieces on their websites. Purchasers pay the merchant who keeps a percentage of the sale and forwards the remainder to Resultco. This company, in turn, ships the product to their customer. The virtual inventory system is attractive to online merchants because they are neither required to stock these timepieces nor pay shipping or storage.

My assumption is that Elevon watches are designed in the US by Resultco and manufactured at a factory in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

Visual Appeal

The Evelon Hughes features a flat mineral glass crystal, which hovers over a silver stud-punctuated dial. Subtle contrast is provided by matching its shiny stainless-steel case with a burnished bezel. While I feel the overall styling is inordinately conservative, this is a matter of individual taste.

This watch is fitted with a leather band, colored to match the timepiece’s dial. It includes a stainless-steel buckle marked "Elevon."

Durability

The Elevon Hughes ELE101 is fitted with a Hattori PC32A. This movement works well and should last for several years. The date indicator changes smoothly with a distinct click, and time can be easily set.

A solid stainless-steel case houses the movement and is capped by a crystal composed of hardened mineral glass.

This watch is equipped with a decent quality leather strap.

Most of the timepieces I review are rated 3 ATM. The Elevon Hughes, with its 5 ATM rating, can be worn while swimming.

Overall Impression

The Evelon Hughes is a well-built watch with decent water resistance. While I am not enamored with its styling, this timepiece would be a good choice for someone who wants a reliable watch without a lot of flash.

Timepieces are designed to attract the attention of specific segments of the population. I have put together a poll intended to pinpoint the styling preferences of my readers. Please take the time to submit your opinion.

© 2018 Walter Shillington

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

When it comes to watches, I am fanatical, acquiring at least one every month. To stave off bankruptcy, these purchases are normally limited to interesting but modestly priced timepieces. For my latest birthday, however, I decided to splurge.

I belong to Watch Gang. Each month they dispatch a timepiece that retails for far more than my $30.00 subscription fee. For one month, I upped the payment to $300.00. This was a risky strategy because I had no idea what brand or model Watch Gang would send.

Three weeks later, my brand new Lüm-Tec RR2 arrived.

Description

The watch arrived, packaged in a light-colored wooden box equipped with spring-loaded hinges. With the timepiece removed, the container weighs 13.4 ounces (381 grams). Felt-like material lines its bottom and interior.

Wiegand’s Lüm-Tec RR2 automatic weighs in at 3.24 ounces (92 grams). When you include the crown, this watch spans 47.5mm. It is 11mm thick.

A sapphire crystal hovers over a white face with blue Arabic numbering. The date indicator is located at the three o’clock position.

This timepiece’s Miyota 9015 movement is enclosed within a shiny 316L stainless steel case. Its caseback incorporates a small window, which allows a view of the movement.

A screw-down type crown helps to provide a water resistance rating of 100 meters.

My watch came attached to a thick brown leather strap. This band is equipped with specialized spring bars, which allow easy removal and reattachment of the strap.

The Manufacturer

The Lüm-Tec brand is owned by Weigand Custom Watch, LLC. Weigand is a family-run business based in Mentor, Ohio. They build custom OEM and ODM production and private label watches.

Lüm-Tec is considered Weigand’s showcase brand, demonstrating its capability to produce innovative timepieces of high quality. Generally, this company manufactures watches in limited production runs. My watch, for example, was the 93^rd RR2 manufactured in a series limited to 100 units.

Specifications

• Brand: Lüm-Tec
• Model: RR2
• Condition: New
• Place of Origin: USA
• Gender: Male
• Display: Analog
• Movement: Miyota 9015 automatic
• Features: Day of month, screw-down crown, strong luminosity, and quick-release strap
• Band material: Leather
• Band color: Brown
• Band width: 22 millimeters
• Clasp type: Buckle
• Dial color: White with blue Arabic numbering
• Dial window material: Anti-reflective sapphire
• Case material: 316L Stainless-steel
• Case diameter: 47.5 millimeters, including crown
• Case thickness: 11 millimeters
• Weight: 92 grams (3.24 ounces)
• Water resistance: 100 Meters. Suitable for snorkeling

Visual Appeal

The Lüm-Tec’s shiny stainless-steel case contrasts nicely against the watch’s white dial face, and the use of blue numbering adds a suggestion of crisp cheerfulness. Although I could read the date, a larger window would have been appreciated. I really liked the old-style blued hands with their healthy coating of luminous paint.

This timepiece’s caseback incorporates a window, which allows the user to view the movement. I would have preferred a larger opening but, perhaps, this would have affected watertight integrity.

The sturdy and comfortable brown leather strap goes well with this watch.

Durability

The 316L stainless-steel case incorporates a screw-down crown. This combination provides an excellent defense against corrosion and water ingress, and the anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal further augments this protection.

In order to provide bright and long-lasting luminosity, the hands of this watch received eight coats of Lüm-Tec’s Super-Luminova photoluminescent material. From personal experience, I can attest that this watch is quite readable after seven hours of darkness.

Lüm-Tec matched this timepiece with a Miyota 9015 automatic movement. The 9015 can be wound by hand, and its power reserve, according to specifications, is 42 hours. This movement includes a hacking feature which allows the user to halt the second hand by fully extending the crown.

The included strap is composed of thick leather and should wear well.

Warranty and Customer Service

I noticed that the movement’s rotor would rapidly spin counter-clockwise every time I removed the watch from my wrist. Concerned that the timepiece might be defective, I sent the watch-head back to the manufacturer.

Ten days later, I received a phone call from a technician at Lüm-Tec. She explained that the ball-bearing mounted rotor was free-wheeling, a perfectly normal event. During her tests, however, the technician discovered that the watch was running nine seconds slow. She had adjusted the regulator to the point where the movement now gained a measly three seconds each day. The watch’s seals had also been lubricated.

After researching the Miyota 9015, I concluded that the technician, who is far more of an expert than myself, was correct. The rotor of this movement winds the mainspring only when it swings in a clockwise direction. When it returns, counter-clockwise, the rotor is simply free-wheeling on its ball-bearing.

It is worth noting that, although Lüm-Tec provides only the standard one-year limited warranty, they do offer a free timing adjustment service.

Accuracy

When I first received this watch, it ran three seconds slow. Later tests at the Lüm-Tec repair facility concluded that it lost nine seconds each day. The timepiece was regulated to a point where it gained three seconds. My final tests determined the watch ran six seconds fast.

Why did the repair facility’s accuracy reading differentiate from mine? Most likely, it was due to the difference in temperature between sunny California and chilly Nova Scotia.

When wound fully, I found this timepiece would continue to run for 46 hours.

Overall Impression

The Lüm-Tec RR2 is a great-looking watch that covers all the bases. It is solidly constructed, water-resistant, accurate, and can be easily read in the dark. This timepiece is expensive but should last for many years. The Lüm-Tec RR2 is recommended.

This watch is the first timepiece I’ve reviewed that comes equipped with a quick-release strap. Is this an option that would convince you to purchase a watch? Please fill in the poll below.

© 2018 Walter Shillington

Comments

Eve Hunt on November 09, 2018:

This article is actually a fastidious one it helps new internet people, who are wishing for blogging.

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

Although I have little use for a chronograph, shiny timepieces loaded with functions do tend to attract my attention. I feel the same about computers, bikes, and automobiles; pile on the chrome and accessories, and I might pull out my wallet.

My original chronograph was a Benyar BY-5103M. It’s an excellent watch, but the timepiece’s alloy case seemed a bit cheap. I decided to upgrade, and Corgeut appeared to offer the best balance of quality and price.

Description

The Corgeut C02006PYR weighs in at 100 grams (3.55 ounces) and, including the crown, spans 50 millimeters. It is 16.5 millimeters thick.

The watch is housed within a stainless-steel case coated with a flat-black PVD film. Physical vapor deposition (PVD) is characterized by a process in which the material goes from a condensed phase to a vapor phase and then cooled to a thin film. PVD coatings can be harder and more corrosion resistant than those applied by electroplating.

The stainless-steel caseback is marked by six circular indentations, suggesting a specialized tool will be required to open the watch. Specifications note that this timepiece is equipped with a Japanese movement.

The watch’s dial is black with large, easy to read Arabic numbering and appears to be a version of the sandwich design. The hands are whitened with medium quality luminous paint. A window on the right side provides a view of the date, and two circular holes allow the inclusion of subdials.

The bottom subdial is utilized as the timepiece’s second hand. The hand normally reserved for that purpose, and the top subdial are used to keep track of elapsed time.

This watch’s crown is flanked by a pair of pushbuttons. The upper button starts and stops the chronograph. The lower pushbutton is used to reset elapsed time. Date and time are adjusted via the timepiece’s crown.

22-millimeter lugs are utilized to attach a fabric band composed of cloth and leather. Both the strap and buckle are colored black to match the watch’s case.

Corgeut provides many versions of this model with an assortment of differently colored cases, dials, and subdials.

The Manufacturer

Corgeut has been manufacturing timepieces for several years, but it was not until February of 2017, that this company was trademarked by Zhang, Gong Wei of Hubei Province.

While they do not share the same ownership, it is likely that Corgeut and Parnis are closely associated. Their designs are similar, and both companies utilize high-quality components. E-commerce websites that sell one of these brands usually handle both and, quite possibly, they are manufactured in the same factory.

Specifications

Brand: Corgeut

Model: C02006PYR

Condition: New

Place of Origin: China

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Japanese quartz

Style: Chronograph

Functions: Date indicator and chronometer

Band material: Woven cloth and leather

Band color: Black

Band width: 22 millimeters tapering to 15.5

Dial color: Black with red subdials and white numbering

Dial window material: Mineral glass

Case material: 316L stainless-steel with PVD coating

Case diameter: 50 millimeters (including crown)

Case thickness: 16.5 millimeters

Weight: 100 grams (3.54 ounces)

Water resistance: 3 ATM (splash resistant only)

Visual Appeal

It comes down to individual taste, but I think it’s a shame to cover a quality stainless-steel case with a flat black coating. Those that do like this effect, however, will appreciate how closely the manufacturer has matched this timepiece’s case, strap, and dial.

Corgeut has created a beautiful dial. The sunken, red-colored subdials convey an impression of quality and precision. They contrast well with the black dial, white numbering, and oblong shaped date window.

The fabric strap is an interesting change of pace, but I do prefer leather.

Durability

The case of this watch is constructed from 316L grade stainless steel. This material provides excellent resistance against corrosion. The case is further protected by a PVD film. A hardened glass crystal shields the dial.

Corgeut has equipped this timepiece with a Japanese quartz movement. Time and date adjust easily and smoothly. The chronograph functions correctly, providing the ability to utilize this device as a stopwatch.

The fabric strap appears to be quite durable. I suspect it might outlast a leather strap of similar thickness.

Like many Chinese manufactured watches, this chronograph’s greatest drawback is water resistance. It is rate 3ATM, which translates to splash-proof only.

Overall Impression

The Corgeut C02006PYR is a well-designed timepiece, and because it is available in a variety of colors, it should appeal to many potential customers. I recommend this watch.

There are many different types of watchbands available. In the following poll, I am attempting to determine which are the most popular. Please take the time to provide your opinion.

© 2018 Walter Shillington

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

Lists online denoting the best timepieces generally concentrate on expensive Swiss brands. There is a good reason for this tendency; Swiss watches are well designed, accurate and built to last.

I work a little differently. I consider only timepieces that I have reviewed over the last year, and these inhabit the inexpensive to the medium-priced range. While not the best watches available, these are excellent products and at a price point most people can afford.

Ranking of 2018 Watches

• Best Watch of 2018
• Best Automatic
• Best Mechanical
• Best Value
• Best Replica

Best Watch of 2018: One Eleven CMP0002 Solar Powered Watch

About a year ago I joined Watch Gang. I pay a monthly subscription and every month they send me a new watch. I didn’t think much of the first timepiece I received but the next month they sent the solar-powered CMP0002 manufactured by One Eleven. One Eleven was trademarked by The Fossil Group in 2016.

Description

This watch weighs in at 61 grams (2.15 ounces). It is 42 millimeters across and 10 millimeters thick.

A brushed stainless-steel case is wedged between the bezel and its caseback, both of which are highly polished. Simulated wire lugs and a large crown provide an effect that greatly enhances the appeal of this timepiece.

A black, sandwich-type dial fits beneath a flat sheet of hardened mineral crystal. The bottom layer accommodates an array of photovoltaic solar cells. The upper layer, which rims the outside edge of the dial, is marked with hour and minute indications.

One Eleven deliberately suggests wear and tear by incorporating a distressed dial. Perhaps I am old-fashioned, but I find this technique confusing. Of course, everyone has different tastes. In my opinion, the Itronix GoBook 3 is the coolest laptop ever produced. However, when I enthusiastically introduce this wonderful device to my friends, they laugh and shake their heads in amusement.

The CMP0002 is powered by a Japanese manufactured, solar-powered movement and includes a 22-millimeter band composed of thick, brown leather. The strap is both visually pleasing and comfortable.

Water resistance, at 5ATM, is higher than many competing watch brands. This timepiece is coupled to a Japanese solar-powered movement. The battery, according to the One Eleven, should last for approximately 10 years and, during this time, is expected to maintain at least 70% of its original capability. When adjusting the time, there was noticeable resistance and the pointers’ movement proved consistent. These are traits you would expect in a quality movement.

Overall Impression

Despite my initial confusion with One Eleven’s distressed dial styling technique, I really like this watch. The CMP0002 is well designed, light-weight and extremely durable. This solar-powered timepiece wins the Dunn award for the best overall watch.

Best Automatic: William Gregor BWG30090-203

William Gregor is trademarked by KIN AB of Upplands Vasby, Sweden. This watch is one of my more expensive timepieces but as is often the case, a higher price indicates superior quality.

Description

My new automatic arrived enclosed within a large watch box composed of a flexible plastic-like material.

This William Gregor timepiece features a design that is both traditional and simplistic. Silver studs, positioned atop a black dial, are used as hour markers. At the three o’clock position a larger than normal window displays the date. Silver hands sweep around the dial.

The case and caseback are composed of shiny stainless-steel. Like a Corgeut that I have recently tested, shifting the watch in light will often cause the dial to appear blue. This effect, I assume, is produced by a filter or protective coating applied to the watch’s crystal.

A steel mesh strap came attached to this timepiece. This band is easily adjusted and quite comfortable. A crocodile patterned leather strap of medium quality is also provided.

This watch utilizes a Seiko 24 jewel, NH35A automatic movement. Time can be easily set because the second-hand ceases rotation when the crown is fully extended. Seiko holds a well-earned reputation for quality control.

During a one-week test period, the William Gregor automatic gained an average of sixteen seconds per day. Throughout this period, the date indicator reported accurately. After being removed from my wrist, the watch continued to keep time for an additional thirty-five hours.

While not appropriate for scuba diving, the William Gregor’s water-resistance of 100 meters ensures it can be worn whilst swimming or snorkeling.

Overall Impression

The William Gregor BWG30090-203 automatic is a medium-priced timepiece that is well built, conservatively styled and should function effectively for many years.

Best Mechanical Watch: Unbranded Parnis Mechanical Watch

While this example is unbranded, it is very similar to Parnis’s Classic St3600. It is equipped with a Seagull 6497 movement and priced in the fifty to the one-hundred-dollar range.

Parnis designs their own timepieces and assembles them at their manufacturing facility at Tong De Wei, Guangzhou. The various components are contracted out from companies such as Seagull, Miyota, and Dixmount. Fu Yuan Xin manufacturers their cases.

Description

This pilot watch is quite large, spanning 45.5 millimeters, but weighs only 75 grams (2.66 ounces). It is 11 millimeters thick.

The case is composed of brushed 316L stainless steel. A large onion-shaped crown juts from the watch’s right edge.

This timepiece features a black dial with white indicators and hands. It includes a subdial to keep track of passing seconds. All hands and indicators are coated with a white material that emits a bluish glow in darkness.

Except for a narrow stainless-steel rim, held in place by screws, the entire caseback is composed of hardened mineral glass. This allows a completely unobstructed view of the timepiece’s well engraved Seagull 6497 movement.

This pilot watch is equipped with a thick brown leather strap with white stitching and a brushed stainless steel buckle.

The heart of this timepiece is its Seagull mechanical movement. It is a first-rate version of the ETA 6497 pocket watch movement and should last for many years. During its test period, this watch gained an average of 2.7 seconds per day. This is a level of accuracy expected in far more expensive timepieces.

Reserve power is a respectable 58.5 hours.

Parnis equipped this watch with a decent leather strap. Water resistance, the timepiece’s weakest characteristic, is rated 3ATM.

Overall Impression

If you are searching for a quality mechanical watch at a decent price, this unbranded Parnis and its sibling, the Parnis Classic St3600, are worthy of serious consideration.

Best Value: Benyar BY-5103M Quartz Chronograph

I have reviewed three watches that were worthy of consideration for the Dunn award representing the best value. While they came up short, both the Chenxi Businessman’s Rectangular Watch and Tevis’s Perpetual Datejust Automatic provide excellent value.

The Benyar By-5103M, which is trademarked by Ye Yingbin of Guangdong, China, can be purchased for about $35.

Description

The case of the Benyar chronograph is composed of black painted alloy metal. A crown and two pushbuttons jut from its right edge. The top button starts and stops the chronograph function. The bottom switch resets it to zero.

This watch features a black dial with orange hour and minute indicators. All but one of the hands are colored to match.

A tiny window at the 4:30 position displays the date. The subdial directly above this function serves as a twenty-four-hour clock.

Three subdials are used in conjunction with the chronograph feature. One hand rotates once every hour, and one completes a full cycle every minute. The indicator of the uppermost dial circles every two seconds. If your hand and eye coordination are up to it, you can time an event to within one-tenth of a second!

This watch’s strap is composed of a napped leather; perhaps suede. The band looks great but the fine hair coating its surface tends to pick up oil from your skin. This results in a strap which is darker where it is handled. I consider the effect to be one of building the timepiece’s character. Others will feel the strap is covered with filth.

The Benyar BY-5103M came enclosed within a solid cardboard and plastic presentation box. They also included a tag, guarantee card, polishing cloth, and a professionally produced user’s manual. If my intention were to purchase a timepiece as a gift, this presentation box would provide an incentive to choose the Benyar chronograph.

While I prefer stainless steel, this watch’s metal alloy case appears to be reasonably sturdy.

The pushbuttons jut out from the edge of the case, and at times I have unintentionally initiated the stopwatch function. If unnoticed, this will reduce battery life.

The Benyar chronometer includes a genuine Japanese movement. All pushbuttons function correctly, and both the time and date can be easily set. These are the hallmarks of a quality movement.

Overall Impression

While I have no use for the chronograph function, it is sort of cool, and the watch looks good on my wrist. If you are looking for an inexpensive but attractive timepiece, the Benyar BY-5103M should be on the top of your list.

Best Replica: Replica Panerai Pam 563 Luminor Marina

Although I disapprove of replicas, they represent a healthy portion of the total sales of Chinese manufactured watches. Since I specialize in reviews of Chinese timepieces, I buy and test several replica’s each year.

2018 proved to be a bad year. I purchased four replicas. Two lasted less than a month, and one was so cheaply built I could not force myself to strap it around my wrist.

I obtained the replica Panerai 563 on eBay under the understanding that it was a used but genuine timepiece. Imagine my surprise when it shipped from Hong Kong.

When I received the watch, I discovered it was powered by an automatic movement rather than the expected hand-wound movement. This timepiece was a fake.

I contacted eBay and; within two weeks, my purchase price and shipping fee had been returned. The seller, not willing to pay to ship the replica back to Hong Kong, did not bother to ask for its return.

Description

Inside what appeared to be legitimate Panerai packaging, I found a wooden watch box. It measures eighteen centimeters by eighteen centimeters (6.80 inches) and is ten centimeters (3.80 inches) deep. This box weighs 862 grams (30.4 ounces) and is covered with a light-brown veneer. The hardware consists of a pair of stainless-steel hinges. The bottom is covered with a protective layer of felt.

The inside of the box is well appointed with a felt-like material. Accessories include a jeweler’s screwdriver, and a rubber strap labeled Officine Panerai Italy. The timepiece was secured around a soft black cushion; it's face obscured by a form-fitting silicone cover.

Strangely, the metal tag attached to the inside of the box misidentified the watch as an Officine Panerai Firenze.

I removed the timepiece, slipped off its silicone cover and, out of habit, gave it a shake. To my surprise, the replica began to tick.

Quickly, I pulled the watch free from its cushion and examined its back. An Officine Panerai labeled rotor slid into view behind the glass observation window. Someone has slipped an automatic movement into a manual winding watch!

The replica Panerai Luminor Marina is a heavy timepiece, weighing in at 134 grams (4.74 ounces). Its diameter reaches 51.7 millimeters, and this timepiece is 18 millimeters thick.

The brushed stainless steel case is topped by a bezel which is either polished stainless-steel or plastic.

While most Panerai timepieces utilize a sandwich-style dial, the Pam 563 employs a simpler design. It is white with Arabic numbering to identify the hours. The subdial, located at the nine o’clock position, functions as the second hand. A generous dollop of luminous paint marks each hour, and a thick layer covers all three pointers.

This watch features a crown protector which appears identical to those used on Panerai timepieces.

Its band is composed of thick black leather and includes a brushed metal buckle labeled Panerai.

I timed this replica over a ten-day period. It gained 1.8 seconds per day which I consider incredibly accurate for a mechanical watch in this price category. Measured power reserve tested to forty-six hours.

A lever attached to the crown protector is used to push and hold the crown fully closed. The tiny roller which presses firmly against the crown ensures this mechanism will enjoy a long life.

Quality Control

About three weeks after I received this replica, the rattle of gears whirling far faster than normal drove my eyes toward the face of the watch. I expected to see the second and minute hands revolving at helicopter blade speed and detaching from their pinions. This was not the case.

I removed the watch and gave it a shake. The mainspring unraveled further, and the rotor circled around in a counter-clockwise motion.

This is not good. Some part of the automatic winding assembly is malfunctioning, allowing the mainspring to unwind. This action could wear down the gears within this assembly and degrade the replica’s ability to self-wind. Furthermore, if these components deteriorate, fine bits of metal dust could spread throughout the watch, affecting the timepiece’s accuracy and shortening its lifespan.

The leather strap is quite durable but, during assembly, a shorter than necessary pin was used to attach its buckle. I simply replaced the pin but, for many customers, this repair would include an expensive trip to the jeweler.

Overall Impression

The replica Panerai is a beautiful watch. However, it appears to have been assembled from whatever parts were available and while the timepiece proved to be extremely accurate, I am dubious of the quality of its movement. This type of replica normally sells in the three to the four-hundred-dollar range. At that price, there are better and more legitimate, options.

© 2018 Walter Shillington

I've always loved buying and collecting minimalist watches, and I found the Brathwait automatic to be quite nice.

Brathwait Company History

Brathwait is an American watchmaker that has been in business since 2014. They are calling themselves the only transparent watchmaker in the world. Meaning they are showing exactly what it means to make watches and illustrating where some watchmakers take shortcuts or cut costs. Personally, at first glance, I thought it was a shtick, but after digging into the company, I changed my tune. I am intrigued by the way they break down their cost and show exactly why they charge what they do. And bottom line, looking at the components, the products look to be good value, in general.

Brathwait was founded by Henrik Torp. He wanted to create a company that could claim transparency and really, honestly mean it. It looks to me that he is doing just that. They are not Rolex or Omega. They are purchasing movements and straps and assembling the watches, so they are not hand-making the product, but they are putting together a good product. It makes me think of Shinola, but comparing costs, you will see what you get for 800 dollars from Shinola, you will probably get for about 150 dollars from Brathwait.

Brathwait is located in Delaware. They currently have a fairly large selection of watches, mostly revolving around a minimalist look. If it is a look you like, I would suggest you take a look at what they have.

Watch Specifications

The Brathwait Automatic Minimalist has some very nice specs for a watch for under 300 dollars. It has a Miyota movement, and a sapphire lens, as well as a leather strap. Those are things you will be hard-pressed to find on a watch for under 500 dollars. It is impressive to me.

• Case: 40mm wide 316l stainless steel. 20mm between strap lugs.
• Glass: 1.9mm Sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating
• Movement: Miyota 9015 caliber automatic movement with date, 24 Jewel with 42-hour power reserve. 28,800 BPH.
• Water Resistance: 100 meters/10 bar

The watch has excellent components. Do the components make the whole just as good?

My Opinion of the Brathwait Automatic Minimalist

If you haven't already guessed, I am going to give this watch a very good review. I think that pound for pound, you are getting a whole lot of watch for the cost. Let's start from the inside and work our way out.

The Miyota 9015 Movement

Miyota is a Japanese movement maker that has been making movements since 1956. They are a 65% held subsidiary of Citizen Watch Group, and they are the maker of all Citizen movements. On top of that, other than ETA, I believe they may be the most popular movements available today.

The Miyota 9015 is an automatic movement. Meaning it is a mechanical self-winding movement. It has been in production since 2009. It has 24 jewels with a 42-hour power reserve and a ball-bearing rotor. It has hacking seconds and date, and it runs at 28,800 BPH.

The specs for the movement are solid for what I would expect from a sub-300 dollar watch. And it is a movement from a well-respected company. This is a positive for this watch, as far as I am concerned.

The Watch Case

The watch case is machined from 316l surgical grade stainless steel. The elemental composition for 316l is similar to most other stainless steels, with a lower carbon content. It has a yield strength of around 25,000 psi and has great wear characteristics for an everyday watch. The case is machined from one piece. The backplate is a separate piece that is threaded into the case body. The crown is also stainless steel. This isn't groundbreaking technology. Probably about 75% of watches are made from stainless. It is a cost-effective metal that can be in regular contact with the skin without having an abundance of possible chemical reactions.

The Lens

It is really hard to find a reasonably priced watch with a sapphire lens. At this price point, I would usually expect some proprietary material (which basically is either glass or plastic) or just an acrylic lens. A sapphire lens is the standard for high-end watches and I really am impressed that they include it with this watch.

The Band

The band is Italian leather. It doesn't wow me. But in my mind, it doesn't have to. Bands are replaceable and are generally going to give you a few years of use before they will require replacing. I cannot give you a true opinion of the band without actually wearing the watch.

My Recommendation

Overall I think the Brathwait Automatic Minimalist is a really nice watch. And I think it is doubly nice for the price-point. Generally, at the 200–300 dollar range you are going to get a quartz watch. Or you're not going to get a sapphire lens. And both of those are really what put this watch over the top.

Readers Poll

© 2018 Leonard L Sampson

I purchased my ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, but before I did so, I did some research. Here is what I found out.

How Do Ultrasonic Cleaners For Jewelry Work?

Before I purchased my ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, I did some research. I wanted to know how they worked if they worked, and what you could put in them. I can share with you what I found out, and the do's and don’ts of cleaning.

Ultrasonic cleaning reaches into small cracks and crevices and lifts dirt, grime, and oil away. The machines produce micro-bubbles by creating bursts of positive and negative waves in the water. The pressure from the waves causes the bubbles to grow, and once the bubbles reach a certain size, they collapse. When the bubble collapses, energy releases from it. When the bubble collides with the jewelry, the power is released, knocking the debris loose. It is a combination of heat, pressure, and force that work together to clean out the nooks and crevices. Once the machine stops, and the solution stops moving, the grime will settle, and the oils will float on top.

Are Ultrasonic Cleaners Safe for Diamonds?

Yes. Ultrasonic cleaners are safe for diamond rings and other diamond jewelry. Diamonds are extremely hard. They have the highest rating on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Diamonds are rated a 10, which is the highest rating.

Cubic zirconia, CZ rings, or CZ stones can safely be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner. This stones Mohs rating is 8 to 8.5. Hard stones cleanup well. Other examples of hard stones are sapphires, garnets, rubies, and topaz.

Precious metals such as gold, white gold, silver, and platinum are safe to clean. Glass, plastic, and Pandora type charms are fine as long as the bracelet does not have any leather on it. More on that on the next segment.

What Not to Put in the Machine

It is not a good idea to put any jewelry that has a loose setting in it because the waves may knock them free.

Diamonds that have been artificially colored and treated may not fair well in the machine. Color-treated diamonds have a coating that brings out color while hiding flaws. The coating is a thin layer of a plastic solution or certain chemicals can be used to create the effect. The process is labeled as HPHT, which stands for High-Pressure, High-Temperature. Some of the colors produced are yellow, green, blue, and pink. Naturally occurring colored diamonds do exist. However, they are extremely rare and extremely expensive.

Even though emeralds are a reasonably hard gem (they are rated 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale), they should not be put in the cleaner. Emeralds are full of tiny fractures, and the vibrations from the cleaner can crack the fractures further and weaken the stone. It is probably best just to gently wash and wipe emeralds.

Amethyst can be filled with cracks. So you may want to have a jeweler take a look at your amethyst stones and advise you whether or not it is safe to put them in.

Do not put leather in it. Soft stones and gems should not be put in the cleaner. For example, opals, pearls, mother of pearl, turquoise, amber, coral, onyx, and obsidian. Watch the video below on how to clean nature gems like pearls.

How to Clean Pearls

Will It Work on Silver?

This was one of the most interesting facts I found out. Ultrasonic cleaners only remove oil and dirt. They do not remove tarnish. So technically, yes, the cleaner can clean the silver, but it cannot remove tarnish. Tarnish is a chemical reaction on silver that needs to be polished away. I can tell you shiny silver bracelets clean up nicely.

I have an update on cleaning silver jewelry. After you remove the tarnish and you have cleaned the silver jewelry, store them in specially designed baggies to help prevent them from becoming tarnished again. Then I just clean them in the sonic cleaner from time to time. It is a lot easier to maintain them.

The silver jewelry baggies I use do corrosion intercepting. They work really well. The bracelet and charms have not tarnished since I have started keeping them in the baggies. Bonus: the gold coloring backing the bag turns black when the bag can no longer protect the jewels from tarnish. A chemical process is being prevented from happening with the substance in the baggies. It is nontoxic.

What Liquid or Solutions Can You Use?

I chose a water ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. I did not want to have to buy anything extra, and water is pure, no chemicals, but I still have the option of adding in an extra cleaner if I need to. The cleaners do not have to be anything special or expensive.

An additional helper you can add is dish soap. It’s cheap (just use one or two drops), everybody has it, and it’s great for busting up grease. Give everything a quick rinse when you pull it out of the machine.

I have not tried ammonium or vinegar. Consult your instructions.

How Long Should You Leave the Jewelry in?

The first one I purchased had five different timer settings from 90 seconds (Yes, seconds!) to 8 minutes. The five settings are 90 seconds, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, and 8 minutes. The manufacture’s standard setting is 3 minutes or 180 seconds. It seems to work fine, but you can always spin it again if it is not clean. The second one I purchased (notes below) started at 5 minutes and could run all the way to 25 minutes.

An important thing to note is after it is finished, you need to let it sit for 5 or 10 minutes. This gives time to let the dirt and grime to settle.

Other Uses

To my surprise, there are many other things you can throw in there. They just have to fit in the basket and be of acceptable material. Eyeglasses, sunglasses, waterproof watches, combs, electric shaver heads, toothbrushes, dentures, razor blades, coins.

After experiencing how easy, fast, and the fantastic cleaning job they do, I got a large ultrasonic cleaner. My original one held 20 ounces or 600 MLS. It measures 5 1/2 inches long by 4 inches wide by 2 inches high. My large capacity one, which I use for a lot more than jewelry and it is way more roomier, holds 84 ounces or 2.5 liters. It measures 9 1/2 inches long by 6 inches wide by 3 inches high. As I mentioned earlier, the timer starts at 5 minutes and can go up to a blasting 25 minutes.

I love them because they clean so easily. Once you start cleaning things with them, you’ll find tons of things to put in them. The fact that you don’t need any chemicals or cleaners is an added bonus.

Jewelry Steam Cleaner Vs. Ultrasonics

Steam is water that has been heated until it becomes pressurized. The steam forces and blasts the dirt and oils away. Steam will leave your jewelry sparkly clean, and it does not use any harmful chemicals. It is a “green” way to clean.

Questions & Answers

Question: Is it ok to put white sapphire rings in the ultrasonic cleaner? I'm having the worst time getting it clean!

Answer: I would check with a jeweler because some of them may be heat-treated which may change their hardness. Hope that helps.

© 2018 Lora Riley

Comments Welcome

Billie Jones from Sydney on May 15, 2019:

I have some doubts about Ultrasonic Cleaners being safe and effective. When reading it “reaches into small cracks” – I was shocked. I understand it was said about the dirty, not about the material. However, I can stop making an analogy and questioning its effect on gold, aurum, and diamonds. It should be a quite challenging experience. I would not risk, especially with the wedding rings like https://www.gsdiamonds.com.au/wedding-rings/ I am going to wear during my whole life. Sure, I know that the wedding rings require thorough cleaning but it is better to look for safer ways. Who has used this mega cleaner? Could you share your feedback?

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

Many of the watches I review are recycled as Christmas gifts. One of my relatives, noticing this tendency, took me aside and noted that he was not overly fond of wristwatches. A pocket watch, however, would be welcomed.

Fair enough. I checked out eBay and Amazon, quickly discovering a large selection of pocket watches ranging in price from three dollars to 10,000.

The cheapest watches available actually looked good but were fitted with quartz movements. That was cheating; in my opinion, old-fashioned styled timepieces should be mechanical.

All the pocket watches in my price range originated from China. There were a number of brands available, but since I already own a couple of timepieces manufactured by Kronen & Söhne, I concentrated on their offerings.

In the end, I settled on the KSP034, a handsome watch that happened to be on sale.

Description

Packaging is a strong point for Kronen & Söhne. My new KSP034 came encased within an attractive cardboard watch box along with a gold-colored chain, key fob, tag, and international warranty card. The only quibble I have is that the foam cut-out in which the timepiece sat, was designed for a slightly larger timepiece.

My new watch sports a shiny gold alloy case. It is also available in silver and gray. Pushing down on the crown disengages a latch designed to secure the front cover.

This timepiece’s dial is gray and appointed with large gold Roman Numerals. Its center is removed, allowing a view of the movement. A variety of styles are available for those who dislike this variation.

The caseback includes a circular window, through which the mechanical, hand-wound movement can be observed. Both the caseback window and dial are composed of an acrylic material.

The Manufacturer

Kronen & Söhne is trademarked by TRILLION TOP COMPANY LIMITED, which was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in the international financial center of Hong Kong. This company, an import/exporter, owns several watch brands and markets its products around the world.

Kronen & Söhne do not actually operate a watch factory. My expectation is that they purchase the required components from a variety of Chinese manufacturers. These parts, in turn, are assembled into watches and packaged by other companies.

Specifications

Brand: Kronen & Söhne

Condition: New with box and tag

Part number: KSP034

Place of origin: China

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Mechanical, hand-wound

Style: Pocket watch

Features: Full hunter with chain and key fob

Chain material: Gold-colored alloy

Chain length: 340 millimeters (13.4 inches)

Dial color: Gray

Dial window material type: Acrylic

Case material: Gold-colored alloy

Case diameter: 47 millimeters (1.85 inches)

Case thickness: 14.7 millimeters

Weight: 86 grams (3.05 ounces) with chain

Water resistance: Not resistant to water

Visual Appeal

The outside case is very bright and shiny. While some people will appreciate the little window, displaying the movement, I would have preferred a solid caseback.

The gray dial with large Roman Numerals looks great, but this styling has one drawback. The gold numbers tend to obscure the watch's similarly colored hands as they sweep around the dial.

This pocket watch is equipped with a matching chain and a gold key fob. A smallish timepiece, it will fit snugly into the tiny pocket sewn into most brands of jeans.

Accuracy

I tested the Kronen & Söhne KSP034 over a four-day period, winding the timepiece every twelve hours. It lost an average of 7.5 seconds per day. Considering the price range of this watch, this result is excellent.

After being wound for the final time, the KSP034 continued to run for 32 hours.

Quality Control

This watch’s dial was installed incorrectly. Under normal circumstances, the twelve o’clock indicator can be found directly below the timepiece’s crown. In this case, the crown was centered between the twelve and one o’clock indicators.

The hour hand of a timepiece should be positioned at the proper hour indicator at the same time as the minute hand reaches the twelve o’clock position. On the KSP034, this does not occur until the minute hand approaches the half-hour point.

This watch was sloppily assembled, and lax—perhaps non-existent—quality control measures failed to ensure it was pulled from production.

Durability

The alloy case feels flimsy but, to be honest, has suffered no dents or scrapes during its testing period. The latch used to release the front cover works well and should continue to do so.

Both the dial and rear display window are composed of an acrylic material instead of mineral glass. The front cover will adequately protect the dial but, over time, the display window may become scratched.

I could not determine the make of this pocket watch’s movement. It is a cheapy for sure, but sometimes these no-name mechanisms operate remarkably well.

The included chain is strong enough to support the weight of this timepiece. Water resistance was not listed, suggesting this pocket watch should be kept away from liquids.

Overall Impression

Kronen & Söhne’s KSP034 is a great-looking, accurate, and reasonably priced mechanical pocket watch. Unfortunately, due to inadequate quality control, I cannot recommend this timepiece.

Questions & Answers

Question: What is the little key that comes with a Kronen and Sohne pocket watch for?

Answer: Some of the earlier pocket watches were wound using a key which tightened the timepiece's mainspring. In this case, the key is simply a fob to remind you of the past. I thought it was a nice touch.

Question: Is your Kronen & Söhne mechanical watch still working?

Answer: I have not been using it since the test. I did wind it a few turns this evening and the watch started ticking right away.

© 2018 Walter Shillington

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

The timepiece under discussion was branded in honor of William Gregor, an English Vicar with an interest in chemistry.

William Gregor was born in Cornwall in 1761 and finished his education at St. John’s College. After being ordained in the Church of England, he became vicar of Diptford’s St. Mary’s Church. He married Charlotte Anne Gwatkin in 1790.

After moving his family to the rectory of Creed in Cornwall, William began a chemical analysis of Cornish minerals. In 1791, Mr. Gregor isolated an unknown metal, which he called menaccanite.

Later that year, Martin Heinrich Klaproth rediscovered the mineral, naming it titanium. Although William Gregor was credited for the discovery, Mr. Klaproth’s name stuck.

The Vicar continued his pastoral duties and scientific work for many years. A multitalented man, William Gregor was also a landscape painter, musician, and etcher. He died of tuberculosis in June of 1817.

Description

My new William Gregor automatic arrived enclosed within a large watch box composed of a flexible plastic-like material. When opening or closing, the box emits a satisfyingly loud click. The watch is strapped around a black cushion, and alongside, a spare leather band is tucked into a cardboard insert.

Long after its date of manufacture, the watch case continues to emit a strong chemical odor. Those, like me, with a warped sense of humor, will enjoy the expression on their friend’s faces after they are invited to open the box to examine the timepiece.

The watch’s case is composed of shiny stainless-steel. Its face is black with silver studs indicating the hour positions. A small window on the right side displays the date. All three hands are colored silver with luminous paint coating the minute and hour indicators. A mineral glass crystal hovers above the dial.

Beneath the stainless-steel caseback, sits a Seiko NH35A automatic movement.

The attached steel mesh band is equipped with a folding clasp. A leather strap is also included. This automatic is water resistant to one hundred meters.

The Manufacturer

William Gregor is trademarked by KIN AB of Upplands Vasby, Sweden. KIN AB is a private company that was formed in 1991. Their stable of brands includes William Gregor, Moretime, and UR&PENN.

Information concerning KIN AB is sparse. My expectation is that William Gregor watches are designed in Sweden and assembled somewhere in the Chinese province of Guangdong. Be aware, however, that this assessment is based on conjecture and could be incorrect.

Specifications

Brand: William Gregor

Model: BWG30090-203

Condition: New

Place of Origin: Unknown

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Seiko NH35A

Style: Business

Functions: 12-hour time and day of the month

Features: Second hand rotation can be stopped by fully extending the crown

Band material: Steel mesh band and spare black leather strap

Band width: 22 millimeters

Dial color: Black

Dial window material: Mineral glass

Case material: Stainless steel

Case diameter: 41 millimeters

Case thickness: 13 millimeters

Weight: 137 grams (4.81 ounces)

Water resistance: 10 ATM (Suitable for swimming and snorkeling)

Visual Appeal

This William Gregor timepiece features a design that is both traditional and simplistic. Silver studs, positioned atop a black dial, are used as hour markers. At the three o’clock position a larger than normal window displays the date. Silver hands sweep around the dial.

The case and caseback are composed of shiny stainless-steel. Like a Corgeut that I have recently tested, shifting the watch in light will often cause the dial to appear blue. This effect, I assume, is produced by a filter or protective coating applied to the watch’s crystal.

A steel mesh strap came attached to this timepiece. This band is easily adjusted and quite comfortable. A crocodile patterned leather strap of medium quality is also provided.

Accuracy

During a one-week test period, the William Gregor automatic gained an average of 16 seconds per day. Throughout this period, the date indicator reported accurately.

After being removed from my wrist, the watch continued to keep time for an additional 35 hours.

Durability

The stainless-steel case and scratch-resistant crystal combine to provide excellent protection.

This watch utilizes a Seiko 24 jewel NH35A automatic movement. Time can be easily set because the second-hand ceases rotation when the crown is fully extended. Seiko holds a well-earned reputation for quality control.

While not appropriate for scuba diving, the William Gregor’s water resistance of 100 meters ensures it can be worn when swimming or snorkeling.

I fully expect this timepiece’s steel mesh strap will provide yeoman service, for as long as I own this watch.

Overall Impression

The William Gregor BWG30090-203 automatic is a well built, conservatively styled timepiece, which should function effectively for many years. I possess dozens of watches and, sadly, many of them spend their lifespan gathering dust. I, however, really like this automatic and plan to wear it often.

Pricier timepieces come encased within fancy watch boxes and equipped with useful accessories. In the poll below, I am attempting to determine which of these extras are more likely to encourage a potential customer to pull out his wallet.

© 2018 Walter Shillington

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

While Thüringer Uhren Werke (TUW) Ruhla is fairly new on the scene, they are based in the heartland of German Horology.

In 1862, Georg and Christian Thiel founded a metal factory in Ruhla, manufacturing products such as door hinges and pipe fittings. Gebruder Thiel GmbH proved to be successful, enabling the company to expand.

A children’s clock they created became very popular in England and the USA. In the early 1890s, Gebruder Thiel moved on to pocket watches and, in 1908, wristwatches. Over time, this company developed a reputation for manufacturing solid and reliable timepieces at a reasonable price.

After World War Two, the USSR assumed management of Eastern Germany. Although much of its equipment was expropriated as war reparations, this company continued to perform well. In 1952, it was nationalized and renamed Uhren und Maschinenfabrik Ruhla. A few years later, watch manufacturers Ruhla, Glasshutte, and Weimar were merged in VEB Uhrenkombinat Ruhla.

In 1974, Ruhla invented the first fully automatic assembly line for the assembly of the basic gear-work of a mechanical watch. This system used magnetism and gravity to place tiny gears into exactly the proper position inside each individual case.

By the late 1980s, Ruhla began to experience difficulties. Western buyers demanded greater variety and frequent product changes. This required investments in additional machinery that the company could not afford.

Ruhla was relatively top-heavy. Of 77,000 workers, one-third were either management or support personnel such as doctors, optometrists, and garbage men. As sales faltered, expenses could not be reduced.

In 1991, shortly after the reunification of Germany, Ruhla failed. The remains of this company were split into several private companies. One of these—Gardé watches and precision mechanics Ruhla GmbH—remains in operation, and their timepieces can be found on eBay and Amazon.

Description

The TUW Ruhla 1892 Automatik is relatively lightweight for a 42-millimeter automatic timepiece, weighing in at 73 grams (2.6 ounces). It is 12 millimeters thick.

This watch’s case is composed of 316L stainless steel. While the Automatik is available in a variety of colors, mine came with a silver dial and blue markings.

Subdials are provided for the second-hand and twenty-four-hour clock. A circular cutout positioned at three o’clock, reveals the date.

A caseback window allows the wearer to view this timepiece’s Miyota 8219 automatic movement.

The Automatik is fitted with a black leather strap, featuring a stainless-steel buckle.

The Manufacturer

Gunther Beck and Alexander Langue, two Thüringen-born entrepreneurs, created an online watch store in 2006. They used company’s profits, along with seed money derived from a successful 2016 Kickstarter program, to organize and fund their new watch manufacturer.

Thüringen Uhren Werke (TUW) Ruhla began operation in 2016 and is based in Ruhla, Thuringia of Germany.

TUW Ruhla sources the parts used in their timepieces and assembles them in a local workshop. At present, this company uses movements manufactured by Miyota, Seiko, Vostok, Hattori, and Epson. TUW Ruhla produces both mechanical and quartz timepieces.

Specifications

Brand: TUW Ruhla

Model: TUW Ruhla 1892 Automatik

Condition: New

Place of Origin: Ruhla, Germany

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Miyota 8219 Automatic

Style: Business

Features: Second-hand and 24-hour subdials, and a date indicator

Band material: Leather

Band color: Black

Band width: 20 millimeters

Clasp type: Stainless-steel buckle

Dial color: Silver

Dial window material: Sapphire crystal

Case material: 316L Stainless steel

Case diameter: 42 millimeters

Case thickness: 12 millimeters

Weight: 73 grams (2.6 ounces)

Water resistance: 10 ATM (100 meters)

Visual Appeal

A shiny stainless-steel case is matched to a silver dial. Two subdials reflect light quite nicely, and a tiny hole pierces the dial, revealing the date. When I describe this timepiece, words like tidy, crisp, and professional spring to mind.

The caseback has been fitted with a window, which displays a rather sexy automatic movement. I particularly like the Miyota’s minimalistic rotor.

This timepiece is equipped with a black leather strap. It matches well with the case.

Support and Service

Small watch companies often differentiate their business by providing personal service. During preparation for my review of the Oniss Paris Meca, I emailed the company for additional information. Three hours later, I received an actual phone call from Oniss, and the representative patiently answered all of my questions.

I was equally impressed by the response from TUW Ruhla. Mr. Gunther Beck, one of the company’s proprietors, politely responded to my long list of queries. He even offered to provide photographs of his workshop.

Accuracy

During a one-week test period, the TUW Ruhla Automatik lost an average of 27 seconds per day.

A second test consisted of wearing the watch for two days and then removing it from my wrist. It continued to keep time for an additional 22 hours.

Both subdials and the date mechanism worked properly.

Durability

The TUW Rulha’s case is composed of 316L stainless steel. This grade of steel contains two to three percent molybdenum, which increases the metal’s resistance to corrosion.

Miyota manufactured the movement shipped with this watch. They have, over the years, acquired an excellent reputation for consistency and quality.

The Automatik’s dial is protected by a genuine Sapphire crystal, and this timepiece is equipped with a leather strap of decent quality.

Most of my watches are rated either 3 ATM or 5 ATM. The TUW Ruhla has a water resistance of 10 ATM. It can be worn while swimming or snorkeling.

Overall Impression

I like this timepiece. Its overall quality is high, and whether you are wearing a suit or a pair of ragged jeans, the TUW Ruhla 1892 Automatik will add value to your attire.

My older Russian watches are capped by Plexiglas crystals. In direct contrast, this offering from TUW Ruhla is fitted with a Sapphire crystal. The following poll is designed to determine what value the prospective customer attaches to the materials used to manufacture his timepiece’s crystal.

© 2018 Walter Shillington

Comments

Adam on October 15, 2018:

Mine is only plus 7seconds a day

Jim Rees on March 25, 2018:

Maybe I overlooked the price in your review, however upon checking Amazon, I think that this watch is overpriced. Plus, over 20 seconds off is not good for a Miyota movement. I just do not get the appeal of this piece. Great review as always my friend.

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

For a number of years, Parnis manufactured the Marina Militare, a homage version of Paneria’s highly coveted luxury watch.

Compagnie Financière Richemont SA., Paneria’s owner, disagreed with that designation. They felt the Parnis line was composed of a series of outright replicas. They had a point, and, in 2017, all Parnis Marina Militare watches were removed from Amazon, eBay, and other large e-commerce sites.

Parnis Marina Militare timepieces are now being heavily discounted at websites such as mywatchcode, and further production has ceased.

These timepieces are being sold for $74.00 (including shipping), and that’s a lot of money for an orphaned watch. Is it worth it? I decided to purchase one and find out.

Description

At 192 grams (6.8 ounces), this automatic owns the record as the heaviest watch in my collection. The Marina Militare spans 47 millimeters, and if you include the crown protector, its diameter increases to 52. This timepiece is 19 millimeters thick.

The watch’s Seagull 2555 automatic movement is encased within a hefty case composed of 316L grade, brushed stainless steel. Its black colored dial is surrounded by a massive and rotatable bezel and protected by a hardened mineral glass crystal.

A tiny window at the three o’clock position allows the wearer to view the date. The second-hand subdial is located at the nine o’clock position.

Hour indications are white and trimmed with silver. Luminous paint coats the hands, and a generous dollop is applied to the twelve o’clock position of the timepiece’s bezel.

A large, Panerai style, crown protector juts from the timepiece’s right edge. On the left, a button is engraved with the symbol He.

Most modern mechanical watches incorporate a window as part of the caseback. For this timepiece, Parnis went old-school, providing a traditional stainless-steel caseback.

Heavy watches necessitate the use of high-quality straps. This one includes a thick brown leather band with white stitching and a brushed stainless steel buckle.

The Manufacturer

Parnis is a small Chinese watch company, trademarked by Xiao Jian Hong of Guangzhou.

Parnis designs their own timepieces and assembles them at their manufacturing facility at Tong De Wei, Guangzhou. The various components are contracted out from companies such as Seagull, Miyota, and Dixmount. Fu Yuan Xin manufacturers their cases.

Parnis produces both mechanical and quartz driven timepieces. Some of these watches, such as the Marina Militare, closely resemble their Swiss competitors’ more expensive luxury timepieces. Other designs are fresh and original.

Parnis has acquired a good reputation due to its use of superior components and respectable quality control.

The Vendor

Because they offer excellent buyer protection, I usually confine my internet purchases to Amazon, eBay, DhGate, and AliExpress. Before buying this timepiece on mywatchcode, I conducted some research.

Mywatchcode is registered to HiChina Zhicheng Technology Ltd. HiChina is a China-based web hosting company. HiChina Zhicheng Technology Limited is a wholesale supplier of electronics, apparel, and home and garden supplies. This vendor also runs watch stores on eBay, Amazon, and AliExpress.

Mywatchcode accepts Paypal. This is good because I am loath to provide credit card information to obscure Chinese websites.

My purchase went smoothly and my new watch arrived on schedule.

Specifications

Brand: Parnis

Model: Marina Militare Automatic

Condition: New (clearance item)

Place of Origin: Guangzhou, China

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Seagull 2555 Automatic

Style: Luxury

Features: Second-hand subdial, date indicator, rotatable bezel, and crown protector

Band material: Leather

Band color: Brown with white stitching

Band width: 26 millimeters

Clasp type: Brushed stainless-steel buckle

Dial color: Black

Dial window material: Hardened mineral glass

Case material: 316L Stainless steel

Case diameter: 47 millimeters (not including crown protector)

Case thickness: 19 millimeters

Weight: 192 grams (6.8 ounces)

Water resistance: 3 ATM (splash resistant only)

Visual Appeal

The Marina Militare’s huge brushed stainless-steel case, combined with its massive rotatable bezel is sure to attract attention. The Panerai styled crown protector also contributes to this effect.

Parnis, however, added a touch of simplicity, choosing to provide a black dial marked with white indicators and a second-hand subdial. A date indicator at the three o’clock position works well but is difficult to see in low light.

While I would prefer a window at the back, displaying this timepiece’s movement, the hefty stainless-steel caseback certainly suggests ruggedness and durability.

The thick brown leather strap goes well with the overall design of this watch.

Accuracy

I tested the Parnis Marina Militare for one week. Over this time, it gained an average of 7.5 seconds per day. This is excellent accuracy for an automatic watch in the one-hundred-dollar price range.

After I removed the timepiece from my wrist, it continued to keep time for a further 47 hours. I consider this exceptional.

Durability

A solid stainless-steel case and hardened mineral glass crystal provide the movement with good physical protection.

This watch incorporates a well-designed crown protector. The end of the lever, which pushes against the crown is fitted with a roller, ensuring the mechanism enjoys a lengthy lifespan.

Parnis matched this watch with a Seagull 2555 automatic movement. Seagull has established and maintained a good reputation for quality control.

The attached strap is composed of thick leather and should provide yeomen service for several years.

The case of this watch is fitted with a button inscribed He; the symbol for the chemical element helium. When commercial divers operate at great depths, they spend periods of time crouched inside diving bells breathing a mixture of gases in which helium is included. Helium atoms are very small natural gas particles that can seep past a timepiece’s O-rings. While this will cause no immediate effect, when the diver rises to the surface, these gas particles will expand, possibly damaging the timepiece. Several brands of diver’s watches are equipped with a Helium release valve, which allows the gas to dissipate as pressure decreases.

I assume the helium release valve fitted to this watch is decorative in nature. Also, while the crown protector does secure the timepiece’s crown properly, the Parnis Marina Militare should not be considered a diver’s watch. Timepieces from this manufacturer are normally rated 3 ATM and are not suitable for swimming.

Overall Impression

The Parnis Marina Militare is an impressive watch with a strong air of machismo. It is coupled to an accurate Seagull movement and equipped with a quality leather strap. This watch is highly recommended.

Watch manufacturers often include functions that are purely decorative in nature. Some people like these additions, and others hate them. The following poll is meant to determine which of these decorative functions are appreciated by the average watch purchaser.

© 2018 Walter Shillington

Comments

Jeremiah Dimetrio on June 05, 2019:

Parnis PAM watches are nice and classy. The designs may be inspired by a more popular brand but they would modfy it a bit to avoid being called as replicas.

Walter Shillington (author) from Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada on April 07, 2018:

These Seagull movements are very accurate. I was disappointed with a similarly priced Miyota movement I tested recently. I am now testing a William Gregor with a Seiko NH35A 24 jewel movement. I hope it is accurate because I really like this watch.

Jim Rees on April 07, 2018:

Parnis watches are very popular with me because they use Seagull movements, one of the most accurate movements made in any price range in my opinion. Another great review my friend, please keep them coming!

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

Two years ago, I dedicated the summer to renovating my garage. I was forced to. It was dilapidated almost to the point of collapse. For the paint, I chose the bright and cheerful Blissful Blue.

I love this color so much so that I chose it again when repainting my kitchen walls. Then—in a textbook demonstration of compulsive obsessive behavior—I purchased a watch simply because the manufacturer picked the same color to accent the dial.

Is the use of Blissful Blue a good reason to buy a watch? Let’s take a close look at Morphic’s M63 Series timepiece and find out.

Description

At 78 grams (2.75 ounces), the M63 Series watch is unusually heavy for a quartz timepiece. This is because it’s Hattori PC32A movement is housed within a large and solid stainless-steel case. A generously sized crown allows adjustments to be performed with ease.

The watch’s bezel is engraved with indications to mark the passing minutes. Although some similarly designed bezels can be rotated, this one cannot.

This timepiece has a diameter of 44 millimeters and is 11 millimeters thick. It comes with a sunken, black colored dial featuring a date indicator at the three o’clock position. Indications and hands are painted light blue.

The Morphic M6301 is fitted with a 22-millimeter-wide, gray leather strap. This watch band is equipped with a stainless-steel buckle marked Morphic.

The Manufacturer

Although Morphic has been in operation since 2012, the company name was first trademarked in 2017 by Jeffrey, Inc. of West Bloomfield, Michigan. West Bloomfield is located within the metropolitan area of Detroit.

Their watches are designed in-house but assembled in China. This is not uncommon. Aside from a few companies in Switzerland, Germany, and Japan, most watches are manufactured in China.

As expected, Morphic watches are sold over e-commerce sites such as eBay and Amazon. However, unlike many of their competitors, Morphic-branded timepieces can also be purchased from retailers such as Sears and Walmart.

I emailed Morphic, requesting information on this timepiece. Their customer service department responded quickly and courteously.

Specifications

Brand: Morphic

Series: M63

Model: M6301

Condition: New

Place of Origin: China

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Hattori (Seiko) PC32A quartz

Style: Casual

Features: Date indicator

Band material: Leather

Band color: Gray

Band width: 22 millimeters

Clasp type: Stainless-steel buckle

Dial color: Black with light blue lettering

Dial window material: Hardened mineral glass

Case material: Stainless steel

Case diameter: 44 millimeters

Case thickness: 11 millimeters

Weight: 78 grams (2.75 ounces)

Water resistance: 5 ATM (Suitable for swimming but not snorkeling)

Visual Appeal

For this timepiece, Morphic chose a black dial with light blue lettering. While an unusual choice, I find it highly effective. If you do not, there are several distinctive color choices available within Morphic’s M63 Series family.

The dial is protected by a solid, brushed stainless-steel case and surrounded by an immovable but attractively designed bezel.

The M6301’s gray leather strap with its stainless-steel buckle matches the timepiece quite nicely.

Durability

The Morphic M63 Series watch is fitted with a Hattori PC32A. This is a low-end movement but works fairly well and should last for several years. The date indicator changes smoothly with a distinct click, and time can be easily set.

A solid stainless-steel case houses the movement and is capped by a crystal composed of hardened mineral glass.

This watch is equipped with a decent quality leather strap.

Most of the timepieces I review are rated 3 ATM. The Morphic M6301, with its 5 ATM rating, can be worn while swimming.

Overall Impression

This offering from Morphic looks great on my wrist, and I wear it quite often. However, although the Hattori PC32A works reasonably well, a timepiece in the two-hundred-dollar range should be fitted with a higher-grade movement.

Water resistance is an important selling point for some brands of watches. The following poll is meant to determine how significant this quality is to the average consumer.

Questions & Answers

Question: How long have you had your Morphic M63?

Answer: I've had mine for nine months. It originally came from Watch Gang and, by coincidence, I've just finished wrapping the watch which I am giving to one of my nephews for Christmas. The Morphic has a very cheerful appearance and I am glad to you like it.

© 2018 Walter Shillington

What Is a Lokai Bracelet?

I want to share my experience of owning one of the very first original white classic Lokai bracelets that came out around 2014. What is a Lokai bracelet and why is it special?

Lokai is a bracelet made of 100% silicon. It has a black bead at one end of the bracelet and a white bead at the opposite end. The black bead holds mud from The Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. The white bead carries water from Mt. Everest, the highest point on earth.

In between are beads of varying colors. The original white classic Lokai bracelet has clear beads in between.

Just as every human being has their story in life, so does every creation, invention, and everything that exists. There is a purpose. Lokai bracelets also have a story and a purpose. Understanding and embracing this will make you appreciate and love your Lokai bracelet.

The Lokai Bracelet Story

The name “lokai” is derived from the Hawaiian word “lokahi”, which means “harmony”, “unity”, and/or “to blend opposites”.

The CEO and Founder of Lokai, Steven Izen, came up with the Lokai bracelet idea during a crucial moment in his life when he had to “find his balance” between the feelings of joy, gratitude, and happiness whilst at the same time hopelessness and sadness.

He wanted to preserve these contrasting feelings and memories through a physical object that he could wear. Wearing a Lokai bracelet is a reminder and recognition that life is a cycle of highs and lows, and it symbolizes living a balanced life.

The highest moments of life, joy, gratitude, and happiness are represented by water from the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest. The troublesome and lowest moments of life—sadness and hopelessness—are represented by mud from The Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.

In between is where we find the balance when we take our personal life’s journey and write our own story.

Steven also uses Lokai to raise millions of dollars for various charities.

Lokai Bracelet Core Message

Sometimes you’re on top of the world. Stay humble.

Sometimes you’ve hit a low. Stay hopeful.

Find your balance.

Life’s a journey. Lokai exists to help you find balance through the highs and lows.

My Story and Lokai Experience

One of my prized possessions is my original white classic Lokai bracelet. My mom bought it for me on my 18th birthday in 2014. She saw an advertisement on Twitter and purchased one through the company’s website.

For me, wearing the Lokai bracelet is like living by the principles of Lokai. I added my own principles and made it my Way of the Lokai.

I was raised by my grandparents for the first five years of my life. My beloved grandfather, whom I call Awa or Dad, passed on when I was twelve years old. That was too traumatizing for me. This blow to my life was in addition to my parents separating a year earlier that has affected me much.

I felt hopeless and deeply wounded emotionally and heartbroken. I did not go to school for one whole year. I became an introvert and shut myself out from the people and activities around me.

Still carrying this hopelessness around, I went back to school a year later at the insistence of my mom. I did well in school. My academic results were straight A’s and I scored all Distinctions in high school national examinations.

The highlight of my teen achievements was doing well in the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) National Students Convention of the ACE Schools in my country. I was selected to take part in the Asia-Pacific Regional Students Convention in Melbourne, Australia. That was my first travel outside of my country.

I did well there and represented the Asia-Pacific Region at the ACE Schools World Convention at James Madison University, Virginia, U.S.A the following year. I was 15 then. That one month in the U.S. was the very best time of my life.

Even with all this joy and a sense of accomplishment I still felt sad because I could not see and talk to my grandfather. I could not show him the awards and tell him stories about my trip and make him proud. He is not there for me to share this joy, happiness, and all of these small successes with. I love my grandpapa and still miss him so much. May his memory be a blessing.

Things changed when I started wearing the Lokai bracelet and it became a daily reminder to live by its principles. When I have extreme feelings of joy, excitement, sadness, or hopelessness, I would hold the bracelet and visualize.

I did well in Secondary school, again scoring straight A’s in my final examination. I am now in my third year at the University. Even though I’m behind in my schooling by two years, I am grateful. I've found my balance in life.

When I see that the feeling I’m having is like I’m standing on the tip of Mt. Everest and about to fly, I tell myself “Phoebe, you’re about to fall. Calm down! Humble yourself”.

When the feeling I’m having is like I’m stuck in the mud and the very salty water of the The Dead Sea are stinging my eyes and I cry, I say “Phoebe, have hope. It’s the sea of life”.

— Phoebe

My Way of the Lokai

For me, the Lokai is not just a bracelet but a symbolic object that not only helps me find balance through the highs and lows of life, but it represents principles. It helps me to live a certain way of life—the Way of the Lokai.

• Balance: Find that balance when you have extremity of emotions, problems, and challenges.
• Faith: Faith is the evidence of things unseen. Believe that the sun will rise tomorrow with healing in its wings.
• Hope: The Dead Sea is actually called The Sea of Life. Live with the expectation that something good will happen.
• Love: Love yourself and others and embrace the powerful energy of love. Have empathy and give for you shall receive from the abundance of the universe.
• Humility: The meek and the humble shall inherit the earth. Pride goes before fall. The humble shall be promoted. Stay humble.
• Harmony: Be at peace and live in harmony with yourself, your family and the environment. Be authentic. Be who you are.

I hope sharing my Lokai experience and way of life inspires you to find that balance on your personal life's journey and live by the principles of Lokai.

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

I’m a predictable man. I eat what I like... as long as it can be shoved into a microwave or crammed between two slices of bread. And, while I have access to everything available on television or the Internet, I stick to silly comedies, British detective shows, and science fiction.

I can be identified from a mile away. My closet is full of jeans and plaid shirts, and my display boxes are bursting with big, heavy watches connected to thick leather straps.

Change, however, is well underway. A few weeks back, I bought a pair of brown pants and a red shirt. I don’t think I’ll actually ever pull on the trousers, but the shirt is really nice. I think next week, I might pick up a gray one.

Amid the rows of round-faced watches that comprise my collection is a replica Franck Muller Casablanca. I don’t wear it often, but the sight of this overly gaudy timepiece never fails to bring a smile to my lips. With this in mind, I decided to break tradition and purchase a second rectangular-shaped watch.

After checking out my favorite e-commerce stores, I settled on the sixteen-dollar Chenxi I found on DHgate.

Description

The Chenxi businessman’s watch is quite light, weighing in at only 52 grams (1.86 ounces). This rectangular-shaped timepiece is 35 millimeters across and 11 millimeters thick.

Gold-colored plating is applied to a stainless-steel case. A well-textured, white dial is offset by black Roman numerals. This watch includes a date indicator at the three o’clock position, and a second-hand subdial is located at the bottom.

A Hattori PC21S quartz movement is fitted to this timepiece. Its crocodile-patterned strap is composed of PU leather and equipped with a gold-colored buckle.

The Manufacturer

Chenxi is a common name among Chinese manufacturers. Perhaps it is because if Chenxi is converted to Chinese symbols and then translated into English, the result is "Dawn." That’s a good name for a company.

There are two watch producers using this name. One began operation in 1994. The other, the manufacturer of this timepiece, was started in 2009.

Chenxi was trademarked in 2017 by Hou Junhua. His offices are located at Room 604, No. 27 Hao Jin St., Hai Zhu District, Guangzhou.

Specifications

Brand: Chenxi

Model: CX-063G

Condition: New

Place of Origin: Guangzhou, China

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Hattori (Seiko) PC21S quartz

Style: Dress

Features: Date indicator and second-hand subdial

Band material: PU leather

Band color: Brown, crocodile patterned

Band width: 24 millimeters

Clasp type: Gold colored buckle

Dial color: White

Dial window material: Hardened mineral glass

Case material: Stainless steel

Case diameter: 35 millimeters

Case thickness: 11 millimeters

Weight: 52 grams (1.86 ounces)

Water resistance: 3 ATM (splash resistant only)

Visual Appeal

An exquisitely designed dial and shiny, gold-plated case suggest this Chenxi is a far more expensive timepiece that it actually is. I especially like the tiny, gold-rimmed subdial, which displays the passing seconds.

The crocodile-patterned strap fits well with the overall design and Chenxi equipped it with a gold buckle, which matches the timepiece’s overall design.

Durability

Sixteen dollars is an important price point for Chinese manufacturers. In this range, factories can provide more than just a basic watch. Their timepieces might include a stainless-steel band, extra functions, or a genuine Japanese quartz movement. Brands such as Jaragar or Winner might even be fitted with a low-grade mechanical movement.

When I adjusted the date mechanism, a reassuring series of clicks suggested that I was handling a Seiko product. The Chenxi 063G is, in fact, powered by a Hattori PC21S quartz movement. This is an excellent choice for this price range and should provide long-term, trouble-free operation. The PC21S is actually an upgraded version of the movement fitted to the Maurice Eberle Gambrel.

The stainless-steel case is electroplated with what one vendor describes as rose gold. I’d take that with a grain of salt, but, for sure, it looks really good. Be aware that over time, wear and tear will eventually degrade the coating, and the silver stainless steel beneath will be revealed.

Chenxi equipped this watch with a strap composed of PU leather. PU leather is formed from inner splits of hide that have been covered with polyurethane. While this material looks very leather-like, it is not as durable. If you wear this watch on a daily basis, plan to replace the strap within a few months.

Overall Impression

I really like this timepiece. It looks great on my wrist and arrived fitted with a decent quartz movement. When the attached strap fails, I’ll replace the band rather than throw the watch into my junk drawer. The Chenxi 063G is recommended.

This review recommends the Chenxi 063G despite its low-quality strap. In the following poll, I am attempting to determine how potential customers feel about the construction and quality of watchbands.

© 2018 Walter Shillington

Lew is an American expat living in Honduras. A former gold assayer, he is now a photographer and conservator of Central American culture.

At first glance, it is difficult to tell if pieces of vintage jewelry are real gold or plated costume items of no actual metallic value. Some costume jewelry pieces are precious as collector items. Sometimes it is more valuable than gold, but that is not common. There are ways to know the relative value of items without the use of expensive equipment or special expertise. However, there is no way of knowing FOR SURE without a real test made by an experienced technician.

A Few Terms

• Gold Toned: No gold in the item. Just gold colored.
• Gold Plated/Washed/GP: Base metal (copper, brass, pot metal) with a very thin electrically deposited gold coating, sometimes as thin as a few atoms of real gold. It is worthless for its gold content.
• HGE: “Heavy Gold Electroplate." Same as above, but with a little more gold.
• Gold Filled: By law in the US, “gold filled” must have at least twenty percent actual gold content. This is better quality, and it wears and looks like karat gold. Should you ever want to sell the item, it is of no interest to a gold buyer or refiner unless they can get many pounds at a time. They do not wish to deal with eighty percent base metals.
• Karat Gold: “Karat” means the percentage of gold in an item. It is not plated but is the same metallic content throughout. In the US, karat values run from 8K (.333 or 33.3%) through 18K (.750 or 75.0% gold). A few karat gold items will be higher, but by law anything below 8K cannot be called “karat gold."
• Solid Gold: This term does not indicate value or content but says it is the same content throughout the piece. “Solid” is confusing because, like karat gold, it may indeed be hollow.

Next, we’ll explore a few simple indicators that can give at least some idea if a piece is gold or base metals.

1. General Appearance

This is the “Class vs. Trash” test. Because precious metals are expensive, most jewelry makers take a lot more time and care in their fabrication. Step back and take a long look at the piece. Does it give a mental image of richness and class, or is it something for sale on the discount rack?

Here is an example: Below is a simulated-silver earring. It has a very shiny, silvery color and is a good-looking stand-alone piece of jewelry. This is a typical piece of fashion jewelry not meant to deceive anyone as to its metal content.

Below is a sterling silver ring—well-worn, but it still has lots of the original shine. When compared side-by-side, the color difference is obvious. Silver is white, not steel-colored. Although silver polishes to a mirror finish, it still keeps its white color and never shines like a mercury-coated mirror or polished steel. Also, the quality of workmanship just screams “real” even if it weren’t marked.

2. Magnet Test

Some suggest using a magnet to test gold or silver jewelry for authenticity. While any piece that sticks to the magnet is NOT gold or silver, it is not a reliable test. Only ferrous (iron-based) metals are magnetic, and only the most cheaply made fake jewelry consists of coated iron or steel. These are so obvious no test is necessary.

Most simulated gold and silver is made of brass, copper, or other base metals commonly known as “pot metal." These are not attracted to a magnet, so this test won’t work on them. Some pieces are gold-plated sterling silver and may be of value even though they are not karat gold. Be aware, however, that many earring posts, chain clasps, etc., are steel and will be magnetic. If a piece attracts a magnet, make sure it's not just a clasp or post. The rest of the item could be gold.

3. Finish

Because of the cost and value involved, most karat gold and sterling silver jewelry has a better finish than simulations. Also, the finish will hold up even after years of wear.

Gold

Gold, after some wear, will gain a soft glow and feel. This is because it is a soft metal and will soon acquire millions of microscopic scratches, giving it a warm glow, not a harsh shine. This gives old gold a unique and attractive appearance that is hard to mistake. However, good quality gold-filled items may look similar.

Below is a karat gold ring that has gained the soft satin glow. It was cast and finished with care, reflecting the value of its content. Notice the P to the right of the karat stamp. It does not mean “plated” as many people assume, but “plumb." It's a jeweler's term meaning a guarantee by the manufacturer that the item contains at least the amount of gold indicated by the stamp, and never less.

Below, this simulated gold earring was given a shiny lacquered finish. It will look coated and painted forever until the coating cracks and falls away. Side-by-side, there is no comparison.

Gold is often made into thin sheets and stamped, rather than cast into jewelry. It is normally considered far too precious and beautiful to be covered with paint or enamel. Any piece that appears to be gold but is mostly covered with any other material is suspect, such as the piece in the photo below.

Look at the low quality of the casting below. A lot of plated pot-metal castings are rough. It isn’t worth the time and effort to do a time-consuming job on a very inexpensive piece. There was no finishing done to the back of this piece, being plated over the original casting. Another tell-tale sign is the presence of green specks around the base of the post. This is corrosion of the copper or brass underlying base metal. This is a positive clue that the item is not gold. There is no need to test this one.

Though the finish on the karat gold pin below was left rough, the difference is striking.

4. Wear

Look at the edges, bails, and other wear areas for signs of worn-away plating. Look for corrosion on exposed areas, around posts and hinges. Below is a heavy earring, possibly filled with lead for weight. Notice how the plating on the outside of the coils has worn away, exposing the base metal underneath.

The piece below looked great at first glance, but under scrutiny, green corrosion is obvious. A close look under magnification could make or save a lot of money when buying or selling jewelry.

The green is copper or brass. After this close-up, I can’t imagine anyone wants to wear this.

5. Weight

Some dealers suggest weight as a test for gold. While it's true that gold is heavy, nearly twice the weight of lead, this is not a valid indicator unless you can do an actual specific gravity test. Some gold-colored fashion jewelry is heavy to simulate elemental gold. Much karat gold jewelry is hollow, particularly gold hoop earrings, to appear large and showy. A large hoop may be 14K gold but made very thin and hollow, thus weighing nearly nothing.

Weight is not a valid test for the average person.

6. Markings

All precious metal jewelry sold in the US is supposed to be marked with its gold or silver content. Much, however, is imported, and some is hand-cast, thus looking for a marking is not a fool-proof indicator. There are also lots of fake markings, although I’ve found most to be legit. Chains are usually marked near the clasp, rings on the band, but other items could be most anywhere. Also, depending on the age and origin of a piece, the marking may be hard to decipher.

Examples

Here are a couple examples of markings that are not too clear:

417—This could also be marked 417, 41.7 or 10K. It is 41.7% pure gold.

925—This could be marked 925, 92.5, Sterling, or Ster. It is 92.5% pure silver. Not all marks are easy to read!

The Difficult Ones

Here are a few that just don’t fit the mold:

I had serious hopes for the necklace below. It looked good, satin finish, no corrosion, nothing to say it isn’t gold except it is marked 925. It turned out to be gold-filled sterling silver—still valuable, but not gold.

Below is a nice filigree-style earring. It looks superb at first glance. It wasn’t hard to figure this one out, but it looked so good I kept clinging to the hope for gold. It is thin-plated and lacquered base metal.

The chain below is marked 583 and tested 14K, so its marking is correct. The heart pendant has no mark. The piece looks fantastic and I so much wanted it to test real. It did. This pendant is 14K even though it says nothing. Sometimes they turn out OK!

Be a Careful Buyer and Seller

Precious metals are exciting and fun. If you’re buying a jewelry item, you MUST be very careful if you’re not getting it from a reputable dealer. If you’re selling, it helps to have an idea of the quality of your items and the approximate gold or silver content. I hope this gives you an idea of what may or may not be of value.

As an occasional gold buyer, I see a lot of fashion and costume jewelry. Much of it is beautiful, but it’s difficult to tell someone that their grandmother’s favorite jewelry is of value only to a collector.

Comments

amandabur on August 03, 2019:

I was wondering how much a ring is that is 24 karat gold that has two diamonds and inside of it says 24 Karat Limited and has an infinity sign I think or something that looks like that and either is a ruby or a stone like that it looks like the one at the top of your page

Hafeez Ahmad on May 16, 2019:

Nice post i like your post.

Lew Marcrum (author) from Ojojona, Francisco Morazán, Honduras on February 18, 2019:

Hi, John. Sorry, but I have to say I've never seen that mark. It could mean a bit over 18K, or maybe an Italian purity mark, or a maker's mark, or who knows what. I tried to research it also, but my own curiosity got me nowhere.

If it's remarkably heavy for its size, I'd take it to a jeweler and let them decide just what you have. You will know in five minutes, and it probably won't cost you anything.

Sorry I can't be of more help, but good luck.

John on February 18, 2019:

What is 777 on gold necklace/bracelet

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

Usually, I stick to large watches with thick leather straps. That’s my style. Once in a while, however, I like to switch things up and strap on something different.

Tevise’s Perpetual Datejust caught my eye. It’s a small automatic equipped with a stainless-steel watch band. Even more interesting was the tiny magnifier, built into the watch’s crystal, which hovered above the date indicator. I decided to give it a try.

Description

Despite its diminutive size, this watch weighs in at 100 grams (3.65 ounces). It spans 38 millimeters and is 13 millimeters thick.

While the case appears convincingly to be composed of stainless steel, it is actually alloy. The watch’s gold-colored bezel surrounds a black dial, helpfully inscribed with TEVISE Perpetual Datejust and Genuine Original Certification. To add flair, faux diamonds mark each hour indicator. Luminous paint is applied to both the hands and markers.

The crystal, enthusiastically termed Synthetic Sapphire by the manufacturer, is composed of hardened mineral glass. A small magnifier, glued to the crystal, hovers directly above the date display.

The stainless-steel caseback includes a window, through which can be viewed the timepiece’s automatic movement.

This watch is equipped with a stainless-steel watch band, color-coded to match the timepiece.

The Manufacturer

Although watches from this company have been available for several years, TEVISE was not trademarked until January of 2017. Tevise is owned by Luo Wei Jun. His office is located in Rm. 604, No. 27 Hao Jin St., Hai Zhu Dist. of Guangzhou.

Oddly, another trademark application was submitted in May of 2017, by Nitin Bhat Single Firm of Delhi, India. This trademark’s status, as you would expect, is recorded as Objected.

The Guangzhou Tevise Watch Company was established in 2012. It is located in Guangzhou, Guangdong, and employs between 11 and 50 people. Tevise is a manufacturer, trading company.

Due to their staffing level, I suspect Tevise designs watches and then contracts its assembly to one of the many watch factories located in Guangdong, China.

Mainly, their timepieces are marketed to customers within North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.

Specifications

Brand: Tevise

Model: Perpetual Datejust

Condition: New

Place of Origin: Guangdong, China

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Asian automatic

Style: Dress

Features: Date indicator with magnifier

Band material: Stainless steel

Band color: Silver and gold

Band width: 20 millimeters

Clasp type: Pushbutton deployment clasp

Dial color: Black

Dial window material: Hardened mineral glass

Case material: Alloy

Case diameter: 38 millimeters

Case thickness: 13 millimeters

Weight: 100 grams (3.65 ounces)

Water resistance: 3 ATM (splash resistant only)

Visual Appeal

With its faux diamonds and overabundance of gold lettering, this Tevise might come across as a bit gaudy. Personally, I like this design, although I would prefer a bezel color to match the timepiece’s case.

Tevise took the trouble to equip this movement with a well-inscribed rotor. This touch provides a pleasing view through the caseback window.

The stainless-steel strap is two-toned and matches well with the overall design of this timepiece.

Accuracy

I tested Tevise’s Perpetual Datejust for one week. During this period, the timepiece gained an average of 18 seconds per day. While I possess several far more accurate watches, an 18-second gain is quite good for a timepiece in the 35-dollar range.

The date indicator can be easily set and advances properly each day.

Durability

Tevise has secured their movement within a solid alloy case. While stainless steel would be preferable, this material seems quite durable.

The heart of any watch is its movement. This automatic appears to be reasonably well designed and manufactured. It starts to tick the moment you pick it up and, while there is a slight lag during adjustments, the minute hand will not waver from its position when the crown is pushed down. Although the Tevise Perpetual Datejust is difficult to wind, this should not present a problem; automatics are normally wound by repeated wrist movement.

This timepiece is equipped with stainless-steel band of better quality than you would expect for a watch in this price category.

Water resistance is rated 3ATM. This watch should not be worn while swimming.

Overall Impression

The Tevise Perpetual Datejust is a modestly priced automatic with better accuracy than many of its direct competitors. If you are in the market for a low-priced mechanical watch and like this automatic’s design, it is worthy of consideration.

There are two basic versions of mechanical timepieces. Some people prefer automatics, others like wind-up watches. The poll below is intended to gauge each type’s relative popularity.

Questions & Answers

Question: What does Tevise mean and what is it's etymology?

Answer: Tevise is simply the name of the watch company. It has no specific meaning. For more information, you are welcome to check their website at: https://tevise.en.alibaba.com/

© 2018 Walter Shillington

Comments

Walter Shillington (author) from Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada on March 01, 2019:

An automatic watch uses the motion of your wrist, over the course of a day, to wind its mainspring. If you do not wear it every day, then, after the spring winds down, it will cease to function.

Cabdi riig on February 28, 2019:

I bought a new whatch tevise t801 when iam not used its automatically not worked what coused

Walter Shillington (author) from Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada on December 11, 2018:

Sorry, Adrian. I usually check the reserve energy but, in this particular case, I did not.

Adrian on December 11, 2018:

The reserve energy how long is?

Walter Shillington (author) from Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada on November 23, 2018:

It is equipped with an inexpensive Chinese manufactured movement, Clint. I have no idea what factory it came from but this movement is accurate for its price range and appears to be of decent quality. Like you said, this is a pretty nice watch.

clint on November 23, 2018:

I just purchased this exact watch and although i didn't have high expectations, this turned out to be a pretty nice watch. Keeping very good time at this point. Only time will tell how accurate it will be. The movement sure isn't a NH35A since the second hand doesn't stop when pulling out the crown. You have any other thoughts on the movement?

Walter Shillington (author) from Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada on February 18, 2018:

Hi Herb:

If you check Amazon (or eBay) you will find several Tevise watches with leather straps. Unfortunately, my understanding is that this that this particular model is equipped only with stainless-steel bands.

Herb on February 18, 2018:

Shilly, I like small watches with leather straps. I find that the larger style watches that are in now feel uncomfortable on my wrist plus the linked bands are usually to large for my wrist. Do you ever run across the smaller style watch face watches like above only with a leather strap or strap other than the link style. Thanks for sharing your information much appreciated my friend. If I do in the future see one of the watches you review on you site is it possible to purchase from you? Best Regards Herb

EB Black can't imagine life without glasses and enjoys sharing the humorous side of being a glasses-wearer.

Glasses aren't merely accessories for some of us. They help us function by giving us the ability to see. They might be one of the most expensive things we wear on our bodies, but they are worth their price tag.

We're used to wearing glasses now, but many of us were resistant at first. Bad vision happens gradually, and it's easy to adjust and pretend your vision isn't going bad as it's happening. But now that we've given in to wearing them, we can't imagine our lives without them.

Here is a list of things that only people who wear glasses (and are blind without them) understand.

1. People Always Telling You How Great You'd Look If You Didn't Wear Glasses

People always want to fix you. They think the fact that you wear glasses shows that there is something "wrong" with you. You should wear contacts. You would look so much better with contacts. But you like wearing glasses and that will always sit wrong with certain people.

2. How Hard It Is to Try to Find Your Glasses Without Your Glasses On

Even if I were to grab my glasses and purposefully drop them at my feet on a floor with nothing else on it, I would have difficulty finding my glasses. This is why sometimes I keep my old pairs of scratched up glasses in drawers I can easily access. They aren't the right prescription anymore, but they are better than nothing and can sometimes help me find my glasses when I lose them and am alone.

Anyone who is near-sighted like me has had to feel around the floor or the counter or their bed to find their glasses. We've all accidentally knocked them onto the floor, too, when feeling for them and cursed loudly either in our head or out loud because of it.

It's panic-inducing. You're scared you will never find them or that you'll step on them, but once you get them again, it's the most relieving feeling in the world.

3. Keeping Your Glasses Close to You While You Sleep, Just in Case

Sometimes I get scared someone will break into my house someday. Even worse, I get scared they will break into my house and I won't even be able to see them. In the darkness of my room, without my glasses on, my vision is so blurry that someone could stand completely still and they might blend into darkness completely. I'd never know they were there, just staring at me.

This is why I sometimes hold my glasses in my sleep like a teddy bear or at the very least keep them right next to me on the dresser, so I can see anything I need to see easily at night.

4. Not Being Able to See Anything in the Shower or When You're Swimming

I mean, you can go swimming or take a shower with your glasses on, but so much water gets on them that you can't see anything out of them anyway. There's also always that risk that they will fall off while you are swimming and you will lose them forever.

Trying to find your glasses when you drop them on the floor... difficult. Trying to find your glasses when you drop them in a pool... impossible. Even if you get your friends with perfect vision to help you get the glasses and know exactly where you dropped them, you might never see them again.

So, you've probably decided to never wear your glasses while you are showering or swimming. It's a pain cleaning them afterwards anyway and getting rid of all the residue the droplets of water leave behind when they dry. It's fine, except for the parts where you lose your friends at the swimming pool and can't find them anymore. Or you see a black blob in the shower and can't tell if it's a spider or not. (Do you stick your head really close to see? Do you really want your face that close to a spider?) Or when you try to shave a part of your body, but can't see it without your glasses to tell whether or not you got all the hair off of it.

These situations are the only time when you might consider wearing contacts instead of glasses. But even then, losing a contact in the water is much worse than losing a pair of glasses.

5. Not Being Able to Wear Cool Sunglasses

That moment when you and someone else go shopping and they all of a sudden see a rack of sunglasses, so they go to try them on. You might foolishly try on a pair of sunglasses over your glasses, but it doesn't look right and it never will. Because you can't wear cool sunglasses.

At best, maybe you can have one pair of prescription sunglasses that you buy at the eye doctor, but they just aren't the same. At worst, you have clip-on sunglasses that you put on over your glasses and look like a dork in. Either way, you don't get to wear the cool sunglasses your friends do.

6. Being Jealous of People Who Can Get Cheap Pairs of Glasses at the Drug Store

There are people who have ten pairs of glasses, people who lose a pair and don't think it's a big deal, and people who don't have to wear glasses twenty-four hours a day. Those people buy their glasses at the drug store because they only have mild prescriptions and they only need them for reading.

But the rest of us who are blind without our glasses all the time, those who can't see far away or sometimes need bifocals... our glasses cost hundreds of dollars a pair. We've found deals, yes, for really cheap frames. Sometimes our frames are as cheap as one dollar a pair, but it doesn't help much. The problem was never the frames, it was the lenses, which always cost a couple hundred dollars apiece.

7. Laughing and Joking About How Blind You Are Without Your Glasses On

Why you do this? You don't know. But it's fun to take off your glasses and randomly point out to someone all the things you can't see. Like the pattern on their blouse or their facial features or a giant sign on the other side of the room.

8. Squinting at Something and Then Worrying Your Eyes Are Getting Worse

You had to squint to read that sign far away. The letters were pretty small and the sign is very far... no one, even with perfect vision, could read that sign, right? You don't know because it's been a very long time since you've had perfect vision, assuming that you ever did.

Are your eyes getting worse? You aren't sure. Maybe it's time to go to the eye doctor or maybe you just need to clean your glasses and see if that doesn't resolve the issue.

9. How Entertaining It Is When Your Glasses Suddenly Fog Up

It's unusually cold outside, or the drink you are sipping is hot. Before you know it, your glasses have fogged up. You laugh. You point it out to other people. You try to make it happen again once the fog goes away. It's very funny to you.

10. People Holding a Mirror up to Your Face When You Don't Have Glasses on and Expecting You to Be Able to See Your Reflection

You get your hair cut. You take your glasses off to get your hair cut and can't see a thing the entire time they are cutting your hair. You have to trust that they aren't messing everything up.

Then, before you put your glasses on, they are suddenly finished cutting your hair. They hold up a mirror to the back of your head and expect you to be able to see your hair. But you can't because your glasses aren't on.

Or, when you get your eyes checked and you have to find a new pair of frames. You try some on and the salesperson holds up a mirror for you to see them on yourself. You squint and hope they look good on you because you can't really see yourself and have no idea how you look.

You'd think of all people, they would understand, but they still don't.

Everyone is surprised that you can't see yourself in the mirror, like you are just wearing your glasses as some kind of gag or something. They forget that glasses are something that you actually need and not just an accessory choice you are making.

11. Looking Too Far in One Direction and Not Being Able to See Anything

Hold your head still and look as far as you can left or as far as you can upward. Just look with your eyes.

You're used to it, but the fact is, your entire visible world is stuck inside a frame. Always. And if you look too far in any direction without moving your head, the whole world is blurry once again.

You're so used to it that you don't notice it most of the time, but it's still there.

12. Hearing That One of the Symptoms of a Disease Is "Blurry Vision" and Giggling Because Your Vision Is Always Blurry

Or hearing that it's the side effect of a medication. May cause blurry vision? Hah! You already have blurry vision. They are too late!

13. The First Time You Wore Glasses and How Shocked You Were by All the Details of the World Around You

Let's face it. Most of us were reluctant to get our first pair of glasses. We put it off for as long as we could. We were scared or nervous about them for whatever reason and let ourselves function blind for far too long.

Then you put them on for the first time and are suddenly shocked by all the details in the world you've been missing.

For instance, my mom grew up with bright red hair and I was shocked when I put on my first pair of good glasses to find out that she had freckles all over her face and arms. I thought I knew how my mother looked, but it turned out, with better vision, she looked much different than I thought she did. It fascinated me.

I'm sure you have stories along these lines, too. Please tell me in the comments below!

It's always nerve wracking when you get a new pair of glasses because you know things are going to look different. And sometimes you can't tell if it will be a normal kind of different or the kind that makes you feel dizzy and confused for a while until your eyes adjust to the new prescription. So you're excited by every new pair and what new things you will be able to see, but also reluctant to get a new pair.

14. People with Perfect Vision Trying on Your Glasses and Loudly Exclaiming, "Whoa! You're Blind!"

People who try on your glasses always say they feel like they are on some kind of drug and start giggling about how weird the world around them looks with your glasses on, while you squint at them blindly.

They exclaim loudly, "Wow! You're really blind!"

Yes. That's why you wear glasses. You knew this already.

15. Comparing How Things Look with or Without Your Glasses On

For no reason at all, sometimes when you are with other people or by yourself, you will take your glasses off and look at something, then put them back on and look at the same thing, then repeat the steps. It's just fascinating how different things look with and without your glasses on.

Comments

Joshua Hanna on February 18, 2020:

Everyday after i come home from school my vision becomes blurry, and stays that way till the next morning...WHY!

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

I’ve been on a Panerai kick for the last year, spending my time frantically searching for inexpensive watches that imitate the style of my favorite brand. Lately, however, my philosophy has changed. My attention has become focused on uncomplicated, easy-to-read timepieces. Undoubtedly, this is a function of degraded eyesight and approaching senility.

Whilst browsing eBay, I came across an elegant but simply designed Corgeut with an Asian 6498 mechanical movement. No one seemed to want it, so I put in a bid. Two days later, this timepiece was mine.

Description

At 75 grams (2.66 ounces), this Corgeut mechanical watch can be considered lightweight. It is 44 millimeters in diameter and 12 millimeters thick.

The Corgeut 1527’s bezel and caseback are composed of bright and shiny 316L-grade stainless steel. To provide contrast, a brushed stainless-steel finish was applied to the watch’s case. A large, onion-shaped crown protrudes from its right edge.

This timepiece features a black dial with bright silver hands. A simply designed subdial, placed at the six o’clock position, is used to keep track of passing seconds. The outer edge of the dial is circled by a green ring and numbers representing three, nine, and twelve o’clock are clearly marked. While these indications do glow in the dark, the luminous coating is of poor quality.

The caseback is of the screw-off variety, with a narrow rim that allows generous space for the viewing window. Beneath this, a large Asian 6498 movement can be observed.

Corgeut chose to attach a crocodile-patterned, black leather strap to this timepiece.

The Manufacturer

Corgeut has been manufacturing timepieces for several years, but it was not until February of 2017 that this company was trademarked by Zhang, Gong Wei of Hubei Province.

While they do not share the same ownership, it is likely that Corgeut and Parnis are closely associated. Their designs are similar, and both companies utilize high-quality components. E-commerce websites that sell one of these brands usually sell both and, quite possibly, they are manufactured in the same factory.

Specifications

Brand: Corgeut

Model: 1527

Condition: New

Place of Origin: China

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Asian hand-winding 6498

Style: Pilot

Features: Second hand on subdial and large onion-shaped crown

Band material: Leather

Band color: Black with crocodile pattern

Band width: 22 millimeters

Clasp type: Buckle

Dial color: Black

Dial window material: Hardened mineral glass

Case material: 316L stainless steel

Case diameter: 44 millimeters

Case thickness: 12 millimeters

Weight: 75 grams (2.66 ounces)

Water resistance: 3 ATM (splash-resistant only)

Visual Appeal

Corgeut made subtle but effective use of contrast by sandwiching a brushed stainless-steel case between mirror-finished bezel and caseback.

A green line of luminous paint rings the dial’s rim. Combined with an unobtrusive subdial and limited numbering, the timepiece appears remarkably uncluttered.

The black-colored dial seems to turn blue, depending on how light strikes it. This effect is caused by the design of the watch’s crystal.

Like the Parnis timepiece I reviewed last week, this Corgeut is fitted with a large, onion-shaped crown.

Through the caseback’s observation window, the operation of a large mechanical movement can be monitored.

Accuracy

I tested this Corgeut pilot watch for one week. During this period, the timepiece gained an average of 20 seconds per day. While not out of line for a watch in this price category, the overall perceived quality of the timepiece had led me to expect better accuracy.

Reserve power is 44 hours.

Durability

This Corgeut’s movement is secured within a stainless-steel case composed of grade 316L stainless steel. A large, onion-shaped crown provides excellent grip.

The heart of the Corgeut 1527 is its movement; an Asian version of the ETA 6498 pocket watch mechanism. This movement appears to be well-made.

I’ve reviewed a number of watches with excellent leather straps, lately. Corgeut equipped this timepiece with a watchband, which, while good, does not reach this standard.

This timepiece is rated 3ATM and should not be worn while swimming.

Overall Impression

The Corgeut 1527 is a well-designed wind-up watch, assembled from quality components. While not the most accurate timepiece I possess, I appreciate its styling and wear it quite often. If you like the design, this pilot watch is worthy of consideration.

Most of the watches I review inhabit the under-$100.00 range. Their cases are generally composed of plastic, alloy, or stainless steel graded either 201 or 304L. Lately, however, I have come across several manufacturers who utilize 316L stainless steel in the production of their watches. This material is highly resistant against corrosion due to the incorporation of the element molybdenum. This material is sometimes referred to as surgical- or marine-grade stainless steel.

In the following survey, I am attempting to determine how important the use of high-grade steel is to potential customers.

© 2018 Walter Shillington

Comments

Anonymous on June 24, 2020:

I have become familiar with grades of stainless steel through my diving/fishing hoby. The amount of rust I see leads me to appreciate higher grade stainless steel. It's great to see other people take notice of this. Also, for me I don't wish to purchase anymore watches with only polished stainless steel. They need to be brushed in teh highest contact areas. A brushed/polished combination can also work really well depending on where teh polishing occurs.

Jim Rees on March 21, 2018:

Hi Walter,

This is the first I have heard of this brand. From your reviews, it seems like this watch is almost the same as the Parnis Pilot, with the Parnis having just a bit better quality and accuracy. It is strange that an adjustment arm was not included on this model. Regardless, another great watch review my friend, keep up the good work.

I own several pieces of meteorite jewelry and highly recommend it as a gift for your loved ones.

Meteorites in Jewelry

In case you are thinking of getting jewelry for your loved one on Valentine's Day or another occasion, please lay off the diamonds this time. We always gift our loved ones with something special and rare as an expression of love and to convey that we have a special place for them in our lives. Usually, it is in the form of jewelry such as diamonds, gold, platinum, rubies, emeralds, or sapphires.

While the limelight of precious jewelry is often stolen by diamonds and platinum, which are quite expensive due to their luster and shine, we must understand that there are things much rarer than these. Have you ever heard of cosmic jewelry?

What Is Cosmic Jewelry?

Cosmic jewelry is mostly made from pieces of meteors and asteroids. Meteorites are both rare and unique. They are not naturally formed anywhere on Earth, and their only source is space. Even though there are thousands of meteor showers and landings in a year, only a small percentage of these are fit for incorporating into jewelry. This is because there are many different types of meteors, and most of them are not jewelry quality as they just look like any other stone on Earth. However, there are specific types of meteors which are perfect for turning into precious stones.

Pallasite Meteors

There are basically three different types of meteorites: stony, metallic, and a mixture of stony and metallic.

• The stony meteorites are comprised generally of silica and a little metal, mostly being iron.
• Metallic meteorites are mostly comprised of iron and small portion of silica, nickel, cobalt, or other metals in minute proportions.
• The third kind, being a mixture of both stone and metal, is where things get interesting. These stony metallic meteors contain sandwiched layers of olivine in a matrix of iron. Olivine is basically magnesium iron silicate, which is common on Earth, but people, the olivine in meteors is certainly not of this Earth!

These olivine meteors are well known as pallasite meteors and are the most expensive and highly sought after type. These are perfect for making jewelry due to their beautiful sea green glass-like structure, coupled with the metallic sheen of iron.

Almost all valuable meteorite jewelry is made from pallasite. However, even iron meteors are used in jewelry, and—unlike pallasite—they may not be expensive as they are comparatively more common.

As you can see above, the beautiful structure of pallasite has led to its establishment as the king of meteors. Some of these are so beautiful that they command a price of $10 or more per gram! That's right. They are highly sought after by both meteor collectors and cosmic jewelers. Pallasites have been turned into lockets and rings, and even bracelets. Trust me, they will certainly catch the eye of most people.

Non-Pallasite and Other Meteors

There is no condition that all cosmic jewelry should be made from pallasite meteors alone. Other stony and metallic meteors are fashioned into jewelry, as well. These are often not cut into symmetrical shapes or polished. They are incorporated into the jewelry in their natural state and shape, so as to add a sense of genuineness and uniqueness to the piece. However, the price of these jewelry depends more on the craftsmanship rather than the piece of meteor itself. Even then, they will be a class above traditional jewelry, as they can still be rare.

The Appeal

What makes cosmic jewelry so awesome is that it is made of something that is literally out of this world. And the cost is not that high either. The price of a pallasite pendant or ring is not even close to the price of a diamond engagement ring. Besides, the beautiful patterns you see on the stone are not man made. Those intricate contours of metal on the stone are actually naturally occurring iron in the meteorite. In fact, the stone itself is not modified in any manner.

Unfortunately, the color choices are limited to slight variations of green or light yellow. But color hardly deters determined people who are intent on wearing a piece of the universe that traveled millions or billions of miles to reach us.

Notable Sources of Pallasites

Since pallasite meteors are quite rare, it is easy to trace pallasite jewelry back to their sources. This is both useful and necessary to determine the value of the jewelry piece you own. The most notable sources are mentioned below:

1. Branham, Kansas: Meteorites of masses in excess of 1000 kg found. Used in cosmic jewelry.
2. Huckitta, Australia
3. Fukang, China: 1003 kg. Used extensively for pallasite jewelry.
4. Imilac, Chile: Up to about 920 kg found.
5. Seymchan, Russia: Slices used for both collections and jewelry.

Be Wise, Stand Out

There is no better way to convey to your loved one that they are special than by gifting them something that is otherworldly, like cosmic jewelry. You must note that the sources for pallasite jewelry are quickly drying up, as there are only a limited number of pallasite meteors remaining unexploited on Earth as of now. The demand and desirability of these pieces only goes up and cannot come down. Make the next occasion special by gifting your loved one a piece of the universe.

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

I spend a lot of time on eBay, throwing away my hard-earned cash on irresistible deals. One day, I came across an unbranded Parnis watch fitted with a hand-wound mechanical movement.

Why unbranded? Was Parnis so ashamed of this particular style that they refused to put their name to it? Maybe so, but I liked the timepiece. I put in a bid and, three days later, I was the proud owner of my first Seagull-equipped mechanical watch.

Description

This Parnis pilot watch is quite large, spanning 45.5 millimeters, but weighs only 75 grams (2.66 ounces). It is 11 millimeters thick.

The case is composed of brushed 316L stainless steel. A large onion-shaped crown juts from the watch’s right edge, and what appears to be a sliding switch is fitted to the opposite side. A device such as this could be used to apply pressure to the movement, holding it firmly in place. Then, to allow easy removal of the movement for cleaning, pressure could be removed by sliding the switch. It’s a moot point, however, because this mechanism is strictly decorative.

This timepiece features a black dial with white indicators and hands. It includes a subdial to keep track of passing seconds. All hands and indicators are coated with a white material that emits a bluish glow in darkness.

Except for a narrow stainless-steel rim, held in place by screws, the entire caseback is composed of hardened mineral glass. This allows a completely unobstructed view of the timepiece’s Seagull 6497 mechanical movement.

This pilot watch is equipped with a thick brown leather strap with white stitching and a brushed stainless-steel buckle.

The Manufacturer

Parnis is a small Chinese watch company, trademarked by Xiao Jiam Hong of Guangzhou.

Parnis designs their own timepieces and assembles them at their manufacturing facility at Tong De Wei, Guangzhou. The various components are contracted out from companies such as Seagull, Miyota, and Dixmount. Fu Yuan Xin manufactures their cases.

Parnis produces both mechanical and quartz-driven watches. Some of these timepieces, such as the Marina Militare, are intended to resemble their Swiss competitors’ more expensive luxury watches closely. Other designs are fresh and original.

Parnis has acquired a good reputation due to its use of superior components and respectable quality control.

Specifications

Brand: Parnis

Model: Unbranded

Condition: New

Place of Origin: Guangzhou, China

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Seagull, hand winding 6497

Style: Pilot

Features: Second hand on subdial, large onion-shaped crown, and blue luminous paint

Band material: Leather

Band color: Dark brown with white stitching

Band width: 22 millimeters

Clasp type: Buckle

Dial color: Black

Dial window material: Hardened mineral glass

Case material: 316L Stainless steel

Case diameter: 45.5 millimeters

Case thickness: 11 millimeters

Weight: 75 grams (2.66 ounces)

Water resistance: 3 ATM (splash resistant only)

Visual Appeal

The manufacturer took pains to provide a timepiece that was simple to operate and, even for those with less than ideal eyesight, easy to read.

This watch is equipped with an attractive and very large onion-shaped crown. I quite like the bluish glow of its luminous paint. Sadly, however, the effect does not last as long as I would like.

A well-engraved mechanical movement is framed by a narrow rim of stainless-steel, supporting the largest viewing window that I have ever come across.

The attached strap is composed of dark brown leather. With its brushed stainless-steel buckle, this strap well complements the watch’s case.

Accuracy

I tested my new Parnis pilot watch for five days. During this time, the watch gained an average of 2.7 seconds per day. This score is quite impressive.

Reserve power is a respectable 58.5 hours.

The mainspring of a mechanical watch provides power to a set of gears. This power is transferred to the timepiece’s escapement, which turns its balance wheel.

The balance wheel is a weighted wheel that rotates back and forth, being returned toward its center position by a spiral torsion spring. Each time it rotates—and the balance wheel rotates many times a second—the mechanism that advances the watch’s hands is allowed to move forward.

If the spiral torsion spring is shortened, the balance wheel will not travel as far and, therefore, completes more rotations every second. In this case, the watch will run faster.

The 6497 movement is equipped with a small lever mounted above the balance wheel, which is used to increase or decrease the length of the torsion spring. If your watch is inaccurate, an adjustment of this lever will alleviate the problem. Please note that a small alteration can make a big difference.

Durability

This Parnis’s movement is securely enclosed within a stainless-steel case composed of grade 316L stainless steel.

A large, onion-shaped crown was selected for use on this timepiece. It provides an excellent grip, which the wearer will appreciate when he sets and winds his watch.

The included Seagull mechanical movement is a first-rate version of the ETA 6497 pocket watch movement and should last for many years.

Parnis equipped this watch with a decent leather strap. Water resistance, the timepiece’s weakest characteristic, is rated 3ATM.

Overall Impression

If you are searching for a quality mechanical watch at a decent price, this unbranded Parnis is worthy of serious consideration. However, it is an oddity, and examples are very difficult to locate. Several similar timepieces are available on Amazon, although none of these feature a decorative sliding switch.

Pilot watches, originally developed for aviators during WW2, have become very popular. While there are many variations, pilot watches are always large, easy to read, and equipped with oversized crowns. In the following poll, I am attempting to determine the average man’s interest in acquiring a pilot watch.

Comments

Anonymous on June 24, 2020:

Thanks for this article. Regardless that I now have this watch, it really is one of the best watch articles I have read. I got this watch for a steel & I'm extremely happy with it. A couple days before receiving this watch I was trying on IWC's in store & this watch still really feels so good. I didn't think I would enjoy a manual wind without hacking, but there's something really solid & reliable about it that I love.

Jim Rees on April 07, 2018:

I may have told you that I bought this watch, however my model had the second hand sub dial at the 6 position, plus it had the very long adjustment arm. Mine, also keeps very accurate time. I have only set the time one time, when first received, and after several weeks of wearing, it still has completely accurate time. This Seagull movement is amazing at the accuracy for a mechanical watch. Another great review my friend, and keep them coming!

Jim Rees on March 21, 2018:

Hi Walter!

It was great to read your review of the Parnis Pilot. I also recently bought one, however my model has the sub dial at the 6 position. Other than location of the sub dial, the adjustment arm (swan neck) on my model is extremely long, compared to the model in your review. I have been wearing mine for over a week now, and so far it seems to be accurate to the second. If it is off any at all, it is so slight that I am unable to tell. I have not yet needed to re set the time. My cousin also purchased this watch at the same time I did, however with the 9 position like your review. It too, keeps accurate time and has not had the need for re setting the time. I find that the lume will last for a few hours, however gets weaker as time passes. Overall, I am more than satisfied with these watches, especially the accuracy, for the price. My model also came with a black leather band, instead of brown, which I preferred. The quality of these bands are very good. Another great review from you my friend, keep up the good work!! Also, if you get time, you may want to check out "HMT" watches. If you want, send me an email and i'll tell you more about them.

Walter Shillington is an avid collector of mechanical watches. His reviews focus on inexpensive but often intriguing Chinese timepieces.

Panerai manufactures what I consider to be the ultimate watch, but, unfortunately, these timepieces are well beyond my budget. I’ve tried replicas. My first cost only 15 dollars and was absolutely beautiful. Over a one-month period, it literally fell apart.

My second replica, although far more expensive, began to fail within two weeks.

I’d all but given up when I received an unsolicited email from mywatchcode. They were offering the Parnis Marina Militare for 50 dollars plus another six to cover shipping.

That seemed suspiciously low. I checked the timepiece on Google and gleaned this information from an article by fellow horologist Tom Adelstein.

While Parnis’s Marina Militare models are not branded Panerai, they are very close copies. After eight years of work accumulating evidence, Panerai’s parent company, Compagnie Financière Richemont SA, compelled the major eCommerce companies to cease sales of this watch.

My understanding is that Parnis Marina Militare models are no longer in production and that all remaining stock is being sold off at discount prices.

Since I consider Parnis to be one of the premier Chinese brands, I decided to take mywatchcode up on its offer.

Description

The Marina Militare is a hefty mechanical watch, weighing in at 112 grams (4 ounces). With the crown protector included, the timepiece’s diameter reaches 50 millimeters. It is 14 millimeters thick.

Like every Parnis I have tested, this watch’s case is composed of 316L grade stainless steel. The crown, which juts from the timepiece’s right edge, is protected by a device very similar to what is fitted onto a genuine Panerai.

This watch incorporates a sandwich-style dial. The bottom disk is coated with luminous paint. The upper disk is colored black, and indicators, representing one through twelve o’clock, are punched out along its outer rim. A subdial at the nine o’clock position keeps track of the passing seconds. All hands are coated with good quality luminous paint.

The caseback includes a large, mineral glass window. Though it, you can view the workings of an Asian, hand-winding 6497 movement.

This timepiece’s crocodile patterned, brown leather strap includes a solid stainless-steel buckle and displays white stitching along its edges.

With the exception of the name, Marina Militare, this watch includes no branding information.

The Manufacturer

Parnis is a small Chinese watch company, trademarked by Xiao Jiam Hong of Guangzhou.

Parnis designs their own timepieces and assembles them at their manufacturing facility at Tong De Wei, Guangzhou. The various components are contracted out from companies such as Seagull, Miyota, and Dixmount. Fu Yuan Xin manufacturers their cases.

Parnis produces both mechanical and quartz driven timepieces. Some of these watches, such as the Marina Militare, are intended to closely resemble their Swiss competitors’ more expensive luxury timepieces. Other designs are fresh and original.

Parnis has acquired a good reputation due to its use of superior components and respectable quality control.

Vendor's Website

Because they offer excellent buyer protection, I usually confine my internet purchases to Amazon, eBay, DhGate, and AliExpress. Before buying this timepiece on mywatchcode, I conducted some research.

Mywatchcode is registered to HiChina Zhicheng Technology Ltd. HiChina is a China-based web hosting company. HiChina Zhicheng Technology Limited is a wholesale supplier of electronics, apparel, and home and garden supplies. Although this website is separate, they also have a watch store on eBay.

This site accepts Paypal, avoiding the need to provide credit card information to a company that has not yet earned my trust.

My purchase went smoothly, and my new watch arrived on schedule.

Specifications

Brand: Parnis

Model: Marina Militare

Condition: New (clearance item)

Place of Origin: Guangzhou, China

Gender: Male

Display: Analog

Movement: Asian, hand winding 6497

Style: Luxury

Features: Second hand on subdial, crown protector

Band material: Leather

Band color: Brown with white stitching

Band width: 24 millimeters

Clasp type: Buckle

Upper dial color: Black

Lower dial color: Green

Dial window material: Hardened mineral glass

Case material: 316L Stainless steel

Case diameter: 50 millimeters (including crown protector)

Case thickness: 14 millimeters

Weight: 112 grams (4 ounces)

Water resistance: 3 ATM (splash resistant only)

Visual Appeal

The Marina Militare’s shiny stainless-steel case is quite imposing, and the matching crown protector ensures this watch presents an impression of solid ruggedness. Its black-on-green dial is subdued and very easy to read.

This timepiece’s caseback contains a window which allows a clear view of an engraved, 6497 mechanical movement.

It is equipped with a thick brown leather strap. While I am not a fan of crocodile patterned straps, this one, with its large stainless-steel buckle and white stitching, is particularly well done.

Accuracy

I tested the Parnis Marina Militare for five days. During this time, the watch gained 10 seconds. That works out to a commendable two seconds per day.

Reserve power is a respectable 59 hours.

Durability

The Marina Militare’s movement is securely enclosed within a stainless-steel case rated 316L. Only Rolex utilizes a higher grade of steel.

This timepiece is fitted with a crown protector, quite similar but inferior to that found on a Panerai watch. When the lever of the Marina Militare’s crown protector is extended, its far end nudges against the crown, securing it snugly. Both the timepiece’s crown and lever are composed of stainless steel and should wear well. Panerai utilizes a roller which is fitted to the lever. As the roller is forced against the crown, it turns. This action reduces wear and tear, ensuring the device will operate properly for many years.

The heart of the Marina Militare is its Asian 6497 mechanical movement. I compared this one to its Seagull manufactured brother, and they appear identical. That makes sense, I suppose, because both are based on the Swiss ETA 6497 pocket watch movement. This timepiece is very accurate, and the movement should last for many years.

Parnis equipped this watch with a thick and durable leather strap. While it fit me well, it is not particularly long. Those with larger wrists may need to purchase a replacement strap.

Considering this timepiece was named after the Italian Navy, you would expect it to be highly resistant to water ingress. Sadly, the Marina Militare is rated 3ATM. Don’t wear it in the pool.

Overall Impression

I love this watch and have ordered another, slightly more expensive, Marina Militare from mywatchcode. If you are looking for a good quality Panerai look-alike, Parnis’s Marina Militare carries my highest recommendation.

Back in the days when I was wasn’t so darn old, every watch I owned was plastered with luminous paint. Some of them were even slightly radioactive. Lately, though, except for digital watches, I’ve noticed that glow-in-the-dark timepieces are becoming less and less common. The accompanying poll is an attempt to measure how important luminous paint is to the average watch wearer.

Questions & Answers

Question: Is the crystal domed on the Marina Militare Watch?

Answer: No. It is flat.

Question: What is your opinion, as the writer of this article, of the Marina Militare Automatic Power Reserve MM1072-BWN?

Answer: I have never tested one but I do like the Parnis brand. This watch is likely to be large, heavy, and very accurate.

Question: How has your Marine Militare watch held up over time?

Answer: The watch has held up very well.

© 2018 Walter Shillington

Comments

Walter Shillington (author) from Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada on August 23, 2020:

Yes, ÇOIS, it is one of my favorite watches.

ÇOIS on August 23, 2020:

What a beautiful watch when you consider the price. I bought the watch after reading this review. And still works. I admit. it's not my daily beater.

if the watch breaks, I immediately replace the Asian movement, Unitas's clone.

a pleasure to watch through the case back.

neil on August 18, 2019:

I purchased on july 2019. wow, what a fantastic piece.

Walter Shillington (author) from Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada on April 08, 2019:

Hi John:

It still works very well.

John on April 08, 2019:

Hi, how did the watch hold up after all this time? Thank you

Dan on October 03, 2018:

Wish I had seen this article sooner! Would have loved to get one of these at the discount but it looks like they've sold out.

Jim Rees on March 21, 2018:

Another great review. It seems to me that overall, Parnis provides quality and accurate watches at reasonable prices. I also like for my watches to have lume. I have a Parnis Power Reserve watch which has been very accurate and of good overall quality. This model is new to me, but worth checking out. Keep up the great reviews!!