Recommendations for Wristwatches?

[waddle]

I've never been a watch kind of guy--I just pull out my cell phone whenever I need to check the time--, but I'm now thinking it might be a good idea to invest in a wristwatch for grad school (for reasons such as professionalism, telling time conveniently when hands are full, checking time discreetly, not having to pull off my gloves to grab my cell phone in the lab, etc.).

Any recommendations? I'm looking for something that's affordable (less than $60, I guess?), durable (might get banged up a bit during lab/field work), waterproof (won't die if I dip my hand in a bucket of water), has comfortable straps/metal bracelet (not sure which material is better, but I didn't really like wearing a fabric or leather one), and has a backlight. Analog/digital doesn't matter much (though I guess the analog ones do look nicer).

Thanks!

[sfu4mph]

Check out the "USB Hidden Flash Drive Watch" at thinkgeek.com http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/watches/a8bc/

It's actually great looking and you'll always have a flash drive, and only $49.99!

It's cool, yet geeky! What more could you want from a watch??

[eklavya]

I've never been a watch kind of guy--I just pull out my cell phone whenever I need to check the time--, but I'm now thinking it might be a good idea to invest in a wristwatch for grad school (for reasons such as professionalism, telling time conveniently when hands are full, checking time discreetly, not having to pull off my gloves to grab my cell phone in the lab, etc.)

i think you and i are distant twins - i was thinking of this EXACT thing this afternoon! i was browsing the net for some watches, and stumbled into a few nice looking ones. your and my taste might be different, but the following watches are worth taking a look:

the one that fits your budget: http://www.amazon.com/Freestyle-FS81280-Karlton-Bracelet-Watch/dp/B0026RIRXC/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I32BMOA0FW5CDO&colid=3FG9Z4MVQEKJ4

close to your budget: http://www.amazon.com/Fossil-JR9990-Brown-Leather-Watch/dp/B0024M88II/ref=sr_1_37?s=watches&ie=UTF8&qid=1307249114&sr=1-37

slightly expensive, but my first choice: http://www.amazon.com/PU102421004-Traffic-Silver-Black-Watch/dp/B004XD0IQQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2NF5XF50PI58K&colid=3FG9Z4MVQEKJ4

there are several features in a watch that you might want to have, but i highly recommend getting one that is luminous in the dark - either the arms or the whole dial that glows (with or without the use of a button). leather straps are better than plastic/synthetic straps.

because i have been watch-free for about 10 years, i think i'd like to start off with a good one - mainly for the feel good reason. i don't plan to spend over $100, but if i can't find a better looking watch, the puma is what i am going after in a few weeks.

[eco_env]

cheap, but lasted me many years (and still going): http://www.amazon.com/Casio-A168W-1-Electro-Luminescence-Bracelet/dp/B000GB0FXU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307289218&sr=8-1

I like the metal strap because others tend to break (especially the rubber-type ones). It's not water resistant enough for swimming, though, just water splashes.

[Eisenmann]

For beater watches, I'm a huge fan of G-Shock watches. They are relatively cheap, have tons of features (solar, atomic, water resistant, shock resistant, super though) and are well built. Depending on features they start at about $45. They are also "urban" cool imo. But if you are using the watch for a "professional" look, you should probably skip my suggestion.

[Bison_PhD]

I've always been a fan of Fossil watches. They seem to last a long time and many of them look pretty nice, but they may be at the top or over your price range.

[Eigen]

I've been thinking I should get a watch as well... Although I'm not sure how often I'd wear one, in the lab- they don't go well with gloves, often times.

This is one of the ones that's been tempting me- would look professional, should feel good on my wrist, and isn't too bulky, so it won't get in the way.

I'm thinking about getting a clock/timer that I can clip to a belt loop as well, and the two of those should make a nice pair.

[eklavya]

I'm thinking about getting a clock/timer that I can clip to a belt loop as well, and the two of those should make a nice pair.

don't you have a timer lying around in the lab? almost every bio/chem lab i know of has few timers just sitting around.

[Eigen]

Sadly, no.

The Bio labs yes, our lab no. And if I order one for the group, it will get broken/dissapear within a few days. Hence why I'll be getting one for myself.

[waddle]

Ended up getting a Casio Forester. It's cheap and the reviews say it's rugged. Once I get used to wearing a watch, I might upgrade to a more classy one.

[eklavya]

Ended up getting a Casio Forester. It's cheap and the reviews say it's rugged. Once I get used to wearing a watch, I might upgrade to a more classy one.

good choice!