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This is the world's most underrated Rolex

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cde5c96ec97b44adf9c8bc9ce9422640The Rolex Prince is not only not terribly well known — even to Rolex aficionados — it’s almost shockingly unknown; in the days we had ours in for review, quite a lot of pretty hard-core watch people saw it, and it was mistaken for ... well, mistaken for just about everything but a Rolex.

This is a kind of peculiar circumstance, especially for as immutable-tradition-is-a-virtue bunch as Rolex fans are supposed to be, because the Prince, in fact, goes back one hell of a lot further than any other existing Rolex model –the first Prince watches were made by Rolex all the way back in 1928, which is not that far off from the founding of the company in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf.

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The Prince was, and is, a rectangular wristwatch, and the two first models — the famous 971 and 1343 watches — both used a rectangular movement made by Aegler, which supplied both Rolex and Gruen at the time. The movements used for the Prince watches were rectangular and designed to allow the use of a large mainspring barrel that supplied a better-than-two-day power reserve, and a relatively large balance.

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c80083195942352e5edcdcf0f45a50f5The Cellini Rolex Prince: five models, two in Everose and two in white gold; additionally, one in white gold with diamond pavé dial. All models with a model-specific design motif and matching decorative motif on the movement. Movement, Rolex caliber 7040, hand-wound, chronometer certified with Paraflex shock system and Breguet overcoil, 72 hour power reserve. Cases in Rolex Everose, yellow gold, or white gold, 45mm x 29mm, water resistant to 50 meters. Pricing, $17,000 in white gold or Everose; $15,500 in yellow gold. Check out all the models at Rolex.com.

SEE ALSO: 10 of the best watches to own, according to an expert collector

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NOW WATCH: These are the watches worn by the smartest and most powerful men in the world


You can finally own the same watch as James Bond — here's what it'll cost you

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Daniel Craig James Bond Spectre Omega

James Bond has worn an Omega Seamaster watch since 1995's "Goldeneye," but never before have one of the watches been available for purchase — until now. 

The Omega Seamaster 300 "Spectre" will go on sale this September as a limited edition ahead of the film's October release.

Unlike commemorative timepieces released for earlier James Bond flicks, this watch is identical to the one on Daniel Craig's wrist in the film. 

Based on the 1950s Seamaster (a definite classic in its own right), the watch stands out with its newly added "lollipop" second hand.

The new Seamaster also has a 12-hour diving ceramic bezel that rotates in both directions, a strong homage to the watch's naval history. It's powered by an Omega Master Co-Axial caliber 8400 movement and encased with Omega's zirconium-based alloy, which it calls "LiquidMetal." On the back of the case is the "Spectre" logo and the watch's individual serial number.

A gray and black striped NATO strap has the 007 gun logo etched into its metal strap holder.

The special model will retail for $6,450 and only a very-appropriate 7,007 units will be offered in a limited number of Omega boutiques.

In the last Bond movie, "Skyfall," Craig wore the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M.

Daniel Craig James Bond Spectre OmegaDaniel Craig James Bond Spectre Omega

SEE ALSO: Here's how to get your tie to look exactly like James Bond's

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NOW WATCH: These are the watches worn by the smartest and most powerful men in the world

The 15 best watches under $5,000

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Watches

At HODINKEE, we like watches. We like them a lot.

And though we do sometimes write about watches that inhabit stratospheric price points, we also know that, realistically speaking, there is not always an absolute connection between price and quality (actually, a lot of the time there's a surprising disconnect, but that's another article).

We know that getting as much bang as possible for the buck is a major pot-sweetener when it comes to picking a watch, and so we went 'round HODINKEE HQ and asked all and sundry to tap a favorite under the magic $5,000 mark.

Read on to find out who picked what and why.

SEE ALSO: This is the world's most underrated Rolex

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NOMOS Tangente

From: Ryan LeFevre, Senior Software Engineer

A strict exercise in Bauhaus design, the Tangente is what I consider to be the quintessential NOMOS. While many manufacturers attempt to show off their technological superiority by cramming as many clever complications into a watch as possible, NOMOS has stripped away everything for the Tangente that is not essential to a watch. Its beautiful symmetry with clean Arabic numerals makes it incredibly easy to read at a glance, and the combination of a bright matte silver dial with blue hands is striking. While it's offered in three separate sizes — 33 mm, 35 mm, and 38 mm — the 38 mm version sits perfectly on my slightly larger than average wrist.

Because the Tangente is manually wound, it also sits closer to the wrist than the automatic Tangomat. It houses the first movement ever designed by NOMOS, the Alpha caliber, which is not only pretty to look at, but is also quite accurate. All of this is offered for only $2,330, which I consider extremely good value for money. Due to a surge in popularity, the value of NOMOS watches can only go up.



Seiko 'Cocktail Time' SARB065

From: Christa Chance, HODINKEE Contributor

Since most of my collection falls well below the $5,000 benchmark, I'm spoiled for choice when it comes to answering this question. My Speedmaster Professional (Lemania cal. 1861) gets the most wrist time, and occupies a special place in my heart and on my wrist. But since our love of Speedmasters is already well known (some might say notorious), I must make a case for the Seiko SARB065 or Cocktail Time. 

Its price point – $480 on most sites – makes it a contender for best value under $500, let alone $5,000. As the Cocktail Time is a model for the Japanese domestic market, you won't find it at Macy's alongside more familiar Seikos in that price range, such as the SKX007. But the Cocktail Time boasts finishing to rival that of a Grand Seiko and a robust, 23-jewel 6R15 automatic movement with hand-winding capabilities, hacking seconds, and a quickest date function.  

And look at that dial. Talk about guilloché. I am enamored with the dial – the delicacy and the mutability of the color, appearing ice blue and slate gray as the light changes, like an Aviation cocktail. 

Despite the domed Hardlex crystal, the watch sits close to the wrist. Its comfortable 40 mm diameter suits men and dainty-wristed ladies like myself. My only complaint about the watch is that the deployant clasp on the strap gets in the way of my desk-diving, so I switched it with a ladies crocodile strap.

I'll drink to that.



Pita Barcelona Oceana Diver's Watch

From: Evald Muraj, HODINKEE Contributor

If you caught last year's Watch I Wore the Most and other such pieces, then you know that I'd normally choose NOMOS any day of the week. But in an effort to be more didactic, I switched it up this time.

Many watch fans may not know about Pita Barcelona, the father-and-son duo in eastern Spain who, along with a couple helpers, churn out a few handful of watches per year. The builder in question is Aniceto Jimenez, a watchmaker obsessed with reinventing functionality and timekeeping displays. My proposition is the Oceana — on which I'll soon be bringing you more about, so stay tuned.

The Oceana is a dive-watch with 2,000- or 5,000-meter depth ratings. Its titanium case is undrilled, crownless and gasketless. How do you set the hands? Remotely, using a patented case-back that doubles as a magnetic regulator for setting time. Yes, that's very cool — like I said, stay tuned. Completely isolated from outside elements, a heavily modified ETA beats inside the Oceana.

By "heavily modified," I mean that Pita guts the majority of the original caliber, restructures it and adds to it other proprietary mechanisms that make each movement abide to the magnetic principles that are required for this unique diver to function. 

A single watchmaker assembles each watch. Priced at €4,675 means that the Oceana was under $5,000 in April but, with FOREX being what it is, is just slightly over that mark today. There’s a lot to like (L) about the Oceana at this price (P), and that fits my personal equation for value (V), which is V=L/P.



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NOW WATCH: How you sit at work can have a huge impact on your health

These are today's best deals from around the web

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Since you don't have all day to scour the web for noteworthy sales and discounts, we rounded up the best tech, home, and style deals for you to shop in one convenient place. 


logitech

1. Logitech X100 Mobile Wireless Speaker

The portable Bluetooth speaker market is flooded with options, but only a handful of them have the right balance of compactness, style, sound quality, and affordability. This $30 Logitech speaker, down from $50, is a nice combination of all of the above.

Logitech X100 Mobile Wireless Speaker, $29.99 (originally $49.99), available at Amazon. [40% off]


nike2. Nike LunarGlide 6

Nike's popular LunarGlide sneakers look just as sleek in the office as they do on the track. The brand released the newest LungarGlide, the 7, in June. Since then, it has discounted its previous model, the 6, a significant amount. They still look great. 

Nike LunarGlide 6, $64.97 (originally $110), available at Nike. [60% off]


nixon3. Nixon Time Teller Watch

On the whole, Nixon's watches are generally very budget-friendly, with higher-priced models maxing out at around $300. Right now, though, you can save even more — East Dane marked down the Time Teller Watch to $67. 

Nixon Time Teller Watch, $66.50 (originally $95), available at East Dane. [30% off]


bose4. Bose SoundTrue Around-Ear Headphones

Bose headphones are widely regarded as one of the best values and sound experiences on the market. The pair featured here is 40% off at Nordstrom, and it's the lowest we've seen them priced. At Amazon, they'll cost you a hair under $120. 

Bose SoundTrue Around-Ear Headphones, $107.40 ($179.95), available at Nordstrom. [40% off]


zerolemon5. ZeroLemon SolarJuice 20000mAh Battery

When looking for a portable smartphone battery pack, it's important to know when and how often you're actually going to need it. ZeroLemon's battery packs a hefty 20,000mAh of juice into its sturdy frame, which can charge your phone or tablet multiple times over.

ZeroLemon SolarJuice 20000mAh Battery, $49.99 (originally $100), available at StackSocial. [50% off]


 

SEE ALSO: The best on-ear headphones for every budget

READ MORE: Free your smartphone from cables with this $13 wireless charger

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Nobody is buying Swiss watches anymore apart from the 'astonishing' French

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Clock tower

The Swiss-watch bubble may be about to unravel.

After years of stunning growth, in which exports more than doubled from 2000 to 2014, Swiss watchmakers had a terrible month.

China led the fall, according to export figures from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry.

Overall exports were 9.3% lower than a year earlier, at 1.9 billion Swiss francs (£1.3 billion, $1.97 billion) with the Chinese market segment dropping by more than 39%. Sales to the United Arab Emirates also tanked 29.8%.

Weirdly, watch sales to France jumped more than 50% in July. The Federation doesn't have an explanation for that, just calling it "astonishing."

Here's the graph, showing that mid- and top-range watches were hit the hardest:Swiss Watches Aug 20

All sorts of luxury-goods makers are getting hit by the slowing Chinese economy and a crackdown on the practice of "gifting"— read corruption. The rich also just lost a whole lot of cash gambling in China's crumbling stock market, so there's less money to plow into expensive items.

Added to this, the Swiss franc suddenly jumped in value in January, after the central bank abandoned its policy of capping currency prices. This had the effect of making Swiss watches more expensive abroad and destroyed exports:Swiss watch 2

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These are today's best deals from around the web

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Since you don't have all day to scour the web for noteworthy sales and discounts, we rounded up the best tech, home, and style deals for you to shop in one convenient place. 


marshall1. Marshall Major Headphones 

We've spent the last few weeks working on buying guides for the the best in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear headphones. This discounted on-ear pair from Marshall didn't make the cut, but its 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon isn't shabby in the least. 

Marshall Major On-Ear Headphones, $54.49 (originally $120), available at Amazon.  [55% off]


herschel supply2. Herschel Supply Co. Novel Duffel Bag

Herschel's Novel Duffel is an affordable and practical travel bag: It has a removable shoulder strap, a cleverly segregated shoe compartment, an easy-to-clean fabric liner, and a stylish nylon exterior that's perfect for weekend trips or the gym. It's also 40% off right now. 

Herschel Supply Co. 'Novel' Nylon Duffel Bag, $74.98 (originally $125), available at Nordstrom[40% off]


cole haan3. Cole Haan Grover Chukkas

Desert boots — or chukkas — are a popular item you're seeing a lot of as we transition from summer to fall. Cole Haan's perforated suede pair will look great with jeans, chinos, and dressier trousers, too. 

Cole Haan Grover Chukkas $136.80 (originally $228), available at East Dane. [30% off]


ravpower4. RAVPower 5200mAh Portable Charger

RavPower's 5,200mAh pack has enough juice to get you through emergency situations, charges quickly, and is as short as a credit card. For $13, it's an affordable way to ensure your phone stays alive.

RAVPower 5200mAh Portable Charger, $13.99 (originally $99.99), available at Amazon. [86% off]


LG5. LG 55" LED 1080p Smart HDTV

Televisions can vary greatly in price from week to week, though we'd say $600 for a 55" smart HDTV is a fairly reasonable amount to spend, especially knowing it's down from $730 at Best Buy. 

LG 55" LED 1080p Smart HDTV, $599.99 (originally $729.99), available at Best Buy. [18% off]


fossil6. Fossil 'Del Rey' Chronograph Leather Strap Watch

This sleek-looking leather strap watch from Fossil is a lot more durable than it looks; it's water resistant up to 100 meters. 

Fossil 'Del Rey' Chronograph Leather Strap Watch, $92.98 (originally $155), available at Amazon.[40% off]


 

SEE ALSO: 8 tech gadgets that pay for themselves over time

READ MORE: This affordable Bluetooth speaker doesn't skimp on sound quality or style

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These are today's best deals from around the web

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Since you don't have all day to scour the web for noteworthy sales and discounts, we rounded up the best tech, home, and style deals for you to shop in one convenient place. 


sentey1. Sentey Foldable Headphones with Noise Isolation Ear Cups

We've spent the last few weeks working on buying guides for the the best in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear headphones. This discounted on-ear pair from Sentey didn't make the cut, but its 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon (that's culled from nearly 550 customer reviews) isn't shabby in the least. 

Sentey Warp LS-4420 Stereo Foldable Headphones with Noise Isolation Ear Cups, $49.99 (originally $149.95), available at Amazon.[67% off]


j.crew2. J.Crew Slim Seersucker Shirt

Labor Day weekend is fast approaching, and so, too, are those end-of-summer sales. If you click over to J.Crew's site, you can save up to 25% on select shirts, T-shirts, and sweaters for men and women by using the promo code SHOPNOW at checkout.

J.Crew Slim Seersucker Shirt in Tattersall, $59.99 (originally $75), available at J.Crew. [25% off]


new balance3. Take 20% off Men's and Women's Shoes at Amazon

As part of Amazon's slow climb up the fashion ladder, you can shop 20% off men's and women's shoes through August 31. Notable brands include: Loeffler Randall, Schutz, Dolce Vita, kate spade new york, and Sam Edelman for women, and Cole Haan, Lacoste, New Balance, and Sperry for men. Simply apply the code NEW4FALL at checkout.

New Balance ML574 Sneaker, $59.96 (originally $74.95), available at Amazon.[20% off]


hubsan4. Hubsan UDI HD Discovery Drone & Crash Pack

Similar drones in the sub-$100 price range aren't necessarily equipped with camera-related tech, however, this copter also has high-quality integrated camera that can record your flips and rolls through the sky.

Hubsan UDI HD Discovery Drone & Crash Pack, $89.99 (originally $225), available at StackSocial. [60% off]


mbmj5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Fergus 42MM Watch

This sleek-looking leather strap watch from Marc by Marc Jacobs is a lot more durable than it looks; it's water resistant up to 100 meters. It's also a cool $140 at East Dane right now, down from its $200 sticker price.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Fergus 42MM Watch, $140 (originally $200), available at East Dane.[30% off]


SEE ALSO: 8 tech gadgets that pay for themselves over time

READ MORE: 9 iPhone accessories you may not need but probably still want

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Nationals pitcher who signed a $210 million contract bought his catchers luxury watches for catching his no-hitter and one-hitter

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max scherzer

Washington Nationals pitcher has room to be gracious to his teammates after signing a seven-year, $210 million contract in the offseason.

According to Washington Post's James Wagner, Scherzer used some of that money to buy his Hublot watches for catchers Wilson Ramos and Jose Lobaton Hublot after they caught for him during no-hitter and one-hitter games, respectively.

Scherzer threw the one-hitter on June 14 and the no-hitter on June 20, and a luxury watch for his catcher was the "thank you" both times.

As Wagner notes, Hublot watches can get pretty expensive:

It’s unclear how much Scherzer spent on the watches, but they retail anywhere from $2,000 to $80,000. (There are even a couple in the $200,000-$300,000 range.)

A quick Amazon search shows pieces that range from as high as $37,000 to as low as $6,375.

hublot

Lobaton said he was grateful for the gift, telling Wagner, "I told him he didn’t need to get me anything. But he did and it’s great."

Scherzer told Wagner he is appreciative of his catchers:

"You always take care of your catchers. They’re out there working hard. We’re both thinking about how to outsmart the hitter. I have to have a lot of trust in what they do. They put in hard work, too, to make sure we as a team succeed and help me as an individual as well. If I pitch well, it helps the team. They’re a part of it."

It's not the first time Scherzer has taken care of his catchers. In 2014 after winning the Cy Young award, Scherzer bought his former catcher Brayan Pena a Rolex :

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These are today's best deals from around the web

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Since you don't have all day to scour the web for noteworthy sales and discounts, we rounded up the best tech, home, and style deals for you to shop in one convenient place.


1. Roku 3500R Streaming Stick (HDMI)

rokuRoku's Streaming Stick is one of the better streaming dongles around, and this week Amazon has it on sale for $40. That's $10, or 20%, off its original $50 price tag. It's worthwhile savings for a worthwhile device, especially if you're looking to cut the cord on cable TV.

Roku 3500R Streaming Stick (HDMI), $39.99 (originally $49.99), available at Amazon.[20% off]


2. Timex Men's Easy Reader Watch 

timexTimex watches are generally very budget-friendly, with higher-priced models maxing out at around $250. You can save even more on one at Amazon this week. Timex's Easy Reader is discounted more than 50%: The leather strap watch usually retails for about $42, but it'll cost you just a hair under $20 if you add it to your cart now.

Timex Men's Easy Reader Watch, $19.69 (originally $42.95), available at Amazon.[54% off]


3. Anker 5-Port USB Charger with PowerIQ Technology

anker1If you have multiple devices that need charging at any given time, something like Anker's 5-port USB charging station is a worthwhile purchase. For $12, you can juice your smartphone, tablet, and more simultaneously, and at each device's fastest speed possible, thanks to the charger's PowerIQ technology.

Anker 25W 5-Port Desktop USB Charger with PowerIQ Technology, $11.99 (originally $49.99), available at Amazon.[76% off]


4. Reiss' End-of-Summer Sale

reiss A quick scan of Reiss' site yields tons of discounted suiting that'll look sharp in an office. The selection is hit or miss in terms of available sizes, but if you can find something you like in your size, you can end up paying less than half of the regular retail price.

Reiss Youngs Two-Piece Suit, $367 (originally $745), available at Reiss.[50% off]


5. FRESHeTECH KeyDisk Key Organizer

stackIf you hate the way conventional key rings jingle in your pocket as you walk, this may be the easiest $20 you'll spend this month. The KeyDisk is composed of two aluminum plates that can sleekly store up to 6 keys. When you want to use a particular key, you simply swing it outwards so it protrudes from your KeyDisk. No jingling. 

FRESHeTECH KeyDisk Key Organizer, $19.99 (originally $30), available at Stack Social.[33% off]


6. Cole Haan 'Howland' Penny Loafer

cole haanThe great thing about loafers is that you can wear them year-round, and with or without socks. However you wear them, Cole Haan's leather penny loafers are an easy recommendation, especially now that you'll be saving 15% on them. 

Cole Haan 'Howland' Penny Loafer, $119.95 (originally $148), available at Nordstrom and Amazon. [15% off]


 

SEE ALSO: 8 tech gadgets that pay for themselves over time

READ MORE: The best portable Bluetooth speakers under $100

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Here's an affordable watch that even aficionados will appreciate

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

1101dw_2Men's watches are accessories that can get very expensivevery fast.

There are worthwhile, sub-$100 timepieces out there — from brands like Timex, Nixon and Skagen, to name a few — but the selection is actually quite slim, if you want to buy something that's of decent quality, and that you can wear to work at a corporate office.

Falling firmly in the $150 to $300 range, Daniel Wellington watches are good choices for men who want something that has a sleek and sophisticated design and is fairly durable, but doesn't cost thousands of dollars. 

The brand's newest watches — part of its Dapper Collection— are adaptations of four of its most popular models, the Sheffield, the St Mawes, the York, and Bristol. You'll notice the hands of the watches are not a classic rose gold or silver, but deep blue. Still, they manage to be eye-catching without being overwhelming.

The 38mm timepieces are also enriched with Roman numerals, date display, and a Japanese quartz movement, and come in either a black or brown leather band. All in all, the watches look great and maintain a conservative tone for work. If you like them, you can shop the entire Dapper Collection at Amazon. 

Daniel Wellington Dapper Collection, $299, available at Amazon.


SEE ALSO: 6 items you can save big on at the end of the summer

READ MORE: The best portable Bluetooth speakers under $100

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These are today's best deals from around the web

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Since you don't have all day to scour the web for noteworthy sales and discounts, we rounded up the bargains for you to shop in one convenient place.


1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones

audio technica

If you want to bathe in music, you should invest in a pair of over-ear headphones. If you don't want to spend more than $200, though, you should consider Audio-Technica's highly-reviewed ATH-M50x headphones, which have thick and comfy earpads and wide and dynamic sound. They're a good choice for those looking to get into high-end audio without breaking the bank.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones, $179 (originally $259), available at Amazon.[31% off]


2. Daniel Wellington Classic Cambridge 40mm Watch

dw1Daniel Wellington's nylon-strap watches are great for casual wear in the summer and on the weekends since they're not as dressy as leather. They'll also make your blazers and slacks feel less stuffy on casual Fridays. The red, white and blue strapped timepiece pictured here generally retails for $195, but it's down to $100 on Amazon for the time being.

Daniel Wellington Classic Cambridge 40mm Watch, $99.69 (originally $195), available at Amazon.[49% off]


3. Zendure 25600mAh External Battery

zendureZendure's external battery is thicker and heavier than its less capable competitors, but that's because it packs a hefty 25,600mAh of juice into its sturdy frame. It has four USB outputs to power four mobile devices at once and enough juice to charge your smartphone 10 times over. It's $70 on StackSocial, which isn't cheap, but that's $6 off its price on Amazon.

Zendure A8 Pro 25600mAh External Battery, $69.95 (originally $149), available at StackSocial.[53% off]


4. Jawbone Up Move, Onyx

jawboneInsider Picks debuted its latest buying guide — the best fitness trackers for every type of person— this week. If you fall into the budget-buyer category, our commerce reporter, Jeff Dunn, recommends Jawbone's Up Move: "It tracks sleep, steps, calories burned and the like with solid accuracy, then syncs all of that data to iOS or Android devices over Bluetooth... it provides enough stats to get you working toward results, without making a dent in your wallet."

Jawbone Up Move in Onyx, $39.99 (originally $49.99), available at Amazon.[20% off]


5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Leather Briefcase

mbmjThe fall is a great time to replace your worn-down messenger bag or briefcase that has taken a beating from commuting to and from work the past few years. A classic leather briefcase, like the Marc by Marc Jacobs one we found discounted on East Dane and Amazon, will always look appropriate with a suit or for a business meeting.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Leather Briefcase, $299.60 (originally $428), available at Amazon and East Dane. [30% off]


 

SEE ALSO: These tech gadgets will pay for themselves over time

READ MORE: 6 items you can save big on at the end of the summer

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I finally ditched my Apple Watch — here's everything I'm going to miss about it (AAPL)

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Apple Watch to normal watch

After four months with the Apple Watch, I have decided to pack it up and throw it to the back of a drawer. It just wasn't working out for me (and I gave it a good go).

Here's why: the Apple Watch really stands out. And not in a good way. Wearing an Apple Watch shows that you spent at least £300 on a relatively ugly watch that flashes up text messages and measures your heart rate. There just aren't any killer apps that make me want to keep using it. 

I was there when the Apple Watch arrived in the UK. I even queued up to be one of the first people to try it on. But the Apple Watch got boring fast. I haven't worn my Apple Watch for a week. After wearing it every day for four months, it really feels different not to have it on my wrist. But I've been surprised at how much I miss it. I don't miss everything, though, just a small selection of things that the Apple Watch did well:

Notifications

James Cook wearing a Quora hoodie and using an Apple Watch while drinking wineThe Apple Watch can vibrate or make noises to notify you when you receive a text message or other notification. This is the best thing about the watch. I filtered notifications so only important things got through (no Twitter), and set my watch to silently vibrate. That way, I knew when something was happening, even in meetings when my phone was in my pocket, or if I wandered to another part of the office.

But the issue I had with Apple Watch notifications was that they always felt like a prompt to pick up my phone. If I received a text message, it's far easier to pick up my phone and type a reply than to attempt to shout it at my watch. Taking calls on the Apple Watch is downright embarrassing. I eventually realised that it was just easier to carry my phone around with me. 

It's a great conversation starter

I have lost track of the amount of times that someone has asked to have a go on my watch. It has happened at work, in bars, on the train, even up a mountain. People are genuinely curious about the Apple Watch. I went to a friend's wedding in Switzerland, and none of the bride's family spoke English. But they all wanted to try on my Apple Watch (and they all knew what it was, as well). I'm going to miss having a conversation starter strapped to my wrist all day long.

Fitness data

I miss scrolling through the fitness app on my phone and seeing regular measurements of my heart rate. I didn't find the fitness data useful, but it was cool to see the measurements that the Apple Watch took and try to match them with what I was doing at the time.

Touch messages

apple watch milanese bracelet

Owning an Apple Watch grants you exclusive entry into a virtual gang of fellow Apple Watch wearers who send each other small drawings. You can't view or send these little touch messages if you don't have an Apple Watch, and it's actually quite good fun to send them to each other. It got boring pretty fast, though, and I ended up sending rude drawings to the same friend every evening.

Weather

You don't realise how useful it is having the weather on your wrist until it's not there. I used a watch face that included the temperature, and it was super useful. I also have the Dark Sky app on my phone, so my watch would regularly flash warnings about what the weather was going to be like. Now my watch just shows me what the time and date is. Lame.

The sports band is super comfortable

Apple watchThe sports band is the cheapest Apple Watch strap available, but it's also incredibly comfortable. It's made out of fluoroelastomer (which is like a fancy rubber), and it's far nicer to wear than any normal metal watch strap. It's comfortable, easy to clean, looks cool, doesn't wriggle around, and it folds neatly inside itself. 

It doesn't scratch

It's really tough to do lasting damage to your Apple Watch. I might not like the software, but these things are really tough. After four months of use my Apple Watch only had a very slight scratch to the screen — the rest of the device looked brand new. Normal watches don't hold up to everyday use quite as well.

But it's just not enough

These things all sound awesome, right? Well, they are! But they're not enough to keep me on Team Apple Watch. The notifications are great, but my phone can do it too. Sure, it's nice having an unusual watch, but I'm not sure how much of the attention I got from wearing it was actually positive. Touch messages and fitness data are gimmicks (albeit cool gimmicks). I'm not selling my Apple Watch, instead I'll keep it and wait to try out future versions of the operating system. Sorry, Apple, but it just wasn't working out.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: This $200 million plane is called the 'most lethal fighter aircraft in the world'

Montblanc's CEO talks about how Swiss watches will compete with smartwatches

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Montblanc CEO

While the introduction of the Apple watch this year has not exactly caused a panic among Swiss watchmakers, it has introduced a healthy debate about the role of electronics in the traditional craft.

From a purist’s perspective, one of the most interesting approaches is the e-Strap concept from Montblanc, which arrives in stores this month. As the name suggests, the electronic unit—which has a screen, sensors, and a smartphone interface—is located on the watch strap, leaving the integrity of the mechanical timepiece sacrosanct.

Montblanc CEO Jerome Lambert comes from a fine watchmaking background, having spent several years as CEO of sister company Jaeger-LeCoultre. We caught up with him recently to explore how the idea and the product came into being. (montblanc.com)

RobbReport.com: How did the idea of the e-Strap come about?

Jerome Lambert: We were not satisfied with the way the smart watch was imposed from the technology world as a new model—a new way of thinking. Wearable technology is very important and interesting for sure. That’s modernity. But I don’t see that it means I should forget my [fine] watch! Functionality shouldn’t come at the expense of fun and pleasure, which is the real reason we wear a watch. We started to think how it might be possible to marry wearable technology with watchmaking. We said to ourselves that the folding buckle and bracelet is essentially useless. Why don’t we take advantage of the space? Watches were kept for centuries in the pocket.

RR.com: How did you start the development process?

JL: We are helped by the fact that Montblanc is a multicategory company. We started about 18 months ago with the head of production to create a wearable technology unit. We staffed it with young engineers, some of whom have created their own companies, without having a clear idea of exactly what we wanted to do in the different categories. Last September we introduced an electronic unit you can put in the inside of your pen that will allow you to write a note on Samsung or another platform. That was the first result, and we did it in six months; so we could see the unit was functioning well. We were working closely with Samsung and got to know that smart watches were the next chapter to come, so we started immediately. The arrival of the Apple watch fit our forecast perfectly.

We have been working continuously on this. Remember, Montblanc builds accessories: the work on the rubber, the resin, all these fields of activity are mastered in-house. We’ve been doing metal, plastics, and resin for 100 years. We’ve been doing bracelet leather for 80 years. We have all the watch history. Once we knew what we wanted, the shape, etc., our watchmaking team built the container, and the team in Hamburg have been developing what I call “the sugar,” the electronic components that look like a small [grains of] sugar.

Our leather team has been working on the strap so we can have different colors and flexibility as well.

Montblanc eStrap

RR.com: Obviously these types of devices will change at a rapid rate. Do you have the next generation in mind?

JL: The biggest thing to impact this is the sugar principle. I can easily swap out the electronic component, and the carrier—the strap—remains the same. As long as I keep the same screen, the rest of the electronics can be changed easily. I can add color, touch, or ten other different functions, and the design element—the carrier—stays as it is. Such a change won’t be very expensive. Already, the price of the strap is less than any other smart watch. By September, these straps should be compatible with 90 percent of our watches.

RR: How do you ensure reliability in a field that is essentially new to the company?

JL: Nothing is ever easy before it is accomplished, but we do have some advantages in the scale of our production, which is in seven digits. We have already produced over 100,000 units of the e-StarWalker (Montblanc’s electronic pen), and that’s a big piece of technology that had to be explained and commercialized. Of course, there are suppliers involved for the electronics. The sugar in the e-Strap will be done by a supplier, and there are very good ones. We did the development, but someone else will do the production. We will produce the carrier. I think that’s a duty for a maison to evolve if they want to keep their relevance and to do it the proper way.

Montblanc e-Strap

SEE ALSO: 23 mouthwatering photos of the best food you can get at the US Open

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NOW WATCH: You can finally own a 007 special edition Aston Martin — and it comes with a free Omega watch

I finally ditched my Apple Watch — here's everything I'm going to miss about it (AAPL)

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Apple Watch to normal watch

After four months with the Apple Watch, I have decided to pack it up and throw it to the back of a drawer. It just wasn't working out for me (and I gave it a good go).

Here's why: the Apple Watch really stands out. And not in a good way. Wearing an Apple Watch shows that you spent at least £300 on a relatively ugly watch that flashes up text messages and measures your heart rate. There just aren't any killer apps that make me want to keep using it. 

I was there when the Apple Watch arrived in the UK. I even queued up to be one of the first people to try it on. But the Apple Watch got boring fast. I haven't worn my Apple Watch for a week. After wearing it every day for four months, it really feels different not to have it on my wrist. But I've been surprised at how much I miss it. I don't miss everything, though, just a small selection of things that the Apple Watch did well:

Notifications

James Cook wearing a Quora hoodie and using an Apple Watch while drinking wineThe Apple Watch can vibrate or make noises to notify you when you receive a text message or other notification. This is the best thing about the watch. I filtered notifications so only important things got through (no Twitter), and set my watch to silently vibrate. That way, I knew when something was happening, even in meetings when my phone was in my pocket, or if I wandered to another part of the office.

But the issue I had with Apple Watch notifications was that they always felt like a prompt to pick up my phone. If I received a text message, it's far easier to pick up my phone and type a reply than to attempt to shout it at my watch. Taking calls on the Apple Watch is downright embarrassing. I eventually realised that it was just easier to carry my phone around with me. 

It's a great conversation starter

I have lost track of the amount of times that someone has asked to have a go on my watch. It has happened at work, in bars, on the train, even up a mountain. People are genuinely curious about the Apple Watch. I went to a friend's wedding in Switzerland, and none of the bride's family spoke English. But they all wanted to try on my Apple Watch (and they all knew what it was, as well). I'm going to miss having a conversation starter strapped to my wrist all day long.

Fitness data

I miss scrolling through the fitness app on my phone and seeing regular measurements of my heart rate. I didn't find the fitness data useful, but it was cool to see the measurements that the Apple Watch took and try to match them with what I was doing at the time.

Touch messages

apple watch milanese bracelet

Owning an Apple Watch grants you exclusive entry into a virtual gang of fellow Apple Watch wearers who send each other small drawings. You can't view or send these little touch messages if you don't have an Apple Watch, and it's actually quite good fun to send them to each other. It got boring pretty fast, though, and I ended up sending rude drawings to the same friend every evening.

Weather

You don't realise how useful it is having the weather on your wrist until it's not there. I used a watch face that included the temperature, and it was super useful. I also have the Dark Sky app on my phone, so my watch would regularly flash warnings about what the weather was going to be like. Now my watch just shows me what the time and date is. Lame.

The sports band is super comfortable

Apple watchThe sports band is the cheapest Apple Watch strap available, but it's also incredibly comfortable. It's made out of fluoroelastomer (which is like a fancy rubber), and it's far nicer to wear than any normal metal watch strap. It's comfortable, easy to clean, looks cool, doesn't wriggle around, and it folds neatly inside itself. 

It doesn't scratch

It's really tough to do lasting damage to your Apple Watch. I might not like the software, but these things are really tough. After four months of use my Apple Watch only had a very slight scratch to the screen — the rest of the device looked brand new. Normal watches don't hold up to everyday use quite as well.

But it's just not enough

These things all sound awesome, right? Well, they are! But they're not enough to keep me on Team Apple Watch. The notifications are great, but my phone can do it too. Sure, it's nice having an unusual watch, but I'm not sure how much of the attention I got from wearing it was actually positive. Touch messages and fitness data are gimmicks (albeit cool gimmicks). I'm not selling my Apple Watch, instead I'll keep it and wait to try out future versions of the operating system. Sorry, Apple, but it just wasn't working out.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: This $200 million plane is called the 'most lethal fighter aircraft in the world'

These are today's best deals from around the web

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Since you don't have all day to scour the web for noteworthy sales and discounts, we rounded up the best bargains for you to shop in one convenient place.


1. iClever 2.4G Ultra Mini Wireless Keyboard

iCleverThough compact, iClever's mini wireless keyboard houses a QWERTY layout, a sensitive touchpad and a wireless USB receiver, which can be used to operate with smart TVs, Android boxes, media players, desktop computers, laptops or any other HID-compatible USB devices. For $20, it's an easy recommendation for anyone who's looking to tech out their living room's entertainment setup. (iClever's foldable keyboard is another good deal.)

iClever 2.4G Ultra Mini Wireless Keyboard with Mouse Touchpad, $19.99 (originally $89.99), available at Amazon. [78% off]


2. Skagen 'Hald' Multifunction Mesh Strap Watch

skagenMen's watches are accessories that can get very expensivevery fast. There are worthwhile, sub-$100 timepieces out there, if you know when and where to look for them. The sale section is usually a good place to start: Nordstrom has this Skagen watch discounted 50%, meaning you can get something nice-looking for your wrist without going over budget. 

Skagen 'Hald' Multifunction Mesh Strap Watch, $91.98 (originally $195), available at Nordstrom. [50% off]


3. Onkyo ES-CTI300 On-Ear Headphones

onkyo

Onkyo's ES-CTI300s didn't quite make our top on-ear headphones list, but they weren't far off. Originally available for $200, you can now pick up a pair for $70 on Amazon, while supplies last. They're a good pick for anyone looking for a middle ground between the portability of in-ear monitors and the sound quality of full-size cans.

Onkyo ES-CTI300 On-Ear Headphones (Silver), $69.99 (originally $199), available at Amazon. [65% off]


4. Jack Spade 'Bartlett' Briefcase

jack spadeThe fall is a great time to replace your worn-down messenger bag or briefcase — there are lots of new styles to shop, yes, but there are also tons of sale items to consider. If you commute during the workweek, a briefcase, like the Jack Spade one we found for 40% off at Nordstrom, is a practical choice. It's stylish and professional, water-repellent, and roomy enough to comfortably stow a 15'' laptop. 

Jack Spade 'Bartlett' Briefcase, $238.80 (originally $398), available at Nordstrom. [40% off]


5. 'Code Black' HD-Camera Drone

stackLike most stores in the beginning of September, StackSocial is hosting an end-of-summer sale, with steep discounts on drones, charging cables, earbuds and more.

If you're in the market for a quadcopter but you want something small enough to fly around indoors, the Code Black is the one to shop. Aside from being 65% off, the palm-sized piece a great introductory drone for anyone looking to dominate the sky, or just their living room. 

Code Black Drone Limited-Edition HD-Camera Drone, $69 (originally $199), available at Stack Social. [65% off]


6. olloclip 4-IN-1 Lens for iPhone 6/6 Plus

olloclipEven the most advanced smartphone cameras can't compete with professional lens, so many mobile photographers seek out add-ons to enhance the images taken on their iPhones and Samsung Galaxys. Olloclip's 4-in1 lens is one such device: Its easy-to-use design features four quick-change lenses and weighs less than an ounce. We're highlighting the discounted iPhone 6/6 Plus version, but it's also compatible with the iPhone 5/5s, 4/4s and Samsung Galaxy S5.

olloclip 4-IN-1 Lens for iPhone 6/6 Plus, $79.99 (originally $107.99), available at Amazon. [26% off]


 

SEE ALSO: The top portable chargers for every type of mobile user

READ MORE: You can try Lynda.com's extensive online-course library for free for 2 weeks

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Apple's new partnership with Hermès makes it clear the tech company has no idea what the Apple Watch is supposed to be (aapl)

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Apple Hermes DoubleTour

At Apple's big event in San Francisco Wednesday, the company announced a partnership with luxury-goods company Hermès to provide three new leather straps for the Apple Watch.

Imaginatively, Apple is calling it the "Apple Watch Hermès Collection." It consists of a stainless-steel Apple Watch, in 38- and 42-millimeter sizes, paired with one of three Hermès leather straps, ranging in price from $1,100 to $1,500.

The marquee strap is the $1,250 Double Tour, available only on the 38-mm Apple Watch. Anyone familiar with Hermès will recognize this now-legendary strap, first introduced in the late 1990s when the Belgian designer Martin Margiela was working for the French fashion house. It came as a package with the Cape Cod watch and it's still available — for $2,900.

And this is the problem. Apple seems to be trying hard to pitch the Apple Watch as a tech product and luxury good. Hermès is a global luxury firm, so on its face, the partnership makes sense.

But if you look closer, it's actually baffling.

Messing up a great watch

For starters, putting the famous Double Tour — with its kinky equestrian subtext, the strap looping twice around the wrist — on an Apple Watch undermines what made the Cape Cod an important arrival on the watch scene in 1998.

Back then, women who wanted a nice watch were limited. The classiest option was the iconic Cartier Tank. If you wanted something sportier, you could go with the Cartier Santos, but really it was the Tank and not much else. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso was still somewhat exotic in those days. The basic design of this watch hadn't changed in decades, and it still hasn't. It was timeless in a good and bad way.

In the late 1990s, mechanical watches hadn't yet staged their big renaissance, so nobody much cared if you wore a high-quality Swiss quartz timepiece. The Cartier Tank, for the most part, was just that.

Enter the Cape Cod and the Double Tour, which provided an much-needed option, with a style that was fresher and looser, without sacrificing class. It was a great watch with an interesting strap, capitalizing on Hermès' extreme skill at crafting leather goods, and it looked fantastic on a woman's wrist — substantial without being chunky or overwhelming. The Cartier Tank also looks great, but of course it isn't a youthful watch.

Hermes Cape Cod Double Tour

Now back to Apple. Kudos to the company for connecting with a classic, but let's be honest: Hermès is a stuffy old luxury company, very French and oozing Old World conservatism.

Its scarves are beautiful but matronly. Its whimsical print neckties are favored by the Wall Street old guard. Its two best-known bags — the Birkin and the Kelly — were inspired by celebrities from the the 1950s and '60s.

So that's one major issue: Apple, one of the biggest brands in the world, supplicating at the altar of ancien régime luxury — and I say this as a big Hermès fan. Apple doesn't need this credibility. If it wanted to do a Double Tour, it could have done so on its own.

But it appears to think that hooking up with Hermès will add credibility.

On another front, taking the Hermès Double Tour off the Cape Cod watch messes up the satisfying unity of that innovative design. The Cape Cod Double Tour is a watch of its time. Seeing one now on a wrist, the strap weathered with age, the case scuffed, sends a quiet signal — rather pointedly, it says that you like watches but aren't preoccupied with the minutiae of automatic movements or elaborate complications. Taking the watch itself out of the picture ruins the cohesiveness of this small story.

Apple has tried to emulate the Cape Cod's face, but it just doesn't look right, especially in black.

A lot for a strip of leather

And if you decide to get the Apple Watch with the Double Tour, you really are committing to spending a lot for a strap. It is, of course, a stupendous strap. In fact, the whole purchase is less about the watch than the strap because the watches will come and go, but you're going to want to hang on to that Double Tour.

The bottom line here is that Apple is trying to please two constituencies with the Apple Watch and doing an iffy job with both. The techy buyership has been somewhat meh about the Apple Watch because it isn't a fully evolved device — it's more of an iPhone satellite than a gadget that stands on its own merits. The luxury buyer doesn't think the Apple Watch is a real watch.

Apple Watch Hermes on Wrist

From my perspective — as someone who was more excited about the Apple Watch than any other Apple product ever, but could now care less about the device — Apple is struggling to figure out what the Apple Watch is.

And it's also now clear that internally Apple believes the Apple Watch has luxury cred, which suggests to me that what a lot of Apple observers believe about Apple is true: Cupertino thinks it's selling an elevated lifestyle, not technological solutions to live a better or more fulfilled life.

For now, Apple has moved beyond the gold $17,000 Apple Watch Edition and made a play for another part of the paleo-luxury market. It doesn't feel right, and it suggests that Apple is moving farther away from its carefully nurtured brand DNA.

SEE ALSO: I have 3 major problems with the Apple Watch

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Forget the Apple Watch — here's the new watch everyone on Wall Street wants

These are today's best deals from around the web

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Since you don't have all day to scour the web for noteworthy sales and discounts, we rounded up the best bargains for you to shop in one convenient place.


1. Braven 705 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

bravenIn our portable Bluetooth speaker buying guide, we highlighted Braven's BRV-Pro for its blend of durability and water-resistance, superb battery life, and impressive sound. However, it costs a less than budget-friendly $150. If you don't want to spend that much, the BRV-Pro's not-quite-as-amazing-sounding cousin, the 705, houses many of the same features for a lot less. 

Braven 705 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker, $78.90 (originally $99.99), available at Amazon.[21% off]


2. J.Crew's 25% Fall Discount

j.crewIt's almost sweater weather again. In a few weeks' time you won't be able to walk around outside in just polo shirts and shorts anymore. For then, you may want to buy something like J.Crew's softspun sweater. From now until September 20, you can pick it (and any other full-price items) up for 25% off using the promo code SHOPNOW at checkout. 

J.Crew Slim Softspun Sweater, $67.12 (originally $89.50), available at J.Crew. [25% off]


 

3. Amazon's Deal of the Day: 50% off Fossil Watches, Bags and More

fossilThe fall is a perfect time to replace your worn-down messenger bag or briefcase. A professional-looking bag, like this Fossil one that's discounted 50% today — as part of Amazon's Goldbox deal of the day — will always look appropriate with a suit or for a business meeting, and it'll easily fit your laptop. The brand's waxed twill version is another nice option for $89. 

Fossil Men's Estate Leather East-West Messenger Bag, $148 (originally $298), available at Amazon. [50% off]


4. De'Longhi Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

delonghiFor many people, it's not practical to buy coffee everyday; it's a seemingly small expense that tends to add up fast. Switching to an at-home coffee maker, like De'Longhi's dual espresso and cappuccino machine, will let you indulge in barista-quality brews for way less. After about 20 uses or so, the $100 brewer pays for itself. 

De'Longhi EC155 15 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker, $99.95 (originally $140), available at Amazon. [29% off]


5. Save $100 on Kanto YU5 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)

kanto1If your smartphone and portable Bluetooth speaker aren't delivering the high-quality sound you're looking for when you're listening to music at home, you may want to consider a slightly larger — but overall still relatively compact — purchase in bookshelf speakers. There are hundreds of models to pick from, but we're highlighting this Kanto pair since Best Buy's knocked $100 off its price tag this week. 

Kanto YU5 5.25" 80W 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers (Pair), $249.99 (originally $349.99), available at Best Buy. [30% off]


6. Marc by Marc Jacobs Larry 46MM Watch

mbmjThis sleek-looking leather strap watch from Marc by Marc Jacobs is a lot more durable than it looks. It's water resistant up to 100 meters, and it's also a reasonably-priced $175 at East Dane right now, down from its $250 MSRP.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Larry 46MM Watch with Leather Strap, $175 (originally $250), available at East Dane.[30% off]


 

SEE ALSO: 12 card cases that are great alternatives to bulky wallets

READ MORE: This flash drive lets you easily move files between your phone and computer

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Here's a fitness tracker that will actually look nice on your wrist

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The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

9k=The best fitness trackers keep in-depth tabs on your movement and motivate you to get into better shape, and they're tremendously useful as a result, but the thing about wearables is that you have to actually wear them. And on a base level, the chunky rubber and bright LEDs that make up many trackers aren't exactly good-looking. Wearing one outside of your workout is usually good for a few puzzled glances.

The Withings Activite Pop gives you a way around that dilemma. It's a useful fitness tracker in its own right, but it puts that functionality in the body of a stylish, comfortable watch. Its soft silicone band comes in a few colors, and its rounded dome is made of sturdy steel and glass. It's a reliable timepiece first and foremost, and while we wouldn't call it a head-turner, it manages to have a personality without looking overly ostentatious.

The Pop's value comes with everything it's doing underneath its watch face. It isn't as robust at tracking as a Fitbit Charge HR, but it counts basic steps, distance, and calories burned with solid accuracy. It's water-resistant enough to be wearable in the pool, too, and a recent update allowed it to track swimming. It also measures basic sleep metrics. It tracks and syncs all of this automatically, so all you have to do is go about your day and check Withings' corresponding app (for iOS or Android) to see your progress. Beyond that, its battery is rated at an excellent 8 months of juice, and it comes with a handy silent alarm for waking you up without disturbing those around you.

Now, because the Pop is a watch, it can't truly display your stats as you're working out. It has a little onscreen dial that shows how close you are to meeting a certain step goal, but you really have to rely on the app to see full results. That app is fine enough, but the Pop requires you to sync with it almost every day if you don't want to risk losing data. That can get annoying for some people.

But again, the Pop isn't so much a fitness tracker as it is a watch with fitness-tracking ability. Think of it like a Timex for the health-conscious. (Withings also sells a higher-end Activite that follows the same tenets, but at $450, it's a harder sell.) Look at it in that light and it becomes a practical choice for those who want to balance healthier living with a sense of style.

Withings Activite Pop (Azure), $149.95, available at Amazon.




 

SEE ALSO: The best fitness trackers for every type of person

READ THIS: These are the best media-streaming devices on the market

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10 of the best watches for travelers, according to an expert collector

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Rolex Day Date 40 Caliber 3255 ablogtowatch hands on 30When it comes to categorizing watches, we tend to organize them by the strict purposes their styles were originally meant for.

That translates into a world of dive watches, pilot watches, racing watches, formal watches, business watches, etc... A category that only loosely exists in the traditional sense but that is nevertheless extremely important is "travel watches."

What is a travel watch? Well, traditionally, a pocket watch was the original travel watch because it was designed to be portable.

More recently, the travel watch has been a more ambiguous category of watches that serve travelers with a range of needs both functional and fashionable.

The question we seek to answer in this article is "what are the elements of a good watch to wear while traveling?" Of course, the answer depends on where you are going, but you'll see a lot of commonalities between these watches despite there being many different types of timepieces that would nevertheless be good to travel with.

I'd like to debunk the myth that all traveler's watches need to have complications in addition to the time. With today's technology at our fingertips, there is little reason to absolutely rely on your wrist watch to know the time in many different time zones. If you are a modern traveler, you are going to have a phone and other electronic devices which are going to be a lot better at tracking various time zones with ease. That doesn't mean all "traveler-centric" watch complications aren't useful, but rather that the totality of a watch's design and functional value should be taken into consideration, and it also means that a lot of watches which only tell the time can make for excellent travel watches if they do other things well.

The most important thing we can say about the top travel watch choices is that they need to be versatile in both functionality and style. Think about it, the watch you are traveling with potentially needs to work well on your wrist while on a plane, while wearing a suit at a meeting, casually out to dinner, and potentially for sports activities or being outdoors. It isn't impossible, but it sure is tough to find a watch that satisfies each of these needs. Few can, but it is important to consider everything you might require of a timepiece while you are away from home base.

In reality, there is no absolute top 10 list of travel watches, but rather, we are including a cross-section of timepieces that will serve a lot of important needs while you are traveling and that you'll find handy in a range of situations. Watches similar in style or design to these "archetype choices" will also likely serve you well. 

Before we get to the watches, I want to talk a bit about useful features and complications that should appeal to travelers. No single watch has everything, but many watches combine a lot of important elements that you (within the subjective reality of your needs) should be looking for.

The most important thing to ask yourself is what the most demanding situation will be that you'd like to wear your watch during. Maybe the flight and airport journey is the most demanding activity your travel watch will be subjected to, or perhaps, you plan on going hiking, diving, or just want to exercise with your watch. Most people who do more simple things like working out at a gym or running can get away with simply taking their watch off, but if you are planning a trip out into the wilderness, you might decide that wearing your timepiece is enjoyable, useful, and perhaps, safe.

In order to sum up a list of the top 10 watches for traveling, I've decided to list and explain a watch style archetype and then mention a specific brand and model that fits in really well to that archetype. These examples are by no means the only good travel watches out there, but it was important for me to at least generally explain the types of watches that we feel make for the best travel timepieces.

SEE ALSO: 10 affordable watches that even watch snobs will appreciate

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The Classic Sporty GMT: Rolex GMT-Master II

While many timepieces (including other watches in this list) fall into this category, the Rolex GMT-Master II (review here) is probably the gold standard in luxury GMT sport watches. Good looking, durable, and with a great history, few watches really capture the sheer versatility and functionality of this classic sports watch, as well as the depth of its appeal.

On a basic level, the GMT second time zone hand offers the time elsewhere in a 24-hour format. That means you have the local time and a "reference time" to know (for example) what time it is back home. GMT sport watches like the Rolex GMT-Master II are also fashionably versatile. Sure, it looks like a slightly different version of the Submariner dive watch, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. From a fashion perspective, there is little you can't wear this watch with, and it should stand up to activity and abuse, as well as cleaning up nicely for dressier occasions. While it can't do everything, you will be surprised at how much use you can get out of just one watch while traveling with a Rolex GMT-Master II or something similar to it.



Modern Analog Satellite Watch: Seiko Astron Chronograph

How modern satellite-controlled electronic watches like the Seiko Astron will fare during the age of the smartwatch is unclear – but right now, there is nothing in the smartwatch camp that even comes close to the universal appeal (and application) for the Seiko Astron Chronograph (hands-on here). Perhaps the most important things to point out are, first, that the battery inside the Astron is charged by light, so you don't really need to worry about a battery dying; and second, that the watch itself connects to satellites to update the current time and time zone on your watch automatically. Thus, you don't need to worry about a dead battery in most instances, and you also don't need to rely on a host device.

Seiko's Astron Chronograph adds a chronograph complication which makes it very handy to time travel legs such as flights to predict travel times. Chronographs are actually really useful when traveling, so it isn't a bad idea to look for travel watches that do have chronograph complications. Designed to have some dressy appeal, the Astron Chronograph doesn't look like your typical nerdy gadget watch – which makes it even more attractive as a sole travel watch. Better yet, its real value of knowing the time anywhere via direct connection to GPS signals means it will shine the most when you are the furthest from civilization.



Business World Time Chronograph: Girard-Perregaux ww.tc Chronograph

While "world time" watches are designed for traveling, there aren't too many of those types of watches on this list. That is because I am going to lump them all in this category since, in essence, they operate the same way using a disc such as this or various windows that allow you to see the time in multiple time zones. Let me first say that this complication is in fact very useful and available on a host of watches. I actually like this complication mixed with a chronograph so that you can get the benefit from a world timer with a touch of extra added utility.

One of the more popular chronograph world time watches is the Girard-Perregaux ww.tc (hands-on here) which has been offered in a range of styles over the last several years. Using an in-house made movement focusing on dress elegance and contemporary style, these make great solo travel watches for those who nevertheless like to keep track of the time in various cities. In other words, as a travel watch, a timepiece such as a world time chronograph has the most relevant complications specifically designed for travel and will prove useful on the wrists of many travelers.



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Nixon's 'Star Wars' watches are geek-chic done right

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Dark Vader 51-31 Nixon Watch

On May 4 (Star Wars Day), watch and accessories brand Nixon announced its collaboration with Disney and Lucas Films to create a sleek "Star Wars"-themed line.

Available on Nixon's website starting September 18, the STAR WARS | Nixon Collection features $55 small leather goods, a backpack, and watches named after the Dark Side.

For those who want to splurge, the limited edition Darth Vader watch is priced at a $2,500.

Back in May, we noted Nixon’s plan to modify pre-existing watch styles in addition to creating new designs with galactic elements that extend beyond “Star Wars” branding.

Nixon prides itself on style and attention to detail, which is evident throughout the collection.

The "Stormtropper" watch mimics the uniforms worn by the soldiers of the Galactic Empire, with black representing the full body glove and white acting as the protective armor. 

The monochromatic "Imperial Pilot" watch nods the all-black suits of Empire pilots. 

The small leather goods follow suit with all-black and black-accented color schemes. While the "Star Wars" influence is prominent, you won't be be embarrassed to wear these accessories to the office.

Nixon Star Wars collectionNixon Star Wars leather goods 

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