Amazon Prime Day is upon us. The most coveted brand name watches – TAG, Jaeger, Breitling, NOMOS, OMEGA, Rolex, etc. – are not on sale. Amazon’s offering deals on downmarket mass market timepieces (e.g., Invicta, Timex and Nixon). If you’re looking for a bargain on an inexpensive watch, this is a good time to shop – as long as you understand that the price may be something of a con (the watches in question might be discounted at all times). Here are my choices for Amazon Prime Day watches . . .
Seiko Men’s SNE329 Sport Solar-Powered Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Nylon Band – List $195 on sale for $84
At the time of writing, there are seven examples left of this minimalist Seiko. Sure, the day/date window is a literally intrusive on the 3 indice, but we’re talking about a highly water resistant 43mm three-hander powered by our nearest star.
According to the product description, the Seiko’s triangle-emblazoned bezel is stationary. I bet it isn’t. Even if it is, the legibility kinda sorta makes up for it. Despite the photo, the dial is blue. How blue is an open question, as is whether or not it’s lumed. Again, I assume it is. With Amazon Prime Day watches’ free returns, the SNE329’s worth a flutter.
Timex Men’s Expedition Acadia Full Size Watch – List $52 on sale for $33.80
The “full size” Acadia is smaller than the Seiko (40mm), but so is the date window and at least we know it’s lumed. Introduced in 1992, Timex’s Indiglo bathes the Expedition’s entire watch face in a bluish-green light – it’s a cool feature found in the $4500 Bell & Ross DIVER FULL LUME.
The Acadia also isn’t as water resistant as the Seiko, but at least it’s “suitable for short periods of recreational swimming” (professional swimmers need not apply). At 1.12 ounces, with a fabric strap that doesn’t suck and can be easily replaced if you think it does, this Chinese-made Timex is an easy add to a collection of beater watches.
Casio Men’s G-Shock Quartz Watch with Resin Strap, Black, 20 (Model: DW5600E-1V) – List $69.95 on sale for $45.99
Traditional watch wearers reading our man Racer88’s review of the G-SHOCK Analog Frogman (GWF-A1000) may have the itch to jump into G-SHOCK world – but think life’s too short to be so damn complicated. The DW5600E-1V fits the remit. You’ve got your light, multi-function alarm, 1/100-second stopwatch, countdown timer, hourly time signal, auto calendar – all clearly labelled – and that’s it.
Bonus! This example of Amazon Prime Day Deal watches isn’t big enough to read from the International Space Station (assuming that thing’s still up there). But it ain’t small (45mm X 15mm). With 650m water resistance it wins the COVID-19 hand washing olympics hands down. What’s not to love?
In the very rare event that someone is considering that Stührling Original Tuskegee Aviator watch reviewed last week, definitely grab this Seiko at that price instead.