My experience is that a new watch costing $30-35 will last about three years. After that, I have to replace the battery - which costs about half the original purchase price of the watch. After 6-8 years, something usually happens to the watch that a new battery won't fix, so I throw it away and buy a new one.
I've been doing this for about 35 years. I could have bought a watch that would have lasted that long, but I think my approach has saved money over the years.
I agree.. I've been buying the same Timex Atlantis watch for years.
Replace the batteries now and then, maybe a band, maybe not. I can
only wear the metal bands (plastic itches, leather stinks) so if I need
to replace the band, the watch isn't that much more. But I've been
wearing identical watches since.. maybe the late 80's? .. whenever
this one came out.
The face polishes up nicely with MicroMesh, so I don't worry too much
about banging it around. and all those years, it's been around $30 each
time. A half dozen cheap watches in 25 years? Not so bad.
Nice feature is the second time selection. Some use if for other time
zones.. I use it for daylight savings. One press and I'm done. Cause I
can never figure out how to program the thing on the first try..
The only thing I don't like is the buttons. As I get older, those tiny buttons
get harder and harder to press.. :redface: