Can This Sub $100 Watch Really Be Worth Owning?

by Michael Satterfield - Photos by Lucas Kepner - 02/21/2024

If you are in the market for a watch that can handle as much adventure as you can throw at it the Armitron Apex should be on your list and is a great alternative to Casio's G-Shock line. With a sporty black case plastic case and stainless steel top ring the watch's rugged construction is designed to hold up to almost anything you can throw at it. Equipped with an altimeter, barometer, temperature reference, weather station, 5 alarms, 99 laps memo, stopwatch, countdown timer, world time, adjustable LCD contrast, and an EL backlight this watch packs a lot of features for less than $100.

The watch is large, but it is comfortable on the wrist and the world clock allows me to switch timezones without having to actually reset the watch. Add in the alarm function and weather station, it is really a great tool to have with you on a trip. Plus for the price point, the fit and finish are surprisingly good if the black and red colorway isn't your favorite, it also comes in orange or grey versions.

While Armitron is not a name that comes to mind when you think of luxury watches, they are actually one of the largest watch manufacturers in the US supplying private label watches to brands like Anne Klein, Badgley Mischka, Nine West, Juicy Couture, Vince Camuto, and even Jennifer Lopez. But I wouldn't recommend the Armitron based on other brands they make, so much as it is just as they are a great value, with no watch over $200 they are the kind of timepiece that gives you a different kind of peace of mind. For some of my adventures, I love to wear my Rolex Explorer, but for others, I just want a watch I don't have to worry about. Scratch, water, dust, and even theft are less of a concern with a watch like the Apex, not just because of price point, but because of its rugged design and lowkey style.

Check out the full specifications below and see all the colors and more information on Armitron.com.

Specifications: