As a man of modest means, appreciate how when you talk about affordability, you really mean affordability. Watched another horologist this weekend go on about how affordable and such a good deal a watch was - and it was US$ 375...
I'm sure I'm stating the obvious, but affordability is all relative. If you're looking for an "affordable alternative" to scratch the $12k submariner itch, suddenly $375 sounds like peanuts. It all depends on what you're comparing it to. $375 might in fact be an amazing deal for what you are getting. You just might not value that particular item enough to warrant it. Most hobbies are the same way. How much are you willing to spend on a bicycle, tv, or tent (if any of those are your thing). I'm sure there are people who would pay way more than $375 for those non-essentials (I know, a bike or tent might be essential to some, but you get my point) but would balk at paying that for a watch. What brings you the most joy will dictate where you're willing to spend disposable income.
All depends on your income bracket and what specs you expect for what you pay. I'm not a high earner myself - but I paid $350 for a microbrand diver (not even top spec: single dome sapphire/nh35/aluminium bezel), but I love it for the design and I wear most days compared to the other dozen watches I own, this for me represents great value and affordability.
Lawrence, if I may: One thing to consider is that a lot of money - $375 in this case - can be reasonable if it is just one watch. $375 (or whatever) a pop over several watches gets out of hand. For example I splashed out on a Casio Oceanus. It is durable, sapphire crystal, good looking, solar powered and perfectly accurate. It was in the order of $500 but I will be wearing it for the rest of my life.
Timex has a factory in the Philippines. The government requires employers to provide at least minimum wage, contributions to health insurance, social security, etc. That's why products made here aren't as cheap as other countries.
There is also a minimum wage and socialised healthcare in China. Weird comment in the video as if factories in China are exploitative whereas factories set up elsewhere in the region are run on humanitarian grounds. There's no ethical consumption under capitalism!
Wdym product made in philipines aren't as cheap as products made in other countries? Minimum wages in Philipine is still one of the lowest in the world even health insurace and social security included
@@Sankara561 the difference between China and the Philippines in terms of production costs is China subsidizes the factories, while the PHL doesn't, and even includes a relatively high tax rate. In terms of humanitarian issues, both of them are equally problematic, but at least when you're outside China a company can get pressured to correct their wrongdoings whereas in China, even the government's own judiciary will make sure it isn't discussed at all.
I do love Casio, Seiko, etc... But tell no bad about Timex, my father gave me one Explorer many years ago and still works fine, and I like it very much. The only drawback is when you need to change the battery, must send it to Timex, because people don't mess with it, and it's costs around 25 EUR.
The thing I love and admire on this channel is how he keeps proper budget in mind. The other channels consider 250 dollars to be budget. For a student like me this channel is perfect. I've purchased a Seiko 5 just because this man recommended it and it's divine. Thanks man
Otherwise know as the “Timex Classic Digital” I’ll be the dissenting opinion. I love mine. It holds the #2 spot in my collection behind my Orient Mako USA II. I will concede that the bracelet is a weak spot, but the long band variant fits my 7.5” wrist spot on. I suspect the only difference between this and the T80 is the face plate and bracelet. I greatly prefer the timex module over the corresponding Casio for a few petty reasons. First is Indiglo being better than than the LEDs Casio uses(aside from select models with electroluminescent). Second is the Casio date display. I know it is trivial, but no month on the date display for a digital watch a deal breaker. But I’ve always been a timex fanboy🤷♂️
You’ve got two of the same watches I have. The Mako USA II offers so much for the money. I bought an F-91W the other day just for the heck of it. I agree though that Indiglo is superior to the F-91W backlight. I like the weird color changing of the display as it brings a bit of nostalgia for me from some cheap digital watches I had when I was a kid. I miss the old Expeditions with digital/analog, I have saw one in awhile, I assumed they aren’t made anymore.
Ben, I've only recently started watching your videos, but I have to say, you're doing a wonderful job. Your honesty and clarity are head and shoulders above others, and you've gained an instant subscription from me. Good man!
becareful subscribing, he's not a Citizen fan. Infact he compared Citizen with Casio which was so foolish. Citizen produce very elegant watches and I've always been a fan of their designs.
You always have to have Speidel-type bands fitted by removing (or adding) links, except in the unlikely scenario of it being the right size for your wrist by default. You wouldn't want to wear a too-small one in "expand to fit" mode, unless you like having a tourniquet on your wrist all day. The expansion is to allow you to put on and take off the watch, not to allow for a universal fit. I've removed (and added) links from them before, and it's not too bad if you can see what you're doing and have a good pair of tweezers. Once you reach about your mid 40s it gets a lot harder if you haven't bothered to get reading glasses yet. In the old days when those were all the rage you could take it to any jewelry store that did rudimentary work on watches (such as replacing bands and batteries) and they would fit a Speidel-type band to your wrist for a small fee. I assume it would be a lot harder to find that sort of service these days, since watches in general aren't anywhere near as common as they used to be since the cell phone became the standard timepiece for most people, and Speidel bands haven't been particularly popular since the '70s.
I had a Seiko digital in the 1980s with the "twist o flex" expanding bracelet. I took it into a watch shop to be sized. The expansion isn't to fit large wrists but to fit over your hand.
The strap is actually pretty easy to adjust. The vids just 15 mins bc he just repeats a lot of stuff. I did it in about 10 mins with a rly small screwdriver and tweezers.
I bought one of these back in 2017 for $30 usd and it has been a great beater for me. I know there is a lot that can vary when it comes to qc but mine has been fully submerged and dealt with far more shock than expected (I left it on while driving metal fence posts) and it is still going. The only issue I have had is the "metal" finish wearing off on the bottom of the case showing the white resin underneath. They may be overpriced now but I will always have a soft spot for my smallest watch that has handled everything I could throw at it.
I was given this watch as a gift. The bracelet was a problem as I have tiny wrists, but I was determined to persevere and I took the watch to my local jeweller. He re-sized the bracelet to fit my wrist perfectly and I have to be honest, I totally get the appeal of it now. Before I did that I felt as Ben does in this video but now I wear this watch all the time, specifically because of the convenience of the bracelet.
You need to size the expandable bracelet. They are designed to be refitted, they just take time. They are definitely not meant to expand to fit any size.
I’ve had the gold version of this watch for probably 4 years now and I love it. Sometimes it’s best to try it for yourself cause everything isn’t for everyone 👍🏾
Its always fascinating how much one can tell about the simplest items, when passionate about it. Your channel is like a good written and drawn comicbook when you are in a long distance train ride back home to your parents! Love it!!!
This is probably my favorite most simple watch. I absolutely love the band on it as well. I guess different strokes for different folks. I have the chrome model, you have the non-chrome model band, I just ordered the gold model for more dress occasions. Like I said I absolutely love this watch I have about 12 watches and it still might go to.
Just picked up the gold model & it’s GORGEOUS! I really like the bracelet & how the display turns irredescent green when rotating the watch in the light. 🔥
I’ve got one and it’s just okay. Good fo wearing washing the car or gardening. I do like the strap though - I know you always tell us you have skinny wrists but wow they must be really skinny. Definitely resin case as I stripped threads putting screw back into case back.
@@traviswalker8933 exactly mate. They’re just watches, we tell the time with them, anything more than that is just a product of marketing. The key is to just find what you like and wear it.
@@tezzanewton indeed and also, try not to be a snob in the process and prove that one watch brand is better than the rest when the factual evidence does not point to that direction.
I don’t have any problems with Timex, in a way this could be a suggestion to replace the factory bracket to a more like a buckle bracelet as an alternative. Other than that Timex do make good quality watches.
Timex have some super nice looking stuff coming out lately, but the pricing is absolutely ricidulous. Everything they sell seems to be 25% - 50% more than I'd ever consider paying for it. Real shame, as I especially dig the Todd Snyder Q quite a bit.
@@BensWatchClub Yeah, I noticed how there are absolutely *always* about a million different discount codes for various watches on the Timex site. Really comes across as just a generally pretty naff business practice to bait people into panic buying it while it's """on sale""" so they don't miss out. It especially sucks when you take into consideration that Timex was considered the go-to company for an every-day beater watch that anyone could afford once over. I think they're missing out on a massive opportunity to (once again) position themselves as one of the best budget options on the market.
Found out that they are pricing way higher in Amazon than my local online stores. NVM, twas assembly/manufactured in the Philippines,that's way they are pricing lower.
I'd say the bracelet on the Casio is worse than any expansion bracelet I've had. I wear a lot of expansion bracelets on vintage watches and I think it is a misconception that they pull hairs as I've never had one do so.
Have to disagree here as I love this watch. It also comes in a gold colour option. The lines are sleek and it's a great daily. Gotta love that retro 80s look. The T80 is also a classic time piece.
I love my digital expedition watch. It's the perfect in between for a cheap casio f91w and g shock both in size and price. It's also got traditional lugs so it's super easy for strap changes.
This watch is just a little too expensive at about $40-$50 compared to the F-91, but I truly enjoy that colorful display. Mine has module M-555 and came with two spring contacts for the speaker. Don’t know what that is all about
An interesting review Ben, for a little more than the cost of the Timex it is (was) possible to get hold of the Casio A1000 with the positive display when I got mine anyway. I've always had a soft spot for Timex but every one of mine since the 90's have had problems. The most recent was 12 years ago... that had problems... I've not bothered with the brand since. I do wish the brand well though in the future as it has a great history. For now I'll be sticking with my Casio collection for my digital watches.
It's a touching humanising style. We all loved Elvis. We all felt for the man. I will always remember and love that Man for the happiness he brought to the world. Unfortunately, Elvis was in my view used up by a lot of people. I think you could do this format where appropriate and mix it up. Always deep and caring work by you on the great man. ☺️👍🏻
I’ve seen a new blue dial T80 that looks very good but Timex prices are quite over priced for their reissue watches. They are still all very cool though and if we’re cheaper we could forgive some of their things we don’t quite like with them compared to Casio’s
The 555 is this watch with smaller digits. It was in production for decades, and then they came out with this version 10-15 years ago. Both used to go for Casio prices, but they keep going up, along with other Timex watches, without getting any improvements.
The only worthy alternative for a Casio is: Technochas. They make Elektronika digital watches, metal / brass casing and a led reissue watch is in development. Check out their website, and if you have questions they are always willing to help you!!! Ps: made in Belarus.
First of all, they make a version (same exact watch) but with a longer band, which is probably what you got. Secondly, expansion bands often have to be resized. I would think you would know this, due to the number of videos you put out about watches. Thirdly, and just my opinion, this kicks ass vs. the Casio A168. Superior in every way.
i think, there is just no reasonable alternative to casio for cheap, but reasonable digital watches. casio owns this game and in terms of quality, almost never fails. its hard to compete with a tech giant like casio is, if a company is "just" in one product category like timex.
Casio has the same quality. While prices are small for the both. Seems Timex idea is just "something else besides Casio". :) Something with a little different look, but close functionality.
I can say with authority that Timex did have a similar watch in the 70s - my dad had one. I remember for two reasons (both bad). One is, the watch always seemed to be on the bottom of my dad’s wrist. As, he had to bring his arm palm up to read it. I now realize it’s because the stretchy band was too loose and he never adjusted it. The second bad memory was as a child playing with the watch and the band pinching and pulling like crazy. Terrible design. That being said, the only Timex I’ve bought recently has also gone straight back. Very unfortunate quality issues. Now, I have really bad luck with ordering online but the watch simply didn’t work right out of the box (just like my most recent and last ever Pagani purchase).
here's a recommendation -> another Casio xD Seriously though, there are soo many different unheard of variants, for sure you can find another favorite one.
The white spacers are not spacers, those are the LCD contact patches that connect the display to the mainboard. Casio has these as do all digital LCD displays. Just Casio tucks them out of view. If you can find one, get a Casio Cognit Schema DB-81 ST. These are as rare as it gets but ultra-cool and the mode switch tones are so 1990s it hurts. If you want cool digital with a bit of class aesthetics but still modern, then this is it! I got mine some time ago and wear it every so often: th-cam.com/video/yPW94SjjNXU/w-d-xo.html
The DB-V30 has the same button operation sound, it's more amplified because it has a speaker built in the case back. I owned one of those in yellow and reviewed it on Watch u Seek.
I don't think it's the zebra connector, those should go on the opposite side of the LCD, on the bottom, to interface with a large PCB down there. It would be insanely unwieldy to try to route like 20 lines to the LCD all the way around it and leave a large hole for the display, you'd need like 6 layers, and that would just be insane for a cheap digital watch. It's probably just a rubber spacer. Besides, you want the display rather close to the glass and not offset by the thickness of the PCB.
Those wristbands are designed to allow even a layman to remove notches to make them fit your wrist. It’s as simple as replacing a battery. They likely went with a slightly larger wristband to afford people the ability to remove/downsize the bracelet themselves. This is a common thing amongst these Speidel style bracelets. Felt the need to mention.
I have both the watches you talk about and they are both fine watches in their own way including their weak points. The Timex IMHO looks more sophisticated and fantastic with a A168 strap like I have put on mine taken off one of my dead Casio's. The Timex I agree is too expensive for what it is especially considering the Casio but I personally really like the Timex and wear it more often than my A168. I live with it and enjoy it...😊 It isn't that bad!!!
Most of the internals for Timex were made in the Philippines. That's the reason why the marking "Philippines" is there. According to my father, there are two Timex plants here in the Philippines. The first plant is located at Mariveles, Bataan and the other plant is in Cebu.
There's a difference with digital "movements" that they can be somewhat unique to the watch because commissioning a different PCB based on a given existing chip costs pretty much nothing, and if you have a custom LCD and paid like a few hundred to set that up, next up you need a new PCB where the contact strip matches the connections on the display. The largest expense are the plastic pieces which can take a couple grand in tooling. All in all a very cheap undertaking that just reflects on MOQ and it just doesn't make sense to sell the parts separately.
I love my timex Ironman triathlete but i don’t know if it’s a replacement that Casio since the styling is pretty different. I think indigo is way better than casio’s backlight though
@@bubblewrapvillain I know, but give it a chance, watch some videos about it and then tell me what you think about it, I relly love the concept and how it works
Hi,I im from italy Sorry for my basic English. . In my opinion Timex is an excellent brand born in usa american brand I have this one and the battery is dead after 5 years! The size,the curved stylish,the screen,the original bracelet milanese style is fantastic Indiglo is fantastic Anyway i have the casio f91w and the "batman" B640w The b640w is scatched on screen in one second afters i buy it but with a polish for plastic surfaces i have removed and this operation i repeat some times in the year... Are Beautiful is no doubt a classic and a darkness and many more model for every style and cost I m from italy and the price for some casio is leavened like f91w original in plastic case and bracelet at 25 €!!for exemple.. The cost of life is leavened but the f91 at 25€... Is obvious you are for the casio and no others but Timex is a good choise not an alternative or competition to casio's is an other choise and I have both and i'm happy! I repeat is only my point of view.. Ciao! have a niceday
Supposedly there are two versions of the bracelet. And one of them fits up to 7 in wrist while the other fits up to 8.2% inch wrist. If that is the case then you probably got the larger one
Casio's case's plastic should be similar to Timex. To use good quality plastic, as Swatch did (acrylic alike), they don't want as people would not buy another peace of the same model after ~2 years. It's intentionally used low quality plastic for straps and cases which break soon. Metal stretching straps reduce the chance to break plastic case and are more durable than plastic straps. Timex seems to use not the best stretching metal straps (so people need to change them soon), and mb other producers do better. I used cheap Swatches for 20 years and metal stretching strap there looks as "new" still - I only initially needed local watches service made it smaller for small cost. Ideal decision is titanium with hardness covering against scratches - small weight (case + strap = ~60 g) and good durability. Or better synthetic/plastic material what today technology may allow. It should not be expensive to make those. But watches producers are not interested to make good quality and cheap watches which do not break or do not harm the look soon. Same as they are not interested to install longer 10 years batteries which technology allows since 80s, - they install smaller 2 years batteries and you need to pay soon for changing it. To make good cheap products is against producers profit, - they can but do not, and it's anywhere. Producers make an agreement (or are owned by same people) and so make shit for high prices and so you have no choice, while producers get no competing to reduce prices or make products better. It's the base of capitalism - it converts to agreements and monopoly, what ruins people lifes.
Why don't you try a Technochas watch, it is a Belarusian remake of old soviet era digital watches, they don't claim any water resistance and come without a bracelet or strap but, the models have some old-timey charm in my opinion, and seem like a good alternative if you like variety.
The watch body is definitely resin as pretty much all the paint on my T78587 has flaked off and is showing a dull pail off white/tan color. Thought it looks a little crappy, it still works like new! The flexible band can definitely be adjusted though like in the video, its kind of a pain in the ass.
I bought this exact watch second hand for a tenner. The bracelet disappointed me in the same way! I deliberately bought it for my small wrist and had to put it on a leather strap instead!
@@BensWatchClub it's quite variable but yes, it can be. The standard of living for many people is heroically bad. Salaries are pitiful and protections are absent.
reality is even it says Swiss/German made on the dial, there is a high chance most of the watch is made in the Far East. Unless the industry changes from the inside - not sure there is anything we as consumers can do about it?....
@@traviswalker8933 My point is, you can refuse to buy made in China watches by buying Swiss/German made, but these also have majority of the parts and everything made in China. There is no escaping it unless you stop buying watches altogether - or you know someone who makes watches from scratch which is a)highly doubtful and b)would most likely cost a bomb.
I disagree on the cheapness comment, the Timex imo is more elegant and modern while still looking retro. Also the larger case has more wrist presence, even on my smaller 6 3/4 inch wrist, the Casio's look a bit to small.
As with any entry level product, Casio digital watches are missing some of the features in one module and having some in the other and because of the fact that they would scratch up easily due to how watches get hit on objects on my wrist while at work, I have found G-Shocks to be the soft spot. But I also buy standard Casio digitals from time to time. Only those with special features.
Ok that Timex sucks, I'm in Cape Town and Timex watches is not an available brand in South Africa, So they really interested me as well as being really affordable even when buying from Amazon with our weak currency. I have two Timex watches so far and definitely didn't buy anything that I would rather from Casio. I have a 40mm Scout beautiful case finish and a blue dial that pops as well as a Timex Intelligent Quartz Worl Timer (super interesting watch) Casio is one of my favourite brands as well and we all know not all of them are great either, Great review once again Ben, and when is the Kickstarter campaign starting for Spaghetti Schemeti I've been saving up the last couple of months so that I can be first in line?
Have you considered any of the Armitron "vintage reissue" watches? One called The Griffy looks neat. Falls into your budget style, and it'd be nice to see a review on something different, not that I don't love casios and orients.
Great review and I totally agree with your verdict. I bought the gold version of this Timex a year or so ago and it has never clicked with me, but it's tough to point to any one reason; it just kinda sucks. I'd love to see a review of some Elektronika watches, especially the older designs that are basically Soviet adaptations of an 80s Casio. There's a Watchuseek thread about where to find them - a company in Belarus still makes them and they look like straight-up time capsules. Never worked up the courage to order one but would be very curious to hear your thoughts.
Its odd that this watch is so big on your wrists, as other reviewers have stated it only fits small wrists. Is your version perhaps one equipped with a larger bracelet?
Hey Ben, any chance to review some Lorus digital or anadigi? I picked up two recently and think they are really fun and great for the money. Being in Ohio, I hadn't ever seen one in real life. They're a good buy!
Product Links (affiliate)
Alternative Casio A168: geni.us/CasioA168
Timex Watch Featured (You've Been Warned!): geni.us/timext78587
As a man of modest means, appreciate how when you talk about affordability, you really mean affordability. Watched another horologist this weekend go on about how affordable and such a good deal a watch was - and it was US$ 375...
Who was it and what was the video titled???
I reckon a used Patek for 30k is affordable
Joking. The lunacy runs strong in the watch hobby.
I'm sure I'm stating the obvious, but affordability is all relative. If you're looking for an "affordable alternative" to scratch the $12k submariner itch, suddenly $375 sounds like peanuts. It all depends on what you're comparing it to. $375 might in fact be an amazing deal for what you are getting. You just might not value that particular item enough to warrant it. Most hobbies are the same way. How much are you willing to spend on a bicycle, tv, or tent (if any of those are your thing). I'm sure there are people who would pay way more than $375 for those non-essentials (I know, a bike or tent might be essential to some, but you get my point) but would balk at paying that for a watch. What brings you the most joy will dictate where you're willing to spend disposable income.
All depends on your income bracket and what specs you expect for what you pay. I'm not a high earner myself - but I paid $350 for a microbrand diver (not even top spec: single dome sapphire/nh35/aluminium bezel), but I love it for the design and I wear most days compared to the other dozen watches I own, this for me represents great value and affordability.
Lawrence, if I may: One thing to consider is that a lot of money - $375 in this case - can be reasonable if it is just one watch. $375 (or whatever) a pop over several watches gets out of hand. For example I splashed out on a Casio Oceanus. It is durable, sapphire crystal, good looking, solar powered and perfectly accurate. It was in the order of $500 but I will be wearing it for the rest of my life.
Timex has a factory in the Philippines. The government requires employers to provide at least minimum wage, contributions to health insurance, social security, etc. That's why products made here aren't as cheap as other countries.
There is also a minimum wage and socialised healthcare in China. Weird comment in the video as if factories in China are exploitative whereas factories set up elsewhere in the region are run on humanitarian grounds. There's no ethical consumption under capitalism!
@@Sankara561 tell that to the uyghurs
Wdym product made in philipines aren't as cheap as products made in other countries? Minimum wages in Philipine is still one of the lowest in the world even health insurace and social security included
@@Sankara561 the difference between China and the Philippines in terms of production costs is China subsidizes the factories, while the PHL doesn't, and even includes a relatively high tax rate.
In terms of humanitarian issues, both of them are equally problematic, but at least when you're outside China a company can get pressured to correct their wrongdoings whereas in China, even the government's own judiciary will make sure it isn't discussed at all.
@@Sankara561 Yeah Ch*na REALLY cares about it's people yeah for suuuureeee
Has one major benefit over other Timex watches though… won’t keep you up at night with its ticking
😅
Casio will get you a better watch per dollar at all price points IMO
Timex’s ad in the late 70’s was Ticka-Ticka Timex
Oof 💀
I do love Casio, Seiko, etc... But tell no bad about Timex, my father gave me one Explorer many years ago and still works fine, and I like it very much. The only drawback is when you need to change the battery, must send it to Timex, because people don't mess with it, and it's costs around 25 EUR.
The watch is probably made in the Philippines. Timex has a factory in Cebu.
Almost all Timex watches are made their with the movements made in China.
sanaol :D
I'm from Cebu and I literally had no idea lol
@@TheRoniverseOfficial Located in PEZA Mactan Lapu-Lapu Cebu :)
@@AliasEveWatches yoo that's insane my gf lives super close by. Might wanna pay a visit there sometime soon. Thanks for the info!
The thing I love and admire on this channel is how he keeps proper budget in mind. The other channels consider 250 dollars to be budget. For a student like me this channel is perfect. I've purchased a Seiko 5 just because this man recommended it and it's divine. Thanks man
Otherwise know as the “Timex Classic Digital”
I’ll be the dissenting opinion. I love mine. It holds the #2 spot in my collection behind my Orient Mako USA II. I will concede that the bracelet is a weak spot, but the long band variant fits my 7.5” wrist spot on. I suspect the only difference between this and the T80 is the face plate and bracelet.
I greatly prefer the timex module over the corresponding Casio for a few petty reasons. First is Indiglo being better than than the LEDs Casio uses(aside from select models with electroluminescent). Second is the Casio date display. I know it is trivial, but no month on the date display for a digital watch a deal breaker.
But I’ve always been a timex fanboy🤷♂️
You could easily solve that by getting a B640. It has all the features that are missing from those Casios.
Timex has shorter living battery. Though, mb without light usage they work similar time.
You’ve got two of the same watches I have. The Mako USA II offers so much for the money. I bought an F-91W the other day just for the heck of it. I agree though that Indiglo is superior to the F-91W backlight. I like the weird color changing of the display as it brings a bit of nostalgia for me from some cheap digital watches I had when I was a kid. I miss the old Expeditions with digital/analog, I have saw one in awhile, I assumed they aren’t made anymore.
Ben, I've only recently started watching your videos, but I have to say, you're doing a wonderful job. Your honesty and clarity are head and shoulders above others, and you've gained an instant subscription from me. Good man!
I appreciate that!
becareful subscribing, he's not a Citizen fan. Infact he compared Citizen with Casio which was so foolish. Citizen produce very elegant watches and I've always been a fan of their designs.
You always have to have Speidel-type bands fitted by removing (or adding) links, except in the unlikely scenario of it being the right size for your wrist by default. You wouldn't want to wear a too-small one in "expand to fit" mode, unless you like having a tourniquet on your wrist all day. The expansion is to allow you to put on and take off the watch, not to allow for a universal fit.
I've removed (and added) links from them before, and it's not too bad if you can see what you're doing and have a good pair of tweezers. Once you reach about your mid 40s it gets a lot harder if you haven't bothered to get reading glasses yet.
In the old days when those were all the rage you could take it to any jewelry store that did rudimentary work on watches (such as replacing bands and batteries) and they would fit a Speidel-type band to your wrist for a small fee. I assume it would be a lot harder to find that sort of service these days, since watches in general aren't anywhere near as common as they used to be since the cell phone became the standard timepiece for most people, and Speidel bands haven't been particularly popular since the '70s.
I had a Seiko digital in the 1980s with the "twist o flex" expanding bracelet. I took it into a watch shop to be sized. The expansion isn't to fit large wrists but to fit over your hand.
The strap is actually pretty easy to adjust. The vids just 15 mins bc he just repeats a lot of stuff. I did it in about 10 mins with a rly small screwdriver and tweezers.
Nice review Ben! It's funny you put this video out now, tomorrow I'm dropping an unboxing video of two timex T80 with the expandable bracelets!
Thanks for warning us; these modern Timex watches are pitifully shoddy.
I bought one of these back in 2017 for $30 usd and it has been a great beater for me. I know there is a lot that can vary when it comes to qc but mine has been fully submerged and dealt with far more shock than expected (I left it on while driving metal fence posts) and it is still going. The only issue I have had is the "metal" finish wearing off on the bottom of the case showing the white resin underneath. They may be overpriced now but I will always have a soft spot for my smallest watch that has handled everything I could throw at it.
I was given this watch as a gift. The bracelet was a problem as I have tiny wrists, but I was determined to persevere and I took the watch to my local jeweller. He re-sized the bracelet to fit my wrist perfectly and I have to be honest, I totally get the appeal of it now. Before I did that I felt as Ben does in this video but now I wear this watch all the time, specifically because of the convenience of the bracelet.
You need to size the expandable bracelet. They are designed to be refitted, they just take time. They are definitely not meant to expand to fit any size.
How could anyone not know this, especially someone who has tons of videos about watches?
This shows that Casio builds high-quality “simple” watches
My guess is that it's a chrome plated base metal. I think that would explain the look of the finishing best.
A gshock or any casio is the ultimate practical watch. I have the thin gsteel coming this week and I am excited
That green background "hue" is supposedly the "All-day Indiglo" feature; which works well under bright light, but badly under subdued light.
These were on my wish list, because of the retro charm. I guess there's one less watch after this vid.
I’ve had the gold version of this watch for probably 4 years now and I love it. Sometimes it’s best to try it for yourself cause everything isn’t for everyone 👍🏾
You didn't mention how the top row of text gets obscured by half. That'd drive me nuts.
It don't, it's a shadow I have one.
Its always fascinating how much one can tell about the simplest items, when passionate about it.
Your channel is like a good written and drawn comicbook when you are in a long distance train ride back home to your parents! Love it!!!
This is probably my favorite most simple watch. I absolutely love the band on it as well. I guess different strokes for different folks. I have the chrome model, you have the non-chrome model band, I just ordered the gold model for more dress occasions. Like I said I absolutely love this watch I have about 12 watches and it still might go to.
Just picked up the gold model & it’s GORGEOUS! I really like the bracelet & how the display turns irredescent green when rotating the watch in the light. 🔥
I’ve got one and it’s just okay. Good fo wearing washing the car or gardening. I do like the strap though - I know you always tell us you have skinny wrists but wow they must be really skinny. Definitely resin case as I stripped threads putting screw back into case back.
No matter how hard I try, I just can’t like a Timex. Great review anyway, mate.
I’d rather wear nothing than a Timex.
@@p_drizzle123 somehow I doubt that one mate. But to each, his own. I have heaps of Seiko while a lot of people hate them.
@@tezzanewton I guess it's all subjective then.
@@traviswalker8933 exactly mate. They’re just watches, we tell the time with them, anything more than that is just a product of marketing. The key is to just find what you like and wear it.
@@tezzanewton indeed and also, try not to be a snob in the process and prove that one watch brand is better than the rest when the factual evidence does not point to that direction.
I've heard good things about that Scametti brand.
This was the first watch I bought when I began collecting. Still have it.
I don’t have any problems with Timex, in a way this could be a suggestion to replace the factory bracket to a more like a buckle bracelet as an alternative.
Other than that Timex do make good quality watches.
I just got this and when I scanned it at the self check out it was only 20$ Canadian… so I’m not questioning it and now have a steal of a watch
I used to wear the black resin version when i was in the military, was a durable watch in the late 00s
I own one.
I agree with everything in this video.
I still love it, and would buy it again.
I've worn both. Casio scratches and fades WAY faster than Timex. Have worn the timex for years and the quality has gone down a lot, but still not bad.
Another great video! Clean to the point and extremely clean B-Roll!
Best watch channel on the tube
Timex have some super nice looking stuff coming out lately, but the pricing is absolutely ricidulous. Everything they sell seems to be 25% - 50% more than I'd ever consider paying for it. Real shame, as I especially dig the Todd Snyder Q quite a bit.
It's like they're deliberately overpriced so they can then discount them to a more normal price; making you think you got a great deal
@@BensWatchClub Yeah, I noticed how there are absolutely *always* about a million different discount codes for various watches on the Timex site. Really comes across as just a generally pretty naff business practice to bait people into panic buying it while it's """on sale""" so they don't miss out. It especially sucks when you take into consideration that Timex was considered the go-to company for an every-day beater watch that anyone could afford once over. I think they're missing out on a massive opportunity to (once again) position themselves as one of the best budget options on the market.
@@BensWatchClub this is a real tactic driven by a marketing department. It doesn’t just happen w/ watches.
Found out that they are pricing way higher in Amazon than my local online stores. NVM, twas assembly/manufactured in the Philippines,that's way they are pricing lower.
Ben get the casio oak. Also I would love to hear from you about the seven friday watches
He hates the casiaok
The Casioak is bigger than he is🤣
Those expanding bracelets are deadly if you get your hairs stuck in them.
My first thought as well! The pain and horror!
I'd say the bracelet on the Casio is worse than any expansion bracelet I've had. I wear a lot of expansion bracelets on vintage watches and I think it is a misconception that they pull hairs as I've never had one do so.
Have to disagree here as I love this watch. It also comes in a gold colour option. The lines are sleek and it's a great daily. Gotta love that retro 80s look. The T80 is also a classic time piece.
I love my digital expedition watch. It's the perfect in between for a cheap casio f91w and g shock both in size and price. It's also got traditional lugs so it's super easy for strap changes.
Check Electronika 55 stainless steel or WUS Electronika 55 ss project.
It has 2 years battery. Same as Timex. But several times lesser what Casio 158/168 promises.
This watch is just a little too expensive at about $40-$50 compared to the F-91, but I truly enjoy that colorful display. Mine has module M-555 and came with two spring contacts for the speaker. Don’t know what that is all about
An interesting review Ben, for a little more than the cost of the Timex it is (was) possible to get hold of the Casio A1000 with the positive display when I got mine anyway. I've always had a soft spot for Timex but every one of mine since the 90's have had problems. The most recent was 12 years ago... that had problems... I've not bothered with the brand since. I do wish the brand well though in the future as it has a great history. For now I'll be sticking with my Casio collection for my digital watches.
This watch may be awkward and have a bad OS, but I must say, it photographs well, and I find it very attractive.
It's a touching humanising style. We all loved Elvis. We all felt for the man. I will always remember and love that Man for the happiness he brought to the world. Unfortunately, Elvis was in my view used up by a lot of people. I think you could do this format where appropriate and mix it up. Always deep and caring work by you on the great man. ☺️👍🏻
Hi Ben I've just subscribed, I've recently fallen back in love with Casios since I left them behind in the 80s. Great videos👍🏴
I’ve seen a new blue dial T80 that looks very good but Timex prices are quite over priced for their reissue watches. They are still all very cool though and if we’re cheaper we could forgive some of their things we don’t quite like with them compared to Casio’s
The 555 is this watch with smaller digits. It was in production for decades, and then they came out with this version 10-15 years ago. Both used to go for Casio prices, but they keep going up, along with other Timex watches, without getting any improvements.
The only worthy alternative for a Casio is: Technochas. They make Elektronika digital watches, metal / brass casing and a led reissue watch is in development. Check out their website, and if you have questions they are always willing to help you!!! Ps: made in Belarus.
Loving the channel. Needed a new beater for work and went with a W-86. Can't beat it for £16.
First of all, they make a version (same exact watch) but with a longer band, which is probably what you got. Secondly, expansion bands often have to be resized. I would think you would know this, due to the number of videos you put out about watches. Thirdly, and just my opinion, this kicks ass vs. the Casio A168. Superior in every way.
i think, there is just no reasonable alternative to casio for cheap, but reasonable digital watches. casio owns this game and in terms of quality, almost never fails. its hard to compete with a tech giant like casio is, if a company is "just" in one product category like timex.
Casio has the same quality. While prices are small for the both. Seems Timex idea is just "something else besides Casio". :) Something with a little different look, but close functionality.
ouuuf, I think you nailed it in the title: it could have been great!!! Sad times ben! Thank you for this review!
I can say with authority that Timex did have a similar watch in the 70s - my dad had one. I remember for two reasons (both bad). One is, the watch always seemed to be on the bottom of my dad’s wrist. As, he had to bring his arm palm up to read it. I now realize it’s because the stretchy band was too loose and he never adjusted it. The second bad memory was as a child playing with the watch and the band pinching and pulling like crazy. Terrible design.
That being said, the only Timex I’ve bought recently has also gone straight back. Very unfortunate quality issues. Now, I have really bad luck with ordering online but the watch simply didn’t work right out of the box (just like my most recent and last ever Pagani purchase).
Hey Ben! I'd love to see you do some videos on some of the nice mid-tier microbrands like Dan Henry, Zeppelin, or Junkers.
here's a recommendation -> another Casio xD
Seriously though, there are soo many different unheard of variants, for sure you can find another favorite one.
Great review. Please do the T80 next! 😎
A painful process to adjust that bracelet I did mine in five minutes took four links out
The white spacers are not spacers, those are the LCD contact patches that connect the display to the mainboard. Casio has these as do all digital LCD displays. Just Casio tucks them out of view.
If you can find one, get a Casio Cognit Schema DB-81 ST. These are as rare as it gets but ultra-cool and the mode switch tones are so 1990s it hurts. If you want cool digital with a bit of class aesthetics but still modern, then this is it!
I got mine some time ago and wear it every so often: th-cam.com/video/yPW94SjjNXU/w-d-xo.html
The DB-V30 has the same button operation sound, it's more amplified because it has a speaker built in the case back. I owned one of those in yellow and reviewed it on Watch u Seek.
I don't think it's the zebra connector, those should go on the opposite side of the LCD, on the bottom, to interface with a large PCB down there. It would be insanely unwieldy to try to route like 20 lines to the LCD all the way around it and leave a large hole for the display, you'd need like 6 layers, and that would just be insane for a cheap digital watch. It's probably just a rubber spacer. Besides, you want the display rather close to the glass and not offset by the thickness of the PCB.
Those wristbands are designed to allow even a layman to remove notches to make them fit your wrist. It’s as simple as replacing a battery. They likely went with a slightly larger wristband to afford people the ability to remove/downsize the bracelet themselves. This is a common thing amongst these Speidel style bracelets. Felt the need to mention.
I have both the watches you talk about and they are both fine watches in their own way including their weak points. The Timex IMHO looks more sophisticated and fantastic with a A168 strap like I have put on mine taken off one of my dead Casio's. The Timex I agree is too expensive for what it is especially considering the Casio but I personally really like the Timex and wear it more often than my A168. I live with it and enjoy it...😊 It isn't that bad!!!
Most of the internals for Timex were made in the Philippines. That's the reason why the marking "Philippines" is there.
According to my father, there are two Timex plants here in the Philippines. The first plant is located at Mariveles, Bataan and the other plant is in Cebu.
Why does the screen go blank when you talk about the Amazon listings?
I can't get over how the date is half overshadowed by the crystal shading. No thanks.
Thanks to you, I've been rocking a D170 / A700 since a few months...Every Single Day!
I wasn’t impressed with that Timex either. I was really impressed with the Expedition version of the Atlantis 100. Better than any resin Casio.
There's a difference with digital "movements" that they can be somewhat unique to the watch because commissioning a different PCB based on a given existing chip costs pretty much nothing, and if you have a custom LCD and paid like a few hundred to set that up, next up you need a new PCB where the contact strip matches the connections on the display. The largest expense are the plastic pieces which can take a couple grand in tooling. All in all a very cheap undertaking that just reflects on MOQ and it just doesn't make sense to sell the parts separately.
Now I am happy that Timex, told me they can't deliver to my country.
I live in Germany by the way.
Grat video
Thank you for enlighten me.
Ben, take a look at the Casio W212. It has a curved acrylic crystal as well. It's actually one of my favorite features about the watch.
The Watch looks rather cool, especially with the beige strap!
It does look quite good, I'll give them that!
I love my timex Ironman triathlete but i don’t know if it’s a replacement that Casio since the styling is pretty different. I think indigo is way better than casio’s backlight though
Some Casios have a similar EL system.
You have to try the Fossil Hybrid HR, I use this watch for more than a year and I belive you will love it
Wouldn't buy a fossil
@@bubblewrapvillain I know, but give it a chance, watch some videos about it and then tell me what you think about it, I relly love the concept and how it works
Hi,I im from italy
Sorry for my basic English. .
In my opinion Timex is an excellent brand born in usa american brand
I have this one and the battery is dead after 5 years!
The size,the curved stylish,the screen,the original bracelet milanese style is fantastic
Indiglo is fantastic
Anyway i have the casio f91w and the "batman" B640w
The b640w is scatched on screen in one second afters i buy it but with a polish for plastic surfaces i have removed and this operation i repeat some times in the year...
Are Beautiful is no doubt a classic and a darkness and many more model for every style and cost
I m from italy and the price for some casio is leavened like f91w original in plastic case and bracelet at 25 €!!for exemple..
The cost of life is leavened but the f91 at 25€...
Is obvious you are for the casio and no others but Timex is a good choise not an alternative or competition to casio's is an other choise and
I have both and i'm happy!
I repeat is only my point of view..
Ciao!
have a niceday
I actually think the Timex is the better looking watch.
Supposedly there are two versions of the bracelet. And one of them fits up to 7 in wrist while the other fits up to 8.2% inch wrist. If that is the case then you probably got the larger one
Casio's case's plastic should be similar to Timex. To use good quality plastic, as Swatch did (acrylic alike), they don't want as people would not buy another peace of the same model after ~2 years. It's intentionally used low quality plastic for straps and cases which break soon. Metal stretching straps reduce the chance to break plastic case and are more durable than plastic straps. Timex seems to use not the best stretching metal straps (so people need to change them soon), and mb other producers do better. I used cheap Swatches for 20 years and metal stretching strap there looks as "new" still - I only initially needed local watches service made it smaller for small cost.
Ideal decision is titanium with hardness covering against scratches - small weight (case + strap = ~60 g) and good durability. Or better synthetic/plastic material what today technology may allow. It should not be expensive to make those. But watches producers are not interested to make good quality and cheap watches which do not break or do not harm the look soon. Same as they are not interested to install longer 10 years batteries which technology allows since 80s, - they install smaller 2 years batteries and you need to pay soon for changing it. To make good cheap products is against producers profit, - they can but do not, and it's anywhere. Producers make an agreement (or are owned by same people) and so make shit for high prices and so you have no choice, while producers get no competing to reduce prices or make products better. It's the base of capitalism - it converts to agreements and monopoly, what ruins people lifes.
I only wear vintage mechanical chronographs, but I still just like watching your stuff
Hey ben please review more great small watches other then casio and timex 😬
Why don't you try a Technochas watch, it is a Belarusian remake of old soviet era digital watches, they don't claim any water resistance and come without a bracelet or strap but, the models have some old-timey charm in my opinion, and seem like a good alternative if you like variety.
The watch body is definitely resin as pretty much all the paint on my T78587 has flaked off and is showing a dull pail off white/tan color. Thought it looks a little crappy, it still works like new! The flexible band can definitely be adjusted though like in the video, its kind of a pain in the ass.
I bought this exact watch second hand for a tenner. The bracelet disappointed me in the same way! I deliberately bought it for my small wrist and had to put it on a leather strap instead!
I love the macro of the watch at 4:20
I think it's a cool looking watch .
"Questionable labour practices" are rife in The Philippines. Source: I lived and worked there for over a decade.
That's a shame 😕 comparable with China would you say?
@@BensWatchClub it's quite variable but yes, it can be. The standard of living for many people is heroically bad. Salaries are pitiful and protections are absent.
reality is even it says Swiss/German made on the dial, there is a high chance most of the watch is made in the Far East. Unless the industry changes from the inside - not sure there is anything we as consumers can do about it?....
@@GodIsInHisHeaven we can only stop buying these but that is not happening
@@traviswalker8933 My point is, you can refuse to buy made in China watches by buying Swiss/German made, but these also have majority of the parts and everything made in China. There is no escaping it unless you stop buying watches altogether - or you know someone who makes watches from scratch which is a)highly doubtful and b)would most likely cost a bomb.
Great video. The adds accompanying this were for a Breymont Hawking. How weird is you tube?
I disagree on the cheapness comment, the Timex imo is more elegant and modern while still looking retro. Also the larger case has more wrist presence, even on my smaller 6 3/4 inch wrist, the Casio's look a bit to small.
These days Chinese laybours are more expensive,that’s why lot of the brands moved their factories to south east Asia
As with any entry level product, Casio digital watches are missing some of the features in one module and having some in the other and because of the fact that they would scratch up easily due to how watches get hit on objects on my wrist while at work, I have found G-Shocks to be the soft spot. But I also buy standard Casio digitals from time to time. Only those with special features.
The Q Timex LCA shows that Timex can indeed make a good digital watch. It's a shame they don't demonstrate that in their more affordable options.
Alternative for the Casio? Take a look at the Electronica 50D from Technochas. Metal case and mineral glass.
Didn’t know Tekhnochas til now. Looks very interesting!
@@weltsauerstoff Check stainless steel model. Not brass one.
Ok that Timex sucks, I'm in Cape Town and Timex watches is not an available brand in South Africa, So they really interested me as well as being really affordable even when buying from Amazon with our weak currency. I have two Timex watches so far and definitely didn't buy anything that I would rather from Casio. I have a 40mm Scout beautiful case finish and a blue dial that pops as well as a Timex Intelligent Quartz Worl Timer (super interesting watch) Casio is one of my favourite brands as well and we all know not all of them are great either, Great review once again Ben, and when is the Kickstarter campaign starting for Spaghetti Schemeti I've been saving up the last couple of months so that I can be first in line?
Have you considered any of the Armitron "vintage reissue" watches? One called The Griffy looks neat. Falls into your budget style, and it'd be nice to see a review on something different, not that I don't love casios and orients.
Great review and I totally agree with your verdict. I bought the gold version of this Timex a year or so ago and it has never clicked with me, but it's tough to point to any one reason; it just kinda sucks.
I'd love to see a review of some Elektronika watches, especially the older designs that are basically Soviet adaptations of an 80s Casio. There's a Watchuseek thread about where to find them - a company in Belarus still makes them and they look like straight-up time capsules. Never worked up the courage to order one but would be very curious to hear your thoughts.
T 80 is exact same watch
Toss bracelet
I like it and I got a 7 3/4 wrist
I have them both,I like more the Timex design and shine,but indeed the visibility is best on Casio.
Its odd that this watch is so big on your wrists, as other reviewers have stated it only fits small wrists. Is your version perhaps one equipped with a larger bracelet?
You have to try old Montana watch or Elektronika. They are similar to these two watches :)
Armitron would be the next down the line for retro inspired digi. timepieces.
Casio is still the king! 👑
Hey Ben, any chance to review some Lorus digital or anadigi? I picked up two recently and think they are really fun and great for the money. Being in Ohio, I hadn't ever seen one in real life. They're a good buy!
So I have this watch and when the hourly chime goes off the indigo flashes too, now I have the 75882 and this doesn't happen any 5houghts