Chances are, you have a “good” watch – a graduation gift, maybe, or something you weaseled out of Grandma. And then there are the blah everyday watches you wear for a couple of years until a bit of beach sand or a rough basketball foul stops the clock. But what about finding a sturdy, sporty watch you can both live in and love? Check out this selection – for as little as $28, you just might be converted.
For serious sports performance and multiple functions (think lap timers and stopwatch functions), you’ll want chunky, clunky watches, like Nike’s Triax 10. It has all the essential functions of futuristic, top-of-the line watches – ten-lap memory, stopwatch, and sturdy polyurethane band – and the same sleek look, but costs half as much ($60 at Niketown). For even more oomph, check out DKNY Active’s chunky, sorbet-colored rubber styles ($115 at DKNY, Lord & Taylor, and Macy’s) or Spoon’s bubble-shaped version with a snazzy, illuminated red liquid-crystal display ($145 at Barneys New York and Flight 001).
There are also plenty of more feminine options – many are even cheaper. Bebe’s pastel styles are one of the season’s best deals ($38 at Bloomingdale’s – and don’t be fooled by the pretty colors, they have alarms, and stopwatches, and you can swim in them). A simple red style from Fossil has a weirdly appealing full-face seconds display ($45 at Macy’s) and 9 West’s blue one has cool, seventies flair ($39 at Macy’s). TMX Timex’s lime-green watch on a cuff bracelet is trendy enough to qualify as a fashion investment – albeit a very, very small one ($28 at Macy’s). Still too sporty? Check out Swatch’s electric-orange elastic-banded Pop Swatch – it’s impossible to drown or break, and it definitely stands out in a crowd ($40 at Bloomingdale’s and Swatch stores).
Niketown, 6 E. 57th St. (212-891-6453); DKNY, 655 Madison Ave., at 60th St. (212-223-3569); Lord & Taylor (212-391-3344); Macy’s (212-695-4400); Barneys New York (212-826-8900); Flight 001, 96 Greenwich Ave. (212-691-1001); Bloomingdale’s (212-705-2000).
Picks of the Week
Flight 001, a seventies-chic travel store, is taking up to 75 percent off carry-ons from Diesel, Custard Shop, Hobo, and others. All work well as gym bags, too. $20 to $60. 96 Greenwich Ave. (212-691-1001); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Fri. noon-8, Sat. 11-8, Sun. noon-6; 8/11-9/4.
Patch NYC’s pretty, feminine handbags and cosmetics pouches (sold at stores like Kirna Zabête and Barneys) are about 70 percent off at the sale. Prices are $70 to $95. 122 W. 26th St., suite 901 (212-807-1042); cash only; Sat. 10-5, Sun. noon-5; 8/12-8/13.
Pumpkin Maternity is clearing its sweet, trendy maternity wear at 20 to 50 percent off, from $35 for zebra skirts to $75 for silk dresses. 225 Lafayette St., suite 509 (917-237-0567); cash only; Tues.-Wed. 10-6; 8/8-8/9.
M Z Wallace is taking half off chic, bright spring tote bags and duffels. Most styles are in solid colors with contrasting trim – and all make great fall handbags. Sale prices are $55 to $92. 93 Crosby St. (212-431-8252); A.E., M.C., V.; Tues.-Sat. 11-7; 8/8-8/19.
Michelle Roth has 300 European-made bridal gowns she’s selling for up to 80 percent off the original prices, from $850 to $2,500. Sizes 2-16. 24 W. 57th St., suite 203 (212-245-3370); A.E., M.C., V.; Wed. 10-8; 8/9.
Moe Ginsburg’s Warehouse Sale means tens of thousands of discounts on men’s suits, jackets, slacks, and shoes. Sale items are 50 to 75 percent off the store’s already low prices: Suits are $170 to $220, shirts are $10 to $40, shoes are $28 to $78. 162 Fifth Ave., at 21st St. (212-242-3482); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Thurs. 9-9, Fri.-Sun. till 7; 8/7-9/4.