Cheap but decent accessories: Watches and Eyewear

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08-09-23, 22:58
Hank6046

Cheap but decent accessories: Watches and Eyewear

So I just went on vacation to the beautiful state of Florida, and bent my Ray-Bans I bought with my bonus money over 14 years ago, I loved those Sun Glasses, I still have my Dad's Ray-Ban Aviators he wore in the Air Force, but those have a ton of sentimental value.

Then today my Garmin Instinct that I paid about $400 dollars for 2 years broke when I was helping put in a leveling kit on my friends truck, so my question to all of you is, what is decent and relatively cheap for Sun Glasses and a Watch. I'm a Marine, older, fatter and with thinning hair but still break stuff all the time, and just don't want to invest in something that is in some ways perishable. Here's what I'm looking at and please let me know if you have any recommendation.

-Sun Glasses: magpul.com/magpul-explorer-xl-eyewear.html?mp_eyewear_color_lense=340&mp_eyewear_polarization=598&mp_eyewear_color_frame=310
They can easily double as range glasses which I like, and the style fits me, and $100 doesn't really break the bank. The negative is that Magpul wanting to be 5.11 and have their logo on everything.

-Watch: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX6B2316/...lig_dp_it&th=1
I had a $50 Casio that was rugged and got me through multiple deployments and even had a built in compass but they don't seem to sell that anymore, I'm ready to go back to a decent watch that just tells time, I can swim in and not worry if it breaks. Negatives, I'm not sure about Fossel but I like the style for work, and out in town.

Please let me know your thoughts, thanks.
08-10-23, 07:25
LDM

Check out Safety Glasses USA https://www.safetyglassesusa.com/
Good & cheap sunglasses that are safety rated. Also many are available as bifocal readers.

This Casio is my "disposable" watch: Casio Men's HDC-700-1AVCF Classic Analog-Digital Display Quartz Black Watch. $32 at Amazon; ten year battery.
My dressier watch is a Seiko ecoDrive. Solar powered. Around $150-$200. Had one 15+ years.
08-10-23, 07:47
ST911

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hank6046

-Sun Glasses: magpul.com/magpul-explorer-xl-eyewear.html?mp_eyewear_color_lense=340&mp_eyewear_polarization=598&mp_eyewear_color_frame=310
They can easily double as range glasses which I like, and the style fits me, and $100 doesn't really break the bank. The negative is that Magpul wanting to be 5.11 and have their logo on everything.

I have both polarized and non-polarized Explorer XLs. Fit, coverage, clarity, durability all good, dropped and flung them several times in typical use. The polarized picked up a couple small blems off center but they're still ok. No large impacts from steel yet but it probably won't be long.
08-10-23, 08:53
markm

I've thrown a lot of money away on middle ground watches. ($100-$300). I finally settled on something G-shock solar (since a battery replacement is nearly the price of new watch) if I'm going cheap beater. Lately though, I'm liking the mechanical watch dial over digital (specifically dive style watches), and WillBrink talked me into the Marathon GSAR. They sell add on compasses if that's something you want. But with watches, there's a million options.
08-10-23, 10:22
WillBrink

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hank6046

So I just went on vacation to the beautiful state of Florida, and bent my Ray-Bans I bought with my bonus money over 14 years ago, I loved those Sun Glasses, I still have my Dad's Ray-Ban Aviators he wore in the Air Force, but those have a ton of sentimental value.

Then today my Garmin Instinct that I paid about $400 dollars for 2 years broke when I was helping put in a leveling kit on my friends truck, so my question to all of you is, what is decent and relatively cheap for Sun Glasses and a Watch. I'm a Marine, older, fatter and with thinning hair but still break stuff all the time, and just don't want to invest in something that is in some ways perishable. Here's what I'm looking at and please let me know if you have any recommendation.

-Sun Glasses: magpul.com/magpul-explorer-xl-eyewear.html?mp_eyewear_color_lense=340&mp_eyewear_polarization=598&mp_eyewear_color_frame=310
They can easily double as range glasses which I like, and the style fits me, and $100 doesn't really break the bank. The negative is that Magpul wanting to be 5.11 and have their logo on everything.

-Watch: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX6B2316/...lig_dp_it&th=1
I had a $50 Casio that was rugged and got me through multiple deployments and even had a built in compass but they don't seem to sell that anymore, I'm ready to go back to a decent watch that just tells time, I can swim in and not worry if it breaks. Negatives, I'm not sure about Fossel but I like the style for work, and out in town.

Please let me know your thoughts, thanks.

I approach those like guns, buy once cry once and life is too short for crappy sun glasses and watches.

Quote:

Originally Posted by markm

I've thrown a lot of money away on middle ground watches. ($100-$300). I finally settled on something G-shock solar (since a battery replacement is nearly the price of new watch) if I'm going cheap beater. Lately though, I'm liking the mechanical watch dial over digital (specifically dive style watches), and WillBrink talked me into the Marathon GSAR. They sell add on compasses if that's something you want. But with watches, there's a million options.

You know you love it, and it will out live you. If I didn't have so many watches, I'd get one those too.
08-10-23, 11:05
markm

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillBrink

You know you love it, and it will out live you. If I didn't have so many watches, I'd get one those too.

It's on my wrist right now! I do love it.
08-10-23, 11:45
Hank6046

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillBrink

I approach those like guns, buy once cry once and life is too short for crappy sun glasses and watches.

I get this, but I also know that a gun needs to work in that most critical of times, an accessory like watch or sun glasses not so much. I've got a really nice Citizen from my father in law when I got married, and I really appreciate it and wear it at weddings and formal events, but I work with large scale medical equipment now, where I'm meeting with a team of doctors one minute and then shoving my hand into conduit troughs in crawl spaces the next. I remember when I started working at a large scale hydraulic company right out of college, I went to Macy's and bought lots of nice shirts and slacks for the office, but then found myself on the floor getting hydraulic fluid all over my new cloths. It was Target and TJ Max after that.
08-10-23, 11:48
Hank6046

Quote:

Originally Posted by markm

I've thrown a lot of money away on middle ground watches. ($100-$300).

I guess that's what I'm saying I'm okay with doing, although I would like to stick more on the $100-$180 end of things. I'm still young and my boys are not going to be eating any less.
08-10-23, 11:59
Defaultmp3

I would skip out on the Fossil, their watches are nothing more than fashion accessories, and they don't really have that timeless look, either.

If you're okay with digital, I would just get a cheap-o G-shock. If you want analog, I would say look at the Timex quartz analogs. Perhaps something like the Navi XL:
https://timex.com/products/navi-xl-4...atch-tw2v45300
https://timex.com/products/navi-xl-4...atch-tw2t75600

Ray-Ban is on GovX, should you qualify. 40% off MSRP, though I don't know how that compares to street. I personally wouldn't use those Magpuls for eye pro, as the page notes, they're not actually rated for anything, due to the gaps that the frame has, even if it can meet the impact requirements.
08-10-23, 12:02
markm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hank6046

I guess that's what I'm saying I'm okay with doing, although I would like to stick more on the $100-$180 end of things. I'm still young and my boys are not going to be eating any less.

My lesson was to just stick with a 75-125 dollar G-shock until I could get serious. I wasted money on a Seiko "black monster" automatic, for example. I can't remember how much, but it was money down the drain.
08-10-23, 12:10
Hush

ESS sunglasses are great, offer ballistic lenses, made by and comparible to Oakley and many have interchangeable lenses. The Rollbars are my favorite, I have polarized and non polarized lenses to swap.

Sent from my SM-A326U using Tapatalk
08-10-23, 12:44
markm

Of all the stuff I break, Sunglasses will last me like 5 years for what ever reason. I've only had to buy a pair twice in 8-10 years.
08-10-23, 16:48
ChrisM516

I have those Magpul glasses. They're great. Simple but stylish. I have used ESS in the past but last time I went to buy replacement lenses they were out of stock for months.
08-10-23, 17:18
JediGuy

“Cheap” is a very relative term.

Primary Arms has Leupold sunglasses on sale currently. They look nice. I bought a like new pair Skeleton Decoys; they’ve become my go to.

Honestly, for a cheap, solid watch, I really like my Casio MDV-106. I stole the rubber straps for a Citizen Eco-drive and use a “James Bond” NATO strap with the Casio. I wear the Casio to work in a corporate office, yard work at home, swimming with the kids, hiking, whatever. And I don’t care if it gets dinged up.
08-10-23, 17:46
tb-av

Have you heard of Distil Union sunglasses.

This guy reviews them on his Youtube.... Go to 24:28 --- With me and sunglasses it's buy once cry twice because I can break or lose every pair I have ever owned. My last Costa's I actually broke once, broke twice, lost.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7knkkTSGvWs 24:28
08-10-23, 20:14
mack7.62

I miss the days when I used to find NIB Oakley mil sets for $35:( Nowdays I just go on Fleabay and pick up Wiley X's, my Talon's in use for a couple/three years just had a leg brake off and I picked up a new set for $50. Right now I am using Wiley X Vapor's as I have several new sets squirreled away in my handpro/eyepro box. I consider eyepro as disposable items, sooner or later they are going to brake, get lost or lens become unserviceable so best to have back ups.
08-10-23, 22:07
Hank6046

Thanks for all the responses. I really appreciate it, some great finds on here for sure, what this tells me is that this, like most things in life, takes more digging into and isn't so simple. I did find lots of cool sun glasses and watches, now I need to weigh my options
08-29-23, 14:12
R0331

+ 1 for the casio g-shock. I have been using a $40 g-shock that is going on year 9. My Suunto on the other hand has been less that dependable and the buttons stick. Since you are a veteran, check out govx or expertvoice as they have all kinds of good deals on watches and sunglasses.
08-29-23, 15:18
glocktogo

Quote:

Originally Posted by R0331

+ 1 for the casio g-shock. I have been using a $40 g-shock that is going on year 9. My Suunto on the other hand has been less that dependable and the buttons stick. Since you are a veteran, check out govx or expertvoice as they have all kinds of good deals on watches and sunglasses.

That surprises me. My daily wear/outdoors/fishing watch is a Suunto Traverse Alpha and it's been very reliable for the past 7 years now.

My dress watch is a Tag, but I wear it so rarely that I've been tempted to sell it. I'm really intrigued by the Garmin quatix 7X Solar Edition. That would cover my dress, daily and outdoor needs. The bonus is that it would control some functions on my Garmin Force trolling motor and 126sv sonar/chartplotters. But, $1,100 is a LOT of money for a battery-operated watch I'd be wearing outdoors, so I'm reluctant to pull that trigger.

As for sunglasses, Revos are my go-to, but my Rx range glasses are Bollé.
08-29-23, 15:49
Defaultmp3

Quote:

Originally Posted by glocktogo

My dress watch is a Tag, but I wear it so rarely that I've been tempted to sell it. I'm really intrigued by the Garmin quatix 7X Solar Edition. That would cover my dress, daily and outdoor needs. The bonus is that it would control some functions on my Garmin Force trolling motor and 126sv sonar/chartplotters. But, $1,100 is a LOT of money for a battery-operated watch I'd be wearing outdoors, so I'm reluctant to pull that trigger.

A 51mm watch as a dress watch is obscene, just... don't.

As for durability, FWIW, sample of 1, but my Garmin tactix Delta has weathered all the abuse I've thrown at it no problem. I've had it for three years now, and while the bezel is pretty scratched up and one of the silicone straps is starting to come apart, the rest of the watch is ticking along just fine; I've kept it on when I'm shooting, running, rock climbing, doing SAR, hiking, mountaineering, etc.
08-29-23, 16:28
henri

Everything is relative; 'cheap' is a word that, as far as I'm concerned, does not apply to watches. Some of us are watch collectors and enjoy having a variety of fine timepieces. My inexpensive 'travel watch' is a Tudor Pelagos.
08-29-23, 17:14
markm

Quote:

Originally Posted by henri

My inexpensive 'travel watch' is a Tudor Pelagos.

I was just eye balling that watch online today.
08-29-23, 20:04
ndmiller

Quote:

Originally Posted by henri

Everything is relative; 'cheap' is a word that, as far as I'm concerned, does not apply to watches. Some of us are watch collectors and enjoy having a variety of fine timepieces. My inexpensive 'travel watch' is a Tudor Pelagos.

Gorgeous, but for that money been eyeing a Bremont.
08-29-23, 21:04
henri

Quote:

Originally Posted by ndmiller

Gorgeous, but for that money been eyeing a Bremont.

The Bremont supermarine is beautiful indeed, its the only thing the Brits do right ! Bremont is also fairly new, only been around since 2000/ 2002 if I recall. As opposed to Rolex, started in London in early 1900's before going to Geneva around 1920 or so, then theres Breguet early 1800's, Audemars Piguet 1870's, Panerai 1860's and the list goes on.
08-30-23, 08:01
WillBrink

Quote:

Originally Posted by henri

The Bremont supermarine is beautiful indeed, its the only thing the Brits do right ! Bremont is also fairly new, only been around since 2000/ 2002 if I recall. As opposed to Rolex, started in London in early 1900's before going to Geneva around 1920 or so, then theres Breguet early 1800's, Audemars Piguet 1870's, Panerai 1860's and the list goes on.

Only Bremont I like is the watch that put them on the map, the MBII. Always considered the brand wildly over priced myself. A new comer using a modified off the shelf movement - ETA's 2836-2 with 38 hours of power reserve - for 5k? That's a no for me.
08-30-23, 15:07
henri

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillBrink

Only Bremont I like is the watch that put them on the map, the MBII. Always considered the brand wildly over priced myself. A new comer using a modified off the shelf movement - ETA's 2836-2 with 38 hours of power reserve - for 5k? That's a no for me.

Hence my choice of the pelagos for a travel watch :-)
08-30-23, 15:13
WillBrink

Quote:

Originally Posted by henri

Hence my choice of the pelagos for a travel watch :-)

I had a Black Bay as a DW/travel watch at one time. I'd gone to look at the Pelegos, didn't like it on the wrist as much as I'd hoped, liked the Black Bay more and got that. Sold it last year ish. My current DW/Travel watch is a Farer, best value going right now in my view.
09-01-23, 12:33
henri

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillBrink

I had a Black Bay as a DW/travel watch at one time. I'd gone to look at the Pelegos, didn't like it on the wrist as much as I'd hoped, liked the Black Bay more and got that. Sold it last year ish. My current DW/Travel watch is a Farer, best value going right now in my view.

Few people are familiar with Farer ….. actually have a Biarritz, it was roughly 700 British pounds; cool looking watch, it was an impulse buy in London a few months back.
09-01-23, 12:39
WillBrink

Quote:

Originally Posted by henri

Few people are familiar with Farer ….. actually have a Biarritz, it was roughly 700 British pounds; cool looking watch, it was an impulse buy in London a few months back.

I have two watches from them now and did reviews of both on my YT channel. I compare one to the Tudor, and it's a better watch than the Tudor all around, which was why I sold the Tudor. Farer sells our rapidly, so enough people are aware of them to make them a top selling micro brand.
09-02-23, 18:14
SeriousStudent

I am a big fan of the Casio solar G-Shock watches, as others have mentioned. I have one that was in a Louisiana store that was destroyed by Katrina. It was buried underwater and rubble for three weeks.

I bought it for $20 from the insurance folks that salvaged the goods from the store. It still runs like a champ 18 years later. I have basically tried to kill it and failed.

If you have the extra cash, Christopher Ward and Sangin Instruments also make extremely reliable time pieces. I also have a Marathon GSAR like markm, and have failed to kill it.

I do love the "classy elegant understated look". My daily wear is a 1998 stainless steel Rolex no-date Submariner. I love that watch, it works with everything from a tux to cargo shorts.
09-02-23, 21:43
Hank6046

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeriousStudent

I am a big fan of the Casio solar G-Shock watches, as others have mentioned. I have one that was in a Louisiana store that was destroyed by Katrina. It was buried underwater and rubble for three weeks.

I bought it for $20 from the insurance folks that salvaged the goods from the store. It still runs like a champ 18 years later. I have basically tried to kill it and failed.

If you have the extra cash, Christopher Ward and Sangin Instruments also make extremely reliable time pieces. I also have a Marathon GSAR like markm, and have failed to kill it.

I do love the "classy elegant understated look". My daily wear is a 1998 stainless steel Rolex no-date Submariner. I love that watch, it works with everything from a tux to cargo shorts.

That's what I basically ended up doing. I bought a G-Shock with built in digital compass for around $45 on Amazon, its the same one I had in when I was in. I'm probably going to buy a nice Citizen that I can wear with a suite or something I can have on during a meeting with clients and customers, but then when it comes to helping out with the actual hardware portion of my work, I can take off or rock my G-Shock. I'm not a watch collector, nor do I need another thing taking up my time and money, I just want something that works well until I inevitably end up breaking it
09-05-23, 07:14
Caduceus

I've had a couple watches for sale- protrek and a mudman. PM if interested in prices or pics.
09-05-23, 22:58
ubet

They aren’t cheap but they’re all but but proof, Randolph sunglasses. They’re worth every Penny

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
09-06-23, 05:11
JediGuy

Quote:

Originally Posted by ubet

They aren’t cheap but they’re all but but proof, Randolph sunglasses. They’re worth every Penny

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have kicked myself for ~five years for not buying a couple pairs of AO before they were bought out and tripled prices.