In a shadowy world of spies, double agents, black ops soldiers, and even zombies, watches can be essential tools used to coordinate attacks, anticipate timed explosives, and a variety of other tasks, especially when it’s 1991. But in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and real life 2024, they are primarily a fashion statement.
In my ongoing quest to find budget alternatives to the several thousand-dollar watches I pine over, I’ve discovered a new timepiece for which I’ve developed mixed feelings. The Duxot Henri Diver Automatic is the latest in my collection. I bought it after trying on an Omega Seamaster Professional 300m with the white dial and falling in love with it. Knowing it’d be a while before I could afford the Omega, and realizing it was just a little too large for my small wrists, I set out a suitable alternative.
Those searching for affordable alternatives to popular luxury watches seldom find themselves coming up short on options. While Timex has doubtless occupied the consciousness of any watch buyer on a budget for decades, it’s only in the last few years that it appears to be leaning into its past, along with that of iconic brands like Rolex and Omega. However, if you’re interested in a sleek, simple, easy-to-read watch for under $100 and are okay with some lack of originality or charm, the Timex 40mm Standard is worth your attention.