Another KC

I'll be honest. I really don't like this watch much at all. This was another gift from my wife, and this really cemented the policy of not letting her choose a watch for me on her own. I'm kidding.....mostly. This watch has its high points, but it never really grew on me. I wore this out of obligation really. I know. I am a shallow, ungrateful watch snob. Maybe a little.



The watch is a Kenneth Cole, the third overall, second in the Reaction series. Simple Japanese three hand quartz movement with a decent leather strap. The strap is notched to fit between the case lugs very snugly, which is a nice design touch. But if the strap ever needs replacing.....well. I think it all boils down to the fact that I'm just not a big fan of a brown faced watch. I don't really like a lot of brown accessories or clothing. I wear brown belts and shoes out of necessity. Perhaps I have issues with the color brown, I don't know.



One interesting thing about the case is how it is actually two pieces. You can see how the round portion of the case is set into the portion holding the strap. Kind of neat. Not neat enough for me to love this watch. No, this one is relegated to the dreaded miscellaneous box of watches and things. This one is definitely not in the rotation anymore.

Kenneth Cole Reaction

This is my second of three Kenneth Coles, this one being in the Reaction series. This was a pickup at a local TJMaxx store, a definite spur of the moment purchase. I really like the pseudo-retro styling of this one. The crystal has a huge dome which is very thick. You can tell it's a mineral crystal, but it definitely has some heft to it. One negative about the crystal is that the extreme domed curvature makes it very prone to scratching right in the middle. The face is almost black but not quite, almost a dark charcoal.



The leather strap is very comfortable, although the red stitching doesn't "go" with everything. I find I don't really notice it. This watch goes well with a pair of jeans or a dress shirt and slacks. Can't beat the silver and black combo for versatility. This one is still in the rotation, albeit on a limited basis.



The movement is a simple Japanese three hand quartz with a date window. It has a snap in caseback and is technically water resistant. I don't think I've ever tested its limits, though. I think that may be asking for trouble. All in all, a nice versatile watch. It's seen a good portion of wrist time.

NFW Diver

This watch is on Jeff and I's "Must Buy List". I am a dive watch freak, and this watch flips all my switches. NFW is known for their unique designs and almost obsessive attention to detail. Don't believe me? Just send company president, George Fox, an email. Be prepared to be wowed by his genuine warmness and passion for his product. NFW is also known for their amazing customer service. George and his crew take a great deal of pride in their product and their service. Each customer (even potential customer) is treated like family. Truly a rarity in this online business age. And they have good reason to be proud of designs like this. This ain't your dad's dive watch.



This bad boy releases around the November time frame. If you're wondering what to get your watch fanatic for Christmas, you just found it. Here are the specs:

CASE CONSTRUCTION:
The case is constructed in 3 layers, and are connected via the 4 “screw barrels” that protrude muscularly from the sides of the case: 2 on the left side and 2 on the right which are integrated into the crown protectors.

MOVEMENTS:

Automatic: Miyota 821A (the new, nicely decorated version of the very dependable 8215)

Chronograph: Miyota OS60 professional-grade quartz chrono (screw-locked chrono pushers)

- SIZE: 48mm (excluding the crown and screw barrels) x 18.5mm height

- CRYSTAL: 5mm thick sapphire, with anti-reflective coating

- Triple layer SuperLuminova on skeletonized hands, dial markers and bezel.

- W/R: 300 meters/ 1000 ft water-resistance

- Will come with BOTH the screwed-link bracelet (with diver extension clasp) and the fitted rubber strap.

- Will pass ISO 6425 test standards to be considered a “real” dive watch (this will NOT be a "fashion" dive watch!)




This is one of many cool designs from NFW. Hit their website for more info.

NFW Watches

Invicta Men's Dragon Lupah Swiss Quartz Chronograph Lorica Strap Watch

Ah the Lupah. Some say this is what put Invicta into the game. I am not sure about that but i sure do like it. Lupah is Latin for magnify and it sure does manage to do that. For so long I resisted the Lupah and told myself it was ugly. That I did not want a Tonneu shaped case. That it was to small. But then the more I saw it on TV being presented and the more I looked at pictures the more I was drawn to it. When I saw World of Watches having a time bomb special on it for a cost of 79.99 I thought why not.

I ordered and had it in my hands within 5 days. I opened the box and as warmth came over me. What people say about the beauty and magnificence of the Lupah not coming thru in pictures and on TV are true. The crystal just brings your gaze into the face of the watch.

I will try to give a description of it for you but will fail to do it justice. The face of the Lupah has a spirograph-like Guilloche curved pattern, large numbers and a chronograph that resembles a smiling face, kind of like Willie Wonka if he would have designed a watch while smoking meth. It has Invicta's "special" Tritnite luminous hands, and the patented by Invicta padded Italian Lorica strap that's made from a special microfiber blend. The Lupah is also water-resistant to 100 meters. That is 330 feet to us Americans.

The watch wears very nice. I must say of all the watches I have I get the most looks from this one. Guys if you are a conversation piece this is the watch for you. I have had several complete strangers walk up to me and start talking about my watch.

Watch Specs

Bracelet: Magic Lorica

Movement: Swiss ETA 1/60 Split Quartz Chronograph

Crystal: Mineral

Crown: Push/pull w/ function pushers Clasp: Buckle

Bracelet Measurements: 9-3/4" L x mm W

Case Measurements: 46mm

Water Resistance: 10 ATM - 100 meters - 330 feet

**** These Photos were taken by Jeff and not Josh. I apologize for any quality issues with them.

Old Woodie the Wood Fossil

This is a interesting Fossil Watch. From the shape of the case to the extending of the wood onto the bracelet. The biggest problem I have with this watch is it sure like to yank hair off of my wrist. A few of the things I like about this watch are the wood effect being carried over from the face into the watch band. I also like the yellow second hand and the art deco look of the 3 with the 12 and the 6 also being carried over into the band.




Clasp: fold-over-clasp
Case material: stainless-steel
Band material: stainless-steel and wood grain
Dial color: Wood Grain.. maybe a faux cherry
Calendar: No need for one.
Movement: Swiss Quartz
Water resistant depth: 100 Meters

Swiss Army Cavalry

This was my first true Swiss Watch. This watch was a gift from my father. It has gone through a few watch bands and battery's but it is still running great. The 37mm size is a bit smaller then I care for now but I still treasure this watch and it does get some occasional wrist time.




Of course it was Made in Switzerland with precision Swiss analog quartz movement, it has a easy-to-read analog dial with bold markings and a sweep second hand. It has a mineral Crystal with a few scratches on it. But for a watch that I have had for at least 17 years and that was during my years as a destructive teenager. Not to shabby I think.



And now for a little history lesson.

In 1884, in the small village of Ibach near the Swiss Alps, Karl Elsener started his cutlery factory. He became the official supplier of the Swiss army with the famous soldier’s knife. Later, he developed the now universally popular Officer and Sport knives, officially registered in 1897. In 1909, Karl Elsener named his company Victoria in memory of his mother, and when stainless steel (Inox) was invented in 1921, the family company became Victorinox. Today, the company managed by Carl Elsener Sr. and his son, Carl Elsener Jr, employs 1000 people and makes 25 million multi-tools per year, distributed in more than 100 countries. Whether in Museum of Modern Art in New York City or accompanying Everest expeditions or NASA missions, Victorinox multi-tools are everywhere. The name Swiss Army was born from the immense popularity that the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife enjoyed with American GIs returning to the USA in 1945. As this popularity increased, so did the number and diversity of features and products. Today, the Swiss Army brand is recognized by 90% of United States citizens and the Swiss Army watch (introduced in 1989) has become so popular that one out of every 5 Swiss-made timepieces exported to the USA has the famous Cross and Shield emblem, symbol of Victorinox. Victorinox Swiss Army timepieces represent a collection of high performance, attractively designed watches geared to the largest segment of the market.



And here are the specs

Clasp: Brown Leather Band
Case material: stainless-steel
Case diameter: 37mm
Band material: Soft leather strap with stitched edges and stainless steel buckle in polished finish Brown Leather Band, Solid style lugs with removable push pins
Dial color: White faced with Black numbers and Date
Movement: Swiss Quartz
Water-resistant to 10 ATM (100 meters/330 feet)

Fossil Grey Automatic circa 1999

So this was my first Automatic. Wonder if it is a Claro-Semag? One can only guess. Fossil describes it as a groundbreaking Fossil that requires no battery and winds from your own body movement! The cushion-shaped, cutout dial shows rotor movement inside the case for a futuristic, hi-tech look. Stainless steel case and bracelet; shiny silver indexes on the face. The innovative, battery-free design stores power for approximately 40 hours. Silver: Grey, ion-plated stainless steel case.


I would have to agree with Fossil on the 40 hour power reserve. This has been a very sturdy and durable watch. It has also handled a lot of water and I think it feel in a deep fryer once. They don't put that in the manual do they. I got this watch before I really had a understanding of watch movements. I just thought it was very groovy that I never need battery's.




Here are some basic specs for the my magical Fossil Aut-o-matic

Clasp: fold-over-clasp
Case material: Grey, ion-plated stainless steel case
Dial color: Grey
Calendar: Date
Movement: Fossil Aut-o-matic
Water resistant depth: 100 Meters