Topman Watch - Smart Futurist Analogue
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© Topman.com
The Basics
- Company: Topman
- Price: $40
- Official Site: Topman.com
79 The AskMen Take
The luxury watch to own in the 1980s was Rolex, Rolex and Rolex. Yes, it was the era of labels even more so than today, but it was also the start of Swatch -- the Swiss quartz watch that practically saved the Swiss watch industry. Swatch was proof that people wanted inexpensive, fashionable watches that were easy to tell time with and said something about the wearer. Considering that notion, the Topman Smart Futurist Analogue is a watch for today that reminds you of yesterday -- an unpretentious and inexpensive homage to “back then” with a rectangular metal case and round dial complete with the iconic concentric circles that always seemed to feel futuristic.
83 Uniqueness
The faceted sides of the rectangular case and brushed metal look like a TV that would have felt modern 25 years ago. Now, that look is reserved for microwave doors. The pro-military days of the dwindling Cold War are reflected in the face that resembles a radar screen. This results in a combination of design themes that together are inextricably 1980s, while chic-feeling at the same time. The strap being black or white goes to the dual nature of youth culture from that era where you were either some form of preppy mainstream (white strap) or represented one of the countless rebellious groups (black strap).
75 Durability
Almost a pure fashion watch, the Topman Smart Futurist Analogue watch will not appreciate being subjected to much abuse. The case will not be the highest quality metal, while the crystal is likely plastic (or similar) and will scratch. Ideally, the black application of the circles on the face would be placed on the inside of the crystal. The tapered strap is probably painted leather and should be cared for. Still, $40 is not a big investment for a quartz movement watch that will hearken to ‘80s ideals -- as long as it is fashionable to do so.
Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
First Impression This watch says...
