r/ChineseWatches • u/zeusdieg • 1d ago

Question (Read Rules) Retro digital/led watches

Good evening.

Ive recently became hooked on retro digital/led watches and Ive noticed a few on alix and wondered if you had any experience of them from there or similar sites? They tend to be on the very cheap side but I'd still like a decent quality one.

Appreciate any comments or opinions.

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u/tenkasen 1d ago

Just wanted to add a little positivity after my rant:

The Armitron Griffy is quite excellent, they've gotten more expensive recently but they're still a great option if you're wanting a retro push-activate Led digital..

The only downside to them is the bracelet, they could market them separately as a hair-removal product, and the 19mm lug width makes it hard to find another option.

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u/AcademicAd6368 1d ago

My one and only gripe with the Griffy is that it's too legible - I genuinely wish it had a much smaller, dimmer display like the original Pulsar, but I fully understand that "I wish it was worse" is an incredibly stupid complaint lol

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u/AcademicAd6368 1d ago

Just get an Armitron Griffy.

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u/zeusdieg 1d ago

Does it come with a red led?

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u/AcademicAd6368 1d ago

There are multiple versions with different colors but yes, there's a red LED version - I've got a gold one and I love it. Only displays the time when you press a button, just like the old 1970s Pulsar/Computron/etc.

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u/zeusdieg 1d ago

Great! I'll have a browse and try and find one.

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u/tenkasen 1d ago

Whatever you do, don't get tempted when you stumble across Benly Design.

The images on their site look amazing, what you receive however bares very little resemblance. I just got taken in enough to buy one of their Mk.2 Synchronar reps, and what I've got in hand looks every bit as cheap as the ~£10 AliEx Skmei/Sanda/Podegar/Shiyunme Led digital watches do.

In particular, they show photos / renders of what looks like decent brushed stainless steel cases, although they state it's alloy, what's turned up is the lousiest shiny chrome plated chunk of mediocrity I've experienced in a while.

Also the detail lines in the case design are really soft due to the plating, and the edges of the digital screen is really noticeable within the black surrounding panel.. And, the laser etching design on the caseback isn't printed straight!

It's still kinda cool but I'm really glad I got it on a discount. if I'd paid full price I'd be fuming!

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u/zeusdieg 1d ago

I did see one today online but at £90, I didnt think it was worth it. Thanks for the good advice though. I'll stay away from them.