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Alba Workmans Quartz Watches from $69 Delivered @ Watch Depot

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Marked as "clearance", not sure if there's an expiry.

Same basic watches but for differing hand sets, dial colours and case detail.
All three share these specs:

  • Seiko VX42 movement
  • Approx 3 Years Battery Life
  • 40mm Case Size
  • Stainless Steel Case
  • Stainless Steel Bracelet
  • Mineral Crystal
  • Screw Down Crown
  • Date Display
  • 100 Meters Water Resistant
  • 3 year warranty

There's more to the Workmans range, up to a reasonable $89. They seem very similar to the cheaper ones, but some have 44mm cases and Seiko VJ42 movements, not that these are necessarily better.

https://www.watchdepot.com.au/collections/shop?q=alba%20work…

https://albawatches.com.au/collections/workmans

Fianlly this JOMW snippet should give an indication of the bracelet type and quality (not great, but not a deal-breaker).
https://youtu.be/YSPZINL8IyU?t=406

Optional TL:DR bit

So why these?
I've previously whinged about Seiko dropping Pulsar and pushing Alba, so I probably won't be buying one of these…

However, my guidance was recently sought by someone even less versed in horology than me. I know!
They wanted something with good water resistance but could also be worn to work. Nothing huge or too flash. Strict $100 budget, yet not obviously cheap looking (plasticky or chromed/polished metal) and preferably not the mail order roulette that so many of us enjoy.

If not for the last bit, I would have recommended the SD1970 or something from the SD/AD range with sapphire etc.

I found these quite by accident, and have no personal experience with them. I will say that the three year warranty, screw-down crowns and non-polished case finishes look pretty good for the money. Plus they're local, and the delivery time should be shorter too.
If you have similar criteria to my acquaintance, these might be worth a look.

Related Stores

Watch Depot
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closed Comments

  • Albo Workmans Quartz Watches from $69

    • It’s a bit extravagant for the double talking shithead , JV .

  • +1

    versed in horology

    Not be be confused with ornithology…

    Although, if you like to 'watch birds', you can do both..
    ‏‏‎ ‎
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    ‏‏‎ ‎
    ‏‏‎ ‎
    "I'll let myself out now…"

    • JV, “you’ve done it again”.

    • I'm honoured. A bit.

  • +1

    I don't think you will find a Seiko sub-brand any cheaper.

  • You never answered the most important question of all: did your colleague buy one?

    • Since you asked, I honestly don't know. I put my suggestion to them, and they sounded keen-ish.
      If it were me, and they were my criteria, I'd try one for size.

      As it stands, the last two watches I ordered were a Skmei and Foxbox.

      • The former arrived today. Much nicer than expected.

        • LOL - that's the first time I've been tagged in a pic. Thanks for the shout-out!

          I have yet to buy a Skmei, I'm thinking one of the square Casio knock-offs to wear as a beater watch.

          • @Chazzozz: Prepare to set your face(es) to stunned.
            The Foxbox arrived Thursday.

            Movement is Sheng Long SL28 (Myota 2115 clone), a screw caseback and hits the indices absolutely bang-on.

            Supplied strap is just okay — it's crazy long and has a matte finish. I had to use the very last hole, and it was still a bit loose. It feels less silicone and more that flexible TPG plastic used for phone cases.
            Chucked it on an old 22mm spare I had lying about and not earning its keep.

            Can't complain for under $20.

            • @Speckled Jim: Ha! I have to admit, that’s a lot of watch for not a lot of money. Well done! I looked them up and I have to say the Black & Gold looks rather attractive. Maybe I’ll keep that in mind as gifts for my non-watch friends to give them a taste of the hobby. :-D

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