The past few days, I’ve focused in on some rather higher end watches. Today, I want to dive down to the other end of the market. While today’s reviewed watch is definitely affordable, it’s all but priceless in the eyes of at least one person.
That person being, of course, my oldest daughter. She loves all things Thomas, and has definitely picked up on the fact that Dad really has a thing for watches. So, when it came time to find her a watch so she could “match” with my wife and me, a Thomas the Tank Engine watch made sense.
Now, you don’t have to search too long on the ‘bay to find yourself some truly cheap watches – and this one definitely falls into that category (I believe it was under $10 – shipped). Somehow, though, it’s withstood the accidental abuse that a small child can put onto pieces like this.
As far as specs, we’ve got an unknown quartz movement (I’ve had no reason to open the caseback at this point) tucked away in some sort of metal case (most likely plated brass, is my guess), with an acrylic crystal up front. And that crystal is protecting the most important part – the image of Thomas. Our daughter’s eyes lit up when she got the watch, and she proudly wears it. Yes, the cheap (probably vinyl, definitely not leather) strap is too big for her wrist by a good amount, but she doesn’t care.
She has one of her favorite characters that she can put on her wrist, while matching her parents (at least in that we have watches on), as well as learning to tell time. In short – this is a priceless possession for her, no matter what the cost is. And there’s a lesson in there for us “mature” watch collectors as well. Yes, the spendy items grab our attention, but we shouldn’t be blinded by some price = quality math.
Keep in mind what is important to you in a watch. Actually, as far as that goes, that works for life too – figure out what’s truly important, and keep that close to you. While this watch will very likely collect dust in the near future, I hope that it gets tucked away in a jewelry box, and brings my daughter happy memories whenever she sees it.
