Want to travel with a stylish, attractive watch that looks far more expensive than it really is? Armitron watches perform at a high level without costing you your arm and a leg.
- Black dial with silver-tone Arabic numerals at 12-3-6-9.
- White hour hands; Date window at 4 O’clock.
- Sweep second hand with red tip.
- Adjustable bracelet with one touch two button fold over clasp with safety.
- Water resistant to 165 feet (50 M): suitable for swimming and showering.
Part of the reason I started Practical Travel Gear many years ago was to supply an antidote to the gear reviews you typically see in the likes of Wired, Outside, Men’s Journal, and Maxim.
It’s not uncommon for them to hype watches costing $8,000 or $10,000 like that’s something people with normal jobs are going to spend their money on.
So when we review a watch here, we’re assuming you’re not buying it to compensate for something or to outdo your office mates. Armitron does not have cachet perhaps, but the company makes great timepieces that can do a lot for not a lot of money.
I especially like this black stainless steel model with silver numbers and a luminous dial. It’s easy to see what time it is at a glance, but it has a unique look to it. Although it looks like a fancy clasp band watch, it’s water-resistant to 50 meters (165 feet).
I wish the date dial box weren’t so minuscule, but otherwise this is a watch that feels and looks solid. I’m taking it on my second trip abroad next week.
This Armitron black analog watch lists for $79, but it currently $55 at Amazon.
The other model I’ve been checking out is more business oriented, but is also well-suited for travel. This titanium-cased quartz watch with a steel link band is a dressy and expensive-looking model with three small dials in the face.
These display the day, date, and month in an analog fashion and there’s a second hand as well.
Featuring the same locking one-hand (but two-step) latch system, it’s easy to get on and off once you figure out how it works. I have to admit I was stymied at first and had to consult instructions to get it open. After that though, easy and secure.
Like the black model at the top, this watch is water resistant to 50 meters.
Keep in mind if you buy this or the other model from somewhere besides a watch shop/jewelry store, you’ll need to visit one of those to get some links removed or do it yourself with some precision tools.
That’s not Armitron’s fault—it’s the nature of a band with interlocking metal links instead of a strap.
This titanium-steel model lists for $80, but is currently selling for $60 at Amazon.
You can also find a good selection of Armitron watches at physical stores like Sears and Macy’s.