Why are there no good digital watches?

[Frangible]

Seriously, are there any decent digital watches out there? For some reason the vast majority are a) cheap and b) ugly.

I don't think a digital watch has to be cheap or ugly.

I'm mainly looking for:
-holographic reflective LCD (a la Timex)
-EL backlight
-nice looking
-alarm, stopwatch, countdown timer, day of week, date
-titanium?
-mineral glass or sapphire glass crystal

My new Timex Expedition is damn close... but why, oh god why, did they have to use a plastic crystal? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[PhotonBoy]

I actually like the relatively short lifetime of digital watches. First of all, since they're usually plastic, they're light. I *hate* heavy metal watches. Secondly they're cheap, so if I lose or break it, I don't feel bad. Thirdly, when it breaks or dies or I lose it, I enjoy shopping for another. I like the selection process, looking for the best combination of features and prices; they keep getting better and better all the time! Usually, I find that Casio satisfies my needs the best. Enjoy shopping!

 

[guncollector]

You could always try one of the new Philippe Starck Design digital watches by Fossil.

Includes:
- Digital LCD display
- Timer
- Chronograph
- 2 Alarms
- WR to 5ATM (about 165 feet)

 

[Frangible]

Yeah, cheap is good, but not to the point of looking crappy or having a display that gets scratched way too much. A mineral crystal isn't much more in terms of $.

The Fossil watches are interesting, but just too weird for me =/ I think if I bought one I'd be tempted to drink mimosas and drive a Jetta... 😛

 

[PhotonBoy]

Maybe a low end Seiko, but I had a bad experience with them a *long* time ago.

 

[Wits' End]

I like the new EL displays they are far better than 10 years ago. What I really want is a Tritium illuminated one though /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rant.gif .
I have to agree with the mineral crystal, mine usually get annoying with scratches after a month.
I do have to agree with a lot of Photon Boy's points though. My last three digital watches have been Timexes, the last two, Ironmans (Ironmens?). They have held up longer than my one try with a Casio.
But I want my old TI H³ /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mecry.gif :cry

 

[kakster]

I like my Suunto observer, but then i wouldnt say it qualified as cheap either. Still, not in the same league, price-wise as the rolexes of this world.

 

[avusblue]

As a loyal Timex Ironman wearer, I agree -- they are not good watches. I think they are **amazingly** great watches! To me, it's incredible that a device with its accuracy, quality, toughness, comfort, and features/ergonomics doesn't cost hundreds of dollars. It keeps time within 1 or 2 seconds of my atomic clock all year round; I true it up when changing to and from Daylight Savings. On mine, the bezel protrudes enough to prevent scratches, those that do get through can be easily removed with Meguiar's plastic cleaner / polish. Overall, I'm a happy camper with these watches. They are not prestigious or pretentious, but full of substance and just a fantastic value.

Dave

 

[Frangible]

I think I found one!

http://www.nixonnow.com/za/NNS?PAGE=WATCH_DETAILS&PRODUCT.ID=291&MENU_ID=1

Mineral crystal, alarm, stopwatch, timer, date, day of week.

I'd just like to know about the backlight and if I can get a strap for it that's not so wide...

 

[DumboRAT]

How about the newer or Japan-release only Casio G-Shocks?

If memory serves, they meet all of your objective criteria above, including titanium casing on select models in the $150-$200 range, and will last more than just a few years (G-Shocks are consistently cited by various service men and women as well as LEOs on "tactical" Forums such as Lightfighter's for excellent durability and longevity).

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Not sure about the aesthetics, though, as they tend to be VERY robust and often "thick" and bulky.

Allen
aka DumboRAT

 

[Frangible]

Hrm, any links to the .jp G-Shocks?

Thanks.

 

[DumboRAT]

Frangible -- sorry, I've been out of the fray for a few months.....but try eBay to get the model numbers of the Japanese domestic-market models, and then use a generalized search engine like Google to cross-shop.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Also, a Google search for "titanium g-shock" should also be fruitful.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Allen
aka DumboRAT

 

[johnlightsup]

Try Xiplay Digital Media. They sell Genuine LED DIGITAL Watches. One square face and one round face. $69.99 USD.

 

[DumboRAT]

Also, how about the new Oakley D1 and D2. They're plastic bodied, but offer all the other features you're looking for, including a mineral glass.

Allen
aka DumboRAT

 

[StoneDog]

[ QUOTE ]
Frangible said:
I think I found one!


[/ QUOTE ]

Hey, I kinda like that. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif A new strap is definitely a must though.

Jon