Five $15 Watches that Don't Suck

Being a watch enthusiast can be expensive. But, if you let go of notions of prestige and brand identity, you can find that some very cool watches are actually very cheap. While I may never stop dreaming of a Bell & Ross Watch, my day-to-day, bang around watches are far less expensive. Unfortunately, my wrist and door frames have too many disagreements for me to buy a truly high dollar watch. However, in my never ending quest for cool wristwatches, I've actually found many cool watches for around $15.

Here are five of the very coolest watches that I found in the $15 price range:

1. Walmart Tactical Watch. Every man likes the look of a military commando-style watch. Maybe it's a "Secret Life of Walter Mitty" thing or maybe it's a Mall Ninja thing? Regardless, the tactical looking watch that I found at Walmart for less than $15 may be the coolest watch I own. It has a black face, a black nylon band, and very readable numbers. This watch looks like it costs much more.

2. Merona Men's Round Dial Analog Dress Watch. Move over Movado, Target's Merona brand offers some very nice looking dress watches for around $15. The Merona round dial watch looks sharp and would be comfortable in any business or formal setting.

3. Merona Men's Tanker-Style Dress Watch. The square tanker-style look of this Merona watch is very high end. The secret is simply that quartz movements are practically a commodity and nice looking cases aren't that expensive to make. When you wear this nice dress watch, you wonder why you've ever paid more than $15 for a watch.

4. Pro-Spirit Men's Digital Watch. The Pro-Spirit Men's Watch is only $9.88 at Target. That's a very low price point. However, this watch successfully mimics the looks of other outdoorsy watches that cost two or three times the price. While this isn't my favorite watch, at $9.88 it might make a great stocking stuffer gift.

5. Advance Watch Company Ana-Digital Watch. Finally, this Ana-Digital Watch is a true gem. It exudes old world charm and has a Victorian steampunk sensibility about it. While it was a Walmart treasure, it can be hard to find. It also can be difficult to set the alarms and chimes. However, if you see it, buy it. This watch just looks great!

These watches aren't fake or phony, but they don't look as cheap as their price tag indicates. They are perfectly appropriate for inexpensive stocking stuffer gifts, secret Santa parties, or other low budget gift exchanges. The Merona and Pro-Spirit watches can easily be found at Target. However, the Walmart watches can require some hunting. Walmart merchandises their super cheap watches as simple commodities. They offer a hodge-podge of styles and features under $15. Sometimes you have to know how to find great watches at Walmart. Sometimes, you just have to get lucky. However, the diligent watch hunter can usually find something interesting on the bargain watch shelf. If you can't find these specific watches but shop with an open mind, you may find a very cool watch.

Other articles from this contributor:
Be A Man: Don't Wear Pink Shirts
Great Stocking Stuffer Gifts for Men
Be A Man: Don't Carry a Purse!