Dappered | 10 Things I learned building my affordable watch collection

[Dappered | 10 Things I learned building my affordable watch collection]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [10 Things I learned building my affordable watch collection](#1) - [Steal Alert: Clarks Bushacre 2 Beeswax Brown Leather for $35](#2) - [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2020](#3) [10 Things I learned building my affordable watch collection](r/Dappered/~3/4bZ4SCdCGj0/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 12 May 2020 03:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. About the Author: [Zach S.]( is a United States Marine Corps Officer and [Product Photographer]( from Maryland’s Eastern Shore. When he’s not training or doing photography he enjoys reading and writing on a myriad of topics. I first became interested in watches when I saw a Breitling ad in National Geographic. Something about the connection between machines, adventure, and exploration got to me, and I began to seriously consider watches. Now, ten years later, my watch box is full and I consider my collection fairly rounded out. I don’t yet own all the watches I want to own, but I have learned a few lessons along the way. Here are 10 of the most important lessons I learned going from not owning any watches, to assembling a pretty robust (but still relatively affordable) collection: #1. Start with something you’ll wear every day [10 Things I learned building my affordable watch collection on Dappered.com]( - [Corgeut Automatic Dive Watch – $140]( - [Orient Bambino V2 – $125]( - [Tissot Visodate Automatic – $399](//www.jomashop.com/tissot-visodate-men-watch-t0194301603101.html) - [Invicta Pro Diver Auto – $85]( This one is the easiest rules to understand. Your first watch is your only watch, so pick something you can wear all the time. Something versatile. If you spend most of your time dressed casually, then go with a watch to match. If you find yourself dressed up more often, find something versatile that looks good dressed up as well as dressed down a little bit. #2. There’s absolutely nothing wrong [with cheap watches]( [10 Things I learned building my affordable watch collection on Dappered.com]( - [Timex MK1 Chronograph – $109.99]( ($139) - [Timex Weekender Chronograph Blue Dial – $53.33]( - [Casio MDV106-1AV 200m Dive Watch – $45]( - [Casio G-Shock DW5600E – $45]( - [Invicta Pro Automatic – $84.99]( I know initially you’re going to perhaps want something spendy. Something you saw in a fancy advertisement. But there’s nothing wrong with affordable watches. Brands like Timex make a great range of everything from field watches to chronographs. They’re durable and often look really good. Don’t let their drug store pedigree scare you off! #3. It’s worth checking sales once in a while [10 Things I learned building my affordable watch collection on Dappered.com]( - [Seiko Samurai “Save the Ocean” edition – $343]( (picked up on a whim, on vacation, when it was marked down in a store) - [Glycine by DROP Soda Diver – $399]( (pops up on Drop, but rarely) - [Nordstrom Price Matched Watches]( – Nordstrom is an authorized retailer… who will sometimes price match non-authorized dealers. This means you get a lower price AND a manufacturer’s warranty from Uncle Nordy. It’s a rare occurrence though. [But sometimes it can result in big time savings](. While I don’t believe in looking to buy something [just because you’re bored or it’s on sale](, occasionally you’ll see a great price on something you totally forgot about, or something that was previously out of reach. Keep an eye on the 8 zillion promos and sales that seem to happen these days. Watches, even affordable watches, seem to get excluded a lot. But sometimes the promo gods will throw the doors open on a wristwatch you’ve had your eye on. #4. Own [a pilot’s watch]( or a field watch [10 Things I learned building my affordable watch collection on Dappered.com] - [Timex MK1 Chronograph – $109.99]( ($139) - [Citizen Nighthawk – $189.98](//www.jomashop.com/citizen-bj7000-52e.html) - [Hamilton Field Automatic – $368](//www.jomashop.com/hamilton-khaki-field-mens-watch-h70555533.html?utm_medium=cpa&utm_campaign=4025845&utm_source=CJ&cjevent=b3d686cc6e9911e980e100d80a1c0e0e) - [Seiko 5 SNK805 Automatic – $90ish]( - [Nodus Sector Field Automatic – $400]( - [Bulova Automatic Military “Hack” 38mm Watch – $250ish]( - [Timex Waterbury 42mm Red Wing Chrono – $159]( - [Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Watch – $48.25]( These styles of watches go great with most casual outfits and are very easy to dress up and down with a strap change. They’ve got tried and true rugged good looks, and they’re also notoriously easy to read. Casual? Yes. But they’ll be something you reach for time and time again. #5. You might have a watch you wear way more than others, and that’s okay [10 Things I learned building my affordable watch collection on Dappered.com] - [Seiko 5 Sports Automatic Watches – $177 – $250]( (various models via Macy’s, olive option is hard to find) - [Invicta Pro Diver Auto – $85]( - [Seiko 007 – $350ish]( - [Hamilton Field Automatic – $368](//www.jomashop.com/hamilton-khaki-field-mens-watch-h70555533.html?utm_medium=cpa&utm_campaign=4025845&utm_source=CJ&cjevent=b3d686cc6e9911e980e100d80a1c0e0e) - [Seiko SARB – $350 – $450]( - [Timex Weekender – $35]( As you collect, you’ll get a lot of cool watches that might be a bit too specific looking to wear every day. That’s okay, because along the way you’ve filtered down your preferences, and you almost certainly will end up with a watch you prefer and want to wear daily. It’s hard to find that one daily-workhorse from the beginning though. You’ll get there! #6. Get a retro-styled dress watch [10 Things I learned building my affordable watch collection on Dappered.com] - [Orient Star Classic – $355]( (sold out? Discontinued?) - [Orient Bambino V2 – $115]( - [Timex x Todd Snyder Beekman 40mm Leather Strap Watch – $158]( - [Timex Milano 38mm Leather Strap Watch – $99]( - [Tissot Visodate Automatic – $399](//www.jomashop.com/tissot-visodate-men-watch-t0194301603101.html) - [Seiko Cocktail Time Automatic – $319]( Everyone makes a fuss over retro styled dive watches… BUT… get a retro dress watch instead. They’re cheaper, just as authentic, and that’s what everyone wore anyway. Ever see a Mad Men character wear a diver? Nope. Go with something clean, simple, and classically sized (read: 36 – 40mm). They elevate just about any look. From chinos & a polo, to full blown suit & tie. #7. Check yard sales and Ebay for vintage treasures [10 Things I learned building my affordable watch collection on Dappered.com] I’ve acquired three or four really cool old watches for virtually no money at yard sales. There are plenty of old gems hiding out there. Of course, the current health-situation means it’s probably not the time to go picking through other people’s for-sale belongings in their front yard, but for future reference? Yard sales can be gold mines. #8. Own something gold or gold-toned [10 Things I learned building my affordable watch collection on Dappered.com] - Vintage Bulova (obviously no longer available) - [Orient Small Seconds in Champagne – $165]( - [Jack Mason Ellum – $159]( - [Lorier Falcon Automatic – $449]( - [Hamilton American Classics Jazzmaster Viewmatic – $595](//www.jomashop.com/hamilton-jazzmens-watch-h32645555.html?utm_source=googleproduct&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=googleproductsearch?flash_20_off&pt_source=googleads&pt_medium=cpc&pt_campaign=(ROI)+Shopping+-+Sale+Watches+$500+-+1000&gclid=CjwKCAjwqdn1BRBREiwAEbZcRzkyLPH2AFvISgMrjlDdhDDYlzY8D2kR-f6FIKsX6pYSAa1ZzzuPshoCGowQAvD_BwE) (A splurge, but wow) I honestly never even thought of this until I got a vintage Bulova, but there’s something really warm and pleasant about a gold watch. Most of my watches are on the sporty side, so it’s nice to have something that feels a bit more sophisticated. #9. You’ll eventually break down and buy a retro diver [10 Things I learned building my affordable watch collection on Dappered.com] - [Bulova Devil Diver – $415]( - [Q Timex Reissue Dive Watch – $179]( - [Seiko 007 – $350ish]( - [Dan Henry 1970 Automatic Diver – $290]( - [Lorier Neptune II Dive Watch – $399]( I don’t know what it is, but they’re just cool. There’s something about walking around in the summer with something that looks like it was worn by Jacques Cousteau on your wrist. Bonus points if it’s a chunky 1970s looking monstrosity. #10. [Quartz watches]( can be worthy and cool [10 Things I learned building my affordable watch collection on Dappered.com] - [Marathon JSAR Dive Watch – $760]( to [$850]( - [Seiko SNDC31 Chrono – $99]( - [Timex + Todd Snyder The Military Watch – $99](//www.toddsnyder.com/collections/sale/products/timex-military-watch-olive?utm_source=LinkShare&utm_medium=TS&utm_campaign=10&ranMID=39608&ranEAID=th9ILo5LtqE&ranSiteID=th9ILo5LtqE-Ex8FDUj4urI0W.LNNmoL2Q&medium=Dappered) ($138) - [Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph – $399]( - [Armogan E.N.B. – $155 – $190]( - [Timex Made in the USA “American Documents” Collection – $495]( - [Timex Milano 38mm Leather Strap Watch – $99]( When you first get into this hobby, mechanical movements will feel like the best. There is something about the tiny artistry that goes into the wheels, gears, and springs which make mechanical and automatic watches go. But there’s a ton of cool quartz watches that are way more accurate and durable (like the admittedly spendy, ISO certified, designed for search and rescue/salvage diving Marathon diver shown above). Wristwatches are one of the few markets where technological innovation has led to more efficient, more economical products, yet a good chunk of the consumer base clings to the old, less advanced technology. But there are plenty who recognize the absurdity of this, and wear a quartz with pride because of it. Don’t automatically write off a quartz watch. There are some great ones out there! (Bonus!) Have fun with it! [10 Things I learned building my affordable watch collection on Dappered.com] [While there are plenty of reasons to wear a watch](, you’re in essence wearing a highly antiquated piece of technology on your arm. So don’t take it so seriously. It’s a hobby, not a quest. Don’t be afraid to have some novelties in the box. My mickey mouse watch is one of my most worn. Big thanks to our man Zach for passing along all that he learned in the above post! Are you a newbie to the watch game and want even more tips for how to get started? [Head here for a few more](. ff/Dappered?a=4bZ4SCdCGj0:UwCDKjFTBGY:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=4bZ4SCdCGj0:UwCDKjFTBGY:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=4bZ4SCdCGj0:UwCDKjFTBGY:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Steal Alert: Clarks Bushacre 2 Beeswax Brown Leather for $35](r/Dappered/~3/drf8pq9fboQ/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 11 May 2020 08:54 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. [DSW: Clarks Bushacre 2 Beeswax Brown – $35]( ($60-$80) They’re a wheelhouse favorite… The Clarks Bushacre 2. No crepe sole here like [the original Clarks Desert Boot](, so it won’t get so dirty looking. [Yes you can wear these in warm weather](. They’re called Desert Boots after all. Usually they run $60 – $80 depending on codes/promos. Amazon currently has them [for $60](. And even at that price, I mean… cmon. They go with just about everything casual to even some smart casual stuff. [Clarks Bushacre 2 in Beeswax Brown on Dappered.com]( Was $42 [last week](. Now down to $35, which is pretty absurd. And being that free shipping kicks in at $35, they’re right at that minimum threshold to get them shipped, to you, for no additional cost. Wild. I mean, between this [and the Polopalooza](, you’re just a pair of pants away from living all your [Chinos/Chukkas/Polos dreams](. Big thanks to John M. for the tip on this one. That’s all. Carry on. ff/Dappered?a=drf8pq9fboQ:vmvmUX5MdyY:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=drf8pq9fboQ:vmvmUX5MdyY:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=drf8pq9fboQ:vmvmUX5MdyY:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2020](r/Dappered/~3/hgxtdpVga14/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 11 May 2020 08:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. For the polo shirt being such a basic staple of men’s style, there sure are a lot of crappy ones out there. But these aren’t those. These are not your grandpa’s boxy, logo emblazoned golf shirt. These are slim or athletic, clean lean and mean. Below is the best of the reasonably affordable polo crop from this year. Got a lead on a polo that should have made this list? Send those tips in to joe@dappered.com. [Banana Republic Luxe Touch Slim or Reg. Fit Polo – $30ish]( ($44.50) [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2020 | Dappered.com]( ***Best in Show*** Let’s not bury the [lede](. Exceptional. Especially considering they’ve been going for $19(!) – $25 often lately. They’re all cotton, yet somehow manage to be almost glass smooth, stretchy, and soft. (As if there’s some silk in there.) They’re so smooth they’re almost cool to the touch. Plenty of [colors and patterns to pick from, and available in both slim and regular fits](. There does seem to be a catch for some though. Many have reported shrinkage problems with these. Especially when it comes to the length. I don’t have this issue, and I can’t tell you why. I wash on warm or cold and dry on medium or cool. Do they shrink up a little in the wash? Maybe. But not to the extremes that I’ve heard. If you’re 6′ or over, maybe order a tall instead of a regular? [Precise polo shown above is a large slim fit in one of their basic solids](, on 5’10” / 195. [Target Goodfellow & Co Standard Fit Jersey Polo – $14.99]( [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2020 | Dappered.com]( ***Best Super Cheap*** A strong showing thanks in part [to the strong collar](. No weak curl action happening here. Under that collar is a reinforced placket, with a sideways top button and rounded collar band, much like you’d see on a dress shirt. While the texture of the fabric is almost slub-like, I wouldn’t put it in the same category. It wears too nicely for that, though the material is lightweight, airy and almost gauzy. The pattern is subtle, not loud, and it’s something I could wear to work and then right out to a happy hour. There’s a subtle, almost imperceptible patch chest pocket, and the fit, of course, [is spot-on](. Size shown above is a small on 5’9″ / 160. [Made in the USA Flint and Tinder Supima Air Knit Polo – $48.98]( ($58) [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2020 | Dappered.com]( Made in the USA? That’s tough to do these days. 100% supima cotton in a “baby jersey” knit. Nice and soft. More of a vintage-look. Not super slick or polished, so probably best for more casual duty. Certainly not a boxy fit, but not a super slim fit either. More athletic. Size shown in a large on 5’10″/195. Just about sold out at post time, but such a wheelhouse standard that you’d think they’d restock soon. [Amazon Peak Velocity Performance Athletic-Fit Polo – $15ish]( [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2020 | Dappered.com]( Tremendous, with one catch: there seems to be quite a big jump between sizes. Shown above is a medium, and it’s just a touch too tight for my taste. That said, a large was WAY too big. This isn’t a unique issue. Lots of brands are struggling with these big size jumps in the 21st century (see Target’s Goodfellow & Co). But back to the polo. It’s the real deal. Feels great, not cheap. 52% Polyester, 48% Nylon fabric is lightweight, moves great, and looks polished, not… “techy.” Six colors to pick from. Size shown is a medium on 5’10” / 195. [EXPRESS Tech Stretch Polos – $29.94](//www.express.com/clothing/men/piped-moisture-wicking-performance-polo/pro/05047580/color/NAVY/e/regular/) when 40% off ($49.90) [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2020 | Dappered.com](//www.express.com/clothing/men/piped-moisture-wicking-performance-polo/pro/05047580/color/NAVY/e/regular/) Fabric & fit seems to be unchanged over the last few years, and still very, very good. 4.9/5 stars after 79 reviews. 95% cotton and 5% spandex = quite a bit of stretch. Yet still plenty smooth and soft. Deeper 4 button placket is a nice touch as well. (Not that you should be unbuttoning all those buttons… hardly… it just makes the shirt look and feel a little more substantial… even retro.) Super smooth. Often goes on sale for 40% off. Size shown above is a large on 5’10” / 195. [Good Man Brand Shinjuku Stripe Slim Fit Polo – $54.97]( ($128) [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2020 | Dappered.com]( A bit of an investment, but could be a real winner for those who prefer all cotton polos and crisp button down collars. But a word of warning about those collars: you’ll have to iron them. The body of these polos is 100% cotton jersey (mid weight), but the lighter, crisper, chambray collar wrinkles like CRAZY in the wash. So you’ll have to do a quick ironing job on just the collars pre-wear. From the contemporary, higher-end but not runway-luxury Good Man Brand, [which Russel Wilson has a hand in](. Size shown above is a large on 5’10″/195. [Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Polo – $49 – $88](1100l8fEx/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fshop.lululemon.com%2Fsearch%3FNtt%3Dmetal%2520vent%2520tech%2520polo) [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2020 | Dappered.com](1100l8fEx/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fshop.lululemon.com%2Fsearch%3FNtt%3Dmetal%2520vent%2520tech%2520polo) Blasted Lululemon. They make great stuff, but man do they make you pay for it. Lightweight, breathable, flexible… the works. You could easily run a dang 10k (or more) in one of these things and feel great. Raglan sleeves are terrific, and sure seem to add more range of motion. Some colors are on sale, but most are not. Size shown is a large on 5’10″/195. [Spier & Mackay 100% Cotton Pique Polos – $38]( [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2020 | Dappered.com]( Wow the fabric is much softer this time around. I usually don’t like 100% cotton, pique fabric polos. But these are threatening to change my mind. Super soft, but still has a bit of welcome crispness thanks to the pique weave. Terrific collar, great buttons, well put together placket. Also available in a spread collar. One note on laundering: They say lay flat or line dry. So no machine drying here. Sizing might run a touch big, but maybe that’s in case they shrink a little in the wash? Shown above is a medium on 5/10″ 195. [Arc’teryx Captive Polo Shirt – $69]( [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2020 | Dappered.com]( Arc’teryx does a great job with their fit and fabric quality, as expected from a premium outdoor athletic company. The shirt is fitted, but not clingy, and has a nice taper from chest to waist. The 60% cotton, 35% polyester, 5% elastane fabric is soft, with legitimate breathability. It drapes lightly and never feels heavy, despite being of substantial build. On the build; what’s with all the stitching? For a tech polo, there sure are a lot of seams front and back, and they’re noticeable when wearing. I surmise those who engineered the shirt did this to create the athletic silhouette, but it comes off as over-engineered and other brands are able to create a taper without all the stitch work. And, the price. $69 at full retail. Arc’teryx is certainly a premium brand in the outdoor space, but this one, for most, won’t be worth the premium. Size shown is a large on 5’7″ / 175. [Amazon Essentials Tech Stretch Polo – $17]( [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2020 | Dappered.com]( Good. Very good. Super breathable. Stretch is incredible. Size shown above is a medium on 5’10” / 195. So consider sizing down if you’re in between sizes. Tough to top for fifteen bucks. Just wish they made solids. Currently all options are heathered/marled looking. [Amazon Goodthreads Lightweight Slub Polo – $10 – $20]( [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2020 | Dappered.com]( Quite nice for the price. Tail isn’t chopped and this can be tucked in or left out, making it hugely versatile. These are one of the softest shirts around. You might end up buying multiple colors. And they have options. Nineteen different colors to pick from at post time. “Light Aqua” is shown above in a size small on 5’10” / 170-175 lbs. [Kent Wang Collar Band Polos – $65]( [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2020 | Dappered.com]( A bit legendary, and as you’d expect, they’re priced like a legend too. 100% cotton jersey that’s a little thicker than I had anticipated, but not overly bulky. The collars are constructed like a woven shirt, with a collar band and a double layer of self fabric (what the body is made out of). So, none of that limp ribbed fabric that curls, bends, and rumples. Honest to goodness mother of pearl buttons that are THICK and really do stand out. True slim fit. They’re nice. Real nice. $65 nice? I think most will say that’s a little steep. But maybe worth a splurge for some. Size shown above is a large on 5’10″/195. [Target All in Motion Tech Pique Golf Polo – $17.60]( ($22) [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2020 | Dappered.com]( ***Best Affordable Tech-Fabric*** No logo. That’ll please plenty. Not on the chest, not on the sleeve, not even on the hemline that would be hidden when tucked in. Nowhere. Unbelievable. Second, a lot of performance polos are slick, shimmery, and overall very “artificial,” barely being passable outside the links. Not so here. Not only is it not slick, it [has a pique texture]( that is matte in appearance and feels premium. Third, the collar actually looks like a collar. This one is stitched all the way around, giving it structure and hope that it won’t flop over after the 4th hole. The fit is spot on and there’s just enough flex to give you full range of motion. Worth every penny at $22. Size shown is a small on 5’9″ / 160. [J. Crew Garment-Dyed Slub Cotton Polo in Nantucket Red- $39.50]( [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2020 | Dappered.com]( A perfect polo for when you want to wear a t-shirt, but also want to look a little more put-together. The garment-dyed slub cotton creates a natural weathered fade in the shade of red, which will continue to evolve over time. That slub fabric makes it more casual than, say, the Banana Republic Luxe Touch polo. If a henley is a step above a plain tee, this is a step above that henley. Wash this on it’s own for the first few times, so the dye doesn’t bleed onto other garments. A perfect go-to barbecue polo. Size shown above is a large slim-fit on 5’7″ / 175. [UNIQLO Airism Button Down Collar Polo – $29.90]( [Polopalooza: The Best Looking Affordable Polos of 2020 | Dappered.com]( ***Best for Shorter Guys*** They truly do run short. Which is great if you’re not tall. But if you’re average, it’s gonna be close. If you’re tall? Forget it. But if the length works for you, they’re terrific. Improved, smoother fabric this year on the NON WHITE options. Really. White is the old fabric. I don’t know why. Just about a 50/50 cotton nylon blend that’s almost cool to the touch. Runs $29.90 a pop, but will drop to $19.90 with select sales and multi buy deals. Size shown is a medium on 5’10″/195. And yeah, it’s a bit too short for my current tastes (and my slightly longer than average torso), which bums me out. Got a favorite polo that didn’t make the list? Send in a style tip. They’re always welcome at: [joe@dappered.com](mailto:joe@dappered.com?subject=style%20tip%20polo). ff/Dappered?a=hgxtdpVga14:_X-G2n2DsOU:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=hgxtdpVga14:_X-G2n2DsOU:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=hgxtdpVga14:_X-G2n2DsOU:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. 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