The J. Crew Timex Alternative: Seiko

Seiko 5 in Black – $79.96 or Green – $86.00 | Seiko SNDA65 Chronograph – $199.00

J. Crew is starting to push it.  Yes they hit on something with their madly popular military inspired Timex.  Yes it’s kinda cool to swap that NATO strap in and out whenever you please.  And yes it’s nice to have a go to, bang it up because it’s not too expensive weekend watch, that looks great with everything from a t-shirt and jeans to chinos and an unstructured blazer.

But the J. Crew marketing machine has set the price on that Timex way too high.  $150.00?  It’s as plain as can be.  And now they’re trying to sell us on a leather band model.  Still made by Timex.  And not for $150… for $195.00.  It gets even more insane: They claim this new croc-embossed leather band Timex 1600 was inspired by Presidents JFK, FDR, and their “brand of unflappable cool.”

Pardon my French… but come the f*ck on.

If you want a military style watch that can handle a nato strap, try the SEIKO 5.  It’s $60 to $70 LESS than the J. Crew, and looks just as good.  If you want a high-end model with a chronograph, terrific gun-metal gray case, and beefier proportions, get a SEIKO SNDA65.  $50 more than the J. Crew, but much better looking.

And just plain steer clear of that Timex 1600.  Even if you do think FDR was one happenin’ cat.
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