The common joke is to call it Tar-ZHAY.  Sounds more upscale.  But in all seriousness, if you’ve got limited places to shop, you’re on a limited budget, or both, Target can be a surprisingly decent place to find solid stuff.

Long, long ago, our pal Barron from The Effortless Gent did a guest piece on the three essentials every man must own that he can find at Target.  But it’s been awhile, and rumor had it Target has just started stocking a new cotton sport coat.  A field trip was scheduled, and these five pieces have since been field tested to see if they’re worth the cash it takes to acquire them:
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The Blazer:  Merona “Kensington” Cotton Two Button Sport Coat – $44.99

Workin. At the cart wash. Yeah.

Old Navy used to be the source for decent, mega cheap, cotton sport coats.  That’s not the case for now.  This one from Target is just as good if not better than what Old Navy has been producing these last few years.

• Available in Navy or Khaki
• Completely unstructured, but not super thin like an INC ultra light
• Medium weight chino fabric isn’t too wimpy or too thick
• Off the rack fit is surprisingly good.  Some could get away without tailoring.  A medium fit my frame just fine
• Lower pockets are a patch with flaps hybrid
• Center Vent
• Sleeves run normal.  Buttons aren’t functional, but there’s a flap there that might cause tailoring issues.

Is it worth the cost?  Yes.  Absolutely.  Not available online, so check in store.

The Shirt: Merona Ultimate Dress shirt in “Railroad Grey” – $22.99

Collar is good and substantial too.

Can’t sing the praises of these enough.  Found this one on clearance for around $17, but at full price they’re still a bargain.  There’s some poly in some of these, but they aren’t wispy and scratchy like some department store dress shirts.  Fit is good and there’s even side pleats on the back.  Looks a bit like a cleaned up grey chambray.  If a sharp white dress shirt seems too formal or too business like?  Go grey.

Is it worth the cost?  Yes.  They also come in white, blue chambray, and some patterns too.

The Jeans: Denizen by Levi’s 218 Straight Fit – $29.99

Lap shots make me feel cheap.

A lower brand from Levi’s.  Fit is somewhere between a 501 and the slimmer 514.  The wash was a real nice, super dark blue, but the tonal whiskering at the ol’ pelvic area isn’t the most desirable thing.  Stitching on the back pockets is a welcome generic two parallel lines running horizontally.  They don’t feel like quality denim, but they’re not going to be at this price.  Looks are decent enough though.  Not available online in this wash.

Is it worth the cost?  No.  Just save up another $15 and catch a Levi’s sale.

The Shoes: Merona “Trey” Suede Chukka Boots – $39.99

Not half bad looking.

I’ve been lucky.  Every time I see someone leave a comment or write an online review about a cheap pair of shoes that goes something like this: “These blew apart on me in three days!  The sole came unglued when I was crossing the street while being chased by wolves and when a Chevy Astro clipped my exposed heel one of the wolves tore off my BIG TOE AND IT’S ALL THE SHOE COMPANY’S FAULT WHARRGARBL!!!!”  I honestly can’t relate.  Cheap shoes have been good to me.  But these, while decent enough looking and feeling in the uppers, they’re just a little too risky when it comes to the construction that I wouldn’t doubt that wolf/traffic scenario as a real possibility.  Maybe.

Is it worth the cost?  No.  Pass on these and get a pair of Clarks.  They’ll cost more, but they’ll last longer.

The Watch: Timex Weekender Nubuck Strap – $33.05

Can certainly be worn on more than just the weekend.

There’s a few more color combinations in this style now available at Target.  And while the slip thru strap weekender will probably sell far more, the case on these is more of  a matte.  Ticks kinda loud, and it’ll be too small for the bigger fellas, but overall it’s a great looking watch for just over $30.

Is it worth the cost?  Yes.  Without a doubt.

Are you a believer in Target?  What have you purchased there?  Any other suggestions?  Leave it all in the comments.

As always, it’s incredibly tough to peg when Macy’s will launch a One Day Sale.  Sometimes a month and a half will go by between them, sometimes only a few weeks will pass.  One thing is certain: These are usually sales worth paying attention to.  The one-day sale prices are some of the best mark downs in the retail industry.  Here’s some of the best from the One-Day-Sale which runs Tues. February 7 – Wed. February 8.  Items marked with a * are “Web Busters.”  In store prices may or may not match up.  Selection on all items (especially shoes) in store can vary greatly.
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Alfani RED Fitted White and Blue French Cuff Dress Shirts – $19.99* ($49.50)

The budget french cuff

All right all you cuff link aficionados.  Good news and bad news here.  The good news is that they’re cheap and they’re fitted.  The bad news is that Alfani RED uses some poly in their shirts.  It won’t feel as good or as soft as an all cotton, but again, it’s $20.

Alfani RED Three Piece Navy or Grey Suit Separates – $249.97* ($570)

Lapels: Navy - Notch, Grey - Peak

Looks like they’re blowing these three piece suits out online.  You can describe each of these suits with three words:  Inexpensive, accessible, and serviceable.  The armholes could be higher.  The fabric could feel a little better.  And while not as strong as the Hilfiger Slim Fit shoulders, the pads could be a little thinner, but when it comes to slim fit three piece suits, these are as affordable as they get.  Take them to your tailor and they’ll look sharp.  Each has an overall score of 5 stars on the Macy’s website.  Not everyone’s cup of tea.  But worth a mention.

Alfani RED Brown Weave and Grey Sharkskin Suit Separates – $199.98* ($495)

Like the 3-piece options, these are separates. Good for odd proportions.

Now a brown suit for under $200?  If you want to give brown a shot, but don’t want to invest a ton of money in one, then maybe this is worth a look.  The lighter grey is a great color, and again, while the armholes could be higher and the fit a little closer (even though they are trimmer than standard suits) the price is dirt cheap.

Perry Ellis Wool/Silk Ties – $17.99* ($55)

Little wool, little silk, little price.

Many of us like a little wool in our silk ties, but sometimes a wool or wool mix tie can get so dark and subtle that it’s almost ignorable.  The contrasting stripes on these prevent that.  Great price too.

Cole Haan Air Kilgore Plain Toe – $119.99 ($158)

Nike owned.

For the guys that not just embrace, but love plain, and need something comfortable.  Black.  Nothin’ fancy.  Equipped with Nike AIR in the heel.  Rockport price and squishyness without the clunk.  Ships free.

 

Calvin Klein Garrison Suede Chelsea – $79.96 w/ AVNEWYEAR2 through S.T.P. ($150)

STP has Macy's beat on this one.

No, not Stone Temple Pilots.  Sierra Trading Post.  Macy’s has these as a web buster for $135.  But Sierra Trading Post has them for $100, and, with the extra 20% off code AVNEWYEAR2, it drops them down to an afforable level.  Suede is going to be big this year.  Code expires 2/8.
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Johnston & Murphy Runnell Suede Chukka – $77.99 via 6pm.com ($130)

3 colors at 6pm. All 5 at Macys.

Boy.  Macy’s isn’t having a good day when it comes to on-sale suede footwear.  The Zappos owned 6pm.com has the J&M Runnells for under $80.  Now, they only have three colors while Macy’s has five, but Macy’s has em’ for $110.  The sheepskin lining on these, and many other J&M shoes, is awfully nice.

 

Dockers Alpha Khaki – $44.99 ($68)

Big thighs guys need not apply.

Slimmer than a D1.  A favorite for some.  Four colors available through Macy’s at a real decent mark down.  Not your Dad’s perma-creased pleated front work trousers.  These are chinos that can do duty at work but not feel awkward on the weekend.

 

Dockers D1 Soft Front Slim Fit – $34.99 ($55)

Not a boring khaki.

And for those of us with some meat on our bones, yet still like a closer fit, the D1 soft front is a little more relaxed in fabric (read: thicker, no crease, some wrinkling here and there) and the fit can be great for some.  Points for the mustardy yellow/brown color “ghurka” seen above.

 

Timberland City Escape Moc – $60.99 ($110)

Later winter / Early Spring Slop ready.

Whoa!  $60?  Sure they’re ugly.  But ugly in a good way.  Right?  Sure some of you are shouting NO at your computer screen.  But… c’mon.  Some of us will dig em’.

 

Bulova Silver Dial – $99.00 ($225) & Bulova Multi Function – $99.00 ($225)

Bold could be solid additions.

This one has potential.  Maybe not with that too intricate bracelet looking stainless strap, but if you swap that out for a brown or black leather?  Could make a real clean dress watch for cheap.  The multi function has popped up at this price before during previous one day sales.  Both are quartz.

 

Citizen AT0810-12E Chrono – $165.00 ($275)

Solid for $165

Like the big honkin’ sport chronos?  But one’s that are more function than fashion?  43 mm means it’s a bit beastly, with a chunky bezel, a chronograph, and the Eco-Drive power train.  Now $165 through Amazon and for now sold DIRECT by Amazon.  That’s a big deal.  On sale at Macy’s for $208.50.  Above image via Amazon customer Isabel.

The current Macy’s One Day Sale ends Wednesday 2/8.

Consider these to be power rankings.  Whether you’re looking for gift ideas or a quick upgrade for yourself, expect these to come around about once a month.  The best of the best, which you may or may not have seen already.  Agreements, disagreements, and additions are more than welcome in the comments section below.  Click here for the top 5 most wanted lists from previous months.  Top Photo Credit: bgottsab
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5. Tretorn® for J.Crew Nylite canvas sneakers – $65.00

Has JP and PF met their match?

I love ya PF Flyers.  Many thanks to you Jack Purcells for all the good times.  But man.  These look like they could be something else.  Waxed cotton uppers with leather laces.  Available in four colors according to the catalog, with three over here on their website, and the fourth, navy, here.  One of them fancy pants “in good company” collaborations.  UPDATE:  Looks like the Navy option is the only one that comes with waxed canvas.  Nice catch by Brent in the comments.

4. Animal Locomotion: Plate 44 (Man taking off hat) – $60

Pleased to meet you too.

Passed along by our Arts & Culture correspondent Ben Madeska.  So you’re ready to take the Belushi poster off the wall, but you also can’t tell a Manet from a Monet (join the club.)  You want something that’s instantly attractive to everyone, but has a utilitarian feel too.  Enter Eadweard Muybridge.  Born in Britian and emigrated to the U.S. in the mid 19th century, Muybridge was one of the first to take this newfangled camera contraption out for a spin.  Y’know, to see what this thingamajig could do.  He shot people and animals in motion.  And it’s awfully hard not to love this hellaciously well dressed gent taking his hat off, frame by frame.  Also available:  A woman opening a parasol.  Hawt.

3.  Jack Spade Cotton Pinstripe Briefcase – $199 ($395)

Probably best not to wear a striped suit with it.

Available through Gilt, and while the sale ended yesterday, it doesn’t look like it sold out before time expired on the Jack Spade Sale.  So look for it to show up again somewhere on the site.  Slim, nice looking leather hardware, and that pinstripe exterior guarantees it’ll stand out quietly amongst the sea of black and brown leather briefcases.

 

2. Banana Republic Tailored Grey Birdseye Suit – $347.75 w/ BRTICKTOCK ($535)

Know that you may have to size up. Size shown: 40R.

Not everyone can afford a suit from SuitSupply.  Not everyone has had decent (or any) luck with Indochino.  Thankfully, Banana Republic has really stepped it up with their suiting.  While department store brands stick with solids and stripes, BR has added some variety to their closer fitting tailored fit lineup with a birdseye and subtle glen plaid.  From a distance the birdseye looks kinda solid, but when you get close enough to shake hands, you can see the depth.  The shoulder pads are minimal, arms are decently high (could be a little higher), and the button stance and lapels are great.  An upgrade from a standard, plain two button, in a awesome off the rack fit and good price.  These are suit separates, so you’ll need to buy the pants too.

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About the code: Banana Republic is doing a “waterfall” sale today.  The code, BRTICKTOCK will get you 35% off your entire purchase through 10:59 am ET today, 2/6/12.  The code then gets you 30% off through 4:59 pm ET.  Finally, the code will get you 25% off after that, and expires at 11:59pm ET.

 

1.  Skagen 858XLSLDN – $110.00

Could use a sale Nordstrom...

Back, and the grey dial, blue hands, and brown band only seems to be available through Nordstrom.  First featured over here with a full review.  Modern and minimalist, but the color balance keeps it from getting boring.  All class, super slim, and the pictures on Nordstrom.com don’t do it justice (unless they actually changed the dial to more of a white?).  Good thing they’ve got free shipping and free returns.  Part of the Basic Watch Collection feature.

“A lot of people say they’ll come back and buy it if they win a jackpot.  But I’ve never seen that happen.”  That’s what the real nice sales associate at the Tag Heuer flagship in Las Vegas said.  And sadly, no jackpot was had, so this is purely hypothetical, but say a jackpot did come your way.  Or, you’ve just been really successful.  Would you wear a timepiece that costs thousands of dollars?  Or is that just too showy, even if you have the cash?

The Case For Wearing an Expensive Watch:  Is driving an expensive car tacky?  What about living in a larger house?  Don’t most women walk around with a grand or two (or more) on their ring finger?  What about wearing a real nice suit?  If you’re responsible with your money, then there’s no reason not to spend it how you want.

The Case Against Wearing an Expensive Watch:  Watches are a bit different.  They’re just not as useful as a car, and unlike suits and homes they’ve got the brand name right there on them.  They’re just more showy.  Maybe it depends on the watch.  If it’s some flashy thing the size of a saucer, then yeah, it’s too much.  Like driving a Porsche or a Corvette around with obnoxious personalized plates.  Maybe it needs to blend in.  A stainless steel dive style won’t stand out.  But a Tag Heuer Monaco is sort of like fishing for inquiries and compliments.  Watches are great.  But they do serve a pretty simple purpose, and at what point does a watch get so expensive it becomes less of a good looking tool and more of a pure status symbol?  Besides, would you walk around with six grand in cash in your pocket?

If you could, would you?  Or is an expensive watch something you just wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing?
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Tag Heuer Monaco Steve McQueen Calibre 11 – Yours for a few grand more.

The Orient Watch Company has a dedicated following for good reason.  They’re the only watchmaker whose foundation is a wide range of incredible looking yet affordable automatics.  They’ve also partnered up with us to give away a watch a month for an entire year.  Each month we’ll review then give away a different featured watch, plus you’ll also get a new promo code good for 50% off any watch (except for their “star” line) at OrientWatchUSA.com.

So apparently not all of you want your workday wristwatch to be able to take your 40-yard-dash time, measure how fast your yacht is going, and/or convert dollars into yen.  This one is for those that prefer something more simple and free of subdials.  But at the same time, it’s not boring at all.  Add on top of that the automatic movement, and you’d be hard pressed to find a better looking business ready watch for the just over $100 price.

Equipped with both a day and date window, the designers at Orient decided to move those functions from the traditional 3 o’clock position, down to 6 o’clock and Noon.  That gives them more room to play with, and instead of the abbreviations for the day of the week, you get the full name of the day sweeping between 11 and 1 o’clock.  Not bad.

They could’ve just put a small, single day window at 6 o’clock, but instead they balanced the whole thing out with a window that shows yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  Load all that on top of a textured dial with the Orient logo and some script, and you get a design that looks much more expensive than the $112.50 w/ code price.

The crystal is mineral, the case is a pretty standard shined up stainless steel, and the burgundy leather band doesn’t feel stiff on your wrist.  It’s lightweight, but it certainly doesn’t feel cheap.  There’s no transparent case back on this one, but you can feel the automatic movement inside spinning away.

41mm in diameter if you count the crown, and when set next to the 44.5mm Orient Explorer it holds its own.  Water resistant to 50m, so you’ll want to keep it out of the ocean, but it could become just about any guy’s office workhorse.

Here’s how to win the Union seen here: Send your first and last name in an email to contests@dappered.com with the subject: Orient February.  One entry per person.  Deadline for entry is 11:59 pm ET on 2/3/12.

UPDATE:  Congrats to Chris M. who won the drawing for the Orient Union.  Three more months of watches to go.

Orange gets no respect.  No one drives an Orange car (there are exceptions.)  Red heads get picked on.  And the Burnt Sienna Crayon always went unused in the box of Crayolas.

The key is moderation.  If you’ll be covering a good chunk of your body in this color, stay away from true, Syracuse-style-orange, and stick with colors that are more copper or rust.  If you want something as bright as a bag of carrots, limit its use by way of accessories, clothes you’ll layer over, or sub colors in patterns.  Still not a believer?  Examples follow.  Just don’t wear these all at once or you’ll sprain an optic nerve.

The Sweater:  Banana Republic Merino V-Neck – $44.62 w/ BRBOOST ($59.50)

Want white? Skip the tee and stick with a button up.

One of the best V-necks out there.  BR is perpetually on sale, but their Merino V-necks are honestly worth full price (just don’t tell them.)  Wait for a code of course.  25% off is good.  30% off is usually worth jumping on.  The collars on these don’t dip super deep like their silk/cotton/cashmeres.  Slightly fitted.  Could be tighter, but if you’ve got a little around the middle, then you’ll be happy.  Perfect under a black moleskin, blue wool or cotton, or grey tweed blazer.  25% off code BRBOOST expires 1/31.

The Tie: Thomas Pink Made in Italy Silk Knit Tie – $59.00 ($105)

Not too collegiate looking.

Still a splurge ($59 for a tie is pricey for most of us) but made in Italy and the silk knit is something that can work year round.  Notice that even though it’s a minor piece, like a tie, the dominant color isn’t orange.  Wear it with a medium to lighter grey suit.  Extra points if it’s flannel.

The Pants:  L.L. Bean Signature Bean’s Canvas Cloth Pant – $69.00

A real unique color.

Expensive, but the perfect blend of not too baggy and not too slim.  Leaning more towards roomy, but if you’ve got bigger legs, then you’ll appreciate the extra room in the thighs.  Straight legs.  Great darker orange color.  Ships free and plenty sturdy.  Hang out for a 15% off (or even 20% off) code and you could end up real happy.  (Want a much trimmer fit?  Go with Rugby’s Vintage University Chino.  The color is more of a true orange, but they cost just under $40.)

The Dopp Kit:  Marc New York Canvas Dopp Kit – $19.97 ($59.50)

It'll stand out in your dimly lit bag.

Hard to get more subtle than a bag that’s inside of a bigger bag most of the time.  Tough to find in this color, but the Marc New York Canvas Dopp Kit is a combination of waxed canvas and leather trim.  That’ll do.

The Socks:  Gap Thick Stripe Socks – $7.50

Keep the rest of the outfit toned down.

They’re like Target’s Merona socks.  Only a few bucks more expensive.  Don’t pay full price.  Wait for a sale.  And even then, maybe wait until you need something to tip you over the $50 free shipping threshold for another item.

The Watch:  Seiko Orange Monster – $170 – $200

Underwater visibility = priority

A favorite of the dive watch / affordable automatic crowd.  Beastly in it’s proportions without getting too big across the dial.  Rubber band, nice thick bezel, and the orange dial sets it all off.  Image credit: Daystar.

The Shoes:  Hawkings McGill Wingtip Boots – $54.99 ($88)

Cognac leaning orange. Still plenty of brown tones.

Deceptively good looking for the price.  Hell, GQ even featured them in a slideshow (not sure if the photog/editors knew how cheap they are before they snapped the shots.)  They’ve held up extremely well for me with one exception.  The toes scratch up easily, but a bit of colored shoe creme will hide that damage.  A steal for the price.  Jeans.  Awfully good with jeans.  Ships free since U.O. gets it to you at $50.  Full review here.

The Bag: ASOS Canvas Barrel Bag – $31.33 ($62.67)

Hard to miss. Not the best for carrying large amounts of unmarked bills.

Cheap.  Real cheap.  And at 23×16.5×13.4 it’s got some good size to it too.  Big enough for the gym and then some.

Do you stay far away from orange?  Should anything be added to the list?  Leave it below…

And that’s free shipping no minimum.  No word on when that code expires.  40% off sale expires 8 a.m. central 1/25.

Looks familiar right?  That’s because we did just do this.  But that previous sale at LastCall was 30 – 50% off, with the vast majority of the items leaning towards 30%.  This one is 40% off with a few new items worth noting.  But the discount will only apply if you purchase just one item.  That’s one more reason not to go hog wild.  Ya dig?
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Hugo Boss Matano Wingtip – $119.40 ($275)

Hakuna Matano. Pumbaa's pick for kicks?

Matano?  Never heard of it.  Looks like a pretty standard, sleek, Hugo Boss wingtip to me.  Unlike their more casual leaning Hankie (gesundheit), this one has regular eyelets and appears to have a bit more of a modern toe.  Chisel perhaps.  The description says it’s an “almond” toe, but who knows.  A reminder:  You’re on the hook for returns through lastcall.

Emporio Armani Tank Chronograph – $129.00 ($275)

Nice hands Slim.

Emporio Armani can make (or more accurately, can have made for them) some gargantuan rectangular or tank style watches.  This doesn’t appear to be one of them.  A tank style watch is supposed to be a little thinner than you’re used to.  At 31mm, this one won’t look right on a larger wrist, but for medium sized to smaller fellas, this might be a nice, awfully dressed up addition to the watch collection.

Neiman Marcus Leather Card Case in brown or black – $15.00 ($50)

So cheap, you'll have plenty left on the card you'll put in it.

For the guys who have been dragging their feet on getting a card case.  Fifteen bucks is as cheap as something that’ll be this simple and look this good will probably get.  Tonal stamped Neiman Marcus logo.  Made in Italy.  Even one of these should ship free with the code FSANN3.

Neiman Marcus French Cuff Pinpoint – $33.00 ($88)

Decent quality french cuff for cheap?

It ain’t easy finding a french cuff trim fit dress shirt.  (Well, this one has a full spread pushing cutaway and this one is about $60)  This find on lastcall doesn’t appear to be trim fit.  What it does appear to be, is cheap enough that investing in some tailoring at the sides won’t break the bank.  Does have a non-iron finish.  Some like that, and some don’t.

Bonus: Hugo Boss Pasolini Navy Suit – $345.00 ($795)

Now even cheaper.

Worth another mention.  Lots of sizes available for now, and while it’s not super fitted, it’s not a box either.  The Hugo Boss Pasolini is certainly a favorite for some.  Usually around $800.  Can be had in the low $500s during a big Nordstrom sale.  Now under $350 through Lastcall.

The Lastcall.com extra 40% off one item sale ends online at 8am c.t. on 1/25/12.

Notice that the word “should” is in quotes.  We should all be so lucky to own one or two watches that we really like in our lifetime.  Some guys don’t even like wearing a watch, and plenty rely on their mobile phone. But many of us do like using a watch to tell the time, and c’mon, it also looks good on your wrist.

Before we get to the aesthetic styling of each watch, you’ll want to keep in mind three key factors in how the watch is constructed when purchasing a timepiece:

1. The Movement:  Mechanical/Automatic movements run on springs and gears.  No battery is needed and they’re favored by purists due to the artistry it takes to create each watch.  Quartz movements are usually less expensive and require a battery, unless they’re a solar powered quartz movement like Citizen’s Eco-Drive, or a “kinetic” style which uses an oscillating weight (like Automatics) to generate the electricity needed.
2. The Crystal:  This is the transparent window that protects the hands and dial.  In general, Sapphire > Mineral > Acrylic.  Sapphire is the most expensive and scratch resistant of the three.
3. Water Resistance:  The larger the number the wetter it can get (50m is less water resistant than 200m.)  100m can handle snorkeling, so unless you’re a diver, watches with that rating should meet your needs.

Sierra Trading Post has a terrific watch buying guide, so go there if you want to read up more on that stuff.  Onto the styles.  Building a watch collection around these four should ensure you always have an option for your wrist.
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#1. The Lower Glare Stainless Band

Left: Automatic. Right: Quartz.

If you’re going to buy only one watch, this classic dive style is probably the one to get.  There’s no leather that requires matching with your belt and shoes, and as long as it doesn’t get too aggressive, you can pull it off with a suit for less formal occasions.  But be aware.  Plenty of these look too much like man-jewelery.  Keep the shine on the links to a minimum, and know that as the links get smaller and more intricate, it starts to look more and more like a bracelet instead of a watch.  You want some toughness in there.  Suggestions:

• Orient Ray Automatic – $107.50 w/code DapperedJanuary
• Victorinox Maverick – $279.94
• Seiko 5 Auto SNZJ – $130 – $200

#2. The Suit Worthy Black Leather Chronograph or Multi Function

Left: Eco-Drive. Right: Standard Quartz

Sure the male style community now favors brown leather dress shoes.  But plenty of us default to black when we dress up.  Well shined black shoes with a grey suit has a sharp, utilitarian, anti-dandy feel.  Look for a silver or black dial chronograph to match.  Steer clear of chunky rotating bezels which, when combined with the chrono, makes it too casual.  A chrono alone makes it easier to dress down with a sweater and jeans.  Suggestions:

• Citizen Eco Drive 8700 – $281.25 (a perpetual calendar instead of a chrono)
• Kenneth Cole Chronograph – $142.50 (also available in white for $96)
• Hugo Boss Chronograph – $295.00
• Skagen Chronograph – $195.00
• Note: The silver dial Citizen at the top of the post is no longer made in that color scheme.

#3. The Brown Leather Contrast Dial

Both are automatic.

Look for dials that are either black, cream, silver, or white.  Blue works great too.  Many brown strap watches come with a matching brown dial.  That’s a ton of brown and it can look a little too much like a couch from the 1970s.  Black and brown can in fact go together in certain instances.  Timepieces and beer are two examples.  Suggestions:

• Orient Vintage Automatic – $212.50 w/code DapperedJanuary
• Hamilton Khaki King – $322.72
• Orient Explorer – $325.00 w/code DapperedJanuary
• Tissot T Classic Dream – $162.99
• Skagen White Dial Blue Hands – $110.00

#4. The Rubber Strap Casual

Quartz. Both of em.

The funny thing about a rubber strap is that it’ll often look fine with any belt/shoes combination.  Brown boots, black watch strap?  Sure.  Along with your stainless steel watch, you shouldn’t have any problems getting this one wet, dirty, and more or less beating it to death.  Suggestions:

• Victorinox Maverick II Chrono – $218.88
• Momentum M1 – $124.95
• Golana AQ 110 – $189.00
• Seiko Orange Monster – $175.00

Should a canvas strap Timex Weekender style have been included?  What about a plain and simple dress watch?  Agreements, disagreements, and other suggestions should go below.

A note on buying online: There’s plenty of sketchy watch sellers out there on the net.  If you’re buying off Amazon, make sure to either buy direct from Amazon, or, look for the word “fulfilled” by Amazon.  That way, Amazon has skin in the game in case you get a dud.  All links to Amazon were created to point to Direct or Fulfilled by Amazon watches, but know Amazon automatically switches to 3rd party retailers when available if a watch sells out.

Timex T2M978 Automatic Movement – $140.00

Full honesty, and I’m dropping down into the first person here… I was prepared to hate this watch.  I’m not a gold watch guy at all.  And even though the case on this one is a silver stainless steel, it looked so bland online that I figured it’d be cheesy in person.  But most of you prefer automatics, and Timex has been on a roll, so it was ordered.

It’s pretty damn impressive.
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The pictures on Amazon don’t do it justice.  That, and those Amazon pics are just flat out wrong.  The hands aren’t black, but instead they’re a subtle, not too flashy gold like the numerals and crown.  The texture on the dial is outstanding.  The leather strap is surprisingly flexible, and the simple power reserve meter is an awfully nice touch.  The 24-hour dial under 12 o’clock balances the whole thing out.

It’s 42mm in diameter but wears a little smaller.  It’s just a nice, simple, clean automatic.  Even has a see-through case-back so you can view the movement.  Available for $90 through a 3rd party seller that Amazon is fulfilling.  Also available in black for $90, and again, through an Amazon fulfilled 3rd party seller.

Is $140 still too expensive for a Timex?  Leave your take below.  More watches coming up on Monday…

1. Smith and Wesson Watch – $38.63 | J. Crew Mougin & Piqard – $425

Oscar, meet Felix.

The J. Crew option sure as hell feels much more solid than the Smitth and Wesson cheap-o… but the styling is awfully close.  42mm vs. 41mm in diameter, so neither is tiny.  Both are quartz.  Neither shoots bullets.

2. 1901 Trim Fit Striped Dress Shirt – $23.90 ($49.50)

Casual but still office appropriate.

A Nordstrom house brand.  Ships and returns free.  Plenty of sizes, and one of those not-solid shirts we should all have at our disposal.  Leans more casual for sure, but still has neck and sleeve measurements.  Box pleat in the back.  Wear it on the weekend under a V-neck or with that black moleskin blazer from last month.

3. Surcingle Striped Cotton/Leather Belt in red or green – $24.90 ($59.50)

$25? Yes sirrrr.

Part of Rugby’s new Winter Sale.  Started at $60 and was tempted.  Dropped clear down to $35.  Now $25?  Hard to pass this up at this point.  Now if they could only run an extra 20% off code, then this would get to $150…

 

4. BOSS Orange Leather Driving Gloves – $69.99 ($115)

No knuckle holes here.

The driving glove that’s a little more subtle than most.  No holes at the knuckles, but you still get that opening at the wrist and slim profile.  Made by Hugo Boss’s lower “Orange” line.

5. Eddie Bauer Omaha Boot – $79.95 ($90.00 Ships free with code SHIPR)

To the mountains Edward.

Suede uppers, padded collar, red laces.  No, they will not, I repeat, NOT get you through Philmont…  BUT, like these, no one is asking them to.  And at least they’re coming from a brand that has a smidgen of outdoor experience.  Perfect for the weekend and light (again, light) hikes.

6. “Build your Own” Tesla Model S web feature – Free (the car is $50k – $70k)

Kiss my amp Mr. Volt.

It looks like a friggin’ Aston Martin Rapide.  Well, it looks more like a Rapide than a Nissan Leaf, that’s for sure.  Tesla’s latest all-electric model launches this fall.  And while you can’t get a virtual tour of the interior just yet, you can pick colors and wheels, as well as view the specs.  0-60 in 5.6.  No tailpipe.  Time to buy a powerball ticket.

7. Jack Spade Monza Leather Business Card Case – $28.50 w/ DOTHEMATH ($95.00)

Keeper of your professional reputation

The business card version of a favorite wallet.  Now dirt cheap.  If you’re not a card case and money clip kind of guy when going out, that’s all well and good… but you need something that’ll hold your business cards other than a billfold.  Ass vs. Business cards = almost always a not real good impression.  They get dog eared and smudged up.  This’ll impress whoever you’re exchanging cards with.  Perforated leather modeled after the steering wheels of classic sports cars.

8. Rugby College Striped Wool Scarf – $39.99 ($89.50)

Two of the four color options available.

More striped stuff from the ongoing Rugby Winter Sale.  Just under $40, bright stripes will give life to your dark winter coat.  72″ long and a slimmer (but not razor thin by any means) 8.5″ wide.  100% wool and made in England.  Just right for doing this.

9.  Banana Republic Tailored Slim Fit Non-Iron Shirt – $79.50 ($55.65 at 30% off)

Loud without shouting.

Plaid but not really, on a shirt that’s casual but not really.  One of those hybrid freak kind of things.  Non-iron fabric so it’ll stay plenty crisp to wear with a tie and maybe a grey tweed suit.  Wait for a sale.  Who knows.  Maybe the pattern and “saucy red” (saucy?) color is too out there for most and it’ll go on clearance.

10. American Optical Original Pilot Aviators – $39.99 – $75.99

Originals.

A favorite of many.  Available in numerous frame and lens color combinations, sizes, and ear piece options.  Gotta love the fact you can still buy sunglasses with bayonet temples (shown above.)  Made in the USA, “genuine US Military issue” and inexpensive enough that most civilians can get their hands on them.

For other best bets under $75 from previous months, click here.